The West Virginia journal. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1864-1877, 1864-11-23
GEN. SCOTS MEMOIRS.

lcn ny ullDScll, VIII uaIuldIi0 "'s'"Ss
much interest in the Army Of which he
was for so long and important Il period
the distinguished head. and in which he
is still the senior officer. They have
many instructive passages for officers of
all grades, and arc worthy Of study, as
their author doubtless intended 20 make
them.
General Scott was born in 1856, 'aboat
fourteen miles from PcerSburgh in %ir-
siuiu; he studied law in early life, aud,
as young lawyer, witnessed the trial Of
Burr for treason. la 1907. upon Jcffcr,
sons proclamation interdictinS our har-
bors to British vessels, he enlisted as.
volunteer in Virginia cavalry company:
was made corporal, and. with u squad,
captured a British boats crew in Linn
Haven Bay. This Was his first military
exploit.
In 1903 he was appointed captain Of
light artillery, and sent to New Orleans.
Returning from New Orleans in 1872,
Captain Scott ran very narrow chance
of being captured aud sent to England,
prisoner Of war; had he bccu taken,
he might have spent in an English pris':
on the very years when he WAS making
his career. lie was made lieutenant.
colonel ia 1872; WAS sent to Buffalo,
and on October the Sth, Of that year.:
was for the first time under FIRE. Five:
days later, On the 18th, he took part in
an unfortunate expedition, in which he,
was left in the lurch BY his general, and;
was made prisoner with his commandf
after gallant struggle. /:
lie was exchanged in January, 1919,
and sent again, US colonel and adjntaut,
to the northern frontier, when he first
organized the service amoug all the staff
departments, and occasionally quitting
the staff for hours or day to command
his own aud other troops in battles,
skirmiShcS and lorayS." IN the capture
Of Fort. George, he led the torlorn hope,
was the FIRST upon the bank, in crossing
the river; aud was knocked back hy The
cnemr, bat unkurt had his collar. bone
afterwards broken by the cxplusiou Of Il
magasine in the fort, bat kept the field,
was the first ia the fort, and hinsclI
pnllcd down the color<, tcSiics captur.
III. two prisoners wiki his own hana.-~
His activity, l"ldues>, and enterprise
were such that he was chosen 20 com
naud many important expeditions. and
90 retreat the rear guard was entrnSt.
ed to him. The young soldier who has
heard Of Scott only as the famous Cen
cral, will learn from these memoirs that
he obtained his advancement by the dis.
play OF rare qualities; he was the leader
in all assaults. the first ashore in marine
expeditions hcadlons, brave, but coo!
and capable officer, who knew how to
fight. aud ocver heSitatcd to expose him.
self in the front. Thus in March, lSll,
he became brisadicr.gcncral. lie was
then not yet Is.
That spring hc devoted himself to
drilling and training Ills raw forces. the
troops with WHICH he vas to gain the
victories OF the following 'uouths, which
finished the war; and these soldiers
madc such name for themselves that
"an cxsravagant opinion generally pre-.
vailed throughout the army in respect
to the prowess--uay, invincibiiity of
Scotl's brigade
In the icrccly contested battle Of
Luudy's Lane, Scott was badly wound.
cd, after havins been twice dismouuted
during the day. lie travelled slowly to
Washington, when Congress rewarded
him at the conclusion Of peace with a
gold medal, 'iu testimony Of the high
sense entertained by Congress Of his
distinguished services in the successive
conflicts of Chippewa and Niagara Cor
! Lundy's Lanc,) and of his uniform gal.
lautry aud good conduct in sustaining
the reputation Of the arms Of the United
States. 1t is believed" adds the gcncr-
al, that the second clause Of this rcso.
luton contains compliment not be
slowed by Congress on any other officer
whatever" lie mad been made MAJ or.
gcneca, before.
Great lover Of peace as General Scott
is, he yet evidently thinks an occasional
war, like timely thunder Storm, Of use.
lie writes: "perhaps. an occasional
interludc of .forcig~ war may be even
necessary to the moral health Of Peo.
pie rapidly increasing in population,
wealth, and luxurious iudulscucies. -.
lie says he aever has worn 4 conceal
cd weupon-always declaring it would
be the smaller evil that he, or any other
person SHOULD be sluin, than to set 10
bad an example"
During the qualification times.' Gen.
eral Jaeksoa wisely sent General Scott
to South CAROLINA, where he caused the
forts to be strengthened, and drew de.
tachueuts Of troops to the garrisoOS'-
lie remained some time at Savaanah.
closely watched, but moved secretly
! ow,y nTbe timc of dancer Mt length