The life of Winfield Scott

Front matter

WTNFIELD SCOTT.

GIKM. S€€)TT.

THE LIFE

Chapter I

Scott's Birth and Parentage— Became a Lawyer— Enters the Army—His Trial by Court-martial, and Suspension— His Studies— Re-enters the Army —Battle of Queenstown— Scott a Prisoner— Conflict with two Indians- Protection of his Irish Soldiers— Attack and Capture of Fort George, . II

CHAPTER n.

Scott superintends the Camp of Instruction at Buffalo— Drills the Army- Crosses the Niagara— Pursues the Marquis of Tweesdale behind the Chippewa— Battle of Chippewa— Company of Backwoodsmen— Battle of Niagara —Charge of Miller— Scott's Wound and Last Orders— Journey to Washington—Reception at Princeton— Black Hawk War— Scott amid the Cholera— Is challenged by Jackson— Becomes interested in the cause of Temperance— Takes command in South Carolina to crush the Disunionists —Settles the Difficulties on the Northern Frontier— Pursuea the Cherokees. . . M

CHAPTER HI.

S«ott preserves peace on the Maine boundary— Friendship between him and the Governor of New Brunswick— Appointed Commander-ln-Ohlef—

Vlll CONTENTS.

PAQl

Treatment at "Washington— Takes charge of the Army in Mexico— Martial Law orders — Fire in the Eear— Landing at Vera Cruz — ^The Siege and Capture of the City — March to Cerro Gordo — ^The Battle — ^Entrance of Jalapa— Of Puebla— Eeduction of the Army, .... TO

CHAPTER IV.

The Army at Pnebla— Description of the Scenery— Arrival of Eelnforcements— Departure for Mexico — Ascent to the Cordilleras — Magnificent Scenery — First View of the Plain and City of Mexico — The Koad found Impassible— Difficult March round Lake Chalco to the Acapulco Road — Attack on Contreras — Suffering and Anxiety of the Army at Night- Storming of the Fort— Enthusiastic Eeception of Scott by his Victorioua Troops— San Antonio Taken— The Three Battles of Churubusco— The Flight and Pursuit— Scott after Battle— The Mexicans propose an Armis> tice, . ... 98

CHAPTER V.

The Armistice— Scott resolves to carry Chapultepec by Storm — ^Description of the Fortress— Battle of Molino del Rey— The Field after the Victory— The Condition and Prospects of the Army at this time — Misbehavior of the Government — Defence of Scott— His Plan of assaulting Chapultepeo— Day preceding the Battle— The Final Attack, IM

WINFIELD SCOTT.

CHAPTER I.

Scott's Birth and Parentage— Became a Lawyer— Enters the Army—His Trial by Court-martial and Suspension— His Studies— Ee-enters the Army— Battle 03 Queenstown— Scott a Prisoner— Conflict with Two Indians— Protection of hia Irish Soldiers — Attack and Capture of Fort George.

WiNFiELD Scott was born on the 13th of June, 1786, near Petersburgh, Yirginia. His ancestors were Scotch. Tlie elder brother of his grandfather fell on the field of Cnlloden ; and the latter, involved' in the same rebellion, emigrated to this country, and commenced the practice of law in Yirginia. He lived, however, but a few years, leaving two sons and several daughters. Winfield was the youngest of the sons, and w^as only five years of age at the time of his father's death. Twelve years after, the wife followed the husband to the grave, and young Scott, seventeen years old, was left an orphan in the world. It was determined by those w^ho had the charge of him, to give him an education, and he was placed at a High School in Eichmond, under the charge of Mr. Ogilvie,

14 -VYINFIELD SCOTT.

a man of distinction. Thence lie went to William and Marj's College, and attended law lectures for a year or more. He finished his legal studies under Mr. Robertson, a Scotchman, and in 1806 was admitted to the bar. He had galloped through his course at a pace that precluded thoroughness, and proper fit nesR for his profession. Preparatory studies, college, law course, and all, occupied only three years, and at the age of twenty he was a practising lawyer. The rapidity with which he disposed of the piles of learning, ordinarily deemed essential to a finished lawyer, remind one of Goldsmith, who went through the whole circle of sciences in Edinburgh in six months.

