Complete history of the late Mexican war/Brief sketch of the life of General Scott
BRIEF SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF GENERAL SCOTT.
Winfield Scott was born June 13th, 1786, near Petersburgh, Virginia. His grandfather was a Scotchman, who fled to this country in consequence of being involved in the rebellion of 1847. His only son was William, who died in 1791, leaving two sons, the youngest of whom was Winfield.
His mother was a very amiable lady and endowed with superior intellectual and other accomplishments. She died in 1803, when the subject of this notice was only seventeen years of age.
At this time Winfield was noted for energy, stability of character, a high sense of honor, and warm social feelings. He studied one year in the High School at Richmond, and spent two years at William and Mary College, attending law lectures.
At the age of twenty years he was admitted to the bar as a lawyer.
In 1807 he emigrated to South Carolina, intending to practise law at Charleston; but in 1808 Congress determined to increase the army on account of English aggressions, and young Scott was appointed Captain of a company of Light Artillery by President Jefferson. In July, 1812, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, and was ordered to the Niagara frontier, as war between the United States and England had been declared. He soon distinguished himself by recapturing a British brig in Niagara river. In October, 1812, he proceeded to Lewiston, and with six hundred men repulsed a large force of the enemy. Finally, after several severe conflicts, the enemy being reinforced (having 1300 men), and Scott's band being reduced to 300, they were obliged to surrender to the British.
The American prisoners were sent to Quebec, and thence to Boston. Scott was soon exchanged, and joined the army at Fort Niagara in May, 1813, as Adjutant-General. He soon led on the advanced guard in an attack on Fort George, and with great bravery repulsed the British, and captured the fort.
March 9th, 1814, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. In July his brigade and a corps of artillery crossed Niagara river and captured Fort Erie, and then advanced to Chippewa, and, with 1900 men, entirely routed 2100 of the enemy.
July 25th, Scott advanced towards Niagara and again met a large force of the enemy. The battle was fierce, and Scott manifested the greatest bravery, having two horses shot under him. He was wounded in his side, and finally disabled by a musket ball passing through his left shoulder. At midnight the Americans gained possession of the field, after a loss of 860, while the British lost 878.
Scott, immediately after this celebrated battle, was appointed Major-General, at the age of 28.
In 1816 he visited Europe, and on his return married Miss Maria Mayo, of Richmond, Va. He has several daughters, but no son living.
In 1831-2 he engaged in the "Black Hawk war," and finally terminated it by a treaty with the Indians.
When nullification in South Carolina threatened the country with civil war, Scott by his cunning yet peaceful and friendly proceedings, calmed the impending storm.
January 20th, 1836, he was ordered to take the command of the army in Florida and carry on the Seminole war. He had many skirmishes; but was recalled by the grumbling of enemies.
He made peace when there was a threatened invasion of Canada by Americans on the frontier in 1837. The steamer Caroline was burned by the British; but the olive branch was finally accepted.
In 1838 he prevented a probable war with the Cherokee Indians.
He was the great "Pacificator" in the adjustment of the North-eastern boundary. It was undoubtedly by his wise management that a dreadfully severe war was prevented. Perhaps there is no man living who has so distinguished himself as a brave general and kind pacificator.
His achievements in the Mexican war are described in the following pages.