He went with General Hampton to Washington, where the general asked him to accompany him on an official visit to the Secretary of War.  An unpleasant correspondence had a short time previously occurred between the general and the secretary, yet he felt it his duty to make the call.  On General Hampton’s name being announced to the secretary the latter appeared at the door and extended his hand, while General Hampton simply bowed and crossed his hands behind him.  A conversation on official matters was held, at first formal and cold, but gradually terminating in one of a friendly character.  When General Hampton rose to leave he extended to the secretary both of his hands; but it was now the latter’s turn, and he bowed and placed his hands behind him.  General Hampton sent a challenge to mortal combat, but mutual friends settled the matter without bloodshed, by requiring that Hampton should on the next morning present himself at the secretary’s door with both hands extended in the presence of the same persons who witnessed the former meeting.  Colonel Scott was now ordered to Philadelphia to mobilize his regiment and organize a camp of instruction.  On his own solicitation, he was soon afterward ordered to report to Brigadier-General Alexander Smyth, near Buffalo, N.Y.

[Illustration:  The Niagara frontier]

The Congress of the United States made formal declaration of war against Great Britain and its dependencies June 18, 1812.  In the month previous General William Hull had been appointed to the command of the northwestern army, intended for the invasion of Canada.  This army arrived on the Maumee River on May 30th, and marching northward subsequently crossed over at Detroit.  High hopes were entertained of the success of this expedition, and the bitterest disappointment and chagrin were manifested throughout the country when it was learned that Hull had surrendered his entire command to the British General Brock on August 14th.  The regiment to which Colonel Scott was assigned was the Second Artillery.  Colonel George Izard and he arrived on the Niagara frontier with the companies of Nathan Towson and James Nelson Barker.  He was posted at Black Rock for the protection of the navy yard there established.

An expedition had been planned by Lieutenant Elliott, of the navy, for the capture or destruction of two armed British brigs which were lying under the guns of Fort Erie.  On October 8th Colonel Scott detached Captain Towson and a portion of his company to report to Elliott.  On the morning of the 9th the Adams was taken by Elliott and Lieutenant Isaac Roach, and the Caledonia was captured by Captain Towson.  In passing down the river the Adams drifted into the British channel and ran aground under the British guns.  The enemy endeavored to recapture her, but were successfully resisted by Colonel Scott.  This was his first experience under fire, and he was complimented for his skill and gallantry.  The Caledonia was afterward a part of Commodore Perry’s fleet on Lake Erie.  The Adams, having drifted aground, was burned to prevent recapture.