The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-07-04
The Major Generals.

GAINES UPON GAINES, AND GAINES UPON
ScoTT-In the official correspondence between
the War Department and Gen. Gaines, occur some
passages in letter of the latter which interes
ting, first as they show Gen. Gaines opinion of
himself, next his opinion of Gen. Scott. Gen.
Scott, some tms ago, gave it as his opinion that
Gen. Games was =" insane" Gen. Gaines says of
himself:
"Ihave only to add few words in regard to
myself, individually and professionally. Though
not young man, have no gray hairs but such as
have grown gray in the military service of my
country. think am three years younger than
field Marshal Blucher in his last brilliant
tions near Waterloo. have not been sick for an
hour, so as to be unable to march at the rate Of
twenty miles in one day. or to ride at the rate of
forty miles in one day at any time in the present
year; nor have during the last twenty-five years,
been confined to my room or tent by disease of any
kind more than at the rate of one day in year, or
three days in any one year. And, moreover, hav-
ing made use of every effort in my power to avail
myself Of all the modern discoveries and improve
ments in the art of war and more especially such
discoveries and improvements as steam power ap-
piled to railroads and every description OF floating
batteries, and other means applicable to the attack
and defence of seaports and the military posts up
on our inlets lakes and rivers, think myself pos
sessed of as much personal efficiency and more
mental ability to command the proposed expedi-
ton TO the City of Mexico, and thence, if neces-
sary, to California and the Isthmus of Panama, or
both, than possessed in the summer of the year
1914, in Canada, at the head of division, to meet
and triumph over veteran British army of near
double my numbers, commanded by Lieutenant
General ofthe Wellington school IAN officer of high
er rank than we have ever had in our service since
the last days of our beloved Washington.
was sxty-eight years of age on the Goth of
March last, and am the only United States soldier
now living who ever won battle at the head Of
division over British army. Under these circum.
stances, Iclaim as Alright the command Of the pro.
posed expedition consisting as it must consist prin-
cipaly OF regulars and volunteers belonging to the
geogt taphcal limits of my division.
Having good reason TO believe that my claims
will be opposed by Major General Winfield Scott,
an officer who has been Tor many years my Junior,
who am sure has labored for more than quarter
of century past, with far more zeal to cover mo
with calumny and def, at my efforts to be employ-
ed in any service likely toredound to the safety and
glory of my country, than he has ever labored to
provide for the national Defence and to defeat the
invading foe, have determined to submit INV
claims to the President Of the United States and
the Secretary of War, confidently trusting to their
known wisdom and justice for decision which
will prove to the army and nation that the rights Of
thS Nhp' cteHuWfs oOfuftT, always IOuUu upon the
frontier when men iced by wars, will be az much
respected as those of the political tacfc,aa, long
accustomed to crings and crouch in and about the
political Metropolis, sacrificing the interests and
honor OF the service at the schrne Of that morbid
thirst TOR the Presidency, which has unhappily for
a ons time past turned the heads Of many worthy
chiefs Of cQ1eS from their appropriate pursuits 10
the great annoyance OF the good people Of the Uni.
on, and the neglect OF their best interest-a thirst
for high office which has in some cliques ragged
even more in favor of the British vie,os of a6oli
fion,Sm than TOR placing our O,Cn seaports in a
state Of defence againa theassauits of British uar
steamers. M
If | am deemed to be wrong in these views.I
ought to be, and expect to be brought mot before
court Of tnquiyy-nof board IF o6fcers-butl
before general court martial If the President.
or Secretary Of War deems me to be wrong,
challenge legal investigstion-to be charged and
tried before general court mdrtiai-- but If I am
deemed to be right, respectfully solicit compIi.
ance with my views and suggestions regarding the
proposed expedition, and in favor of my system of
national defence"
The ridiculous quarrels which have existed be.
tween these two generals about seniority Of rank,
and the petuance and piqus exhibited by General
Scott when directed by the President to take COM
mand Of the army in Mexico, prove that the Pres.
idsnts Judgment was correct in giving the duty of
the Mexicans to the gallant Taylor.
whose plain, prompt, straitforward manner of do
ing his duty without questioning the motives Of
his superior officers, commends him to the admi.
rstion of The country. Had General Scott dis.
played half the haste 10 carry into effect the Pres.
ident's orders as he did in dsspatching the /" plate
Of soup refers to in one Of hi, letters, he would
have sustained his high reputation as soldier. and
now besp gathering the honors that are likely 10
fall to another Philadelphia Ledger,