E57D 
 
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 Copy 1 
 
 i he Tyrant 
 
 of 
 
 NEW ■ ORLEANS. 
 
 A DRAMA. 
 
 By an Ex-Confederate Officer. 
 
 ATLANTA, GA. 
 Published by " The Herald'' Publishing Company 
 
 1873. 
 
\ 
 
 oft 
 
 &■ 
 
 THE 
 
 IYRANT OF SewSrLEANS^ 
 
 A DRAMA. 
 
 By an Ex-Confederate Officer. 
 
 
 ATLANTA, GA. 
 
 Published by " The Herald'''' Publishing Company. 
 
 1873- 
 
fit? 
 
 r 7 : 
 
 Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 
 
 1873, b Y 
 
 THE HERALD PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
 
 in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
NOTE. 
 
 The real characters represented in this piece are per- 
 sonally unknown to the Author, and none of them have 
 been consulted by him as to the use of their names. 
 
 For the liberty he has taken, he craves pardon of 
 such of them as " play the better part." 
 
DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 Major General B. F. Butler, commanding Gulf Dep't. 
 A. J. Butler, brother of Gen. Butler. 
 Col. Geo. C. Strong, A. A. Gen. and Chief of Staff". 
 Capt. Davis, A. A. A. Gen. ; Capt. Brennan, and other 
 
 Staff officers. 
 Colonel James H. French, Provost Marshal and Chief of 
 
 Police. 
 Maj. H. C. Whitley, Chief of Detective Police. 
 John T. Munro, Mayor of New Orleans. 
 W. B. Mumford, citizen of New Orleans. 
 Mrs. Mumford, wife of W. B. Mumford. 
 Miss Mumford, daughter of \V. B. Mumford. 
 Mrs. Philips, wife of Philip Philips, of New Orleans. 
 Mrs. Campbell, a Lady of New Orleans. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Martell, of New Orleans. 
 Auguste Beaumont, a wealthy Creole of New Orleans. x 
 Eugene Beaumont, son of Auguste Beaumont. 
 Clarence Rennier, a Confederate Soldier. 
 Belle Beaumont, daughter of Auguste Beaumont. 
 
 Guards, sentinels, orderlies, citizens, and 
 other attendants. 
 
THIS HUMBLE EFFORT 
 
 Of an inexperienced hand to portray, 
 
 in the form of the Drama, 
 
 The character of one who has achieved an 
 
 UNENVIABLE IMMORTALITY, 
 
 IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 
 
 by the Author, 
 
 To those who felt most keenly, 
 
 AND SUFFERED MOST BY, HIS ACTS OF TYRANNY, 
 
 <r:He £atfe of IUuj (&vUm$. 
 
THE 
 
 TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I . 
 
 New Orleans. A street. 
 (Enter citizens.) 
 
 1st cit. The latest news, friend ? 
 
 2d cit. The Yankee fleet has passed the forts — will 
 soon be opposite the city, just as I expected. 
 
 1st cit. Have the forts surrendered ? 
 
 2d cit. All I know is that the Yankee fleet will soon 
 have us under its gun^, just as I expected. 
 
 1st cit. Expected ! Why I thought our means of de- 
 fense ample. We have certainly had that assurance. 
 The forts have been represented impregnable ; and then 
 the gunboats, we all know, were most formidable. 
 
 2d cit. The enemy's fleet, I tell you, is nearing the 
 city. The gunboats you mention were not completed. 
 
 1st cit. Where is Gen. Lovell with his command ? 
 
 » 
 
 2d cit. Gen. Lovell ! with his fifteen hundred or two 
 thousand men and no works on the river front worth a 
 groat, to contend with Farragut's fleet ! — nonsense ! 
 
 1st cit. Then what are we to do ? 
 
 2d cit. Do ! Why what can we do, but surrender ? 
 Just as I expected we would have to do. 
 
 1st cit. Burn the city first. 
 
 2d cit. Pray, what good would that do ? 
 
 1st cit. It would not then fall into the hands of the 
 enemy. 
 
 2d cit. That all ? Nonsense ! Turn the women and 
 children out of doors, and destroy millions of property, 
 and for what ? To gratify a mere impulse ? 
 
8 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 1st cit. (Looking in direction), I see a great light to- 
 wards the river. The city, I verily believe, is now on 
 fire. 
 
 id cit. Merciful heavens ; what madness ! just as I 
 expected. 
 
 (Enter other citizens.) 
 
 What fire is that ? 
 
 3d cit. Cotton burning on the wharves. 
 
 id cit. Where is General Lovell ? 
 
 3d cit. Just come up from the Forts, and is now evac- 
 uating the city, with his command — every thing, my 
 friend, is gone up. 
 
 id cit. Gone down, I should say. 
 
 3d cit. Mutiny in Fort Jackson lost us all. 
 
 id cit. Mutiny in Fort Jackson ? 
 
 3d cit. Aye ! 
 
 id cit. Just as I expected ! When the State seceded, 
 I went with her, but I knew it was bad policy. I never 
 believed that our people would stand up to this thing. 
 It has turned out just as I expected. 
 
 3d cit. He is a poor prophet whose predictions are 
 fulfilled ere they are made known. But expected or 
 not, New Orleans will be occupied by the enemy. Old 
 Hickory is not here to turn cotton bags into breast-works, 
 and fight to the last, firing the hearts of his soldiers with 
 the enemy's battle-cxy, " Beauty and Booty!" No ! our 
 army now burns the cotton, and runs away. 
 
 id cit. My friend, no good could come of fighting. 
 The guns of the fleet would demolish the city in a few 
 hours. General Lovell is right. 
 
 3d cit. That may be ; but I would at least give them 
 a few rounds, if for nothing' more than to let them know 
 that there were a few brave men left here. By-the-way, 
 it is said that Gen. Butler is in command of the land 
 forces, and will be the mditary Commander of the De- 
 partment. 
 
 id cit. Then we may fare better than was supposed. 
 General Butler was a Democrat before the War. He 
 was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention 
 which assembled in Charleston, and voted sixty times 
 for Jeff Davis for the Presidency. 
 
 3d cit. Tush ! so much the worse for us. The zeal of 
 new converts is proverbial. Gen. Butler will out-herod 
 Herod in his cruel treatment of our people. It is the 
 
 I 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 9 
 
 nature of men to hate those whom they have betrayed. 
 He will prove no exception to the rule 
 
 (Enter another citizen.) 
 
 The latest news ? 
 
 4H1 cit. Mayor Munro refused the demand for the sur- 
 render of the city; but a naval officer with a company of 
 marines landed, and hoisted the United States flag upon 
 the Mint, and then retired to the fleet. I have since 
 heard that some of our men are preparing to haul the 
 flag down. 
 
 1st cit. I pray that they may. If that flag should not 
 be lowered, may it float only over the ashes of the city. 
 
 ■^d cit. My Sentiments. 
 
 ^tk cit. And mine. 
 
 (Two guns fired from the fleet.) 
 
 1 st cit. Firing upon the city! let us hurry to the 
 scene - [Exeunt citizens. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 St. Charles Hotel. Gen. Butler's Headquarters. New 
 
 Orleans. 
 
 (Enter Gen. Butler and Col. Strong, A. A. General and 
 
 Chief of Staff. ) 
 
 Gen. B. Made no effort at escape ! He, must be a 
 most daring rebel. 
 
 Col. S. Major Whitley had no difficulty in finding his 
 place of residence; he bore his arrest quietly — indeed 
 most defiantly. 
 
 Gen. B. Before he is committed have the guard bring 
 him here ; I would speak with him. 
 
 Col. S. He shall be brought immediately into your 
 presence. {Exit Col. Strong. 
 
 ^ Gen. B. Whitley has met the occasion promptly ; 
 The vidian who tore down his country's flag, 
 And with trait'rous hands trail'd it in the dust ! 
 Mumford shall not escape the punishment 
 Due this most audacious act of treason. 
 
IO THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 (Enter guard with Mumford in irons.) 
 
 Gen. B. (Addressing Mumford.) 
 In tearing down from yonder staff the flag, 
 Which is the ensign of thy country's power, 
 Thou hast committed an act of treason; 
 Thou art not now on trial before me ; 
 That is reserv'd for other tribunal ; 
 I would not wound thy feelings, nor deny 
 Thy right to a fair trial for this crime ; 
 But I would, before the door of thy cell 
 Is closed against thee, have thee tell me, 
 What hellish motive led thee to this act ? 
 Why insult thy country's flag and my pow'r ? 
 
 Mumford. To discuss with the Commanding General 
 My guilt or innocence when he decides 
 That question before I have a hearing, 
 Would seem a bootless waste of breath and time ; 
 He says that I am guilty of treason ; 
 After judgment, sentence is all that's left. 
 
 Gen. B. My opinion amounts not to judgment ; 
 That will be passed by the court of trial ; 
 What I mean to say, is prima facie 
 Thou art guilty, and must acquit thyself. 
 
 Mumford. Manacled thus, silence becomes me most, 
 But loose these shackles, and thou mayst hear me, 
 If such be thy wish, as to the motive 
 That prompted the act which thou call'st treason. 
 
 Gen. B. Take his irons off. (Done by guard.) 
 
 Mumford. At thy request, I now defend myself 
 Against the odious charge thou hast prefer' d ; 
 I am not a traitor to my country ; 
 'Twas not my country's flag this hand haul'd down; 
 My country is my own Louisiana ; 
 To her only is my allegiance due ; 
 Mv flafj is the one she and her sisters 
 Flung to the breeze in freedom's holy cause — 
 And may its stars and bars and azure cross, 
 Continue to float proudly on the winds — 
 A terror to tyrants and the patriot's pride. 
 
 Gen. B. Hold, sir ; in my very presence you affirm 
 your treason. 
 
 Mumford. You ask me to speak in my defence and 
 then silence me ? 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. II 
 
 Gen. B. Proceed sir; if your folly convicts you, the 
 act that condemns you is yours, not mine. You invite 
 judgment against yourself. 
 
