American Historical Ephemera & Photography

A group of 3 documents associated with General Benjamin F. Butler's initial takeover and occupation of the city of New Orleans, comprising: autograph letter signed by John Wilson Shaffer, as Colonel & Chief Quartermaster, 29 May 1862, appointing Captain P.F. Edey as Harbor Master and Captain of the Port of New Orleans; autograph letter signed by John Wilson Shaffer, as Quartermaster, 30 May 1862, directing Captain Edey to disperse troops around the city of New Orleans; a manuscript order signed by US Engineer and Assistant Military Commandant Godfrey Weitzel, on Head Quarters Military Commandant of New Orleans letterhead, 23 August 1862, authorizing the "immediate possession of the office City ire Alarm Telegraph, with all the apperatus [sic] appertaining therto  [sic].... " 

[With:] Additional documents related to the occupation of New Orleans and Union troop activity in Louisiana: 1 September 1863 document from the Office of Supervising Special Agent of the Treasury Department, New Orleans, itemizing the property confiscated from H.F. Wade of New Orleans, "Capt of Louisiana Battery, Rebel army." -- 21 November 1863 Special Orders authorizing officers and enlisted men of the 165th NY Volunteers to proceed to New York for recruiting duties. -- 13 January 1864 letter on Quartermaster General's Office letterhead related to the seizure of cotton and produce by the late Captain of the 52nd MA near New Iberia, Louisiana. -- 27 April 1865 receipt accounting for the purchase of 9 ambulances, with payment from Captain John McClure received at New Orleans. -- 13 September 1865 request from Capt. H.K. Southwick, Co. M, 11th US Colored Heavy Artillery, to be discharged in New Orleans. -- Two soldier's letters written from New Orleans, one describing conditions in New Orleans and troop movements during the lead up to Port Hudson, and another describing the sentiment of "refugees" from the state of Texas as Union Troops prepare to depart for that state.

[Also with:] A brief, unsigned Union letter written on an attractive Civil War lettersheet showing a view of "City-Hall of New Orleans" by Louis Schwartz, 28 Chartre Street.

[Also with:] Scarce Louisiana Militia commission appointing William E. Gordon ist Lt. Co. C 3rd regiment 1st Brigade Ist Division Louisiana Militia, 31 October 1861. After capture at the surrender of New Orleans in 1862, Gordon took the Federal Parole and became a captain in the "River Guard Police," a group whose purpose was to stop insurgents in the river and surrounding lake after General Butler took control of the city.

Conditions of documents vary but generally good with expected wear, age, toning, and creasing, given age, and occasional repairs, spotting, and tears.