First, Butler conducted a census in which 4,000 respondents failing to pledge loyalty to the Union were banished and their property seized. It was sold at ridiculously low auction prices, with, what was later termed “The Butler Mafia,” often being the only, or prime buyer. Next the general sent expeditions into the countryside with no military purpose other than to confiscate cotton from residents assumed to be disloyal. Once brought into New Orleans, the cotton would be similarly sold in rigged auctions. To maintain correct appearances, auction proceeds were dutifully held for the benefit of “just claimants,” but the Butler consortium still ended up owning the cotton at bargain prices. Always “inventive of new terminology” to achieve his ends, Butler sequestered, and then made vulnerable
