WINFIELD SCOTT
One of the finest military leaders the U.S. has produced pens a letter in regards to a mortgage and his thanks to a family
Autograph Letter Signed: "Winfield Scott", 2p, 4½x7. No place, 1857 March 26. To S. Hamilton, Esq. In full: "I send you the power &c. Many thanks for calling my attention &c. Kind regard to my young friend Mrs. Hamilton. Hope the boys grow well. Kind regards also to your father. Tell him that the mortgage is satisfied &c." General Scott (1786-1866) rose to Major General in the War of 1812. During the Mexican War, he captured Vera Cruz, defeated the Mexicans at Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, Molino del Rey and Chapultepec and occupied Mexico City. He was General in Chief of the U.S. Army from 1841-1861. The last presidential nominee of the Whig Party, "old Fuss n' Feathers" lost the election of 1852 to Democrat Franklin Pierce. Scott deserves to be recognized as one of the finest military leaders the U.S. has produced. His campaign from the coast to Mexico City, against a foe more skilled and tenacious than is generally recalled today, was bold, and brilliantly executed. The "Anaconda Plan" he proposed to President Lincoln in 1861, calling for a blockade of southern ports coordinated with a combined army/navy push down the Mississippi River to cut the Confederacy in half, provided the framework for ultimate Union victory. Lightly creased. Light show through of ink. Ink note (unknown hand) on verso of blank integral leaf. Fine condition.