The primitive Republican. (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-1852, 1852-09-16
From the Richmond Enquirer
Gen. Scott as a Civilian.

In this summer, we have first heard Of
Gen. Winfield SCOTS "civil talents and ser
vices" What are the jewels which have
been so long sunk in oceans of soup?
When his friends come to answer this
question, they put in pleas lst, That he
prevented a civil war in the notification
times,-that he went to Charleston to settle
Jackson's dispute with Carolina-and did it !;
End, That be made a treaty with the Chero-
kee Indians; 3rd, That he prevented war
with England on the Northwestern frontier;
4th, That he was entrusted with "diplo-
matte functions" in Europe.
We have some documents which will
throw light on the two first points; and we
will notice the other two shortly.
1t is said that Scott settled the nullifca-
ton trouble, and prevented civil war with
South Carolina. Now, Scott was sent to
Charleston as military officer, to command
the United States troops, and the following
instructions from the War Office contain all
his power Of action:
From Niles Register, February 1884
WASHINGTON, Nov Is, 1888.
SIR: The state of affairs in South Care
lima has occasioncd much solicitude to the
President. He INDUCES in the hope that
the intelligence and patriotism of her citi-
zens will prevent any infraction upon the
Constitution and laws of the General Gov
eminent. But, while he anxiously looks for
this result, he deems it possible, from the
information he has, that, in the first effcr-
.vescence of feeling, some rash attempt may
be made by individuals, to take possession of
the forts of the United States in the harbor
of Charleston. The possibility of such a
measure furnishes sufficient reason for
guarding against it, and the President is
therefore anxious that the situation and
means of defence of these Notifications should
be inspected by an officer of experience, who
could also estimate and provide for any dan.
gers to which they may be exposed. He has
full confidence in your judgment and discre.
ton, and it is his wish that you repair I'M.
mediately to Charleston and examine every.
thing connected with the Publications. You
are at liberty to take such measures, either BY
strengthening these defences, or by reinforc
ing their garrisons with troops drawn from
other posts, as you, may think prudence anc
a just precaution require.
Your duty will be of great Importance anc
great delicacy. You viii consult fully anC
freely with the Collector for the port Q
Charleston, and with the District Attorney Q
South Carolina, and you will take no step
except what relates to the immediate de
fence and security of the posts, withoutthei
order and concurrence. The eCecutlon 9
tie laos a0iU Be es.torcsd through tie caDi
autboritn and IN The mode pointed ont b
the acts Of Congress. Should, Fortunately
ann crisis arise, s0lssn Tie ordinary poacer q
he hands Of the ciUI officers shall not 3
sutgfcsent for this, tie President shat deter
nine he course to Be taken and The measure
b Be adopted. tn, therefore, y0n are Other
rise slastructed, gon uOiH act in obedience .
! he ls0nI regulations of The proper ctUiI of
lcers 81 me United States
I viii thank ron to communicate freel
land confdentially upon every topic upol
(which you may deem i important fur e
Caoyernmsnt IA receive inforrpation.
Very respectfully, your obedient ]. ser Va,
i MAJ. GEN. scoTT, Commander Easter
Department, Washington.