[Ads-l] minor Great Scott note

[Stephen Goranson]

Though, e.g., Thomas Carlyle in 1838 ("On Sir Walter Scott") wrote at length about how "great" he was, there is a near-consensus that the interjection refers to General Winfield S., Mexican War (1840 ff) hero.
Between the former and the latter (transitionally?), in 1839, newspapers reported on "great Scott" meetings, supporting W.S.'s presidential candidacy.
E.g., New-York American [AHN], Nov. 22, 1839, 3/2
"the following address was adopted at the great Scott meeting...."
N.Y. Journal of Commerce, Nov 26, 2/4 "The had a great SCOTT meeting..."
N.Y. Herald Nov. 19, 2/1 "Call a great Scott meeting...."
Huron Reflector (Norwalk, Ohio)[n.com], Nov 26,  2/2, "GREAT SCOTT MEETING AT ROCHESTER."

SG

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