General Grant says in his "Memoirs":
"I had no idea of General Butler accompanying the expedition
until the evening before it got off from Bermuda Hundred,
and then did not dream but that General Weitzel had received
all the instructions, and would be in command. I rather formed
the idea that General Butler was actuated by a desire to witness
the effect of the explosion of the powder-boat. The expedition
was detained several days at Hampton Roads, waiting the loading
of the powder-boat. The importance of getting the Wilmington
expedition off without any delay, with or without the powder-
boat, had been urged upon General Butler. The powder-boat
was exploded on the morning of the 24th, before the return
of General Butler from Beaufort; but it would seem, from the
notice taken of it in the Southern newspapers, that he enemy
were never enlightened as to the object of the explosion until
they were informed by the Northern press."*
[Footnote]
* "Personal Memoirs, U. S. Grant," p. 604 appendix.
[End of Footnote]
"General Butler, in direct violation of the instructions
given, ordered the reembarkation of the troops and the return
of the expedition.
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