Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ... private and official /. correspondence of gen. benjamin F. butler From General Butler to General Grant Unofficial. Head Quarters, August 4,1864 My Dear Sir: I have been reading the newspaper accounts of the Petersburg affair, and beg leave to call your attention to the blame cast upon the negro troops. They ought to bear all their share of the odium which attaches to the failure, but no more. If it be true, as alleged, that the failure is owing to their want of courage, conduct, and inefficiency, then it would seem that the negro could never make a soldier, and the policy of the Government upon this subject is wrong and should at once be changed. If they are not to blame, that fact, it is respectfully suggested, should be ascertained and declared in the most solemn form of military investigation and report. Upon this precise movement of these troops at Petersburg I have no opinion, because I do not know the fact. Certain it is that there is fault somewhere; and I think, and venture most respectfully to suggest that it is due to yourself, the army, and the country that the fault should be ascertained, so that the remedy may be applied either mediately or immediately by yourself or the War Department, if the matter is susceptible either of amendment or correction. If the whole affair can be investigated, it will be found that the plan of movement was excellent, that the strategy which drew Lee's attention to the north side of the James accomplished all that could be desired in drawing away his troops. This much I know, for a portion of this it was my business to know. Why, then, did the plan fail? Clearly for want of proper and efficient execution. Was that failure of execution inherent and irremediable in the very nature of things, and...
