Perhaps he merely considered Butler a better choice than Ninian W. Edwards whom he utilized on the Chiriqui project.
Ninian Wirt Edwards
In August 1861, Ninian Wirt Edwards was appointed by President Lincoln captain commissary of subsistence, which appointment he held until 22 June 1865.
Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress. Transcribed and Annotated by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College. Galesburg, Illinois.
From Ozias M. Hatch, William Butler, and Jesse K. Dubois to Abraham Lincoln, July 22, 1861
Springfield. Illinois July 22d 1861
Dr Sir.
It is reported in this city, that you have written a letter to Mr Ninian W. Edwards, in which you say, "that as soon as Congress passes the necessary laws, you will appoint him Quarter Master, to be assigned duty and attached to General Fremonts Division." 1 We do not believe that you have written such a letter, although it comes to us upon what, under ordinary circumstances, would be good authority. For several years we have been ferriting out, and exposing, the most stupendous and unprecedented frauds ever perpetrated in this country, by men closely connected with Mr Edwards. The desperate character of this contest, and its results you know as well as we do. Knowing all this we cannot, as we have said, believe it to be true. We wish however to protest against such an appointment, in the most emphatic manner, and do most solemnly protest against it. If appointed we feel assured that he may be an instrument only, in the hands of these men, with Gov Matteson at their head.
[Note 1 Lincoln appointed Ninian Edwards a captain and commissary of subsistence in August 1861.]
We do not charge corruption upon Mr Edwards, but do say from association and circumstances he ought not to be appointed to said office.
Respectfully and Truly Yours,
O. M. Hatch Sec. State.
William Butler Treasurer
Jesse K Dubois Auditor
Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress. Transcribed and Annotated by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College. Galesburg, Illinois.
From Jesse K. Dubois, William Butler, and Ozias M. Hatch to Abraham Lincoln, October 21, 1861
Springfield October 21st 1861
Dr Sir.
As we predicted, Joel A. Matteson, under a contract made with between Ninian W. Edwards commissary on the one part, and Dr Fowler and Mr Gooddell of the other part, is now, in person, furnishing subsistence to the troops at Camp Butler; and claims the right to do so at the other encampments in this state. We again insist that this outrage against common decency be corrected. We protest that Mr Edwards is not, or ought not to be permitted to make such contracts, and we respectfully ask that he be assigned to duty, elsewhere, and be required to contract directly with honest men, and not indirectly with thieves and scoundrels.
Respectfully Your friends
Jesse K Dubois
William Butler
O. M. Hatch
Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress. Transcribed and Annotated by the Lincoln Studies Center, Knox College. Galesburg, Illinois.
From Ninian W. Edwards to Abraham Lincoln, August 9, 1861
Washington City. D. C.
Aug. 9th. 1861.
Dear Sir
I have carefully examined the matters referred to me by the President you--, and set forth in the printed paper hereto attached and have found the general and leading statements set forth in said printed paper fully verified--
The subject has been twice before Congress. An appropriation of $10.000 was made June 22. 1860, to obtain a survey of the harbors, and to ascertain the quantity and quality of coal upon the lands of the Chiriqui Improvement Company, as well as the practicability of connecting the harbors by Railroad--
The evidences are, upon these questions, therefore, documentary -- obtained by the officers of the U. S. government; and published in the Executive documents of Congress -- such evidence as this, I take for granted, may be deemed entirely reliable-- It is contained in a report of the persons who were sent, in pursuance of an act of Congress, to the Isthmus of Chiriqui to examine into and report upon the quality and probable quantity of coal to be found there upon the lands of the Chiriqui Improvement Company; upon the character of the harbors of Chiriqui lagoon and Goljito; upon the practicability of building a rail road across said isthmus, so as to connect said harbor; and generally upon the value of the privileges contracted for in a conditional contract made by the Secretary of the Navy, and Ambrose W Thompson and the Chiriqui Improvement Company--
The report of Commodore Engle declares the harbors to be "great" grand" & incomparable" -- superior in every requisite for naval purposes, to any that are known--
The report of the government geologist Dr Evans, shows that the coal is inexhaustible in quantity, while the analysis of it by Dr Jackson -- a well known geologist of Boston, proves its quality to be of the best kind, and highly desirable for steam purposes--
The report of the Surveyor, Lieut. Morton, declares that a railroad is entirely practicable--
The titles have heretofore undergone examination-- In the documents of Congress all the evidences seem to have been produced -- and these shew them to be perfect-- The Minister Plenipotentiary from New Grenada to the United States has given an official certificate, under the seal of his Legation that they are "authentic and as such entitled to full faith and credit"
...yada...yada...yada...
Yada, yada, yada indeed. Where in there was the forced deportation of anyone mentioned?