The life and military services of Lieut.-General Winfield Scott : including his brilliant achievements in the War of 1812, in the Mexican War, and the pending War for the Union

Front matter

i

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SCOTT.

THE LIFE

Preface

The life of a public man is a leaf of History It is a leaf, also, in which minute facts and particular causes and personal transactions are brought out in such strong relief, as to have the effect of a picture, taken from the Great World, but viewed, as we view small portions of the firmament, through telescopic glasses.

Such lives are essential elements in the great picture of Humanity in action, of which the historian is the painter, and whose canvass must contain the portraits of men, as well as the pictured story of events, the memorials, and the movement of nations. We must see the heads of the actors, as well as the great moral of the actions, which together compose the drama of human society.

The life of General Winfield Scott is such an element in the recent History of the American people. It cannot be separated from the great American action. Men may take what view of

IV PREP'ACE.

him, or the acts in which he was engaged, they please; bat some view they must take. Those acts were no trifling parts, nor performed in an unimportant period of American progress. They commenced in the agitations which (excited by European aggressions) preceded the war of 1812. They were brilhant points on the battle-fields of Niagara, the most glowing and exciting scenes of that war. They moved on from the peace of 1815 to the Indian war of 1832, on our western frontier. They made part in the dramatic and deeply-interesting scenes at Charleston, in the year of nullification ; in the removal of the Cherokees beyond the Mississippi ; and in the pacification of the Maine boundary. In the recent conquest of Mexico, the campaign commencing with the siege of Vera Cruz, and terminating in the surrender of the capital, has few, if any, parallels in military history. In all these scenes, whether of war or peace, the acts of Winfield Scott cannot be separated from history ; and he, like iEneas, (though with better fortune,) was an observed and important actor in the drama of his country.

What opinions of these historical acts an individual, party, or sect may have formed, is not the business of the historian to inquire. His duty, like that of the true painter, is to place the linea-

PREFACE.

ments of a public character on record, where thej may be seen by all observers, and left andisfigured to the final judgment of posterity. This duty, the writer has undertaken to perform with strict fidelity. The records of the country happily furnish the foundation for most of his statements; the testimony of eminent and honorable gentlemen, themselves actors in some of the scenes described, furnishes other materials ; and, finally, the papers and narratives of private persons, make up an aggregate of fact and evidence, amply sufficient to satisfy the demands of Truth, Justice, and History.

These facts the writer has undertaken to compose in a clear method, an easy narrative, and, as far as he has the ability, an agreeable style. Beyond this he does not seek to go. He would neither exaggerate the objects m his picture, nor add a coloring beyond the hues of nature. Nor has he need ; for the battle-fields of Niagara, the exciting crisis in which civil war threatened to burst out in the streets of Charleston, the brilliant battles in the valley of Mexico, the thrilling events of the entire campaign there, and the civil arrangements made which have conferred so much glory upon our country, and so much honor and credit upon the distin-

VI PPwEFACE.

guished subject of this Memoir, have interest enough, without any distorted figures drawn by the pen of Fancy.

In fine, the author has desired to make a volume of authentic and unimpeachable history. As such, it wiU be, at least, a small contribution to public instruction : it may be some testimony to the glory of that country from whose records it has been chiefly taken. It will aid the historian, who in future time shall wish to fill up his shining page with the actors and action of our days.

This volume has been brought down to June, 1861. At this point, we leave the distinguished subject of this Memoir in command of the national army in the Great Rebellion. Already two great points are gained : the defence of the Capital, and the whole line of the Potomac. Here we leave him, without any attempt to draw the veil from the Future. These Memoirs are already filled with the greatest interest and the most momentous events. We commit them to the American people, in whose service Scott has been so long, so honorably, and so successfully engaged.

E. D. M.

CixciXNATT, July \tll^ 1861.

