Life in the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry's camp at Darnestown during the early fall of 1861 was pretty dull. So monotonous did Capt. Richard Cary find guarding the upper Potomac that he applied for a leave for the purpose of visiting Washington, DC. Permission was granted and Cary, along with Capt. Richard Goodwin, left for the nation's capital. Once there, Cary got it into his head to see General Winfield Scott, that venerable old soldier. With no little amount of cheek, Cary and Goodwin presented themselves at Scott's door. The porter, of course, informed the subalterns that the commanding general was far too busy to see them, whereat Cary sent up his card announcing himself as "Capt. Cary, Grandson of Col. T. H. Perkins, Boston." The next thing they knew, they were being ushered into Scott's presence. Connections, Cary concluded, are a wonderful thing to have in life.

Cary and Goodwin found Scott "sitting astride a chair & pointing out something on a map to General Mansfield who stood by his side." Cary went on to report the gist of their conversation to his wife:

"MYSELF: I have come General to pay my respects.

SCOTT: I am glad to see you, Sir. You have a very strong resemblance to your Grandfather (modest acquiesance on my part to this statement). Who is this gentleman?

MYSELF: Captain Goodwin, Sir, of the same regiment as myself.

SCOTT: I am glad to see you Sir. (To Me) You are I think a nephew of my old friend, Mr. Henry Cary of N.Y.

MYSELF: Yes, Sir!

SCOTT: Two daughters of Col. Perkins married two brothers of the name of Cary.

MYSELF: Yes, Sir. (A concise but full account of the two families, to whom married, &c.)

SCOTT: I am glad to have seen you young gentlemen & should be glad to see you at my house.

MYSELF: You are very kind, Sir. Is there any way in which we can obtain a pass to cross the other side of the river & see the works there?

SCOTT: Certainly, Sir. Colonel, write a pass for my two young friends. I am feeble, Captain, & must lean upon you (taking my arm & moving towards the chair at the table). You have a fine strong arm to rest upon, Sir! (modest bow & gentle simper on my part). You will find some fine works on the other side of the river. I am such a cripple that I've not been over at all myself. (Immense surprise & deep feeling exhibited by me). Take seats, gentlemen.

MYSELF: What will be the best way for us to see the fortifications, General.

SCOTT: Col. Wright. Col. Wright (Col. W. & an introduction), instruct my young friends as to their best way to cross the river & see the works there. If you were to remain longer I should be glad to see you at my table. Should you come here again I shall be glad to see you then.

MYSELF & CAPT. G.:Thank you, Sir. Good morning, Sir! (Exit)"

Cary came away immensely pleased with the success of their endeavor. General Scott was, he reported, was a robust and "magnificent looking man" when seated, but "when he moves he is very feeble." The General also "spoke in flattering terms of Mass[achuset]ts, and the troops she had sent."

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