On July 7, 1848, the President, through the Secretary of War, issued an order approving the findings of the court of inquiry, and adds: 

“The President, finding, on a careful review of the whole evidence, that there is nothing established to sustain the charge of ’a violation of the general regulation or standing order of the army,’ nothing in the conduct of General Pillow, nor in his correspondence with the general in chief of the army, ’unbecoming an officer and a gentleman,’ concurs with the court in their conclusion that ’no further proceedings against General Pillow in the case are called for by the interests of the public service,’ and he accordingly directs that no further proceedings be had in the case.”

As has been seen, General Scott had defied his enemies, whoever they were, to do their worst.  The charges against him were withdrawn, and the court only investigated the charges against General Pillow, with the result as given above.  The court was then dissolved.  It is probably fortunate for all the parties against whom General Scott had brought charges that a peace had been consummated, after a campaign in which all participants from the highest in rank to the private had borne such a brilliant part.

* * * * *

When General Scott arrived at Vera Cruz on his journey home he found several fast steamers in port, any one of which he could have taken passage in, but, with a consideration for the comfort of his men, which throughout his career he never failed to evince, he left them for the troops soon to embark, and taking a small sailing brig, loaded down with guns, mortars, and ordnance stores, started on his voyage to New York.  On Sunday morning, May 20th, at daylight, the health officer boarded the brig, and the general landed and proceeded to Elizabeth, N.J., to join his family.  He had the Mexican disease (diarrhoea) upon him, and required rest and good nursing.  He was not long permitted to enjoy his much-needed repose, for deputations from New York tendered him one of the most magnificent civic and military receptions ever extended to any hero in this country up to that time.

CHAPTER XIII.

General Taylor nominated for the presidency—­Thanks of Congress to Scott, and a gold medal voted—­Movement to revive and confer upon Scott the brevet rank of lieutenant general—­Scott’s views as to the annexation of Canada—­Candidate for President in 1852 and defeated—­Scott’s diplomatic mission to Canada in 1859—­Mutterings of civil war—­Letters and notes to President Buchanan—­Arrives in Washington, December 12, 1861—­Note to the Secretary of War—­“Wayward sisters” letter—­Events preceding inauguration of Mr. Lincoln—­Preparation for the defense of Washington—­Scott’s loyalty—­Battle of Bull Run—­Scott and McClellan—­Free navigation of the Mississippi River—­Retirement of General Scott and affecting incidents connected therewith—­Message of President Lincoln—­McClellan on Scott—­Mount Vernon—­Scott sails for Europe—­Anecdote of the day preceding the battle of Chippewa—­The Confederate cruiser Nashville—­Incident between Scott and Grant—­Soldiers’ Home—­Last days of Scott—­His opinion of noncombatants.