Winfield Scott (June 13, 1786 - May 29, 1866) is an American general, diplomat and candidate for the Presidency of the United States. Biography He was born near Petersburg, Virginia. His father was a farmer who participated in the American War of Independence and his mother came from a Virginia family. Both parents died when he was young. Scott studied at the William and Mary College before studying law. He practiced as a lawyer and then enlisted in the War of 1812. He made his mark during the Niagara Campaign during the battles of Chippawa and Lundy's Lane. Severely touched during this last...