Benjamin Butler

Facts, information and articles about Benjamin Butler, a Civil War General during the American Civil War

Benjamin Butler summary: Benjamin Butler was the sixth child of John Butler who served in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 under Andrew Jackson. Though he was a sympathizer of the south, he served in the Union with one of his main quotes being “I was always a friend of Southern rights but an enemy of Southern wrongs.” He started as a third lieutenant and by 1855 he was a brigadier general.

Benjamin Butler In The Civil War

When it was unclear if Maryland would remain a part of the Union, Butler was sent with some troops from Massachusetts to reopen the lines of communication between Washington DC and the Union states. Butler was known for his eagerness and willingness to take on the role of authority when official instructions were absent. Butler received the assignment as commander in Hampton, Virginia at Fort Monroe. Just before the Battle of First Bull Run, Butler suffered a minor defeat at Big Bethel when a plan was drawn for an operation in both Big Bethel and Little Bethel but Butler did not lead the force himself and that led to criticism after the loss. One of the things which prevented Butler’s removal from military service was that Butler was a political ally of President Lincoln. A reason for his eventual dismissal was what happened at Fort Fisher when he called off the attack even when there were orders by General Grant to do otherwise.

Benjamin Butler After The War

After the war, Benjamin Butler became a member of the House of Representatives from 1867 to 1875 and 1877 to 1879. Butler passed away when attending court in the city of Washington DC. He is buried in Lowell, Massachusetts in the family cemetery of his wife.

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