Benjamin F. Butler Writes Judge Kinsman In Egypt About Estate For Sale

Offering a one-page 8 x 10 letter signed by BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, former U.S. Army major general during the Civil War, to International Court Judge J. BURNHAM KINSMAN in Alexandria, Egypt, regarding progress in adjudicating the estate of John Abbott. Written on Butler’s law office stationary, January 14th, 1886, he writes:

“You will remember I sent you some papers in reference to the Estate of the late John Abbott which has been put in the hands of the British Consul for adjudication. Will you kindly write me fully if possible what has been done in the matter by the Consul or yourself or both in that regard, and also what you think may be done. Everybody well here. Prentiss said he would send you the papers as he had opportunity. Why don’t you take a paper regularly, say a weekly. Perhaps I will answer that question by having the Weekly Star sent you...Benj F. Butler”

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BUTLER (November 5, 1818 – January 11, 1893) was a major general in the Union Army, politician, lawyer and businessman from Massachusetts. Butler is also known for his leadership role in the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson. He was noted for his lack of military skill and his controversial command. He freed slaves during the war and designated them as contraband of war. Butler was dismissed from the Union Army after his failures in the First Battle of Fort Fisher, but soon won election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

As a Radical Republican, he considered President Johnson’s Reconstruction agenda as too weak and advocated for harsher punishments for former Confederates. He served as lead prosecutor among house impeachment managers. He also co-authored the landmarks Civil Rights Act of 1875.

JOSIAH BURNHAM KINSMAN (1824 – 1912) received a degree at Harvard University and entered into the law practice of Benjamin F. Butler and continued his practice until the Civil War when he became a volunteer Aide-de-Camp on Butler’s staff. For his meritorious service, President Lincoln commissioned him as a lieutenant colonel. He conducted a successful expedition and captured the city of Thibodeauxville in southwestern Louisiana, rescuing Union citizens. During his expedition from New Orleans to Mississippi, he captured the noted Rebel steamer “Gray Cloud,” afterward renamed “Kinsman.” He discovered and captured $800,000 in silver from the enemy and was promoted Colonel, Brigadier-General and Major General of Volunteers. After leaving New Orleans, he was actively engaged in other service, including different capacities at home and abroad.

Folds, light toning. Overall excellent condition. Cover included.

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