 Mumford. 'Tis not the judgment of man the brave fear; 
 It is the voice of avenging conscience — 
 Its thunder peals which 'rive the cow'ring soul, 
 They fear, and the peace its approval brings 
 In life's trials and sorrows, they ne'er forget ; 
 I am shielded by a guiltless conscience 
 For the act thou art pleas'd to call treason. 
 When thy country's ensign this hand haul'd down, 
 The city had not yet been surrender' d ; 
 Then, 'twas not treason — but an act of war, 
 War waged between belligerent powers, 
 The one striking for right and liberty, 
 The other, for spoils, and power, and conquest ; 
 In such case, duty could not hesitate ; 
 To my State my all, life itself belong' d ; 
 If for this thou would'st claim the sacrifice ; 
 Prepare the altar ; here is thy victim ; 
 Honor, truth, fidelity to country — 
 These are the brightest jewels in the crown, 
 Which men win on earth, to wear in heaven. 
 
 Gen. B. Take the prisoner to his cell. Let there be 
 no communication with him except through these 
 Headquarters. The Adjutant General will issue the 
 order. [Exit guard with Mumford. 
 
 Gen. B. (strikes his bell ; enters orderly.) Bid Col. 
 Strong come to me immediately. [Exit orderly. 
 
 (Enter Col. Strong.) 
 
 Gen. B. Have you the Military Commission, which 
 was ordered, fully organized ? 
 
 Col. S. I have. 
 
 Gen. B. Then, have Mumford put upon trial immedi- 
 
 1 ately. I must make a speedy example of him; he is still 
 
 most defiant in his treason. [Exit Col. Strong. 
 
 Gen. B. (Solus.) 
 Now that the Stars and Stripes do proudly float 
 O'er this rebel city, and trait'rous hands, 
 Unnerv'd, no longer raise the vile standard 
 Of revolt, a time for prudent thought arrives, 
 When we must our policy determine ; 
 What best we may do to crush out treason, 
 And our own wants and interests advance ; 
 
12 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 How selfish ends may be best promoted, 
 
 While all may be laid to love of country. 
 
 Politics is my trade ; I play soldier, 
 
 Not martial, but civic honors, to win, 
 
 And what the o'er righteous call filthy lucre ; 
 
 With gold, ambition bribes Fortune herself; 
 
 Wisdom's plans without it, are abortions ; 
 
 Poverty has been call'd ambition's spur ; 
 
 Rather should it be call'd its nightmare ; 
 
 Astride of genius and valor sitting, 
 
 It smothers their noblest thoughts and aims. 
 
 I once stood by the South, her champion, 
 
 Her rights and honor boldly defending 
 
 Against the cry of mad fanaticism, 
 
 Hounded to its work by fell ambition ; 
 
 True, self-interest, then, as now, was my aim ; 
 
 But the time is past when to speak the truth, 
 
 And defend the right, lead on to fortune. 
 
 Patriotism ! why it's? become a bye-word ! 
 
 Who, for his conduct, claims this the motive, 
 
 Is accounted ill-suited to the times — 
 
 A fool who would make himself a martyr 
 
 To mawkish sentiment or foolish pride ; 
 
 Now, to this school I claim not to belong ; 
 
 I'm for myself first — for my country next ; 
 
 My own safety, too, must be first thought of; 
 
 To cool down the South's hot blood by honied words, 
 
 Or bait it with treason, were indeed vain ; 
 
 What surety have I 'gainst treach'rous steel, 
 
 Or poison, or any machination, 
 
 That may be invented to take me off, 
 
 A victim of malice or mad revenge ? 
 
 The coat of mail this body doth encase, 
 
 Is not sure proof against the dagger's point ; 
 
 This is an age of cunning inventions, 
 
 Which may serve to trick the devil himself. 
 
 It then behooves me to be most watchful, 
 
 By sword and bayonet hedge myself in, 
 
 And cut off ev'ry approach of treason, 
 
 Thus, gaining sense of real security ; 
 
 This done, with the mail'd hand of power, 
 
 The stiff necks of this people I will bend 
 
 In submission to my purpose and will, 
 
 And shew them what I am — a Conqueror, 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 1 3 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans. Gen. Butler seated at 
 
 his desk, writing. 
 
 (Enter A. J. Butler.) 
 
 Gen. B. A timely call, I am glad you have come ; 
 We must proceed to execute our plans 
 On this new theatre with due despatch. 
 You know I'm not much in favor at Court ; 
 I am not esteem'd there, and my service 
 Is prized only for its worth to others, 
 In this extremity of cruel war ; 
 The only security of place I have 
 Is success, and that is most uncertain ; 
 War is, at best, a doubtful game to play ; 
 Too often mere chance decides the battle ; 
 And fell ambition is ever at work 
 To undo them who fortune's favors win. 
 'Tis true here I have no battles to fight, 
 But only to rule a conquer'd city, 
 To my taste a duty more congenial, 
 But as difficult as field strategy, 
 Having nothing of its martial glory ; 
 The juncture I fully estimate ; 
 I must use it to the best advantage, 
 And while opportunity is offer'd, 
 Seize its golden moments ere they are gone. 
 The poet has nothing more wisely said, 
 Than " we must take the current when it serves, 
 Or lose our ventures." 
 
 A. y. B. I have felt the importance of hastening the 
 execution of our plans, and have already made some 
 progress. I have made arrangements which, with your 
 authority, I have no doubt will secure a large quantity 
 of cotton from our rebel brethren. For arms and other 
 war material, the exchange may be made. You know 
 that you suggested this plan to me. 
 
 Gen, £. Yes, but it is a delicate business, and must 
 
14 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 be managed with great tact. You must be certain that 
 you know with whom you are dealing. 
 
 A. J. B. I understand that, and will use due caution 
 to guard against deception. 
 
 Gen. B. An order has been issued by Governor Shel- 
 by, authorizing the organization of volunteers in this 
 department, and Major Whitley has been appointed to 
 that duty. To forward the business you suggest, let him 
 make requisitions on the Ordnance officers for arms and 
 ammunition — I will approve it. Instructions will be 
 given as to their destination. In all future transactions 
 of this kind, let this be the plan. Get all the cotton you 
 can; consign it to our factors in New York and Boston ; 
 make your principal consignments to Boston. By means 
 of requisitions upon the different departments, supplies 
 of all kinds may be exchanged for cotton. The necessity 
 for the distribution of commissary stores amongst the 
 poor of this city and the Department, will also open the 
 door for transactions of this kind. Permits, covering 
 transportations of military stores, will be given. In this 
 business, be extremely cautious, and we may realize 
 great gains. I will give Major Whitley the necessary in- 
 structions. He will act in concert with us. 
 
 {Exit A. J. B. 
 
 (Enter Col. French, Provost Marshal.) 
 
 * 
 
 Gen. B. I am glad you have called. Allow me to 
 congratulate you upon your success in scenting out the 
 traitors who lurk in the hiding places of this city, and in 
 bringing them to justice. You must have an efficient 
 detective police. 
 
 Col. F. Yes, I am fortunate in having a man at its 
 head who understands his duty, and has the nerve to do 
 it. 
 
 Gen. B. Whittey is no doubt master of his calling. 
 
 Col. F. By the way, he was in waiting for an inter- 
 view with you when I came in. My object, General, in 
 calling at this time, is to report an important arrest, a 
 rebel soldier, charged with being a spy within our lines. 
 Another arrest would have been made, but the person 
 had not entirely recovered from wounds received in bat- 
 tle, and it was thought best not to move him till a sur- 
 geon reported on his case. He was however left under 
 guard. 
 
 Gen. B, Who are these persons ? 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 1 5 
 
 Col. F. The person arrested calls himself Clarence 
 Rennier. He was found at the house of one Auguste 
 Beaumont, and his son is the person left under guard. 
 
 Gen. B. How was this arrest procured ? 
 
 Col. F. The information came from the detective po- 
 lice office. 
 
 Gen. B. Then send Major Whitley to me ; he is no 
 doubt acquainted with the facts of the case. 
 
 [Exit Col. French. 
 
 (Enter Maj. Whitley.) 
 
 Afaj. W. Your most obedient servant. General, I 
 come at your bidding, but was at the time seeking au- 
 dience with you. 
 
 Gen. B. Welcome; you have heretofore proved your- 
 self an expert in unraveling the skein of crime, and in 
 bringing offenders to justice, but you have never before 
 set your hand to work like that in which you are now 
 engaged. It is not with ordinary criminals, mere vio- 
 lators of the municipal law, those who trample upon the 
 rights of their fellow-men that you are dealing, but with 
 the public enemy — traitors, who with unholy hands seek 
 to destroy the best government on earth, and involve 
 our country in anarchy, and enthrone discord where 
 peace and order should reign supreme ; men who would 
 haul down our flag, and trail it in the dust. I am glad 
 to know that you are taking these political malefactors 
 by the throat. I congratulate you upon your success in 
 the good work. In this service you are to obey my or- 
 ders and report to me. The Provost Marshal must not 
 be deprived of all semblance of authority — that would 
 be humiliating, and breed dissension. An eye must be 
 had to that — forms must be adhered to. But hear me ; 
 I am to be your chief, and direct your business. The 
 expedient of flattering others with a show of authority, 
 may sometimes serve a purpose — that is for me to deter- 
 mine. Your secrets are to be mine, and none others. 
 My plans are to be worked according to my orders, 
 whether given publicly or secretly. 
 
 Maj. W. I will render cheerful and prompt obedience 
 to your instructions and orders, at all times and under 
 all circumstances. It is only necessary for them to be 
 made known to me. 
 
 Gen. B. What means the arrest of these persons 
 charged with being spies ? 
 
1 6 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 Maj. W. I was just on my way to report to you the 
 facts of the case. I was present when the arrest was 
 made. I got the information about these young men 
 from a resident loyalist, who sought a secret interview 
 with me. He is by the way, a confounded shrewd fel- 
 low. In doing loyal service, he would, at the same time, 
 drive a bargain for himself, tho' he would have it under- 
 stood that he is actuated by feelings of patriotism. 
 
 Gen. B. The fellow talks about patriotism, eh ? He 
 don't know that's played out ? Who the devil is he ? 
 
 Maj. W. Well, (smiling) he is a Down-Easter from 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 Gen. B. His nativity commends his honesty and pa- 
 triotism, does'nt it ? I don't care to know his name. If 
 I scent the game, I leave the matter entirely to you and 
 my brother. You are to manage these outside affairs. 
 What do you suppose the fellow wants ? 
 
