The Old, Infirm Leader Who Resigned for the Good of the Country

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.

Image: Library of Congress

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[giterdone]

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.

[oleeb]

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.

[TimFrakes]

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.

[johnt]

The Anaconda probably beat the Confederacy all by itself.

[thomasarcher]

I believe that we have collectively lost full command of the English language.

[bat-fqnl]

Outstanding video, thanks for sharing our history!

[trajan]

Excellent video. He lived to see the Union preserved and his plan executed.

[NormsJeanMorrissey]

Great leader who knew when to step aside in favor of younger men like Grant

[donb]

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.

[rogersheddy]

I should like to have heard some of his observations during the war, what his last letters or statements contained.

[rijrunner]

For my money, Scott is the greatest general in US history

[bertvosburg]

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.

[oldgeezerproductions]

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.

[statmonster]

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.

[cgrable]

...and he staved off a military conflagration with Britain in "The Great Pig War" in 1859.

[timothyhartzell]

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.

[petercampbell]

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.

[johnkeviljr]

Was Scott a Major General, or Lieutenant General at retirement? He looks to have three stars on his epaulets. Thank You. Great work.

[danielkitchens]

Hey Ron, did Soctt and Lee ever reconnect after the war?

[yisroelkatz-xjpq]

Too bad we don't have generals like this today, who are not Woke! !