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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 A 5 6 .DistimieJIk Wap ofJ&xico. mmm l5Mu '^^^ '^^ aenwVisia Salac yxjucLMievcb > flTTin-ti(Ttn '^>< ViUegT'om "fctoriJ i# -^^ itM %#' relipe VaZLacU>lu o h 'msmi^ MEXICI - 7.(;cs rt. ibOYctheOeeiu ontrerasj Popoc Cholula, ^0^'%^ IflPuoBlfii JTationctl :a %i^^ U ^ XaTugctrcde H Vest: ^am ^ff -m^^nn^toji /^ :ri y y K 'V, .1 "L ±' V - 'i tv ■M :,r THE LIFE, AND MILITARY AKD CIVIC SERVICES OF . . . i LIEUT.-GEN. WINFIELD SCOTT. J ,''A V l5 . .ff >-' <*;"i.';-»!>*i--"s"'^>'. "isA '?>?(-*,? i-k'Sr?; ^S COMPLETE UP rO THE PRESENT PERipD. ,^,,^ ^v v8 BY O. J. VICTOR. AuTHon OF LrvES of " Garibaldi," "Anthony Watnb," Etc. BEADLE AO COMPANY, NEW YORK: 141 WILLIAM STREET. LONDON: 44 PATERNOSTER ROW - .)•'-., r '■■ r 1 ^ '1 ■.:W';' ^/ *■ '// -n! .r 'r ; Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year 1861, by BEADLE AND COMPANY, In the Clerk'a Office of the District Court of the United States for tlie ; Southern District of New Yoric. 101 .'. Ul 'A ni .r^^'f*:ai ^z-i yr H^ rrv la 'f; 5»'i;i ;r/ ti^'V.:, (=;a hitMrAf!*. rti. /•> ■ _■■■■> r, t.. , '• ti'. ?t:ij,;> l.„'^..',' fd<.\;.U J^.lii/ ^v't/f'^'J/; vj jf? ' r> «u! •vv Jti^ Pi :i'^*>r»«i..^-.»;is»;.-^ lit -A,* .sii>/:' i>.:^' ■V INTRODUCTOBY. -!■ ; -1 t' "1 1 ,■ :>/* >y for tiie ftru« 'J' ■'' No commander of modem times — ^Napoleon and Welling- ton excepted — has excited more attention than Wiufield Scott. From his first appearance on the field, in the War of 1812, up to the present moment, he has played an importanf part in our public affairs, civil and military. He has, for many yeb'.rs, been the commanding head of our army establishment, ant'i, as such, has won the entire confidence of a spirited but exacting nation by the splendor of his military genius and his virtues of head and heart. From May, 1808, up to the present moment he has been in constant service — a term scarcely par- alleled for length of time, certainly not exceeded in the import- ance of its varied and momentous trusts. He has brought glory to American arms, peace to our firesides, skill and efficiency to the entire military establishment: he has negotiated treaties, enforced obedience to the laws, arbitrated and adjusted na- tional differences, and contributed immensely to the prestige for power and resources which our "republican experiment" has won in the eyes of the civilized world: he has largely con- tributed to the success of our international polity by his pro- found knowledge of international law, the clearness of his judgment, the decision of hig^action: he has been the recipient of public ovations and honors awarded only to the truly great men of earth. It would be remarkable, therefore, if, as his age increases and his life approaches to its close, his countrymen did not take the deepest interest in the record of his past, as well as bestow the most absorbing attention upon those future services which he may be spared to render. The data for a correct record is not wanting. The general 6 raTRODDCTORT. history of the countiy for the past fifty years — the history of special campaigns, and services — Armstrong's Notices of the War of 1812— the well-written Biography, by Edward D. Mansfield— the same author's History of the Mexican War — Brantz Mayer's work on the same theme— Colonel Ripley's History— Lieutenant Smith's Memoirs — Scott's own Corres- pondence and Reports — the American State Papers— all supply material for a thoroughly satisfactory biography. The aim will be to tell the story in comprehensive form, of the entire life and services of the illustrious subject, with liiipartisan spirit and unbiased judgment — to produce such a volume as will commend itself to all classes for its authenticity, thoroughness and general interest of narrative. »W ■■< iiV «i< *''-.J \. .•r'l H. -t \ \ i* ^*; r ii .1 ■ •;i. :if>:U- 1Tl)i ■iUl .!;i.'r;i{'../(, hi) »cr. ,;^•^^ ;t-i/,o- ■I ;. . I. i 1' ' i > . ...■•• "! «. Il if' >,-*»>i in' i.-.. „; >»&«»r* 't^f^i '-,1-v - i?''r r •• J* i •"'■« >^ fju.i ♦'( n'l- 'h. fn^f >i. *•?#» ,•*', •/ •V .;» 4Ui^i J^.;i.l f 1 • riccI'V'i'Wftr tn:fx,*^; * "V''Hii: iff':^ fJ'i-'.U .)i ::■ ■:} i\ r ii- .M 1 '^1 1^'- •if i»i'.{ ,^'-«?|' tf'^'iU Mj , :.;* A>.'..i»r C^ i^yr 5-"i.-!f7'ih' • '/ 'i ■ CONTENTS. C JI A P T E R I . Birth — Earljr Life nntl Education — Studies Law, and practices— The War Spirit— Scott Captain of Lijrht Artillery — Detailed to Louisiana — Trouble with Wilkinson, and Court-Martial, .... 9 CHAPTER II. The Niagara Campaign — Commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel— Com- mands at Black Rock — Seizure of the two Brigs — Movement on Queenstown — Scott enlists— Battia of Queenstown Heights — Its Honors and Dishonors— Scott a Prisoner — Losses, - - - 13 CHAPTER III. A Prisoner — Attacked by the two SavagevS— The Escape — Burial of General Brock — The Irish Prisoners seized for High Treason — Scott's fearless Protest — Is exchanged — Lays before Government the Case of the Prisoners— Prompt retaliatory Action — Incidents, 20 CHAPTER IV. The Campaign of 1813 — Aid to General Dearborn — Taking of Fort George — The Summer Service — Expedition against York — Plan to seize Kingston and Montreal — Departure of the Army — Scott remains in Fort George — Enemy's Abandonment of "the Peninsula"— Scott's March to Sackett's Harbor — Unpleasant Circumstances attending it — Joins the Army singly — Brilliant Services, - - 25 CHAPTER V. Commissioned Brigadier-General — Forms a Camp of Instruction at Buffalo— Its Results — The Campaign opened — Capture of Fort Erie — Scott's Brigade drives the Marquis of Tweedale back upon the Chippewa — Battle of Chippewa, 32 CHAPTER VI. The Battle of Niagara (commonly called the Battle of Lundy's Lane) — Its remarkable Nature — Extraordinary Services of all engaged — Scott's Brigade almost annihilated— Scott wounded twice— Is com- pelled to retire from the Campaign, 38 CHAPTER VII. [Gallant Defense of Fort Erie — Scott en route for Philadelphia— Inter- esting Incidents by the Way — Is made M. A. at Princeton — Takes Command of Troops for Defense at Philadelphia and Baltimore — In Charge of the 10th Military District — Plans the Campaign for 1815 — Is offered the Secretaryship of War — Goes to Europe — Return — Gold Medal from Congress— Swords from Virginia and New York, 48 CHAPTER VIII. [n Command of the Eastern Department — The Jackson Correspond- ence — Writes his Military Institutes — Presides at Boards called to propose and adjust the Tactics of the Army and Militia — Advocates Temperance — The Controversy of the Rights of Brevet Rank, - 53 CHAPTER IX. Phe Black Hawk War — Awful Devastations of the Cholera — Scott's Kindness as a Nurse — Gathering of Indians at Rock Island — Treaty — Cass' Letter of Thanks to Scott — Return to New York — Ordered by Jackson to the South — History of the Nullification Movement in South Carolina — Scott in Command at Charleston, - - - 56 I ▼su OOSTENTS. CHAPTER X. The Florida War- Indian and Negro Outrages— Scott takes Command against them— March of the Army to Wythlacoochee— Scouting Parties and their ill Success— The Creeks in Arms— Scott suppresses them— Court of Inquiry— Scott's Course sustained, . . ^i CHAPTER XI. The "Patriot" War— Scott's Instrumentality in its Suppression— Order- ed to remove the Cherokees— Remarkable Discharge of Duty — Again ordered to the Northern Frontier— His Success- The Maine Bound- ary Dispute— Scott empowered to Act— His peaceful Settlement of the Affair, 66 CHAPTER XII. The Test of true Greatness- Scott's private Character— His Position before the People as a Candidate for the Presidency — Views on Pub- lic Questions— Views on Slavery- Opposes the Admission of Texas,72 CHAPTER XIII. The Mexican War— Eraeute between Scott and Polk— Is finally ordered to Mexico— Design to supersede Scott— It is frustrated— Scott at the Rio Grande, 76 CHAPTER XIV. Siege of Vera Crut— Awful Destruction of Life and Property— City and Castle surrender— March to the Interior— Battle or Cerro Gordo— Remarkable Bravery of the American Troops— Santa Anna's Defeat — The Pursuit to Jalapa — Jalapa occupied— The City and strong Cas- tle of Perote taken — Advance upon Puebla — Army reduced to five thousand Men— Head-quarters at Puebla, 79 CHAPTER XV. Negotiations — ^Their Failure— March from Puebl« — Arrival at the Lakes — The Reconnoisance- March around the Lake, - - -85 CHAPTER XVL March on Contreras — ^Field of Lava — The Preliminary Assault — Its ill Success — Midnight March — Assault and Victory — Pursuit — As- sault upon San Antonio — Gathering of the Forces at Cherubusco — Battle of the Bridge— The Church and the open Field— The final Victory— Night on the Field of Battle, 90 CHAPTER XVII. The Battles of Molino Del Rey and the Casa de Mata— Awful Carnage — Brilliant Victory — Scott's Strategy, 95 CHAPTER XVIII. The Strategy — Its Success — Chapultepec — The Batteries opened on It — False Movements of the Troops — Sudden Desceht on the Hill — The Assault — The Victory — The Pursuit — Quitman in the City, 101 CHAPTER XIX. Entrance to the Capital — Its Occupation — Quitman Governor — Preser- vation of Order — Efforts to secure a Treaty — Mr. Trist recalled — Tarries to consummate the Negotiations— Scott suspended from Command — Returns Home — Honors bestowed upon him, • 105 CHAPTER XX. Founds Army Asylums — Is nominated by the Whig National State Oonvention ^ its Candidate for the Presidency— The Campaign's - Result — Is made Lieutenant-General— Goes to Vancouver's Island to settle the Boundary Difficulty — His Position in the Secession Revolution — The Country's Hope, 114 I n '" I ' .^■- y, - 1 "tV Command I— Scouting suppresses 61 ion— Order- uty — Again uine Bound- ttlement of • 66 His Position ews on Pub- of Texas,? 2 lally ordered ed— Scott at . 76 ty — City and erro Gordo — nna's Defeat i strong Cas- luced to five r . -79 il at the Lakes - 85 Assault — Its •Pursuit — As- Dherubusco — Id— The final - 90 wful Carnage . 95 opened on It on the Hill — the City, 101 rnor — Prescr- ist recalled — ipended from im, - 105 National State e Campaign's luver's Island the Secession . 114 «^ THE LIFE OF, /,,;/'' rt I- • ■> , «J .,. T»»'*' .Tt-", *V' WIISTFIELD SCOTT. f „.,,* .J . ■ -,<;m. OS, , A>*«: .^i Vi'A-> .■.«'>• w CHAPTER I. ;t: BIRTH — EARLY LtFB AND BDUOATION— STUDIES LAW, AWD PRACTICES— STATE or THE COUNTRY IN 1807-8— THE WAR SPIRIT — SCOTT CAPTAIN O? LIGHT ARTILLERY — DETAILED TO LOUISIANA — THE TROUBLE WITH QEK- ERAL WILKINSON, AND COURT-MARTIAL — ITS GOOD RESULTS. VinGiNiA, " Mother of Presidents,'* is also mother of many a civilian and commander distinguished in the history of the United States. One of hier most illustrious sons is Winfield Scott, born near Petersburg, June 18th, 1786. His father, William Scott, descended of Scotch parentage on the male side, married Ann Mason, a lady of well known family, haying by her two sons and several daughters. The elder son was James ; the younger, Winfield. The father died in 1791, leav- ing the mother in possession of a good ei^tate. Ann Mason was a mother to rear noble sons, and lived long enough to give cast to the character of her children. She died in 1803. Winfield, though but seventeen years of age at that mihappy event, was much of a man in his judgment and general deportment, owing to the admirable training of his parent, whom he loved deeply. He was spirited, ambitious, resolute, yet full of kindness, love and generosity. All admired him for his good qualities, while the discriminating prophesied fair things for his future. His early education had been prosecuted at home with a view to his ultimately entering the legal profession. After the decease of Mrs. Scott, he spent one year at Richmond, under the care of Dr. Ogilvie, of well known fame in that city. Prom thence he went to Willianf and Mary College, where he remained for some time—making a special study of ^^^k.' ^' !l 10 THE LIFE OP WINPIELD SCOTT. 1 law. Leaving college, he entered the law oflGlce of David Robertson * Richmond, a most valued preceptor, who had, at an earlier day, acted as tutor in the family of Mr. Mason. Ho took great pains with his pupil, and, being a learned man, succeeded in giving to Winfield's mind a store of rare attain- ments, not only in law but in history, economy and politics. Much of Scott's after proficiency in the mastery of international ^ law and jurisprudence came of the method of his Scotch preceptor. Admitted to practice in 1806, Scott "rode the circuit" for two terms, in the Petersburg district — spending all the inter- vals in the oflQce of Benjamin W. Leigh, a leading and influential lawyer, from whom he derived great benefits of advice and instruction. The prospect for advancement in his profession induced the young lawyer, however, to give up his Virginia residence for one in South Carolina — to which State he emigrated in the fall of 1807, designing to open an ofiice in Charleston. One year's resic jnce in the State, how- ever, was required by statute regulation before a permit for practice could be granted. To obviate this loss of precious time a journey was made to Columbia, where the legislature was then in session. A special exemption was asked for, and a bill to that efibct was introduced, but failed, for want of time, in the Upper House. This disappointment, without doubt, gave Winfield Scott to his country. Upon such small events do great results sometimes hang. Failing to procure the necessary exemption, he returned to Virgiula, where he soon was hurried, by his patriotic ardor, ir io the service of the United States, then on the brink of a war with foreign powers. Both England and France committed such outrages on the commerce of this country, during the first decade of this century, as to raise up a powerful spirit of resistance, particu- larly along the seaboard. War seemed the only remedy for the aggravated evils arising from the refusal of the powers named to recognize the rights and the claims of the United States to the status of a first-class power. In view of this ♦ Better known ns th^ reporter of the entire proceedings of the arraign- ment and trial ol" Aarou Burr, at Richmond— one of ths most celebrated trials ever held in this country— as great, in ita way, as the memorable trial for impeachment of Warren Hastings, in England. DECLARATION OF WAK. It of David o had, at ison. He aed man, ire attain- i politics, emational is Scotch ircuit" for the inter- iding and jenefits of [lent in his o give up —to which o open an 3tate, how- permit for of precious legislature asked for, failed, for )pointment, try. Upon T. Failing to Virgiula, ir, irto the a war with ages on the ide of this ice, particu- remedy for the powers the United jriew of this if the arraign* iBt celebrated lie memorable the martial sentiment of the States soon called into the field nujnerous troops. The Embargo act passed at the close of the year 1807 — the act of non-intercourse in March, 1808. Both of these measures were preliminary to a state of declared hostilities. In the spring of 1808 the Increase of the Army Bill became a law ; and Scott obtained the commission of Captain of light artillery. His soul was alive to the wrongs and indig- nities heaped upon his countr3rmen by foreigners, and he resolved to embark, with all his energy, in the cause of right- ing the wrong. In the summer of 1807 he had volunteered in a troop of horse called out by presidential proclamation to close the harbors of the country against British vessels of war, but did not enter the regular service until commissioned, as above stated. The declaration of war did not immediately follow the belligerent attitude assumed by this Government. Mr. Madison, then President, was opposed to war, except as a last resort ; and, as a consequence, his temporizing policy served to aggravate the injuries which special pleading with tyranny and ministerial assumption failed to correct. Then, as always, it was learned that to temporize with wrong was to weaken the cause of right ; but, so potent was the peace or submission party, that it took all the vehement eloquence of a Clay or a Calhoun to carry the spirit of resistance event- ually into an open declaration of war.* Scott, as a Democrat and Jeffersonian, was for war from his first -enlistment as volunteer. He supported, with his pen and speech, the measures of resistance, and, by his ardor and patriotism, enkindled the fire of military enthusiasm in the bosoms of hundreds of his young countrymen. Pending the prosecution of negotiations for an adjustment of our difficulties with Great Britain and France (1808—1812) little active service was required of the army. In 1809 Scott, with \\'i company of Virginians, was ordered to join the army under command of G> neral Wilkinson, in Louisiana. This officer had played a somewhat conspicuous rdle in the affair of Aaron Burr — acting, as many declared, the part of a Janus. At the trial of Burr, at Richmond, Scott had been present, and «■ The act declaring war against Great Britain, her dependencies and commerce, was passed Jane I8th, 1813. ! l! I: 12 THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. there formed a very unpleasant impression regarding Wilkin- son's integrity and soldierly qualities. This impression he carried with him to New Orleans, and soon became convinced that the jommander was unworthy of his station. His own nature forbade concealment of his feelings ; and Wilkinson soon learned not only to distrust his ability to command such a spirit as that of Scott, but to hate the young Captain with all the force of his illy-trained passions. The Southern army became so demoralized under the General's administration, that, in the winter of 1809-10 he was superseded by General Hampton. Captain Scott so freely expressed his opinions of the deposed General, that Wilkinson tarried long enough at camp, after his suspension, to institute court-martial proceed- ings against the offending party. The court was called at the camp near Natchez, in January (1810). Two charges were preferred : first, that of withholding money from his men placed in his hands for their services; and, second, unofticer-like conduct in using language disrespectful toward his superior. To these two specifications Scott replied by denying the first unconditionally, but acknowledged the second and plead justification. The finding of the court was, a dismissal of the first charge as untenable ; but the inexorable Sixth Article of War came down upon him, by his own acknowledgments : — no matter what the justification, the act of disrespect was not mitigated ; and Scott was convicted, accordingly, to suspension from rank, pay and emoluments for one year. This judgment, technically procured, did not injure the young Captain in the eyes of the army or of the people. A complimentary dinner was given him by his brother soldiers and civilians, prior to his return home, and the good wishes of all followed him in his exile, as the officers humorously termed his sentence. • That year of retirement was one of great profit to him, having been spent chiefly at the hospitable home of his friend, Mr. Leigh (before referred to), in the study of military author- ities. Scott made himself thoroughly familiar with the theory and discipline of war, in all branches of the service ; and there laid the basis for that well known system which is embodied in his most admirable Military Institutes and Army Manual. ' -■ : '/•'. - mi UI THE NIA0A11A CAMPAIGN. 18 g WUkin- ression he convinced His own "Wilkinson imand such ptain with :them army inistration, by General |opinions of enough at al proceed- is called at wo charges jy from his nd, second, stful toward replied by ledged the e court was, e inexorable jy his own tion, the act 3 convicted, emoluments red, did not ly or of the liji by his : home, and i the officers ofit to him, )f his friend, tary author- !i the theory ervice ; and m which is a and Army ii-'-0.i Jv;t... ;r ".■: CHAPTER II. •■;' '''■}'!» f THE NIAQAIIA. CAMPAIGN — SCOTT COMMISSIONED LIEUTENANT-COLONEL — COMMANDS AT BLACK ROCK — GALLANT SEIZURE OB" THE TWO BRIGS — THB HOVEMENT OF VAN RENSSELAER ON QUEBNSTOWN — SCOTT ENLISTS — THB BATTLE OF QUEENSTOVVN HEIGHTS — ITS HONORS AND DISHONORS — THE AMERICANS OVERPOWERED — SCOTT A PRISONER — LOSSES. The war of 1812 was, at length, inaugurated. The insolent aggressions of England rendered longer temporizing base cowardice. The peace party had to give way before the anathemas of the Democrats led by Clay and Calhoun. Outrages against American citizens by *' His Britannic Majesty's" agents, who boarded American vessels and impressed our seamen,* threw into the background the popular indignation against Napoleon for his immense seizure and confiscations of American property in the ports of the continent War was, therefore, declared against Great Britain. That declaration served to render Napoleon our ally, though America disdained to receive any direct aid from French hands, as in 1778. Scott was called to the field in July 1813, commissioned as Lieutenant-Colonel of ai'tillery, (Second, Izard's regiment). With the artillery, Towson and Barker's companies, he moved on to the frontier at Niagara river, Previous to the ' opening of the campaign on the Niagara, General Hull's surrender of Detroit had taken place (August 14th). An army of 1800 men, composed in part of veterans of the Indian, war, crossed the river at Detroit for the invasion of Canada (July 12th). Government had resolved to strike the enemy on his own soil and make the conquest of the Provinces one of the prizes of the war. Immense consequences thej-efore hung upon General Hull's expedition. When it was learned * Lord Castlereagh ndmittcd tliat, at the beginning of tlie year 1811, there might have been sixteen hundred bona fide American citizena eervins under compulsion In the British fleet. Over tliat nnmber had been kid- napped by His Majesty's minions, and many Americans nctuajjy ha4 t» tlgut, throughout the war, against their country, ..JL. :n= r ; I I ! t I 1 il I I 14 THE LIFE OF WINFIELD SCOTT. that he had not struck a blow for the conquest, but had returned to Detroit, and there had surrendered his entire army to General Brock, execration was upon ev6ry American lip, and the name of Hull became the synonym for cowardice. Children learned to heighten their vocabulary of imprecations by using the expression, " As mean as Hull I" — it worded their most implacable contempt. Better encounter a thousand chances for defeat and death than brave the scorn even of children I The little troop moving on Niagara had noble incentives to duty. That surrender filled the breasts of oflQcers and men with an indignation which amounted to solemnity. They marched toward the frontier, resolved to wipe away that stain upon American honor and arms or to die. Station was taken at Black Kock (just below Buffalo, on the American side of the river), where a United States navy yard was about to be established. Commodore Chauncey was operating on Lake Ontario, below, pursuing, with his extemporized fleet, the British into Kingston harbor. Resolving upon similar efforts to command the waters of Lake Erie, he dispatched Lieutenant Elliott and a company of seamen to Black Rock, where, in concert with Scott, he conceived the project of cut- ting out two British brigs of war just arrived from Detroit, and then lying snugly under the guns of Fort Erie — a British fortress opposite Buffalo. This enterprise of great daring was gallantly executed on the morning of October 9th, (1812). Captain Towson and a select corps from his company assisted in the capture — boarding and seizing the Caledonia, while Lieutenant Elliott and his seamen (assisted by Lieutenant Roach) carried the Adams. The two brigs dropped down stream, with the current ; but the Adams, becoming becalmed, drifted into the shore (or British) channel, and eventually grounded on Squaw island, within range of the heavy guns of Fort Erie, which opened on the brig with great fury. She was, therefore, abandoned, though all the prisoners, stores, etc., were secured. Captain Towson's prize safely reached Black Rock. The abandoned vessel was the American brig Adams, captured off Amherstburg (Maiden) by the British, when loaded with supplies for General Hull. Her recapture, there- fore, was a matter for congratulation, and, though abandoned, "% [est, but Lad entire army Lmerican lip, cowardice. Imprecations corded their it and death incentives to ers and men nity. They e away that Station was le American vy yard was vas operating iporized fleet, upon similar le dispatched Black Rock, roject of cut- from Detroit, lie— a British [it daring was r 9th, (1812). pany assisted "Aonia, while y Lieutenant •opped down ng becalmed, d eventually I heavy guns it fury. She s, stores, etc., ached Black brig Adarm, iritish, when ipture, there- i abandoned, MOVEMENT OF VAN RENSSELAER IN QTJEENSTOWN. 15 olonel Scott determined to preserve her from the enemy's ands. A very lively contest soon ensued. The British sent flf boats to retake the vessel — Scott's men, under his own rders, drove them back, and reoccupied the hull until she as burned by orders of General Smythc, who, unfortunately r his country, was given a superior command on the frontier, ,nd had arrived at Black Rock at the time of the expedition. he Caledonia was reserved for future service, and played a allant part in the Battle of Lake Erie, under Commodore erry. This incident, small in itself, served greatly to elate the ew York militia, which Governor Tompkins had called to the field, under command of Major-General Stephen Van ensselaer. These troops were so clamorous for action that eneral Van Rensselaer conceived the plan of seizing Queens- town for his winter-quarters. This village was on the Canada Bide, opposite Xewlston, at the foot of the Falls. Having been joined by 450 regulars from Fort Niagara, under command of Colonels Chrystie and Fenwick and Major Mullaney, the attempt was made, October 12th, when 600 troops — half militia, |inder command of Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, and alf regulars, under Colonel Chrystie — were ordered to cross e river. Small boats were wanting to so great an extent |liat the troops had to ^o over in detachments, thus greatly Retarding the movement, and affording the enemy opportunity ibr worrying the men. Colonel Van Rensselaer succeeded in ' etting over about 100 of his troops, when a collision was reed by the enemy. The Americans suffered terribly, olonel Van Rensselaer fell, pierced by four balls, and every ommissioned officer was either killed or -^vounded. Bu*- thers now came up with small detachments. Colonel Van ensselaer uttered his last orders — " Storm the batteries 1" aptains Wool,* 0,'^ilvie, Armstrong and Malcolm executed the command with great intrepidity : — the height was stormed and the enemy's battery carried. The British retreated to a Itone house near bv, from which the Americans were not Strong enough to dislodge them. General Brock, with a ftnall force of regulars, now appeared upon the ground. He i 10 • THK LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. McDonald. Both fell before the well directed fire of the Americans, and their troops were quickly dispersed. The action then ceased, for awhile. Colonel Scott, during all this proceeding, was no idle spectator. Being at Black Rock, on the river above Lcwiston, he hastened, by a lonely night-march, to General "Van Rensse- laer to offer his services. But, all commands having been given out, he was permitted to bring down his own regiment and artillery to act as circumstances should require. On the morning of October 12th he reached the American camp, and, finding no means of transport across the river to engage the enemy, drew up his artillery on the bank. It was served by Captains Towson and Barker and aided the movement of the advance by throwing shot into the enemy's lines, and the battery on the opposite bank. The well-served pieces kept the British much under cover, and thus rendered good service. After the American assault and its disasters, h( solicited and obtained permission to cross and assume command of the troops. Accompanied by his adjutant, the gallant Lieutenant Roach,* he crossed the river, and, mounting the heights, encountered Brigadier-General William Wadsworth, of the New York State militia. This officer being a superior, Scott instantly deferred his general command, and proposed to lead the regulars, under General Wadsworth's orders. That gentle- man and admirable officer, however, responded : " No sir ! You shall command, for you laiow best what should be done. I have come here unordered, and for the Jionor of the New York militia, whom I wish to lead." Scott could but press Jhe hand of the disinterested soldier, and immediately assumed the field, in general command. Throughout the terrible conflict which followed, General "Wadsworth stood by Scott and served hUn with great intrepidity. The young com- mander's unusually tall figure f was a target for the rifles of the savages who lurked in the covers around, and Wadsworth several times sprung before him to receive, in his own person, the ball which he saw was aimed at the Colonel. Both miraculously escaped unharmed — much to the astonishment ♦Still living, we believe, in Philadelphia, of which city he was mayor, a few years since, t Scott, at that time, measured elx feet five inches in stature. BATTLE OV QUEENSTOWN nEIOHTS. 17 fire of the jrsed. The as no idle e Lewiston, an Rensse- aving been n regiment lire. On the camp, and, engage the as served by ement of the nes, and the pieces kept good service. solicited and mand of the Qt Lieutenant the heights, rorth, of the uperior, Scott •posed to lead That gentle- d : "No sir ! ould be done. r of the New uld but press ately assumed the terrible ood by Scott young com- the rifles of d Wadsworth 3 own person, jlonel. Both astonishment r he was mayor, tnre. )f the Indians, who rarely missed their aim. They afterward leclared the American bore a charmed life and never would t)e killed in battle. Reinforcements continuing to pass over the river, Scott found on the heights 350 regulars and 250 militia with which lo operate against the rapidly concentrating enemy. With Ihe assistance of Captain Totten* the strongest disposition in lefense was made, not only to resist the enemy but also to ^over the passage of the residue of the troops across the river. 