Page "Benjamin Franklin Butler (politician)" Paragraph 14

Butler censored New Orleans newspapers.

When editor of the Commercial Bulletin William Seymour asked Butler what would happen if the newspaper ignored his censorship, an angry Butler reportedly stated " I am the military governor of this state — the supreme power — you cannot disregard my order, Sir.

By God, he that sins against me, sins against the Holy Ghost.

" When Seymour published a favorable obituary of his father, who had been killed serving in the Confederate army in Virginia, Butler confiscated the newspaper and imprisoned Seymour for three months.

He also closed The Picayune when it ran an editorial that he found offensive.

Historian John D. Winters wrote that most of the newspapers " were allowed to reopen later but were so rigidly controlled that all color and interest were drained away " and that churches that planned a special day of prayer and fasting for the Confederacy were forbidden from doing so.

Several clergymen were placed under arrest for refusing to pray for President Lincoln.

The Episcopal churches were closed, and their three ministers were sent to New York City under military escort.