Career Army officer (1786–1866) who commanded forces in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War, the Mexican–American War, the Second Seminole War, and Civil War. Notably, in 1855, Scott became the first United States Army officer since Washington to hold the rank of lieutenant general. AMS signed twice, "W. S.," four pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 10, no date. Scott copies extracts from the Journals of the Continental Congress concerning the appointment of George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, probably used as notes for a lecture at West Point. Scott copies three pages of notes, then provides some original analysis on the reverse. The manuscript begins: "'Thursday—June 15, 1775. 'Resolved, That a general be appointed to command all the continental forces, raised, or to be raised, for the defense of American liberty…The Congress then proceed[ed] to the choice of a general, by ballot, and George Washington Esq. was unanimously elected." On the reverse, Scott writes, in part: "Under the act, May 28, 1798, Sec 5, Genl. Washington was 'commissioned as a lieutenant general.' The next year, viz; by the act March 3, 1799, Section 9, it is declared— 'that a commander of the army of the U.S. shall be appointed & commissioned by the style of 'general of the armies of the U. States.' Genl. Washington was appointed full general.". In very good condition, with staining affecting appearance, and several areas of paper loss.
