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Benjamin Butler's infamous "Order #28 on the women of New Orleans... In a New Orleans newspaper !
Benjamin Butler's infamous "Order #28 on the women of New Orleans... In a New Orleans newspaper !
Item # 602404
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May 28, 1862
THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 28, 1862 This is an extremely significant issue, from shortly after the fall of New Orleans to the Yankee forces under the command of Major General Benjamin Butler. The top of the first column of the front page has a letter taken from the body of a spy (see), and this is followed by the infamous "General Order No. 28" by General Butler, in which he accused the women of being common prostitutes, which would rouse the anger of so many. This order was issued by Butler just the day prior so this would likely be the first time this Order would appear in a newspaper. This order reads in part:
"As the officers & soldiers of the United States have been subject to repeated insults from the women (calling themselves ladies) of New Orleans...it is ordered that hereafter when any female shall, by word, gesture or movement, insult or show contempt to any officer or soldier of the United States, she shall be regarded & held liable to be treated as a woman of the town plying her avocation." signed by him: Major General Butler (see).
Note also that the top of the 2nd column has an interesting editorial comment on the Order, reading: "In giving publicity to order No. 28 from Gen. Butler we have little apprehension that our readers will suspect that we do so with any other feelings but those which pervade this whole community. Such publicity may not be unproductive of good results."
This was a very controversial event of the war, and exceedingly desirable to find in a New Orleans newspaper. It contributed greatly to Butler's nickname of "Beast Butler".
The back page contains other military & non-military reports including Butler's "General Order No. 25" and his "General Order No. 27" signed by him in type. There is also an ad for: "United States Army - Recruits! Recruits"
The Delta was a newspaper which continued to publish pro-Confederate news and reports event after the Yankees controlled the city. Eventually Butler would shut the newspaper down because of this.
A single sheet newspaper of folio size printed on front & back. There are 3 old mends to small holes, 2 or which are in blank margins. Otherwise in very nice condition.
A choice issue for the serious Civil War collector.
Category: Confederate
No Longer Available
