Object Details
associated person
Butler, Benjamin Franklin
Chase, Salmon Portland
maker
unknown
Description
On June 22, 1862, U.S. Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase received this package that came from Union-occupied New Orleans. General Benjamin Butlerr’s wax seals covered the front ensuring that the valuable contents would remain undisturbed. The package contained four engraved steel plates used to print Confederate notes, the South’s financial lifeblood. The loss of those plates, seized after New Orleans fell in late April 1862, was a blow to Confederate sovereignty and solvency. Butler had quickly sent them to Washington, D.C. as trophies.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Treasury Department
date made
1862-06-20
ID Number
NU.35531
catalog number
NU35531
accession number
91728
Object Name
wrapper
Physical Description
paper (overall material)
wax (part material)
Measurements
overall: 9 3/16 in x 15 in; 23.368 cm x 38.1 cm
place made
United States
See more items in
Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
Civil War
Coins, Currency and Medals
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1429418