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Often appears with: military discipline and training · crime and punishment · justice as a virtue · conquest, plunder, and captives · counsel and advisers to rulers · supply, logistics, and encampment · forms of government · courage and cowardice · strategy and the aims of war · battle and tactics · siege and fortification · mobilization and recruitment
Usually: detachment (51) · narrative (44) · argument (43) · injustice endured (24) · indignation (24) · exhortation (19) · censure (16) · skepticism (16) · the test or trial (14) · curiosity (11)
“Wherefore, a wise man was wont to say that to hold a republic by force, there must be a proportion between him who uses the force and him against whom it is used.” Niccolò Machiavelli, Discourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius · insight
“forgetful forsooth, that by a man who governs a vast empire extremes of every kind are to be avoided as rocks by a mariner.” Ammianus Marcellinus, The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus · insight
“For, as wise men teach us, "The advantage and safety of the subject is the true end of just government.” Ammianus Marcellinus, The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus · precept
“Obedience is the only thing wanting now for our salvation. Obedience to the laws in the States, and obedience to officers in the army.” John Adams (as compiled/edited by Charles Francis Adams), Familiar Letters of John Adams and His Wife Abigail · precept
“It is not numbers or strength that gives victory in war; but, heaven helping them, to one or other of two combatants it is given to dash with stouter hearts to meet the foe, and such onset, in nine cases out of ten, those others refuse to meet.” Xenophon, Anabasis · insight
“It is very difficult to tell the truth, and young people are rarely capable of it. His hearers expected a story of how beside himself and all aflame with excitement, he had flown like a storm at the square, cut his way in, slashed right and left, how his saber had tasted flesh and he had fallen exhausted, and so on.” Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace · insight
“In the first place, to emit more bills will be rather dangerous; for money, or whatever passes for such, when it exceeds the amount of the commerce of a state, must lose its value; and the present circumscribed state of the American commerce, is perhaps within the amount of your emissions already made.” Jared Sparks (editor); Franklin, Deane, Adams, Jay, Lee et al. (correspondents), The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolu · insight
“The South must be ruled by us, or she will rule us. We must conquer them, or ourselves be conquered. There is no middle course.” William Tecumseh Sherman, Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete · precept
“We must succeed--no other choice is left us except degradation. The South must be ruled by us, or she will rule us. We must conquer them, or ourselves be conquered.” William Tecumseh Sherman, Memoirs of General William T. Sherman — Complete · insight
“For justice is truly said to be an honourable maiden, and falsehood is naturally repugnant to honour and justice.” Plato (translated by Benjamin Jowett), Laws · observation
“To remedy as much as possible these evils, I recommend: That an effectual embargo on exports be immediately enacted.” James D. Richardson (compiler), A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Pres · precept
“For it well deserves to be taken notice of, that we are so far from imagining that injustice ought to be punished in this life, merely on account of the order of society, which cannot otherwise be maintained, that Nature teaches us to hope, and religion, we suppose, authorises us to expect, that it will be punished, even in a life to come.” Adam Smith, The Essays of Adam Smith · insight
Cortes praises God for victory yet calls it the least brilliant in New Spain, orders Narvaez guarded and his capture compartmentalized until morning, and sends emissaries to persuade Narvaez’s detached cavalry to surrender.
it, and likewise for the brave companions he has given me; but I can assure you that this victory is the least brilliant we have yet gained in New Spain." With this Cortes broke off the conversation, and again cautioned Sandoval to guard the prisoners well. As I have above remarked, we had merely thrown fetters about Narvaez's legs, but we now secured him better, and placed a strong guard over him. I was among the l…
Gibbon outlines Genghis Khan’s code and institutions, including harsh criminal penalties, military discipline, rules of election and warfare, and a striking claim of religious tolerance under one God.
manners of pastoral nations, the conquests of Attila and the Huns, which were composed at a time when I entertained the wish, rather than the hope, of concluding my history.] From the spacious highlands between China, Siberia, and the Caspian Sea, the tide of emigration and war has repeatedly been poured. These ancient seats of the Huns and Turks were occupied in the twelfth century by many pastora…
Berg recounts a heated confrontation in which he was shouted at by the Duke, claims his correctness prevented any negligence notice, and Rostóv listens while Boris notices he begins to mock Berg.
