The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1852-09-24
GEN. SHIELDS AND GEN. SCOTT


complimentary dinner given to Gen. Scott in
New York, in January, ls4s, is a capital
document to silence the caIumnies which the
more unscrupulous Democratic politicians
have uttered against Gen. Scott, for his con.
duct in the Mexican War; The following
toast was drank to Gen. Shields:
The Volunteers of The United S,ates fthc
Brigadicr General of the same now presently
A worthy chieftain of that heroic band who
have conspicuou,ly carried out the heroic
counsel Of tbs Spartan mothers, to return,
either with or upon their, "Shields."
Gen. Shields rose and said:
Mr.. President with your permission, and
the consent of tecompany, wish as sub.
ordinate officer of the american army, to rive
the health of that distinguished commander
under whom ny honorable and gallant friend
and myself haVs h:d the honor to serve. I
feel it due from me to Gen. Scott 1applausel
first as one Of his officers having returned
from the head quarters of the army which he
so nobly and successfully commanded. I
think it still further due, returning rs ! 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. It would be a use.
less and foolish undertaking on my part to
attempt adequately to describe before this
intelligent assembly the skill and high militia.
ry knowledge displayed by Gen. Scott in the
conduct of that army, from its landing at Vera
Cruz until it entered the garita at Mexico. If
] should attempt the task | should fail. |
could not portray will, ustness the conduct
of that distinguished commander in the haz.
ardous enterprise in which he has been en-
gagged. But | will say this that in the histo.
ry' OF the word-in the annals of all military
affairs and enterprises that have ever read
find no enterprise comparable with the capture
of Ver,l Cruz. One of the strongest positions
in the world-so strong, indeed, that it was
deemed almost impresnable by the military
minds of the world, and yet on a coast the
most difficult of access in the world, it fell
before an army of 10000 men with the loss
of only two score. Applausel And tho
same skill VII ich enabled him to accomplish
this undertaking, marked every movement OF
his progress until he entered the gates OF
Mexico.
In the remarks of Major General Jcssup
the bravery and gallantry and in
tellgence of the officers Of our army, hear
tily concur. Neither England, France, nor
any other country in the world has such n
body of Intelligent young officers in the field
rs those who accompanied Gen. Scott into
the city of Mexic1, and if ever en- tertaincd a
thought against West Point, / now make
amenas hono,1 and 5s;s that hat ;"g to the
thought or uttered. [Great applause. So
i is with regard to Gen. Scott. If I ever
harbored aught against him, politically or
for a "hasty plate Of soup" laugh
teri or slow plate of soup-I recall it all,
and make the amende to him also, rnd say
That should be very unwilling to see any
other man take an army of ten thousand men
into the valley of Mexico, and attempt to lea,!'
them in safety. Such an undertaking re.
luires not only unquestionablc bravery of the
soldier and galantry of the officer, but great
military mind, that had con.
luered and made himself master of his pro-
fession, and thus fitted himself to accomplish
such an almost miraculous enterprise.
With your permission, Mr.. President, and
that of this company, give you the health of
Major General WINFIELD Scorr. [Great
,ppause.]