Kot succeeding very well around his native place, young Scott removed to Charleston, in the hopes of establishing himself there ; but the laws of the State forbade any one to practise law within its limits who had not been a resident for at least one year, and failing to obtain an exemption in his favor, he abandoned his project, and returned to Virginia. At this time the troubles with England began to assume a more serious character, and the expectation became general that they would end in war. Scott shared in this expectation, and like many other gallant young men of the south, turned from the profession of law to the army. In the spring of 1808, a bill for the enlargement of the army passed Congress, and Scott

TRIED BY COUKT MARTIAL. 15

who had applied for a commission in the new regiments, was appointed a captain of light artiller3^ During this year the purchase of Louisiana from France was effected, and General Wilkinson was stationed there to protect New Orleans from any hostile acts on the part of Great Britain. Scott belonged to his division. The next year Hampton assumed the command, though Wilkinson remained on the field of operations. Scott, coinciding with those who believed that "Wilkinson was in Burr's confidence, and hence involved in the conspiracy of the latter, indulged rather freely in remarks on his superior officer. As a natural consequence, he was arrested and tried by court-martial. The first charge, intended as a mere rider to the second, that he had intentionally withheld money from his troops, was declared groundless. The second, of unofiScer-like conduct in using disrespectful language towards his superior oflScer, was sustained, for Scott acknowledged it, and attempted to justify it. Failing in this, he was suspended from the army for one year. To a sensitive, ambitious young oflScer, panting for distinction, this arrest of his footsteps on the threshold of his career, was painful in the extreme ; yet he lived to be thankful for it. Returning to Yirginia, he cast about to see how he should spend the interval of idleness. His fortunate star guided him to B. Watkins Leigh, who advised him to devote himself to the study of his pro fession, — especially military tactics. He offered liim Lis library and his house, and Scott spent the year in mastering his profession. The knowledge of military art he gained during this period of his disgrace, the caution and skill it taught him to mingle with his chivalric feelings and boiling courage,' laid the foundation of his after brilliant career.

The cloud at this time along the political horizon gathered thicker and darker every hour, and the young captain of artillery feared it w^ould burst before he should assume his place and rank. The hollow, disgraceful peace, however, continued, and at the close of the year he again took his position in the army.

The next year, war was declared, and a month after, in July, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel in the 2d artillery, then under the command of Izard, and was ordered to the Magara frontier to assist the army of invasion. The two companies of Towson and Barker were under his command, with which he was to protect the navy yard at Black Kock.

At this time the northern army, numbering between eight and ten thousand soldiers, was principally concentrated in two points. One portion lay near Plattsburgli and Greenbush, and was under the direct command of General Dearborn, wdio was also commander-in-chief of all the forces on the northerri

AT NIAGARA. 17

frontier. The otlier portion was congregated at Lewistown, under the command of General Stephen V^an Eensalaer, of JSTew York, while 1,500 regulars, under General Smythe lay at Buffalo, a few miles distant. There were a few troops stationed also at Ogdensburg, Sackett's Harbor, and Black Rock.

Tlie discontent produced by Hull's surrender, and the loud complaints against the inaction of the northern army, together with the consciousness that something must be done to prevent the first year of war from closing in unmixed gloom, induced General Yan Rensalaer to make a bold push into Canada, and by a sudden blow attempt to wrest Jamestown from the enemy, and there establish his winter quarters.

The cutting out of two English brigs* from under the guns of Fort Erie, by Lieutenant Elliot with some fifty volunteers, created an enthusiasm in the American camp of which Gen. Yan Rensalaer determined to avail himself.

Giving the command of the expedition to his cousin. Col. Solomon Yan Rensalaer, a brave and chivalric ofiicer, the latter on the 13th of October, at the head of three hundred militia, accompanied l)y Col. Chrystie with three hundred regular troops,

* One of those, the Caledonia, afterwards did good service as a part of the fleet of Perry on Lake Erie. The other having gone aground, was burnt, to prevent recapture.

began to cross tlie river. It wanted still an lioni to daylight, wlien the two columns stood in battle array on the shore. Tlirough carelessness or inability to obtain them there were not sufficient boats to take all over at once, and they were compelled to cross in detachments. The boat which carried Col. Chrystie being badly managed, was swept away by the current, and finally compelled to re-land on the American shore. This gallant officer was woimded while thus drifting in the stream, yet soon after he made another attempt to cross, and succeeding, led his troops nobly until the close of the action.