Duke had ridden up to him in a violent passion, shouting: “Arnauts!” (“Arnauts” was the Tsarévich’s favorite expression when he was in a rage) and called for the company commander. “Would you believe it, Count, I was not at all alarmed, because I knew I was right. Without boasting, you know, I may say that I know the Army Orders by heart and know the Regulations as well as I do the Lord’s Prayer. So, Count, there ne…
Plutarch reflects that undisciplined armies destabilize empires, contrasting Roman turmoil after Nero’s death with Macedonian and Thessalian examples, and describes praetorians proclaiming Galba with promises of pay that lead to further murders.
And Plato, who can discern no use of a good ruler or general, if his men are not on their part obedient and conformable (the virtue of obeying, as of ruling, being in his opinion one that does not exist without first a noble nature, and then a philosophic education, where the eager and active powers are allayed with the gentler and humaner sentiments), may claim in confirmation of his doctrines sundry mournful instan…
He depicts military discipline—sudden reveillé and rapid mustering of the army—then documents morning movement, a meeting with King Mahmûd Welled Shauish, and his own fall near the pyramids.
the trees, was immensely picturesque and peculiar. Gradually they went out, all except the watch fires; the poor prisoners were bound more tightly, and it grew quieter in the camp. Osman Bey is a powerful, merry, and natural man, also a strict and esteemed officer. He promised me a specimen of the discipline and good order among his soldiers,--whose outward appearance would not inspire any very favourable prejudice,…
Philopoemen is made Hipparch by the Achaean league (around 210–209 BCE) and uses technical cavalry training and strict reprimands—unlike some weak or popularity-seeking officers—to restore morale and improve tactics.
[Sidenote: Elected Hipparch, B.C. 210. Cp. Plut. *Phil.* 7, συχνὸς χρόνος after the battle of Sallasia, B.C. 222.] Being then appointed Hipparch by the Achaean league at this time, and finding the squadrons in a state of utter demoralisation, and the men thoroughly dispirited, he not only restored them to a better state than they were, but in a short time made them even superior to the enemy’s cavalry, by bringing t…
Deane recommends Colonel Conway for American service, emphasizing his disciplinarian experience in France, his ties to America, and his requested rank as adjutant or brigadier general.
Gentlemen, I have recommended several officers to your service, but none with greater pleasure, scarce any one with so much confidence of his answering great and valuable purposes, as the bearer, Colonel Conway, a native of Ireland, advanced in the service by his merit. His views are to establish himself and his growing family in America; consequently he becomes our countryman and engages on the most certain princip…
Sherman writes about keeping Memphis orderly—controlling liquor, denying cruelty claims about hospitals, disciplining Dr. Derby, planning fort construction, and maintaining military authority over local trade.
that salt and arms are got to the interior somehow. I have addressed the Board of Trade a letter on this point, which will enable us to control it better. You may have been troubled at hearing reports of drunkenness here. There was some after pay-day, but generally all is as quiet and orderly as possible. I traverse the city every day and night, and assert that Memphis is and has been as orderly a city as St. Louis…
Sherman argues that the United States should keep gathering manpower into well-disciplined armies, reject compromise, and push the war “pure and simple” to victory or destruction.
in our own land, and compose the strife generated by it, we shall have enough people, resources, and wealth, if well combined, to defy interference from any and every quarter. I therefore hope the Government of the United States will continue, as heretofore, to collect, in well-organized armies, the physical strength of the nation; applying it, as heretofore, in asserting the national authority; and in persevering, …
On 13 April 1777 Adams visits the Potter’s Field, mourns thousands of soldiers dead of smallpox and camp diseases, urges discipline and better medical organization, and reports the French ship Morris being blown up after capture.
to hand last week, and contain a fine parcel of agreeable intelligence, for which I am much obliged, and I feel very important to have such a budget to communicate. As to the town of Boston, I cannot give you any very agreeable account of it. It seems to be really destitute of the choice spirits which once inhabited it, though I have not heard any particular charges of Toryism against it. No doubt you had your intel…
Adams comments on wartime prices and shortages, then stresses that armies can’t be safe without obedience to laws and discipline, before noting no news from Maryland and urging action against Burgoyne.
