The Old, Infirm Leader Who Resigned for the Good of the Country
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- During the early months of the Civil War, it had become clear that Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott was not physically able to manage the rigors of commanding the U.S. Army. Born the year before the U.S. Constitution was written, Scott spent half a century in the army, from the War of 1812 to the Civil War, advising seven presidents and running once, unsuccessfully, for the highest office in the land. In 1861, his Anaconda Plan to squeeze the seceded states economically through blockades and controlling the major rivers proved ahead of its time. But his body was failing and he needed to step aside for the good of the country and younger leadership. Scott lived until 1866-long enough to see the United States triumphant. Here's what happened.
"Life on the Civil War Research Trail" is hosted by Ronald S. Coddington, Editor and Publisher of Military Images magazine. Learn more about our mission to showcase, interpret and preserve Civil War portrait photography at militaryimagesmagazine.com and shopmilitaryimages.com.
This episode is brought to you in part by CS Acquisitions, the finest historical antique militaria. See the latest artifacts available for purchase at csacquisitions.com.
Image: Library of Congress
This channel is a member of the RUclips Partner Program. Your interest, support, and engagement is key, and I'm grateful for it. Thank you!
Ron, thank you for a timely lesson on how honorable men behave in a crisis. Americans in 1861 believed in honor, integrity, decency, respect and morality. The event of Gen. Scott's retirement, and how it was managed, should remind us how important those values are for today's America.
It’s a shame how few people today really know much of anything about the great Winfield Scott who played such a huge role in the early life of the republic.
How timely. Your devotion to primary sources cuts through layers of interpretation and gives us a clear window to the past. Thanks for your work.
Outstanding video, thanks for sharing our history!
Great leader who knew when to step aside in favor of younger men like Grant
Excellent video. He lived to see the Union preserved and his plan executed.
That I'm sure gave him the deepest life satisfaction than if he had attempted to command active armies
Imagine in 2024. If a leader knew that his infirmities prevented him from fully serving his country and stepping down on his own recognizance. Imagine that
Your choice of focus for this, and for many other videos that you post from time to time, makes the study of history poignantly relevant and meaningful. That you let the past speak for itself in the midst of our current events with so little commentary... this is a lesson in restraint, the mark of a gifted teacher. Thank you. Sincerely.
Now to make it really relevant, talk about when a "leader" who was a completely mentally unfit puppet, had propaganda cover for him for 3 years calling anyone who questioned his mental acuity "conspiracy theorist", then when it became too obvious, he was thrown out by his puppet masters , in favor of the unpopular DEI hire replacement he was forced to take on to placate riotous mobs who hate this country. oh and talk about how they denied primary voters any say in the candidate, for the third election cycle in a row (for democracy!)
Thanks. I had always known he came up with the Anaconda Plan but not what happened to him afterwards. A shame he was not in his prime to lead the Army of the Potomac for the next couple of years.
Ol' Fuss and Feathers
I should like to have heard some of his observations during the war, what his last letters or statements contained.
You may find his memoirs of interest: www.google.com/books/edition/Memoirs_of_Lieut_General_Scott_LL_D/et5dTcg3fq4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&printsec=frontcover
Agreed.
The most esteemed General Scott was fortunate that he had and, what is more, knew that he had a mighty, growing army and an outstanding Federal government with a loyal Congress and perhaps the greatest of all U.S. Presidents, assisted by a highly competent Presidential Cabinet, all of which could take over from him on his retirement and perform those duties necessary to preserve his precious country from a rebellion that sought to destroy it. He had laid the mighty, continent wide foundation for victory and could, in good conscience and relief, hand it to others to complete.
My 3x grandfather fought under Scott at the Battle of Lundy Lane near Fort Niagara during the War of 1812. Col. Scott was wounded in that action.
He was a little perturbed that his name was giving to a distant fort near the Kansas and Missouri border. I believe he deserved a better placement of a fort as well.
Was Scott a Major General, or Lieutenant General at retirement? He looks to have three stars on his epaulets. Thank You. Great work.
Ah Brevet Lt. General.
I believe that we have collectively lost full command of the English language.
True... And yet, as I noted the length of the sentences in that first report, I could not help but think that there is something to be said for the art of brevity in the convenience of our thoughts. Nonetheless, it certainly is wonderful to hear the English language employed with such skill and such a glorious flourish.
I have to remind myself that in the mid-19th century written/printed media was the only real option for long distance communications. In this context, choosing precise words and constructing sentences to accurately convey thoughts, instructions, and other information was critical.
@@lifeonthecivilwarresearchtrail It's an art we have all failed to practice well. Instead we have speech writers who speak for our leaders and those leaders are happy to read other's works as their own.
Say what?
Do you know where the letter to Sec. Cameron is today? My hometown is Lewisburg Pa. where he lived for some time. His brother James house is the home to the Milton Pa historical society. Col. James Cameron was one of the first officers in the US Army killed in the civil war.
Sorry to report I do not. Perhaps in the general's papers.
Every one in America had the sense of doing everything for the good of the country. I think Scott hung on long enough to see the country stay UNITED hence why he passed in 1866. Not that long ago I must add as my Great Grandfather was born that year and he bought the Farm that I still live and farm on 110 years after he purchased it.
Ron, my first impression is how our dear countrymen on average cannot speak good English. Stories like this are evidence of this fact. Regardless, Winfield Scott did so much for the USA and this story is well received! Thank you!
Before you complain about others you should look in a mirror. Proper English NOT good English. Maybe a little more schooling than you have might help.
For my money, Scott is the greatest general in US history
The Harrisburg Telegraph getting some play...bravo!
Hey Ron, did Soctt and Lee ever reconnect after the war?
I did not find any references to them making context in the short period of time between Appomattox and Scott's passing in 1866. Further research needed!
Halftime ended July 13 2024
The Anaconda probably beat the Confederacy all by itself.
Too bad we don't have generals like this today, who are not Woke! !
You have been lied to again! Our military officers and ncos are far superior in every way than any other country in the world!
...and he staved off a military conflagration with Britain in "The Great Pig War" in 1859.
I may have misunderstood th date but Lincoln died in 1865 how could he have been there in 1866 must have been Johnson
He retired 1861.