Col. Yan Rensalaer having effected a landing, formed on the shore and marched gallantly forward. The whole force at this time did not exceed one hundred men. These, however, were led up the bank and halted to wait the arrival of the other troops that kept arriving, a few boat loads at a time. But daylight now having dawned, the exposed position of this detachment rendered it a fair mark for the enemy, who immediately opened their fire upon it. In a few minutes every commissioned officer was either killed or wounded. Col. Yan Rensalaer finding that the bank of the river afforded very little shelter, determined with the handful under his command, to storm the heights. But he had now received four wounds, and scarcely able to stand

BATTLE OF QUEENSTOWN. 19

gave the command to Captains Ogilvie and Wool,^ wlio gallantly led on and swept everytliing before them. The fort was carried and the heights occupied, amid the lond huzza of the troops. The enemy were driven into a strong stone house, from which they made two unsuccessful attempts to regain the ground they had lost. Brock flushed with the easy victory he had gained over Hull, rallied them by hig! presence, and while attempting to lead on the grenadiers of the 4:9th, fell mortally wounded. This for a time gave the Americans undisturbed possession of the heights, and great efforts were now made to bring over the other troops. Gen. Yan Rensalaer, after the fall of his cousin, crossed over and took the command, but hastening back to urge on the embarkation of the militia, the command fell on Gen. "Wadsworth, who, however, cheerfully gave the control of the movements to more experienced officers.

Daylight had seen this brave little band form on the shores of the river under a galling fire, the morning sun glittered on their bayonets from the heights of Queenstown. The victory seemed won ; and the day so gloriously begun would have closed in brighter effulgence, had not the militia on the farther side refused to cross over to the assistance of their hard-pressed comrades. A stone house near

* Now General Wool. - the bank defended by two light pieces of artillery, still played on the boats that attempted to cross, and the Americans on the Canada side, having no artillery, were unable to take it. The firing from this, and soon after the appearance of a large body of Indians on the field of battle, so frightened the mi litia, that neither entreaties nor threats could induce them to embark. Through utter want of orderly management, half of the twenty boats had been destroyed or lost, still it was not the want of the means of transportation that held them back, but conscientious scrujples about invading an enemy's territory. Attempting to mask their cowardice under this ridiculous plea they stood and saw the dangers thicken around their comrades who had relied on their support, without making a single effort to save them from destruction.

Lieutenant-colonel Scott by a forced march through mud and rain, had arrived at Lewistown with his regiment at four o'clock in the morning, and just as the troops were embarking. He begged permission to take part in the expedition, but the arrangements having all been made, his request was denied. He therefore planted his guns on the shore and opened his fire on the enemy. But seeing how small a proportion of troops were got across, and perceiving also the peril of Yan Eensalaer's detachment, his young and gallant heart could no longer allow him to be an

TAXES co:m]viand of the akmy. 21

idle spectator, and taking one j/iece of artillery lie jumped into a boat with his adjutant Roach, and pushed for the opposite shore. Wadsworth immediately gave the command of the troops to him, and his chivalric bearing and enthusiastic language soon animated every heart with new courage. Six feet five inches in height and in full uniform, he presented a conspicuous mark for the enemy. Had his regiment been with him, Queenstown would have been a second Chippewa.

Considerable reinforcements, however, had arrived, swelling the number to six hundred, of whom three hundred and fifty were regular troops. Those, Scott, assisted by the cool and skilful Capt. Zitten, soon placed in the most commanding positions, and waited for further reinforcements. Just before, a body of ^Ye hundred Indians, whom the firing had suddenly collected, joined the beaten light troops of the English. Encouraged by this accession of strength, the latter moved again to the assault, but were again driven back in confusion. Still the enemy kept up a desultory engagement. On one occasion, the Indians, issuing suddenly from the forest, surprised a picket of militia, and following hard on their flying tracks, carried consternation into that part of the line. Scott, who was in the rear, showing the men how to unspike a gun, hearing the tumult, hastened to the front, and rallying a