Chapter I

Period succeeding the American Revolution. — Causes of the War of 1812. — Its effects on Americi n Independence. — Fruits of Peace Pa«e 13

CHAPTER IL

1786 TO 1808.

Scott's Parentage. — E<lucalion. — Early Character. — Choice of a Profession, — Entrance into the Army. — Political Oinuions 20

Chapter III. 1808 To 1812

Scott is transferred to Louisiana. — His Persecution by Wilkinson. — Is tried by a Court-^Iartial and suspended. — Pursues his Military Studies. — Acta as Judge-Advocate 25

Chapter IV. 1812

Commencement of the War. — State of the Niagara Frontier. — Scott joins the Army on the Niagara Frontier, and aids in a gallant Enterprise.— Battle of Queenstovvn Heights.— Flag of Truce. — Surrender. — Scott's singular Adventure with two Indian Chiefs.— Funeral of Brock 33

Chapter V. 1812

Reflections on the Principles of tho American Government.— The captured Irishmen.— Scott's Interlerence in their behalf. — 'I^eir joyful Interview with him.— His Efforts with the Government.— Letter of Lord Bathurst. —Mr. Monroe's Report.— Mr. Hanson's Speech. — Reflections on the whole 50

CHAPTER VL

1813.

Capture of York and Death of Pike.— Scott joins the Army as Adjutant- General. — Battle and Capture of Fort George.— Pursuit of the Enemy. — Anecdote. — Scott'« Magnanimity 77

VIU CONTENTS.

Chapter VII. 1813

British Attack on Sacketts Harbor,— Capture of Chandler and Winder. — Surrender of Boerslier.— Scott's Promotion. — Plan of the Campaign.— Scott at Fort George.— His Departure for the St. Lawrence. — He commands the Advance in the Descent of the St. Lawrence. — Retreat of the Army. — Reflections on the Campaign Page 84

CHAPTER VIIL

1814.

Formation of the Camp of Instruction at Buffalo. — Opening of the Campaign. — Passage of the Niagara. — Skirmish witli the Marquis of Tweedale. — Position of the Armies. — Battle of Chippewa.— Its Consequences. —British Views 99

Chapter IX. 1814

American Army crosses the Chippewa.— Demonstration towards Burlington Heights. — Battle of Niagara. — Scott wounded and disabled 121

Chapter X. 1814

Retreat of the American Army. — Drummond besieges Fort Erie — Assault of the Britisli on Fort Erie. — Sortie of the Americans from Fort Erie. — Retreat of the British Army. — Close of the Campaign 135

CHAPTER XL

1814 TO 1817.

Scott's Journey from Niagara to Philadelphia. — Is received at Princeton with Honors, by the Faculty and Students of Nassau Hall.— Receives the Honorary Degree of Master of Arts.— Pleasing Incident at Commencement. — Scott's M)urney to Europe. — Is intrusted with Diplomatic Functions.— Correspondence with Kosciusko. — His Marriage 142

CHAPTER XIL

Scott's Promotions. — Resolution of Congress.— Presentation of the Medal by President Monro« . — Inscription. — Resolutions of Virginia. — Scott's Correspondence with Governor Nicholas. — Resolutions of New York.— Presentation of a Sword, and the Address, by Governor Tompkins. — Scott a Member of the Cincinnati 151

CONTENTS. ix

CHAPTER XIII.

General Jackson's Order of 1817.— Reflections.— The Anonymous Letter. — Correspondence of Scott and Jackson.— Implication of Clinton. — The true Facts. — Reconciliation of Scott and Jackson. — Scott's Notice of his Death Page 165

CHAPTER XIV.

1821 TO 1832.

Scott writes the 3Iilitary Institutes.— Prepares Reports on Tactics. — His Essay on Temperance. — Obtains Admission to the Military Academy for the Sons of General Paez. — Correspondence with General Paez. — Controversy on Brevet Rank. — Goes to Europe 179

CHAPTER XV.

