If General Butler had convened a military court or commission, as he should have done, and had obtained a conviction, as he would have obtained one, he would not have subjected the United States to the judgments which were rendered finally.
Boutwell reflects on the legal implications of General Butler's actions during the Civil War.
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If others depart from this rule in their dealings with us, we may be compelled to follow their precedent.
The gratitude of his countrymen rebuked all rivalries.
There was never in his career any ostentatious display of power, never any exercise of wanton or unnecessary authority.
I believe now, as I did then, that it was for the best interests of this country, for the people of Santo Domingo, and all concerned, that the proposition should be received favorably.
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