22 WINFIELI) SCOTT.

few platoons, scattered tliose wild warriors with a single blow. But while the day was wearing away in this doubtful manner, a more formidable foe aj)- peared on the field. General Sheaffe, commanding at Fort George, had heard the firing in the morning, and a little later the news of the death of Brock was brought him. His trooj)s were immediately put in motion, and soon after midday the little band that had from day dawn bravely breasted the storm, saw from the heights they had so gallantly won, a column eight hundred and fifty strong, approaching the scene of combat. IN'ot in haste or confusion, but with slow and measured tread, they continued to advance. The three hundred Americans watched the approach of this new force with undaunted hearts, and turned to catch the outlines of their own advancing columns, but not a bayonet was moving to their help. At this critical moment news arrived of the shameful mutiny that had broke out on the opposite shore. The entreaties of Yan Rensalaer, and the noble example of "Wadsworth, and the increasing peril of their comrades, were wholly unavailing — ^not a soul would stir. This sealed the fate of the American detachment. Three hundred, sustained by only one piece of artillery against the thirteen hundred of the enemy — their number when the junction of the advancing column with the remaining troops and the Indian allies should be effected —

SPEECH TO THE TEOOPS. 28

ct^nstitiited hopeless odds. General Van Rensalear, from the opposite shore, saw this, and sent word to Wadsworth to retreat at once, and he would send every boat he conld lay hands on to receive the fugitives. He however, left everything to his own judgment. Colonels Chrystie and Scott, of the regulars, and Mead, Strahan, and Allen of the militia, and officers Ogilvie, Wool, Totten, and Gibson McChesney, and others, presented a noble yet sorrowful group, as they took council over this message of the commander-in-chief. Their case was desperate, yet they could not make up their minds to retreat. Col. Scott mounting a log in front of his troops, harangued them in a strain worthy of the days of chivalry. He told them their condition was desperate, but that Hull's surrender must be redeemed. " Let us then die," he exclaimed, '' arms in hand. Our country demands the sacrifice. The example will not be lost. The blood of the slain will make heroes of the living. Those who follow will avenge our fall, and oi^r country's wrongs. "Who dare to stand ?" a loud " All " rang sternly along the line.* In the meantime Gen. Sheaffe had arrived, but instead of advancing immediately to the attack, slowly marched his column the whole length of the American line, then countermarched it, as if to make sure that the little band in front

* Vide Mansfielci's Life of Scott.

was all the force lie had to overcome. All saw at a glance that resistance was useless, and retreat almost as hopeless. The latter, however, was resolved upon, but the moment the order was given to retire, the whole broke in disorderly flight towards the river. But there were no boats to receive them, and a flag of truce was sent to the enemy. The messenger, however, never returned ; another and another shared the same fate. At last Scott tied a white handkerchief to his sword, and accompanied by Captains Totten and Gibson, crept under one of the precipices, down the river, till he arrived where a gentle slope gave an easy ascent, when the three made a push for the road, which led from the valley to the heights. On the way they were naet by Indians, who having fired on the officers, rushed forward, with their tomahawks, to kill them. They would soon have shared the fate of the, other messengers, but for the timely arrival of a British officer, with some soldiers, who took the officers to Gen. Sheaife, to whom Scott surrendered his whole force. Two hundred and ninety-three were all that survived of the brave band who had struggled so long and so nobly for victory. Several hundred militia, however, were found concealed along the shore, who had crossed over, but skulked away in the confusion.

The entire loss of the Americans in this unfortunate

TAKEN PRISONER. 25

expedition, killed and captured, was about one thousand men.

General Yan Rensalaer, disgusted with the conduct of the militia, soon after sent in his resignation.

Brock was next day buried " under one of the bastions of Fort George," and at the request of 8cott, then a prisoner, minute guns were fired from Fort Niagara during the funeral ceremonies. Above the dull distant roar of the cataract, the minute guns of friends and foes pealed over the dead, as with shrouded banners the slowly marching column bore him to his last resting place. Cannon that but a few hours before had been exploding in angry strife on each other, now joined their peaceful echoes over his grave. Such an act was characteristic of Scott, who fierce and fearless in battle, was chivalrous and kind in all his feelings.