 Maj. W. No doubt a share of the ransom that may be 
 offered. 
 
 Gen. B. That will be considered ; it will depend 
 much upon the amount of the offer. See my brother. 
 You and he will manage this affair. 
 
 Maj. W. I have seen him on the subject, but will see 
 him again. As I have already stated, I was present 
 when the arrest was made ; indeed, I had it made. It 
 was claimed that the condition of one of the young men 
 was such that it would be dangerous to move him, he 
 having received wounds in battle from which he had not 
 recovered. The father, and perhaps the daughter, who, 
 by the way, in her tears, appeared as beautiful as the 
 rose wet with the morning dew, will, no doubt, call to 
 intercede for the son and his friend. I understand so. 
 He is a rich old Creole, a retired merchant, I believe. 
 He numbers his houses by the hundred. His stocks and 
 public securities are fabulous in amount ; and, then, his 
 gold and silver plate is described to be, in style and 
 value, equal to any owned in this luxurious Southern 
 city. Besides, his cellars are filled with the choicest 
 wines and brandies — of the oldest vintages, and his walls 
 are adorned with paintings of the old masters. I have 
 all needful information. We have a rich prize, indeed — 
 no richer in all the city. 
 
 Gen. B. You say he has costly plate, fine paintings, 
 gold and silver ? 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 1 7 
 
 Maj. W. My dear General, it is a princely establish- 
 ment. His treasure is no doubt secreted, but it can be 
 found. He can be made disgorge it. 
 
 Gen. B. I have no transportation for houses, and 
 bank stocks and other securities may prove woi-thless — 
 even the bonds of "our own Government. Gold and sil- 
 ver — they are substantial things, even though in spoons — 
 an insignificant article of domestic economy. But the 
 old gentleman may spirit his money and valuables away, 
 that's the danger. You and my brother must look to 
 this. [Exit Whitley. 
 
 Gen. B. (Solus.) This fellow will be invaluable to 
 me. He is the shrewdest, most unscrupulous rascal I 
 have ever met with. But such instruments I need here. 
 Now, the denouement of this affair I can't exactly foresee, 
 but there is money in it ; and to that end I will give it 
 countenance. I don't intend that the Quartermasters 
 and Commissaries shall do all the stealing in my De- 
 partment — or rather, make all the money. But I must 
 operate through others — I may shuffle and pack the 
 cards — others must play the game. 
 
 (Enter Col. Strong.) 
 
 Col. S. I have some papers, General, which require 
 your signature. (Hands papers to Gen. B., who signs 
 them.) 
 
 • Gen. B. I was about sending for you. I am obliged 
 to notice the insults which the women of this city are 
 hourly offering the officers and men of my command. 
 These " bejewelled, becrinolined, and laced creatures 
 calling themselves ladies," allow no opportunity to pass 
 without treating us with contempt. Why, they turn up 
 their noses at me as I pass the streets. If they treat me 
 in this way, what may not be expected of their treatment 
 of my inferiors ? I will teach these " she-adders" a les- 
 son. I have prepared a general order on the subject, 
 which you will have published in all the city papers. I 
 will read it : (reads.) 
 
 " General Order No. 28. 
 
 As the officers and soldiers of the United States have 
 been subject to repeated insults from the women (calling 
 themselves ladies) of New Orleans, in return for the 
 most scrupulous non-interference and courtesy on our 
 part, it is ordered that hereafter, when any female shall 
 2 
 
1 8 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 by word, gesture or movement, insult or show contempt 
 for any officer or soldier of the United States, she shall 
 be regarded as a Woman of the Town, plying her voca- 
 tion." (Hands the order to Col. Strong, who reads it 
 standing, then seats himself and reperuses it in silence.) 
 
 Col. S. General, this order will produce quite a com- 
 motion. It is a very important one. Have you given it 
 your usual thought and reflection ? 
 
 Gen. B. I have, sir ; and have it published as I tell 
 you, and just as it is written. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Headquarters, St. Charles Hotel. 
 
 Gen. B. (Solus.) My position is a most difficult one; 
 I'm damn'd by the rebels around me, 
 Cursed as a tyrant — for all that is bad ; 
 And then at Washington, I have few friends ; 
 Lincoln has his partizans to advance, 
 I am not of them, and there lies the rub. 
 Before the war I was a Democrat ; 
 The abolition movement I refus'd to join ; 
 The mad enthusiasts who began it 
 Were courted for paily ends — nothing more ; 
 The good of the poor slave was least thought of; 
 It was pow'r, office, ambition's schemes 
 Which with fanaticism sought alliance, 
 And, in the end, the Union disrupted ; 
 In this dread work I took no part ; 
 But when the war came, the safer ground I chose ; 
 I saw it was the time to jump the game, 
 And was right glad it came so opportune. 
 I knew that the North would never consent 
 That these States be allow' d to go in peace ; 
 That blood and tears — all the horrors of war — 
 From this resolve would not move its people ; 
 And with them my fortunes I sought to cast ; 
 But my success is view'd with jealous eyes, 
 Because, in the past, I championed the South. 
 This is my offence, and now all my acts 
 Will meet with scrutiny, and be measur'd 
 By the standard of party interest. 
 My only hope is my people's support ; 
 My tactics now must be so directed 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 19 
 
 As to stir their hearts to the highest pitch 
 Of hate and revenge towards these people ; 
 To this end, I'll now champion the negro, 
 And by every art treason be made appear 
 As black and damning as Hell itself. 
 Orderly, (enters orderly) Brandy and water, sir. 
 
 (Serves the same.) \Exit Orderly. 
 
 (Enter Auguste Beaumont and Belle Beaumont, sentinel 
 
 following.) 
 
 A Beaumont. (Giving his own name and his daugh- 
 ter's, addressing Gen. B.) 
 A father's love has brought an old man here 
 To plead for a son, held now in durance ; 
 If he be guilty of any offence, 
 I know it not, except it be the crime 
 Of answer'ng the call of his native State, 
 And taking up arms to defend her soil; 
 He has just return'd from the battle field, 
 Sorely wounded, and, it may be, to die ; 
 His companion in arms, who was his guest 
 At my house, has been already taken ; 
 And he, out of pity, left under guard. 
 
 Gen. B. (Interrupting abruptly) Sir, the case has al- 
 ready been reported to me. 
 
 Aug. B. Pray tell me what is the charge against my 
 son ? 
 
 Gen. B. Respect for gray hairs only prompts an an- 
 swer — I should have added, and woman's presence, 
 (turning to Miss B.) Your son and his companion are 
 charged not only with treason, but with being spies. 
 They are enemies within my lines. You know the pun- 
 ishment to which spies are exposed by the rules of war. 
 
 Aug. B. Great God, my son a spy ! Is it possible that 
 he is accused of this ? Why, General, he was here when 
 the city was occupied. He and Capt. Rennier were 
 wounded at Shi Ion, where the great Johnston fell ; were 
 brought here then, and have remained here since ; they 
 were unable to leave. They are no spies; the accusation 
 is false. 
 
 Gen. B. What about the treason ? Your own lips 
 smack of that, and I suppose that you are proud of the 
 crime of your son against his country ? 
 
 Aug. B. If obedience to the call of his State to de- 
 fend her rights be treason, my son's guilt is manifest, 
 
20 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 But, do you propose to put all, who have borne arms 
 against the United States Government and fall into your 
 hands, upon trial for that offence ? 
 
 Gen. B. That may be — I do not answer the question. 
 You have seen my order requiring the oath of allegiance 
 to the United States Government to be taken by all. 
 Has your son obeyed this order ? That might save him 
 from punishment as a traitor to his country, but not as a 
 spy. He is now held under both these charges, and he 
 shall be tried for them, and if convicted, shall surfer the 
 penalty of his crime. I have no leniency to offer the 
 stiff-necked people of this city. Clemency, humanity, 
 generosity — the exercise of these virtues towards them, 
 would only make them more incorrigible — still greater 
 rebels. No, I shall have to use the strong arm of mil- 
 itary power, without mercy, to bring them back to loyal 
 wavs — to make them respect my authority and the Gov- 
 ernment I represent. This interview is to no purpose, if 
 you hope that any thing you may say, will relax my 
 hand in this case. If found guilty, these young men 
 shall die the death they deserve Young woman, you 
 may dry your tears — with me they will avail nothing. 
 You women of New Orleans will expose yourselves to a 
 fate worse than the death of brothers or lovers, if you 
 continue the coarse you are now pursuing towards the 
 officers and soldiers of my command. 
 
 [Exeunt Aug. Beaumont and daughter. 
 
 (Enter Col. Strong.) 
 
 Col. S. I have to report that all the city papers refuse 
 to publish General Order No. 28, and that I have been 
 compelled to give it publicity by placarding it in the 
 streets. 
 
 Gen. B. Refused to publish my orders ! Then they 
 shall publish nothing ! Order their offices closed. I 
 will have their type thrown into the river, and the pro- 
 prietors put in Fort Jackson. That will bring them to 
 their senses. Defy my authority in this manner ! This 
 is an overt act of treason. They shall publish Order No. 
 28, or any other that I may require. 
 
/ 
 
 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 21 
 
 ACT III. 
 SCENE I. 
 
 (Enter Col. Strong with Mayor Munro and citizens, an- 
 nouncing them to Gen. Butler, who is seated at his 
 desk writing.) \Exit Col. Strong. 
 
 Gen. B. (Leaving visitors standing.) To what am I 
 indebted for the honor of this call ? 
 
 Mayor M. Your General Order No. 28, which has 
 been placarded in the city, has produced a profound 
 sensation ; and at the instance of many of our best citi- 
 zens, ladies and gentlemen, we have sought this inter- 
 view for the purpose of asking a revocation, or at least a 
 qualification of that order. That is the object of our 
 call. 
 
