The National tribune., 1888-08-23
A CAPTURED Medal TO be Restored.

Just before the Union army entered Rich
mond in 1865, fires and the smoke therefrom
were discovered IN the direction Of Richmond.
Gen. We.tzel, in command, sent squadron Of
the 4th Mass. Cav which was on duty at his
headquarters, to see what the matter was. Upon
approaching the iortifcations they were found
to be abandoned, and the increasing smoke and
the explosions, which were by this time FREE
quent, confirmed thesuspicions Of Maj. Stevens,
III command, that the city had been evacuated
and set on FIRE. Gen. Weitzel was informed of
the situation, and the squadron pushed on.
They entered Richmond, and passing through
several burning streets, approached the Capitol
OF the Coufoderacy. Here they encountered
O company Of Breckiuridge's cavalry, who had
remained to barn the city. They had just fred
the State House, but fed upon the approach Of
tho Union cavalry, wEo eXtinsuished the flames
and saved this historic building.
The guidous II this squadron Of cavalry were
Immediately hOistcd IN the place of the rebel
flag, which was taken down, whore they re-
maincd some two hours they having no United
States flag with them) All this time the lower
or southern part Of the city was in flames, but
the prompt arrival Ct Yankee troops saved the
finest portion Of the city.
While fighting the flames which were con-
sdnIing the rebel Capitol, an officer came upon
r case Of papers and records which were ablaZe.
While trying TO eztiaguish the flames he found
Il round wooden lex OF fine workmanship. This
box was not opened for some time. but when
quiet once moro rcigned in Richmond curiosity
prompted investigation of the contents Of the
box. The box was found to contain a bronco
and gold medal, three and half inches in d.
ameter and one-third of an inch in thickness.
IL was Of exquisite workmanship and appar-
entity OF great value. 1t proved 10 be the medal
voted to Gen. Winfield Scott BY the Legislature
Of Virginia upon his return from mexico. 1t
bears a fine medallion Of Gen. Scott, with
drapcd flags, and the following inscription in
the center:
The Commonwealth of Virginia presents this
medal 70 aj.-Gen Winfield Scott memorial
OF her admiration for the great and distinguished
services Of her son while Commander Chief OF
the American armies III the war with Mexico, 1917.
The reverse side has Doric pillar sur
mounted by a spread eagle, bearing III its bead
floral streamer, which also encircics the pillar
to the base. in the distance is the City OF
Mexico and the Halls of the MOntezumas. I'M
mediately over this is the Latin motto, g Feet
qu0d c0giiaUif" and at the base Of the pillar the
words, . From Virginia" The whole is sur
mounted with an elaborate wreath, az the bot
tom OF which is the cOat-oi-arms Of the State in
bold relief
This historic medal is now in New York city
and III the possession Of the officer who capt
uTed it. Is is his intention to restore it to the
State Of Virginia in the near future. This he
will probably do on the occasion of a visit OF
some New York regiment TO Richmond or Of
some other important occasion Of a similar ma
ture.
This medal was supposed to have been de-
stroyed but will now 20 back to Virginia, aud
no doubt viii be one of her hignly-prized
treasures