Benjamnin F. Butler, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler

“Did you say that it was made of the thigh-bone of a Yankee?”

“Yes; but that was not true, General.”

“ Then you added lying to your other accomplishments in trying to disgrace the army of your country. I will sentence you to hard labor on Ship Island for two years, and you will be removed in execution of this sentence.”

Then came Fidel Keller, who had exhibited what he called the skeleton of a “Chickahominy” Yankee and lied when he did so, and he was given the same term of hard labor, two years. All these sentences, as were all general and special orders of interest to the people of New Orleans, were published the next day in the Delta newspaper, which having been printed in the interest of secession, I had come to the conclusion should now be published in the interest of the United States.

By my proclamation I had made every owner of a building liable to have his building pulled down if any shot was fired at my soldiers from it. Therefore, I sent for the occupant of the shoe store from which, I was informed, the shot came, and for the owner of the building. I said to the owner:--

“Sir, a police officer was wounded by a shot fired from your building during an attempt to get up a riot a day or two ago. Show cause why the building should not come down.”

“General,” he said, “the shot was not fired from my building.”

“Show that fact,” I answered, “and your building is safe.”

“Here is my tenant, the owner of the shoe store from which the man rushed into the street and fired the shot.”

“Is this true?” I said, turning to the shop owner.

“Yes, General; the man rushed out and was on the sidewalk when he fired the shot; I saw him.”

“Do you know who he was?”

“Yes; I know the man.”

“Do you know his name?”

“Yes, General.”

“Who was he?”

“I sha'n't tell.”

“Very well, sir,” turning to the owner of the building, “your building is safe. But, Mr. Provost Marshal, put up a red flag and sell out the contents of this man's store at public auction to-morrow ”