Why was Benjamin butler important in the Civil War

When it was unclear if Maryland would remain a part of the Union, Butler was sent with some troops from Massachusetts to reopen the lines of communication between Washington DC and the Union states. Butler was known for his eagerness and willingness to take on the role of authority when official instructions were absent. Butler received the assignment as commander in Hampton, Virginia at Fort Monroe. Just before the Battle of First Bull Run, Butler suffered a minor defeat at Big Bethel when a plan was drawn for an operation in both Big Bethel and Little Bethel but Butler did not lead the force himself and that led to criticism after the loss. One of the things which prevented Butler’s removal from military service was that Butler was a political ally of President Lincoln. A reason for his eventual dismissal was what happened at Fort Fisher when he called off the attack even when there were orders by General Grant to do otherwise.