Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-07-25
Communication.
For the Des Moines Courier.
MAJOR GENERAL SCOTT.


MAJOR GENERAL SCOTT.
Born near Pe.ersburgh, Virginia, Jure
18th, 1856. Intended in early life to
devote himself 10 the profession and
practice Of the Law, aud studied Law
al William g. Mary College; but the
wrongs perpetrated by the British on our
Seamen and commerce, and especially
the attack on the Chesapeak, induced
his youthful ardor and patriotism to
withdraw from the shades and security
of civil life TO bare his breast in defence
of the Liberties of his country.
In 1907 he became a volunteer in the
Petersburgh troop of horse; and in 1908
was commissioned a captain in the Ar
my OF the United States.
In November, 1912 he crossed into
Canada and acted as the volunteer aid
Of Gen. Van Ransalaer, at the battle oil
Queenstown heights. Here after most
desperate conflict the Americans became
overpowered by the arrival on the battle
field Of fresh body of the enemy and
were compelled to surrender. Scot,
was taken with the rest, and after the
surrender two Indians who had fired a,
him repeatedly without success during
the engagement beset him with the in.
tent of taking his life at all events. He
seized sword near by and succeeded
in protecting himself until British off,
Ger came TO his relief. He was soon If
ter exchanged and wen. 10 Washington
and laid before the President and Con
gress statement of wrongs perpetrated
on part Of his soldiers (who had sun
rendered with him. by British officers.
A part of his command were Irlshmen
whom the British seized and threatened
to execute, on the ground that they were
found in arms against their native sove-
reign. Scott threatened the officers that
for every lrishman executed on those
grounds lie would have killed a British
soldier. The strong language Of Scott
with the measures of our Government,
finally saved the lives of these unfortu-
nate men, and when they returned to the
United States .heir first act was to ex.
press to General Scot, their gratitude for
his services in their behalf.
In 1919 he again crossed into Canada,
was present at the storming of Fort
Cray and with his own hands tore down
the flag of the enemy amids. shower
of bullets. Was placed in command of
Fort George, but resigned that command
to engage in active struggles. Routed a
nearly equal force under Col. Dennis,
and siormed anc took Fort Matilda.
In 1914, March 9th he was promoted
TO the sank Of Brigadier, and immediate
ly joined Gen. Brown on march TO the
Niagara frontier. Was present and led
one Of the parties which carried For,
Erie.
And on the 4,h and 9Th Of July was
present and participated in the terrible
conflict of Chippewa. where, out Of
abou: 1000 combaiants, the killed on
both sides amounted to $50. Before
this battle the British had boasted tina,
Americans could not stand the "cold
iron." Scott, therefore, in the midst oil
the engagement with loud voice remind
ed The Americans of the cowardice i'm.
pu:ed TO them and called on the llih in
fantry to give that lie the slander. He
ordered them to fix bayoncts and charge.
The Americans replied with shout and
poured down on the enemy in a stream
Of victory.
Three weeks after this engagement
was fought, the still more sanguinary
battle of Lundy's Lane, where Scott un-
expectedly finding himself with but a
part Of the American forces in front OF
the whole British army, with the great
est prudence. skill, and courage succeed
ed in maintaining himself, until Gen.
Brown could come to his relief. II was
here that Col. Miller made the expression,
81 can try s;r;" and charging up Lundy's
Hill in that dark night, broke and scat
tered the forces who had become dis,in-
guished by their service under yelling
ton in the Peninsular War. Miller not
knowing the locality Of the British bat
terry was piloted by Scott until the fire
from the enemy revealed their true posi-
tion.
In this battle Scott had two horses kill.
ed under him--was wounded in the side,
and about midnight, on foot, and vet