Twice had Scott charged through the British lines—two horses had been killed under him—he was wounded in the side—and about eleven o’clock at night, on foot, and yet fighting, he was finally disabled by a shot which shattered the left shoulder, and he was borne away about midnight from the battle—his commander, General Brown, having been previously, in like manner, carried away wounded from the field. The wounds of General Scott, which were severe, confined him for a long time; nor had he again an opportunity of distinguishing himself before the conclusion of peace put an end to all active service in the field. In the mean time his sufferings were alleviated by the testimonials of the approbation and gratitude of his countrymen. Congress ordered a vote of thanks, and a gold medal (See [Plate V.]). Virginia and New York each presented valuable swords. He was also elected an honorary member of the Cincinnati, and numberless states named new counties after him. In the long interval of comparative inaction which followed the close of the war, General Scott’s services were made available to the general government,—first, in that most painful task of reducing the army to a peace establishment, which necessarily imposed on the general great responsibility. The next important benefit rendered, and which, perhaps, was not the least of all the many he was capable of rendering, was to translate from the French, prepare, digest, and adapt to our service, a complete system of military tactics. In the execution of this trust, his previous military studies gave him great facilities and advantages over his brother officers.
In March, 1817, General Scott was married to Miss Maria Mayo, daughter of John Mayo, Esq., of Richmond, Virginia—a lady whose charms and accomplishments are much admired both in this country and in Europe. They have had several daughters, but no living son.
Such is the brief memoir of General Winfield Scott, extracted from his life, so ably portrayed by Edward D. Mansfield, Esq. General Scott is now in the sixty-second year of his age, and retains, to a remarkable degree, all the vigor and buoyancy of youth. At the head of our armies at war with a neighboring republic, all eyes are directed to him as the chief of that gallant band upon whom must depend the honor and success of our arms.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MEDAL PRESENTED TO GENERAL SCOTT.
Occasion.—Battles of Chippewa and Niagara.
Device.—Bust of General Scott.
Legend.—Major General Winfield Scott.
Reverse.—Resolution of Congress, November 3d, 1814. Battles of Chippewa, July 5th, 1814; Niagara, July 25th, 1814. Surrounded by a wreath of laurel and palm entwining a snake.