where the laws are not revered and most sacredly observed, nor can there be happiness or safety in an army for a single hour where the discipline is not observed. Obedience is the only thing wanting now for our salvation. Obedience to the laws in the States, and obedience to officers in the army. 12 o'clock. No express nor accidental news from Maryland to-day, as yet. 203. JOHN ADAMS. Philadelphia, 25 August, 17…
Tiberius, after recognizing Varus’ defeat was due to rashness, uses a council of war, tightens Rhine crossings and searches wagons, eats on the ground, writes detailed orders, and seeks clarity at night.
writing, with this injunction, that in case of any doubt as to the meaning of them, they should apply to him for satisfaction, even at any hour of the night. XIX. He maintained the strictest discipline amongst the troops; reviving many old customs relative to punishing and degrading offenders; setting a mark of disgrace even upon the commander of a legion, for sending a few soldiers with one of his freedmen across …
The narrator characterizes Belgians as simple and humane, arguing their discipline is weaker than militarized nations, compares governance by soldiers versus officials, and praises Belgian hospitals and operating-theatre equipment while criticizing Continental nursing.
same generosity of impulse. Everywhere we met the same gratitude for what England was doing for Belgium; no one ever referred to the sacrifices which Belgium has made for England. The one thing which so impressed us in the character of the Belgians whom we met was its simplicity, and the men who had risen to high rank did not seem to have lost it in their climb to fame. But it was just this, the most delightful of t…
Xenophon urges generals to appoint new leaders, restore soldiers’ morale with encouragement, and lead by example, claiming victory depends more on courage than numbers.
wealth and position, so now, when it is war, you are expected to rise superior to the common herd--to think for them, to toil for them, whenever there be need. "At this very moment you would confer a great boon on the army, if you made it your business to appoint generals and officers to fill the places of those that are lost. For without leaders nothing good or noble, to put it concisely, was ever wrought anywhere;…
Military law requires strict obedience to commanders, shared soldierly life, training for war, and courts for failure of service and desertion; it also warns witnesses against false testimony and distinguishes rightful from blameworthy loss of arms.
he be found guilty of robbing his country by fraud or violence, whether he be caught in the act or not, shall be punished with death; for he is incurable. Now for expeditions of war much consideration and many laws are required; the great principle of all is that no one of either sex should be without a commander; nor should the mind of any one be accustomed to do anything, either in jest or earnest, of his own moti…
Price describes boring depot games replacing meaningful training, slack discipline, segregation of soldiers in towns like Cologne, and the mix of rich and poor forming comradeship in the call to the front.
one thing the English War Office did *not* blunder--that is, when they refused the offer of Mr. Wells’s services as a soldier, until they had got the younger men trained. The spirit of the men was excellent. They were keen to learn what it was necessary to know; but as our curriculum was so meagre that it could be mastered in a month, they did not see why they should bother too much about repeating things they could…
Cicero argues that the force of practice and custom lets soldiers, athletes, gladiators, and even “Samnite” men endure pain and death, making them better examples than philosophical theorizing.
Where Hector’s fortune press’d our yielding troops; and he explains the rest, though in pain; so unbounded is military glory in a brave man! Shall, then, a veteran soldier be able to behave in this manner, and shall a wise and learned man not be able? Surely the latter might be able to bear pain better, and in no small degree either: at present, how ever, I am confining myself to what is engendered practice and disc…
Busbecq recounts a campaign and siege in Hungary, describing Ferdinand’s relief of Sigeth against Haly Bassa, and how a sanziack’s advice saves the Turkish army from a dangerous marsh.
between which stood his Head, as in a Valley. Two Teeth were prominent in his Mouth, like Boar’s Tusks, his Voice hoarse; in a Word, he was the Fourth Fury. The Day after he makes great Preparation for his Expedition into *Hungary*; where having spent some Time to provide Materials, he at last marches against *Sigeth*, and beats off those which were repairing *Babock*, a Castle of *Cæsar*’s; but *Cæsar*, being acqua…
Madison continues the argument that war-spending improves national security and retaliatory capacity, builds military discipline and unity, and expresses confidence that the U.S. will remain just and reciprocal in peace.
