Scott, Winfield

Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)

Winfield (1786-1866), an American soldier. He was a native of Petersburg, Virginia. He studied at William and Mary College and read law in an office at home. After a short period of practice he entered the army. During the War of 1812 he took part in the skirmishes of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane. He rose rapidly to the rank of brigadier. At the close of the war, he was awarded a gold medal by Congress and was brevetted major-general. President Jackson stationed him at Charleston during the nullification troubles. He had the general management of the Black Hawk War. He superintended the removal of the Cherokees from Georgia to Indian Territory . During the Mexican War he led the force that landed at Vera Cruz . He won the series of engagements that resulted in the capture of the City of Mexico. In 1852 he was the Whig candidate for the presidency, but was overwhelmingly defeated by Pierce. The outbreak of the Civil War found Scott in command. Before his inauguration Lincoln sent him word "to be prepared to hold or retake the forts, as the case may require, at and after the inauguration." After the first battle of Bull Run had demonstrated Scott's inability to cope with the situation he retired. He was a man of integrity, a soldier of no little military skill. A certain pompous military way about him gained him a name in the ranks as "Old Fuss and Feathers." He died at West Point .