SCOTT, WINFIELD, 1786-1866, General. Four autograph letters signed to Colonel H. Brady, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Waterford, 17 April 1815-11 May 1822. Together 12 1/2 pages, 4to, minor abrasion to one leaf of letter of 18 January 1821. DOWNSIZING THE PEACE-TIME ARMY. A good group of letters from of "Old Fuss & Feathers," the future Mexican War commander and Presidential candidate in 1852, mostly on the reduction of the army: 17 April 1815: "...The odious duty of selection will...immediately commence. I suppose that the new [reduced] army list cannot be published before...next month...The term ten thousand men is considered to mean enlisted soldiers. This will enable the government to retain, the regiment of light artillery, 25 companies of the corps of artillery, 7 regiments of infantry & one of riflemen...The reduction is enormous...The President, however, expects to prevail upon Congress..."; 11 May 1822: "I presume you will receive an order...from Washington for the movement of your regiment & yourself with it...it is only intended that you should stay at the Sault of St. Mary till the fall...In the meantime prepare your requisitions. Huts will be built for the battalion & by the men. You will want among other things, tools, nails, some locks & hinges -- also a good supply of ammunition..." 18 January 1821: "...I also found the Secretary [of War, John C. Calhoun,] indisposed to make appointments, until it should be seen whether a reduction was to take place -- &, if so, to what extent..."; together 4 items. (4)