The late Robert E Scott.
This eminent citizen, whose foul murder, by a gang of Yankee marauders, we yesterday alluded to, was a native of
Fauquier, and eldest son of the late
Judge John Scott, of that county, one of the most eminent jurists of his day. The family are all distinguished for talent,
Captain John Scott, who was the original commander of the
Black Horse Troop, and
Dr. Martin Scott, formerly a professor in the Medical College, of this city, younger brothers of Robert E., having already earned a high reputation — the one by his political writings, and the other by his skill in his profession.
Robert E. Scott was educated at the University of Virginia, which he entered during the first session in 1825, and did not leave until he had passed through all the classes.
He took at college the stand which he maintained through life.
He became notices at once among his companions for his high spirit and lofty contempt of anything mean or shuffling, not less than for his powerful understanding and earnest application to his studies.
Throughout the time of his sojourn at the
University, he stood among the first in his classes, and left the institution with a high reputation and a mind stored with knowledge.
He commenced the practice of law about the year 1830, and almost at a bound placed himself on the same platform with the best and oldest of his associates.
What he once gained be never lost.
His application was equal to his talents, and he improved every day to the hour of his death.
When that deplorable event occurred, he was among the ablest lawyers
Virginia has ever produced.
Between the years 1835 and 1840 he was elected to the Legislature from his native county, and continued to represent it for many years.
Among the many men of powerful talent who were in the Legislature during the time of his service, he met with no superior.
Had it been his fortune to represent his district in Congress, it is believed hat he twould have made a
national reputation, not inferior to that of any man who represented
Virginia in his time.
He was in the late Convention, and was distinguished for the zeal with which he opposed secession, as long as he believed it possible, consistently with honor, to hold on to the
Union.
Robert E. Scott was a man of the most inflexible integrity.
He thought for himself, and he thought powerfully.
When his convictions were once certain, he maintained them with unflinching tenacity.
Yet his firmness, great as it was, never degenerated into brute obstinacy.
He was always open to reason, and if he seldom changed his mind, it was because he was accustomed to study every question thoroughly before he made it up. He is believed to have been a perfectly just man, and his high spirit could not brook the manifestation of injustice on the part of others.
Had he been a younger man, he would doubtless have been a distinguished officer in this war, for he had all the requisites of a great General except experience; calm, unshaken courage; a high order of talent; great force of character; a will as determined as that of Cœsar, and that talent for commanding the obedience of men, without which ail other talents are thrown away upon a General.
It must make the blood of every Virginian boil in his veins, when he thinks upon his fate.