 Gen. B. Ask me to revoke an order ! What assur- 
 ance ! and coming, too, from such a source, at least, as 
 far as you take part in it, Mr. Mayor ! You ! who when 
 this city, whose fortunes were in your hands, was at the 
 mercy of our guns, refused to surrender it, and take 
 down your rebel flag ; nay, further, allowed our flag, 
 your country's flag, after it had been hoisted on your 
 Mint, by order of Flag Officer Farragut, to be hauled 
 down, and before your own eyes trailed in the dust and 
 torn into sbreds by rebel hands ; You, who exposed the 
 lives and property of your citizens, women and children, 
 to destruction ; You, who, to the last, affirmed in terms 
 of defiance, your own, and the allegiance of your people 
 to the so-called Confederate States ; You, after this con- 
 duct, and when your city has been spared by a merciful 
 Conqueror, now have the assurance to come here, and 
 ask the revocation or qualification of one of my orders, 
 which was provoked by your own conduct, and made 
 necessary to protect my men and officers from wrong 
 and insult ; if this be not the climax of bare-faced ef- 
 frontery, I know not the meaning of the terms. 
 
 Mayo?- M. We have not come here, General, to vin- 
 dicate our own conduct, or the conduct of our fellow- 
 citizens, either before or since the occupation of the city. 
 Our object, as I. have already stated, is to confer with 
 
22 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS 
 
 you as to the qualification of this order. It has alarmed 
 our citizens, especially females. They fear that by it 
 they are exposed to insult and outrage. It is to quiet 
 their fears chiefly, that we seek the modification of the 
 order. 
 
 Gen. B. I don't want to quiet their fears. My object 
 was to excite their fears. This is the only way to reach 
 their rebel hearts, and humble their pride. They have 
 treated my officers and men with contempt, aye, spit 
 upon them, and by their own conduct provoked insult. 
 They shall be subject to the deepest humiliation. If 
 politeness and good breeding are not sufficient to control 
 their conduct, I will make fear the restraint. You and 
 your co-adjutors are, in a great measure, responsible for 
 this state of feeling amongst the women. Men should 
 control their wives and daughters. If they cannot, they 
 are not much of men. But you don't want to control 
 them. You hide yourselves behind their petticoats. No; 
 that order was well considered, and deliberately issued ; 
 and it shall stand as it is ; I shall not abate one word of 
 it, and your city newspapers shall publish it, or every 
 one of them shall be stopped. If you have no other 
 business, this interview may be well allowed to close. 
 
 [Exeunt Mayor Munroe and citizens. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Auguste Beaumont's house, New Orleans. Present — A. 
 Beaumont, his daughter Belle, and son Eugene, who 
 is reclining on couch with crutches in his hand. 
 
 Aug. B. Well, poor Mumford's trial is over, and he 
 is of course convicted. What else could have been 
 looked for ? 
 
 Belle B. We have heard so, father, and execution 
 will surely follow his conviction. Oh ! how sad ! Father, 
 let me go and plead with Gen. Butler for brother. It 
 may be, that his heart will relent. When we saw him, 
 ill humor may have been in the ascendant; or to enforce 
 obedience, he may have sought to excite terror. You 
 know that men like such displays. Will you let me so, 
 father? J * 
 
 Aug. B. Daughter, he is a heartless man. It will 
 avail nothing. 
 
 Belle B. O, father ! soft words of entreaty may melt a 
 heart of stone. There are few men so cold, so indiffer- 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 23 
 
 ent to human suffering, who will not listen to a woman's 
 appeal for mercy. Gen. Butler knows that brother is 
 not a spy. Why then, bring him to trial for that offence? 
 You know that to be tried by a Military Commission is 
 conviction. I would go and appeal to his sense of jus- 
 tice, and if he have any, to his feelings of pity. It can 
 do no harm, at least ; let me go. 
 
 Eugene B. (Rising on his crutches,) It can do no 
 good ; and rather would I risk the consequences of trial 
 than you be again brought in contact with that vile 
 beast. 
 
 Belle B. Oh ! brother why do you talk thus ! 
 Your life and my happiness are at stake ; 
 Let me make the trial. 
 
 (A knock at the door; Maj. Whitley announced by 
 servant and enters ; Exit Belle Beaumont.) 
 
 Maj. IV. (Addressing A. Beaumont.) I wish to see 
 you alone. {Exit Eugene B.) Your son and Rennier 
 are to be tried by a Military Commission ; it may be 
 within a few hours. Mumford's trial is over. Orders 
 have been issued for the removal of your son hence to 
 prison. 
 
 Aug. B. O ! this cruel war ! am I to become its vic- 
 tim in mine old age ? My only son to be taken from 
 me ! Can not I be spared this affliction ? Surely, sure- 
 ly, the General does not desire to have my child mur- 
 dered ? If he be tried, his conviction follows. No one 
 escapes. 
 
 Maj. W. The General has been very much wounded 
 by the treatment which he has received from the people 
 of this city, and especially the ladies, and is therefore 
 not much in the humor of mercy. He believes that it is 
 necessary to make examples. 
 
 Aug. B. But to deter from crime, the guilty only 
 should be punished — not the innocent. 
 
 Maj. W. True, but who is to judge ? The Court, I 
 suppose. 
 
 Aug. B. But these trials have sunk into mere formal- 
 ities — to accuse, is to convict. 
 
 Maj. IV. Too true — one of the fruits of rebellion and 
 civil commotion. 
 
 Aug. B. Right, I am afraid. 
 
 Maj. W. Gen. Butler will most certainly send these 
 
24 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 young men before a Military Commission unless they 
 should escape. 
 
 Aug. B. How could they escape ? 
 
 Maj. W. A very remote contingency, I grant you, but 
 one that is possible. 
 
 Aug. B. Possible ! by what means ? 
 
 Maj. W. Were I to tell you, it would probably avail 
 nothing. 
 
 Aug. B. Aye, it will — if it be possible. 
 
 Maj. W. Give me that pledge, and I will tell you. 
 
 Aug. B. Upon honor, you have it. 
 
 Maj. W. Your riches are represented to be very 
 great. 
 
 Aug. B. It is a mistake, sir. 
 
 Maj. W. Lands and houses, stocks, bonds, and other 
 securities, gold and silver plate, gold and silver coin, 
 paintings, a cellar that would make the eyes of Bacchus 
 sparkle with delight — these are all said to be yours. 
 
 Aug. B. An exaggerated account — altogether exagge- 
 rated. When the war broke out, I was, it is true, in 
 comfortable circumstances, but what a change ! I have 
 had to dispose of property to enable me to live, — had 
 taxes to pay — had to invest in Confederate securities — 
 bonds and notes, which are already fearfully depreciated 
 in value, and may in the end be worth nothing. O ! no, 
 sir, I am greatly reduced. I will have hardly any thing 
 left. 
 
 Maj. W. If that be so, it is unfortunate for these 
 young men. 
 
 Aug. B. Rennier is only a friend of my son, and his 
 guest at my house. 
 
 Maj. W. Their fortunes are linked together ; the fate 
 of one will be the fate of the other. What would save 
 one, would save the other. 
 
 Aug. B. How can that be done, is the question. 
 
 Maj. W. To speak frankly, you can save them if you 
 will. 
 
 Aug. B. I will do it then. 
 
 Maj. W. You will have to pay for it. 
 
 Aug. A. To whom ? 
 
 Maj. W. To me. 
 
 Aug. B. But the ransom may be too great ? 
 
 Maj. W. You are able to pay it. 
 
 Aug. B. I have already told you that I have been 
 greatly reduced by the war. 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 25 
 
 Maj. W. Not much ; your money and valuables have 
 been secreted. 
 
 Aug. B. (Much agitated.) My money and valuables ! 
 
 Maj. W. They may be found — I doubt not. 
 
 Aug. B. (Aside.) Betrayed by my servants ! 
 
 Maj. W. To conclude this matter. Your gold and 
 silver coin — your plate — a selection from your paintings, 
 and a goodly proportion of the contents of your cellar 
 will secure the release of these young men. 
 
 Aug. B. Would you impoverish a poor old man and 
 his two children — in part, too, for the ransom of a stran- 
 ger ? 
 
 Maj. W. You will have plenty left. 
 
 Aug. B. (Aside.) Does he know about the conceal- 
 ment of my treasure ? — if I only knew that ? 
 
 You say I have money and valuables secreted. Why 
 have they not been seized ? I understand the Com- 
 manding General has made many seizures of the kind. 
 
 Maj. IV. I prefer to make my gains by bargain and 
 sale, and not in that way. Gen. Butler has nothing to 
 do with my trades. 
 
 Aug. B. But you might not be able to have the young 
 men released, should you bargain to do so — certainly 
 not without the General's consent. 
 
 Maj. W. They shall be released from confinement, 
 and brought here before the ransom is delivered. What 
 say you ? I must leave. 
 
 Aug. B. I must consider of this. 
 
 Maj. W. You will have time to consider before my 
 return. We must then close this business. (Proceeds 
 to leave the room.) 
 
 Aug B. As I am interested only in the liberty of my 
 son, will you not abate half your demand for his release 
 alone ? 
 
 Maj. W. You have heard my terms — they will not be 
 changed. [Exit. 
 
 Aug. B. (Solus.) Knows that I have money and val- 
 uables secreted ! If that be true, then, I had as well 
 surrender them. But he don't know — he only suspects 
 this. That is the secret of the proposed bargain. It is 
 an attempt to black-mail me. But the life of my son is 
 in their hands. I am powerless. O, this traffic in blood! 
 it is monstrous ! monstrous ! what am I to do ? To be 
 reduced to poverty in my old age — to be made penniless 
 — become an object of charity ! This is the price to be 
 
26 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 paid for the redemption of my son, who is guilty of no 
 crime ! I can't pay it ; (pauses,) I recall my words ; I 
 will think more of it. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Private house, New Orleans. Mrs. Campbell, lady of 
 the house, seated in her parlor. 
 
 (Enter gentleman and lady.) 
 
 Mrs. C. My dear Julia, I am so glad to see you ! glad 
 always, but oh ! in these troublous times, to meet with a 
 sympathetic heart is such a source of happiness; (address- 
 ing gentleman) do be seated. My dear sir, how happy 
 am I to meet you and Julia. Now, I have had a pre- 
 sentiment of this visit — all this day I have been expect- 
 ing some dear friend, and, Julia, you are that pereon. I 
 am in such distress — turned out of my house and driven 
 to take shelter in this little cuddy. But I won't allow 
 myself to grow crazy about it. Julia, do they let you 
 keep your house ? 
 
