The Occupation of New Orleans

Major General Benjamin Butler, the controversial commander of Federal occupation forces in New Orleans, issued an order assessing “secessionists” a total of $341,916 to

provide for the city’s poor. Butler also authorized enlisting free blacks as Federal soldiers.

U.S. General Benjamin Butler

Confederate President Jefferson Davis protested Federal military atrocities against southern civilians and soldiers, including the arming of slaves and encouraging them to oppose their masters. When the second session of the Confederate Congress assembled, Davis delivered a message reviewing the progress of the war and the nation. He also reiterated his protest of Federal atrocities, directly citing Butler’s conduct in New Orleans.