“Thank you, General,” returned Farragut. “I should be glad to be here could I feel that I have not left unfinished my work behind me.”
“Vicksburg then is still untaken?”
“I regret to answer, yes. But you are making progress here. You have begun a good work. I notice that the streets are being cleaned.”
“The condition of things demanded it,” returned Butler. “The quality of the climate is pernicious and wasting enough without having to brave the terror of yellow fever. It has been in self-defense.”
“It takes a strong hand to rule the city, does it not?”
“A strong hand? Yes. I am subjected to all sorts of abuse for my tyranny, as they call it; but this one measure the strongest rebel among them must approve. In time perhaps they will see the need of all. My administration may be vigorous, but of one thing rest assured: So long as Benjamin F. Butler stays in New Orleans the city shall acknowledge the absolute and unquestioned supremacy of the United States.”
“There is no doubt but that she will with you at the helm,” said the Admiral. “General, do you know a man by the name of Archer?”
“John Archer?” asked the General, giving a quick glance at him. “Well, to any one else, Admiral, I should dissemble; but to you I will say, yes. Why?”
“This girl,” pushing Jeanne forward, “has brought messages, papers, or something of that nature for him from New York City: I thought that perhaps you could arrange a meeting with him for her. After that she has an uncle in the city whom she wishes to find.”
“This girl?” General Butler eyed Jeanne keenly. “Rather young for a messenger, isn’t she?”