'he preparations were all needed, for the Indians, to the bmber of 500, joined the British light infantry previously ^ngaged, and made a combined charge on the American |>osition. The reception was warm and they were driven )ack with much loss. Not daunted, the savages made several >ther desperate attempts upon the picket-guards, but were, in sach instance, repulsed.f The garrison at Fort George, eight |niles below, hearing the first cannonade, had hurried forward Imd were now on the ground, eight hundred and fifty strong, |inder command of Major-General Sheaffe. This force, added Jo that already engaged, made the odds fearfully against .'Plie Americans. The reinforcements were now looked for rith painful anxiety. Vain solicitude ! The militia, still remaining on the American side, had so n* cooled in ardor as positively to refuse to cross the river, 'he sight of the wounded brought over from the Canada ifhore appalled them. They stood upon their technical rights )nly to fight upon their own soil, and no prayers of oflScers, 10 command of the General, no petition from the little troop Ker the river, could induce them to fill the now empty boats. Fothing seemed to remain for the three hundred but sur- render or massacre. Scott preferred the latter. Mounting log, he thus addressed the men : ^ * Now the eminent Chief of the Corps of Engineers. t MansfleM mentions iui incident which happily illustrates Scott's power jJlTer his men. The pickets having been forced back upon the main body, i panic ensued among the militia, which, for a moment, threatened the ■entire loss of the day, and a general massacre of the forces. Scott, at the ikioment, was in the rear showing the men how to unspike a cannon. He ihished forward, sprung over the lines, ordered his men, in a voice of Ihunder, " Right-about I" " Stand !" " Charge 1" It was the work of au Instant, but it saved the day. The savages recoiled before the charge, #hlch he led in person, and did not return again to the assault. Great 'lumbers of them fell before the balls and bayonets of the aroused soldiery. — *MdHW^«i«ifl 18 THE LIFE 01" WINPIELD SCOTT. k si i; " * The enemy's balls begin to thin our ranks. His numbers are overwhelming. In a moment the shock must come, and there is no retreat. We are in the beginning of a national war. Hull's surrender is to be redeemed. Let us then die, 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 their country's wrongs. Who dare to stand ?' ,;.,., : , " ' All !' was the answering shout." * • Sheaffe came forward with great precaution, evidently fearing some reserve or strategy, for it seemed to him incred- ible that such a small force should attempt to stem the tide of war. He made the attack, finally, with great fuiy. The Americans replied with equal spirit, but, how long could that be done ? Not long, indeed. The promise to stand by their commander to the death was brok(!n, for, perceiving that the enemy was closing around upon all sides, the last moment was seized by the men j drop over the banks of the river and clamber or fall down to the stream below. The officers followed, hoping for some fortune by which they might bring the men into concert of action again. But all was hopeless, and, after a brief consultation, it was decided to capitulate, if honorable terms were given. Several flags of tnice were sent up the height, but they were fired upon and the messengers lost. Scott then resolved to perform the duty himself. In company with Captains Gibson and Totten, he sallied forth on his perilous errand, bearing a white handkerchief strung to his sword as the flag of truce. Using the precipice for a cover they safely reached the path up the bank to the road leading from the village to the heights. This road was gained, at length, though a number of savages, sighting the white flag, had fired upon it repeatedly; when, suddenlj', two stalwart warriors sprung from cover upon the messengers, with uplifted tomahawks. Scott swung aloft his flag, and, defiantly pointing to it, caused them to hesitate a moment. But only a moment, for they quickly made an attempt to wrench the flag from his grasp. Totten and Gibson, fired by indignation at the outrage, drew their swords, and would have made short work with the assailants had not a British officer and a troop of horse rode down upon the combatants. ♦ Mansfield's Biography. SURRENDER OP THE AMERICANS. 19 His numbers it come, and lational war. die, arms in xample will eroes of tlic 1 and their evidently him incred- tem the tide fury. The g. could that and by their ing that the last moment of the river The officers ' might bring was hopeless, capitulate, if ace were sent e messengers himself. In sallied forth Tchief strung recipice for a t to the road lis road was sighting the 3n, suddenly, e messengers, [lis flag, and, e a moment. a attempt to )SOn, fired by 1, and would not a British i combatants. ic Americans were given proper protection, though the idish savages— the " allies " of the English — did not fail to J^ress their rage that three such fine scalps should have been Itched from their grasp. [Terms of honorable capitulation were obtained of General Icaffe, when Scott surrendered of officers and men, two idred and ninety-three — the entire remnant of his late tees. i'oTE.— Some of the militia, it would appear, had, during the day, been reuaded to embark and land above the scene of conflict to await the le of the battle t To Scott's extreme disgust these men were all ^uirht in as prisoners. Not a gun had they fired. Major Mullaney had klc the most strenuous exertions to get over a force of two hundred men. men embarked, but unfortunately the boats were loaded so deeply to be(^me unmanageable in the heavy current, and the whole detach- ^t was carried ashore, right in the enemy's m^idst. All these disasters e the American loss, iu killed, wounded and prisoners, about 1,C00. the British loss no authentic account has been given. That they suf- friied most severely is conceded. The Indians, in particular, were greatly .sperated at their enormous losses as compared with those of their my. It may bo proper to state that Hildreth, the historian, says the itia, after hearing Sfieaffe''s guns, refused to pas? over— that those 'eady on the Canada shore were nearly as numerous as Sheaffe's forces, Kl were captured in attempting to fall back upon the water's edge, etc. ckenbridge, in his " History of the Late War," gives still another ver- .j||bn of this affair at Queenstown. He has it that Brock charged three times ■the head of the 49th regiment, GOO strong, and that the British were on point of driving the Americans over the precipice, when Colonel [rystio came up with a email reinforcement, and led a desperate charge, tich routed the British, and Brock, endeavoring to rally his flying lops, was pierced by three balls— that after this General Van Rensselaer i83.ed over for the purpose of fortifying the camp on the heights, assign the engineer's duty to Captain Totten— that the Chippeiva Indians British made an impetuous attack at three, p. m., but were repulsed the fiery ardor of Scott and Chrystie— that General Van Rensselaer n rccrogsed the river to bring over the remaining 1,200 militia, but, to YM great chagrin, found' the men determined not to embark, and sent ^rd over, accordingly, to General Wadsworth, with orders for him to o^Iisult his own judgment in the further action of the day, etc. There is BSph discrepancy in the several accounts of the action that it is difficult to gA at the exact truth. The version we adopt is, generally, that of Wtnsfield. '^^ h •i<'''>'t V'V» >? Ai ;;.i*l .=k.- «»&-■''.■ 10 THB JJJti OF WX2TFIELO SCOXT. »; :i .. .,. .1. .. ^ ■ )un( ■',' '-rr' CHAPTER III. ▲ PRISONRR — ATTACKED BT THE TWO SAVAGES — THE ESCAPE — BURIAL ( OKNBRAL BROCK — THE AFFAIR AT QUEBEC — THE IRISH PRISONERS SGUI TO BE TRIED FOR HIOH TREASON — SOOTT'S FEARLESS PROTEST— li SPEECH AND THREATS OF RETALIATION— IS EXCHANGED — LATS BEFOI GOVBRNliENT THE CASE OF THE PRISONERS— PROMPT RETALIATOt ACTION — ITS RK8ULT — INCIDENT OF THE RETURN OF THE IRISH HOJ AFTER THE WAR. The action of Queenstown Heights, while it reflected hoDfiJf^^'^ on those engaged under Scott, Wadsworth, and tlie*hivaln!«^^ ^ Colonel Chrystie, brought discredit on the State militia. Tli ^^ *^ intrepid assault and defense of the heights, by the thrf#^J^' hundred, added greatly to the confidence of the troot l^'^^^ ' generally ; while great regret was expressed, by the peep -^"^^ and the press, that the gallant commander and his comrad ^^»^ should have been compelled to endure the mortifications of surrender, owing to the bad arrangements for the transpo? of the troops and the attitude of the militia. The prisoners were treated with much kindness by Gener Sheaflfe's express orders, and every precaution adopted ' . prevent the Indians from offering any outrage to them. Bi in one instance at least, they succeeded in baflfling the guard and came near wreaking their bloody vengeance upon Colon Scott. The American oflicers were quartered at an inn, i Niagara village (near Fort George), and were allowed tl freedom of the house. Receiving word that two visito awaited in the hall to see him, Scott passed out, into tin entry, alone. He there met the two sj^vages whom he hs ' baffled in their assault upon the flag of truce. They wer the celebrated chief. Captain Jacobs, and a son of Brand botlnnuscular, resolute men. Their errand was, apparent! to examine the " tall American" and see if he haid not bet hit by their balls. It seemed incredible to them that I should have escaped their repeated and carefully-aimed shot ^ Captain Jacobs seized Scott roughly by the arm to turn hii ktei G Ti las lo: ike] ...•*^'' BURIAL OF GENERAL BROCK. 21 h'- JCAPE— BDBIAI. I I PRISONERS 8EIZI I ISS PROTEST— H |R0 — LATS BEF011 IPT RETALIATOli THE IRISH HOI:, I reflected hoDf ad tlie^hivalri te militia. Tli und. The Colonel from the first felt assured that their Ign was to tomahawk him. He now threw the Indian m him, indignantly exclaiming : — '* Oif, villain I You fired e a squaw !" The savage, perfectly furious, cried : — " We 1 you now !" as both drew their tomahawks and knives, e intrepid American saw that it was a moment of life or ath to him. Not a word was uttered ; but, backing toward je corner of the entry, where stood the swords of the officers, kept the savages, for a moment, at bay. A sudden spring ve him possession of a long saber, fortunately lying first at ,nd. Another spring forward, upon his foes, placed them the defense. They then commenced maneuvering with eir barbarian sagacity, to get the advantage of position ; t Sqott, with h'i gleaming weapon, kept them before him. ,t that fearful moment the door opened, and Captain Coffin, by the thre .# British oflicer in the General's staff, entered. He saw the of the troo' ifp^^^ ^^ '^^ prisoner, and shouted, " Guard 1" as he placed the , by the peop #"2;zle of his pistol at the head of young Brandt, while he id his comrad' d§^"S^^ Jacobs by the arm. The guard came rushing in, ^rtifications of W^^ poised bayonets, when the allies were marched away, oroughly infuriated that, a second time, they should have en foiled. So furious did not only they, but all the Indians, come at the failure to kill the American commander, that e guard was doubled around the inn, and Scott was unable leave the building even to dine with General Sheaffe, unless ^tended by a strong escort. • General Brock, who fell mortally wounded at the attempt retake the lost position on Queenstown Heights, was an cer of many noble qualities of head and heart. His death as sincerely lamented — by none more than by Colonel Scott, e remains were deposited under one of the bastions of Fort orge, with great military parade. Scott sent word of the ent to the American commander of Fort Niagara, opposite rt George, requesting that minute guns might be fired during e sad rites. Captain McKeon cheerfully complied, and ock was laid in his tomb amid the booming of sympathetic ns of the two nations.* )r the transpo iness by Gener ion adopted ! ! to them. Bu Bing the guard ce upon Colon d at an inn, i. ;re allowed tl at two visito id out, into tl *j s whom he ha e. They wer son of Brand vas, apparent! B had not bee them that I llyaimed shot % "m to turn hirs * Brock had a fine monnmont erected to hia memory, on Queenstown (eights, by the British Government, beneath which his remains were Ipultured. In the " Patriot War " some wretch of a Vandal blew up the lonument. It was restored by the Government, and now crowns that Memorable height— a melancholy record of the honors of war . 22 THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. The American prisoners were borne to Quebec, and mo; of tliem, including ofliccra, were sent to Boston for excliansf A few, liowcver, of tlio Irish, wcro retained, as being subjcci of tlie British Crown. Tlicy were ''spotted" by the Britiv officers by their brogue. Scott being below, heard the noi- on deck of men declaring their . American citizenship, an rushed up to discover that twenty-three men already had bee set apart, for transportation to England, where, they wor informed, they were to be tried for high treason in taking iij arms against their lawful sovereign. Scott instantly protests against the outrage, declaring that, as American citizens liii men should receive the protection of his Government. TIk British officer in command ordered liim to be silent. Defiantli , drawing himself up to his fullest height, he shouted to tlit; men to refuse to answer any questions propounded to them bj, which their nationality might be discovered, and, turning t( ^ the officer, he said : — " I know my place, my duty and rny riglits. I know you art ' committing a monstrous wrong against my troops. But I wan you, sir, and your superiors, that, if you persist in sending ofi i these prisoners to England for trial I shall make a fearfii exchange; for, for every man you take, my Government wlL take ten, and for every life you jeopardize the lives of tor; Englishmen sliall pay the forfeit. You and your Governmeni! shall be made to feel the law of retaliation to a degred of whicL i you little dream, if you persist in this infamous business." He then addressed the prisoners words of instruction, as tcl their rigMs, and exhorted them, under all circumstances, t( claim a citizenship of the United States. He promised then- the fullest protection of the Government, and said that, if a^ hair of their head was harmed, no quarter would ever bej given in battle — the fight should be war to the knife. Hi^ words cheered the poor, dispirited men like magic, while tlu* British officers frequently interrupted but did not succeed in! staying his fiery speech. As no more Irish, would answer , questions only the twenty-three already set apart could be' secured for transportation. These were placed in irons, on iist,, frigate in waiting, and borne to England for trial. Scott, true^^"^ to his promise, hastened from Boston, after his exchange, tOyfcjej. Washington, to lay the whole affair before Government. Byj^Bh order of the President he reported the matter in writing to thei ,..>*^'^ UETALIATOllY ACTION. $$ bee, and mo for cxclian being subjcc by llic Brit is: card the mm Lizcnship, an iudy had bee e, they ■vvci 1 in taking ii; mtly protest ( n citizens li rnmcnt. Tli' nt. Defiant!} houted to tlif ed to tliem In md, tui-ning t( know you an I. But I wan in sending ot] nake a fearfii ivernment wIL le lives of tci: ir Governmcii! egred of whicL (usiness." 5truction, as to cumstancea, tc promised then said that, if a should ever be le knife. HIj igic, while tlit lot succeed in would answer part could be in irons, on .1 l1. Scott, true 3 exchange, to ernment. By writing to the ,r Department (.January 13th, 1813). It served to awaken cial attention to Great Britain's assumptions that her enships were perpetual ; and, although Congress had re refused to pass a special Retaliatory Act, it now nsidered its position so fur as to pass (March 8d) the t|tct investing tlio President of the United States with the fUffKcv of retaliation." Under this enactment the President lilJBiorized the retention of hostages, not only for the twenty- tififeo Irish, but for all other American troops who had been, 6t might be, seized and imprisoned as subjects of Great taiu. There was no other course to be pnsucd to compel British Government to abrogate its monstrous assumptions perpetual and irrevocable citizenship of its born subjects, e the *' right of search and seizure" claim it was a just s belli, and would have been so treated if, like that " right," 'had not virtually been abandoned as a preliminary to peace. TTfe may add, however, that Great Britain has never entirely alj^gated the claim then put forth, and circumstances ma^ a^e in which this question of citizenship will again disturb relations between the two countries, his action of the Government was soon enforced. General rborn, by orders of Mr. Madison, placed twenty-threo itish (Englishmen all of them) in confinement as hostages, lu^ communicated the fact to Sir George Prevost, Governor- eral of Canada. This called from the British ministry the lowing reply to Prevost' s demand for special instructions : — •You will lose no time in communicating to Major-General ^' ,rborn, that yOu have transmitted home a copy of his letter ou, and that you are, in consequence, instructed distinctly tfti'etate to him that you have received the commands of Hi3 al Highness the Prince Regent, forthwith to put in close "nement forty-six American officers and non-commissioned ers, to be held as hostages for the safe keeping of the t#inty-tlirce British soldiers stated to have been put in close confinement by order of tlie American Government; and you wUi at the same time apprise him, that if any of the said British* scttdiers shall suffer death by reason that the soldiers now under confinement here have been found guilty, and that the known lia^ not only of Great Britain, but of every independent State ubdcr like circumstances, has been in consequence executed, ~^ have been instructed to select out of the American officers non-commissioned officers whom you shall put into close ma UHHC !{ 1' 24 THE LIFE OF WINPIELD SCOTT. • I ; I i|:i confinement, as many as may double the number of Britisl soldiers who shall so unwarrantably have been put to deati and cause such officers and non-commissioned officers to suffe death immediately. "And yor. are farther instructed to notify Major-Genera Dearborn, that the commanders of His Majesty's fleets am armies on the coasts of America, have received instructions ti prosecute the war with unmitigated severity against all cities towns and villages belonging to the United S .ites and agaiiii the inhabitants thereof," etc., etc. This so fully shows the arrogance and spirit of tli assumption referred to, that we give it as a historical fact o; great significance — particularly as the event proved that tli British Government not only did not try, convict and execut the twenty-three Irishmen, but failed to do any of tli wonderful things threatened, of devastation of cities, et( Why? Because forty-six British commissioned officers wer set apart immediately as hostages for the said forty-si; Americans; and the bearing of the American officers am Government left not a shadow of doubt on the minds of tli impolitic Sir George Prevost and his superiors that tli principle of retaliation would be carried to a general massacr; if necessary to defend the lives and liberty of these twenty three Jrishmen. Such is the good result of what American: expressively term bacJcbone, in times of trial. The last incident in the history of the Irish prisoners ma; here be given. After peace had been concluded, Scott suffering from his wounds, determined to visit Europe Strolling along the East river skl.e of New York city, one da) in July, 1815, preparatory to his departure, his ears wen greeted with the din of a great huzzaing and bustle, on ont of the piers. Passing down, he found gathered on the pie; the identical Irishmen carried to England in irons fron Quebec. They had just landed from a Liverpool packet- having been sent home by the British Government ; and thei: arrival it was which had created the wild huzzas. Scott hai 'scarcely approached the crowd before he was recognized b; the returned men. Instantly they flew to .his side. The; embraced him, pressed his knees, kissed his very feet in thei joy, while all wept like children. Scott was deeply moved and was truly repaid for all he had done in their behalf. Ttv( )er of Britis: put to death leers to suffer, iMajor-Genera. Ity's fleets ami linstructions lainst all cities ] Ites and agaim spirit of IL storical fact o roved that tl. ict and execui I any of tli of cities, el i officers wei said forty-si: n officers an IS CHOSEN CHIEF OV THK GENERALS STAFF. 25 died during their confinement ; tTventy-onc had returned. tt, notwithstanding his pressing preparations for the foreign rney, and his ill-liealth, immediately laid their case before Department, and obtained, for all of them, arrearages of and land bounty patents, thus placing them in compara- lly comfortable circumstances. These kind offices further |eared him to the Irish, generally, for, it is a somewhat irkable fact, that that people have a free-masonry of idship which reciprocates a disinterested kindness done to the least of their kin. CHAPTER IV. riors that tli 3neral massaci; f these twenty rhat Americar e minds of tli *^ ^'^"^^^^^ °*" 18^3— aid to general dearborn — the takino or f6RT GEORGE — SCOTt's GREAT INTREPIDITY — THE SUMMER SERVICE — I^PKDITION AGAINST YORK AND ITS GOOD FRUITS— THE PLAN TO SEIZB ^ INGSTON AND MONTREAL — DEPARTURE OP THE ARMY — SCOTT REMAINS FORT OEOUGE — ENEMy'S ABANDONMENT OP " THE PENINSULA*' — tt's March to sackett's harbor to join the main army — pleasant circumstances attending it — joins the army singly — illiant services^in tub campaign op the st. lawrence. I prisoners m«) .jITinfield Scott again found himself on the frontier, early icluded, Scott UiiiMay (1813). He was chosen chief of the staff of General visit Europe B^boni — assuming the office of Adjutant-General — though k city, one dai lia.»xeserved the right to a command of his own regiment in his ears wen cfl||e of special or extraordinary service. The staff was com- bustle, on on poied chiefly of officers new to that service. This threw ed on the pie; i^n the Adjutant almost the entire duty of organization of in irons fron d«|>artments— a duty which he discharged with great thorough- rpool packet- nttte. It was all needed, for the campaign to follow was one lent ; and thei requiring the resources of discipline, efficiency and strength. ,^ as. Scott hai Fort George, although within cannon-shot of the American recognized b'Fort Niagara, opposite, was held by the British. General is side. The; Dfiirborn resolved upon its possession, in order to command ry feet in thei aHm approaches to Queenstown, which it was the wish of the deeply moved JlRliericans to seize and hold as a strategicoT and defensive ' behalf. Tw jpBition. Add to this Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo, and the iHTJiole Niagara frontier would be used as the base of operations • f — M THE LIFE OF WINFTELD BCOTT. in the further conquest of Canada— a design fully determin* upon by our Government. General Pike, aided by Comni dore Chauuccy v/ith the Ontario Lake fleet, had gallani captured York (Toronto) with its entire garrison, immci; stores, etc.* Having secured prisoners, munitions, goods, a: destroyed the British naval materiel designed for the format!' of a fleet with which to cope with Chauncey, the place -n evacuated.. This gave to General Dearborn a force adeqii;: to the reduction of Forts George and Erie, and dispositk was made for the attempt on Fort George. On the morning early (May 27tli) the fleet and transpor ^i stood out from the American shore of Lake Ontario, j': below Fort Niagara. The fleet consisted of eleven sail, a: also included several gun-boats, with transports for six re, ments. To Scott was confided the post of honor — leading {. advance-guard, or forlorn hope. He was followed by Color. Moses Porter's artillery, then by the brigades of Generals Boy Winder, Chandler, and Colonel Macomb's corps of pick men. The vessels and gun-boats of the squadron drew within musket-shot distance of the shore, from about half mile below and west of the mouth of the Niagara river, up Fort George, which it actively engaged. The British, und command of General Vincent, had drawn up in double lint twelve hundred regulars strong — having a" high bank in froi The landing was effected under a severe fire, but the fleet ai boats so covered the movement, by their well-directed sIk that the troops succeeded in securing a safe debarkation, 1 nine o'clock, a. m. C^tain Oliver Hazard Perry — afterwir Commodore — rendered most admirable services on the oc( sion, exercising his great skill in marine matters with hapi results. When the American advance had secured a footlio! the line was immediately, formed and the charge made on ti s ongly disposed British lines. It was repulsed by the furid f.j of the enemy, and Scott, trying to steady his nv stumbled and fell upon the beach. General Dearborn, f'o the flag-ship Madison^ was watching him with a glass. Secii * The capture M'as a valuable one not only in respect to stores but tbe ba<:gap;e, papers, etc., of General Shoafl'o were eecnrctl. The bri Pike was killed in the moment by the explosion of a mine, which ii mxirdered many valuable men and officers. The explosion occurred of the capitulation, and is generally supposed to have been a plan to blow; the American forces entire. tile « Colo) Stall r Gen^ not dra^^| coiuf ii TAKING OF FORT GKOlfGE. 27 lly dctermiiK, fd by Comni had gallani lison, immcii )ns, goods, a: the formatk the place ^ I force adeqii:: xnd dispositii and transpoi Ontario, j' leven sail, a: •ts for six rc; or — leading t; wed by Color. Generals Boy }orps of pick ladron drew >m about half ;ara river, up c British, unci in double ]iii h bank in froi )ut the fleet ar U-directed slu debarkation, : . •erry — afterw;i les on the oc( ters with hapi jured a footho! •ge made on tl id by the furin teady his nif Dearborn, f'o i glass. Secii ct to Btoros but !curc(l. The bri V mine, which ii sioii occurred of 1 a plan to blow' |e leader fiill he is reported to have burst into tears, exclaim- '* He is lost 1 He is killed !" But, the panic was only lomentary. Recovering from the fall Colonel Scott rallied men, and dashed forward upon the enemy with terrible Ittry, Gaining a good position, he held his ground, when a Ijjlort but desperate fight ensued. Twenty minutes served to ibut the British lines, upon all sides. They fled for the llage, half a mile away. Having now been joined by part Boyd's brigade and a regiment of infantry under Colonel Miller, a hot pursuit of the flying enemy was immediately made. Passing Fort George*two companies were headed by ipott to save it from being blown up by the decampiing garrison. When near the fort a magazine exploded, causing some destruc- Ippn, and imperiling the advancing troop. Scott was knocked Boni his horse and considerably bruised, but hurried the men oa, forced the gate and was first within the walls. His own hand* struck the British flag. Captains Hindman and Stockton, at imminent risk of their lives, snatched the matches from the magazines, and thus saved the fort entire. This accomplished, %e companies hastened on after the main body, which was IBlon regained and the enemy chased fully five miles up stream. fk> impetuous was this pursuit that Scott had disregarded two tirders for his return, feeling thus warranted by the prospect of having the enemy soon in his power. General Boyd |fistened after him, in person, and stayed the pursuit, acting ittidcr the orders of General Dearborn, who feared to trust another close conflict, Scott called oft" his men, and returned, T|fitli the deepest regret. The British main line was in full light, and with the fine force at his disposal, he felt sure of a Jlfcccessful issue of a second battle, which would give him |»sscssion of those heights at Queenstown where he had seen iHch hard service, the previous year. *^'^ General Dearborn's and Commodore Chauncey's official ♦ Brackenbridje pays, in his Hii^tory of the War :—" General Boyd and (folonel Scott mounted the parapet, lor the purpose of cutting away the •tail'; but Hindman succeeded in taking the flag, which he forwarded to General Dearborn." A mistake in two respects, viz. : — General Boyd waa liot in the fort, at the moment mentioned, and liindnian took the Hag deaAvn down by Scott, with orders to have it sent to the General. Colonel Porter, of the artillery, hastened up to take possession of the fort and flag, nit, tiuding Scott already there, he exclaimed: '' Confound your long legs, llyott, yoa have got in before mel" and turned to hurry on after His company. ^% 28 THE LIFE OF WINFIELD SCOTT. i ii< hi III . II i reports to their respective Departments, made particular mei tion of Scott's and Boyd's services. Although too ill to lau with his army, General Dearborn retained the command-ir chief and gave his orders from a couch on the deck of tli Madison. He reported the American loss as 17 killed, 4 woundcfd. The British loss was 90 killed, 160 wounded at '^ 100 prisoners. The main body of the army held position at Fort Geor; ^^' during the next three months. Special services were pe^*^ formed by Generals Winder and Chandler. They desired pursue the British under Vincent, who had retreated towar ' Fort Erie. The expedition was most unfortunate — both t the Generals, and a few of their troops, falling into the hanc of the enemy. Lieutenant-Colonel Boerstler, with 600 nie:' essayed to take the Britisli post at Beaver Dam, seventetv -^ miles from Fort George. He was surrounded by a large! ;M superior force of British and Indians, and, after a severe ar^r^ protracted engagement, compelled to surrender (June 24th ^^*|^ Colonel Scott during these three months was not inactlY^^*^ His chief service was in covering foraging parties, which, ^^^,| times, presented opportunities for spirited fighting. Tl^ enemy at Queenstown was watched so closely that he scarce; obtained a load of forage, while the Americans were y<'^\^.,: supplied. ^'^^ But, this petty warfore annoyed Scott, and, being promott|j to the command of a double regiment (twenty companies), July (1813) he resigned his Adjutant-Generalship, to J^rrai;*^^ for active field duty. His regiment was very thorougli^W^ drilled, and became, in a brief period, very efficient and rcu^' for almost any enterprise. Scott then conceived an expeditii^* against Burlington Heights, at the western head of La^^] Ontario. It was supposed to be in possession of the enciii who had there centered large stores of munitions, provisior.