The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1852-09-07
Cen. Shields and Gen. Scott.

The speech made by Gen. Shields at a COM
plimentary dinner given TO Gen. Scott, in New
York, in January 1848 is a capital document
to silence the calumnics which the Locofocos
have uttered against Gen. Scott, in the Mexi-
can War:
Tho Volunteers Of the United States, (the
Brgader General Of tho same now presently
A worthy chieftain of that heroic band who
have conspicuously carried out the heroic coun-
sci of the sSparian Mothers, to return either
with or upon their "Shieds."
General Shields rose and suid Mr.. Presi-
dent, with your permission, and the consent of
tho company wish, as subordinate officer
that distinguished commander under whom
my honorable and gallant friend aud myself
have had to honor to serve. / feel il duo
from me TO General Scott, [applause] fret as
one Of his officers having returned from head
quarters of the army which he so nobly and
successfully commanded. think il still fur
ther due, returning as l do with conviction
that that army has been commanded in such
a manner by Gen. Scott, as to call forth the
applause and estimation, and high regard, not
only of his countrymen, but of the whole
world. 1t would be useless aud foolish un
dertaking on my part to attempt adequately to
describe before this intelligent assembly the
skill and high military knowledge displayed
by Gen. Scott in the couduct of that Army.
from its landing at Vera Cruz until it entered
the garatia at Mexico. If l should attempt
the task should fail. But will say this, that
i'm the history Of the world-in the annals of
all military affairs and enterprises have ever
read, l find no enterprise comparable with the
capture of Vera Cruz. One of the strongest
positions in the world, so strong, indeed, that
it was deemed almost impregnable by the mil
itary minds of the world, and yet on coast
/ IL of fba world N foil
before an army Of 10000 men with loss of
only two score. [Applause.] And the samo
skill which enabled him to accomplish this
undertaking, marked every movement of his
progress until he entered the gates of Mexico.
In the remarks of Major Gen. Jossup, re-
specting the bravery and intelligence of tho
army, heartily concur Neither England,
Franco, or any other country in the world
has such body of intelligent young officers
in the field as those who accompanied Gen.
Scott into the city of Mexico, and if over
entertained thought against West Point,
now mako tho amend honorable, and recall
any ything to the prejudice of that institution
that may have thought or uttered. Great
applause. So it is with regard to Gen. Scott
If ever harborod aught against him. politi-
cally or otherwise-for ''hasty plate of soup,
or q slow plate of sonp--I recall it, and mako
the amonde TO him also, and say that would
be worry unwilling to SEQ any other man take
an army of 10000 men into tho valley of Mex
leo, and attempt to lead them with safety
Such an undertaking requires not only bravery
of the soldier, and CALAMITY of the officer. but
great experimenting military mind, that had
conquered and made himself master Of his
profession, and thus fitted himself TO accom-
plish such an almost miraculous enterprise.
With your permission. Mr.. President. and
that Of this company, give you the health Of
Maj. Con. Winfield Scott. [Applause.