1831 TO 1832.

Indian Character. — Village of the Sacs.— Origin of the Black-Hawk War.— Progress of the War. — Its Termination. — Scott sails with the Troops from Buffalo. — Progress of the Asiatic Cholera. — Sufferings of Scott's Trooiis. — Scott's Kindness in Sickness. — Indian Council at Rock Island. — Ke-okuck.— Indian Scenes. — Indian Dances.— Indian Treaties 197

CHAPTER XVI.

1828 TO 1832.

General Scott ordered to Charleston.— Tariff of 18-28, — Colleton Meeting. — Resistance to the Laws proposed. — 3IcL)uftie's Speech. — St. Helena Resolution. — Germ of Nullification. — Major Hamilton's Speech at Walterborough.— Nullification. — Resolutions of the South Carolina Legislature. — J. C. Calhoun's Letter from Fort Hill. — Judge Smitli's Answer at Spartanburg.— Union Party.— Convention.— Ordinance of Nullification. —Governor Gayle. — State Resolutions. — General Jackson's Proclamation. — Troojis ordered to Charleston.— General Scott's Orders.— Scott's Arrangements. — Test Oath.— Night Scene in Charleston.— Conduct of the Army and Navy. — Fire in Charleston and Incidents. — Scott's Correspondence 2i»

CHAPTER XVIL

Commencement of the Florida War. — Description of the Seminoles. —

Character of Osceola. — Battle of Wythlacooche.— Massacre of Dade's

Command. — General Scott ordered to command the Army of Florida.—

Plan of the Campaign.— Its Termination. — Meeting of the Troops at

X CONTEJfTS.

Tampa Bay. — Expeditions. — Sickness of the Anny. — Retreats of the Indians. — Description of Florida. — The Hammock. — The Everglades. — Scott's Report.— The Manner of his Recall.— Demands a Court of Inquiry. — Meeting of the Court.— His Speech. — Opinion of the Court.— Mr. Biddle's Speech in Congress. — Scott invited to a Public Dinner in Ne\^ York. — He declines. — His Letter. — Asks to command the Arra> ic Florida, and is refused Page 259

CHAPTER XVIII.

1837-1839.

Troubles on the Niagara Frontier.— Patriot Excitement.— Attack on the Caroline.— General Scott ordered to the Niagara. — Is accompanied by Governor Marcy. — Scott's Pleasures. — He harangues the People. — Exciting Adventure with the Barcelona. — He maintains Peace. — He is complimented at Albany. — Toasts 287

CHAPTER XIX.

1838.

Cherokee Controversy. — Measures for Removal.— General Scott ordered to command the Troops. — Ilis Arrangements.— General Order. — Address to the Indians. — Enrolment for Removal.— Indian Encampment.— Scott's Humane Care.— He is ordered again to the North. — Reflections. — Dr. Channing's Eulogy 299

CHAPTER XX.

1839.

Scott again on the Northern Frontier.— Maine Boundary Question.— Its Origin. — Scott's Reception by Governor Everett. — Proceedings of the State of Maine.— Scott's Arrival and Reception at Augusta.— Remarl'js in Congress in Anticipation of War.— Mr, Van Buren's Message.— The "Memorandum."— EtJect of the " Memorandum" in Maine.— Governor Fairfield's Message.— Resolutions of the Legislature.— Former Friendship of Scott and Harvey.— Interesting Anecdote.— Correspondence of Scott and Harvey.— Scott's " Memorandum."— Termination of the Difficulties.— Treaty made by Daniel Webster 319

CHAPTER XXL

1839 TO 1845.

Scott presented for the Presidency in 1839.— W^hig Convention of 1839.— Scott's Vote,— Scott is made Commander of the Army.— His Letter in Ansvirer to Queries.— His Letter to the Dayton Committee in 184-2.— His Letter on Slavery in 1843.— His Letters on the Question of Peace and War.— Biography defined.— This a Work of History.— GrowUi and Prospects of the American Nation SO

CONTENTS. XI

CHAPTER XXII. 1846, 1847.

