The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-08-30
From the ProUidence { r. ~ Journal.
The Scott and Marcy Correspondence

This correspondence, which made considerable
stir in it's day, has been republished in pamphlet
by the New York Evening Post. We remember it
we'll. Governor Marcy ia one Of the most acute
and vigorous political writer's in the country.
General Scott is match for him in special plead
ing, in the skiiul Guessing Of facts, and max
ing the worse appear the better reason. With all
his abilities, conspicuous alike in civil and in mill
tary life, General Scott possesses, in remarkable
degree, the frank and generous qualities which
apt to distinguish soldier. He despses taking
an unfair advantage even of an enemy, and al.
ways goes straightforward to saywhat he means,
and do what he says.
This correspondence is revived in the same spirit
which has raked up the affair OF the New York
Battery, which happened over thirty years ago.
Admitting the superiority OF Governor Marcy in
the line to which We have referred, we are still
quite content that this correspondence should go
again before the public Let the people read it; let
them recall the circumstances under which it was
written, and the position OF the two men. General
Scott, with insufficient means, with forces vastly
inferior in point of numbers, under every disad-
vantage of position had taken the Castle OF San
Juan d. Ulloa, and had driven the foe before him
to the gates OF the capital Fighting at every point
where the enemy, in superior numbers, with a
knowledge of the country, and in his own chosen
positions, offered battle, his march had been one
of victory. The admiration Of the civilized
world was challenged by hs great deeds; and the
| homage TO the man whom they acknowledged had
| but one living rival.
All this time General Scott fecbly support ed
by an administration jealous of the renown which
| he was winning, and seeking tor some opportunity
| to disgrace him. Having disposed of the enemy in
front, the old hero turned his attention to the
my in the rear. He wrote to the Department, COM
| planning bitterly, as he had right to complain,
and not in that cautious tone which doubtless Gov
| ernor Marcy would have employed under similar
circumstances. ... s-. -....
lhos Cav,
eral Scott, after having borne the American flag
| in triumph from Vera Cruz to Mexico, having
| marched from victory to victory, adding each day
new losre to the American arms, was recalled,
displac ed from his command, the troops whom he
| had led handed over to pasteboard general, and
he ordered before court Of his interiors give
| account Of himself, and 80 show why no bad not
conducted the to the better satisfaction OF Dir
| Polk and Mr.. Marcy. X was the Gaze of Belza'
| RUS and of Columbus over again. General Scott
came home, taking the smallest vessel at Nera
Cruz, because II he took the larger the slck SOL
diers might suffer for want OF accommodations.
! He declined the public Donors rendered to him at
New Orleans, because be was under the displca
su, of the Executive, and his strict obedience to
| law and discipline would not suffer him to do any
thing which might bring the authorities into dis
respect. The first that b's fellow ci,izens
had of his arrival wss when they cav him on sun
day morning walking into the church to take hs
| accustomed place Of worship. The court 6f in
qury had the dccency to adjourn without carry
ing out the views of the President and his Score
tary. Il did not even make up AT opinion.
Now, all tho capital that the enemies OF General
Scott can make 10y recalling these things TO the
public mind they are welcome 10.
/