Winfield Scott is generally considered the greatest American general in the time between George Washington and Robert E. Lee. He was the Mexican War supreme commander of the U.S. army, and led the southern expedition in a successful military campaign from Vera Cruz to Mexico City. Though he was wounded several times, the 6-foot 5-inch, 230-pound officer showed such judgment and courage that he was promoted to brigadier general, and won several other honours too.
Winfield Scott became a soldier at a time when the U.S. Army was very ineffective. By hard work, he made himself the best military man in the country. Moreover, he was a negotiator who avoided war on several occasions.
In 1852, the Whig presidential nomination went to Scott, but he was defeated easily. Three years later, the US Congress recognized his accomplishments by naming him a lieutenant general. He was known as Old Fuss and Feathers because of his attention to detail, and love for gaudy uniforms.