If much treasure has been expended, no inconsiderable portion of it has been applied to objects durable in their value and necessary to our permanent safety. If the war has exposed us to increased spoliations on the ocean and to predatory incursions on the land, it has developed the national means of retaliating the former and of providing protection against the latter, demonstrating to all that every blow aimed at …
Smith contrasts punishments meant to secure public safety—such as military discipline for a sleeping sentinel—with punishments for personal crimes, and adds a religious claim about punishment after death.
those who are not either extremely candid, or who have not been accustomed to correct and regulate their natural sentiments by general rules, it is very apt to damp it. Upon some occasions, indeed, we both punish and approve of punishment, merely from a view to the general interest of society, which, we imagine, cannot otherwise be secured. Of this kind are all the punishments inflicted for breaches of what is calle…
On October 5 the writer argues Paris’s defenses improved but its defenders remain undisciplined, describes citizen battalions and court-martial farce, mentions Trochu’s secret plan, and discusses Mont Valérien’s daily firing.
*October 5th.* From a military, or rather an engineering point of view, Paris is stronger to-day than it was two weeks ago. The defences have been strengthened. With respect, however, to its defenders, they are much what they were. The soldiers of the line and the marines are soldiers; the Mobiles and the Nationaux, with some few exceptions, remain armed citizens. Each battalion is an *imperium in imperio*. The men …
The proposal extends to staging children as war spectators on safe campaigns, placing them under veteran command, using mounts to ensure escape, and imposing penalties for cowardice while rewarding battlefield excellence with public honors and even enforced affection.
Clearly. Whether the future soldiers do or do not see war in the days of their youth is a very important matter, for the sake of which some risk may fairly be incurred. Yes, very important. This then must be our first step,—to make our children spectators of war; but we must also contrive that they shall be secured against danger; then all will be well. True. Their parents may be supposed not to be blind to the …
Maheu provokes the soldiers by exposing his tattooed naked breast to twisted bayonets, while Captain Richomme intervenes as an “old workman” and urges the miners to negotiate rather than howl insults.
in the effort to snatch them away. He twisted them in the strength of his fury; while Bouteloup, standing aside, and annoyed at having followed his mate, quietly watched him. "Just come and look here," said Maheu; "just look a bit if you are good chaps!" And he opened his jacket and drew aside his shirt, showing his naked breast, with his hairy skin tattooed by coal. He pressed on the bayonets, compelling the soldi…
Waverley reads family letters about his father Richard’s dismissal and political grievances, then receives a harsh order and newspaper notice of his own supersession, which leads him to consider resignation.
NEWS FROM ENGLAND The letters which Waverley had hitherto received from his relations in England, were not such as required any particular notice in this narrative. His father usually wrote to him with the pompous affectation of one who was too much oppressed by public affairs to find leisure to attend to those of his own family. Now and then he mentioned persons of rank in Scotland to whom he wished his son should …
Melville orders Gilfillan to keep disciplined formation and treat Waverley humanely, but Gilfillan insists his commission from Earl of Glencairn gives him no commands from Melville.
Gilfillan again smiled scornfully as he made this indirect answer,--'Even thus are the children of this world wiser in their generation than the children of light!' 'However, sir,' said the Major, 'as you are to take charge of this gentleman to Stirling, and deliver him, with these papers, into the hands of Governor Blakeney, I beseech you to observe some rules of military discipline upon your march. For example, I …
Waverley bristles at Fergus’s admission that Flora’s presence increases his political leverage, then hears Balmawhapple argue about proper treatment of prisoners, and meets Baron of Bradwardine who discusses Waverley’s commission loss.
relative of such a person as Flora Mac-Ivor; and where there is such a justling of claims and requests, a man must use every fair means to enhance his importance.' There was something in this last sentence which grated on Waverley's feelings. He could not bear that Flora should be considered as conducing to her brother's preferment, by the admiration which she must unquestionably attract; and although it was in stri…
In Edinburgh, Waverley opens a packet of letters and learns Colonel Gardiner has ordered him back to regiment; later letters reveal a scandal and possible treasonous toast.
