He held the opinion that the study of the higher mathematics had a tendency to lessen the ability to move armies in the field, yet expressed regret that he had not in his youth given more study to the subject.  He was very fond of whist, but was quite irritated when he was beaten and generally had a ready excuse for his defeat.  On one occasion he was playing a very close game, in the midst of which he left the table to expectorate in the fireplace.  He lost the game and said to one of the party, “Young gentleman, do you know why I lost that game?” “No, sir,” was the response.  “It was because I got up to spit.”  Scott was also a good chess player.

He used tobacco somewhat excessively until the close of the Mexican War, after which time he renounced its use entirely.  He was exceedingly vain of his accomplishments as a cook and specially prided himself on the knowledge of how to make good bread.  He spent several days in instructing the cook at Cozzens’ Hotel, West Point, in this art, and did not desist until the bread was made according to his standard.  He had a great aversion to dining alone, and rather than do so would cheerfully pay for the meal of any pleasant friend whom he would invite to dine with him.  General Scott openly professed himself a Christian and was a regular attendant at the services of the Episcopal Church.  He was broad and liberal in his views and condemned no man who differed with him in religious opinion.  He usually carried a large, stout, gold-headed cane, and after entering his pew would rest both hands on its head and bow his head, praying in silence.  It was difficult for him to kneel on account of his size.  He scrupulously joined with the greatest decorum and seriousness in all the services of the church, responding in a distinct, loud voice.

He was impatient with persons who could not recollect or did not know of dates and events which were conspicuous in his life.  He was asked at one time the date of the battle of Chippewa.  He answered blandly, “July 5, 1814.”  Turning to a friend, he remarked, “There is fame for you.”  The same party inquired in what State he was born.  He answered, “Virginia.”  “Ah,” said the questioner, “I thought you were a native of Connecticut.”  This left him in a bad humor for the remainder of the evening.  The editor of this series has said of him:  “General Scott was a man of true courage—­personally, morally, and religiously brave.  He was in manner, association, and feeling courtly and chivalrous.  He was always equal to the danger—­great on great occasions.  His unswerving loyalty and patriotism were always conspicuous, and of such a lofty character that had circumstances rendered the sacrifice necessary he would have unhesitatingly followed the glorious example of the Swiss hero of Sempach, who gave his life to his country six hundred years ago....  He was too stately in his manners and too exacting in his discipline—­that power which Carnot calls ’the glory of the soldier