General Scott ordered to Mexico in May, 184G. — Correspondence witli the Secretary of War. — Reasons why he did not go. — Again ordered in November.— Letter of tlie Secretary of War. — Departs for the Brazos. — Siege and Capture ot Vera Cruz. — March of the Army into the Interior. — Battle of Cerro Gordo. — Army enters Puebla Page 359

CHAPTER XXIII.

1846-1848.

Entrance of the American Army into Puebla. — Strength of the Army. — Scott's Procla.mation.— His humanity. — ."Mission of Trist. — Reasons for remaining at Puebla. — Reinforcements.— Drilling.— Concentration ot the Army. — Its Divisions. — March. — Pass of Rio Frio. — Position of the Army on the 13th of August. — Reconnaissance of El Penon. — Turning of Lake Chalco.— Position of the Army on the 18th of August 393

CHAPTER XXIV. 1850.

Mexican Line of Defences. — Position of the American Army. — Battle of Contreras. — Rout of the Mexicans. — Recapture of the BuenaVista Guns. — Battle of Churubusco. — Storm of the Tete du Pont. — Defeat of the Mexicans. — Truce.— Trist's Negotiations.— Their Failure 411

CHAPTER XXV.

Description of the Defences of Mexico.— Of Molino del Rey.— Of Chapultepec. — Battle of Molino del Ray. — Storm of Chapultepec— Capture of Mexico. — Entrance into the City. — Scott's Address.— Insurrection of the Leperos. — Scott's Ordera. — Police Regulations 438

CHAPTER XXVL Relative Loss of the American and Mexican Armies. — Plan of the Campaign. — Its Consequences.— Fruits of Victory. — Acquisitions of Territor}\ — Scott's Uniform Success. — His Sagacity.— Cass's Speech 401

CHAPTER XXVIL Scott's Ideas of Military Occupation.— His Civil Administration.— Gathers Statistics. — Reports on the Coinage. — Prepares to occupy the Country. — Secret Service Fund. — His Accounts. — Military Asylum.— Correspondence with the Archbishop of Mexico. — Military Controversy.— Court of Inquiry. — Suspended from his Command. — Returns Home 475

CHAPTER XXVIIL General Scott's Return. — His Reception at New York. — Arrangements of the Council. — Military Processic n.— Address o^ the IMayor and Aldermen.— His Replies.— Presentation of a Medal.— Scott's Return to W'ashington. — His public Honors. — His public and private Cliaracter 493 ill

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXIX.

1852-1861.

General Scott's Nomination to the Presidency.— The Election.— Causes of his Defeat.— Brevetted Lieutenant-General. — A Ketired List.— Mission to Vancouver's Island. — Opinion of the Southern Defences.— Defence of Washington.— Plan of the Campaign Page 515

Apvendix 537

LlFii

OF

GENERAL WINFIELD SCOfT.

Chapter I

Period succeeding the American Revolution. — Causes of the War of 1812 — Its effects on American Independence. — Fruits of Peace.

The Life of General Winfield Scott extends over the period from the adoption of the American Constitution to the present time. It is a period memorable in events — remarkable for its social changes — splendid in the dramatic exhibition of great historical actions, and curious to the student of human nature, as a continual development of new and various forms of intellectual growth and political arrangements. It can scarcely be touched upon, even in the life of an individual, without calling up some of those strange scenes which, in the half century succeeding the American Revolution, surprised both the actor and the beholder. Whether we dwell upon the rough incidents of war, or the gentle arts of peace, the mind will — in however small a degree — recall something of the fearful shock

14 EFFECTS OF THE REVOLUTION.

which once attended the controversy of nations ; some* thing of tlie glory which once, wrapt in garments of blood, rolled over the battle-fields ; something of those benign inventions, which accompanied the returning chariot of commerce ; and something of the pleasant and the beautiful in the progress of human reformations.