^^ etc. The design for its capture was approved by General Lewis ;* and Scott, with his troops, was taken on boii^l" fl Commodore Chauncey's fleet for transportation. No encir *® I was found at the fort, and, not to render the expediti'f ;he • The army at and around Fort George changed commandB rnpiiljjij during the Bummer. General Dearborn, owing to his contiuued illm retired from service, to be succeeded by General Lewis, Lewis by Gcuc Boyd, Boyd by WiHsinson. PLAN TO SEIZE MONTREAL 29 )art4cular mei too ill to hw le command-h lie deck of tl; 17 killed, \ |0 wounded an at Fort Qeorc ices were pe They desired i ^ etreated towai tunate — both c g into the hant r, with 600 mc: Dam, seventet tless, a second descent was made upon York (Toronto)— eh, since its- capture by General Pike and abandonpient, been retaken by the British, and was made the dep6t of stores, as well as the rendezvous for American prisoners lerstler's regiment). A landing was effected, under Scott's mand, and the design of the descent entirely accomplished. rstler's men were released. The public depot was burnt, |thcr with the entire range of barracks. Large quantities lo thing and provisions were secured, and eleven armed 3 also taken, which were loaded down with the stores d. Much ammunition, including several pieces of cannon, transported to the fleet. All this having been safely ted, the Americans withdrew — as Scott afterAvard remarked dto give General Sheaffe another opportunity for supplying American camp." \o\ bv a lavoei 'Jlb^^^ success inspired the General commanding, Wilkinson, aL „ o.^r^vn ''nr^M thC Idca Of fter a severe ar. c%m^ a descent on Kingston and Montreal, der (June 2411.^***!"^^^^'^ ^^^^ ^^^^ become so thoroughly manned and tviq not inactiv®^^^^^' under his able management, that it was fully quali- vt'es which ^^.^^^ ^"^^^ ^ P^^^ ^^ ^^ must play in the attempt; and a fl fio-htino" Tt^'^ffi^"^^^^^^'^ ^^ forces and concentration of materiel at some V that he'scarce^^^^^^^ point of debarkation was all that was necessary to ricans were wf^^MF^^ ^^^^ movement for the actual conquest of Canada — tii^e two cities being the keys to the upper province. ckett's Harbor was chosen for the base of operations, e the army rendezvoused, and all arrangements • were ctcd for the vigorous prosecution of the campaign. r-General Hampton was ordered to co-operate, with his e division. Wilkinson embarked with the army of occu- n then on the Niagara — leaving Scott to hold Fort head of" T-v^^^^^' ^"^ *^^^^ *° defend the key to the peninsula of •ion of the encni'^^ilP'^^^""^ "^'^^*' "important territory for the Americans to nitions Tirovisioi:'^''^!^' ^^^tt, as the first captor of the fort, was entitled to its iroved bv Genci^^^il^^^* ^^^ ^^'-^^ proud of the honor, and set about putting tak-^n on ijoa^^!^ ^^^^ ^^^^*' ^^^^"^"^^^^^ ^^'^^^^'- After Wilkinson's departure, No encif^®'"^^^*^^^^^' ^^'*^^'^ expected to assail the post at any moment, tlie expeditit^'**^^^^^ ^'^^"*^^- ^^7 ''^"^ "^Sl»t the work of strengthening ;he position was prosecuted by officers and men, until, at the i^hi'^^contiSne/mne^'S °^ ^ "^^^^^' ^^ "^^^ ^^^^7 ^^^ ^"^ ^^^^^ "^ attack. wis, Lewis by Gcuc: 'dit the end of that time (October 9th) the enemy, instead of d, being promott Qty companies), ■alship, to arrar.^ very thorough 3fficient and rcin ived an expediti I ation ier do THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. i' ! ' ■ 'k! falling upon Fort George, broke up camp, and, with all his disposable field forces, moved off toward the head of Lake Ontario, evidently en route for Kingston. This step gave Scott a release, for his instructions authorized him, in event of such a movement on the part of the enemy, to leave the post in command of Brigadier-General McClure, of the New York militia, then in command of Fert Niagara, oppo- site. He was instructed to join "Wilkinson, with his forces, for active operations in the campaign. The fleet was to be sent to transport the troops. Scott immediately took steps to carry out instructions. He wrote a communication to Wilkinson, giving the news of the enemy's movements, and stating facts which were well calculated to make Wilkinson glad of the acquisition of such a force as Scott would bring into the field. He then advised the General : — "I propose taking up my line of march on the morning of the 13th (October) for the mouth of the Genesee river, and there await the arrival of the vessels you are good enough to promise me. By this movement Captain Mix thinks with me, tliat I shall hasten my arrival at Sackett's Harbor five, possibly ten days. Captain Camp* (the Quartermaster) has a sufficient number of wagons to take me thither. I can easily make that place by the evening of the 15th." That march from Fort George was an unpleasant affair, Proceeding to Genesee river, he there received advices from Commodore Chauncey that he was ready for the transport service, but that Wilkinson had positively forbidden the fleet to proceed upon any service which would require an absence of four days. This left no alternative for a weary, distressing march by foot, through forests and morasses, to Sackett's Harbor. Considering that Scott had not come prepared for Buch a tramp — that he had with him his convalescing sick and wounded whom he designed to leave at Sackett's Harbor — that the roads, owing to the incessant rains, were in a very bad condition — it may well be surmised that this disappoint- ment was one calculated to excite any thing but agreeable feelin":3. * Captain Camp— afterward Major— died at Sandasky, Ohio, in 185f). [e was a man of good military capacity, and of undoubted field courage, to whom Scott became much attached. When running for the presidency He was a man of good military capacity, and of undoubted field courage to whom Scott became much attached. When running for the presidency he made it a point to tarry over the Sabbath In Saiidusliy, at the residenco *xf XTo^/M. r^ovMT^ Tf la nnn/ll Acad f#\ an-ir fVio tivrs n\t\ an^r\lat*a ** ^VkTIfrVlf. ♦H/»if of Major Canip. It is needless to say the two old floldiers battles over again," by the fireside fought their ■■■* CAMPAIGN OP THE ST. LAWRENCE. 81 d, with all he head of This step izecl him, in my, to leave llure, of the lagara, oppo- his forces, et was to be y took steps unication to vements, and :e Wilkinson would brinj e morning of ee river, and 3od enough to inks with me, ' five, possibly as a sufficient 3ily make that leasant affair, advices from the transport dden the fleet ire an absence try, distressing , to Sackett's B prepared for valescing sick ckett's Harbor vere in a very lis disappoint- but agreeable r, Ohio, in 1850. ed field courage, »r the presidency , at the residence rs '• fought their But, there was not time for hesitancy. The march was itered upon at once, by way of Canandaigua and Utica.* Hien near the latter place, Scott was gladdened by meeting ritli tlie Secretary of War, General Armstrong, from whom |e obtained permission to leave his troops, while he should irry on alone to join the army at any point. Giving over Is command to the excellent Major Hindman, he started ir the head-quarters of General Wilkinson. After a verj'- ||itiguing journey, through rain and mud, he reached Ogdens- ||Urg Nov. Gth, beyond which place the army was just moving. The British supposed the point of attack to be Kingston ; mce had concentrated heavy bodies of troops in its vicinity, id had anchored heavy batteries along the river to command |e ai)proaching fleet. As the game was Montreal, the gauntlet batteries had to be run. Scott was in the leading and largest boat of the flotilla, to pilot it through. It led the van fearlessly and safely notwithstanding the heavy fire upon it. During the passage of the flotilla down the river, Scott commanded the advance-guard, having been given command (tTov. 7th) of a choice battalion in Colonel McComb's regiment &i chosen men. '^ The action (Nov. 11th) at Chrysler's farm (Chrystler's field) ^s only participated in by the rear division (Boyd's) of the army. The advance under Scott was forcing, at the same ]^oment, a passage of the Hoophole creek, which was obsti- ^tely opposed by a strong body of the enemy. The Americans landed above the British, drove them from their positions, captured a number of prisoners and then went on their way. M similar service was performed, the day previous, at Fort IMEatilda, which the British had throAvn up to command the St. t^wrence in its narrowest channel. The American advance llMided, carried the fort at the bayonet's point, captured a niwnber of prisoners — among them one officer — and kept the enemy at a distance by their own guns until the flotilla had safely passed. All this spirited conduct of officers and men augured well for a happy result. What was the astonishment of the army, then, to receive orders on the 12tli for a retreat ! In the very nioment of victory the expedition of conquest was abandoned I * Soc Scott's letter to the Secretary of War, (Dec. 13th, 1813.) 83 THE LIFE OF WINFIELD SCOTT. I Id ;!i I 1 ^!!! ^.i I ' 'i'fi, ■I ;^ ; J; •ii ii i 1'!; i!'. The advance was now in full command of the approaches to Montreal — nothing could prevent the capture of the city. The expedition had moved with such celerity that the troops cen- tered at Kingston could not reach the lower city in time to afford any relief. Only four hundred marines and about two hundred sailors were there Nov. 4th, for the defense of • the city, as Wilkinson confesses he was advised. The British had given up all as lost. The bugle-note of retreat was as surprising to them as it was astounding to the ai'my of invasion and humiliating to the country. The excuse for this retreat, offered by Wilkinson, was tlie refusal of General Hampton to add his forces to the expedi- tion, as ordered. As it was apparent that Hampton's forces were 7wt actually necessary to the success of the movement on Montreal, the excuse did not satisfy the army or the people : — all were not only deeply mortified at the desertion of the enterprise, but were angered at the authorities for having given so important a command to Wilkinson. He ended his "conquest" by going into winter-quarters at French's Mills, on Salmon river — the estimation of the whole country descending as rapidly toward the point of contempt as tLt thermometer toward zero. ■ * A sad close to the campaign of the Army of the North for the year ! Begun so brilliantly by General Pike, followed uf by Commodore Chauncey's spirited exploits, and the capturt of Fort George, the country expected much in the -crowning act of the year. It expected in vain. CHAPTER V. COMMISSIONED liRIGADIER-GKVERAL — FOUMS A CAMP OP INSTRUCTION A! BUFFALO — ITS RESULTS — THE CAMPAIGN OPENED — CAPTUHB OF FOI',' ERIE — SCOTT'S brigade CELEBRATES THB FOURTH OF JULY — DRIVE: THE MARQUIS OP TWEEDALB BACK UPON THE CHIPPEWA — BATTLE Di CHIPPEWA PLAINS, JULY 5Ta — ITS DETAILS, AND ITS RESULTS. To bring an army into the field capable of prosecuting tlii war with vigor was the wish of Government. The disastroi. termination of the enterprise under Wilkinson had, to soui extent, dejnoralized the spirit of the army. It was necessan inhl Eril CAPTURE OF FORT ERIE. 33 Iproacliea to city. The troops cen- [ity in time and about defense of > Tlie British [treat was as (he army of son, was the •o the expedi- ipton's forces le raovemtnt army or tht tlie desertion luthorities for ilkinson. He ers at French's whole country ntempt as tk : the North for ke, followed up ,nd the capture n the -crowning )F INSTRUCTION A' CAPTURE OF FOIV OF JULY — DRIVE 'PEWA — UATTLK Ci 1 RESULTS. prosecuting tin The disastroi! ju had, to soni ;t was necessan tierefore, to reconstruct the forces, in a large degree, of new vies, to whom would be confided the campaign for 1814. "to Scott was committed this duty of organization and re- (Bonstruction. Co-operating with Governor Tompkins he suc- n the morning of July 3d, the first movements were Idated by a sudden descent upon the British post, Fort ie, commanding the entrance of the Niagara river. Scott's , •^cott's own brigade consisted of the bottiilions of the 9th, 11th and 25th "nments of infantry, witli a detachment of the 2iJd. and Toweon's lllery. General Kipley's brigade was made up of the 1st, 2l8t, and 2.3d jntry. General Porter's brigade was composed of the several bodies nilitia known as the Canadian, the New York, and the Pennsylvania mtcers. The service rendered by Ihcso troops in the summer cam- ju deserves their Kpociul meution at the hands of the historian. Ill 'f 'I 84 THE LIFE OF WINFIELD SCOTT.. brigade, with Major Ilindmaii's artillery, crossed the river below the fort, wliile General Ripley's brigade crossed above, The movement was a surprise to the enemy. Captain Buck, commanding the fort, liad time only for a few shots ere liin post was completely surrounded. Ho surrendered, unconili. tionally, when an American garrison occupied the post. A forward movement was then ordered, upon General Riall, strongly encamped on the Chippewa river, below. Scott, as usual, was placed on the advance. July 4lh he celebrated by a running • fight, of sixteen miles, with the Marquis of Tweedale. The Marquis, with his European veterans, was driven before the furious and fast brigade, and, much to his own surprise, was compelled to fall back, across the Chii)- pewa river, upon the main bod)\ The Americans halted lor the night and took up a good position on the right bank of Street's creek, two miles above the British camp. That twu miles was over a plain admirably adapted for the maneuver^ of contending armies. It was destined to receive its baptism of blood. During the afternoon and evening the brigade of General Ripley came up, together with Porter's volunteers and Major Hindman's artillery (tield and park). On the morning of the 5th, the enemy sent forward scouting and reconnoiteriii;' parties, and several very sharp engagements were made with the picket-guards of the American camp. This did not, how- ever, draw the American forces to the field. General Riuli resolved therefore, to press a general engagement. At four o'clock he advanced over the Chippewa, with his entire army, composed of very choice troops, many of whom had served against Napoleon, in Eurojie. A wood to the left of the American position stretched fron, Street's creek to Chippewa. Into this the British commando: threw a considerable force (his right wing) to press forwun unseen and thus surprise the American left. It Avas detectoi: by the wily old General, Brown ; and Porter, with his volun teers and a body of Indians (Six Nations), was precipitateii upon the enemy with such spirit and force as to compel tlu entire right of General Riall to retire. Porter continued tlie pursuit, along the main road, until he suddenly came upoi; the main body. The volunteers were instantly hotly pressed M * drill erefi th0| '^■ Tim ENEMY ilETIIlES. 85 •ight bank of That twd maneuver^ ve its baptism IP- le le of Geneiiil jers and Major Qorning of the reconnoiterin,:: BFC made willi did not, how- General Riiili lent. At four s entire army. >m had served stretched froii ish coramandc: press forwun [t was detectt'ii with his volun as precipitated to compel till continued tlic nly came upon y hotly pressed |v the Britisli and suirorcd so severely as to be driven back to ||c creek. Brown then ordered Scott forward to tlie action, lilth his entire brigade, and Towson's artillery.* lie moved listiintly, and, crossing the bridge of the creek, deployed iuto Jjkc of battle. The lirst battalion, under Major Leavenworth took the right. The second battalion was led by Colonel Obmpbell, who, being wounded at an early moment, was bug- Oieded by Major McNeil. The third battalion was given the lift, resting upon the wood. It was commanded by Major JGesiip, whose orders were to turn the enemy's right liauk, tjpen coming steadily forward upon the American lines, hile warmly engaged in this service," says Brackcnridge, e was compelled to detach Captain Ketchum to attack e troops coming up to the assistance of the main body, til which the third battalion was engaged. The Major, lUkving cleared his front, moved to the relief of his Captain, who liad maintained an uneqn?il contest against superior numbers. "He had not accomplished this until after a severe struggle : being closely pressed in front and flank, and his men falling ia numbers around him, he had deliberately given orders to ailvance, under a dreadful fire ; until, gaining a position of l|(0re security, he compelled the enemy to retire, and came up it| time to co-operate with Captain Ketchum's detachment. ^e admirable coolness and intrepidity of his corps were l^rthy of veterans, and proved the great progress the Ameri- Oins had made in discipline. The battalion on the American t||ht, under Major Leavenworth, was not only engaged with tlib British infantry, but often exposed to the fire of their bat- 1)0|ies. One of its officers, Captain Harrison, had his leg shot off by a cannon-ball ; but so doubtful did he consider the contest, that he would not suffer a man to be taken from his dti^y to bear him from the field, and supported the torture of hl^ wound until the action ceased. After the lapse of an hi^r from the time the action became general. Captain Towson haidng completely silenced the enemy's most powerful bat- tel^, now turned upon their infantry at that moment advancing C' f Manafteld states that Scott was takinsj his men out on the plain for tfRil, and was ignorant of the enemy's advance. At the bridge over the cuaek he met General Brown, who isim])ly naid : "The enemy is advanc- lofc you will have a flglit," and pass*ed on to General Ripley's brigade in ^i rear. Mansfield adds tliat, boyond this remark, Scott received no fBfther orders during the day. All a mistake, wo must think. •m— 86 THE LIFE OF WINFIELD SCOTT. to a clmrgo. Tlie llro from TowHon's artillery, which poured upon them ; the ohlicinc discljargcs of a part of McNeil's but- talion, which was so posted as to assail both front and flank; Iho steadiness of the two battalions; and the apparent issiu of the contest on his ris^ht Hank with ]\Iajor Jesup, conipellc! General lliall to retire, until he reached the sloping ground which led to Chippewa. From this point the British fled in confusion to their intrenchmcnts, which were too strong to h assailed." This account substantially conforms to the Report made h\ General Brown to the Department, July 7th. But, neither IIk Report, nor the above statement gives any idea of the re- markable skill displayed by Scott, nor of the courage and hardihood of the troops under his command. Scott's brigade' was outnumbered by the British.* He had, therefore, li make up in strategy and science what was wanting in actual muskets. Scott himself was ei^eri/icJicre— leading first oik battalion, then another ; directing the indomitable Towson in his several changes of disposition of the artillery required by the rapidly varying front of batth; : — he rode about like a whirl- wind to dispose the attack, to outflank in his oblique charges, to encourage the officers and men to more than usual courage, His spirit and will fired all with an enthusiasm which knev no retreat, no wavering. The men stood up to the lines liki walls of steel. This steadiness under heavy fire astounded the enemy — many of whose troops were soldiers who luid fought out bloody campaigns in Europe ; while the British officers, from General Riall and the Marquis of Tweedale down to their subalterns, were confounded with the extreme skill displayed in the evolutions and swift disposition of their antagonists. General Brown states, in his report, thai Ripley's brigade did not succeed in getting into the action l^efore the encnr. was flying from Scott's impetuous battali')ns. The greatesi * The Britis^h authorities state to the contrary, but flgnrcB are facts in this case. Tlie Briti(re eminently iiigli in the piith of duty and honor, it is im- fbssible to discriminate; but I can not deprive myself of the pleasure of saying that Major Leavenworth commanded the ||li and 22d, Major Jesup the 25th, and Major McNeil the llth. Colonel Campbell was wounded early in the action, gallantly leading on his regiment. "The family of General Scott (his military staff) were con- Si(Mious in tlie field : Lieutenant Smith of the (Ith infantry, ijor of brigade, and Lieutenants Worth* and Watts, his aids.'' Promotions followed this report as follows : J'' Honorary Breveta — Brigadier-General Scott, to be Major- mineral; Majors Leavenworth, IVlcNeil and Jesup to be Li(!U- lant-Colonels ; Captains Crookcr, Towson, Harrison and jstin to l)e Majors; Lieutenant Worth to be Captain; 2d jutenant AVatts, to be 1st Lieutenant." ' ;Beyond question this victory was owing to that Camp of Xa3truclion at Buffalo. No skill and efficiency of command 6|inld have sufficed for the emergency, had not the men been witched with the veterans of tlui British armv in field skill fjpwell as in the conlidi-ncc which comes of rigid discipline. Bravery is truly a comparative — not an absolute quality, aa * Afterward Major-Gencral Worth. He died in the Bcrvice, 1860. ■sr 38 THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. "the philosophers" will persist in recording it. The rcgi.| ment which fights and runs away as militia, will fight aiid^ never flinch from orders when under thorough discipline as ■ regulars. Tlie men who blanch at the fire of a battery will charge that battery to a bloody and desperate death if a leader can but inspire them with the heroism of a moment, None, better than Scott, knows this ; and his whole systoii! of tactics is founded upon the great cardinal principle, that courage is a comparatim quality, to inspire which disctjilim only is necessary. Cowards are brave men under the con- ^ trolling hand of science. | The good result of this fight was not in the single victory alone, but in the fact demonstrated, viz. : that discipline only was wanting to render American soldiers equal to any troop? in the world. That fact havinsr gained a recognition, tlio country required of its authorities that the entire military organization should be rendered equal to the demands made upon it, so far as circumstances would permit. Out of that requirement sprung the institution at West Point, which hns given so many accomplished men to the service of the Govern ment. CHAPTER VI. THE BATTLE OP NIAGARA. (COMMONLY CALLED THE BATTLE OF LUNDY's LAXE) — ITS UEMARKAULE NATURE — EXTUAORDINAUY SERVICES OP AL!. ENGAGED — SCOTt's BRIGADE ALMOST ANNIHILATED — SCOTT WOUNLKD TWICE — IS COMPELLED TO RETIRE FROM THE CAMPAIGN. But a brief rest was allowed the combatants of the 5th. Browr resolved to push his enemy back upon Queenstown. pnd, 11 possible, to drive him from that stronghold to the position on Burlington Heights, which should then become. the prize for contention. That once in American hands would open, with Chauncey's fleet, the entire waters of Ontario to American enterprise, and again lay the train for the wished- for conquest of Canada. This plan, matured in wisdom and spirit, only failed of entire fulfillment owing to unforeseen and insurmountable difficulties. On the 8th Ripley's brigade moved up the Chippewa, three miles above the British camp, where to construct a bridge for n 1 The regi- fight and! scipline nsl )att.ery Avills death if a^ a moment, iole system ?| iiiciple, that h discipUiu er the con- ngle victory icipline only 3 any troops gnition, tlu' tire military mancls mack' Out of tluit it, which has f the Govern- LK OF LUNDY3 UVICE3 OF AL!. COTT WOUNDKD s of the 5tli. Queenstown. ghold to the 3U become, the hands would of Ontario to )r the wished- 1 wisdom and to unforeseen lippew^a, three 3t a bridge for MOVEMENT UPON FORTS GEORGE AND MASSASAGUA. 39 jhe passage of the stream. lie enemy did not discover the ovement until the bridge *vas near its completion. Riall en ordered his artillery to advance upon the poiii*^ and stop roccediugs. But, Hindman's artillery was rea' for such a emonstration, and his scathing fire soon drove the British lack to their camp. To follow up this advantage, Scott w\as ;0W ordered to cross the bridge below and assail the camp in ont. His brigade came on to the perilous service, with eady, quick step. Towson's guns swept up to the bridge to filade it. The British commander resolved not to incur e hazard of a complete capture, and withdrew his entire irces precipitately toward Queenstown, from whence the fol- wing day he advanced to Ten Mile creek. Brown followed oely and occupied Queenstown": After various movements, in whicli several sharp engage- nts occurred, the American General resolved to pursue the itish army, now under command of Lieutenant-General ummond, to Burlington Heights, and thus strike for the of his position, leaving Forts George and Niagara — both n in possession of the enemy — to be conquered at leisure. eenstown was therefore abandoned by the American army, icli fell back upon the Chippewa. The abandoned posi- in was immediately occupied by General Riall, from whence, trusting the design of the Americans, he threw a strong e over the river to threaten the depot at Schlosser, hoping s to distract Brown's movement. As a counter, Scott was ered to pass Riall, in his intrenched camp, and precipitatj forces upon Forts George and Massasagua, below, thus to pel him to recall his troops from over the river. At four on the 25th, the entire brigade, seven hundred strong, ther with Towson's invincible artillery, passed out from ippewa. Following the river road down, when near the met, at Lundy's Lane (a road leading from the Falls to lington Heights) he came upon the British, who had ted, on a commanding hill, a strong battery of nine pieces, being bra3S twenty-fours. The advance of the brigade ier Captains Harris and Pentland first encountered the y's outposts, and, after a sharp conflict drove them in ttti^n the fortified position and main lines along the Lane. t, finding he had to encounter the entire force of RialK W ,„^ urr. OF ^viK:nrxp bcott. Tnrleed critical; it \\ouiu ti^ree to one in miisK-cr. Wv a disastrous one; U> stana ^_^j^,^ j^,g,,t „e vol j Z, ^f reiaforeements ciM ^o™; "^ j Douglass* to Bvow r:\esU to «-^' -e So'*-— - -'^ r sx • utter destruction.! . ^ ^^^ .,.„ Americans as soon as the, '' The enemy opened ^^^ ^^^^^^ "^..^le immediately beca. emerged from tUe woods^ The ^ .^^ ^f nnmhe. -i, ^«^-^!^t^e!^eSs so as to prevent b^g- Scott disposed mssevei aire ^^^^^ ^^ ^eU as . fl mked. The action was «^^^ J" ^ith most sangum r '. ! m: It thus CO— Wor an^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^,.. . rpsults to both Sides. Uie ii pounded, and ^i^; itrlst of their officers ^^^^^^^..^ were ^vithdrawn from t: :' Xusted all tl-r-Xrof battle to bo borne by « field This left the whole ^^^^^^ oi ^^^ ^^^^il «:;:U.eav^-t. He..o.^^^^ fearful ..ecu. . Attotwarf ^'f'oSor, Ohio. ,, „f .o large a force ot ' " arrao^'ed that ScoU, ^^''^„\\?_!;9; the Niagaral "« J7.,f,a on the way. commenced.'' idge'g dUow ^ "Li peer rawr ige> CllITICAL SITUATION OF SCOTT's BRIGADE. 41 >1 ncs to tlif'^ 'ulcl l)e gf'D- |ow, was, of ir the stni.: ods he Avih mdy's Lain is case "svu> !s he was ii , in mllskct^- ' ' lies — he mii« k mind deter defeat, probi ite his forces night be woi ass* to BroT- ,hus hastenin. ave him fror 3 soon as the;| diately hecair y of mmiber ivent being on y as well as f lost sanguinnr giments, havii mded, and hf ' drawn from tl be borne by tt orm the terrib (jarful oxecutii sntly, rre?ident /I irge a force of : 1, Lieutenant-G' ritlsh fleet, at i '-"S i-om Kingston a ni. Drnmmondli: the 25th ontlw' ■V road it had t' ^mel)y(>uccn^'l< joutrived his rot la. On the way.; 3hhad juBtconw'.^ vale, after the ad ~^ m the thinned ranks, but his shattered columns were not fequal to the service, and Leavenworth reported his condition 10 Scott. The General, begrimed with dust and blood, lurried up to Leavenworth's position, rode along the ranks ^nd was gallantly cheered as he passed. lie asked the men hold their ground for a few moments longer, when rein- )rcenients would relieve them — a promise which fired them lith new strength. Here let us defer our account of the 3markable struggle which followed, to give place to Bracken- idge's somewhat detailed statement of the entire action which )llowed the reinforcements : — " Lieutenant Riddle, already well known as a reconnoitering ^flScer, was the first tc come to their assistance, having been rawn to tlie place by the sound of the cannon, wiiile on a scour- ig expedition in the neighboring country. The same circum- tance advised General Brown of the commencement of tlie ac- |on, and induced hiui to proceed rapidly to the scene, after giving rders to Genera' Ripley to tbllow with the second brigade. He ^as alreud; on ' "s wa}' when he met Major Jones, and, influ- iced by ! ,:.. .i.iunilcation, he dispatched him to bring up [eneral Porter's volunteers, together with the artillery. "The situation of Scott's brigade was every mcnntut becoming ^ore critical. A^isled by tlie obstinacy of their resistance, j?