First. When, in the earlier days of the Rebellion, there
was a doubt whether the Democratic Party would rally to the
support of the country, he promptly offered his services.
His example was of great importance in determining the question
whether the war of sections was also to be a war of parties.
He had a large clientage, especially among that class of Irish
Americans who were apt in Massachusetts to vote with the Democratic
Party. His conduct so far was in honorable contrast with
that of some of his influential political associates, and
that of some of the old Whigs who never got over their chagrin
at the success of the Republican Party.
Second. When the question what would be the treatment of
the negroes by the commanders of the Union army was doubtful,
and when many persons wished to conciliate the old slaveholders
in the border states by disclaiming any purpose of meddling
with the institution of slavery, General Butler made a bright
and important contribution to the discussion by declaring
the negro "contraband of war." I do not know whether this
phrase was original with him or no.
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