Union general (1786–1866). A year older than the Constitution, the venerable Scott, hero of the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, became general-in-chief of the US Army in 1841, a position he still held at the start of the Civil War. A Virginian, he was the only non-West Pointer of Southern origin in the Regular Army to remain loyal to the Union. ALS signed “W. S.,” one page both sides, 4.5 x 8, January 1, 1845. Letter to his wife. In full: “I received your letter of the day before yesterday, accompanied by one from Camilla etc. I am just about to put on my uniform, to call on Mrs. Madison, ex-president Adams, &, thank God, for the last time, on Pres. Tyler. I must not however omit love & kisses to all of you, & to add the salutation—many happy new years to all & to each! Camilla's letter I shall soon answer specially. The bundle for Charles I sent last night by Capt. Waggerman a very good young fellow, altho' the nephew of Mr. Tyler. Take care not to abuse the uncle in the presence of the nephew. Before I knew Cornelia wanted her guitar, the captain was gone. The bundle came yesterday morning. Annexed is a check on N. York for $120, entrance money for the school girls. It is worth the premium; but you would have to go to the Broker‘s to get the premium. The banks would give none.” In good condition, with heavy scattered toning and soiling, separations to mailing folds repaired with tape on the reverse, and a few pencil notations at the bottom. Although it was Tyler who appointed him commanding general of the United States Army, it is not surprising that the two were incompatible—both were native Virginians, but Tyler would go on to become a representative in the Confederate Congress while Scott stood by the Union. We can look to Scott’s unbridled disdain for Tyler by the end of his presidency as a sign of the growing division in the country in the years prior to the Civil War. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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