New York Daily Tribune

LIEUT.-GEN. SCOTT.

To the Editor of The N. Y. Tribune.

SIR: It is pleasant to notice the universal public sentiment which prevails in favor of our patriot-hero. It was no mean praise that our eminent divine Dr. Channing, in a lecture delivered a quarter-century ago, spoke of "his exploits in the field as obscured by the purer and more lasting glory of a pacificator and friend of mankind." "I am happy to offer this tribute because I would do something," says Dr. Channing, "to hasten the time when the spirit of Christian humanity shall be accounted an essential attribute and the brightest ornament in a public man."

It was the fortune of the writer of this article to wait upon Lord Lyndhurst, ex-Chancellor, at his house in St. George's street, Hanover Square, London, in the Summer of 1852, when his lordship remarked that the Duke of Wellington had just before called to express to him his pleasure "that Gen. Scott was nominated and would doubtless be elected to the Presidency of the United States," adding "that he was the best specimen of the soldier extant, and by far the greatest military genius living—that in the annals of ancient or modern history nothing is recorded that anywise equals his Mexican campaign—that his march from Vera Cruz to Mexico was crowned by a series of the most brilliant exploits such as can never be eclipsed." Stanley's praise is praise indeed. I expressed my delight at such praise from so high a source, and hoped that the Duke would present Gen. Scott a sword with his opinion inscribed upon it, which might further his election, at the same time alluding to that sent by Frederick the Great of Prussia to Washington just before his election to the Presidency, and which had these words engraved upon it:

"From the oldest General in Europe

To the greatest in the world."

Lord Lyndhurst remarked that it might be considered a presumption in the Duke, and besides, as Gen. Scott's early achievements and greatest glory were acquired in his contests with British troops, such a course would be improper. In conclusion, I said that a Brigadier Pierce, born within seventy miles of myself, of whom I never heard till my present visit to London, would be elected, having pledged himself to aid the Pro-Slavery cause, which Gen. Scott would not do, although a Virginian. This apology for a Chief-Magistrate had 203,000 more votes, and was elected over Gen. Scott.

G. A. W.

Staten Island, June 8, 1861.