Union general (1786–1866). A year older than the Constitution, the venerable Scott, hero of the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, became General in chief of the U. S. Army in 1841, a position he still held at the start of the Civil War. A Virginian, he was the only non-West Pointer of Southern origin in the Regular Army to remain loyal to the Union. ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 3.75 x 6, November 4, 1852, signed “Truly yrs, Winfield Scott.” Letter to C. H. Andrews. In full: “Looking over some hundreds of old letters this morning, I find one, un-opened, from you, with post-office stamp inclosed [sic], making inquiries about my religion, etc. I do not think that religion should be mixed up with politics in our country, altho the want of religion be a sufficient ground for excluding a man from office. I nevertheless answer your inquiry by saying that I have been a steady, undeviating protestant episcopalian since the commencement of memory down to this moment, except during some fifteen months when, between 18 & 20 years old, I was an infidel. Please give my kind regards to my old brother soldier of your city – Dr. Thomas - & add my condolences on the recent defeat of our party.” Intersecting folds, a few stray ink marks to two pages, and a rusty paperclip mark and scattered soiling to reverse of second page, otherwise fine condition. Written by Scott only two days after losing the election to Franklin Pierce—after this defeat, the Whig party fell apart making Scott the last Whig candidate for President. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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