Proclamation, 1 May 1862 (litho)

Institutes "the administration of Law Martial" in New Orleans, two days after it was surrendered to the Union. Terms include respect for the United States flag, punishment for aiding Confederates, harsh treatment for crimes against Federal, prohibition of public gatherings. "The armies of the United States came here not to destroy but to make good, to restore order out of chaos, and the government of laws in place of the passions of men." Benjamin Franklin Butler (1818-1893) was a Union major general who became the military governor of New Orleans. His government was effective, but often criticized for being too harsh. He was removed from this office in December 1862 and returned to action in the field.