George Scott
by Krysta CardinaleGeorge Scott Biography
George Scott was a runaway slave from a plantation in Yorktown during the American Civil War. Subsequently, he voluntarily reported military information that he came across while fleeing north to a Union general. Scott is now considered one of the most important black spies. His information prevented a surprise attack on Fort Monroe in Virginia by the Confederates and became one of the first largest battles of the Civil War. During the American Civil War the Union army found much success in using black dispatchers to gain Confederate Intelligence. The use of black dispatchers (also known as spies), proved to be very successful since slaves in the south were not recognized as people and were often ignored. Thus, military strategies were often discussed in front of them without concern.
As George Scott traveled to Fort Monroe, he observed that the Confederacy had put up two fortifications along the route. George Scott then provided this information to Union General Benjamin F. Butler, the commander at Fort Monroe. Scott explained both the defense points and troop movements to the commander. Union officers looking to validate Scott's claims had him travel across enemy lines to obtain further details. George Scott completed several missions with a Union officer scouting the enemy lines. On one particular mission he was almost shot after being spotted by a Confederate, but fortunately the bullet only pierced his jacket.
Not only were Scott's claims validated, it was also learned that the Confederate army was planning a large-scale attack on the town of Newport News. The capture of the city would alienate Union forces in Fort Monroe and jeopardize re-supply efforts. A preventative strike was ordered. Even though the Union lost the battle, Scott's information was paramount in preventing a much more disastrous outcome.