\eral Illall overrated "their force ; and dispatched a messen- ir to General Drummond, at Fort George, for reinforcements, )twithstan(ling that the number engaged on his side, thus far, id been more than double that of the Americans. During the jriod that both armies were waiting for reinforcements, a vol- itary cessation from combat ensuwl ; and for a time no sound Jrokc upon the stillness of the night, but the groans of the lounded mingling wiih the distant thunder of the cataract of liagara. The silence was ouce more interrupted, and tlie en- Igement renewed witi) augmented vigor, on the arrival of Mieral Ripley's bris^ !••, Major llindman's artillery, and Gen- d Porter's voluntt ■ >. ^ rcenient« to the British. The artil- ty were united to 'i\/V -;<■•• i; detachment, and soon came into tion ; Porter's brigade w c'y displayed on the left, and Ripley's rmed on the skirts of the wood, to the right of Scott's brigade. Bneral Drummond took the command in person of the front la of the enemy with his fresh troops, I" In the meantime, Cohmcl Jcsup, who, as before mentioned, kd been ordered, at tlu; commencement of the action, to take ^st on the right, had succeeded during the engagement, after jfallant contest, in turning the left flanlc of the enemy. Taking vantage of the , '.rkness of the night, and the carelessness of 42 TUE LIFE OF ■\VINFIEI.D SCOTT. the enemy in omitting to place a proper guard across a road on »^1! his left, he threw his regiment in the rear of their reserve ; audi surprising one detachment after another, made prisoners of so I many of their officers and men, tlf at his progress was greatly ' impeded by it. The laws of war would have' justified him iu putting them to death ; 'but the laurel, in his opinion, was most,: glorious when entwined by the hand of mercy,' and he gcnor- - ously spared them. One of his ofTiccrs, Captain Ketchum, avIiu ,| had already distinguished himself at the battle of Chippewa, 1 had the good fortmie to make prisoner of General Riall, avIio, I on the arrival of General Drummond, had been assigned to tlie -I command of the reserve, and also of Captain Loring, the aid ofi General Drummond. The latter was a most fortunate circuni- stance, as it prevented the concentration of the British forces contemplated by that officer, before the Americans were pre pared for his reception. After hastily disposing of his prisoner?, Colonel Jesup felt his way through the darkness to the place where the hottest fire was kept up on the brigade to which lie belonged; and drawing up liis ^'^inient behind a fence, on one side of the Queenstown road, bi; " ^''e rear of a party of Brit- • isli infantry, posted on the oppo. ide of the same road, ho surprised them by a fire so destructiv , that they instantly broke and fled. 'The Major,' said General Brown, ' showed him- self to his own army in a blaze of fire.' He received the ap- ])lause of the General, and was ordered to form on the right of the second brigade. " General Ripley, seeing the impracticability of operating upon the enemy from the place at which he had been ordered to post his brigade, or of advancing from it in line through a thick wood, in the impenetrable darkness of the night, determined, with that rapid decision wliich characterizes the real commander, to adopt the onlv measure by which he saw a hope of saving the first brigade iVom destruction, or of ultimately achieving the victory ; and which when made known to the Commander-in- Chief, was instantly sanctioned. The eminence occupied by the enemy's artillery was the key to their x>osition. Addressing himself to Colonel Miller, the same who had distinguished hini- self at Magagua, he inquired whether he could storm the battery at the heail of the 2 1st regiment, while he would himself support him with the younger regiment, the 23d. To this the wary, but intrepid veteran replied, in unaffected phrase, 'I WILL TRY, sir' — woi'ds wliicli wcie afterward worn on the buttons of his regiment — and immediately prepared for the arduous effort, by placing himself directly in front of the hill. The 23d was formed in close column, by its commander, Major M'Farland; and the 1st regiment, under Colonel Nicholas, which had that day arrived from a long and fatiguing march, was left to keep the infantry in check. Tho twi ) regnnents moved on to one of the most perilous charges lth( ^pa Ifir :iA] lit in lib CAPTURE OP THE BRITISH BATTERY. 48 |s8 a road on 3serve; and; Isoners of so; [was greatly pificd liim ill )n, was most; [d he gcnor- kcluim, Avlio If Chippowa, ll Riall, who, Kigned to tlie \g, the aid of [nate circn.ru- Britisli forces ns were pre lis prisoner?, to the place to which lie ence, on one )arty of Brit- iame road, lie stantly broke showed hiin- Dived the ap- a the right of aerating upon dered to post oiigh a thick , determined, I commander, )pe of savinir ichieving the mmander-in- jupied by the Addressing gnished hini- n the battery >uld himself ^d. To this ictcd phrase, worn on the red for the t of the hill, commander, der Colonel I long and check. The lou8 charges [ever attempted ;. the whole of the artillery, supported by the [fire of a powerful line of infantry, pouring upon them as they [advanced. The 21st moved on steadily to its purpose: [the 23d faltered on receiving the deadly fire of the enemj'-, [but was soon rallied by the personal* exertions of Gen- [eral llipley. AVhen within a hundred yards of the summit, [they received another dreadful discharge, by which Major M'i^arland was killed, and the commancl of his regiment [devolved on Major Brooks. To the amazement of the British, Ithe intrepid Miller firml^^ advanced, until within a few paces [of their cannon, when he impetuously charged upon the artille- rists, and after a short but desi)crate resistance, carried the whole [battery, and f ):-'ivjd his line in its rear, upon the ground pre- [viously occ.ipied by the British infantry. In carrying the largest pieces, the 21st suffered severely: Lieutenant Cilley, Jafter an unexampled effort, fell wounded by the side of the piece which he took ; and there were few of the officers lof this regiipent who were not either killed or wounded. By Ithe united efforts of these two regiments, and the bringing into line of the 1st, the fate of this bold assault was determined : [the British infantry were in a short time driven down the emi- lence, out of the reach of musketry, and their own cannon turned upon them. This admirable effort completely changed the nature of the battle: every subsequent movement was lirected to this point, as upon the ability to maintain it the result of the conflict entire ly depended. Major Hindman was now ordered to bring up his corps, including Captain Towson's detachment, and post himself, with his own and the captured ;annon, to the right of Ripley's brigade, and between it and the !5th, Jesup's regiment, while the volunteers of General Porter •etaincd their position on the left of Scott's brigade. " Stung with rage and mortification at this most extraordinary md successful exploit of the Americans, General Drummond, [tlie British commander, now considered it absolutely essential |to '^'e credit of the Bi'ilisli armj, and to avoid insupportable lisgrace, that the cannon and the eminence on which they were fcaptured shoud be retaken. Having been greatly reinforced, he |advanced upon Uipley, with a heavy and extended line, out- lank ing him on both extremes. The Americans stood silently iwaiting his approach, which could only be discovered by the sound attending it, reserving their fire, in obedience to orders, |until it could be effective and deadly. The whole division of Ithe British now marched at a brisk step, until within twenty [paces of the summit of the height, when it poured in a rapid Ire, and prepared to rush forward with the bayonet. The lAmerican line being directed by the fire of the enemy, returned lit with deadly effect. The enemy were thereby thrown into ^momentary confusion ; but being rallied, returned furiously to ithe atUick. A most tremendous conflict ensued; which for 44 THE LIFE or WINFIELD SCOTT. twenty minutes continued \Mili violence indescribable. The British line was at last compelled to yield, and to retire down the hill. In this struggle General Porter's volunteers emulated the conduct of the regulars. The gallant Major "Wood, of the Pennsylvania corps, and Colonel Dobbin, of the New York, gave examples of unshaken intrepidity. " It was not supposed, however, that this would be the last effort of the British General; General Ripley therefore had the wounded transported to the rear, and instantly restored his line to order. General Scott's shattered brigade having been con- solidated into one battalion, had during this period been held in reserve behind the second brigade, under Colonel Leaven- worth — Colonel Brady having been compelled, by the severity of his w^ound, to resign the command. It was now ordered to move to Lundy's Lane, and to form with its right toward the Niagara rnad, and its left in the rear of the artillery. " After the lai3se of half an hour, General Diummond was heard again advancing to the assault with renovated vigor. The direction at first given by General Ripley was again observed. The fire of the Americans was dreadful; and th(3 artillery of Major Hindman, which were served with gre^t skill and coolness, would have taken away all heart from the Britisl) for this perilous enterprise, had not an example of bravery been set them by the Americans. After the first discharge, the British General threw himself with liis entire weight upon the center of the American line. He was firmly received by the gallant 21st regiment; a few ])lato()ns only faltering, whieii were soon restored by General Ripley. Finding that no impression could be made, tlic whole British line again recoiled, and fell back to the bottom of the hill. During this second contest, two gallant charges were led by General Scott in person, the first upon the enemy's left, and tlie second on his right fiank, w'ith his consolidated battalion; but having to oppose double lines of infantry, his attempts, which would have been decisive had they i)ro. ed successful, were unavailing. Although he had most fortunately escaped unhurt thus far, subsequently, in passing to the right, he received two severe wounds ; regardless of liimself, however, he did not quit the field, until he had directed Colonel Leavenworth to unite his battalion with the 25th regiment, under the command of Colonel Jesup. "Disheartened by these repeated de^ats, the British were on the point of yielding the contest, w^en they received fresh reinforcements from Fort George, which revived their spirits, and induced them to make another and still more desperate struggle. After taking an hour to refresh themselves and reco- ver trom their fatigue, they advanced with a still more extended line, and wath confident 'hopes of l)eiug able to overpower the Americans. Our countrymen, who had stood to their arms PINAL REPULSE OP THE ENEMY. 45 [during all this time, were worn down with fatigue, and almost fainting with thirst, which there was no water at hand to quench. From tlie long interval which had elapsed since the second repulse, they had begun to cherish hopes that the enemy had abandoned a further attempt ; but in this they were disap- pointed. On the approach of the British for the third time, Iheir courageous spirit returned, and they resolved never to yield the glorious trophies of their victory, until they could contend no longer. The British delivered their fire at the same distance as on the preceding onsets. But although it was re- turned with the same deadly effect, they did not fall back with tlie same precipitation as before; they steadily advanced, and repeated their discharge. A conflict, obstinate and dread- ful beyond description, ensued. The 21st, under its brave leader," firmly withstood the shock; and although the right and left repeatedly fell back, they were as often rallied by the personal exertions of the General, and Colonels Miller, !^^icho- las, and Jesup. At length the two contending lines were on the very summit of the hill, where the contest was waged with terrific violence at the point of the bayonet. Suc;h was the obstinacy of the conflict, that many battalions, on both sides, were forced back, and the opposing parties became mingled with each other. Nothing could exceed the desperation of the battle at the point where the cannon were stationed. The enemy having forced themselves into the very midst of Major Ilindman's artillery, he was compelled to engage them across the carriages and guns, and at last to spike two of his pieces. General Ripley, having brought back the broken sections to their positions and restored the line, now pressed upon the enemy's flank and compelled them to give way. The center soon following the example, and the attack upon the artillery being at this moment repulsed, the whole British line fled a third time; and no exertions of their officers could restrain them until thejr had placed themselves out of reach of the mus- ketry and artdlery. The British now consented to relinquish their cannon, and retired beyond the borders of the field, leaving their dead and wounded. " General Brown had received two severe wounds at the com- mencement of the last charge, and was compelled to retire to tlie camp at the Chippewa, leaving the command to General iliplcy. The latter officer had macle repeated efforts to obtain the means of removing the captured artiHery ; but the horses having been killed, and no drag-ropes being at hand, they were still on the place where they had been captured, when orders were received from General Brown, to collect the wounded and return to camp immediately. The British cannon were there- fore left behind, the smaller pieces having first been rolled down the hill. The whole of the troops reached the camp in good order about midnight, after an unmolested march. -." n i8 TEE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. 1 1 " It is much to be regretted that these trophies of victory could not have been secured ; as the circumstance of their recovery by tlie British gave them occasion, surprising as it may seem, to claim the victory. To high praise they certainly were en- titled ; but to the merit of " a complete defeat of the Americans," they had no claim, and the assertion was an outrage to trutli. A compliment for such a victory ought to infuse the blush of shame into the cheek of any honorable soldier who had a share in the contest so named. "The British force engaged, of whom 1,200 were militia and 500 Indians, was little short of 5,000 men ; being nearly a third greater than that of the Americans. The loss oli either side was proportioned to the nature of this dreadful and sanguinary battle : its aggregate, in both armies, amounted to 1,729; and the killed and wounded alone to near 1,400. In the records of the most bloody battles we seldom meet will so great a number of officers killed and wounded. On the side of the British, 1 assistant Adjutant- General, 1 Captain, 3 subaltorns, and 79 non-commissioned officers and privates. Avere killed; Lieutenant-General Drummond, 3 Lieutenant- Colonels, 2 Majors, 8 Captains, 22 subalterns, and 522 non- commissioned officers and privates were wounded; 1 Major- General (Riall who was also wounded,) 1 aid-de-camp — Cap- tain Loring, 5 other Captains, 9 subalterns, and 230 non-com- missioned officers and privates, were prisoners or missing: making in all 878 men. The American loss was, 1 Major, 5 Captains, 5 subalterns, and 159 non-commissioned officers and privates, killed; Major-General Brown, Brigadier-Generals Scott and Porter, 2 aids-de-camp, 1 brigade Major, 1 Colonel, 4 Lieutenant-Colonels, 1 Major, 7 Captains, 37 subalterns, and 515 non-commissioned officers and privates wounded; and 1 brigade Major, 1 Captain, 6 subalterns, and 102 non- commissioned officers and private's, prisoners or missing: making a grand total of 851. Thus there was a difference of 27 only, between the respective losses of the contending parties." Considered in all its aspects this battle is one of the most remarkable on record, from its obstinacy, the number of its dead in proportion to the number engaged, and the extra- ordinary generalship shown upon both sides. Fouglit in the night, under the very spray of the mighty cataract whose eternal roar mingled with the cannon's notes like a prolonged and mighty moan, it has in it elements of novelty and sublimity which attach to no other recorded strife. • The charge and counter-charge, the rattle of musketry in line and platoon, the sharp crack of the pistol m some near foe, the thunder of BCOTT TWICE WOUNDED. 47 )ry could recovery my seem, were en- lericaiis," |e to trulli. blush of HO liad a ^re militia fng nearly 'le loss oil s dreadful amounted bear 1,400. meet witl . On the 1 Captain, d privates, ieutenant- 522 non- l: 1 Major- ;amp— Cap- 20 non-com- or missing: .s, 1 Major, ned officers ier-Generals ■, 1 Colonel, •alterns, and mded; and I 102 non- )r missing : a difference contending of the most mber of its the extra- 'Ught in the iract whose I prolonged id sublimity charge and ad platoon, thunder of [the answering and answered artillery, the clash of sword on 5word, the moans of wounded men and horses, the shouts of [command, the huzzas of victory — all, kept up from sunset to lidnight, contributed to the passing hours an epic as redolent )f glory and gore, of pleasure and pain, of triumph and defeat, IS ever thrilled the lyre of minstrel. Scott was among those badly wounded. Two horses were Hiot under him, and his last hour in the conflict was passed )ii foot. One ball struck his side, injuring two ribs badly ; 3ut, tying his scarf tightly over the wound, he continued with lis men. Late in the conflict he received a second ball in \h(i left shoulder, which shattered the' joint and compelled lini to give up to the surgeon. "Weak from loss of blood irough his first wound, the last shot, adding sharp pain to Repletion, prostrated him utterly, and the surgeons gave him ittle hope of an early or easy recovery. He was first borne the camp of Chippewa, thence to the residence of a friend |t Williamsville, near Buffalo, where he remained a month, buffering extremely. The companionship of the British Gen- pal, Riall, and his aid. Major Wilson — both severely wounded, |ind prisoners — served to render his confinement less irksome. ?lioug]i enemies in arms they soon became friends in earnest. ?he Britons were accomplished gentlemen, and ever enter- la Ined a lively and sincere affection for Scott.* * Through Scott's intercession both Riall and Wilson were permitted to Return to England at a moment, when, owing to the bad understand- ng existing between the two Governments, eiich concessions were rare. Jiiili was knighted for his services, and promoted. Wilson became Jir John Morillyou Wilson. Mansfield says, that, owing to his great lespect for the American character, Wilson invested the hard earnings of forty years' service, and all his wife's property, in Mississippi bonds, which, lo the lasting disgrao) of that State, were paid by the very convenient )rocess of repudiation. 48 THE LIFE OF WINPIELD BCOTT. CHAPTER VII. GALLANT DEFENSE OF FORT ERIE — SCOTT EN ROUTE FOR PniLADELPIIn) — INTEUES 'ING INCIDENTS BY THE WAY — 13 MADE M. A. AT PRINCI!{ TON— TAKK COMMAND OF TROOPS FOR DEFENSE OF PUILADELPIIIA ANcI BALTIMORE — IN CHARGE OF THE TENTH MILITARY DISTRICT — PLANS Tinl CAMPAIGN FOR 1815 — IS OFFERKD THE SECRETARYSHIP OF WAR — GOKij TO EUROPE — GOOD RESULTS OP THE TOUR— RETURN — MARRIES— GOuJ MEDAL FROM CONGRESS — SWORDS FROM VIRGINIA AND NBW YORK. A STRICT adherence to our biogi-aphy precludes the privilecej of recording, at Icngtii, the story of the campaign on tliol Niagara, after the two conflicts of Cliippewa and Niagaraj Falls. Suffice to say, overmatched greatly in numbers thel Americans retreated before General Drummond's llea^7l columns. The main body of the army passed up the Niagaraj to Black Rock ferry, where it came to a halt;- and Brown resolved to make one more grand issue with his opponent.; He decided to hold Fort Erie. Throwing his entire force intni it he made rapid preparations for the defense. Brigadier- General Gaines was given the general command. The con- dition of the fortress was not calculated to resist the heavy! artillery of Drummond, but, with most indomitable spirit, it! w\as put in order, and the garrison prepared for a glorious resistance. Drummond came up (August, 3d), to find all ready for his warm reception. A careful reconnoiter convinced him I of the impossibility of carrying the fortress by storm. Hcl therefore regularly invested it. Trenches were gradually! opened and batteries planted. Bombardments and assaults! followed, with no very favorable results to the British, so ^ furious was the defense. Ripley, Hindman, McRae, Porter, Trimble, Towson were all there, as well as Brown, their wounded but ever vigilant Commander-in-Chief. Thej were more than a match for the veterans from beyond the sea. For fifty days the siege continued with fearful loss to the I assailants, when Brown resolved upon a sortie. It was a daring, but well advised enterprise— -the only thing which could possibly save the garrison from the enemy's tremendous I preparations for a final bombardment and assault. The sortie ^ was made, and stands recorded one of the most brilliant I BCOTT EN nOUTE FOU PttlLADELPHLA.. 40 IILADELPiml AT PUINCI!. >ELPH1A and! I"— PLANS TIIbI WAR— COKij JURIES— fioul IW YORK. lie privilecej fgn on tlicj id Niagara umbers the id's hea^7 lie Niagara and Brown 9 opponent! re force into! Brigadier! . The coil- it the heavy I ble spirit, it) ' a glorious i nd all ready ivinced him; storm. He I e gradually md assaults! I British, so | Rae, Porter, I rown, their; The^ were I id the sea. loss to the It was a I ling -which I tremendous | The sortie )st brilliant •xploils of the war. Three days after the sortie General )rummond raised the siege (September 21st) and retired to 'hippewa, utterly discomfited by the bravery and strategic resources of " the Yankees." Thus the campaign on the Niagara ended gloriously for Linerican arms : how much such a result was owing to that Camp of Instruction in Buffalo only the men engaged in the three conflicts could tell. Anxious to reach Philadelphia for the eminent surgical aid icccssary in his case, Scott started for the East. Arriving at Jatavia he was compelled to tarry for several weeks — being lost kindly cared for by ft'iendly hands. From thence he N'ds borne, on a litter, to Geneva — gentlemen along the route eagerly volunteering as bearers of the litter. All classes, lale and female, old and young, gave the wounded hero the dndest greeting as he passed on his painful way. At Geneva ic tarried soveral days to regain strength for the next remove. [n this manner, accompanied by his faithful aid and devoted jFiieiul, Major Worth, he proceeded, by easy stages, southward, jveryvvhere being received with demonstrations of respect. [lis name was on all tongues, for the fame of his exploits had joue on before. Extreme feebleness picventf'd acceptance of )ublic receptions tendered by several cities. Ai Princeton, Tew Jersey, the Commencement exercises of Nev^ Jersey College occurring when the carriage of the invalid reached that place, Scott was waited upon by the Faculty, and was 30 earnestly solicited to attend the ceremonies as to allow himself to be borne to the church. His appearance on the stage, pale, emaciated and disabled, gave occasion for the wildest enthusiasm from the great crowd gathered, of the leading inhabitants of the place. The valedictorian of the ^ear referred very handsomely to the " Duties of Citizens in *eae« and War," and, most unexpectedly to all, broke forth [in eloquent eulogy of the wounded warrior present. It was surprise for Scott, who bore such praise with less courage than the oratory of the enemy's batteries. This pleasant epi- Isode ended by the Faculty of the College conferring upon Ihini the honorary degree of Master of Arts — a degree as hon- |orable to tiie discrimination oi the officers of that eminent institution as it was merited by the recipient. 'fill 50 THE LIFE OP WiNPrELD BCOTT. I! Approaching Philadelphia, he was received by Qovcrnnr Snyder at the head of a division of militia, who heartily turned out to welcome the soldier. It was at a moment (September, 1814) when both Philadelphia and Baltimore were threatened 'y the British, and the public looked to liim, sick and wounded as he was, as a leader. He plead his in- competency for service, but the Department made him the nominal head of the Pennsylvania and Maryland ""^rccs, tliut his name might inspire the confidence and ardor so necessary to success, lie therefore went to Baltimore, where, under tlie hands of a skillful surgeon. Dr. Gib3on, his wounds were eventually healed, though, to this moment, he is crippled in the shoulder. In October (1814) General Scott look up head-quarters at Washington as Commander of the 10th military district, The winter of 1814-15 was spent there, arranging, in con- junction with the Department and President, the campaign for 1815. It was decided to prosecute the war with the ut- most vigor on land and water, and preparations were, ac- cordingly, making for heavy enlistments when the Treaty of Peace arrived, in February.* This, of course, virtually dis- solved the war establishment ; but the vast foresight shown by Scott — the Qminent ability which he betrayed, not only for command, but also for organization and conduct of the mil- itary department — his great personal popularity — induced the newly-elected President (James Monroe) to offer liim the Cabinet appointment of Secretai-y of AVar. It was an offer quite unexpected to the young General, and was declined, Scott avers, for the reason that he was not entitled to such a position of actual seniority over his elder compatriots in arms. Monroe then requested him to accept the post as Acting Secretary until the return from Paris of Wm. H. Crawford, who was to be assigned the position. This request he also declined, actuated by that high sense of honor which has ever characterized his conduct. He would not assume a su- periority of rank to which he was not justly entitled by service and commission.f He lent his aid, however, in reducing the * Signed at Ghent, December 24th, 1814 ; ratified by the XT. S. Senate February 17th, 1815. t The Secretary, at that time, was considered as the virtual Commander- in-Chief of the army, though the constitntion makes the President tho Commander-in-Chief of both army and navy. nra europran tour. 81 army to a peace footing. This done he arranged for the tour of Europe, both for the improvement of his health and for proi'cssional information. Our Government was quite anxious so accomplished an oftlcer Bhould have an opportunity of in- specting and studying the military establishments of the great iiioiiurchiea, that our own might profit by their experiences. This was Scott's only avowed commission, though, it afterward transpired, he had instructions of an important diplomatic nature, viz. : to sound the Governments of France, Russia and Great Britain in icf^ard to their views of American pol- ity, .md their probable course of conduct toward the Revolu- tionists in South America and Mexico, who were then struggling for independence of the Spanish crown. Monroe, at that early moment, it would appear from his instructions to Scott, contemplated the principles afterward announced in his well-known declaration known as the " Monroe Doctrine" of the non-intervention of European Governments in the affairs of this continent. Scott arrived in Europe through England a few weeks suc- ceeding Napoleon's last magnificent struggle for a throne. Having letters to a large number of persons eminent in poli- ics, science and war, he was introduced immediately to those circles best calculated to subserve his purposes. Letters were forwarded from the hero and patriot, Kosciusko, then in Swit- zerland for his health, giving Scott introduction to Napoleon's ]\Iarshals, McDonald, Oudinot, etc., which opened the way for pleasing acquaintances and most valuable information. All celebrated naval establishments, fortresses, arsenals and mili- tary schools in France, Belgium and Great Britain were inspected, from which much very valuable information was gleaned that has since been imparted to our own military system. This busy inspection-did not prevent a proper dis- charge of the diplomatic functions committed to his charge. An intimacy with eminent men in diplomatic and ministerial circles gave unusual facilities for learning the views and pol- icy of the monarchies in respect to American affairs, and he acted his part with such good results, that Monroe could not refrain from expressing his great obligations, by letter. This agreeable and valuable tour of health and obsei-vation was ended in the summer of 1816, when the General returned 52 TEE LIFE OF WIKFIELD SCOTT. home with renewed strength. He was immediatelr assigned to the important command of the seaboard. New York City then became, and for many years remained, his head-quarters and residence. He wedded (March, 1317) Miss 31aria Mayo. a Virginia lady of rare accomplishments of head and hcuit. Congress, previous to Scott's departure for Europe, had passed a resolution (November 3d, 1814) requesting the Presi- dent of the United States " to cause a gold medal to be struck, with suitable emljlems and devices and presented to Major- General Scott,* in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his distinguished services in the successive con- flicts of Chippewa and Niagara, and of his Uniterm gallantry and good conduct in sustaining the reputatior of tlie arms of the United States." . This resolution was not mlfilled until at the close of iVIr. Monroe's second term, when a superb gold medal, properly inscribed on the reveree, with a line relief bust of Scott on the obverse, was presented to the gallant soldier by the President (Februaiy 26lh, 1825) in the presence of the Cabinet and a large assemblage of distinguished per- sons, specially invited to the Executive Mansion. The ad- dresses on the occasion were extremely patriotic. In reply to the President, Scott gave n.ierance to this generous sentiment, recogniziiig the services Ox his copatriots in arms : "If, in the resolve of Congress, or in your address, sir, my individual services have been overestimated, not so the achieve- ments of that gallant body of officers and men, whom in battle it was my good fortune to command, and of whom I am, on this interesting occasion, the honored representative. "Very many of those generous spirits breathed their last on the fields which their valor assisted to win ; and, of the number that happily survive, there is not one, I dare affirm, who will not be reiidy, in peace as in ./ar, to devote himself to the liber- ties and the glories of the country."