Daily national Democrat., 1861-06-28
From the Chicago Tribune of June 1.
General Scott at his Post.

From friend who has Just returned from
Washington, we have been listening to a
vivid description of the scene, now a daily
one, in one of of the lofty apartments of the
War Office, where General Scott passes
many hours of the day and night. at time
of life when most men naturally court ease,
but which the old hero is now devoting to
the greatest achievement of his eveutful and
honorable career, the demonstration of the
strength and power of a republican form of
government.
Enfeebled in body, but clear minded and
vigorous in intellect as ever, General Scott is
now cheerfuly undergoing labors that would
overtax the strength of many far his Juniors
in life and in service. An early hour of the
day finds him surrounded by his aids and
advisers, and not until late hour of the
night does the work cease. The hustle and
din Of the city and camp are hushed at night
fall but not for many hours later does the
headquarters of the Lieutenant General lose
its features of activity.
The scene on the day in questi,n was one
on which the pencil of Luetze would dwell
lovingly to the production of a painting that
should be vivid history. General Scott, sutf-
ering more than usual by an attack of gout,
lay half reclining upon q lounge drawn into
the CculIc Ol Tue large uDuIlutuly MS lNNl
resting upon pillows mot the Pillow of Ten
nesee, upon whom, if the fellow does not re-
treat to ditch he will set his foot presently
About the old chieftain, whose massive
frame seemed more impressive from the con-
trast, were gathered men in uniform of army
and navy, eminent citizens in plain black
civilian dress, with here and there one whose
dress and features told of rough service on
some errand, whose results We're now to be
reported for the modification Cf comprehen-
sive plans to the War Department.
On the wall opposite the lounge occupied
by General Scott were suspended two large
military maps of Virginia and Maryland,
with all their careful details, closely repre-
sentinE the country, its features, accesses,
fastnesses, and approaches 1t was notice
able that about Harper's Ferry, Richmond.
and Norfolk, were drawn large circles, with
in which the details become more minute,
with symbols and signs abundant of signif-
cance to military men, the key of which be-
longs to the War Office
BY General Scots side lay a long white
reed, which he made use of 10y pointing to
different localities on these maps. Aids,
ananuenses advisers. were all busy, quietly,
and without stir or confusion. in that room,
and on such scenes and constitutions hang
safely the fate Of this war in the speedy and
condign punishment of traitors Probably
no one but the hungIier Of the Washington
correspondents will regret or fail to applaud
the wisdom of the War Department, or in
deed, oG the Government, as whole, III only
sparingy admitting to confidence the news
papers and the general public. 1t is enough
to know that the Government is thoroughly
at work in all its departments for the crush-
ing out Of treason. and that General Scott is
indeed a close and voluntary "prisoner' TO
duties, whose execution will make the set
ting sun of the old hero illustrious in all
time.