Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-06-17
GEN. SCOTT.

The incorrect version, which we received few
days ago OF the course recently taken by General
Scott, betrayed US into error iii our last paper
which we hasten TO correct-Ihe reader may
ly upon the accuracy of the following statement;
1t Is not as full as could wish IL; but there is
time Tor all things.-We stated, that Gen. Scott had
not called for the arrest OF General Maconb That,
however, Is mistake. understand that OIL
the same day (the seth ult.) ON which Cen. :. re-
ceived the general order OF Major Gen. AIacomb
he addressed letter from Washington 10 Mr.
Southland, the Acting Secretary OF WARM which
he protests against the superiority assumed by Gen.
M.-and for this act OF conteInpt and insuhordina-
ton towards himself (who claims to be his superior
oflcer Gen. s. respectfully asks for his arrest and
tria-In case the President should refuse this re-
quest, Gen. $. then asks be relieved immediate
y from his command OF the W estern Department,
AMI 10 be ordered before Court Martial for his re-
usai 10 obey Gen. NI's orders. We undg rstand,
that General SCOTT requested early decision by
his peers-eXpressing his perfect Willingness to be
tried by Court Martial 10 be detailed from every
grade OF officers in the Army. Gen s. left Wash
ngton for philadelphia the next morning after the
delivery OF this letter.
1t is said, that Gen Scott might have avoided all
the embarrassment of serving under an officer,
whom ne conscentiously believed 10 be his infe-
rior, without orfeiting his pay, if he could have
reconciled such course with what due to his
own honor and his public dutes for il is said that
he might have received an unlimited fitJiough:
but it is also said, that Gen. S. declined any such
course, conceiving that il rs little be came him to
eat the bread of country, without rendering SER
vice, as 1t would, TO compromit the rights of others
involved in the same question of 6TeUet rank.
Ii Is not yet understood what course the Presi-
dent means TO adopt. He ought 10 act in SO
delicate affair without due advisement He
viii probably wait for the presence of Gen. Porter,
ms proper Secretary OF Nar; who, we perceive,
has arrived at New York his way 10 " ashinw-
ton.-But the present is only new proof OF
the mischievous consequences, which are so apt to
arise from the want OF proper energy in the Exec
mt ,.at 81,
happy difference between Gaines and Scott occur
red under MIR. Monroe's administration about bre-
vet rank, measures ought TO have been taken for
its immediate adjustment That was one error
When the quarrel between these officers had still
| further manifested itself by pamphlet attacks upon
each other, the present administration ought not TO
have contented itself with issuing general cen
sure upon such publications, but il ought t. have
adopted measures for the settlement OF the dispute
between the officers. But the most Jreh ensble
error occurred on'the death of Gen. Brown Mr..
Adams was tempted TO the grossest mbecility
by an act OF the grossest Inuslice-and passing
over both Scott and Gaines, to place Macomb al the
head oil the army. A President, who felt what
was due TO his own dignity, well the rights
OF others, would have Immediately settled this dis
pu;e, and nominated 10 the vacant Office that man.
who was best entitled TO it by his rank, his services
and his qualifications But Mr. Adams has been
disappointed. Thinking probably TO avoid any fur
ther embarrassment, he has plunged into one of the
most awkward di!emmas, which has occurred dur
ing his administration. thinking probably to curry
favor with the good Citizens OF New York, he has
selected an officer, who turns out to be native of
Detroit-and Citizen of n. York
than Gaines or ScottWc pass no opinion ullon the
question OF brevet rank. 1t is technical matter
which we are not very well qualified to decide
All that can now be asked is that justice may be
done to men who have risked their lives in the
cause of their county, aud that, if possible, tran
| quillity may be at last restored TO the Army