Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/18

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14
BATTLES OF MEXICO

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.