Muscatine Weekly Journal

Gen. Scott and the Traitor Davis.—When Frank. Pierce occupied the Presidential chair, Jeff. Davis, the arch-traitor, was Secretary of War. At that time it seemed to be the policy of Pierce and Davis, for some cause, to humble and disgrace General Scott; but the indignation of the people and the spotless purity of the old hero's character, prevented the conspirators, (for we can only regard the efforts for that purpose as a conspiracy,) from carrying out their designs. Gen. Scott came out of the controversy vindicated; his reputation was uninjured, and it is related of him by those who knew the man, that he has never forgiven Davis the mean part he played in that business. Therefore Gen. Scott embraces the present to repay Davis for his treachery, not only to his country, but also for his dastardly treatment of himself. Scott is determined to surround and hem in the arch-traitor, so as to make his escape impossible, if he heads his rebel cohorts in an open field, unless he does so by his own hands in suicide. The plan and the purpose is to take Davis and as many of his advisers as possible, prisoners, and having them in possession make a speedy and prompt example of each after a fair trial.

There is no reason in wasting powder on such wretches. Death by the bullet would afford an honorable transit for them from this to another world. Hemp is what they have earned—infamy is what they deserve—and it seems to be the purpose of Gen. Scott, while he is endeavoring to carry on his campaign without the loss of life among those whom he is leading, to bring the traitors to a terrible punishment. So far as Davis is concerned, we trust that the old hero may realize all his dreams of retribution and retaliation.