Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-13
Many Tales of Rare Interest
Would These Tell.
SCOTT HEADQUARTERS
HISTORIC BUILDING IN 18th
STREET TO BE SOLD.
Within "old Chapultepec" Summoned
Col. Robert E. Lee and Accept
ed His Resignation.


In 18th street, opposite the State, War and
Navy building. is "for sale" sign Those
Of the generation Of today who pass that
way daily have little knowledge Of the his
toric interest attached to the building.
1t has stood there at least three-quarters
Of a century. Originally it was fashion
able residence. Today it is used as q sort
Of junk shop. where upholstery is repaired.
For a number Of years 1t was the official
headquarters Of Winfield Scott, the old hero
Of Chapultepec.
Appointed Lieutenant General.
During the administration Of President
Pierce, Congress created the rank Of lieu-
tenant general and Gen. Scott received the
appointment. In 1852 Gen. Scott had been
the candidate Of the whig party for Presi-
dent, defeating for the nomination Millaro
Fillmore and Daniel Webster, whose names
were presented to the convention. The con-
vention was held In Baltimore, beginning
June 16. Two days were spent In erecting
an organization and in preparing a plat
form.
On the first ballot Gen. Scott had 1874
votes. Mr.. Fillmore 1873 and Mr.. Webster
by northern delegate. Not a southern
vote was given to Mr.. Webster, despite al
the promises made, but Mr.. Fillmore re-
ceived the entire southern strength.
Nominated for Presidency.
The nomination of Scott was made finally
after the convention adjourned for Sunday
until the following week. The wings were
greatly embarrassed by Gen. Scott, who
persisted In making campaign speeches,
some Of which did him great harm. The
loss of the nomination FASTENED Mr.. Web
sters death, which occurred the same year.
His death also helped the democratic canda-
date.
President Pierce appointed Scott to the
new position Of lieutenant general in the
army, and the latter established his head
quarters In the building that now the ruth
less hand of progress has decreed must be
sold. In those days Gen. Scott, in full uni
form, was the beau ideal Of a military hero.
Astride charger, or at the numerous func-
lions during the administrations OF Pierce
and Buchanan 'old fuss and feathers was
the object Of much interest.
Old Warrior Wore Chapeau.
Older Washingtonians remember the old
warrior as he appeared with white cha
peau adjoining his head. For nearly a dec
ade Gen. Scott occupied this house In 18th
street. Many believed that an attempt
would be made by secessionists, on the day
of Mr.. Lincoln's Inauguration, to obtain
possession of the government, and great
precautions against such thing were
taken.
assisted by Col. Stone of the regular army.
who had been organizing the military of
the District Of Columbia, and who had
respectable force at his command. All the
orders were issued by Gen. Scott from this
building.
Gen. Lee Summoned Here.
1t was here in the spring of 1851 that Col.
Robert E. Lee was summoned by Gen. Scott
and asked point blank whether he intended
officers who proposed to take part with
their respective states in the cause of Sc
cession, or to remain in the service of the
United States.
The future comma nder of the confederate
army made no reply, whereupon "Old Cha
pultepec' came directly to the point, say
ing:
81 suppose you will go with the rest. II
you purpose to resign 1t is proper You
should do so at once. Your present attitude
Is an equivocal one
General" Col. Lee then answered, ''the
property belonging to my children, all that
they possess lies in Virginia They will be
ruined If they do not go with their state.
l cannot raise my hand against my chill
dren.'' u.
Early Civil War Plans.
Gen. Scott signified that he had nothing
further to say. Col. Lee, with a respectful
bow, withdrew, and the next morning ten
dered his resignation, which was accepted
five days afterward
It was in this building that the early
plans of the Union in the civil war were
discussed. and many Of the orders to the
commanders in the field were sent from
here. Upon Gen. SCOTS resignation from
his command to go to West Point Gen. Nc
Clellan. his successor, had his headquarters
in the building for time
And now the old building Is to be sold.
During the recent Grand Army Of the Re-
public encampment in this city it was a
place of especial interest to many of the
veterans from different parts of the country
who visited the national capital