Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1852-09-16
Gen. SCOTS Management of Civil
Affairs.

It is said in opposition to General Scott, that
while he Is the greatest captain OF the age, his
capacity for managing civil affairs has never
been tested. Those who make use Of this cayil
have not well read the history OF the country.
Gen SCOTS civil administration in Mexico was
of the most difficult and yet successful character
The success aud ability with which he conduct
ed affairs on the North eastern frontier, in crit
ical period, won the encomlums of European
Statesmen as well as from his countrymen. But
probably the most difficult and at the same time
successful civil achievement Of Gen. Scott was
his mana cement of the Notification question.
The history of that difficulty is so familiar
tllet viii recall iis particulars II j. suiii-
cent to remark, that it originated in the opposi-
ton of certain States of the South to the tariff
| act Of 1928 which was designed to protect do
nestle manufactures. The duties levied on in
ports we're alleged TO affect injuriously the cot
ton growing interest, and measures for an or
ganlZed resistance to the law were at once a.
dopied.
Though other States we're implicated in the
discomfort Of the times, South Carolina ultimate
ly stood alone IN purposed and concerted move
ment to partially annul the act as far as she
was concerned by forcby preventing a collec-
ton of the revenue under 1t within her bounda.
rles.
At this critical state Of affairs General Jackson
ioohNA MS AtiFhihitu piptituldtltU. tNDOFUuN
obedience to the laws and clearly defining the
constitutional relations of the States to the Union.
Soon after a confidential order was sent from the
War Department to General Scott expressing
the deep anxiety Of the President relative TO the
threatening condition of things in South Carroll
ma, and also avowing an apprehension that an
attempt to gain possession of the forts of the
United States in Charleston harbor would be
made. On this latter point, the order Of the
Secretary of War Lewis Cass,) to Scott read as
as follows.
The possibility of such measure furnishes
sufficient reason for guarding against 1t; and
the President is, therefore, anxious that the stu
alton 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. lie has
foil confidence in your judgment and discretion
and 1t is his wish that you repair Immediately Il
Charleston, and examine every thing connected
with the Notifications
1t Is then truthfully added" Your duty vii
be one of great Importance and of great delica
cy" Scott afterwards had personal interview
with the President and his Cabinet, and beine
fully possessed of their views, he proceeded a
once upon his difficult mission.
Regarding the proprlety and prudence will
which he acted, we have the reliable testimon,
of Benjamin Watkins Leigh, Esq. who went t,
Charleston as the bearer OF certain resolutions O
the Legislature of Virginia, intended to restor
pacific relations between South Carolina an,
the Federal authorities That gentleman, IN
letter, thus speaks Of the conduct of Genera
Scott:
(" / was at Charleston when he arrived and as
sumed the command, which he did without pa
rade or fuss No one who had not an oppor,u
nifty of observing on the spot the excitement tina
existed, can have an adequate conception of tn
delicacy of the trust General Scott had larg
acquaintance with the people Of Charleston h,
was their friend but his situation was such tina
many, the great minority of them, looked upol
him as public enemy He thought that III
tirst drop of blood shed in civil war between tn
United States and one Of the States. woul,
prove an immedcable wound which would en-
in change of our institutions lie was resoly
ed, ht was possible, to prevent resort to arms
and nothing could have been more udicious tina
his conduct, Far from being prone to take OF
fence, he kept his temper under the strictes
guard, and was most careful to avoid giving oc
cason for offence; yet he held himself ready I
act, If It should become necessary. and he lie
that be distinctly understood. lie sought tn
society OF the leading nullifers, and took car
never to say a word to them on the subject O
political differences; he treated them as a friend
From the beginning to the end his conduct wa
as concatory as it was firm and sincere; evnc
ing that he knew his duty and was resolved /
perform it and yet that his principal object an
purpose peace. lie was perfectly success
full, when the least mprudence might have re
suited in a serious collision"
No one who rightly appreciates the facts O
this most critical passage of American history
can fall 10 understand the trying position +
which General Scott was placed in relation TO il
But his extraordinary sagecity selfcommand
land dpVOfl0D N no ITuiau a..