March 9, by joint resolution of Congress, he is voted the National thanks for himself and his officers and men, and the testimony of a specially struck gold medal in appreciation of his “valor, skill and judicious conduct.” May 20, 1848, he arrives home to his family at Elizabeth, near Philadelphia. Is assigned to command of the Eastern Department of the Army, with headquarters in New York. In 1850, after the death of President Taylor, he resumes his post in Washington as commander-in-chief of the Army. In 1850 he is awarded the honorary degree of LL.D. by Columbia College (University). June, 1852, he is nominated by the Whig party for President. He is opposed by President Fillmore and Secretary of State Daniel Webster, who had been candidates. Is badly defeated in the election by Franklin Pierce of the Democratic party. February, 1855, he is brevetted lieutenant-general from date of March 29, 1847――the surrender of Vera Cruz. This rank had not been in use since the death of Lieutenant-General George Washington, and was now revived by special act of Congress. In November, 1859, he sails in the steamer _Star of the West_ for Puget Sound, by way of Panama, to adjust difficulties arising between Great Britain and the United States over the possession of San Juan Island of the international boundary. In 1860 he counsels the Government to garrison the forts and arsenals on the Southern seaboard with loyal troops, and thus probably prevent the threatened secession of the Southern States. His advice is disregarded. In March, 1861, submits other plans by which he still hopes that the rebellion may be averted. Is offered high command by his native State, Virginia, and declines to forsake the Flag. October 31, 1861, being seventy-five years of age and long a cripple, almost unable to walk from wounds and illness, he retires from the army. President Lincoln and the cabinet call upon him together and bid him farewell. There are tears in the old hero’s eyes. November, 1861, he sails for a visit in Europe. December, 1861, is recommended by President Lincoln in first annual message to Congress for further honors, if possible. June 10, 1862, his wife dies, leaving him with three daughters, now grown. He removes from New York to West Point, and on June 5, 1864, after a year’s work he completes his autobiography in two volumes. He dies at West Point, May 29, 1866, aged eighty, lacking two weeks. INTO MEXICO WITH GENERAL SCOTT I THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER “The North Americans! They are getting ready to attack the city!” “Who says so? Where are they?” “At Point Anton Lizardo, only sixteen miles down the coast. A great fleet of ships has arrived there, from North America. The sails looked like a cloud coming over the ocean. The harbor is crowded with masts and flags. Yes, they are getting ready.” That was the word which spread through old Vera Cruz on the eastern coast of Mexico, at the close of the first week of March, 1847.