! The Virginia Legislature (February 12th, 1810) passed a unanimous vole of thanks to Major-General Scott, " for his uniform good conduct in sustaining the military reputation of the United States, in every conflict or engagement in which * Aftor tho conflict, at Niairara, while on his way to Philadelphia, Iho President had promoted him to be Major-Cionoral. " Put him do\Vn Maior- Goiioial,'' Hiiid Madison ; " I have now done witli ol)jections to hiw youtn I" refcrrinij to ohjcctions he had previously made when Scott's fricuda had Bolicited for him the rank of Bripidier-Ueneral (May t)th, 1811). t MausUeld'a Biography. ,,,,^, COMM... O. TH. SBA.O...D. 68 : assigned fork City ri -quarters :ia Mayo. nd heart. irope, had the Pre?i- be struck, to Major- rtaiued by jssive cou- i gallantry le arms of ;d until at iperb gold fine relief he gallant e presence lished per- The ad- In reply to sentiment, CSS, sir, my he achievc- )m in battle n I am, on licir last on the number n, who will Lo the liber- I) passed a tt, " for his putation of lit in which ladelphia, Iho II down Malor- to hirt youth !" '8 friends had » Mn ptr The resolution „e .»s P«-n' a""»'.?';itTe™o; shoio present to Major- ^ ; r^rnvided that the Governor . emblems and S'sco« ^ •• suUa»,^ -°;f; W U c^S this Asse,nWy IvTces tliereon, as a mark "^ "^V,,? „^.i3i,ed services m the I»«Ls of his gaUantry and « f "| ^^„sant and com- ;: r^t Cl>irpe-a and h.a^- J^^ governor »as !ft^ cntary correspondence P'^s*^^^ „„explained canse, the ^t Jenerai, ;'»;;-;l "srit -s ^ most magnificent -•""^r::rr;r8,atrand ,he recipient. ^^ ^,,^ weupon, woriu> Legislature, not to «'='"" * _„„. The New "iorli State w j^^^ ^^^^er, cmpow eJresson of its regard for the M ^^^^ ^ gcott; wh ch Z\ yovemor Tomptos .0 P«^°y ^^ <,uy, February 25tl^, ; s done in the City Ha", NeW^^o ^^^y^^^ ^^ i;^ (Evacuation my), m*;^!^ ,,3 , „ol,le specm>en of citizens and soldiers, x inerican workmanship. ; ....-;' \^V;,, ^ -rr \ P T E B V 1 1 1 • C B A r X ,.CKSONCORH«SPONDENCB 7:: Ce date of his --- ^SedrTo '" autie^ Tsn General Scott was <^^'»^"\l j,^ Atlantic seaboard. year 18ol wne department of the a ^^^^^^ of Us command ovei occurred the cori i . s i \\ 54 THE LIFE OP WINPIELD SCOTT. :l ii' Regulations for the Army, or Military Institutes," in one volume, octavo, was published in 1821. It embodied every thing required in camp, garrison or field service, for militia and regulars, and proved exceedingly acceptable. His pre- vious preparation for such a work insured for it that effi- ciency, thoroughnev=;j and a^d^ptability necessary to fit it to our varied necessities and extraordinary circumstances of regular and irregular warfare against foreign foes, Indians, domestic malcontents, etc., etc. No country on the globe offers such service as the soldier must here encounter. That the *' Institutes" proved thoroughly available shows the author to have given the matter a vast deal of study. His exper ence in Europe enabled him to prof t by the good iii both tlie English and French systems. >^ Previous to the appearance of this volume, he had presided at a board of oflBcers called to prepare a system of infantry tactics. The report adopted chiefly embodied the system used in the Buffalo Camp of Instruction. A further elaboration and revision becoming necessary, to extend its application for more general service, a second ofllcial board was convened, of which Scott again was president. The report adopted was published in 1825. It embraced the system of the '* Institutes," with slight modifications. In 1826 a third board was ordered, to be composed of dis- tinguished general oflScers both of the regular and militia service, to decide upon and report for official promulgation : — A plan for the organization and instruction, of the entire militia of the Union — A system of tactics for artillery — A system of tactics for cavalry — A system of infantry and rifle tactics. The report adopted was drawn up by Scott. It was ofli- cially ordered published for the more thorough organization of the militia tlirougliout the country, and soon became " the law" in military circles. i., !, > . By order of Congress he published, in three, 16mo., volumes (1835), his "Infantry Tactics." It embodied such improve- ments as had been ingrafted upon the systems of France and Great Britain succeeding the wars of Napoleon. Scott, having witnessed the demoralizing effects of intem- CONTROVERST IN REGARD TO BREVET RANK. 55 perance, in tire army, became nn advocate of temperance at a date long prior to the " refonners." In 1831 he published his "Scheme for Restricting the Use of Ardent Spirits in tlie United States." It was a most able document, and so thor- ouglily exhaustive in its practical argument that few later writers or orators have been able to add to its force. It assumed the ytand-point of positive abstinence, and, from the general attention which It commanded from the reading, reflect- ing public, paved the way for the reform movement, which may be said to have commenced in 1825, under the preaching of Dr. Lyman Beecher. . , ^ « r. Tlie controversy with General Gaines, on the rights con- ferred by brevet commissions, occurred in 1828-29. It arose from the following circumstances: Mr. Adams comissioned General Macomb, as well as General Gaines, Major-Generals. Scott claimed that the commission belonged to him from his having been previously brevetted Major-General — that a brevet gave rank, and, if so, that his seniority placed him before Gen- eral Macomb or Gaines. To lay his claims before the country and Congress he memorialized Congress to enact a declaratory statute giving to a brevet the rights of actual rank in order of promotion. This opened up the whole question in Congress, and elicited much controversy in public circles. Congress seemed to regard the brevet as conferring no rank, since it refused to pass this declaratory act asked for by Scott. Where- upon he sent in his resignation — feeling that he was over- slaughed. This resignation was placed on file but not ac- cepted, and some months after was withdrawn. Frdc i letter to the Secretary of "War, Eaton, dated New York, Is o. ember 10th, 1829, we may quote : — "Humbly protesting that this order deprives me of rights guaranteed" by those articles* and the uniform practice of the array under them, from the commencement of the government down to the year 1828, when the new construction was first adopted against me ; in obedience to the universal advice of my friends, who deem it incumbent on me to sacrifice my own convictions and feelings to what may, bj^ an apt error, be considered the repeated decision of the civil authority of my country, I have brouglit myself to make that sacrifice, and therefore withdraw the tender of my resignation now on file in your Department. * GlBt and C2cl articles of war, relative to rauk and command. II' k-^. 'II 56 V THE LIFE OF WIKFIELD SCOTT. " I also ask leave to surrender the remainder of the furlough the Department was kind enough to extend to me, m April la.-,!, and to report myself for duty." The furlough referred to was granted for a second trip to Europe, made during the summer of 1829, in which he visited France, Belgium, Germany, etc. The Secretary of War wrote to Scott very cordially, on tie 13th November, in reply to his ote above quoted. xVmong other things he said : — "None will do you the injustice to suppose that the opinious declared by you upon this subject are not the result of retlic- tious and convictions; but, since the constituted authorities of the Government have, with the best feelings entertained, come to concisions adverse to your own, no other opinion was cherished, or was hoped for, but that, on j'our return to the United States, you would adopt the course 3'our letter indicate^, and with good feelings resume those duties of which she has su long had the benefit." He was ordered to report for duty, therefore, on the 20tli of November, to Commanding General Alexander Macomb, and did so report, when he was assigned to the Eastern de- partment — the charge of which so long virtually had been in his hands. He continued in the discharge of the multifarious and important duties of this trust until ordered to the Western department to assume direction of the hostilities against the Indians under Black Hawk, in Illinois and Iowa. CHAPTER IX. THB BLACK HAWK WAR — AWFCL DEVASTATION'S OP THE CHOLERA — SCOTT's KINDNKS3 AS A NUttSU — UATUEttlXG OF I.NDIA.VS AT BOCK ISLAND— TUBATY — CASS' LETTER OF THANKS TO SCOTT — UETURN TO NEW VORK— OBUERKD BV JACKSON TO TUB SOfTFI — HISTOIIY OF THE NULLIFICATION MOVEMENT IN SOUTH CAROLINA — Tli K LAWS TO BE ENFORCED AT ALL HAZARDS — SCOTT IN COMMAND AT CHAKi-hSTON — HIS RRmARKABI.!: DISCRETION AND ITS GOOD UESI LT3— THE TBOUBl.ES PEACEyULLV ENDED. Stahting for Buffalo in July (1832), with 1,000 troops, en route f(jr the scene of hostilities with the Western Indians, the Asiatic cholera broke out among the men and almost paralyzed the expedition. The steamer Henr^ Clay, loaded with troops, put in to For. Cratiot, on Lake Huron, and, PEACE-TREATY. 67 out of 400, only 150 were left by the pestilence and the deser- tion which the fear of it caused. The SJieUion Thompson, in which Scott embarked, pushed on to Chicago, her dcstiua- tiou, but, out of 220 nlcn and officers, 51 died of the terrible disease. During the few days in which it prevailed, Scott, utterly regardless of his own life or comfort, gave up his time to the duties of a nurse, aud did every thing in his power to alleviate sulfering. As soon as the disease abated he Imrried forward to the seat of war, joining General Atkinson on the Mississippi river, at Prairie du Chien (August 3d), — the day succeeding the decisive defeat of the Indians under Black Hawk, at Bad Axe, near the mouth of the Iowa river. The troops of Scott, re- duced to about 400 followed, as soon as the state of the sick would allow. The entire force soon descended to Rock Island, where the cholera again made its appearance, in its most virulent form, appalling whites and Indians equally. Until September 8th disease and death stalked through camp, car- I rying off a large number of soldiers and officers. Scott was a " ministering angel," to use the words of one who was present. He spared no exertions to stay the disease, and, by his own calm example, greatly served to allay the fear and terror ! which it inspired. Tlie cholera disappeared, very suddenly, after September 8th. Not returning, about the middle of the month the Indians were called in for a final treaty of peace and amity — Scott aud Governor Heynolds of Illinois acting, by authority, as United States commissioners. The Sac and Fox nation, the "Winnebagoes, Sioux, and 3Ienomonees all were represented, and, after weeks of negotiation two important treaties were S!i,nicd, which ceded to Government a vast region of fertile ter- ritory—now embraced in the States of Iowa aud Wisconsin. Tliese duties, well and wisely discharged, Avon from General Cass— then Secretary of War — the following expression : — "Allow me to congratulate you, sir, upon this fortunate consummation of your arduous duties, and to exi>ress my entire approbation of the whole course of your proceedings, during a series of difficulties requiring higher moral courage than the Operations of an active campaign, under ordinary circumstances."* •Mansfield's Biography. I'l 88 THE LIFE OP WrSFrELD SCOTT. fit Arrivin" in New York, from the West, in October (lS3'2i Scott had scarcely time for repose when he was summoned to Washington. The nullification of United States revcuuf laws in South Carolina threatened a contlict of no ordinary character. Government was called upon to exercise extraor- dinary discretion in tlie appointment of its agents. Jack- son had determined to enforce the laws, even to an invasion of South Carolina with a large army,* but preferred to u.>.' every civil means to restore the state to authority ere In.' resorted to offensive action. Scott was cho.seii contidenti:il messenger, as appears from an order, issued by the Secre- tary of War (Lewis Cass) November 18th 18G0 by which he- was to proceed to Charleston, inspect the forts, Moultrie and Castle Pinckney, provide for any dangers to which thev might be exposed by strengthening defenses and reinforcing' the garrisons and act in concert with the Collector of the port and the United States District Attorney of South Carolina in fulfillment of the requisitions of the General Government. Arriving in Charleston November 28th, he found the people in the utmost excitement. Two days previously the Conven- tion ordered by the Legislature to determine upon the course of action of the State, had passed its ordinance of nullifica- tion, in T'liich the authority of the Federal Executive was sot at defiance, and the state proclaimed superior to the General Government. The 6th section of the instrument declared, that, should the General Government delegate force to enforce the laws, or seek to coerce the State by a blockade of its ports, South Carolina icould consider the Union dissohed^ and wou'd .proceed to orpanize a separate government. It may, therefore, be surmised that Scott's mission was one well calculated to test his patriotism and his wisdom. The people were not to penetrate the purpose of his visit lest they should precipi- tate a force upon the forts and arsenal ere they could be defended. His custom of annually visiting every fort and arsenal in the department offered a good disguisp for his presence, and enabled him to execute his inspections and * See, for interepting facts concerning this remarkable controversy betwee^i a State and the General Government— Niles' Register, vol. 43 ; Parton's Life of Jackson, etc. Also see, for an interesting expression of Jack>'on'9 opinions, the recently published Life of General Sam Dale. Munsfleld gives a well digested statement of the matter. THE NrLLIPICATION MOVEMENT. 50 movements with great completeness, without exciting the suspicions of the State authorities or provoldug the temper of the bellicose populace. He passeil on to Augusta and secretly placed the arsenal tliere in order of defense.- The fortifications of Savannah were also quietly reinforced to a state of complete security. Tliis accomplished he returned to Charleston, where a num- ber of armed vessels seemed to drop in by accldsnt. These wore so disposed as to act promptly in event of emergency. It was determined by the Collector and District Attorney, to collect the revenue under the guns of Fort 3Ioultrie, should tlie South Carolinians, after February 1st — the time chosen by the "ordinance" to resist the authority of Congress if the revenue law was not moditied to suit the tastes of that State —attempt to nullify the laws. Every thing being thus admirably prepared to enforce the collection of the revenue, Scott sailed for New York where siicli other steps were taken as were necessary to insure ex- tensive reinforcements of both army and navy if they should be requirecL Of course the public, generally, knew nothing of tliese movements : — the newspapers of that day were not so " enterprising " as to pry into the most important secrets of Government, and to publish all they i.new and a little more, by adding surmises to facts, to the great detriment of their coun- try. Consequently, Scott again sailed, (late in January, 1833) to Charleston harbor unheralded, and was in Fort Moultrie for a number of days ere the Charlestonians themselves knew of his presence. Then they first awakened to a realizing sense of their condition : — there were means, at the disposal of the Federal officers, for enforcing the laws, and Scott was to be the instrument of such enforcement. The nullifiers were extremely angered at this state of affairs, while the Unionists — a strong and powerful party — were deliglited. The latter had been somewhat overawed by the violence of the nullifiers, whose party comprised all* the worst elements and some of the best elements of the State ; but, now that the Government, to which they owed their first allegiance, had shown its ability and willingness to protect them, the law and order men came out boldly for the Union and the laws. This threw new force into the excitement, 60 THE LIFE OP WIXFIELD 8C0TT. and, before February 1st, the people were waging anion? themselves a storm of factions -which, lor a while, threatened bloodshed and all the hcrroi-s of civil strife. During this internecine war the United States ofliccr; and troops were extremely cautions not to give cause for anv outburst of violence toward them, on the part of the excited nuUifiers. They, treated all courteously, and, even rendered Buch implicit obedience to orders as not to resent indiguititj frequently offered them in the streets, and. on the waters of the harbor. The 1st of February came ; when the belligerents thouglu it pnident to " wait a little longer" before inaugurating the war with Government, and a few of the leading nullifiers of Charleston, therefore, assembled, just before the 1st of Febru- ary, to agree rwt to enforce the said " ordinance," passed bv convention of the whole State, until after the adjournment of Congress (March 3d). So effectually was the whole move- ment of resistance to authority in the hands of a few men. This virtually ended nullification, since it paved the way for the " Compromise Act," which in its turn resulted in the rescinding of the " ordinance " by the Legislature of South Carolina when the state became comparatively quiet. The partial success of the " result," however, gave the nucleus to a faction, led by John C. Calhoun, which ever afterward con- temned the General Goverment, and, in later years assumed, undisguisedly, the front of treason to the Constitution. Scott played a most delicate and important part in this matter, for with him really rested the issue of peace or blood. One injudicious act — one hasty word — one failure to take advan- tage of every opportunity offered for pacification — might have proven fatal to all compromise or adjustment except at tlio bayonet's point. The Government chose most wisely in send- ing him thither, and the country has ever felt that his wisdom and prudence averted a conflict between the State and the General Government which must have cost all parties dearly. Alas, that the same wisdom and prudence had not been permitted the control of affairs in 1860 ! THE FLORIDA WAR. 61 CHAPTER X. IfHE FLORIDA WAtt— IXDIAN AXD NKGRO OUTUAQKS — SCOTT TAKBS COU- MAN'f) AQAIN'ST THEM — MASCU OF TUB AUMT TO WYTHLACOOCHKB — KO EN'KMV FOUND — SCOUTING PAttTIKS AND THEIB IM. SUCCKS3 — THB CRKEKS IN ARMS — SCOTT SUPPRKiiSBS TUEM — IS ORDRKGD TO W.^SHINQ- TON' ON CHARGES PBKFERRBD BT GENERAL JESDP — COtlUT OF INQUIRE — SCOTT's course SUSTAINKD — HIS SPBKCH — JACKSON's OBSTINACT" ILLU8- TKATKD — HONORS TO SCOTT BY THB PEOPLE. The Florida War originated in 1835. The Indians and I runaway negroes inhabiting the Evei:ghide9, feeling aggrieved with the whites, resolved upon war. Osceola, a half-breed chief, of Creek extraction, commenced the struggle by mur- dering the Indian agent. General Thompson and several others, I under the guns of Fort King. Volunteers were called out, and, with the regulars — in all about two hundred strong, [under command of General Clinch — marched against the Indians then quartered upon the Wythlacoochee river. The i savages, anticipating the attack, threw themselves upon tho whites (December 31st), but were repelled, after a most furious fi2:ht. Osceola was the very spirit of carnage, and only drew off his warriors, after extraordinary exhibitions of courage, to gather them for greater combats. Three days previously, Major Dade's troop, of 113 regulars was almost entirely exterminated by these same warriors— only three of the entire number escaping! This most ferocious slaughter, and the continued murders of phiuters, burning of houses, destruction of stock, etc., proved the Seminoles to be on the " war-path" in earnest, and called for the exercise of the most rigorous measures, by the Govern- ment. Scott was ordered thither, January 30th, 1836, reach- in^- Picolata (near St. Augustine) February 22d, from whence he immediately Issued his general orders, constituting the army of operations. The army was organized in three divi- «iona, comprising 1,200 regulars and a strong body of volunteers and militia from the adjoining States. All being arranged the march was taken up for the Wythlacoo- chee river — the scene of Dade's slaughter and Clinch's encoun- ter with Osceola and his warriors. But, though the country THE LIFE OP 'NVINFIELD 8C0TT. was carefully searched, no village or encampment of tlio rav- ages was discovered, and only occasional small parties of the Seminoles and their more savage allies, the runaway mirrocs, were met. These would fight fiercely for n while, then flee, baffling all pursuit. The everglades offered a niicat impenetrable to the foot of the white : only the savage, trained to the swamps, could live in their fever-breeding silences, or find food and shelter there. The army, in its several divisions, came together, at Tamp:i Bay, having passed much to the south of Wythlacoochce, in a vain search for the Indians. Fever-stricken, worn with exhausting marches through morasses and almost impenetrable jungles, hungering for the very necessaries of life, they came into the rendezvous at Tampa, conscious of their inability to conquer climate and disease. It then became apparent tliat scouting-parties only could be made serviceable in ferreting out the wily enemy. Five parties, therefore, were organized, under the most experienced leaders — Scott assuming command of one — which, taking different routes, still failed to find tluir foe's head-quarters. Only small parties were occasionally seen, which disappeared as mysteriously as foxes in their bur- rows after giving the whites a sharp, and not always bloodless, reception. The campaign was abandoned until a new system of war- fare could be instated, viz. : that of making frequent posts and depots in the heart of the Indian country, from which small guerrilla-parties should hunt the Indians as tigers would be hunted in their lairs. Scott was convinced that this course only could prove effectual, and that, even if pursued zealously, it would take some time to bring the infuriated savages and wild negroes to terms. How after experiences confirmed his judgment ! * In his report to the Department, (April 30th) he says : " To end this war I am now persuaded that not less than 3,000 troops are indispensable; 2,400 infantry, and 600 horse; the country to be scoured and occupied requiring that number." " Two or three steamers, with a light draught of water, and fifty or sixty barges capable of carrying from ten to fifteen men each " were recommended. * MaiiBfleld estimates that tlio Florida War cost the Federal Govern- ment 2,000 liveB and twenty millions of dollurs. Florida, like some other Southern States, would have cek8 were not wliippod quick enough." Like the astute ihilosophcT who, believing the world to be an extended plain, tiuii!^ the poor men of science who proved the world to be a jlohe, Jackson resolved to believe in himself and therefore positively refused to restore Scott to the command in the soiitii. In this he opposed the earnest wishes of the best of ttu'ii in and out of Congress, and, doubtless, took a real ^atis- jliction ill that opi)osition ; but, the injustice of his course was 10110 the less remarked. In Congress, Richard Biddle, of \Minsylvania, gave the subject a most eloquent exposition— |lie newspapers took the matter in hand and came to Scott's Jifi'iisc and aid ; but, all to no purpose — he was not restored |o the command ; and General Jackson lived to learn that obstinacy was not the best policy : — it took six years of most Expensive campaign 'ng under other Generals to subdue the Seminules. Tlie feeling excited by this persecution of Scott by the 'rcskleiit and General Jesup, was not confined to military b(l political circles. The people took such interest in the pse as to offer the injured General sympathy, in various pleasant ways. A large number of the leading citizens of few York city tendered him a public dinner — an invitation ii first accepted but ufterward declined, owing to the terrible pmmercial crisis vvjicli came upon the country at that time May, 1837). The declination called forth from the subscribers tor the intended dinner such resolutions of appreciation and pnsideration as must have been deeply gratifying to the 3l(lier. Similar invitations were extended by citizens of 3veral other cities, but were declined for the same reasons irged in case of the Metropolitan recepMon — reasons creditable |o his heart and to his disinterested regard for the public real. 66 THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. 