We have already given
Gen. Scott's account of himself, which we are sorry to say shows that the
Lieutenant General has not been a dull pupil in the school of mendacity at
Washington, and that to his claim of being ‘"the greatest coward in the world,"’ he may add that of being the greatest story-teller, with the exception of
James Gordon Bennett and
Horace Greeley. It is established beyond all doubt that he is responsible for the invasion of
Virginia, in every particular of when, where and how, and that he was as certain of a crushing victory at
Manassas as he was of his own existence.
The whole military skill and resources of the United States Government were placed at his disposal and were used by him under a full sense of the vast importance of the result.
We have long been among the few who have been skeptical of
Gen. Scott's claims to greatness, and the manner in which he has quibbled and shuffled, and played the theatrical since this grand defeat, shows that he is as small in soul as he is big in body.
If he had been the great man he has been reputed, he would never have survived the retreat of his legions, but thrown himself into the midst of the bloody tide and gone down to a warrior's grave.
But, instead of that, we have him playing the stage here before that malignant lunatic,
Lincoln, and tragically denouncing himself for permitting
Winfield Scott to be forced into such a battle!
The venerable impostor still at his old tricks!
But we question whether they will save his reputation or his place.
Sometimes, the wicked have a foretaste in this world of what is in store for them in the next, and, if we mistake not, the gouty foot of the illustrious ingrate will soon take the first step in the rough road of
Jordan.
McClellan is virtually substituted in his place, and he will go down to his grave feeling that he has not only incurred the hatred of the
South, but the contempt of the
North, who love the treason better than the traitor.
