Winfield Scott ALS doubting that George Washington "ever actually held the rank of lieutenant general"

SCOTT, WINFIELD. Autograph Letter Signed, "Winfield Scott", 3pp, on bifold sheet, 5" x 8", New York, December 8, 1853. Expected mailing folds, some scattered foxing, else near Fine condition.

Scott began his letter to acting Illinois Senator James Shields (1806-1879) by exchanging a few pleasantries, then broached the main topic of his correspondence. Scott hoped that Shields, in his current capacity as a U.S. Senator, could introduce a bill lobbying for Scott's nomination to lieutenant general. Apparently, the terms of Scott's promotion -- especially the financial ones -- hinged upon whether 1st U.S. President George Washington had ever held that position himself. "I know not that you may be inclined to trouble yourself, a fourth time, with the question of the lieutenant generalcy; but if a Bill, providing for the rank can be again carried in the Senate, at an early day, I think it be got thru the House (where we have had, from the beginning, a majority - ) by July next, +, if needed, it is believed, a good word from the President would be thrown in to prevent the sleep of death on the Speaker's table. If you should be kind enough again to shoulder the burden, may I beg you to adopt the form (herewith enclosed) of the Joint Resolution as awarded, Feb. 4, 1852, by my friend Dr. Gwin - with, or without the proviso, (of the day before) proposed by Genl. Cass? In respect to the proviso, altho' kindly intended, I am quite indifferent; but I entreat our Michigan friend to allow the word revived, in the 4th line, to stand, + not substitute for it, created, as you consented to do, a year ago: 1. Because, Genl. Cass is mistaken in supposing the Father of his country ever actually held the rank of lieutenant general; for he only prospectively agreed to accept it; 2. Because if he, modestly, took upon himself the inferior rank, Congress considered it a degradation, + promptly removed the indignity; 3. Because the commission that was universally considered as beneath him may be aspired to, without arrogance, by much smaller men, + 4. Because, without reviving (instead of creating the rank, anew) the Joint Resolution would not give to the brevet lieutenant general, under the circumstances, any additional pay or allowance. This result, I am sure, cannot be desired by Genl. C. Do therefore I pray you, induce the general to give up his hasty objection to the word revived."

"Hon. Genl. Shields", Scott's correspondent, was a fellow military veteran, having attained the rank of brigadier general during the Mexican-American War. Shields also holds two distinctions: he is the only man to have served as a U.S. Senator of three states, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri; and he challenged future 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln to a duel in 1842.

Another individual mentioned in Scott's letter includes "our friend Clemens", referring to recently deposed Alabama Senator Jeremiah Clemens (1814-1865). Scott lamented Clemens's senate loss in March 1853 by describing it as a "greater loss to the country." There are also numerous references to Lewis Cass (1782-1866), whom Scott calls "our friend from Michigan" and "Genl Cass". The Brigadier General was then a Michigan Senator, and would later serve as 22nd U.S. Secretary of State.

Winfield Scott (1786-1866) forged a formidable reputation as a military commander. But the career officer was also very politically ambitious. He had just lost the 1852 presidential race to 14th U.S. President Franklin Pierce (1804-1869), whom he also briefly mentions in this letter to Shields. (This was Scott's third and last presidential attempt.) Scott saw action in the War of 1812, the Seminole Wars, the Black Hawk War, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. Scott witnessed, experienced, and participated in many major military events of American history: he was a British prisoner of war in 1812; he supervised the forced removal of the Cherokee; he served as military governor of Mexico City; and he implemented the highly successful blockade of Southern port cities. Scott did eventually attain the rank of Brevet Lieutenant General. On December 21, 1853, Senate Joint Resolution 4 authorized the President to confer him the rank in recognition of distinguished service. The resolution passed the Senate on February 12, 1855, and Scott was granted the rank retroactive to March 29, 1847, the date of his victory at Veracruz. Scott submitted a claim for almost $27,000 in back pay; he received only a little more than $10,000 in arrears.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.



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