11 CHAPTER XI. THB "patriot" war— SCOTt's INSTRITMENTALITT IN ITS SnPPRESSION-l ORDERED TO HEMOVR THE CHEROKKES — REMARKABLK DISCHARGG OP I DUTY — AGAIN ORDERED TO THE NORTHERN FRONTIER TO REPRESS AMER.i ICAN INVASION OF CANADA — HIS SUCCESS— THI! MAINE "OUNDARY DIS| PUTE — SCOTT EMPOWERED TO ACT — PROCEEDS TO MAINE — HIS SAGA. CJOUS POLICY AND PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF THE AFFAIR — WINS TH|| TITLE OF " THB GREAT PACIFICATOR." The " Patriot, ' war is still fresli in the memory of thous- ands living along the northern frontier, Originatinsr, like most revolutions, in the fertile brains of uneasy spirits, it at I one time threatened to embroil this Government in serious trouble with Great Britain. The yoke of the English cromi never has rested easily upon the French inhabitants of tlie Canadas. They arc. almost without exception, rigid Romap. Catholics— the English are Protestant : they are purely Gallic | in blood — the English are Anglo Saxon with a strong admix- ture of the stern Scotch element ; they are clannish, uncom- promising, unloyal — the English, equally sectional and obsti- nate, are loyal to their Queen to the la^st. It is not strange I that such negatives should not assimilate, and it is not a mut- ter of surprise that the French, in Lower Canada, should hatch | revolt. Late in 18?7 the movement took shape, and broke opc into] open insurrection. The Canadians in Upper Canada eoonj caught the infection. The cry of "Freedom and a Confed- eracy of our own" flew from Quebec to the Georgian wilds. I It crossed the frontier to arouse enthusiasm and sympathy. Let the rallying cry only be "Liberty!" and our American population would ci'-operate in a scheme for invading Siberia if a leader could be found for such a frigid service. The cry | of "Freedom for the Canadas from British domination," awakened the echoes " Aye !" from thousands on this side of I the line, and it was not long before arms, provisions, troops | and means were pftssini^ over the border *a aid of the insur- gent?, who were gathered in much strength, at several points, along the southern shore of the Lakes. Co-operation be- came open and undisguised, so much so that the President ] THE PATRIOT WAR. 67 issued a proclamation for order and neutrality. It fell upon ears deadened to authority — " patriotism " was superior to the claims of law and order. Late in December (1837) one Van Rensselaer organized a troop of *' patriots," and, passin;j from Schlosscr over to Navy Island (British territory) in the Niagara river, occupied it. The steamer Caroline was engaged to transport troops, provi- sions, eta, to the island, from Schlosser. This movement induced the British to make a descent on the steamer — thus to cut off Van Rensselaer's supplies. Unfortunately they acted unadvisedly, for they entered upon American territory to effect their purpose. The Caroline was found at the dock in Schlosser, loaded with a mass of curiosity seekers and a few patriots. The crowd was unarmed, and little resistance was offered save by fists and billets of wood. One citizen was killed and eight wounded in' the nulee. Clearing the steamer of her company, she was cut loose and sent over the Falls (Dec. 27th). This act excited the entire country, for, beyond doubt, it was a casus belli. News of the event reached Washington in a few days, when Scott was ordered to the frontier to repress trespass from our side, and prevent further aggressions of the British authorities, while Government took immediate steps to demand atonement of Great Britain for the outrage on the Caroline. He hastened to the Niagara frontier accompanied by Governor Marcy, of New York, by whom volunteers were furnished for any emergency which might arise. Scott deter- mined to act to the fullest extent of his authority in sup- pressing American co-operation with the revolutionists. His sudden appearJmce on the scene caused considerable stir among the " patriots," who soon became painfully aware of their liability to arresi and imprisonment. In consequence, tlieir movements were considerably restricted, and the spring of the year 1838 found them disorganized and powerless. Immediately after the affair of the Caroline, British troops gathered in considerable force, opposite the western end of Navy Island, where three armed schooners were also anchored, to intercept the passage up the river of the stea.ner JJarcelona. This steamer had been taken from Buffalo down to Schlosser for the use of the forces still on Navy Island. Scott had, '1-5' 68 THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. i, ii however, tbrestallccl the " patriots," by chartering her before they coukl arrange to indemnify her owners ft'om loss. He imme- diately ordered her to return to Buffalo, at the same time advising the British commander that he should instantly repel any attack made in American waters upon our vessels or citi- zens. The little steamer came up (January ICth), in the American channel of the river. Scott had anchored a battery opposite the Canadian encampment, prepared to open fire the moment the British should throw a ball at the Barcelona. This determined action caused them to let the steamer pass, although fires were lit and matches were ready, for the bom- bardment, on both sides. The day previous (January 15th) Van Rensselaer and his troop of a few gentlemen and many vagabonds, had recrosscd from the island to the American shore, where they were arrested by the XJ. S. Marshal, acting under Scott's orders. During the winter Scott was tireless in his efforts to appease popular excitement along the frontier, and to preve.:t infrac- tions of the neutrality laws. He had to co-operate vith him Generals Brady, Wool, Worth and Eustis, who were placed in charge of special sections of the border, while he passed to and fro along the entire line, from Detroit to Vermont, exer- cising his authority, unaided by troops, against a populace determined upon giving aid and comfort to the Canadians. His exertions were crowned with success, so far as to save the Americans from actual trespass. By April the British author- ities succeeded in suppressing the revolt for the moment. Scott acted throughout, with great prudence and wisdom, and was freely complimented for his services. Probably no other man in America could have stayed, so effectually, the rush to arms on this side of the border — an act which, if it luid not been repressed, Avould have involved the United States in a war with the British crown. His great personal popularity, his tireless vigilance, his numberless speeches, his firmness and unconquerable will bore all before him ; and the revolution in Canada was paralyzed as much fix)m want of co- operation on this side of the Niagara and the Lakes as from the determined action of the British Government in suppressing the rebellion by force of arms and by banishing the leaders of the movement to Van Dieman's Land. REMOVAL OP THE CIIEROKEES. Passing from the North to Washhigton, in March, Scott wa3 ordered ahiiost instantly on aaotiier mission requiring the exercise of all his noblest qualities. The Cherokee Indians had refused to vacate their lands in the Southern States at the bidding of the General Government, and Scott was comrais- siitiied to remove them peaceabh^ if possible, but by for^^ if necessary, to beyond tlu; present State of Arkansas. By the lOth of May he was at the Cherokee agency in Ten- nessee, from whence he immediately issued an address to the Indians, and a general order to his troops. Both instruments were models of their kind. The Indians were exhorted to reconcile themselves to their fate and to spare the necessity of force in their removal. Every thing was provided to facilitate their emigration, even to nurses for the sick and disabled. The soldiers were or-^ered to practice the utmost humanity and patience, to act ai all times with decision, but to show mercy to all— a patience and mercy which, under the watchful eye of their General, were practiced to the most remarkable extent. Those orders were followed by prompt and vigorous action. The Indians were borne, with their families and personal cirects (in some instances of considerable amount) to the gen- eral depot. By the middle of June all the Georgia Cherokees were ready for removal to the country allotted the tribe in the Indian Territory beyond Arkansas. The Cherokees in North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee were called upon; and, though the warriors and chiefs of the nation were hostile to the forced emigration, by the middle of July all the tribe was in at the depots ready for a start^ But the start could not be made, owing to a great drouth which had availed to renuer the rivers unnavigable. Scott, therefore, on his own responsibility, ordered them to remain. He quartered them in three vast camps, and, by the admirable arrangem-^nts adopted, secured their comfort and health. lie pitched his tent in their midst and soon became regarded, as he was, — tlie good-spirit of the fifteen thousand emigrants. In Novem- ber the line of March was taken up for the M^est. Scott fol- lowed the last detachment as far as Nashville, to see that all was conducted properly by the agents appointed for the transportation. e t m It ft: ^ I "? li m m 70 THE LIFE OP WINPIELT) SCOTT. I. f 11 i; While engaged in this humane duty he was suddenly called, a second time, to the Canadian frontier. As winter up- proached, it became evident that the " patriots " would again give trouble. It is said they were organized to the number of 80,000, under the general leadership of Alexander McLeoel, and only awaited the freezing of the Lakes and Detroit river to precipitate themselves over the boundary and seize the government in Upper Canada. Scott hastened north by way of Cincinnati — reaching Cleveland in December. From thence he passed rapidly on to Detroit, taking Sandusky in his way, where were gathered a large body of the patriots under com- mand of Major Lawton and Captain Anderson, who were anticipating the freezing of the lake in order to take posses- sion of Point au Pelee Island — British territory in Lake Erie. This new outbreak comprised many excellent men in its ranks, while its directors and officers were not without means and infludce. It therefore required all Scott's wisdom to thw;ut their schemes. So successfully did ho labor, however, that, as during the previous winter, his efforts were crowned with success. McLeod's arrest closed the drania of insurrection. Scarcely had this duty been performed when he learned of the threatening aspect of atfairs in the Disputed Territory — as it was called — on the unadjusted line of boundary between the State of Maine and New Brunswick. He hurried to Washing- ton for orders. There all was interest and excitement relative to the matter. The President (Van Buren), in a special mes- sage to Congress, related the history of the case, and thought it necessary for Congress to act at once. An act was soon introduced (February 2Gth), passed, signed and approved (March 3d), authorizing the President to call out the militia for a six months' service, and to accept 50,000 volunteers— if that number should prove necessary to repel British encroachments on the Maine boundary. Ten millions of dollars were appro- priated to carry out the provisions of the act. Tills remarkable bill shows how imminent of danger the emergency was regarded. Scott was greatly instrumental in fixing the provisions of the act. His succeeding conduct showed that he acted with consummate tact. He wished the force of argument which would come of 50,000 men and ten millions of money. THE MAINE BOUNDARY DISPUTE. 71 He started for the North immediately upon tlie passage of (he act. Passing through Massachusetts he tarried for a brief intei-vicw with Governor Edward Everett, by whom he was introduced to the State Council, and the following sentences, according to Mansfield, were uttered : — "We place unlimited reliance on your spirit, energy and discretion. Should you, unhappily, fail in your efforts, under the instructions of the President, to restore harmony, we know thcat you are equally prepared for a still more responsible duty. Should that event unhappily occur, I be^ you to depend on the firm support of the Commonwealth of Massaclmsetts." Noble Massachusetts ! Ever ready to give her *' firm sup- l)ort" in the preservation of the honor and liberty of the Union! Scott responded, evidently by authority, that the President had full reliance " on the patriotism and public ppirit of Massachusetts to meet any emergency which might arise." Scott passed on to Augusta, Maine, where the Legislature Mas then in session. He was received in the Legislative Hall (March 7th) by the leading citizens of the State, by mem- l)ors of the Legislature and the Executive. The reception was most honorable to the State, and highly propitious for the settlement of the troubles which Scott secretly designed. AVe need not here narrate the processes of adjustment finally n ade of the ominous difficulty. Scott acted the part of an able diplomat rather than of a soldier. When we remember that the people of Maine were so highly incensed against, New Brunswick as actually to have ordered troops on to the disputed section, to drive off all trespassers — that the English Governor of New Brunswick was equally determined to keep l)ossession of the territory in dispute, we may well suppose Seott had a most unpropitious field for the exercise of his ministerial skill. But, he was equal to the emergency, and addressed himself to the work with so much zeal, discretion and intelligent comprehension of all the bearings of the con- troversy, that he had the honor of peacefully reconciling the dispute ad uiterim, leaving the boundary to be fixed by a com- mission of the two General Governments.* * It is to be regretted that, in the history of our diplomacy, (American State Papers) tlie correspondence between General Scott and Sir John Hervey is not given at length. There can bo no proper understanding of the Maine boundary dispute and settlement if the letter of Scott of March 4 lionestly his own, and requested of the Department, that, instcaJ of taking the command from Taylor, he (Scott) might be per- mitted to organize a strong force during the summer, with which to join Taylor, in the fall, for carrying forward the war into the heart of Mexico. This disagreement with the policy of Mr. Polk and his Cabinet was regarded by them, it seems, as a captious refusal, for political purposes, to carry out their schemes upon Mexico, and the order for his services wa> rather curtly and unceremoniously countermanded. Scott did not relish this construction of his views and purposes, and wrote, at length to the President to prove that his plans were those of mature judgment, made with a full desire to pu.Agua Nucva, beyond Saltillo. On February 21st, the Mexicans, 17,000 strong, came upon the pass at Angostura where the l)rave Wool was posted with 4,690 men. A two days' battle followed — ^Due of the most obstinate and brilliantly conducted aflfairs in modern warfare. The Mexican General was signally defeated, and retired, with the remnant, of his fine army, upon San Luis Potosi, while Taylor, with his now still further reduced forces, fell back upon Monterey and his {,'arrisons along the Rio Grande, to act only on the defensive. Government had thus doomed him to a mere garrison life when he should have had forces adequate to follow up his enemy, thus to prevent Santa Anna from throwing all his strength against Scott's small army. n CHAPTER XIV. SIEGE OF VERA CRUZ — AWFUL DESTRUCTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY — CITY AND CASTLE SURRENDER — MARCH TO THE INTERIOR — BATTLE OF CERRO CiORDO — REMARKABLE BRAVERY OF THE AMERICAN TROOPS — SANTA ANNA\s DEFEAT — THE PURSUIT TO JALAPA — JALAPA OCCUPIED — THE CITY AND STRONO CASTLE OF PEROTE TAKEN — ADVANCE UPON PUEBLA — ARMY REDUCED TO FIVE THOUSAND MEN— HKAD-QUARTERS AT PUEBLA, PENDING NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE BY COMMISSIONER FROM WASHINGTON. Having determined upon his arrangements, all dispatch was used to forward the expedition against Vera Cruz ; but, it was March 7th before the troops were^ready to sail from the general rendezvous on the island of Lo bos— one hundred and twenty miles north of the point of attack. One hundred and :! '1 y 80 THE LIFE OP WmFIELD BCOTT. ■i \: % sixty-three vessels, gathered with great labor, were employed as transports. Having carefully reconnoitered the harhor and its vicinity, in a small steamer under command of Comraodore Conner, the Commander-in-Chief selected, as the piace of d'jbarkment of his entire forces, a spot near the cily, on the coast opposite the island of Sacrificios. A landing was safely effected on the 9th. The enemy it was, of course, expected would dispute the debarkment to the utmost, but no cpposi- tion v%as experienced — the spot chosen being unexpected to the Governor, Morales— except the firing of shot and shells Irom the city fortresses and Castle of San Juan d'Ulloa. Not a life tfas lost in the landing, so admirably ordered was it, notwithstanding it was made on the open coast, and, of necessity, with rapidity. The investment of the city proceeded at once. The engineers had obtained such explicit data of the topography of the city and adjacent country as to enable the General to locate eacli section and regiment with the precision of actual survey. But, the impossibility of unshipping the guns, owing to the prevalence of heavy winds, rendered a delay necessary in anchoring the batteries. The men, in t)ie mean time, \sv\v working like pack-horses, carrying on their backs, over the deep sand, Iheir provisions, munitions, etc., to their various positions — many of thoni several miles away. The wind having abated somewhat on the 17th, heavy guns and mortars wor<3 landed and immediately mounted and dragged to their allotted places. By thu 22d the investment was so far pro- gressed as to warrant Scott in making a demand of the Gov- ernor of thf? city for its surrender. The demand was refused, when )l>e mortar battery, plant od within eight hundred yards of the rity walls, opened its lire on the city, continuing it, with slight intermission, during the entire siege. New bat- teries were constantly opened as guns arrived. By the 2.5th the bombardment was awful in the extreme. The fleet, under conmiuntl of Commodoi'c Perry, furiously engaged the Castle. Both city and Castle made a desperate and most gallant defense.*" But, neither stone walls nor valor could stand before that fearful storm of iron, which literally rained upon the doomed city and forts. * Vera Cruz was actually riddUdj and its people, old and young, male and female, perished in great SURIIENDEII OP TEHA CRUZ. «1 numbers by the diro disaster — so much so that the foreign consuls memorialized Scott (on the 25th) for a truce, to enable the women, children, and non-combatants to leave the city. Scott had, apparently, but one answer to give : — under the rules of war a truce could only be granted on application of the Governor of the city. Ample time and warning had been given, during the progress of the investment, for all women, children and unarmed residents to leave — a warning which some had embraced : those who 'preferred to stay could not be granted a special truce, at that vital moment of the siege, no matter what their claims upon the humanity of the General responsible tor the issue of tht :j/^ion.* Had Governor Mor- ales asked that truce, how quickly it would have been granted ! With him rested the responsibility of the continuance of the slaughter, according to all the usages and rules of war. ()a the morning of the 26th, General Landero, by order of Morales, made overtures for capitulation, when the firing at once ceased. All preliminaries Avere arranged, and, on the night of March 27th articles of capitulation were »igned — Generals Worth and Pillow and Colonel Totten acting as the American commissioners. Scott's official dispatches to Gov- ernment, dated tlie 2i)th, announced that tb'- stars and stripes were waving over the walls of Vera Cruz and the Castle of San Juan d'Ulloa. The Mexican flag was iiaulcd down at ten A. Ar of that duy, and (Jcncral Worth a. sumed, for the moment, the rights of the late Governor over the city and Castle. The loss of the Americans was very small, owing to the care bestowed upon the batteries and trenches, in their con- struction. Scott's first and last care was for his troops, and the same spirit prevailed among all the officers. The Mexican loss was very heavy, both in the Castle and city fortresses ; while, to add to the sad record, it is e.timated that several hundred women, children and neutrrJb perished.f Many * This rofnsnl to grant a trnco has been repp, clod by some writers as an exhibition of {jroat cruelty and inluunaiiitv oa the part of Scott. Mr. William Jay, in his work on tlie Mexican V/ar viewed from a Christian - etand-point, is especially severe on the Conr.nander-in-(Jhief, but, we must wel, is most unjustly censorious. t The entire loss never lias been accurately stated. The number is fixed" by Ripley and Brantz Meyer at about 1,0U0 slain and mortally wounded, in the city and fortrcsBes. it'!'' THE LIFE OF WINFIELD SCOTT. r^!i most aflFecting incidents are related, of the misfortunes of that dreadful time. The city was almost ruined— scarcely a build- ing in it which had not been shattered. Five thousand pris- oners were surrendered, together with nearly five hundred pieces of excellent artillery and five thousand stand of arms. Private property was scrupulously protected. Scott soon restored a settled order in affairs ; opened the long-closed port to the commerce of the world ; enacted a moderate tariff of duties on imports, and otherwise administered for the well- being of the place and its defenses. The ports of Alvarado and Tclacotlalpam (south of Vera Cruz) were taken— Commo- dore Perry having been dispatched, with the fleet, against them. Tuspan, to the north, Perry was commissioned to take at his convenience. All this accomplished, the march upon the city of Mexico was commenced. Santa Anna, after his defeat by Taylor at th€ pass of Angostura, (Buena^^ Vista, the battle is improperly called) retired upon San Luis Potosi with less than half of his original army. The defeat so thoroughly demolished his troops that tlie movement south to the relief of Vera Oruz was impossible. He therefore hurried off to the Capital where a political com- motion required his presence. Having succeeded in recon- ciling the differences among the factions, he started forward to oppose Scott's onward march. In a proclamation to his peo- ple, he said ; -" I swear, that if my Avishes are seconded by an earnest and unanimous effort, Mexico shall conquer ! A thousand times fortunate for the nation shall the fall of Vera Cruz be, if the loss shall aAvaken, in Mexican bosoms, the stern enthusiasm, the disinterested ardor of a pure patriotism." Proceeding eastward, gathering together volunteers, robber- bands, guerrillas and ihe remnants of his scattered army, he prepared to dispute the passage of the Americans through the gorge at Cerro Gordo height, seven leagues west of Jalapa, where the national road first strikes the mountains. The onward movement from Vera Cruz commenced April 8th, General Twiggs' division (regulars) taking the advance, Patterson's volunteers following. Three days' march brought them to the mountain, at Cerro Gordo, where the enemy was discovered to have made a stand. The heights around bristled with bayonets, while very numerous and strong batteries BATTLE OP CERRO GORDO. 88 frowned from commancling positions. A reconnoissance was made by Twiggs, on the 12th, when he determined upon a front attack for the 13th. Patterson coming up, however, resolved to await General Scott's orders. He arrived on the l4tli, and immediately made a bold and thorough second reconnoiter, accompanied by General Beauregard and Colonel Lee. His keen eye caught the full strength of the most admirably disposed enemy, and his ingenuity was tasked to outtlank those impregnable positions. It was resolved to cut a road around the base of the mountain, thus to approach the Mexican lines from the side and rear. But two days were consumed in this most arduous and surprising under- taking, which was not discovered by the enemy until its com- pletion on the 17th, when they instantly opened a heavy fire of grape and musketry upon the laborers. Twiggs was ordered to advance to engage the enemy in front. This was (lone with remarkable spirit by Colonel Harney, who suc- ceeded in carryinj^ the hill below the main position, which was retained. All was now prepared for the 'general assault. Tliis was made on the 18tli. PillowVi brigade was given the Mexicans' right intrenchment — Twiggs' brigade the left, as it already had the advance. It was to be assisted by Brigadier- General Shields' volunteers, as occasion required, 'jreneral Worth's brig'ide was to follow up Twiggs. Scott's general order of the day specified the position and duty of each brig- ade with such accuracy that it is regarded by nilitary men as a remarkable instance of sagacious foresight, while it also shows that the troops were so well oflicered and disciplined a3 to render the performance of an allotted duty a matter of course. The height of Cerro Gordo loomed up loftily above all the enemy's other positions, and was, therefore, the key to the entire battle-ground. All night long, during the 17th-18th, tlie men of Twiggs' division were dragging heavy guns up the bwer height, which Colonel Harney had secured. A heavy twenty-four pounder and two twenty-four howitzers were placed in position, by three a. m. Relays of five hundred men did this truly Herculean labor. When the morning broke the enemy perceived the daring designs against them, and immediately opened their fire. It 84 THE LIFE OF WINFIELD SCOTT. i 1 I' i.^f i i^t was answered by Twiggs' battery. Soon the order passed :- " Storm the height above !" Harney was chosen for that duty ; with his rifles, tlie 1st artillery, the 7th infantry, he pushed up the hill in the raidst of an appalling fire. Sup- porting him, further on to the right, were the 2d and U infimtry and 4th artillery. The men fairly melted away before that hail of heavy balls and musketry. But on— uii Harney moved — on to the very muzzles of the enemies' ^ims, The battery was gained. Then came the hand-to-hand strug- gle. The Mexican lancers did fearful execution with tlicir ugly weapons, but they were shot and sabered with a fury which not even their quadruple numbers could withstand, and they soon gave way. A shout went up— then the Ameri- can colors appeared aljove the ramparts : — tlie height of Cerro Gordo was won — the victory secured. The enemy flew aloiii; the national road toward Jalapa, to find Shields and his vol- unteers already there to cut in pieces their flying columns, Shields was shot through the lungs, but his men bore all before them, storming a fort thrown across the highway, thou pursuing the routed ranks. Pillow's assault upon the enemy's right was repulsed upon the first attempt. The fire of La Vega's batteries was too furious to withstand. Wlien Cerro Gordo fell, however, ho was at the mercy of its guns, and surrendered with his 3,000 excellent soldiers. Santa Anna and Canalizo, Avitli 8,000 men, were pursued far toward Jalapa by the reserve under Worth. The results of the victory were embarrassing to Scott, for they cumbered him with prisoners, artillery, munitions, and the baggage of an army of 17,000 men. The artillcrv secured embraced forty-three valuable and beautiful bron/e guns cast in Seville, Spain. The small-arms Avere destroyed — the guns and baggage sent back to Vera Cniz— the prlMy losses, garrisons, sickness, and discharged volunteers whose term of enlistment (one year) expired on the march fred by re-enlistments and detiuhments from the liospitals in the ivar, to about 5,000 —whicli was li entiix) army at tiio Crcuoral's disposal for conquering liio eucmy in his strongholds of renowned strength. II A P T E II X V . ^f^:r^0TIATI0NS for a peace — thrih failure — the mahoh on the city JPROM PUEBLA — ARRIVAL AT THE LAKKS — THE RECONNOISSANCE — MARCH AROUND THE LAKE. Tie negotiations referred to were in the hands of Mr. Nicholas P. Trist— a most able and cbtimable man, thoroughly coaversunt with the Spanish language and experienced in Mexican diplomacy- a diplomacy which, at that time, was I THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. ;>'<: -'^■l'' vl remarkable chiefly for its duplicity, insecurity and want of authority. What one leader or foctiou treated for, a second leader or faction would abrogate. No agreement seemed binding, for no authority could be found which assured per- manency. The idea of " treating for a peace," even when the Mexican General was without an army, was one of weakness and folly, at the best ; but it was entertained by Mr. Polk ; and General Scott held all further operations in abeyance until the "negotiations" were ended. A. communication r.:;s dispatched from Puebla to the Mexican Government, by Mr. Trist, through the British minister. Congress was called immediately, by the authori- ties, to pass upon the question of peace or war. By July 13th a quorum was barely assembled, when it resolved that it was the duty of the Executive to treat and make alliances that Congress could only approve or disapprove of them a:. they were submitted by their lawful President (Dictator). This threw upon Santa Anna the responsibility of receiving Mr. Trist's propositions. But, that wily chief resolved not to assume the trust, and threw himself upon the mandatory decree passed by Congress (March 31st) after the battle of Cerro Gordo, wliich, he consistently alleged, deprived him of the Ugal power to treat. He recommended Congress to repeal the decree, that he might reply at least in courteous terms to the courteous communication of the American Commissioner. But a Congress of Mexican deputies was not to be caught thus — it had dissolved before Santa Anna's a])peal could be brought before it. Tliis induced Santa Anna to call a council of his oflicers, when it was decided that *' it was inexpedient to enter into negotiations for peace until another opportunity had been afforded ]\Iexico to retrieve her fortunes in the field." The idea prevailed, it seems, that it would be the height of pusillanimity to treat when their only enemy was Scott with an army of but 5,000 men in the very heart of their territory. But, the usual duplicity was behind all this apparent decision. "It seems that the Mexican President, about the time that the public answer was proclaimed, sent primte communications to the American head-quarters at Puebla, intimating that if a million of dollars were placed at liis disposal, to be paid upon the conclusion of the treaty of peace, and ten thousand dollars F.ULUIIE OF NEGOTIATIONS. 87 were paid forthwith, he would appoint commissioners to nego- tiate. The proposal was received and discussed by General Scott, Mr. Trisfc and the leading officers ; and being agreed to, though not unanimously, the ten thousand dollars were dis- biuscd from the secret service money which Scott had at liis disposal, and communications were oj^ened in cipher — the key of which had been sent to Mexico. Intimations soon reached Piiebla, from Santa Anna, that it would also be necessary for tlic American army to advance and threaten the capital ; — and, liiuilly, another message was received, urging licott to penetrate tlie valley and carry one of the outworks of the Mexican line of defenses, in order to enable liim to negotiate." This Mayer adopts on the authority of Major Ripley's " History of the War with Mexico.