has withdrawn from the active control of the army, while the President and unanimous Cabinet express their own and the nation’s sympathy in his personal affliction, and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 be gratefully distinguished his faithful devotion to the Constitution, the Union, and the flag when assailed by parricidal rebellion.

“ABRAHAM LINCOLN.’

“General Scott thereupon arose and addressed the Cabinet, who had also risen, as follows: 

“’President, this honor overwhelms me.  It overpays all the services I have attempted to render my country.  If I had any claims before, they are all obliterated by this expression of approval by the President, with the remaining support of the Cabinet.  I know the President and his Cabinet well.  I know that the country has placed its interests in this trying crisis in safe keeping.  Their counsels are wise, their labors as untiring as they are loyal, and their course is the right one.

“’President, you must excuse me.  I am unable to stand longer to give utterance to the feelings of gratitude which oppress me.  In my retirement I shall offer up my prayers to God for this Administration and for my country.  I shall pray for it with confidence in its success over all enemies, and that speedily.’

“The President then took leave of General Scott, giving him his hand, and saying that he hoped soon to write him a private letter expressive of his gratitude and affection....  Each member of the Administration then gave his hand to the veteran and retired in profound silence.”

The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of War accompanied General Scott to New York the next morning.  On the same day (November 1st) Secretary Cameron addressed the lieutenant general the following letter in response to the latter’s of the day previous: 

“GENERAL:  It was my duty to lay before the President your letter of yesterday, asking to be relieved on the recent act of Congress.  In separating from you, I can not refrain from expressing my deep regret that your health, shattered by long service and repeated wounds received in your country’s defense, should render it necessary for you to retire from your high position at this momentous period of our history.  Although you are not to remain in active service, I yet hope that while I continue in charge of the department over which I now preside I shall at all times be permitted to avail myself of the benefits of your wise counsels and sage experience.  It has been my good fortune to enjoy a personal acquaintance with you for over thirty years, and the pleasant relations of that long time have been greatly strengthened by your cordial and entire co-operation in all the great questions which have occupied the department and convulsed the country for the last six months.  In parting from you I can only express the hope that a merciful Providence that has protected you amid so many trials will improve your health and continue your life long after the people of the country shall have been restored to their former happiness and prosperity.  I am, general, very sincerely,

“Your friend and servant.”