The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-11-08
"HEADQCARTERs OF THE ARMY ,
Washington, Oct 5lst, 1861 ,

Washington, Oct 3lst, 1851.
TO Hon S. Cameron. Secretary Of W,r-
Sir: For more than three years have l.--
unable, from a hurt. to mount horse. y :.
walk more than few PAGES at a tim. .-f
that with much pain. Other and lev E..
tirmities, dropSy and vertigo. admoni,a a.
that repcse of mind and body, with IT,. q
pliances of surgery and medicine, are ne.
sary to add little more 10 life already ,,-
tracted much beyond the usual span Q: M.
1t is under such circumstances, made to1ay
painful by the unnatural and unjust rr,e..-
ion now raging in the southern STATES o.. o.-
SO lately prosperous and happy Union, Tia.
am compelled to request that nv name Pc
placed on the list Of army officers rt-ll..
from active service. As thi. request Is tol..-
ed on an absolute right, granted by recr..:
act OF Congress, am entirel y at liberty =,
say il is with deep regret that | Withdrew
myself, in these momentcus times. from tie
orders of president who has treated m-
with much distinguished kindness and Guy
tesy. and whom know, upon much person.
intercourse, to be patriotic without sec;:o.a
partialities or prejuGlCes, 90 be highly COZ
scientlous in the performance Of every t-:y,
and of unrivaled activity and persever-acr.
To you. Mr. Secretary. whom now otfc.4y
address for the last time, beg to ackno.-
edge nv many obligations for the unit II
high consideration have received i; Ho--
hands. have The honor TO remain, ST. ".
high respect, YOUR obedient servent.
WINFIELD Soon"
A special cabinet council was convene!
Friday morning, at 9 o'clock, TO TAX =
subject into consideration. II was DECIDED
that Gen SCOTS request, under the crc-..-
stances OF his advanced age and intirm!,.rs.
could not be declined. Gen Mcclellan w.
rhereupon. with the unanimous agreenen. c.:
the cabinet, notified that the command Of t.e
army would he Gevolved upon him.
At / O'Clock in the afternoon the cati:,:
again waited upon the president and at;erc
ed him 10 the residence OF Gen Scott. BE-
ing seated. the president read TO the genega
The following order.
..On the LIST dav Of November. a. ID. 1861
upon his own application u the president C;
the United States. Brevet Lieutenant &C.
era Winfield Scott is ordered TO he l.ac-.
and hereby is placed upon the list Of r,.'.ge-
officers of the army CT he United S.4..s.
without reduction in his current pay ST.
Sistence or allowances. The America geo
pie will hear with sadness and dee IA a, 2
that Gen Scott has withdrawn from IL e--
tive control of the army, white TIE p:ts...r,
and unanimous cabinet express their oWr
and the nations sympathy in lis persona.
affection. and their profound sense 81 tie IN
portant public service rendered tx nm l. lis
country during his long and brilliant career.
among which viii ever be gratefully G.st.n-
guished his faithful devotion 10 the colst.-
tuition and the mon, and the tiag when as
sailed by parricidal rebeih II.
t>igned) ABRAHAM LINCOLN"
Gen Scott thereupon rose and address,:
me president and cabinet. who had also -
ell, as follows: "Presideni-Ih.> honor oy-r-
whelm> me-. 1t overpays all the ser,ice ]
nave attempted TO render to my country
Ii had any GAINS before. they are d. o.-
i;teratrd by this expression OF approya. ~
tie president. with ;he coucurr;ng saTIor. d:
his cabinet. ! know the president and IN
ca,;re; We'll. | know TIA. The country la
placed is interest. in this irving cri>.s. T.
safe keeping. Their counSe.S are wise, ,et.-
libor> are Is untirin- Is they are loyal. az
their course IS the right one. Pre>;der'.
must excuse me. am unable 10 stand .a,.-
ger. 10 give ut;e-ance 10 tie feelings Of gr.,-
:tude which Cypress me. In ny re'iremt:-
| shall offer up my PRAYERS 10 God for ~
administration and my country. | sl.-
pray for them with confidence in their So
cess over all enemies and that speedily"