Image by Prof. Ehrlich, Artist Photographed by Alex Arnold
Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886):
"Hancock the Superb"
Perhaps his name inspired his deeds. Winfield Scott Hancock was named after General Winfield Scott, best known for his service in the War of 1812 and as an unsuccessful presidential candidate in 1852. Hancock served with distinction in battle during the war with Mexico. He earned even greater fame during the Civil War, when he was ultimately promoted to major general. After his exceptional handling of his troops at the Battle of Williamsburg, Union Commander George McClellan called him "Hancock the Superb" ---the highest complement one officer could give another. On each of the three days in the Battle of Gettysburg, Hancock's leadership and decisions helped secure the Union victory despite being severely wounded himself. When President Lincoln was assassinated, he supervised the execution of those convicted in the conspiracy.
Like the man he was named after, Hancock would come close to trading his military career for the presidency, but would fall short. After the Civil War, his role as the general in charge of the military district covering Texas and Louisiana pleased former Confederates but not those who favored greater protections for newly-freed citizens. After some time in the Dakotas under President Grant, Hancock assumed command of the Department of the East in 1877, with headquarters at Fort Jay on Governors Island. In 1880 he ran for president as the Democratic nominee against another former Union army general, Republican candidate James A. Garfield. The popular vote was extremely close. Out of nine million ballots cast, Garfield won only 7,000 votes more than Hancock. But presidential elections are decided by the vote in the Electoral College, where Garfield won handily, 214 to 155. Still in command of the Military Division of the Atlantic, he died at Governors Island in 1886.
For more about Winfield Scott Hancock, see the Civil War Trust bio.