 Julia. No, Annie, we are now looking for a house ; 
 have just received notice to vacate ours. 
 
 Annie. Companions then in distress, which makes our 
 sympathies mutual. Julia, have you heard how they 
 treated me ? 
 
 Julia. Only that you had been turned out of your 
 house — no particulars. 
 
 Annie. Then, you have heard little. The Command- 
 ing General first gave me notice (my husband being 
 absent from the city) that he would want my house for 
 public use. The very next day, while we were about 
 sitting down to dinner, he drove up in a carriage, his 
 wife with him, and guarded by an escort of soldiers, and 
 demanded my keys. Of course, I could do nothing but 
 deliver them to him. They then went through the house 
 from cellar to garret — examined every room; opened my 
 closets and wardrobes, looked into every thing, the most 
 private places ; and after satisfying themselves, gave me 
 notice to vacate the house immediately, or prepare to 
 have others quartered with me. O, Julia, I never wanted 
 to be a man as 1 did then. But I took it all quietly. I 
 couldn't help myself; and next day I got this little 
 house, and brought what I could of my furniture and 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 27 
 
 goods here, but I have left the greater part behind, 
 which I may never see again. 
 
 Julia. Why did he seize your house — he had one al- 
 ready ? 
 
 Annie. Because ours was a finer house ; and he want- 
 ed to put one of his officers in Gen. Twiggs', the one he 
 was occupying. And what do you think ? He ordered 
 all the servants to remain on the premises, and between 
 threats and promises, prevailed on all but one, to do so. 
 
 Julia. The reason given for taking our house is the 
 same — to accommodate an officer and his family, but I 
 fear, Annie, to be put to much worse uses, from what I 
 am informed others have been put to. Oh ! what a hor- 
 rid thought ! 
 
 Annie. You and Mr. Martell are so welcome, and as 
 Mayor Munro is to be here with some friends to talk 
 about the sad condition of affairs, do remain ; the hour 
 has nearly arrived. Let us try to take comfort from 
 common counsels, in our common sufferings. I hear 
 them coming now. 
 
 (Enter Mayor Munro and citizens.) 
 
 Mayor M. My dear madam, I hope I find you well. 
 You know these gentlemen, I believe — Mr. and Mrs. 
 Martell — glad to meet you. (Addressing Mrs. C.) I re- 
 ceived your note, and I am most happy to offer you the 
 benefit of my counsel in these days of trouble. I hope 
 that in you changed condition, you are comfortable, at 
 least. 
 
 Mrs. C. O, yes ! I shall not complain of the incon- 
 veniences to which I have been put, if it should end at 
 this. But what may not be expected of a man who 
 would issue such an order as the one which appeared in 
 this morning's Delta, aimed at helpless woman ? In 
 infamy it is without a parallel. The savage wreaks ven- 
 geance upon his victim by torture and death ; but this is 
 worse than either. No woman is now safe from insult 
 at home or on the streets. Oh ! I have not language to 
 express my abhorrence of this outrage upon my sex. No 
 paper that contains this order shall come into my house. 
 
 Mayor M. What you say is but too true. In company 
 with a number of gentlemen — these present were of the 
 number — I called upon the General commanding to ask 
 a revocation, or at least a modification of that order. It 
 was refused, and we were dismissed in the most insult- 
 
28 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 ing manner. We have however, sent to him a protest 
 against the order, but with little hope that it will accom- 
 plish any good result. 
 
 Mrs. C. Then, what are we to do ? We are at the 
 mercy of this cruel-hearted tyrant. I am here with my 
 little children, and one servant — and how long she can 
 be relied on, no one can tell. The intimacy of the sol- 
 diers with the servants has corrupted them to such an 
 extent that they can no longer be trusted. Their feelings 
 have, in this way, been alienated from us, and they have 
 been made believe that we are their worst enemies. 
 
 1st cit. The condition of things, in my part of the city, 
 has become most intolerable. The servants who remain 
 have not only become disagreeable on account of their 
 insolence, but refuse to do any work, except as it may 
 please them ; and should you dismiss one, you are ex- 
 posed to arrest and punishment. Several of my neigh- 
 bors — old men — have been sent to the chain-gang for 
 this offence — I have seen them working on the streets 
 with ball and chain. 
 
 2d cit. The same case in my part of the city. 
 
 3d cit. In mine the same, and I believe every where. 
 
 1st cit. And this confiscation order is depriving many 
 of the means of living. The oath of allegiance is no 
 protection. Pretexts of all sorts are invented to deprive* 
 one of its benefits. Want of loyalty, which can be prov- 
 ed, at any time, by a suborned negro witness, if a low 
 white man is not found for the business ; the pretence 
 of the necessity of feeding the starving poor, and a thou- 
 sand other schemes, are devised for plunderiug you. If 
 you should not meet the requisitions made upon you in 
 coin, which the fewest number now can do, your prop- 
 erty is at the mercy of these officials — especially your 
 plate, if you have any, down even to a spoon. Mr. 
 Mayor, where is this to end. and what are we to do ? 
 
 Mayor M. Where it is to end, is beyond the reach of 
 my forecast, except in the worst of consequences. What 
 we are to do, I can answer more satisfactorily to myself. 
 We have, in my opinion, but one course to pursue, viz : 
 to avoid all public demonstration of our feelings, and 
 bear the ills that are upon us with all the fortitude and 
 patience that we can summon, with the hope that the 
 Government at Washington will become ashamed of the 
 administration of affair- here. It has already shocked 
 the moral sense of the civilized nations, who are lookers- 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 20, 
 
 on of this contest. The opinion of the world may work 
 a change for us. That is my hope. With a military 
 man here, actuated purely by the motive of duty, and 
 governed by a sense of justice and humanity, we would 
 have little trouble ; but the officer now in command is a 
 mere politician, seeking advancement on that line only. 
 And he is made worse — more cruel, by the fear that 
 moderatien and feelings of humanity shown in his ad- 
 ministration of affairs, might lead to a suspicion of his 
 party fealty. You know he acted with the Democratic 
 party before the war. 
 
 2d cit. In your judgment, I fully concur. 
 
 1st cit. So do I. 
 
 3d cit. Then we are all agreed. 
 
 Mrs. C. What else to do, I can not myself see ; 
 But this insult, the peril of outrage 
 To which, by this order, we are exposed, 
 Cries aloud to Heaven for swiftest vengeance; 
 It had been better, if, on the sad day, 
 When o'er our heads was flaunted that cuis'd flag, 
 With torches we had sprung into the streets, 
 And with our burning homes the sky illumin'd ; 
 To be driven from home counts but little ; 
 To be robb'd of plate, or precious jewels, 
 Is not to be compared with this base thing, 
 Against which Nature herself pleads revolt. 
 Woman that I am, to ease accustom' d, 
 And no want to know, rather would I meet 
 War's rude shock, and face battle's fiery storm, 
 And move amidst red slaughter's ghastly scenes, 
 Than bear this cruel humiliation. 
 
 Mayor M. You speak nobly, madam ; but to what we 
 cannot prevent or avoid, we must submit. Resistance to 
 the authority set over us, or even calling it in question, 
 would only greater evils upon us entail. 
 
 1st cit. You are right — let us remain quiet, and wait 
 for better times. 
 
 2d cit. I concur. 
 
 3d cit. So do I. 
 
 Mrs. C. I will be advised by you, and so will we all, 
 but to submit to this necessity goes like cold steel to my 
 heart. 
 
30 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 Headquarters. Gen. Butler and Col. Strong. 
 
 Col. S. I have a communication from Mayor Munro, 
 which I have been requested to hand you. (Hands to 
 Gen. B. the paper.) 
 
 Gen. B. (Reading paper.) A protest from Mayor Mun- 
 ro and other citizens against General Order No. 28 ; 
 most insulting and impertinent ! Send a summons to 
 Mayor Mum-o to attend at these Headquarters forthwith. 
 
 \_Exit Col. Stroug. 
 
 (Enter A. J. Butler.) 
 
 A. J. B. How fares it with you, brother ? 
 
 Gen. B. Well ; but am devilishly annoyed. General 
 Order No. 28 seems to have raised h — 11 throughout the 
 city. It has set every petticoat, it seems, to shaking, as 
 if the wearers had the ague. If it wasn't for these devil- 
 ish women, I could quiet the rebels of the other gender. 
 Munro and a party of citizens have just been here to ask 
 for a qualification of the order. I dismissed them with 
 contempt ; and now here comes a protest from the same 
 parties, couched in most insulting terms. I have sent 
 for him, and when he appears, he shall answer for this 
 insulting paper. Well, how are things going on above ? 
 I hear that there is quite a stir about my orders regulat- 
 ing the plantations. 
 
 A. J. B. There was at first a little stir, but things have 
 quieted down. The negroes were generally leaving, and 
 the plantations would have been stripped of labor, but 
 for your orders. The presence of the soldiers now keeps 
 them in order ; and they are working very well. I have 
 made contracts about the division of crops with a good 
 many sugar and cotton planters — which could never 
 have been made but for these orders. By judicious ar- 
 rangements for the distribution of supplies, under your 
 orders to prevent starvation, I have secured a considera- 
 ble quantity of cotton. 
 
 Gen. B. How many bales, think you ? 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 3 1 
 
 A. J. B. About ten thousand. 
 
 Gen. B. That will do very well. The permits for 
 provisions which covered the saltpetre, powder, muskets, 
 and other war material sent to the rebels, worked like a 
 charm, eh ? 
 
 A. J. B. Just so. 
 
 Gen. B. Have you got off the furniture, pianos, paint- 
 ings, &c, and the confiscated goods which you bought ? 
 I am afraid we shall be short of transportation. 
 
 A. J. B. Transportation is amply sufficient. I have 
 taken the precaution to consign the pianos and silver 
 plate, &c, in foreign bottoms, to Havana. 
 
 Gen. B. A good idea. That was sharp. 
 
 (Enter Col. Strong.) 
 
