Scott Winfield

Scott, WINFIELD (1786-1866), American soldier, was born in Virginia, and, studying law, was called to the bar in 1806. He entered the army as a lieutenant in 1808, and in 1812 had risen to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was sent to the Canadian frontier, and saw some fighting there, becoming brigadier-general in 1814. He was severely wounded more than once, and after the war was offered the post of Secretary of War, but declined it, Congress thanking him for his services and promoting him. He was sent on several expeditions agninst the Indians, and in 1841 became Commander-in-Chief of the United States army. He commanded during the Mexican War, and captured Vera Cruz and other places, finally entering the city of Mexico in September, 1847. He retired from active service in 1861. He was a great tactician, a man of commanding presence, and a stern disciplinarian, and wrote some excellent works on military tactics.