While a prisoner in an inn at Niagara, Scott was told that some one wished to see the " tall American." He immediately passed through into the entry, when to his astonishment he saw standing before him two savage Indian chiefs, the same who would have killed him when he surrendered himself a prisoner of war, but for the interposition of a British officer. They had come to look on the man at whom they had so often fired with a deliberate aim. In broken English, and by gestures, they inquired where he was hit, for it was impossible that out of fifteen or twenty shots 2 not one had taken eifect. The elder chief, named Jacobs, a tall, powerful savage, grew furious at Scott's asserting that not a ball had touched him, and seizing his shoulders rudely, turned him round to examine his back. The young and fiery Colonel did not like to have such freedom taken with his person by a savage, and hurling him fiercely aside, exclaimed, " Off, villain, you fired like a squaw." " We kill you now," was the quick and startling reply, as knives and tomahawks gleamed in their hands. Scott was not a man to beg or run, though either would have been preferable to taking his chances against these armed savages. Luckily for him, the swords of the American officers who had been taken prisoners, were stacked under the staircase beside which he was standing. Quick as thought he snatched up the largest, a long sabre, and the next moment it glittered unsheathed above his head. One leap backward, to get scope for play, and he stood towering even above the gigantic chieftain, who glared in savage hate upon him. The Indians were in the wider part of the hall, between the foot of the stairs and the door, while Scott stood farther in where it was narrower. The former, therefore, could not get in the rear, and were compelled to face their enemy. They manoeuvred to close, but at evevj turn that sabre flashed in their eyes. The moment they came to blows, one, they knew, was sure to die, and although it was equally certain that

CONFLICT WITH TWO CHIEFS. 27

Scott would fall under the knife of the survivor before he could regain his position, yet neither Indian seemed anxious to be the sacrifice. While they thus stood watching each other, a British officer chanced to enter, and on beholding the terrific tableaux, cried out at the top of his voice, " The guard," and at the same instant seized the tallest chief by the arm and presented a cocked pistol to his head. The next moment the blade of Scott quivered over the head of the other savage, to protect his deliverer. In a few seconds the guards entered with levelled bayonets, and the two chieftains were secured. One of them was the son of Brant, of revolutionary notoriety.

The prisoners were all taken to Quebec, whence they were sent in a cartel to Boston. As they were about to sail, Scott, who was in the cabin of the transport, hearing a noise on deck, went up to ascertain the cause, and found that British officers were separating the Irishmen, to exclude them from mercy due to the other prisoners, and to have them taken to England and tried for treason. Twenty-three had thus been set apart when Scott arrived. Indignant at this outrage, he peremptorily ordered the rest of the men to keep silent and not answer a question of any kind, so that neither by their replies or voice they could give any evidence of the place of their birth. He then turned to the doomed twenty-three, and denounced the act of the officers, and swore most solemnly that if a hair of their heads was touched, he would avenge it, even if he was compelled to refuse quarter in battle. The officers interrupted him again and again, and fiercely ordered him below. Boiling with rage, Scott indignantly refused to obey, high words and threats followed, but, though unarmed, he boldly maintained his ground.

Soon after he reached Boston, he was sent to Washington, and in a short time was exchanged. He then di'ew up a report of the whole affair to the Secretary of War, and it was presented the same day to Congress. The result was the passage of an act of retaliation (March 3d, 1813). Scott never lost sight of these unfortunate Irishmen, and at the capture of Fort George, in the latter part of May, having taken many prisoners, he selected out twenty-three as hostages, to receive the same punishment which should be meeted out to his brave soldiers. This led to similar acts on the part of the English in return, which caused much unnecessary suffering. Scotfs decision, however, saved his Irish troops. Two years after, as he was passing along the East Kiver in New York, he heard loud cheers on one of the piers, and turning his footsteps thither, found they proceeded from those very soldiers, just landed after a long imprisonment. They quickly recognized their old commander and friend, and crowded around him with enthusiasm and clamorous gratitude, nearly crushing

HIS IRISH SOLDIEES. 29

the still weak and wounded General in their arms. He immediately wrote to Washington, claiming in their behalf full pay, and soliciting patents for land bounties. Both were granted, and twenty-one out of the twenty-three lived to praise their benefactor in their adopted country.

This love for his soldiers, care for their welfare, and rage at any neglect of their wants and rights, and stern determination to redress them, has always characterized General Scott through his long military career. ISToble and magnanimous himself, he will not allow those under his protection to be treated with indignity.

