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Union Troopers Confiscate The Silverware Of Two Ne

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A truly historic New Orleans related Yankee quartermaster document in which two local residents claim that "Spoons" Butler's troopers seized their silverware, 5pp. 4to., document, "Office Chief Quartermaster, Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, May 14, 1863 concerning the return of seized silverware and gold owned by Mr. John Bronson, Jr. and Madame Fusilier which were stored in the same trunk on Bronson's plantation and was confiscated after Union troops occupied the area in 1862, reading, in part: "…the board appointed met…and proceeded to the examination of the chest and trunk…the following is a list of all the property which was found belonging to Mr. John Bronson…1 silver tea pot…1 Doz. large silver spoons (pointed handles)…1 Doz. large silver tea spoons…1 silver goblet…the following etc., etc., belonging to Madame Fusilier…2 Doz. Large silver spoons gothic style rd. hdls…4 sugar spoons…the following…was not found…1 Gentleman's Gold Hunting Watch…1 ladies Gold Hunting Watch…". Endorsements on the verso read, in part: "…[New Orleans, Jan. 14, 1864]…John Bronson Jr. complains that some soldiers…took a trunk containing silver ware from a plantation & requests that it may be restored…[Office of the Qr. Master, Jan. 16]…respectfully referred to Capt. T. W. McClure…who will report if there are any facts…why this silver should not be returned. By order of Col. Holabird…[Office Asst. Qr. Master, Jan. 20, 1864]…I have the honor to report that this report is a true copy…I know of no reason why Mr. Bronson's [silver] should be detained…I do not know him nor the part or action…he has taken in the war. The silver of Md. Fusilier I think should not be returned…she has…six sons in the Rebel army…[finally the case is resolved]…recommend that the applicant give the Provost Marshal bonds of $1000 for loyal behavior and receive his silver. S. R. Holabird…". A great document showing that "Spoons" Butler was doing all he could to live up to his hated nickname. Near fine.

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