Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1852-07-01
Gen. Winfield Scott,


the Presidency by the National Wing Convention.
The position in which he now stands before the
American people renders the present suitable
time to lay before our readers History OF his
life and services TO his country. The following
brief sketch MAJ be relied upon as accurate. 1t
is CLEANED from a work published long before Gen.
Scott before the people a candidate for of
ice and from the pen Of an author who had no Po-
ltical end in view. We ask for it careful per
usal, by every man who has desire TO know
the truth If relation 10 the character and quail
fications Of the Wing nominee for the Presidency:
Winfield Scott was born near Petersburgh, in
Virginia, onthe 9th of June in tho year 1856
lie finished his studies at the College of William
and Mary, and was admitted 10 the bar in 1906
After practising law in Virginia about year he
emigrated 10 South Carolina.
Our difficulties with England caused Congress
10 pass an act in April $685. 70 increase the army.
Scott applied Immediately for a commission in
one of The regiments about 10 be raised and in
sos, was appointed I captain Of Light Artillery.
War not actually declared until June 1912.
The interval between 1905 and the declaration OF
war one of great political excitement. Scott
sided with the Democratic party, supported he
election of President Madison, and approved, ad-
Yocated aid wrote in favor Of war measures.
Ia July 1912, Scott was commissioned Lieut.
Colonel in the I'd Artillery, and proceeded 10 the
Niagara Frontier. In October Of thar year, Lieut.
Elliot applied TO Scott for assistance in men. 70
capture the Adams and Caledonia two British
vessels of war then lying under the protection OF
the guns of Fort Ere The vessels were both
captured; but Elliot was compelled 10 abandon the
Adams.-She got aground and the British at,enp-
ted 10 retake her but we're repulsei By the gallant
~ of Col Winfield Scott. This was the first time
he had met the encmy-and here, as every suuse-
qucnt engagement where he was first in command
he was victorious.
few days after, was fought lie memorable
battle ofQueenstown Heights. Scott vas The hero
OF the day, and covered himself with glory. The
battle lasted many hours, and was fought Oh tie
part OF the Americans with fearful odds against
them. The British army having been reinforced,
numbered not less than thirteen hundred men.
while the Americans were reduced to less than
three hundred Finding thatthe militia on the op-
posite shore refused, or were unable to cross to
their aid and that succor was hopeless, SCOTS
heroic band were At length compelled to surrer-
der. But their gallant deeds upon that dav car
red inspiration to every American heart. The dis
grace ofHulls surrender was wiped of-the tauuts
of the eHcmy checked-the character of the Am
erican army redeemed.
Scott was carried prisoner 10 Quebec While
he was there, an incident occurred which had most
important bearing upon the future conduct Of the
war, and Is deserving OF particular mention.
AT the time Great Britain denied the right Of ex-
ratriation. In other words, she denied the right
of any OF her subjects to become citizens of an
other country, contending that they owed to her
perpetual allegiance. According to rhisdoctrine
a native of Ireland Scotland, or England, who had
emigrated to the United States and become ma
turalized American citizen, remained still sub
ject of the British government and forfeited his
life for treason if found in arms against her The
United States denied this doctrine-her natural
izaton laws being founded upon the opposite the
DRY.
While Scott was prisoner at Quebec, the Brit
sh attempted TO enforce their doctrine of perpetual
allegiance in regard to certain Irish prisoners
found in the ranks ofthe American army al Queens
town. The following is description OF the scene:
"Scott being IN the cabin of the transport, heard
hustle upon deck and FASTENED up. There he
found party of British officers in the act of mus
tering the prisoners, and separating from the rest
such as BY confession or the accent OF the voice
were Judged TO be Irishnaen. The object was to
send them in a frigate then alongside, 10 England,
10 be tried sndexecuted for the crime ofhigh trea-
son, they being taken in against their native
allegiance. Twenty three had been thus set apart
when Scott reached the deck
The moment Scott ascsrtained the object Of the
British officers, he commanded his men to answer
no more questions in order that no other selection
should be made BIZ the test Of speech. He com
rnanded them to remain silent; and they strictly
obeyed This was done in spite Of the threats OF
the British officers, and not another was separated
from his companions Scott was repeatedly com
manded TO go below, and high alterations ensued.
lie addressed the party selected, and explained 70
them fully the reciprocal obligations of allegiance
and protection, assuring them that the United
States would not fail 10 aveuge their gallant ami
faithful soldiers, and finally pledged himself in the
most solemn manner, that retaliation. and, if nee
essary refusal TO give quarter in battle, should
follow the execution Of any one of the party In
the midst OF this animated harrangue he was fire.
quently intercepted BY tie British officer but tho
unarrned, could not he slleucc8
The Irishmen thus selected were sent 70 Eng
land. y soon as Scott was exchanged he pro.
ceeded 70 Washington and reported The whole atlIir
10 the Secretary Of War By written commuui-
cation.-This report Vas transmitted &c Congress
and Scott, II personal interviews pressed tie sub
Jcct upon the attention Of members. An act was
accordingly passed on the 81 o. March 1918. vest
ING the President with the power Of retaliation
II an engagement soon after, Scott captured
number Of prisoners True to his pledge given at
Quebec, he Immediately selected twenty-three OF
the number 10 be confined ia the interior OF the
country, there abide the tate efthe twenty
Irishmen taken al Queenstown and sent 10 Eng
land for trial.