"WASHINGTON, _December 11, 1823_.

"SIR: One portion of the American community has long
attributed to you the most distinguished magnanimity, and the other
portion the greatest desperation in your resentments.

"Am I to conclude that both are in error? I allude to circumstances
which have transpired between us and which need not here be
repeated, and to the fact that I have now been six days in your
immediate vicinity without having attracted your notice. As this is
the first time in my life that I have been within a hundred miles of
you, and as it is barely possible that you may be ignorant of my
presence, I beg leave to state that I shall not leave the district
before the morning of the 14th inst.

"I have the honor to be, sir,

"Your most obedient servant,

"WINFIELD SCOTT.

"_The Hon._ GENERAL A. JACKSON, _Senator, etc._"

The following answer was promptly returned:

"MRS. O'NEIL'S, _December 11, 1823_.

"SIR: Your letter of to-day has been received. Whether the
world is correct or in error as regards my 'magnanimity' is for the
world to decide. I am satisfied of one fact: that when you shall
know me better you will not be disposed to harbor the opinion that
anything like desperation in resentment attaches to me.

"Your letter is ambiguous, but, concluding from occurrences
heretofore that it was written with friendly views, I take the
liberty of saying to you that whenever you shall feel disposed to
meet me on friendly terms, that disposition will not be met by any
other than a corresponding feeling on my part.

"I have the honor to be, sir,

"Your most obedient servant,

"ANDREW JACKSON.

"_General_ W. SCOTT."

General Scott was gratified at the reply, and called at once on
General Jackson, who received him kindly and graciously, and the next
day he departed for the West. In mentioning these facts General Scott
adds that "it is painful to reflect that so amicable a settlement only
meant with one of the parties a postponement of revenge to a more
convenient season."

This remark is in allusion to Scott's recall from the Indian War in
1836. General Jackson died the 8th of June, 1845, General Scott being
then at West Point. He was president of the Board of Examiners, which