Major General Benjamin Franklin Butler (1818-1893) of Massachusetts, a graduate of Waterville (later Colby) College, was a criminal attorney, a national political figure and a "political general" during the Civil War.

He earned several unflattering nicknames: "Spoons" for alleged theft of some silverware, and "Beast" for his administration in federally-occupied New Orleans.

Butler was controversial throughout the war, and though intelligent and a good lawyer, was not a successful or talented military officer.

His photograph is from a collection of card photographs belonging to Abner R. Small, a soldier in the 20th Maine volunteer infantry.