Butler became the captain of a cavalry troop in the Mississippi Territory Militia in 1810. he purchased land in Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, settling there in 1811.
Butler was elected as a member of the Democratic-Republican Party to the 15th United States Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Thomas B. Robertson.
Following his tenure in the United States House of Representatives, Butler was appointed special judge of the third judicial district in 1822 and 1840.
Butler also ran as a candidate in the 1828 Louisiana gubernatorial election, placing second and receiving over 21% of the popular vote.
[4] This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress