Two weeks later, the general-in-chief renewed his request that he be placed on the retired list. On November 1, Lincoln agreed and, along with the cabinet, paid a visit to Scott, who was too weak to sit up. The president read him a statement as he lay on his couch: “The American people will hear with sadness and deep emotion that General Scott has withdrawn from the active control of the army, while the President and a unanimous Cabinet express their own and the nation’s sympathy in his personal affliction and their profound sense of the important public services rendered by him to his country during his long and brilliant career, among which will ever be gratefully distinguished his faithful devotion to the Constitution, the Union, and the Flag, when assailed by parricidal rebellion.” Lincoln assured the general that his staff would be well taken care of. The aged hero of Lundy’s Lane wept as he listened to the president’s words, replied graciously, and shook hands with his visitors as he bade them a sad farewell. Upon emerging from the room, Lincoln, too, had tears in his eyes.
Source: Abraham Lincoln ∶ A Life ▫𓂃
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