Page:Complete history of the late Mexican war.djvu/17



was born June 13th, 1786, near Petersburgh, Virginia. His grandfather was a Scotchman, who fled to this country in consequence of being involved in the rebellion of 18471747 [sic]. His only son was William, who died in 1791, leaving two sons, the youngest of whom was Winfield.

His mother was a very amiable lady and endowed with superior intellectual and other accomplishments. She died in 1803, when the subject of this notice was only seventeen years of age.

At this time Winfield was noted for energy, stability of character, a high sense of honor, and warm social feelings. He studied one year in the High School at Richmond, and spent two years at William and Mary College, attending law lectures.

At the age of twenty years he was admitted to the bar as a lawyer.

In 1807 he emigrated to South Carolina, intending to practise law at Charleston; but in 1808 Congress determined to increase the army on account of English aggressions, and young Scott was appointed Captain of a company of Light Artillery by President Jefferson. In July, 1812, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, and was ordered to the Niagara frontier, as war between the United States and England had been declared. He soon distinguished himself by recapturing a British brig in Niagara river. In October, 1812, he proceeded to Lewiston, and with six hundred men repulsed a large force of the enemy. Finally, after several severe conflicts, the enemy being reinforced (having 1300 men), and Scott's band being reduced to 300, they were obliged to surrender to the British.

The American prisoners were sent to Quebec, and thence to Boston. Scott was soon exchanged, and joined the army at Fort Niagara in May, 1813, as Adjutant-General. He soon led on the advanced guard in an attack on Fort George, and with great bravery repulsed the British, and captured the fort.

March 9th, 1814, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. In July his brigade and a corps of artillery crossed Niagara river and captured Fort Erie, and then advanced to