After union forces captured New Orleans early in the US civil war, General Benjamin Butler was appointed as military governor of the city. Many union trops were stationed there. The southern men refrained from any negative actions against the troops, since it would get them in big trouble. However, the ladies figured they could get away with it, and would do such as make nasty comments to the union soldiers on the street. Butler knew about this, but tolerated it. But when he heard about a woman dumping her chamber pot on the head of a union officer, they'd crossed the line. He then issued Order No. 28:
As the officers and soldiers of the United States have been subject to repeated insults from the women (calling themselves ladies) of New Orleans, in return for the most scrupulous non-interference and courtesy on our part, it is ordered that hereafter when any female shall, by word, gesture or movement, insult or show contempt for any officer or soldier of the Untied States, she shall be regarded and held liable to be treated as a woman of the town plying her avocation.
When he heard about it, President Lincoln laughed, but ordered it rescinded.
As the officers and soldiers of the United States have been subject to repeated insults from the women (calling themselves ladies) of New Orleans, in return for the most scrupulous non-interference and courtesy on our part, it is ordered that hereafter when any female shall, by word, gesture or movement, insult or show contempt for any officer or soldier of the Untied States, she shall be regarded and held liable to be treated as a woman of the town plying her avocation.
When he heard about it, President Lincoln laughed, but ordered it rescinded.
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