Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-08-18
GENERAL SCOTT


letter from General Scott to a gentle
man, in relation to the mode in which
his controversy with General Jessup
has been drawn into the newspapers.
He SAYS.
III have not written a word 10 the
Bulletin; ! have not. in fact, suggested
line or q fact for any newspaper
whatever. So far from doing any
thing in that way. I have taken care
to converse but little. even with my
iriend., on military matters, in contro-
versy, lest my knowledge Of circum-
stances and my feelings should find
their y ay into the public papers. being
aware that in the great political contest
now raging. every thing likely to
change a vote would be seized upon
for the purpose.
In reference TO the particular publications
OF Webb and King. alluded to in the Globe,
the General say:
This day. Wednesday week, went
over to New York and met Colonel
Webb close by Trinity Church; after
the ordinary salu,ation. I asked him
whence he derived the particulars OF
the article on my subject in his paper
Of the day but one beiorc' In the act
Of evading the inquiry he was inter-
rupted by Charles l.. Livingston, who
joined us. He then finished the an
swer. and stated TO Mr.. l.. nv ques.
lion. After some jocose remarks, he
invited Mr.. l.. aud myself to spend
The following Saturday evening and
Sunday at his house, on Long Island
| declined. on the ground that did
not wish to associate with politicians,
under my circumstances, as | might be
led TO speak Of recent military events,
sc. Mr.. L. (~ho is a strong support
er Of Mr.. Van Buren, and myself. then
walked up Broadway. and Col. Webb
down. The next day again went
over to New York. and CHANGED TO
meet Mr.. Charles King. An article
in bis paper a day or two before, head.
ed a General an search of a Government,
bad been pointed out TO me. | asked
him the particulars, sc. He gave me
no satisfactory answer: when | re-
marked to him, as the day before had
said To Webb. all The world will ailri-
butte the article TO me; declare before
G)d, that am a. ignorant Of the source
Of either article, as Mr.. Blair himself
can be-"
Upon the absolute and circumstan-
Iial denial made by General Scott him
self we INTERESTINGLY declare. that
we acquit him Of the suspicion Of bav-
ing prompted the attenp, 10 divert his
case INTO political channel. and make
II subserve party interests, and so avail
himself Of party support. Gen. Scott
will certainly, however. pardon the
mistake. inesmueh as he foresaw that
all the world would attribute the arti.
eles 20 him" Webb's display Of the
letter. and Kings hue and cry Of "a
General IN search Of the Government. "
bring simultaneous with the ARRIVAL OF
General Scott in New York. was cslcu-
lated 90 issten the impression on ~
more than others, because on inquiry
at the Department. We learned that 20
copy OF the original on fle had ever
been made oBt. but that taken on BY
Gen. Scott 10 New York; and also. thai
the General bad reported himself "a
the Acting Secretary OF War--had de.
handed a court Of inquiry; and bad
bis demand complied With, which. q,
Il concluded has business with the De.
pahment left no doubt in our mind
that il he bad other objects, rendering
the pursuit q The Secretary necessary
be bad communicated the exlgeney e
those editors who represented the ab
senos Of that officer. a. . wrong 10 Gen
Scott C6o6s.