Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-08-18

A short time since was published in the
Memphis (Tenn.) Eagle, an article, in
which was given the substance Of a con.
versation which the writer said had taken
place on steamboat down the Mississippi,
between Gen. Quitman and gentleman
of New Orleans in which Gen. Q. was re.
presented as saying that the American peo-
pie had never done Gen. Scott justice; that
the more his character was canyassed the
higher would be the stand he would take
in the admiration and gratitude of his coun.
try; that the idea Of his being controlled
by Seward was mere stuff, etc.
The article in the Memphis paper was
extensively copied. On reaching Gen. Quit
man, he published IN the Memphis Free
Trader card for the purpose OF correcting
some verbal inaccuracies, yet confirming,
in every essential particular, all that article
said for him. The following is Gen. Quit
mans account of the interview with the
New Orleans gentleman
"The conversation alluded to occurred
on the deck of steamer, IN the presence
of several gentlemen of both parties. In
reply to various opinions expressed by 9TH
ers, / said in substance that the Southern
Wings, in their opposition to General Scott,
had done injustice. That his opinions on
the slavery question were less obnoxious
than those heretofore expressed by Fillmore
and Webster, and would sooner trust him
on that subject than either of those gentle.
men. That if there was any merit IN the
compromise, which did not admit, Scott
should be preferred by them, because he o.
penly declared for 1t before Fillmore's opin'
ion was known. For these reasons it ap-
peared to me strange that men who were
willing to support Mr.. Fillmore or Web
ster, 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 our political
system. That General Scott was an advo'
cate of strong national government, while
was a States Rights man of the strlctest
school. That for this reason should not
vote for him, but would always GO him jus.
tice, although I had reason to complain OF
some of his official acts in regard to myself
as an officer of the army.
ga Wing gentleman present, having re.
marked that the apprehension was that
Scott would be controlled by Seward and
politicians of bis stri pc, smiled and said :
You mistake the character OF the man.-
The danger lies in the opposite extreme.
ALWAYS accustomed to command, General
Scott brides himself specially upon the in.
fallibiiity of his own judgment. He rarely
ask. or takes advice. He will be CONTROL.
ed by no man, not the whole Wing party,
against his own convictions.
"Some illusions having been made to his
military reputation, and my opinion asked
said It would be unwise in us (the demo-
cratic party) to deny to him the highest
military distiction. That his Mexican cam.
paign, from the first gun at Vera Cruz TO
the fall of the capital, was one of the most
brilliant on military record. Its lustre was
dimmed by some blemishs, lboutywhich
would not now speak-but that when the
history of bis victorious march, from the
sea board to..the national palace, shall be
faithfully detailed and popularised, 1t will
greatly add to the high military fame ne at
present enjoys, not only in America but a.
broad"
Here then we have the testimony of one
who knows him well, but who is at the same
time political opponent, that Gen. Scotts
position on the Compromise Is such that no
friend of that measure could object to, but
rather rejoice in. And he does not stop
here. He bears testimony to his character
as a man, and shows that he possesses those
qualifications, in an eminent degree, which
will ensure for him. as President OF the u.
nite6 States, the discharge of the duties OF
that Office in way that cannot fail to COM
mand the appreciation of all who love their
country and the Union of the States. on
which the happiness and prosperity OF the
people clearly depend.-Bah. Pat.