The New York Times
May 27, 1861
Slaves Contraband of War.—Gen. Butler appears to be turning his legal education, to good account, in the construction of the law in reference to articles that are contraband of war. Three negroes, having escaped into Fort Monroe, he set them at work on the fortifications, and when demanded by an F. F. V., he replied that they were contraband of war, for the reason that they might be employed by the enemy, for the service to which he had assigned them. We believe the General did so far modify his refusal, as to offer to give up the negroes, providing their owner would take the oath to support the Constitution of the United states! All this, upon the Sacred Soil of Virginia! We think the people of the State will find the General a match for them in more ways than one.