Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1852-08-07

consider him the most unexceptlonable man on that
score, among all the Wings who have been named
in connection with the Presidency. l am Dem
ocrat AID consequently, differing widely as do,
from Gen. Scott, on every political question, can
never give him my support but if there is
Whig in the Union for whom, under any circum
stances, could cast my vote for President, that
Wing is Winfield Scott -
Such, in substance, understand, was the re-
ply of brave and gallant old soldier, when his
opinion of noble and much-abused compatriot-
in-arms was asked. We have before heard that
these were the sentiments of Gov Quitman. If
we mistake not there is gentleman in this city
Ia Democrat and another at Holly Springs,
Miss who served with Gov. Quitman in the Mex
ican war, to whom some months since, he made
declarations almost identical with the foregoing.
This testimony, from one of the highest democrat
ic sources, taken in connection with Gen. Scott S
hearty, unqualified, and enthusiastic approval of
the Wing Platform (Which it is now PLAIN AND
! IPALPABLE TO THE WORLD, is SOUND
/ ER, STRONGER, and MORE JUST TO THE
SOUTH, on sectional questions, than the Demo
cratic Platform )-these facts, We say, OUGHT to
be, and, we doubt not, WILL be satisfactory, not
only to all Wings, but to every man in the soun-
try
! The jealous friend of Gen Scott who reported
to the Editors of the Eagle and Enquirer the con-
yersation above alluded to, has, no doubt, unin-
tentionaly placed in my mouth language strong
er than used and thus attributed to me senti-
ments which I do not entertain, and could not
utter.
The conversation alluded to, occurred on the
deck of steamer, in the presence of several gen
temen of both parties. In req ply to various opin-
ions expressad by others, [ said in substance that
the Southern Wings, in their opposition to Gen
Scott, had done him injustice.-That his opinions
on the slavery question were less obnoxious than
those heretofore publicly expressed by Fillmore
and Webster, and | would sooner trust him or
that subject than either of those gentemen.-
That if there was any merit in the Compromise, .
which did not admit, Scott should be preferred
by them, because he openly declared for it, before
Fillmore's opinion was known. For these reasons
it appeared tome strange that men who were will
ling to support Fillmore or Webster, should make
objections to Scott.-That my objections to Scott
applied equally to the other gentlemen they were
founded on radical differences of opinion in regard
to the structure and character of political sys
tem.-That Gen. Scott an advocate of strong
National Government, while l was State Right:
man of the strictest school.-That for this reason
| should not vote for him, but would always dc
him justice, although l had reason to complain o
some of his official acts in regard to myself al
officer of the army.
: A whig gentleman present, having remarked
controlled by Seward and politicians of his stripe
| smiled and said You mistake the character o
the mans The danger lies in the opposite extreme
/ Always accustomed to command, General Scot
prides himself specially upon the infalbity of hi
; own judgment. He rarely asks or takes advice
, He will be controlled by man, not the who'll
: whig party, against bis own convictions.
Some alluson having been made to his militar.
reputation, and my opinion asked, said it woulc
be unwise In US (the democratic party)to deny t.
> him the highest military distinction.-That hi
E Mexican campaign, from the first gun at Ver
Cruz to the fall of the capitol, was one of the mos
e brilliant on military record. Its lustre was dim
e med by some blemishes about which | would no
n now speak-but that when the history of his victo
1 rious march, from the sea board to the nationa
palace shall be faithfully detailed and popularsed
$ it will greatly add to the high military fame h
# at present enjoys, not only in America but abroad
: The conversation was casual and desultory.
: have merely endeavored to present my share in
], correctly. 1t is known that in private converse
n tion am in the habit of expressing my opinion
: frankly, without looking to political consequences
: Very respectfully yours,
= J. A. QUITMAN.
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