Critics have identified John A. B. C. Smith as representing General Winfield Scott, one of the longest-serving generals in American history who had commanded forces in the War of 1812, the Mexican–American War, and the American Civil War. Scott was actually a close relative of the second wife of Poe's foster father John Allan.
Critics have associated John A. B. C. Smith with General Winfield Scott, who held a prominent position in American military history, commanding forces during key conflicts such as the War of 1812, Mexican–American War, and American Civil War. It is also known that Scott was related to Poe's foster father John Allan.