The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-09-23

Of military rule and especially where Il shows tse
in abndging tho liberty and comfort Of . great po
puIation for tho convenience Of ono man. The city
was reused TO resistsncs, and Scott was compelled
by the President to dssist.
GENERAL sC0Tr's CONDUCT TOWARDS PRESIDENT
| POLK AND sBORRrARY MAR0Y.
| II was natural and proper, that being excu.
sivoly military man, and at the head Of the
army, General Scott should seek, on the OPEN
ing Of the war with Mexico, to take the Geld
and gather fresh iaureis to replace those that had
faded during the Florida campaign. He showed
the greatest alaorty for tho service, a. the CORES
Presidential game to play against tho man who was
to trust him. As candidate for the whig nomina-
ton to the Presidency. from tho day when he gave
way to Harrison in $780, he looked to that interest
Rs permanent. To restore his furnished reputc, and
acquire new recommendation to enforce his claims
for his party's support to the Presidential honor
were strong incentives to his eager ambition in lay
ing hold of the chief command in Mexico. It was
conceded to him by President Polk, and the Secre-
of War (kr. Marcy zealously pressed his prepare
tions. Considering that they were politicel oppo
nenta--that by committing the war they commit
ted the fate Of tho Administration to his hands, aud
gave him. at the same time, an opportunity to
outstrip all his wing rivals in opening to him
the way to victory, and supplying the means to
reach it. he ought to have been grateful But
what was bis first move after he supposed that all
was committed to him; that all thoir plans de-
pended upon him. and that his refusal to lend his
military skill ana reputation 10 them would fru-
strate everything? He determined TO bring the
administration to IA absolute submission TO his
viii to take bis own time forward on everything
before him to Mexico; to trust nothing TO the ad
minstrston nor allow il to sharein any Of the duties
or giories Of the war with Mexico Although at FRS
protesting great readiness to 60 and assume th
functions of general in the field he resolved after
being installed, to stay and play Napoleon, by
sending the army in advance and ali that the
country could command fer his services, before he
would make his appearance on the scene OF opera
tiOns Filled with these self important designs he
wrote the letter which amazed the country 80 much,
and from which we extract the pointed paragraphs
He replied TO Mr. Marcy, when urged by him and
the President to put himself at tho head of the
army which Taylor was then leading to successive
victories, ss follows
HFAD QuAsrERs THE ARMY,
Washington, May 2, lsae
In the midst of these mutitudnous and Indispensable
occupations have learned from you that much impa-
tence IL already felt perhaps in high quarters that
and now, with fourteen hours day of preliminary work
remaining on my hands for many days, I find myself
Perhaps utter 10 tEo Suasss
alluded to- l am too old soldier, and have had too
much special experience not too feel the infinite mpor
tance OF securing myself against danger iii will pre-
condsmnation,) in my rear before advancing upon tho
public enemy. Not advantageous step be taken
in a forward march without the confidence that all Ii we'll
behind II insecure in that quarter general put is
whole heart and mind in the work to be done Ia front
am therefore not little alarmed nay crippled in my
and beg to say fear no other danger
My intentions have been. after making all preliminary
arrangements here to do the Ohe and Mississippi
to to myself by correspondence that the
volunteers ON whom we mostly in the prosecu
service to learn the probable time Of their readiness to
advance upon Mexico to ascertain f their supplies Of
every kind are in place likely to be in place in su
Gent time to hasten and the other to harmonic
the movements Of volunteers and to modify their routes
Of necessary so that all, at least sufficient number
hal arrive the indicated points on the Mexican from
rs CLicah ahn
the time All that have but skstched deem to
be not only useful to success but indispensable As
soldier make this assertion without the fear Of contra
dicon from honest and candid soldier Against tbs
od aonda condemnation Of all other persons who ever
may be designated for the high command in question
there be reliance Tin his absence) other than the
active candid and steady support Of the government Ii
cannot have that sure basis TO rest upon It will be in
fnitey better FOR the country not to speak Of my per-
sons security that other commander Of the new
against Mexico should he selected No matter who
by in this office everywhere else as would de-
sirc personally in that command to be myself judged
and supported. My explicit meaning il, tnat do not
desire place myself in the periIous OF all positions
=. FIRE upon my rear from Washington anda ore in front
such larger amy understood my self rs likely to be
cent 10 the Mexican frontier As always unjust to
Junior general who has done we'll and Is supposed to
doing well to supersede him by general Of higher rank
without sending with the latter, corresponding reinforce
meuts, should esteem myself the unhappy instrument
ofwoundDg the honorable pride the gallant udc
Taylor ordered to supcrsede HIM under different
circpmsances However the foregoing suggestions (has
~ thrown togcthcr) may be viewed have deemed IL due
more 10 the country than my humble self that should
present them and await the wishes the orders
President With the greatest respect have the honor
to remain. sir, your most obedient servant.
WINFIELD SCOTT.
Hon. W. L. Nancy, Secretary Of War
If there was ever more dictatorial insoent aud
insulting letter than this, written to chief mags
trate by an officer put in command of an army by
his favor history has not preserved It, The obvious
import is, "SIr, / do not mean to trust YOU
You know am candidate for the high post which
you hold, and to which you wish to be 70 elected,
and you will be willing to sacrifice the country to
fecrifce me. and soon as turn my back you will
make war on me whilst make war on Mexico. ]
shall be between two fires, in 'front.' and ono in
rear: You will withhold supplies that may fail in
my functions, and that you may profit by my fall
Therefore will stay, take it myself to see that
the War Department forwards force and supplies
sufficient to render independent of your authority
and then Will go and play the part of master
abroad, as must at home before leaving"
There is no man of penetration who will not at
glance perceive the imperons spirit lily disguised
in the presumptuous mystifcation of this letter.
The Secretary Of War answered with his habitual
war DEPARTMENT, May 25 1886
SIR have received your letter Of the 2lst inst and
considering Its extraordinary character and the grave
matters set forth therein rejecting upon the motives
and objects Of the President In rendering youas he
has in an explicit manner-the command Of the forces
destined for the against Mexico deemed 1t to be
my duty to lay 1t before him. and TO take his direction
regard to its contents
passages your WnIcn nave eXcitc0
prise and deep regret those In which you mpute to
the President In terms not nexplicit, lwill towards
yourself or precondemnston and course of conduct
his part which has already you alege impeded your
lsbors Of preparation and crippled your energies.
reference to two three paragraphs in your letter.
will show that he Is not at liberty give different con.
sruction to your language. You through and
also nj pcrsotal interview with the President made
quainte0 with his settled determination to put you in i'm
mediate command Of The forces TO DO employed in ying
the var with Mexico; and you had you state been
deVoting your time and attention to preliminary and
preparatory sTiaug In the midi OF these multi
ruo nou9 aro inci ptDsahe occupations you say Ihaye
learned from yor hat much mpaticrce j. already felt
perhaps IL high quarter that have already put my
,ef inzUute Tor the RIO Grande aud with fourteen
hours aday 81 pcliunory work remaining my hands
for many days. End M self compelled 10 stop lhat
airy work 70 gcard myself against, psrh ps uttcr
condemnation in the quaxiers alluded TO- TOO old
soldier and Lave had too much special experience
to te the infinite importance o. securing myself against
danger On will OF TrecondemDaton in my rear before
advancing upon the public enemy. Not al advantageous
step be taken in forward march, without the con
fdenco that all u we'll behind. IL insecure In that
No nuth his win ba~, ,,d