well of
the North, that the African should be permitted to offer his
block for the temple of freedom. Sentiments unworthy of the
man of the present day--worthy only of another Cain--could
alone prevent such an offer from being accepted.

I would recommend that the cadet graduates of the present
year should be sent to South Carolina and this point to
organize and discipline our African levies, and that the
more promising non-commissioned officers and privates of the
army be appointed as company officers to command them.
Prompt and energetic efforts in this direction would
probably accomplish more toward a speedy termination of the
war, and an early restoration of peace and unity, than any
other course which could be adopted.

"I have the honor to remain, sir,
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. PHELPS, _Brigadier-General._"

This reply was received:

NEW ORLEANS, July 31, 1862.

"GENERAL:--The general commanding wishes you to employ the
contrabands in and about your camp in cutting down all the
trees, &c., between your lines and the lake, and in forming
abatis, according to the plan agreed upon between you and
Lieutenant Weitzel when he visited you some time since. What
wood is not needed by you is much needed in this city. For
this purpose I have ordered the quartermaster to furnish you
with axes, and tents for the contrabands to be quartered in.

"I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

"By order of Major-General BUTLER.

"R. S. DAVIS, Capt. and A. A. A. G.

"To Brigadier-General J. W. PHELPS, Camp Parapet."

General Butler's effort to turn the attention of Gen. Phelps to the law
of Congress recently passed was of no avail, that officer was determined
in his policy of warring on the enemy; but finding General Butler as
firm in his policy of leniency, and knowing of his strong pro-slavery
sentiments prior to the war,--notwithstanding his "contraband" order at
Fortress Monroe,--General Phelps felt as though he would be humiliated
if he departed from his own policy and became what he regarded as a
slave-driver, therefore he determined to resign. He replied to General
Butler as follows:

"CAMP PARAPET, LA., July 31, 1862.