*' Mansfield says nothing of it, in his biography. The result was, as might have been anticipated — nothing : the preliminary bonus of ten thousand dollai-s had gone quietly into the ^Mexican General's private fund. It was now discovered that Santa Anna was gathering a powerful army* around the city — that he was strengthening nil of its defenses, and designed to stake his future claims for power upon the issue of a conflict. The apparently good time wasted, in this etfort to negotiate a peace, had been pro- pitious to the American General, however, since it afforded time for the reinforcements, so long delayed, to come up ; and when the Commissioner found his occupation gone, Scott resumed most determined otfensive operations. His army under date. of August 7tli is reported to have been 14,000, composed of his original brigades strengthened by those of General Pierce's coqDS (2,409), Cadwallader's brigade (1,400) and Pillow's l)rigade, new (1,800). Leaving Colonel Cliilds in garrison at Puebla with 1,400 men, and sick and wounded in hospital to the number of 1,860 (of whom 700 .afterward died !), Scott took up his line of advance, August 7tli— Colonel Harney's brigade of cavalry leading, followed the same day by the 3d divisicm under Twiggs ; on the 8th, Quitman's division (volunteei*s) ; on the 9th, Worth's division, tlie Ist; on the 10th, Pillow's division, the 3d. Scott accom- panied Colonel Harney's brigade, in advance.f * viz :— General Valencia's corps, .5,000 strong, with thirfy-slx pieces of artillery, passed down from San Luis Potosi, and General Alvarez with 6,000 Pinto and Finos Indiana from the north, were added to the forces— which, hy Aumii^t 1st, amounted to 30,0(K) excellent troops, eager to fight. t The canatUullon of the divisions was as follows :— Itst., V/orth's, ooiii- 88 THE LIFE OP WIN FIELD SCOTT. m The main (National) road was traveled direct from Puebla to the valley of the city. In that valley (a nearly circular formation about fifty miles in diameter, around which frown the eternal Cordilleras) arc six small lakes. The city lies west of the largest, Lake Tezcuco, near its waters. The mountains approach it closely, on the west. Lakes Chalco and Xochimilico lie a few miles to the south, adjoining ciich other. The National highway runs along the south sliore of Tezcuco. The grand highway leading from tlie city to Acapulco, on the Pacific, runs to the west of the Lake Xochi- milico, and nearly at right angles with the National road. It passes through the villages San Augustin and San Antonio. To the west of the Acapulco road is still another highway called the Toluca road, passing through Tacubaya, and approaching the city by the heights of Chapultepec. On the Acapulco road, between San Antonio and the city are the villages of Cherubusco and Mexicalzingo. Contreras lies to the west of San Augustin in the midst of the " field of lava." This statement will show the relative positions of the places which have now become so memorable in history. Each were only accessible over their respective highways. The Mexicans had fortified these causewnys in numerous places, in a most effective manner. The approaches to the city may be said truly to have '* bristled witli impassabilities." Impos- sible as it may seem, Scott had actually planned the details of his movements upon the city, before he left Washington, and, in his subsequent actions, followed out his original design almost exclusively. On the Uth Twiggs' division reached Ayotla, on Lake Chalco. Worth's division took position near the village of Chalco, on the south end of the lake, about five miles from Ayotla. Between them were quartered Pillow's and Quit- man's commands. To the surprise of his officers he ordered the capital to be approached by tlie Acapulco road — to reach ■fcri: prised the hritfades of Colonels Garland and Clarke ; 2d, Twipgs', com- prised tlie brisjiides of General Smith and Colonel Ililev; .3d, Pillow's, the brigades of Generals Cartwallader and Pierce ; 4th, Quitman's, General Shields' and a second bri<^tule composed of a detachment of United States marines and the 2d Pennsylvania volunteers, Colonel Harney's cavalry was composed of the 1st drajjoons, Captain Kearney; 2d, Major Sumner; 8d, Captain McReynolds. Shields' brigade was composed of the New York »ud South Carolina voluutcerB, TRErARATIOKS FOll THE ATTACK. kliich it would be necessary to pass around the two lakes, on their south sides, by a long deserted road. To show that such a movement was required he ordered a reconnoissance by the direct route immediately in front — a duty intrusted to the rifle regiment, of Twiggs' division (Smith's brigade), accompanied by three companies of cavalry. At Penon, on the National highway, was found a most formidable fortifica- tion, mounting fifty-one ^ns, completely commanding and enfilading the aj)proach. Crossing over to Mexicalingo, five [steni batteries were discovered evidently as eager for victims as tlie ancient deity of the Aztecs who used to reign and riot ill those identical localities. This bold reconnoiter (August 12th) demonstrated the necessity of what Scott had ordered. The divisions therefore took up their march August 15th, ^\'orth's in the advance. In two days' time, after a very arduous tramp, San Augustin, on the Acapulco road, was reiiclied. Twiggs' division brought up the train — Smith's biigade forming the rear-guard. This most important move- raeut tuDied the enti/'G line of defenses of tlie enemy, who looked lor the approach direct over the eastern highway. Now Scott was within nine miles of the capital, on a road but [larlially fortified, with a country before him over which he could move his trains and cavalry, without fear of bogs and water-courses. His occupation of San Augustin somewhat disconcerted the Mexican defense ; but, seeing the imminence of the danger, Santa Anna threw General Valencia, with the choicest forces in his army, into Coutreras heights, five miles to tlie left of Scott's head-quarters. This only partially forti- liod position Valencia took hasty steps to place in order for strong resistance. Toward the city, in Scott's direct line of march, was Cherubusco church and b/idge, which General lUncon sought, by extraordinary exertions, to render invincible and impassable. He garrisoned them with the National Guards and several batteries of heavy artillery. Santa Anna Iiiiuself threw up intrencliraents at San Angel, on the Aca- pulco road, nearer the city than Contreras, while San Antonio, the first position, in front of Scott, was put in possession of choice troops and very formidable batteries. Besides these central defenses the highways and cause- ways were fortified at all points where resistance could be 00 THE I.IFE OF WINFIELD SCOTT. effective. Full 30,000 troops were at Santa Anna's cVinposal, together with an immense supply of artillery. He disposed them | with the judgment of an able tactician and shrewd strategist. His defenses were sematim : — if driven from one he could fall upon another, and thus, by compelling Scott to take them in detail, he hoped so to weaken his force as to render him incapable of coping with the inner lines of intrenchmcnts and fortresses, which were of tremendous strength. The height of Chapultepec was regarded as impregnable. Our American General fully penetrated the design of his antagonist, and prepared for all emergen'^ies with a sagacity which never has failed in an hour of need. CHAPTER XVI. THE MARCH ON CONTEEKAS— THE FIELD OP LAVA — THE PRELIMINAUT ASSAULT — ITS ILL SrcCESS — THE MIDNIGHT MARCH — THE ASSAULT AXI) THE VICTORY — THE PURSUIT — ASSAULT UPON SAN ANTONIO'— OATHERIXC. OF THE FOKCES AT CHEUUBUSCO — BATTLE OF THE BRIDGE — THE CHURCH AND THE OPEN FIELD — THE FINAL VICTORY — NIGHT ON THE FIELD OP BATTLE. A RECONNOI8SANCE was Ordered by the American Geneial on the 18th, to determine with precision the positions and ability of the enemy. San Antonio was found to be accessible only over a long, narrow causewaj-, flanked on the east by im- passable ditches and bogs. To the left of it lay the pedrigal (field of lava) composed of the most chaotic eruptive matter and deemed perfectly impassable. It was resolved to reach it by turning it. To do this it was necessary to use the road limning west of the pedrigal. A reconnoiter showed this to be fortified at Contreras. Against this outwork Scott resolved to strike his first blow. Pillow's division was given the ad- vance. It opened the way slowly and laboriously for Twiggs' division, which started at one o'clock, for the attack. Captain Magruder's field battery of six and twelve pounders and Lieutenant Callender's mountain howitzers and rockets fol- lowed. A brief march brought General Smith's brigade in eight of Valencia's intrenchmcnts on the heights. Beyond »[ARCn ON CONTRERAS. him could be seen large bodies of troops moving up and down the road as if throwing reinforcements into all their points of defense along the way. Owing to the extremely rough and almost impassable nature of the ground the troops progressed with great difficulty. They could not march in column, and deployed in illy formed lines before the enemy's works. The action was opened by a few of Magruder's light guns only, as the twelve pounders could not be got over the impassable rocks. The reply was very severe, as Valencia had twenty-ttco well served guns. It made the intrepid assailants pause in thiir approach. The cavalry could not form at all — the broken and volcanic field forbade it. Only the rifles and 3d infantry could aid, with small-arms, the light artillery. It was evident to Scott that lie must turn the position of the enemy and strike in both front and rear. He would then be able to force the height from its weak side, and cut oiT the heavy and constant rein- forcements which Santa Anna, in person, was seen to bo throwing into the works. The contest of the afternoon tlecided this The troops were drawn off at nightfall, after a three hours' " brush," and were disposed for their double game of strategy and fight.* Early in the morning a portion of Pillow's division — General Cadawallader's brigade — moved to- ward the hamlet of Coutrej >^^, situated on the road to the capital, below the heights. Ci »nel Morj^an, with the 4th in- fantry, proceeded to the village uf Anselda, beyond the ham- let, where he was joined by General Shields with his two regiments of New York and South Carolina volunteers. The night was very dark, wet an i chilling, and the march over that field of stones was extremely painful ; but it was made, in good order and. in great sileur/e. By midnight th'^ brigades of Smith, Riley and ShTelds, and liansom's regulars, had * This is Mansfield's statement. Brantz Mayer states the matter some- what difl'erently. We may therefore quote his version : — " Firing at a long distance again? t h\\ intrenched camp was worse than useless on such a ground, and alth«'agh General Smitli's and Colonel Riley's brigades, supported by General i'ievco's and Cadwdllader's, had be enunder a neavy fire of artillery and Tiuiskctry for more than three hours along the almost impassable ravine in iron f and to the left of the Mexican camp yet so little had been eflected in destioying the position that the main reliance for suc- cess was correctly judged to be in an assault at close quarters. The plan had been arranged in the night by Brigadier-General Persifer F. Smith, and was sanctioned by General Scott, to whom it was communicated 'by the indefatigable diligence of Captain Lee, of the Engineers." IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) ^ // /- '/ m Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 V»f)ut to the American camp to sound Scott on the question of an armistice and a peace. He found the chief disinclined to any accom- modation, save an armistice to be demanded by the authorities in view of a treaty of peace and amity, for which treaty, a special Commissioner, Mr. Trist, accompanied the army, fully empowered to act in conjunction with Scott. He so wrote to Santa Anna, on the morning of the 21st, at the same time preparing to move forward on Tacubaya. Santa Anna couhl but agree to an armistice for the meeting of commissioners ; and Scott, acthig from a deep sense of duty, strove, in all ways, to induce the Mexican people and commissioners to come to terms. He wrote, August 28th : — " After so many victories, we might, with but little additional loss, have occupied the capital the same evening. But Mr. Trist, Commissioner, etc., as well as myself, had been admon- ished by the best friends of peace — intelligent neutrals and some American residents — against precipitation; lest, by wantonly driving away the Government and others, dishonored, we might scatter the elements of peace, excite a spirit of national despe- ration, and tlius indefinite!}' postpone the hope of accommo- dation. Deeply impressed with this danger, and remembering our mission — to conquer a peace — the army very cheerfully sacrificed to patriotism, to the great wish and want of our country, the edat that would have followed an entrance, sword in hand, into a great capital. Willing to leave something to this republic — of no immediate value to us — on which to rc-st her pride, and to recover temper, I halted our victorious corps at the gates of the city (at least for a time) and have them now cantoned in the neighboring villages, where they are well shel- tered and supplied with all necessaries." This gives the key to the armistice granted. The negoti- ations progressed very unsatisfactorily — so much so that, on September 7th at noon, when it closeil from expiration, Scott woi in CHAPULTEPEC. 97 took steps for a final conquest of the city. The interval of peace had been employed by Santa Anna in sending arms and supplies to Chapultepec Castle, and in generally preparing his anny for another struggle — in total violation of the articles of armistice ; but, what could be expected of a leader so notoriously perfidious as Santa Anna ? Scott warned him of his breach of faith. Santa Anna replied by charging Scott Tvith a desecration of temples, with outrages of his troops upon the people, etc. — in all of which there was little truth. Tiie charges were preforred as some extenuation for his OAvn bad faith. Scott's head-quarters, during the armistice, were at Tacu- baya. In front, about twelve hundred yards distant, arose the height of Chapultepec, crowned with a fortress of renowned strength. It was two and a half miles distant from the city. Two causeways ran from it to the two city gates, Belen and San Cosmo. A causeway also ran from Tacubaya, by way of Piedad, to the Belen gate. The Castle guns commanded all these avenues of approach to the city, while its heavy mortars could play into the city. It was, therefore, necess*:^ to possess the height, if the Americans would enter by the Belen and San Cosmo gates. Not only the top of the hill was fortified, but tho two ascents were encompassed with barriers and outlying fortifications. On its northern, eastern and southern sides the height was quite abrupt. The most available ascent was from the western front, up a slope, through a dense forest. That ascent was guarded by the several positions of MoUno del Rey (King's Mill), Cdsa de Mata, etc. The first named, although called a mill, Scott learned was, in truth, a foundry where quantities of cannon and shot had been recently cast. Church bells had been carried thither during the two days previous to the 7th, and came forth, mounted on the bastions of the Casa de Mata, as powerful ordnance. The Ca-m de Mata was a fine out- work. It stood about four hundred yards west of " the mill," in a line with it and the Castle. To assault and render useless to the enemy these two works, was the first step toward operating against the height. Worth was ordered to carry them by storm, to capture the artillery, destroy the furnaces, etc., then to return to Tacubaya ! :' 08 THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. rf to await further developments of the plan of action. If, taking these works, did not suffice " to conquer the peace" sought for, the Castle would then be won. Worth put \m columns in motion at three a. m., on the 8tli (September). His forces consisted of tlie 1st division, 2,000 ; Cadwallader's brigade, Voltigeurs, 784 ; dragoons and mounted riflemen under Major Sumner, 270 ; Drum's battery (three field-pieces) and Huger's battery (two twenty-four pounders), 100 ; making a total of 3,154 men first carried to the assault. It was after- ward strengthened to a force of 3,251. The enemy were, it afterward appeared, well prepared for the attack, and the two positions named, with their connecting intrcnchments, con- tained about 14,000 men, 10,000 of whom were at the intrenched lines, or held in reserve. All had been disposed by Santa Anna, in person. General Perez commanded at the Cam de Mata^ General Leon at *' the mill," General Ramirez at the intrcnchments. "Worth bent his first attack upon the intrenched line, as being the weakest and most assailable point. Five hundred picked men under Major Wright of the Stli infantry, suj)- ported by Huger's powerful battery, were detailed for this duty. Garland's brigade, supported by Drum's .battei'y, was thrown upon *' the mill" — if possible to cut it off from support from the Castle. Colonel Mcintosh, with the 2d brigade and Duncan's battery, were assigned to the Casa de Mata^ while Cadwallader's brigade of Voltigeurs was held on a ridge near the center as a reserve. Huger's guns opened at daybreak, on the 8th. They tore into "the mill" fearfully, and diverted the enemy's center, when Wright dashed forward with his picked men to assault the lines. They drove the Mexicans before them and seized the field-battery to turn it upon the fugitives. But, seeing the paucity of numbers in the attack, the enemy rallied and came into the field with extreme desperation. Their vollej-s of musketry were rapid as a fired train, and the slaughter of Americans was correspondingly appalling. Eleven officers of fourteen were killed, when the men shrunk back in dismay at the unexpected carnage. The Mexicans, calling in their reserve from the grove, pressed their advantage and regained their battery. But, only for a moment. Cadwallader threw car dull cat] ual it,J eei ofl Bis he ASSAULT ON THE CASA DE MATA. 99 line, as lundrcd ry, snp- for this ii'y, was support idc and I, while ge near ey tore center, assault . seized secinii' ed and volleys liter of 3ers of 3ismay a their gained threw a regiment, under Captain E. Kirby Smith, into the field :^ the men rallied and the enemy were effectually routed, after making a determined resistance. Mblino 'del Rey^ in the mean time, opened its sharpest fire on Garland's brigade advancing on the enemy's left. Drum's battery replied powerfully, when the Americans walked right into the inclosure, carried the building at the bayonet's point, and turned its guns so as to enfilade all approaches from the Castle. The garrison retreated up the hill to the shelter of thc^defenses above. The Casa de Mata offered a more obstinate defense. It proved to be a powerful and regular intrenchment, with bas- tions and deep ditches. Colonel Scott, Waite, and Mcintosh fell, leading their columns on to the assault under a perfect rain of balls. The terrific fire literally mowed away the ranks, and the loss of officers caused the men to fall back behind Duncan's battery, which had been called to the field to support the American left. The Mexican cavalry held in reserve, in the woods, deployed to the right of the intrench- ments to press upon the repulsed brigade, but Duncan's blaz- ing guns scattered the gay uniforms like autumn-leaves before the sharp blast. Sumner's dragoons then charged, and the enemy flew in utter discomfiture. The relentless guns of Duncan then turned upon the intrenchments and soon drove the enemy in great trepidation up the hill. This gave the fortress to the gallant men, so many of whose comrades lay stretched in death upon the green sward. This ended the conflict for the outworks, which were found to be far more formidable than the most careful reconnois- sance of the engineers, and by Generals Scott and Worth, in person, had been able to detect — so skillfully had their lines been masked by the sagacious Santa Anna.* The victory cost the Americans much blood — nearly one-fourth of Worth's ♦ Colonel Ramsey states, in a note to his translation of the Mexican History of the War, that Santa Anna was in possession of Scott's order to carry the outworks a few honrs after it was given, and, in consequence, during the entire 7th of September, he was preparing for the defense. We can scarcely credit the assumption, i>articuiarly as Colonel Ramsey insin- uates that Scott was informed his designs were known, but did not believe It, and did not strengthen Worth's forces. The insinuation is that he Bent the men into useless danger. Brantz Mayer and Colonel Ripley are of opinion tliat the assault, before battering with the guns, was a useless slaughter. It is so easy to plan a conflict after it is fought ! Had the American commander surmised half the strength of the enemy's works, he would, of course, have ordered their battery before assault. 100 THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. ^^, i entire corps being" eitlier killed or wounded ! Out of 187 officers 58 were killed or disabled. This list included some of the choicest spirits in that army of brilliant men. The Mexicans equally suffered. Leon, Mateos, Huertd, Baldcros, were killed, together \\uth others of their best leaders, while 52 commissioned officers and 800 men were made prisoners. Casa de Mata was blown up. " The mill" and its machin- ery were so far destroyed as to render the works useless. All the arms, munitions and provisions captured were borne to the American depot at Tacubaya. The ground was then left unoccupied, preparatory to the assault on the height, upon which, the Mexicans were centering their entire resources, under command of the indomitable Bravo. Why did Scott leave these dearly-won defenses open, and why did he not proceed immediately to attack the Castle ? the reader asks. It was the delay ot good gene/alship and strategy. The army must enter the city by the two western gates of Belen and San Cosmo. If Chapultepec was taken, it would allow the concentration of the strength of the entire Mex- ican a- my and people at those points, and render the entrance one of extreme hazard to Scott's now greatly reduced . force, for illness (dysentery) had been at work among his men as well as the enemy's balls. He therefore proposed io feint an attempt upon the southern gates of the city, and, by apparently abandoning the conquered positions at the foot of the hill, make it appear that he was not going to assault it. This would give the Mexicans time to concentrate their best forces at other points, when Scott would suddenly turn and precipi- tate his whole strength upon the Castle, carry il, and, by a hurried movement on the two western gates, secure them and their fine defenses before the enemy could recover from their surprise to act with concert and efficiency. It was a most able and admirably conceived plan, and, as the result proved, was the secret of Scott's final success. A repulse at Chapultepec would have annihilated his army : — a victory would give him the city. Santa Anna had the bells of the city rung in honor of his victory at the outworks ! Nero fiddling over the conflagra- tion of Rome offers a parallel for that merry chime from cathedral towers. THE STRATEGY. 101 CHAPTER XVIII. THB STBATEOT — ITS SCCCKSS — CHAPULTEPEC — THE BATTERIES OPENED ON IT — FALSE MOVEMENTS OP TUK TROOPS — SUDDEN DESCENT ON THE HILL, — THE ASSAULT — TUB VICTORV — THE PURSUIT — QUITMAN IN THE CITY. The designs of the Commander-in-Chief hare been stated, viz. : — to make feints on tlie soutliern gates of the city until the Mexican commander should center his forces in that quarter, then to make a sudden descent on Chapultepec and carry it by bombardment and storm, then to enter the city by the Belen and San Cosmo gates. To the consummation of this sclieme the outworks at tlie foot of the hill, won by so much blood, had been abandoned ; the various divisions were so disposed as to cover the real movement, yet were in avail- able localities ; the best guns of the several batteries were drawn o^t before the heights ; the troops were drafted to their fullest extent, many of the sfightly wounded leaving the hos- pitals for places in the ranks : — all was stir and preparation for the final great conflict, yet all was masked, even to the comprehension of most of the officers, since secrecy was necessary to success. The stronghold to be carried rose from the plain fully one hundred and fifty feet, presenting impassable fronts toward the city, and on the north and south. It was crowned with an edifice called " the Castle," in its outer walls measuring nine hundred feet in length — the main building, including the terre-plein, measuring six hundred feet. The whole is thus described by an officer, in a letter to the Washington Union : " The Castle is about ten feet liigh, and the whole structure, including the wings, bastions, parapets, redoubts and batteries, is very strongly built^ and of the most splendid architecture. A splendid dome decorates the top, rising in great majesty about twenty feet above the whole truly grand and magnificent pile, and near which is the front center, supported by a stone arch, upon which is painted the coat-of-arms of the republic, where once floated the tri-colored banner, but is now decorated by the glorious stars and stripes of our own happy Irnd. Two very strongly built stone walls surround the whole ; and at the west end, where we stormed the works, the outer walls are Bome ten feet apart, and twelve or fifteen feet high, over which li "V toa THE LIFE OF WINVIELD SCOTT. if A 'I I we charged by the help of fascines. It was defended by heavy artillery, manned by the most learned and skillful gunners of their army, including some French artillerists of distinction. The infantry force consisted of the officers and students of the institution, and the national guards, and chosen men of war of the republic— the whole under the command of General Bravo, whom we made prisoner. The whole hill is spotted with forts and outposts, and stone and mud walls, which were filled with their picket or Castle-guard. A huge, high stone wall extends around the whole frowning craggy mount, and another alont^ the south-east base, midway from the former and the Castle. A well-paved road leads up in a triangular form to the main gate, entermg the south terre-plein ; and the whole works are ingc- niousljr and beautifully ornamented with Spanish fastidiousness and skill." Of the approaches to the city Scott in his Ofl3cial Report says: — " The city of Mexico stands on a slight swell of ground, near the center of an irregular basin, and is girdled with a ditch in its greater extent — a navigable canal of great breadth and depth — very difficult to bridge in the presence of an enemy, and serv- ing at once for drainage, custom-house purposes, and military defense ; leaving eight entrances or gates, over arches, each of which we found defended by a system of strong works, that seemed to require nothing but some men and guns to be impregnable." On the night of September 11th four heavy batteries were mounted, under direction of the engineers, Huger and Lee, on a ridge between Tacubaya and the height — in charge, respect- ively, of Captains Drum, Hr.gner, Brooks and Lieutenant Stone — which opened fire on the morning of the 12th. All day the cannonade was kept up. Bombs with hissing fuses flew in magnificent arches through the air, and dropped, to burst with terrific violence, within the inclosure above. The great balls leaped from the guns, and went careering overhead like dark meteors, to tear and crash through the ram- parts and walls with all the awful havoc of an earthquake. The n^eu only rested at their guns when darkness descended oypr all with Its protecting shadows. Previous to this bombardment, the troops had made im- posing demonstrations before the southern gates of the city. During the day (11th) Scott surveyed the gatps yery closely, Rising as a covering party Pillow's entire diylsipn and Ooloj^pJ ^fi*Sf!f. TJJE ASSAULT ON CUArULTEI'EC. 103 Riley's brigntlc. lie then ordered Quitman, with his entire division, forward from Coyoacan to join Pillow, in tho day- time, before the southern gates. These admirable feints pro- duced the desired effect of convincing the Mexican General that the southern garitas (gates) would be forced for entrance to the capital. At nighty however, the divisions of both Pillow and Quitman passed from before the southern gates to Tacubaya, where they were united to Worth's troops. Gen- eral Smith's brigade was at San Angel. Twiggs was left with Riley's troops and Captain Taylor's artillery, before the San Antonio exit to continue the game of deception by maneuvers and false attacks. This was continued to the afternoon of the 13th so successfully that the enemy did not suspect the decoy set for them until they learned that, instead of a bombardment, the entire army, except the troops deploying before the gates, was assaulting Chapultepec ! At half-past five, on the morning of the 13th, the guns opened again on the Castle. This was continued np to eight o'clock, when several breaches were made. At a signal the aosault began. The divisions of Pillow and Quitman were detailed for the honorable service, while Worth's division, turning the hill, gained the north side to assist in the assault as circum- stances might require, by resisting reinforcements from the city and by cutting off the enemy's retreat. Pillow's troops rushed forward from the now silenced Molino del Bey. They pressed ibrward up the easy ascent, scaling all outworks, and, in a brief time, planted scaling ladders against the iuclosure walls. One loud huzza and the men streamed over — to court victory or death. Quitman was given the south-eastern approach. Supported by Shields and Smith, he pressed up the declivity, fortified in the most effective manner. Battery after battery was scaled and silenced, when Shields, filing to the left with his gallant volunteers, crossed the meadows before the Castle batteries, entered the outer court, and was, with Pillow's men, in at the victory. Quitman's force, delayed by the inch-by-iuch fight up the hill, arrived to find the American flag floating over the Castle. What a shout rent the air from those ancient halls — the veritable "Halls of Montezuma," the splendid seat of the : .; n 104 THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. ^j Spanish viceroys ! It rolled over the valley, as if the sky was peopled with men and their voices came forth from the clouds — so it appeared to those in the valley below. "Worth's men caught up the juhilante and re-echoed it, wildly and long. Mayer states that " the onslaught had been so rapid and resi'stless that the Mexicans stood appalled as the human tide foaaied aud burst over their battlements. Men who had been stationed to fire the mines either fled or were shot down. Officers fell at their posts, and the brave old Bravo, fighting to the last, was taken prisoner with a thousand combatants." The victory was entire anJ complete. The entire hill was in possession of the invaders, and the Mexican people, from their look-outs in the eJty, gave up all as lost. Santa Anna was engaged watching Twiggs, before the garita of San Antonio, when informed of the sudden move- ment on the Castle. He was thunderstruck and mortified, seeing the ruse so artfully and successfully practiced. But, before he could "fly to its aid, the American standard was unfurled from the ramparts of the stronghold. The retreating men from the batteries on the hill, and many from the Castle, dropped down the steep declivities, under cover of the rocks and bushes, to gain the causeways and meadows below. There, gathering in companies, they courageously* strove to cut their way through to the gates. Santa Anna's fresh troops poured out to receive them, while from steeple?, roofs and outlying intrenchments both troops and the popiir of first 5 pass tlu^ itered