 Col. S. Mayor Munro, in reply to your summons here, 
 says : " Tell Gen. Butler my office is at the City Hotel, 
 where he can see me, if desirable." 
 
 Gen. B. Then order his arrest and confinement in 
 Fort Jackson. Include the whole party who were here 
 with him. I will put them where they may plot treason 
 at their leisure. Issue the order forthwith. 
 
 [Exit Col. Strong. 
 
 Gen. B. Has Whitley said any thing to you about the 
 spies within our lines — one of them the son of a rich old 
 Creole in the city ? 
 
 A. J. B. He has ; and I think he has an appointment 
 at the old gentleman's house to-night — at least very soon. 
 We understand the case perfectly, and will work it up. 
 Whitley is a trump. 
 
 Gen. B. The very fellow for us. Now, Andrew, we 
 don't know how long we shall be here. We must make 
 hay while the sun shines. This is a fine field for us. 
 We may make our jack if you play the game right — you 
 and Whitley. As for the Provost Marshal and such 
 nincompoops, they are not worth considering. We will 
 use them. 
 
 A. J. B. You are right. Business presses, and I must 
 go, but before I go, here is a requisition for supplies 
 which I desire you to approve. (Handing papers to 
 Gen. B., which he signs.) [Exit A. J B. 
 
32 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Headquarters. New Orleans. 
 (Enter Gen. Butler and Col. Strong.) 
 
 Col. S. I have to report the re-arrest of Mrs. Phillips, 
 this time for insulting the remains of Lieut. DeKay, 
 when his funeral procession was passing her house. 
 
 Gen. B. Order her into my presence immediately. She 
 is a mischievous woman. I will put her where she will 
 not repeat such insults. By-the-way, Colonel, the Brit- 
 ish Consul interposed in behalf of the Florences, and I 
 thought it best to return the plate seized on board the 
 ship. It was claimed by a son-in-law, Dr. Crawcour, 
 who turns out to be a British subject. We have enough 
 on our hands without putting the old Lion to growling. 
 But the swords which were presented to Miss Florence 
 by Gen. Twiggs, on leaving the city, will be retained. 
 One of them was presented to him by Congress, and wall 
 be highly prized. She is certainly a most incorrigible 
 rebel. I had to threaten her with arrest before she 
 would give up the swords. 
 
 I came near forgetting it — you will issue an order 
 concerning the clergy of this city. I have been informed 
 that a day of fasting and thanksgiving is to be observed 
 in obedience to some supposed proclamation of one Jef- 
 ferson Davis, in the several churches of this city. I learn 
 also, that prayers are offered up by some of these rebel 
 clergy, for the success of rebel arms, and the destruction 
 of the Union, and that the Episcopal clergy have left out 
 the prayer prescribed in their liturgy for the President 
 of the United States and Congress, and put in a prayer 
 for Jeff Davis and his rebel Congress. Now, I will put 
 a stop to all this. I am no Puritan, and don't care a 
 d — n for the prayers of these fellows, per se. But there 
 is to be no fasting and praying in obedience to Jeff's 
 proclamations. These Episcopalians shall pray for old 
 Abe, though it may do him no good, which is highly 
 probable Issue orders covering all these points, and I 
 will execute them to the letter. Let Mrs. Philips be 
 brought in. [Exit Col. Strong. 
 
 (Enter Mrs. Phillips, under guard.) 
 
 Gen. B. (Addressing Mrs. P.) I regret that it has been 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 33 
 
 found necessary to put you under arrest again. But 
 your offence could not be overlooked. Is it true that 
 you laughed and mocked at the remains of Lieutenant 
 DeKay, as the funeral procession passed your house? 
 
 Mrs. P. It could hardly be thought that a lady would 
 make a public exhibition of herself in the manner you 
 state. But at the hour when the procession passed, I 
 was in company with some ladies on my balcony, and 
 " was in good spirits that day." 
 
 Gen. B. Have you no excuse to offer for this insult ? 
 
 Mrs. P. I have not, if an insult was given. 
 
 Gen. B. I have had you brought before me to answer 
 this charge. 
 
 Mrs. P. I have answered it. 
 
 Gen. B. Aye, and by repeating the insult ! 
 
 Mrs. P. You say so. 
 
 Gen. B. I do say so, and I will punish you. 
 
 Mrs. P. I don't doubt it. 
 
 Gen. B. Then you will not be disappointed? 
 
 Mrs. P. I shall not. 
 
 Gen. B. But I will not pass upon your case without 
 hearing your defence. Had you read General Order 
 No. 28 before this occurrence ? 
 
 Mrs. P. 
 Yes ! and the blood rush'd wildly to my heart; 
 I wonder'd that the brain that conceiv'd it 
 Had not, in God's wrath, stopp'd its workings, 
 And the hand that wrote it had not wither' d 
 While inditing the foul record of shame. 
 
 Gen. B. Let this talk cease. Have you any thing to 
 say why you should not be punished for this insult ? 
 
 Mrs. P. Any thing to say ? worst of hateful tyrants ! 
 Thou, who hast won immortal infamy, 
 Dishonor'd his country's fame and her flag ! 
 Thou, who hast made war on helpless woman ! 
 Insulted her, to licens'd lust expos' d 
 And outrage by a brutal soldiery ! 
 Thou who hast won the loathsome name of beast ! 
 I defy thy pow'r — send me to prison — 
 Do thy will ; I'll glory in the honor 
 Of being first victim to this Order. 
 
 Gen. B. Take the crazy woman away. But hold — 
 here is the order, which I have already prepared in her 
 case, and which you will hand to Col. Strong. I will 
 send her to a good place for lunatics, and under good 
 
34 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 keepers — to Ship Island, there to be confined till further 
 orders. [Exit guard, with Mrs, Philips. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 Headquarters. Gen. Butler, solus. 
 
 (Enter Belle Beaumont, followed by a sentinel.) 
 
 Gen. B. (Rising.) I think I recognize Miss Beau- 
 mont, who accompanied her father here ? 
 
 Belle B. Yes, unknown to him, hither have I come, 
 Unattended, to beg for my brother ; 
 And to thy sense of pity to appeal. 
 He is young, and if amiss has acted, 
 'Twas from youth's ardor and indiscretion, 
 In answ'ring the call of his State to arms; 
 It was the error of noble impulse, 
 Patriotic, misguided tho' it may've been. 
 Look at the intent, the essence of crime, 
 And in mercy his conduct do forgive ! 
 O ! General, thou hast a father's heart ; 
 Let a father's love move thee to pity 
 For the sorrows of a stricken household ! 
 Last night, in my dreams, a sainted mother 
 Visited me, and with tears besought me 
 This last appeal for mercy to offer. 
 
 For this I come, and would kneel before thee (kneeling) 
 To reach its promise — my brother's freedom. 
 O ! hear a sister's appeal for mercy ! 
 O ! be mov'd by woman's tears ! 
 
 Gen. B. Arise, young lady ; this posture suits thee 
 Ne'er so well as standing ; then thy beauty 
 Doth appear in its fullest measure. 
 
 Belle B. In this heart compliments have no response ; 
 They serve now only to deepen its sorrow. 
 
 Gen. B. 
 Such charms, as thou hast in form and feature, 
 Will ne'er fail the will of their possessor 
 Any enterprize of love or ambition 
 To attempt, and crown with glorious success. 
 
 Belle B. (Aside.) O ! this is too cruel ! 
 Pray, sir, do not treat my petition thus ; 
 Thy words of flatt'ry make rne more wretched. 
 
 Gen. B. Dear young lady, my meaning thou mistak'st, 
 To speak of thy charms is far from flatt'ry ; 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 35 
 
 Cold as this heart is call'd, their radiance 
 
 Its springs hath thaw'd, and a new-born passion 
 
 My blood doth stir, and would have utterance. 
 
 \_Exit Miss B. 
 But ; the vision of beauty is dissolved ; 
 Like the frightened fawn she fled my approach ; 
 Perhaps 'tis best ; my judgment was at fault ; 
 Are these New Orleans women all like her ? 
 Then, the South's hot blood is temper'd so high 
 That naught that's base hath admixture with it ; 
 But, why do I speculate on this theme ? 
 I have graver matters than love on hand. 
 
 [Seats himself and takes up manuscript. 
 
 The Military Commission has convicted Mumford. 
 What else could it do ? To be hanged is a terrible sen- 
 tence I have a thought to offer him a commutation of 
 punishment, upon condition that he will take the oath of 
 allegiance, which his conduct before me, and at his trial, 
 shews he will not do. But the offer will have a show of 
 humanity. I can first sound him without making the 
 offer directly. 
 
 [Summons Col. Strong, who enters. 
 
 I will not yet approve Mumford's sentence. Have 
 him brought before me again. 
 
 Col. S. (Handing Gen. B. a paper.) Here is a petition 
 in his behalf from ladies. \_Exit Col. Strong. 
 
 Gen. B. (Solus.) It looks as if I shall never get rid of 
 these infernal women. They are sticking their fingers 
 into every thing. I will no longer be bothered with 
 them and their petitions. (Throws petition under the 
 table.) My mind is already made up. 
 
 (Enter guard with Mumford.) 
 
 Gen. B. Have you knowledge of your conviction ? 
 
 M. The trial itself assured that. 
 
 Gen. B. You have had a fair trial before honorable 
 and just men. 
 
 M. As fair as foregone judgment would allow. 
 
 Gen. B. I have not approved the sentence yet. 
 
 M. Not with your sign-manual, you mean. 
 
 Gen. B. I have not affixed that evidence of approval, 
 because pardon might follow penitence. Abjuration of 
 the cause you lately espoused, and allegiance to yonr 
 Government — would you offer this to secure mitigation 
 of sentence ? 
 
36 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 M. My country's cause abjure, her flag disown ! 
 To her invading foe, swear allegiance ! 
 Dumb as the mute rock, may Heaven strike me, 
 E'er these lips pronounce the traitorous words. 
 I have much to live for, but at this price, 
 Life would be a burden, its hopes all dead ; 
 Its smiling fields become a blasted heath, 
 And I a wanderer o'er the desert scene. 
 I've a wife and child to love and cherish ; 
 I've friends, and am not without ambition ; 
 All these — life itself, I will here resign, 
 Rather than for them my honor barter, 
 And the cause of my native land betray. 
 My last prayer shall be that yonder flag, 
 That now floats over this once proud city, 
 May find another hand to haul it down ; 
 And that the stars and bars be rais'd again, 
 To wave in triumph o'er a fre'd people. 
 
