HE WASN'T THERE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 877, 7 February 1879, Page 3

HE WASN'T THERE.

—o— It is by no means well known that Creneral Butler (“ Beast Butler,” the Southerners used to call him) is one of the best raconteurs in America. He suffered severely during the civil war from misrepresentation and calumny ; but he has some good points about him besides that doubtful virtue of an iron will. He tells this thrilling incident of tho war time as having happened to him while in occupation of a certain Southern town : “ News was sent to me one day that one of our men had been murdered by a black man. ‘ Then,’ said I, ‘ let the murderer he seized anil judged.’ But 1 was told that this would lie no easy matter, that he had taken refuge in the ‘ Black ’ quarter of the city, and that the men of his race had sworn to protect him, and they were thousands strong. It would have cost two regiments to have taken them. ‘Then,’ said I, ‘bring me my horse.' I rode down into the black quarter on my charger, and in full uniform, but with not even an orderly in attendance. The people crowded round, more curious than alarmed, and I thus addressed them—- ‘ One of my soldiers—a good soldier—has been foully murdered by a man of color. I am told you are harboring him amongst you. You must give him up.’ They answered not a word. ‘ I will lide up here to morrow,’ I continued, ‘ at noon, alone, as I am to day. The man must be brou .ht to me at this spot. If not, I burn every roof above your heads, and these gutters shall run with blood—black blood. You know me ; my name is Butler,’ and I rode back. The next morning, in spite of many supplications and entreaties on the part of my people, who felt certain that 1 should be killed, I mounted my horse. It was mv duty to the State to save blood if I could ; and if not, to die for it. 1 rode again into the black quarter, which was now silent as the grave ; every street was empty. No sign of life was to be seen. I reached the spot which I had appointed for the surrender of the criminal, and—can you credit it? The nigger was not there.