Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1861-06-06
An Hour at the Headquarters of
Gen. Scott.
[Froln the Chicago Trlbune.l

GFronthe Chicago Trlbune.l
From friend who has Just returned from
Washington, we have been listening to a
vivid description of the scene, now daily
one, in one of the lofty apartments of the
War Office where Gen. Scott passes many
hours Of the day and night, at time of
life when most men naturally court case,
but which the old hero is now devoting to
the greatest achievement of his eventful and
honorable career, the demonstration of the
strength and power of Republican form of
Government.
Enfeebled in body, but clear minded and
vigorous in intellect as ever, Gen. Scott is
now cheertully undergoing labors that would
oyer-tax the strength of many far his iun-
ors 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 is hushed at
nighttall but not for many hours later does
the Headquarters of the Lieutenant Gener-
al lose its features of activity
The scene on the day in question was one
which the pencil of Leutze would dwell
lovingly to the production of painting that
should be vivid History. Gen Scott, suf-
fering more than usual by an attack of gout,
lay half reclining upon lounge drawn into
the centre Of the large apartment, his feet
resting upon pillows, mot the Pillow of
Tennessee, upon whom, if the fellow does
not retreat to ditch he will set his foot
presently
About the old Chieftain, whose massive
frame seemed more impressive from the
contrast were gathered men in uniform of
Army and Navy, eminent citizens in the
plain black civilian dress, with here and
there one whose dress and features told of
rough service on some errand, whose results
were now to be reported to the modification
or extension Of some one or other of the
vast comprehensive plans Of the War De-
partment.
On the wall opposite the lounge occupied
by Gen. Scott were suspended two large milN
tary maps Of Virginia and Maryland, with
all their details, closely presenting the coun-
try, its features accesses, Businesses andap-
proaches. 1t was noticeable that about
Harper's Ferry, Richmond and Norfolk
were drawn large circles, within which the
details became more minute, with symbols
and signs abundant of significance to mill
tary men, the key to which belongs to the
War Office.
BY Gen. SCOTS side lay long light reed
which he made use Of in pointing to differ
ent localities ON these maps. Aids, ,amanuen-
sis, advisers, all were busy, quietly and
all without stir or confusion. In that room
and on such scenes and consultations hangs
safely the fate of this war in the speedy
and condign punishment of traitors. Pro
badly no one but the hungrier of the Wash
ington correspondents, will regret or fail to
applaud the wisdom of the War Depart
ment, or indeed of the Government as O
whole, in only sparingly admitting to conf
dence the newspapers and the general pub
lie. 1t is enough to know that the Govern
ment is thoroughly at work in all its depart.
ments for the crushing out Of treason, and
that Gen. Scott is indeed close and volun-
tary ''prisoner" to duties whose execution
will make the setting sun of the old hero il
| lustrious in all time.