 Gen. B. You then reject my offer — the mercy tendered 
 you. Well, you have no one to blame but yourself for 
 the. consequences. Let the prisoner be remanded. Or- 
 derly, send the Adjutant General to me. 
 
 (Enter Col. Strong.) 
 
 Gen. B. (Taking up paper, writing.) I have no alter- 
 native but to approve the finding of the Military Com- 
 mission in Mumford's case. He will have to hang, and 
 I think the sooner, the better — for example's sake. Or- 
 der the necessary preparations, and let him be executed 
 within the next twenty-four hours. {Exit Col. Strong.) 
 (Solus.) He seems to court his doom. He aspires to the 
 patriotism of the old Romans, which in these days 
 nobody but a fool would. 
 
THE TYRANT OF NtVV ORLEANS. 37 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 Beaumont's house. Aug. Beaumont and Maj. Whitley. 
 
 Maj. W. I come to conclude the matter of your son 
 and his young friend. What say you ? 
 
 Aug. B. You said that I had money and valuables se- 
 creted. Whence did you get this information ? 
 
 Maj. W. My dear sir ! nothing can be gained by this 
 inquiry. The fate of these young men is in your hands. 
 Terms have been offered ; will you accept them ? I have 
 come here to act, not to talk. To win your favor to this 
 view I have no argument. It is for you to decide. 
 
 Aug. B. The ransom is too heavy, beyond my means. 
 I am too poor. 
 
 Maj. W. That is for you to decide; (rises to leave) my 
 time is precious. 
 
 Aug. B. The ransom of Rennier you still require? He 
 is only the friend of my son. 
 
 Maj. W. My terms have been made known to you ; I 
 must leave 
 
 (Enter Belle Beaumont.) 
 
 Belle B. I trust that I am not intruding — did you 
 send for me, father ? 
 
 Aug. B. I did not, but am glad you have come. This 
 is my daughter, Maj. Whitley. Do you object to her 
 knowing the object of this interview and its present 
 state ? 
 
 Maj. W. I do not. 
 
 Aug. B. (Addressing his daughter Belle,) Maj. Whit- 
 ley, who is high in authority, proffers to save Eugene 
 and young Rennier, upon cert un terms, viz : that I 
 should pay a large ransom ; all the coin and plate, I am 
 possessed of, a selection from my paintings, and a divis- 
 ion of the cellar. I tell him that young Rennier is only 
 the friend of Eugene, made my guest by the accident of 
 * war, and that obligation does not require me to ransom 
 him. Besides Belle, I am not able to comply with the 
 terms. It would reduce me and my children to poverty. 
 
38 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 I am now too old for such dire calamity, and it would 
 be so cruel to you. Eugene might work his way in the 
 world, but how could you ? 
 
 Belle B. What is your answer to Maj. Whitley ? 
 
 Aug. B. I have given no positive answer, and he is 
 about leaving. 
 
 Belle B. I would say something to father about this, 
 but with your pleasure I would have only his ear. 
 
 Aug. B. (Addressing Maj. Whitley,) Will you walk 
 into another parlor and await our interview ? 
 
 Maj. W. Certainly, sir. 
 
 Exeunt Aug. B. and Maj. Whitley. 
 
 Belle B. (Solus.) If my voice is heeded, the bargain 
 shall be made. Father is loth to pay the ransom, I 
 know. His riches he has himself earn'd, and that makes 
 them more his own ; and to be robbed by duress of this 
 sort is hard, indeed. But if by submitting to this de- 
 mand, poverty should be my fate, I would do it. 
 
 (Enter Aug. Beaumont.) 
 
 Aug. B. Belle, what do you think of this offer of ran- 
 som ? Strange he will not make separate terms for Eu- 
 gene. He insists upon a ransom for Rennier also. Be- 
 sides, I. think it is a most outrageous attempt at extortion. 
 He wants to black-mail me. He don't, in words, say 
 that he knows where my treasure is secreted, but by in- 
 sinuation he would make me believe that he does. I 
 have doubts about this. He has, in my opinion, had 
 Eugene and Rennier arrested merely to extort money 
 from me ; and I have almost made up my mind to take 
 the risks. After all, there may be no trial. The General 
 and Maj. Whitley may be in partnership in this transac- 
 tion. I have strong suspicions that this is the truth. 
 
 Belle B.' If that be so, it makes it so much the worse. 
 With such an understanding between them, there would 
 be little hope of accommodation without complying with 
 their demands. 
 
 Aug. B. But if Eugene is not to be tried, then this 
 ransom will be so much paid for nothing — mere extor- 
 tion — downright robbery, worse than the highwayman, 
 who says, " stand and deliver." There is at least bold- 
 ness in that. The demand amounts, in value, to near 
 one hundred thousand dollars. He excepts part of the 
 paintings and cellar, the least valuable to me. 
 
 Belle B. Father, if you believed that Eugene would 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 39 
 
 be tried, unless you acceded to this arrangement, would 
 you do it ? 
 
 Aug. B. Well, yes ; but, then, it would make me a 
 pauper. Belle, you asked my permission to make an- 
 other appeal to Gen. Butler. It may be that you can at 
 last touch his feelings of pity, and cause him to relent. 
 To save this great sacrifice of property, and consequent 
 poverty, all effort should be exhausted. 
 
 Belle B. I know that such an appeal would avail 
 nothing. 
 
 Aug. B. Then, I fear that there is no hope ; but how 
 do you know this, my child ? 
 
 Belle B. I know it 
 
 Aug. B. But how do you know it ? 
 
 Belle B. I know it well ; I have attempted what 
 You opposed, but that you do now advise. 
 Without your knowledge, alone I have gone, 
 And on bended knee, for mercy pleaded, 
 But with insult, my pray'r was rejected. 
 The presence of the base tyrant I fled, 
 As I would the death-breathing pestilence. 
 O, father ! " he knows no touch of pity," 
 Who now lords it o'er this fallen city ; 
 Sympathy for its people, he feels none ; 
 To compass his ends, crimes most appalling, 
 Murder, even, would be lightly esteem'd. 
 All hope of mercy from your mind dispel ; 
 To move his heart, an angel's tongue would fail. 
 
 Aug. B. I fear 'tis too true. It may be best for me to 
 accept the proffered terms; but why should'I pay ransom 
 for Renriier ? « 
 
 Belle B. No natural tie binds you to do this, but he 
 is brother's friend, and your guest, and that is enough to 
 have his ransom insisted on. 
 
 Aug. B. Well, I will go for Maj. Whitley, and close 
 the bargain. But, Belle, it will be our ruin. I will then 
 be a poor man, and you the daughter of one. Poverty 
 stares us in the face, and the world's charitv will mock 
 at our calamity. \_Exit Aug. Beaumont. 
 
 (Enter Aug. B. and Maj. Whitley.) 
 
 Aug. B. Well, as hard as the bargain is, I have de- 
 cided to accept it. When can they be set free ? 
 
 Maj. W. I will have Rennier here in less than a half 
 hour, and they may pass the lines to-night, if they will. 
 
40 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 Aug. B. Be in haste, then. [Exit Whitley. 
 
 Aug. B. Belle, I am afraid that this is a sad business 
 for us. It will matter little with me, whose life is now 
 a mere point, incapable of measurement ; "but you, my 
 daughter, have long years before you. 
 
 Belle B. Father, say no more. Bewail not my future; 
 I am content. This is the happiest moment of my life. 
 Eugene at liberty, and Clarence Rennier to be — his' com- 
 panion ; to enjoy the fruits of this ransom. This accom- 
 plished, welcome poverty, with all its ills ! 
 
 Aug. B. We must have the means at hand to con- 
 clude the bargain with this extortioner when he returns. 
 But I can shew him the place of deposit ; the premises 
 already being guarded, he can remove things at his 
 pleasure. He will no doubt agree to this. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 A. Beaumont's house. 
 
 Auguste Beaumont, Belle Beaumont, Eugene Beaumont, 
 Clarence Rennier, and Maj. Whitley. 
 
 Maj. W. To prevent suspicion, and secure a safe re- 
 treat, it would be well that they leave the city before 
 dawn of day. But the arrangement is not complete. 
 The consideration coming to me is not delivered, nor 
 placed within my power. This is a condition precedent. 
 
 Aug. B. Come with me. 
 
 [Exeunt Aug. Beaumont and Maj. Whitley. 
 
 Eugene B. As this agreement is already made, I make 
 no objection, tho' I -pould not have advised it. 'Tis true, 
 father has property left sufficient to keep him above 
 want, but he will never take that view of it ; the misery 
 of threatened poverty will, with him, equal the reality. 
 
 Belle B. But, brother, the fate that awaited you would 
 have made him more unhappy. 
 
 Eugene B. Well, I must begin to pack up. 
 
 [Exit Eugene B. 
 
 Clarence Rennier. 
 I have seen thy hand in my deliv'rance ; 
 For this, how can I ever repay thee ? 
 The pledge of my love, thou hast already ; 
 What more in return, can this heart offer ? 
 Speak quick ; time is now on its swiftest wing. 
 Hast thou words to comfort me e'er we part ? 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 4 1 
 
 Without these, my liberty hath no joy. 
 
 Rather would I to prison walls return, 
 
 Than go hence without promise of thy love ; 
 
 That would cheer my heart in this night's journey, 
 
 Ami in all the dark days that may follow ; 
 
 And whene'er the fortunes of war permit, 
 
 Bring me again to thy side; the moments fly — 
 
 Have I thy promise ? 
 
 Belle B. Thy liberty involved my happiness ; this 
 achieved, that may follow, should not the fortunes of war 
 separate us forever. 
 
 Rennier. May Heaven avert the alternative ! 
 My happiness is now complete, but disturb'd, 
 (Strange paradox !) and by one thought only — 
 To leave thee under the cruel tyrant, 
 Whose iron hand this city oppresses. 
 Our parting is thus made doubly painful ; 
 But the dark clouds, which now o'erhang our sky, 
 May soon pass away, and sweet sunshine cheer 
 The hearts of our people with brighter hopes ; 
 Then, may we meet and rob from cruel war, 
 The seal of happiness it how denies. 
 Farewell ! [Exit Rennier. 
 
