Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1852-09-01

ed more victories; his blood had flowed freely.
hls lfe had been perilled over and over again
Tor the people; his military career, from first to
last was continuous exhibition Of devotion
TO the welfare and glory ofthat country whose
fame he had made illustrious through the
world. And yet he has been loss rewarded
than any other public servant. Nay; he has
been cruelty wronged, aspersed, prosecuted.
by men who we're jealous of his high merits
and his deserved popularity. Mr.. Clayton
here spoke Of the sudden and unjust recall of
OF General Scott from the scenes Of his bril-
liant trumphs IN Moxico, by President Polk.
to be arralgned before petty court martial.
convened to try him contemplate charges.
Some persons pretended to accuse him ofbe-
ing naughty. imperous, and violent man.
Did ho exhibit such q temper, asked Mr.. Clay
ton, under the Injustice of the Government -
What other mnn, exposed to tho same provo-
cation, would have submitted with equal pa
ticnce and loyalty to Executive wrong and
obuse2 What other man. situated as he was
at the timc ut the head ola victorious devoted
army, in the full flush of triumph and conquest,
would have resisted so nobly, so firmly, the
natural promp,ings ofan outraged. incensed
spirit, and laid down without hesitation the
high command he held. and returned ut once
TO obey tho orders of the Government Did
this show haughtiness or rebeliousnessl Nay,
moro than this. SAID Mr. Clayton--and he de-
sired that all would mark we'll tic statement,
tor he mado it on reliable authority-at the
very moment when General Scott was 80 cru
ely, unjnsiy summoned to Washington. atkse
close ofMat b'7Htaak ae,aes Of auccesseS qes,ch
he cfoUacd WtL4hhe capture fthe Gig of Meri-
co. he mas teadsred tie Presidency Of the Re
public lie had conquered, and o6crcd Me imme.
diate possession ofa nl,liioa and a aguarter of
do'iaaa, ifhe wonM occeptdie position. Bat
no. Under tho keen pangs the ingratitude
with which the administration Of his own coun-
try was visiting him, he refused tho glitterng
prze, olung with undlminished love and fideli-
ty to the land he had served so long and 80
well, and proceeded to the national capitol 10
meet with all the loyalty of patriotic citizen,
even the roncor and injustice IF those who
were envious ofhis laurels and eager to inure
and degrade him.
We have thus rapidly traced the career OF
Winfield Scott. Our limits have confined us to
brief narrative Of tho leading events of his
life. Many details OF an interesting natnrebut
of subordinate character. we have been reuc-
laniy constrained to omit. Yet we trust to
have succeeded in giving correct and con-
nectcd, though succnct, recital of the more
/ important acts in the life of this lIustrious
patriot; acts which have made the name of
Winfield Scott famous throughout tho world,
and shed n reiulgence over forty years OF his
country's history that will endure forever
| Our brief chronicle Is indeed lustrous with
deeds tho American heart will ever cherish
with fond admiration, and which the lapse of
time will never efface from tho pages of histo-
~, or oblitcratc from the recollection Of our re-
hottest posIcrity.
II there DO those who are inclined to regard
General Scott simply as great and successful
soldier, we think a perusal of these pages will
dispe all such unjust impressions. So to con-
slider him, is 10 take q very limited and imper-
feet view of his life, actions and public SER
vices. Educated TO the law, residing for more
than quarter of century at the metropolis Of
the Union. in tho habit of daily intercourse
with the eminent statesman OF the country, and
| frequently partner and counsellor in their de-
Iiberations no has enjoyed peculiar advantages
for mastering the art of American statesman
ship. and familiarzing himself with all the
workings Of our admirable system of govern
ment The glare of his military reputation
has, to the superficial observer, thrown into the
shade many Of his most noble and valuable
traits of character, and too often turned public
attention from the many proofs which his ca
prehensve understanding. In beholding the
great commander many have omitted to OBJ
serve the evidences of the great man. But no
one who has carefully examined Gen. SCOTS
history will fail to recognize the most distin-
guished claims to personal distinction, indepen-
IDENTITY of his military talents, or deny to him
the possession Of mental endowments of tho
very first order.
In exactness of mind. in breadth and clear
ness of intellectual vision, in accuracy and te-
nacty Of memory, in knowledge of men, and
in unerring soundness of judgment. General
Scott has no superior among our public men.
He has. on numerous public occasions OF inn
portancc, given the most signal and convincing
proofs of pre.eminent abilities and superior
qualifications for the conduct of civil affairs.
In his settlement of the North Eastern Boun-
dairy difficulties, in his management and con-
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