The war of the American Revolution did not end with the treaty of peace. The conflict of arms continued in Europe, and the clangor of battle was heard across the Atlantic, like the thunders of a retreating storm. The French Revolution succeeded the American, and carried the overthrow of government and the destruction of established institutions to such an extreme issue, that the idea of political reformation on one hand, and the dread of a fearful change on the other, agitated and convulsed the populations of the civilized world. •

In America, the Revolution had established a just and noble independence for the once colonized subjects of England ; but it had also' left them with the debt of a long war to provide for,^ with much of the spirit of insubordination,^ with commerce in a great measure destroyed, and with separate states unconsolidated by national institutions.^ Several years elapsed before the Constitution was formed,'* and law firmly established under the happy administration of Washington. Even then the fires of war were not wholly extinguished. They broke out anew on the northwestern frontier, in fresh conflicts with the tribes

* The public debt of the United States was, in 1791, $75,463,467. See Shay's Insurrection in Massachusetts.

General Washington's Letter to the Governors of States, June, 1783. The Constitution was formed in 1787, and went into operation on the 4th of March, 1789, six years after the ooace.

THE NEW PRINCIPLE OF GOVERNMENT 15

of the Ohio and the Wabash. The spirit of civihzation was again encountered by the retreating warriors of barbarism. The red chiefs of the forest parted with bitter strife from that solemn wilderness in which they so long had wandered, whose wild liberty they so long had cherished, whose homes and graves they so long had loved. They were impelled, if not instigated, by hopes or promises of European assistance.* The region of the Miamis was the scene of a fierce war. Battles were fought and lost by the new republic ; and it was not till the victory of Wayne, that the supremacy of the whites was established in the valley of the Ohio — its rich lands and delightful climate opened to the possession of emigrants — and Christian civilization left free to fill with cities, with cultivated fields, and humanizing arts, the broad plains and verdant vales, extending from the ridge of the Alleghanies to the Andes of the North.

The Constitution of the United States of North America is at once the true basis of the American nation, and the most splendid monument to its political genius. Unlike the constitutions which were subsequently formed in Europe and in some parts of America, it remains permanent. Unlike other governments also of either ancient or modern times, its principle is, the consent of the governed, and not the power of the governor. It places no restraint upon either the political action or utterance of the people. Hence their minds are free to follow, in regard to either foreign or domestic policy, the dictates of reason, or interest, or passion or ])rejudice ; and to pursue, wherever it may lead, that wild and fierce spirit of liberty, (as some conservative

* See Washington's Letter to Mr. Jay, dated 30tli August, 1794.

16 NEUTRAL POLICY OF WASHINGTON.

minds have thought it,) which has agitated but never disunited the American nation.

Succeeding the formation of the American Constitution, was a rapid succession of dramatic historical acts, from whose vivid and often terrible scenes the excited imaginations of men can scarcely yet be withdrawn. The spirits of revolution and anti-revolution, represented in the French and English nations, struggled for mastery on the continent of Europe, and moved the social waters of the Christian world. They sought for allies in the bosom of every other nation. They flattered or threatened, bribed or destroyed, whatever other governments or nations stood in the way of their dominion. One wielded the empire of the ocean, the other that of the land.

Far over the western seas, as were the United States, yet they could not wholly escape the consequences of such a collision between such mighty forces. Efforts were made to draw them into alliances on the one hand and on the other. England appealed to America by the strong argument of consanguineous kindred, and France, by services rendered in the hour of adversity, and friendships kindled in the season of youth. Both were arguments acknowledged and appeals felt, by large portions of the people of the United States. The neutral policy was, however, preferred, lest we should be involved in controversies alien to the republican principles of the government ; and it was further commended by the potential voice of the Father of kii$ Country.^

The European nations had, since the Christian era, been without any example of the permanent stability and

* See "Washington's Farewell Address, and other pubHc document*

CAUSES OF THE WAR OF 1812. 17

widely developed energies of a republic. They therefore believed the American government only the creature of temporary excitement, and its resistance to their solicitations merely the efforts of infantile weakness.

