The Greensborough Patriot

Jan. 2, 1862

Page 2

For the Patriot.

Capt. William L. Scott.

Mr. Editor: -- It will doubtless be gratifying to the friends of Capt. Scott, many of whom are habitual readers of the Patriot, to hear of his continued good health; of his fidelity and kindness to the brave Guilford boys under his command, and his position here as a gallant officer and high toned gentleman.

From my observation and acquaintance in the army, since I have been in the service, I feel safe in expressing the opinion that there are not a great many men, whether taken from civil life, or of military education, who possess the prerequisites and elements of character indispensably necessary to constitute a good officer. To one who has seen army service at all it is made manifest daily that something more is necessary, than mere military training and consequent capacity to drill; the higher qualities of head and heart—of head to plan and execute, and heart to feel for and sympathize with the soldiers, whether sick or in trouble,--are of much more importance either in camp life, with its daily routine of duties, or on the battlefield. As a friend and brother officer of Capt. Scott, I believe I but express the sentiments of every officer and soldier in his own company, as well as those of a large majority of the Regiment, when I claim for him the qualities I have enumerated. Possessed of fine scholarly attainments as well as superior intellect,--an honest purpose and a true heart,--he knows his duty and he does it. A good disciplinarian, sober, prudent, and of irreproachable moral character, firm but courteous, and social and affable when not on duty, his example is most worthy of imitation, and its beneficent effects are felt and seen among his men to their credit and honor,--whilst amid the sickness and sad mortality of the Regiment, in which I am pained to say, in the providence of God, his company shared largely, his unremitting attention, and his kindness and tenderness of feeling merits all praise. Such is the man that the “Dixie Boys” are proud to call their Captain,--an officer, who in a higher position would reflect honor on our army, and the country.

A LIEUTENANT of the Regiment.