The campaign of 1813 opened with the capture of York. Soon after Scott joined the army at Fort Niagara as adjutant-general to Gen. Dearborn. But though chief of the staff, he claimed the right to command his own regiment in battle.

The capture of York encouraged Gen. Dearborn to attack Forts George and Erie. Commodore Chauncey having at this time complete command of the lake, men and artillery could be easily transported across, and the vessels used to cover the landing of the troops and co-operate in any attack that might be made. Gen. Dearborn at the head of four or five thousand men, embarked on board the vessels and boats on the morning of the 26th of May. At three o'clock the following morning the signal was

30 WINFIELD BJOTT.

given to weigh, and the little fleet moved silently toward the opposite shore. Col. Scott volunteered to lead the advance guard of five hundred men. These were the flower of the army, and when Gen. Dearborn placed them under his command he knew that no common obstacle would arrest their charge. Col. Moses Porter, with the field train, was close behind, followed by the brigades of Gens. Boyd, Sheridan, Chandler, and a reserve under Col. C. Macomb. Captain Perry volunteered to accompany Scott, and superintend the embarkation of the troops. In the mean time, Commodore Chauncey had anchored his vessels close in shore, and before nine o'clock the guns of the Governor Tompkins had silenced the fort, and Scott, with his fleet of boats, swept swiftly towards the shore. As they drew near they were met by volleys of musketry that sent the spray in a shower about them, but with loud cheers they pressed forward. They knew the army was watching them with the deepest anxiety, and each emulating his comrade, and all filled with the spirit that animated their gallant young leader, could scarcely wait for the boats to reach the land, and many leaped over and waded to the shore. Having reached the beach, Scott drew up his little band under cover of the bank that rose eight or ten feet over their heads ; from the top of which bristled some fifteen himdred bayonets. Undaunted

CAPTUKES FOET GEOKGE. 31

by this formidable array and the bank that opposed his progress, Scott ordered the charge. The men, with loud cheers, sprang up the steep ascent, but when near the summit were met with such overpowering force that they were hurled back. Gen. Dearborn standing on the deck of Chauncey's ship, and watching through his glass the result of the charge, saw the tall form of Scott fall backward down the bank upon the beach. Bursting into tears, he exclaimed, " He is lost, he is killed !" The next moment, however, Scott sprang to his feet, and cheering on his men, led them again to the charge. Knocking up the bayonets as they clambered to the feet of their foes, they steadily pushed them back, and stood at last on the summit. Their shout of ti'iumph was echoed from the boats below and from the ships in the distance. Scott having dressed his line, ordered the charge, and closing fiercely and at once with the enemy, drove them, after a sharp action of twenty minutes, in every direction before him. Some fled to the woods pursued by Forsythe, who had effected a landing, while others took refuge in the fort. This was immediately abandoned, but not till the trains and magazines had been fired. Scott was at this time opposite the fort, and immediately wheeled two companies from the head of his column to arrest the flames. "When within about eighty yards, onfi::^f the smaller magazines blew up, sending its fragments in every direction A piece of flying timber struck Scott and hurled him from his horse. Though much hurt, he pressed on with his men — ordered the gates to be forced, and was the first to enter. Capts. Hindman and Stockton snatched away the matches which had been applied to two other magazines, and the works were saved. Col. Porter who commanded the field artillery, had effected a landing directly in rear of Scott, and coming to his assistance at the close of the battle, followed close on his heels in pursuit of the enemy. "When the former turned to enter the fort, the gallant colonel rushed after, to be the first to pull down the British flag. But finding Scott ahead of him, he exclaimed, " Confound your long legs, Scott, you have got in before me." JSTo sooner had the latter lowered the English colors, than he again put himself at the head of his column, in swift pursuit of the fugitives. Disregarding the order to halt, he pressed forward five miles, when he was arrested by General Boyd in person. This ended the battle. The loss on both sides is differently stated. Gen. Dearborn in his report makes it on our side but seventeen killed and forty-five wounded, while that of the British was ninety killed, sixty wounded, and one hundred prisoners. Among the latter was an English colonel, who, the year before, at a supper party of British oflicers where Scott was preins MAGNANIMITY. 33