Before his military career , Pillow practiced law and was active in Democratic Party politics . He was a floor leader in support of the nomination of fellow-Tennessean James K. Polk at the 1844 Democratic National Convention . In 1847 , Pillow was commissioned a brigadier general of volunteers to serve in the Mexican – American War , and was later promoted to major general . He performed reasonably well , and was wounded that year at Cerro Gordo and Chapultepec . However , controversy arose when , in a series of letters , Pillow tried to take what was perceived by some as undue credit for American victories at the expense of his commander , Major General Winfield Scott . Pillow was court-martialed for insubordination , but with President Polk 's assistance , the court-martial was reduced to a court of inquiry , which in 1848 exonerated Pillow
1844 Democratic National Convention
1844 Democratic National Convention
Gideon Johnson Pillow