This belief they carried into practice. The institutions of the United States were contemned. Their neutral rights were violated, and their national sovereignty, dear to every people, was attacked, insulted, and despised. In less than twenty years, occurred the insults of the French ambassador to President Washington,^ the impressment of American seamen.'"^ the attack on the Chesapeake,^ the British Orders in Council, and the French Berlin and* Milan decrees,'* a series of wrongs and contempts, at this time almost incredible. The historian of European opin ions has not ventured to defend them,^ but, in admitting the hard conduct of England and France to neutral nations,^ only contends that the United States had not equitably assessed the proportions of damage and outrage inflicted on them by the great aggressors in Europe!'

* The appeal of Geuet (the French ambassador) from the president to the people, occurred.

' The British claimed the right of impressment (as a maritime right) during the whole war with France. See Alison's History of Europe, second Edinburgh edition, vol. x. page 600.

* Mr. Fox declared the coasts of France and Holland, from Brest to the Elbe, blockaded. May 16th, 1806. The Berlin decree was issued by Napoleon, Nov. 21st, 1806. The British Orders in Council were issued Nov. 11th, 1807 ; their object was to establish a paper blockade, and, under it, to confiscate neutral property.

' See Alison's History, 82d chapter.

' See Alison.

'' This is the precise argument of Alison's History of Europe.

18 CLOSE OF THE SECOND WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.

The people of America ihought differently. They closed these scenes of contempt forever, by the war of 1812 — a war made necessary to sustain tlic national honor, interests, and independence, against continued aggressions and undeserved contumely.

It was thus the war of the American Revolution agitated the nations of Europe ; thus it raised up contending spirits on other continents ; and thus it revisited the shores of America long after the independence of its republican states was firmly established. Its return was like the wave cast upon the beach by the agitations of a storm long passed away. These agitations did not cease till Napoleon, the lion of his age, was exiled to the rock of St. Helena ; till England had been taught to respect America; till America herself had achieved more than one glorious victory, both by land and sea ; and, in fine, till our republic had a second time vindicated its right to the dignity of a nation, and the sovereignty of a separate government.

The drama thus closed was as beneficent in its effects, as it was grand in action, and momentous in events. All the national relations of the world were changed. Governments of whatever form henceforth professed to live for the people.

The change in the arts of life was no less remarkable. Where the storm of war had passed with its darkness and desolations, the peace of 1815 left its broad sunlight, and diffused its genial warmth. The refreshing verdure of spring upon hills and vales, or the ripening fruits of glorious summer, are not more visible to the eye of the husbandmen, than are the fruits of the national convulsions and controversies, which intervened between the first and

FRUITS OF PEACE. 19

second American wars, to the intelligent and well-in? Jructed mind. They are visible in all the actions of civil and social life. They spring up in the new and wonderful arts of invention ; in the increased growth of population ; in the mulliphed comforts of families ; in the diffused benefits of science and literature ; and in the wide-spread power of commerce, sweeping round the earth, gathering its continual harvest, and sending forth to once unvisited regions, the bearers of love and mercy. National courtesies are renewed. Christian principles adopted ; and mankind seem, at last, engaged in the happy work of bringing from the earth its richest products, and from immortal mind its noblest powers !

20 SCOTT's parentage. EARLY CHARACTER.

Chapter II

Scott's Parentage. — Education — Early Character.— Choice of a Profession. — Entrance into the Army. — PoHtical Opinions.

WiNFiELD Scott was born the 13th of June, 1786, near Petersburg, in Virginia. His descent may be traced from a Scottish gentleman of the Lowlands, who, with his elder brother, was engaged in the Rebellion of 1745. The elder was slain on the field of Culloden. The younger, involved in the consequences of that severe disaster, emigrated to America, and, bringing with him little except a liberal education, commenced the practice of the law in Virginia. He married there, and was successful in his profession, but died young.

