The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-04-12
Makes the
Weak Strong,

The writer asked could he be told the OBJ
ject of the visit. He was told. 1t was in a
few words repeated to Gen Scott. He said
Bring friend Porter in No interlocutories
were INDUCED in
My dear Gen. Porter, can you not follow
in this matter the example of your old chief
you followed SO bravely through all the bat
ties of the war with Mexco2"
81 can follow my old chief anywhere, -
was Porter's prompt reply.
In few words Gen. Scott drew an outline
OF the passage between Senator Clay and
himself. Porter, thus advised, accepted the
offered apology. No valuable lives were
risked, no widows or orphans made.
In lS3l-the exact data is not important
the joint resolution to make Mai. Gen.
Winfield Scott lieutenant-general by breyat.
to date from the taking of Vera Cruz on
May 20, 1847, came up in the United States
Senate. Certainly one professed friend of
Gen. Scott absented himself. Certainly
one professed enemy, az least 50 the public
thought Gen. Scott and that man had not
spoken for thirty years.. was not absent. |
mean the Hon. Thomas Benton, Senator
from Missouri. He was transported from a
sick bed, though very i'll, to vote in favor
OF this joint resolution. His vote was not a
silent one. In the National Intelligence,.
appeared notice Of this noble act of Mr..
Benton. 1t said his sonorous "Ayen could
be heard almost at the White House.
The day on which this notice appeared in
the National Intelligencer it had escaped
the observation of Gen. Scott. His atten-
tidh was called to it by the writer. The
dear old man was thrilled with generous
emotions. He said: Captain, that was
very, very noble in Mr. Benton. We have
not spoken for thirty years. | wish you to
report at 5 p. m. this evening at my resi-
dence the Demenons building). l propose
you shall accompany me, as | go in person
to thank him for his noble generosity. 1t
should put some professed friends to
shame"
reported as ordered. The old general
entered his carriage and followed him. In
person he had given orders to his coach
man to drive to Mr.. Benton's. We rode
Ill silence most of tne way. The roadway
in those days was abominable. 1t was quits
drive. The coach Stopped at door. The
footman rang the bell. We entered with
out question and were invited to seats in
the reception room. and the cards of Gen.
Scott and the writer were handed to the
servant After a few moments Mr. Franci;
+. Blair, ST., entered tie sitting room
dressed for a dinner party. Mr. Blair and
Gen. Scott had not been on good terms
since the administration of Andrew Jack
son. There was an amused smile upon the
vlsage of Mr.. Blair. Gen. Scott was, if not
embarrassed. taken unawares. Mr.. Blair,
with the grand gentlemanly courtesy of
those days, saw Gen. SCOTS embarrass.
ment. He anticipated him in the most
courtly manner. He remarked
Gen. Scott. am delighted to greet you
a. my guest. We have small dinner party.
John A. King, Howell Cobb, Robert
TOombs, and others, all your friends, are to
be my guests tonight. / cannot tell you
how much it would delight US all if you and
Your aid, Capt. Hamilton, would join us. u
Gen. Scott, not TO be outdoae in courtesy,
replied: 1t would delight me much that
! and MY aid could BE- entertained by SC
courteous host, and to enjoy such agree
able guests. Were it not Tor call of duty
you will appreciate l would most thank
fully accept your most cordial invitation.
was on my way TO thank Col Benton for
MS noble conduct toward me. Some trivial
difference, possibly of others rather than of
our own, has kept us apart for many years.
My. coachman stopped at your door. sup
posing it Mr. Benton's; tut | trust, Mr..
/ Blair, this accident may have been the
means of healing trivial breaches of inter
course between us alson
Mr.. Blair extended his hand ard Gen,
Scott graspe1 it. Mr.. Blair said: "My
dear general, as much as would enjoy the
presence OF yourself and aid at dinner with