General-in-Chief of the United States Armies in 1861

(1786-1866) A year older than the Constitution, the venerable Scott, hero of the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, became General in chief of the U. S. Army in 1841, a position he still held at the start of the Civil War. A true professional soldier, he was one of the very few men in the country who saw the need to prepare for a major military effort. His Anaconda Plan proved to be very sound. Succeeded by General George B. McClellan in Nov. 1861, he retired to write his memoirs, and died at West Point in 1866 where he is buried. A Virginian, he was the only non-West Pointer of Southern origin in the Regular Army to remain loyal to the Union.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 1/2 x 4 3/8 card. Seated view in uniform with epaulettes, sword and holding his chapeau hat. No back mark. Excellent condition.