His son William married Ann Mason, a lady of one of the most respectable families of Virginia. He lived a farmer by occupation, and died in 1791, leaving two sons and several daughters. The eldest of the sons was James, who commanded a regiment at Norfolk, in 1812, and the youngest Winfield, the subject of this Memoir. At the death of his father, the care of the family and the education of the children devolved upon the widow, who is reputed to have discharged her duties in the most exemplary manner. She died in 1803, leaving Scott, at seventeen years of age, in the very outset of active life.

At this time, his character is described, by one who

ADMISSION TO THE BAR. 21

well knew him, as distinctly formed. He was full of hope, and animated by a just sense of honor, and a generous ambition of honest fame. His heart was open and Kmd to all the world, warm with affection towards his friends, and with no idea that he had, or deserved to have, an enemy.

The particulars of his early education are not fully known ; but it seems that he was intended for one of the learned professions. He pursued the usual preparatory studies, and spent a year in the high-school at Richmond, under the teachings of Ogilvie, then quite a celebrated man. Thence, he went of his own accord to the College of William and Mary, where he remained one or two years, and attended a course of law lectures. He finished his legal studies in the office of David Robertson, a Scotsman, who had been sent out originally as a tutor in the family of Scott's maternal grandfather. He is said to have been a learned and worthy man.^

In 1806, Scott was admitted to the bar, but remained in Virginia only about a year. During this time, he rode the circuit two terms, in the vicinity of Petersburg. In the same period he resided and read much with Benjamin Watkins Leigh, Esq., since well known as one of the chief ornaments of the bar and state of Virginia. He then, and subsequently, enjoyed the advice and instruction of this able counsellor — an advantage and obligation he has ever been ready to acknowledge.

In the autumn of 1807, he emigrated to South Carolina,

* He was reporter of the debates in the Convention of Virginia, called to consider the adoption of the Federal Constitution ; and also of the proceedings on the trial of Aaron Burr.

22 APPROACH OF A WAR.

intending to practise law in the courts of Charleston. For this purpose he passed through Columbia, the seat of government, to procure from the legislature a special exemption from the general law requiring practitioners to have a year's residence in the state. It passed one house, but failed, from want of time, in the other. This defeated his intention of immediate practice in Charleston, and not improbably turned the current of his life. Disengaged from business, the political events of his country, then rapidly moving to a crisis, soon transferred him to another and a more active and brilliant scene. It was just at this period, that the aggressions of the European powers, especially England, on the commerce of the United States, had reached their height, and inspired the youth of the nation with martial feelings. A spirit of resistance was excited, and, to discerning eyes, not a few indications of war were visible.

In this spirit of patriotism and of indignant resentment for wrongs endured, Scott largely shared. We have seen that he was then hopeful, ambitious, and emulous of fame. Thus he combined in his character the elements of a patriot soldier.

In the summer of 1807, he had specially volunteered, as a member of a Petersburg troop of horse, that had been called out under the proclamation of the president, forbidding the harbors of the United States to British vessels of war. This was in consequence of the attack on the frigate Chesapeake. Their station was near Lynnhaven Bay, and their duty soon over.

On his return to the north, after his visit to Charleston, the country was in the midst of the political excitements which attended renewed dLfficulties with England, and

SHALL ENGLAND OR FRANCE BE ATTACKED ? 23

the enactment of the embargo law.^ In the winter of 1807-8, a bill was introduced into Congress for the enlargement of the army, and Scott, like many others of his young countrymen, applied for a commission in the new regiments about to be raised. The bill lingered, however, in Congress, and the prospect of war diminished. Scott, impatient at the want of decision in the public councils, and dissatisfied with his own want of employment, returned to his circuit. The augmentation of the army, notwithstanding the delay, took place. The law was passed in April, and in May, 1808, he became, through the influence of his friend and neighbor, the Hon. William B. Giles, a captain of light artillery.