 Belle B. (Solus.) 
 I may ne'er see him more ; his proud spirit 
 Would his countr'ys wrongs and his own avenge ; 
 To battle's perils he will be expos'd ; 
 And on some bloody field, the fatal ball 
 May speed to his heart, and his life's-blood draw ; 
 Or within gloomy prison walls confin'd, 
 Far from friends, he may pine away and die. 
 Oh ! this cruel war, would that it were o'er ! 
 With its sighs and sorrows — its world of woes ! 
 
 (Enter Aug. Beaumont and Maj. Whitley.) 
 
 Vtaj. W. All is now arranged; this paper will pass the 
 young men through the lines. It has the Commanding 
 General's signature. You have my thanks for your 
 courtesy and kindness. [Exit Maj. Whitley. 
 
 Aug. B. Thanks for courtesy and kindness ! Rob a 
 poor old man, and thank him for the opportunity ! 
 Well, my child, the affair is now ended, and it may be 
 for the best; I hope so. The boys must now get off. 
 
42 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 Headquarters. 
 
 Gen. Butler, Col. Strong, Capt. Davis, and Capt. Bren- 
 
 nan. 
 
 Gen. B. Orderly! (enters orderly) Some brandy and 
 water. (Which he serves — all drink.) 
 
 I have had a hint from Washington that the difficulty 
 with Count Mejan and with these other d — d little con- 
 suls has been made the pretext of my enemies to assail 
 me. But the Government ought to know that these offi- 
 cials have been aiding and abetting the rebels ever since 
 the occupation of the city. It has been my object to put 
 a stop to this ; but if I am interfered with, the fault lies 
 with my superiors. My explanation of the affair to 
 Commissioner Johnston while here, seemed to satisfy 
 him. I shewed him that Count Mejan, indeed nearly 
 every foreign Consul here, had violated the laws of neu- 
 trality. But his case is the most serious of all. He has 
 covered by his flag all manner of illegal and hostile 
 transactions ; connived at the delivery of clothing for the 
 Rebel Army, and removed from the city nearly half a 
 million of specie to supply its wants in the field. These 
 were certainly gross violations of neutrality ; but Pres- 
 ident Lincoln, in his anxiety to avoid complications with 
 foreign powers, may be inclined to yield the point which 
 I made. If so, I have nothing further to say. He is 
 my superior, and the responsibility rests with him. If 
 he permits these representatives of foreign governments 
 to become the allies of the rebels — be it so. 
 
 Col. S. I hardlv think that the President will interfere 
 with you. Thus far, all your acts have been approved 
 at Washington — that is my information. 
 
 Gen. B. Yes ; I have been well supported by the War 
 Department. The rumor, to which I refer, may be un- 
 founded — probably is. 
 
 Have you (addressing Col. Strong) issued the order 
 preventing druggists from furnishing medicines to the 
 Confederate soldiers in the city ? 
 
 Col. S. I have. 
 
 Gen. B. That is right. Such persons must go to our 
 Medical Director, and take the oath of allegiance before 
 being served. Have you all preparations made for the 
 
THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 43 
 
 execution of Mumford, and a sufficient force detailed to 
 prevent a rescue ? I have heard that "the thugs, roughs, 
 rowdies and gamblers have held a meeting and solemnly 
 resolved that he shall not be executed." 
 
 Col. S. All necessary preparations for the occasion 
 have been made. 
 
 (Wife of Mumford and his little daughter announced by 
 card, handed by Orderly.) 
 
 Gen. B. Well, I'll be d — d if the women don't worry 
 me out of my life. Now here comes Mumford's wife 
 and daughter. I can do nothing for them. Bid them 
 come in. (To Orderly.) [Exit Orderly. 
 
 (Enter Mrs. Mumford and daughter.) 
 
 \_Fxit Col. Strong and Staff officers. 
 
 Mrs. Mumford. 
 For the thoughts that rush to my swimming brain, 
 In this sad hour, my tongue hath no utt'rance. 
 In my distress, my own voice I scarce know ; 
 My poor husband is condemned to die ; 
 Bat the manner of his death, to be hanged, 
 As a felon — this pierces his proud heart. 
 To fall beneath the death-dealing volley, 
 Were naught compar'd to this ignominy. 
 Thou art a soldier, and a soldier's pride 
 Feelest ; wilt thou this last request refuse ? 
 No ; if a soldier's pulse throbs in thy veins, 
 It beats in unison with this appeal ; 
 What I ask, surely thou wilt not deny, 
 That he die like a soldier — be not hang'd. 
 His poor orphan child and widow'd mother, 
 Fi-om this altern'tive, would some comfort take ; 
 Wilt thou grant it ? it is all that he asks. 
 
 Gen. B. It is his request, is it ? 
 
 Mrs. M. It is. 
 
 Gen. B. Then, for that reason, it will be denied. Had 
 it been yours only, it might have been considered. But 
 even in that aspect, I can't see the difference to a widow, 
 whether her husband had been hanged or shot. In 
 either event, the opportunity of getting another would 
 be the same. 
 
 Mrs. M. To honor my husband — my children love, 
 To household duties all my time to give, 
 Has been my fondest pride and my glory ; 
 
44 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 More than this to do I have ne'er aspired. 
 
 Favor from those in place and pow'r to seek 
 
 By flattery's arts I am not suited ; 
 
 But an insult to resent, I have strength, 
 
 And the daring to speak the scorn I feel 
 
 For him a helpless woman thus would wound. 
 
 Base as thou hast been, nothing hast thou done, 
 
 With this most wanton insult can compare; 
 
 (Enter Orderly with dispatch, which Gen. B. receives 
 
 and reads.) 
 
 The Savage, with reason's faintest ray endow'd, 
 
 The lowest, meanest of created souls. 
 
 To such degradation hath ne'er fallen ; 
 
 With vengeance by thine enemies pursued ; 
 
 By those, whose favor thou art now courting 
 
 For selfish ends, betrayed and despised, 
 
 May Heaven's with'ring curse be henceforth thine, 
 
 And thy name, in letters of scorn, be graved, 
 
 On history's page, forever to be link'd 
 
 With all that's base and mean in human-kind. 
 
 {Exit Mrs. M. 
 
 Gen. B. My worst fears are realized, and at this hour ! 
 My Government strikes me down, while the curse of that 
 woman is ringing in mine ears. What ! removed from 
 my command ? No — to be relieved by Banks ! The 
 same thing. (Reading dispatch :) 
 
 " The Commanding General has evidently acted un- 
 der a misapprehension, to be referred to the patriotic 
 zeal which governs him, to the circumstances encircling 
 his command, at the time so w.ell calculated to excite 
 suspicion, and to an earnest desire to punish to the ex- 
 tent of his supposed power, all who had contributed, or 
 were contributing, to the aid of a rebellion the most un- 
 justifiable and wicked that insane or bad men ever en- 
 gaged in.'' 
 
 Misapprehension to be referred to patriotic zeal ! In 
 other words, that I am a zealous patriot, but a fool ! 
 That is the English of it. Why, I would rather be 
 charged with want of patriotism than be called a fool ! 
 With all my faults, I have never been called, fool ! 
 Fool ! why I would rather be called knave, thief, liar, 
 cut-throat, any thing — even beast ! And this is my re- 
 ward for service to the country ! What more striking 
 
THE^TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 45 
 
 proof of the ingratitude of Republics ? I, who found 
 this city captured, but not surrendered ; conquered, but 
 not orderly: I, who restored order, punished crime- 
 opened commerce ; fed a starving people ; reformed the 
 currency, and gave protection to all. I, who could have 
 turned over the property of this city to indiscriminate 
 
 " °?1\ the palace of the Em peror of China ; I, who 
 
 could have ordered its sons to have been blown from 
 cannon like the Sepoys of Delhi ; I, who have levied up- 
 on the wealthy rebels, and paid out nearly half a million 
 of dollars to feed 40,000 of the starving poor of all na- 
 tions ; I, who saw that this rebellion was a war of the 
 aristocrats against the middling men, of the rich against 
 the poor, of the land-owners — the slave oligarchy 
 against the laborers, and therefore took the substance of 
 the wealthy to feed the innocent poor ; I, who have 
 cleansed out the streets of this city, its canals and public 
 squares, and demonstrated that the pestilence, by such 
 means, can be kept from its borders ; I, who, by a simple 
 order, brought the women of this city to their senses, 
 and made them treat my officers as gentlemen. I, who 
 have brought to the gallows the traitor Mumford, who 
 tore down our national flag, and trailed it in the dust ; I, 
 who have done all this, and much more, could my mod- 
 esty allow me to make a parade of my public services, 
 am now to be superseded— eased off from this command 
 with^ honeyed words— compliments to my " patriotic 
 zeal," rather than to good sense— "patriotic zeal" having 
 its vent under "misapprehension!" Was there ever such 
 an act of ingratitude ? and such a silly reason given for 
 it ! Misapprehension ! Who the devil is a better judge 
 of the condition of things here than I ? I have always 
 had some credit for brains, an article which I apprehend 
 does not exceed the demand at Washington. Banks ! 
 Who is he ? A little third-rate lawyer— now a General. 
 The country is gone to h— 11, if this is to be the policy ; 
 the Union, the negroes, the armies— every thing ! I en- 
 ter my solemn protest against this proceeding — this at- 
 tempt to degrade me. But I am a soldier, and must 
 obey orders— that is military rule. I have one source of 
 consolation ; it is the fact, that I have turned the current 
 of events here to my own material advantage, and that 
 pricking the bubble, military reputation, does not involve 
 the loss of that which I have laid up for future comfort. 
 And it may be, too, that all in the end may turn out 
 
46 THE TYRANT OF NEW ORLEANS. 
 
 right. I will go to Washington, and present my case in 
 such a light that in spite of the intrigues of enemies, I 
 shall still be able to ride upon the tide that leads on to 
 fortune. v 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 013 760 159 ft 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 013 760 159 A fl