Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-11-06
Gen. windield scott---A Personal Sketch.

One of the editors of the Springfield (Mass.)
Republican,, while in New York few days ago,
called upon Lieut. General Winfield Scott, whom
he photographs thus: s's-. 4 A-o q
ssGeneral was writing as entered, at large
table spread with papers and military reports,
but LAYING aside his pen he greeted me with q
smile of welcome, and in such simple, nnosten-
tatious manner as to annihilate all feelings ofre
serve. and was soon conversing with him, and
listening to his own conversation with freedom
and pleasure. Abiding, among others things, to
the battle of Niagara, commonly known as Lun-
dy's Lane, he said 81 have some reason to re-
member that battle, fortbat ball'in my shoulder
crippled me badly. But good physical system
and sound constitution saved me. sAslyou see,'
he continued, L am unable to raise my left hand
to my head Inow noticed for the first time
that his left shoulder was triAe lower than his
right, but the ball is not there, as has sometimes
been stated. It passed through the joint, and
to use the Generals language, tor aught know
killed some one behind me-
oInquiring as to bis health, he remarked he
was conscious of mo change, but that his health
had always been, and was now excellent. In
speaking of West Point Academy, he said that
he should not advise any young man to enter
there after he was II years OF age, since he
would not obtain an opportunity of raising his
rank until somewhat advanced in life; yet so
long as we are in need of an army we need also
West Point.
ssHis office or business hours, / learned, are
from till 12 a. m., and from till p. M. In
his habits he is very regular, taking pedes-
trian tour on Broadway, or elsewhere, immedi-
ately after breakfast, returning in time for the
mornings work. In stature, as every one
knows, he surpasses any man in. the SERVICE"
being six and one-half feet in height, and weigh
ing 260 pounds, and yet he has physical sys-
tenn finely organized and closely knit together.
To aid in reading he uses glasses occasionally,
but ordinarily requires none. His eyes and
complexion are exceedingly bright and clear, and
although seventy -four winters Lave served to
thin and whiten his once auburn hair, yet they
have by no means rendered him wholly bald.
a''An hour slipped away unconsciousy to me,
and bade him good morning, with a deep re-
gret that could stay no longer, yet profoundly
impressed with the belief that he is in many
respects the representative man of the age.
''To the superficial observer, the glare of his
military reputation has thrown far into the
shade many of his most noble traits of charac-
ter, and it cannot be denied that he has done
more to raise the standard of morality in the
army than all the chieftains who have preceded
him. His brightest laurels have not been won
by mastery efforts in warfare the guardian an
gel of this Union binds upon his brow more
enduring chaplet, and inscribes in golden letters
the word 'Pacificator," for it is in that charac-
ter that he has rendered the Union the most
important services @ 1s e----4a =
''The amicable adjustment which he effected
of the Maine boundary question, the settlement
OF the difficulties on the Niagara frontier, his
peaceful quiet removal of the Cherokees beyond
the Mississippi, and later yet, his recent success
full mission to our Western borders, entitle him
to our deepest gratitude and lasting homage
And though there may be those who are now
envious of his fame, it is satisfactory to reflect
that when he has gone, the American people
will recognize his great virtues, his public servi
ces, and his answering patriotism. The nation
will have lost noble and exemplary citizen, the
united Republic one of it's strongest pillars, and
temperance one of its best practical advocates
and firmest supports.