The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-09-15


From letter addressed by General Scor1
to the SECRETARY OF WAR, printed with the
Presidents message, December "a, lS49, we
extract so much as may be useful in explain
ing the nature of the military contributions le-
WED in Mexico, the alleged misappropriation OF
which makes one of the subjects Of the late
movement" of Mr.. MERIwErHER and the
DEMOCRATIC press on General ScoTr. This
"movemenL" is likely to prove as injurious to
the General and the WHIG cause as some other
movements" of which we have read of late.
General SCOTT says in the letter from which
we quote:
There is other topic take the liberty to pre-
sent in this communication one in which the en-
tire army feels lively interest," and which we all
hope may again win the support Of the Depart
ment. The following extract from my annual re-
port, addressed to the Secretary of War, Novem.
Der 20, ls45, presents, in short compass the sub.
ject in question:
81 venture once more respectfully to invite at
tention to a retreat asylum for the worn out or
decayed rank and file OF the army. The subject
has been twice reported upon fayorably, with bills,
by Committees on Military Affairs in the House of
Representatives. (See report number -, I'd SEES
sion Doth Congress-, and report number 90. I'd
sion 2Sth Congress) II the tpant can only be placed
fully before Congress, it seems impossible to doubt
success, as the asylum would impose no burden on
the treasury, but be supported from the army itself
in deductions, fines, and reversions"
For the me rits and details Of the proposed asy
lum, beg that the documents referred to in the
extract may be carefully examined. cannot pos
sibly conceive valid objection to either.
While the army under my comm, nd lay at Pu-
ebla, part of the summer Of ls47, an humble Pc
ttion to Congress in favor Of an nsyum on the
same plan for the benefit of enlisted men drawn
up and signed by, believe, every commissioned
officer. presume it was presented and if So it
may no doubt be found in the archives Of one or
both Houses of Congress.
In connection with that petition beg to add the
following facts:
On the capture of the city of Mexico, by the came
army, levied a contribution upon the inhabitants
of $4,000, in lieu of pillage, 10 which the city,
by the usages Of war, was, under the circum
stances, liable. in my orders on the subject said:
"Of the whole contribution to be paid over to the
army $4,000 shall be appropriated to the pur
hospital; $4,000 to the purchase of blankets and
shoes Tor grstutous distribution among the rank
and file of the army and 600 reserved for other
necessary military purposes" (See in the Adju
tant Generals Office. at Washington, printed
copy Of that General Order No. 2s7, dated septcm
Der H. Is47.)
also copy here, as intimately connected with
the same subject, my letter to the Secretary of
War, dated at Mexico, February s, 1913. In that
letter said:
81 have not reported on the subject of secret dis
bursemcpts since left Jalspa-1st, because of the
certainty Of our communications with Vera
Cruz; and I'd, the necessity of certain explanations
which, on account OF others, ought never to be re-
duced to writing. may, however, briefly add,
that have never tempted the honor, conscicn nee,
patriotism of any man, but have held it lawful
in morals, as in war, to purchase valuable infor-
nation or services voluntarily rendered me.
charging myself with the money received at
Washington for the purposes indicated; with the
$3.50, 900 levied upon this city for the immediate
beneft of the army, in lieu of piIlsee the proceeds
of captured tobacco taken from the Mexican gov
eminent, (found in the capital,) and with some
small sums--all Of which shall strictly account
for-l have, on the other hand, expended $685.
745 so in blankets and shoes, gratuitously distri-
buted to enlisted mon; s 900 extra on account
Of hospitals, allowing $40 to every crippled man
discharged or furloughed; some $50, 900, think,
for secret services, including native Spy compa
wish to bring into account with the treasury, and
enclose herewith a draft for $1,000 made up ac
cording 70 the memorandum also enclosed ] hope
you will allow the draft to 60 to the credit OF an
Army Asyium, and make the subject known, in the
way you may deem best, to the Military Commit
tees Of Congress. That sum is, in small part, the
price Of the American blood 30 gillnntly shed in
this vicinity; and, considering that the army re-
ceivcs prize money, repeat the hope that its
proposed destination may be approved and car
ricd into effect.
'.Number one Of the came set Of bills IL this day
transmitted direct to the Bank Of America.
''Tbe remainder of the money in my hands, as
well as that expended, shall be ready to account
for at the proper time, and IN the proper manner,
this was done in 1881 merely Offering this i'm
perfect report to explain in the meantime the char
acter Of the 100000 draft" (see Executive