the Iding and colors of ntered the ^he troops nkfulness. isponded : Hifles he )een bap- ' Had you with me, hardship 5sed more ited, and )rders of dragoons I. Mexi- id, many gated in t ordered This was done without injury to them; but it gave pretext for the "house-top war" which followed, — if pretext, indeed, were wanted. The night previous over 1,000 convicts liad been turned loose from the prisons. Those terrors of society, uniting with the few companies of desperate soldiers remain- ing, and with the vagrants, made an attack upon the troops, from house-roofs and windows. Soon the citizens seemed to join in the murderous warfare, and numbers of the brave troops and their officers fell before the covert shot, during the day (the 14th). Finally the divisions of Twiggs and "Worth were boldly assaulted by the populace, when Scott ordered batteries to sweep the streets, and the Rifles to pick olT every man seen on the house-tops. This drove the infuriated crowd into the strong buildings, from which they continued their firin^T. Scott then sent word to the municipal author- ities that he should blow up every structure, were it church, convent or residence, from which the populace should seek to assassinate his men. This ended the assassins' work, and soon the city assumed its wonted air of quiet. On the IGth he issued an order for thanks to Divine Providence for their recent victories : — " The General-in-Chief calls upon his brethern in arms to return, both in public and private worship, thanks and gratitude to God for the signal triumphs which they have recently achieved for their country." Orders were issued, immediately, forbidding any outrage upon public or private ])roperty, and holding his entire army under the severest discipline in regard to its conduct toward the people of the city. No conquered capital ever fared so generously at the hands of its conqueror. In a decree, dated September 24th, he said : " Here, as in all Roman Catholic countries, there are frequent religious processions in the streets, as well as in churches, such as tlie elevation of the Host, the naticum^ funerals, etc. The interruption of such jirocessions has already been prohibited in orders ; and, as no civilized person will ever wantonly do any act to huru the religious feelings of others, it is earnestly requested of all Protestant Americans either to keep out of the way or to pay to the Catholic religion and its ceremonies every decent mark of respect and deference." This edict breathes the Christian spirit in which Mexico '«( 108 THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. Ill was conquered and governed while in possession of the army of Scott * Martial law was proclaimed on the 17th, and Quitman appointed civil and military Governor. Orders of great stringency were issued to punish crime, to guarantee the Mexican courts in the exercise of their usual functions, to protect public, church and private property. Scott demanded, instead of a munificent ransom, the meager sum of one hun- dred and fifty thousand dollars, to be used as follows : ninety thousand dollars for blankets, shoes, etc., for distribution among the needy troops ; twenty thousand for extra comforts and care for the sick and wounded ; forty thousand dollars for the military chest. The occupation of the city continued until May, 1848, when the treaty negotiated by Mr. Trist was ratified by commis- sioners specially dispatched from Washington. Scoll, up to January of that year, was incessantly laboring with the Mexican Government to secure the treaty desired. All the interval, during the final conquest up to the month of April— when Santa Anna withdrew in disgrace (forever it is to be hoped) from the distracted country — the war was prosecuted with great bitterness by guerrilla parties, and bands under the Priest Jaranta, in the surrounding States and along the route from Vera Cruz to the capital. New troops arrived under Generals Lane, Patterson and others, who experienced sharp service in hunting down the formidable and, at times, very powerful organizations of the enemy. The final occu- pation of all important points by the American army, the withdrawal of Santa Anna, and the strengthened authority of the President, Senor Pena-y-Peiia, restored a more settled order of things, leading the way for the treaty which fol- lowed. The history of Mr. Polk's administration so far as it relates to the Mexican question, is one of discredit. Mr. Trist, for not accomplishing what could not be forced, was suspended from his functions as Commissioner, and he was recalled. * Mr. William Jay, in his work already rcforred to, is very severe on Scott for the tribute he levied upon the city and provincea. Had that author shown as much of the spirit of a Christian as of evident vlndic tiveness, he would have been spared bis censures, Scott was simply obey, ing orders from Washington in his '' levy," and none knew it better, pro bably, than Mr. Jay. SCOTT SUSPENDED FROM COMMAin). 100 The preliminaries of a peace had, however, been determined upon, and he consented to consummate the negotiations even without autliority. Scott co-operated with him ; and, by their united labors, the treaty was finally signed and for- warded to Washington for ratification. Notwithstanding the irregularity of the proceedings, the instrument was ratified by Congress, with very slight alteration (March 10th). Instead of confiding to Mr. Trist the final consummation of the mat- ter, to which his great prudence, wisdom and popularity vdth the Mexican authorities had greatly contributed, he was super- seded by the appointment of United States Senator Sevier and Attorney-General CliiFord, who both resigned their positions in order to bear the treaty (and the heavy money indemnity stipulated), back to Mexico, and to secure its adoption. As if Mr. Trist was not equal to such a service ! The ratification took place May 80th, after which the American troops evacu- ated the country, leaving, after all their warfare, very agree- able memories behind them. Vast numbers of Mexican people of all classes, grew to believe that a better order of things would prevail in their country if the Americans should remain permanently in the occupation. Scott, it is reported, had overtures from many of the leading men of the State, to accept a permanent Presidency. In the mean time the Administration found it advisable, in the exercise of its authority, to suspend Scott from his com- mand. Generals Pillow and "Worth had preferred charges against the Commander-in-Chief, involving really very trifling points of etiquette rather than sins of commission, and the Administration hastened to arraign Scott before — whom? Before a tribunal composed of a Paymaster-General, a Briga- dier of volunteers, and a Colonel of dragoons, who were to inquire into the conduct of their superior ! Did the w^orld ever before behold such an ungenerous betrayal of personal and partisan Mpite ? Scott, in truth, after the conquest, had become so immensely popular that the Admmistration doubtless felt it necessary to force from him his honors — to disgrace him in some way, and thus place him out of the category of Presidential opponents for the next campaign. No other solution has ever been offered to the proceedings. The "court" mvt in Mexico— 1' no THE LIFE OP WINPIELD SCOTT. ^\i u then adjourned to meet in Washington where the " inquiry," becoming so utterly odious to the entire nation, was suffered to pass into oblivion — a mass of testimony being reported which few indeed have ever felt the curiosity to explore. This order of suspension came a few days after the treaty had been dispatched to Washington. He had been permitted thus to contribute to the final crowning act of the campaign, to add the crown to his reputation for legal acumen and ministerial wisdom, as the conquest, by arms, had added the crown to his military renown. He immediately passed over to General Butler the chief command, and^attended upon the " court of inquiry " during its sessions in the capital. When it adjourned to meet in Washington, he started to return home, without retinue, without honors : — a conqueror, lie was, literally, returning home in disgrace. . The country was shocked and humiliated at the occurrence. He arrived at Elizabethport, New Jersey, in a private vessel. May 20th, and retired to his family residence at Elizabethtown. Various leading cities of the country hastened to tender him receptions, which he declined, urging that he could receive no honors so long as he was under the displeasure of the Executive. The city of New York, however, would not permit such a banish- ment. On the 22d a Committee of tlie Common Council visited his private residence. They sought his consent to a popular ovation as a recognition not more of his services than of the sentiments with which the public regarded the circum- stances under which he had returned.' Scott, feeVing that to deny such a request would greatly injure the feelings of his friends, consented to the reception, which was arranged to take place on the 25th of May. It proved to be one of the most imposing demonstrations that had taken place for years in the great metropolis. The city streets were densely crowded— over 200,000 people being present on the line of march. Buildings were gayly decorated, mottoes were suspended from the walls and over the streets, flags were flying upon all public buildings and from the ship- ping. Amid the thunder of artillery he landed at Castle Garden, in charge of the Committee. The addresses on the occasion are worthy of repetition, as showing the actual feel- ing of the country toward Scott, and his own sentiments. niS RECEPTION IN NEW YORK. Ill Being received from the Committee of Elizabellitown, Mr. Morris Franldin, President of tlie Board of Aldermen of New York city, welcomed the old soldier in terms of congratulation at his safe return. He added : "In contemplating upon the thrilling events which have characterized your history, we find so much to excite our admiration, and to call into action the patriotic emotions of the heart, that we feel proud, as American citizens, that among the many illustrious names which now are, or may hereafter he emblazoned upon the escutcheons of our country, yours will appear in bold relief, as among her noblest and most honored sons; for whether upon the plains of Chippewa, or Lundy's Lane — whether at the soriie of Fort Erie, or on the heights of Queenstown — whether landing on the shores of Vera Cruz, or bravely contending at the pass of Cerro Gordo — whether entering in triumph the capital of Mexico, and there planting the American standard upon its battlements — whether in the warrior's tent, at the solemn hour of midnight, arranging the operations of the coming day, while your faithful soldiers were slumbering around you, dreaming of their friends and their homes — or whether attending upon the wounded, the dying, and the dead, regardless of yourself in your anxiety for others — we find all those characteristics which mark the true dignity of man, and bespeak the accomplished and victorious chieftain. " Under circumstances such as these, and fresh from the well- fought battle-fields of our country, we now welcome j'ou within our midst, as one worthy to receive and forever wear that vic- torious wreath which the American people have entwined to decorate and adorn your brow ; and we can not omit, upon this occasion, to bear our testimony to the valor, bravery, and skill displaced by that noble band of our adopted fellow-citizens, who, side by side with the natives of our soil, stood bravely by the common standard of our country, or fell nobly struggling in its defense. Teace be to the ashes of those who thus sacri- ficed their lives, for they died as brave men love to die — fight- ing the battles of their country, and expiring in the very arms of victory." Scott's reply was felicitous and full of feeling. He said, among other things : " If I had looked to considerations merely personal, I should have declined the high distinction tendered me ; but I knew I was to be received by you as the representative of that victo- rious army it was so lately my good fortune to command — an army that has carried the glory of American arms to a height that has won universal admiration, and the gratitude of all hearts at home. 112 THE LIFE OP WINFIELD SCOTT. " A very large portion of the rank and file of that army, reg- ulars and volunteers, went forth from the city of New York, to conquer or to die. It was my happy lot to witness tlieir invincible valor and prowess. All dangers, difficulties and hardships were met and conquered. " You have been pleased, sir, to allude to our adopted citi- zens. I can say that the Irish, the Germans, the Swiss, the French, the Britons, and other adopted citizens, fought in the same ranks, under the same colors, side by side with tiie native- born Americans — exhibiting like courage and efficiency, and uniting at every victory in the same enthusiastic shouts in honor of our flag and country. From Vera Cruz to the capital of Mexico, there was one generous rivalr^r in heroic daring and brilliant achievement. Let those who witnessed that career of valor and patriotism say, if they can, what race, according to numbers, contributed most to the general success and glory of the campaign. On the many hard-fought battle-fields there was no room for invidious distinction. All proved themselves the faithful sons of our beloved country, and no spectator could fail to dismiss any lingering prejudice he might have enter- tained as to the comj _rative merits of Americans by birth and Americans by adoption. " As the honored representative of all, I return among you to bear testimony in favor of my fellow-brotlicrs in the field, the army of Mexico; and I congratulate you and tliem that the common object of their efforts, and of your hopes — the restora- tion of peace — is in all probability now attained." "When he arrived at the City Hall other addresses were made. Scott, in his replies, took occasion to advert to the subjects of peace and war, as relating to his own profession. The sentiments expressed are so honorable to his heart that • we may quote them : " Though I am a soldier, and therefore supposed to be fond of fighting, I abhor war, except when prosecuted in the defense of our country, or for the preservation of its honor, or of some great, important, nay, cardinal interest. I hold war to be a great moral evil. It must be for good and substantial reasons — for no forced or false pretext, however plausibly set forth — that war can be warrantably waged, or that can justify one man ift shedding the blood of his fellow-being. The interests of New York, and of our whole country, are identified with peace and with every duty of Christian morality. I doubt if there be any member of that respectable body of our fellow- citizens, the Friends^ who is a more zealous advocate for peace. Unhappily, too much of my life has been spent on the field of battle. Let us, then, manitain our peace by all honorable IS PRESENTED WITH A SILVER MEDAL. ILI 'tedciti- tviss, the it in the |e native- icy, and hoiits in |e capital daring at career )rding to glory of ds tliere emselves or could re enter- >irtli and g you to field, the that the ! restora- ies were ; to the ofession. art that- be fond defense of some t£) be a reasons forth— ify one nterests !d with onbt if fellow- • peace, field of tiorable efforts — by such efforts as Washington, the Father of our Countrj, made, to establish and preserve a system of equal and impartial neutrality — a system which some of his most distin- guished successors, even to a recent period, have commended, with the entire approbation of the American people. And now, Mr. Chairman, in offering again my thanks to your Common Council, and to the inhabitants of your city, which have made an old soldier's heart to throb with gratitude, and caused him to forget all his toils, all his hardships, all his suffering; of mind and body, I desire to acknowledge to yourself especially, and to the gentlemen of both Boards who compose your Committee, the obligations you have imposed upon me by your kind and gracious attentions. Thanks, my warmest thanks, I return through you to the inhabitants of this city." A grand review of troops took place — Major-General Sand- ford acting as commander. All the best regiments of the city turned out. The civic procession up Broadway comprised an ex-President — the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of the State — several United States Senators and Members of the House — State Senators and Assemblymen — officers of the anny and navy — the Mayor and Common Council, etc., etc., together with an immense concourse of the leading men of the community. It was such an ovation as few men ever received, but one eminently due. It did not fail to warn the Adminis- tration of the set of the current of popular feeling — which few political partisans dare to oppose. The occasion was embraced by the City Council to present the General with a silver medal, specially struck in commemoration of the ^reat victories in Mexico. Previous to this (March, 1848) Congress passed its celebrated complimentary resolves, the second resolution of which reads : " That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, requested to cause to be struck a gold medal with devices em- blematical of the series of brilliant victories achieved by the army, and presented to Major-General Winfield Scott, as a tes- timony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his valor, skill and judicious conduct in the memorable campaign of 1847." A very pleasing "request " to make of the President ! Several States passed complimentary resolves, which, beau- tifully engrossed, are now deposited in the cabinet of treas- ures to be left as mementoes of the consideration of his 114 THE LIFE OP WINPIELD SCOTT. countrymen. The Legislature of Louisiana voted a sword, wliicli was presented in Washington, in July, 1848, by a committee chosen by the Governor of that State. A very expressive and patriotic letter ft'om the Governor (Johnson) accompanied the gift. Many public societies and associations throughout the country voted addresses, of which, for a long time after his return, the General was the recipient. They were not less gratifying than the official resolves of legislatures. CHAPTER XX. FOUNDS ARMY ASYLUMS — IS NOMINATED BY TUB WHIG NATIONAL STATE CON- VENTION A3 ITS CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY — THE CAMPAIGN'S RESULT— 13 MADE LIBUTKNANT-GKNEUAL — GOES TO VANCOUVER'S ISLAND TO SETTLE THE BOUNDARY DIPPICULTy— HIS POSITION IN THE SECESSION REVOLUTION — THE COUNTRY'S HOPE. The Executive was powerless before such enthusiasm as the people and press of the country, generally, betrayed after Scott's return. It wisely allowed its " inquiry " to go silently by defiiult ; but, it was a long time before the War Depart- ment could consent to summon the General to duty at WasUington. He remained at his old head-quarters in New York city, for some time after his return, issuing all his orders from it, instead of from Washington. He was, at length, called to the head of the Army Bureau at the capital, and immediately repaired thither, to give the Department his special oversight — an oversight which it greatly needed. Nothing occurred to break the usual routine of business until the session of Congress for 1850-51, when an act was passed to found Military j^sylums. This was of Scott's conception, and the bill creating the Asylums, embodied his long-cherished plans. When in Mexico be saw the great need of such institutions at home, to which he might send the invalid and disabled soldier. To create such a benevolent refuge for those worn out in the service of the country he ap- propriated one hundred thousand dollars, specially saved in Mex- ico to the military chest. That amount was placed in the Bank of America, New York city, to the credit of Army Asylum^ by NOMINATED FOR THE PRESIDENCY. 115 sword, I draft from Mexico in January, 1818. Oilier sums were also l>y a I added to the fund from the same source, as occasion'would very I permit. But no Army Asylums were in existence, and not hnsoii) H until Scott brought the matter specially before Congress, at :iationa m two successive sessions, did ho succeed in securing the a long I necessary act. It was passed, Anally, by the General's wise They I intercession, as we have stated, and he was made President atures. of tlie Board chosen to select the sites for the several build- ings ordered. In the discharge of this duty he journeyed over the Middle and Western States, in the summer of 1851. The presence of the old hero gave occasion for hearty outbursts of enthu- 8ias:ii along his routes of travel. Everywhere he was received with the utmost cordiality by all classes : — even those who had been influenced against him, as party servants of a power- ful press devoted to the work of the Adminstration, did not fail to forget their politics in the presence of the war-worn servant of his country. In almost every village and town volunteers of the Mexican campaign came forth to greet their Commander-in-Chief, and many were the pleasant reunions which transpired. The several Asylums were located with great good judg- ment. They will stand as not among the least monuments of his wisdom and humanity. In January of this year (1851) the State of Virginia pre- sented a very massive and elegantly wrought medal, inscriJ)ed: "The Commonwealth of Virginia presents this medal to Major- General Winfield Scott as a memorial of her admiration for the great and distinguished services of her son, while Commander- in-Chief of the American armies in the war with Mexico, 1847." The presentation was made in Washington, by a committee specially appointed by the Governor. It was a noble expression of the esteem with which Virginia regarded '* her son."* The popularity of General Scott rendered it evident that, if his consent could be obtained his name would come before * How ought that State to blnsh for shame that some of Its press, under the " Secession" excitement, has descended to the most foul imprecation of Scott for his adherence to the fla? under which he has served for morg than half a century I We have preserved some of those editorial ebulU» tions as a sad evidence of the caprices and want in dignity of American Jouruallsm. Their reproduction m '11 serve to amaze another generation, 116 THE LIFE OP WTNFIELD SCOTT. the Whig National Convention as a nominee for the Presi- dency. Being interrogated by his friends on the subject, he consented to accept the nomination if, in tho opinion of the Convention, he should prove tho most available candidate. He was nominated and became the standard-bearer of tho Wiiig party, in the canvass of 1853. The campaign which followed was marked by unusual bit- terness and personal virulence. It is not too much to say that tlie country never has seen a canvass conducted with less regard to courtesy and dignity. Scott was made the embodi- ment of tyranny and aristocracy — the very virtues which led his columns on to glory in Mexico were pronounced vices — his incapacity for the high office was proclaimed — all by an opposition whose standard-bearer was one of those soldiers who had won his chief title to consideration by a brief service under Scott, in Mexico I " The masses " were readily deceived : the "Whig policy became, in their minds, identified with aris- tocracy and monoply : a protective tariff grew daily unpopular and the impossible sub-treasury became popular. Henry Clay died in June, "Webster in October, and the party thus lost its two most powerful directors. Scott, himself no politician, was badly led by his advisers and took several steps which good political generalship must "Have forbidden : — all these contrib- uted to his defeat. Franklin Pierce wus elected by a hand- some majority. "It was," as Scott afterward humorously observed, "his first real defeat — he was routed horse, foot, and howitzers." This defeat Illustrates the singular fact, that eminence of service, in no small degree, disqualifies a man for success In a popular election. Henry Clay and "Webster were neither of them President because they had done too mu^h — Messrs. Polk and Pierce were Presidents because they had done so very little 1 It Is easier to elect an unknown man to the high office than one well known. Congress, at Its first session after the election of Mr. Pierce, acted upon the scheme hatched in Mr. Polk's Cabinet by creating a Lieutenant-General, and Scott was made the recipient of the high honor. The Intelligence of the country applauded, for there was no other way in which to sig- nify its recognition of bis merits. The sum of twenty-flve THE SECESSION llEVOLUTION. 117 Presi- |ect, he of tho fclitlate. of tho al bit- to say ith less mbodi- ich led vices — by an soldiers service ceived : ith aris- popular ry Clay lost its ian, was ch good contrib- % hand- lorously se, foot, ence of less in a ither of Messrs. 1 so very jh oflace Pierce, •inet by ide the country to sig- aty-flvo thousand dollars was also voted as " back pay," the ofllco to date from the conquest of Mexico. A General whose victo- rious arms and ministerial sagacity gave us California and New Mexico, merited all the new office could bring of honors or money. Since the year 1853 the General has continued in the exer- cise of his duties as acting head of the army — scarcely inter- mitting a day, in the performance of his labors. His head- quarters, in New York city, is a model of system. From thence radiate the orders which move the whole vast machinerjr of our land military system. Tlie only absence worthy of note occurred in the summer of 1859 when the seizure, by General Harney, of an island in Puget's Sound (Straits of Fuca) reopened the old dispute of the boundary line between this country and Great Britain. Harney found the British in occupancy of territory which he considered on the American side of the line, and, with more spirit than discretion, drove them from it, while he planted his troops on the spot to keep the British Governor, Douglas, at bay. This action threat- ened trouble quite as serious as the Maine boundary emeutOy when Scott acted as pacificator. He w&s again appealed to by his Government, and, notwithstanding his great age, was sent to that distant region to quiet the alarm anjl to reconcile the dispute. He went and successfully settled the trouble. The " plucky " General Harney was transferred to another station. Everywhere on the route, the Commander-in-Chief was wel- comed with expressions of regard by the people. His recep- tion in San Francisco was highly creditable to the patriotism and gratitude of the Califoruians, who, with much truth, regard him as the father of their country. At the first evidence of an uprising of the people in the cotton growing States, against the authority of tlie Federal Union, Scott was at his post, ready, as in 1832 to enforce tho Constitution and the Laws. His experiences during the for- mer suppression of Nullification and revolt in Charleston harbor, rendered him the man for the hour. It is but express- ing the generally received opinion, to say, that, had his wise counsels prevailed, our beloved country never would have been shaken to its very center by the throes of revolution, nor the appalling calamity of a dismemberment of the Union have tl8 THE LIFE OF WINFIELD SCOTT. been impiiuent. Mr. Buchanan was not General Jackson. Eminent in many things he hicked constancy and courage — two qualities which, in times of danger, are of more avail than a thousand other virtues. He tampered with what was plain, palpable treason. He vacillated when to do so was crime under his inauguratory oath. He allowed his closet to be invaded by disunionists — his treasury to be robbed, his arsenals and armories to be plundered — his flag to be dishonored — his country's prestige to be abased. Where Scott, like Jackson, would have armed for successful resistance — would have gib- beted for example — would have invaded for peace — Mr. Buchanan folded his hands and counted the hours for his term of office to expire when he should be rid both of his oath and his responsibilities. The true men of the country stood aghast at the President's unfitness for the crisis, for all saw that, ere his term expired, the revolutionists would suc- ceed in plunging not one, but five or more States into the wild vortex of their mad schemes. Amid' all this excitement and painful display of weakness on the part of the President, Scott stood firm, ever ready to act as a true citizen and soldier. The country looked to him in hop'^, feeling that all would be safe in his hands. The army began tp disintegrate — its officers to " resign" and take up arms against thjeir old flag — the forts and arsenals were given up, one after another — the Major-General commanding in the Department of Texas, with infamous betrayal of trust and un- paralleled efirontery, contracted to deliver his garrisons, arms and loyal men to those who, as the consideration for the trans- fer, gave the promise that all those arms, garrisons and, if possible, the men, should be turned against the country which had given him all the honor, means and position he possessed. But, not all these things served to dismay the patriotic men of the East, North and West so long as Winfield Scott was true to his oath and his flag. He is true ! His faith is the faith of our fathers — his de- votion is that of our fathers — his constancy is that of our fathers. May he be spared to see his insulted flag planted over every fortress, every Government building, every high- way from the Potomac to the Rio Grande 1 - . ckson. rage — 1 avail at was was it to be rsenals id— his ickson, ve gib- s—Mr. for his . of his country , for all Id suc- nto the ealcness •eady to [ to him s. The take up re given r in the and un- ns, arms iie trans- 1 and, if ry which ossessed. 3tic men cott was —his de- it of our r planted ery high-