'It is in my baggage,' replied Edward; 'we shall find it in Edinburgh.' In Edinburgh they soon arrived. Waverley's quarters had been assigned to him, by the Prince's express orders, in a handsome lodging, where there was accommodation, for Colonel Talbot. His first business was to examine his portmanteau, and, after a very short search, out tumbled the expected packet. Waverley opened it eagerly. Under a blank cover…
He explains Roman marching routines and weapon types, then argues their combat success comes from prior counsel, careful preparation, and correcting mistakes rather than relying on fortune.
asked them: they do this as filled with a kind of martial fury, and at the same time that they so cry out, they lift up their right hands also. 5. When, after this, they are gone out of their camp, they all march without noise, and in a decent manner, and every one keeps his own rank, as if they were going to war. The footmen are armed with breastplates and head-pieces, and have swords on each side; but the sword wh…
Pliny reports on Maximus his freedman and procurator, Gabius Bassus’s integrity on the Pontic frontier, and argues for proper disciplinary treatment of matters affecting military order.
XXVIII -- To THE EMPEROR TRAJAN AFTER having experienced, Sir, in Gabius Bassus, who commands on the Pontic[1026] coast, the greatest integrity, honour, and diligence, as well as the most particular respect to myself, I cannot refuse him my best wishes and suffrage; and I give them to him with all that fidelity which is due to you. I have found him abundantly qualified by having served in the army under you; and it …
As they approach Naum, a ferry and then desert passage allow the narrator to outmaneuver Tartars using flanking “wings” formation and coordinated musket volleys, after which they reach Naum and reward guards.
to charge his pistol again: but as soon as the Tartar saw the pistol away he scoured, and left my pilot, my champion I called him afterwards, a complete victory. By this time I was a little recovered. I thought, when I first began to wake, that I had been in a sweet sleep; but, as I said above, I wondered where I was, how I came upon the ground, and what was the matter. A few moments after, as sense returned, I fe…
The Scythians’ internal conflict is explained: slaves are targeted because Scythians fear being fewer, then a plan uses whips instead of arms to make rebellious slaves recognize their status and flee.
but when they shall see that we have whips instead of arms, they will perceive that they are our slaves, and having acknowledged this they will not await our onset." 4. When they heard this, the Scythians proceeded to do that which he said, and the others being panic-stricken by that which was done forgot their fighting and fled. Thus the Scythians had ruled over Asia; and in such manner, when they were driven out a…
Cyrus’s comrade mocks a new recruit as a “boor,” but another commander describes how he tried instructing soldiers and they only obeyed when both the order and the officer’s intent were clarified.
myself, for really I could not have controlled my laughter. There, Cyrus," said he, "that is a specimen of our new comrades, as nearly as I can draw his portrait." [6] The description, as may be guessed, was greeted with shouts of laughter, and then another brigadier took up the word: "Well, Cyrus," said he, "our friend here has certainly met with an absolute boor: my own experience is somewhat different. You rememb…
Cyrus arranges his camp with the commander at the center, faithful troops nearby, cavalry and charioteers in an outer ring, archers at front and rear, and heavy infantry surrounding the encampment like a wall.
more quickly in war and the evil from being too late is far more grave. Therefore he gave more thought and care to order and arrangement than to anything else. [8] His own position, to begin with, must be at the centre of the camp, as this was the safest place, and next to him must come his most faithful followers, as their habit was. Beyond these, in a ring, lay the cavalry and the charioteers. [9] For Cyrus held t…
It continues describing the same peoples’ manners: marriage and food habits, caution against poisoning, modesty, fearsome cruelty, severe laws, and military organization; then shifts to an account of how pearls form and why they’re valuable.
on the skin of another, who had been condemned for his injustice, is either an ancient fable, or else, if ever there was such a custom, it has become obsolete. 83. In military system and discipline, by continual exercises in the business of the camp, and the adoption of the various manoeuvres which they have learnt from us, they have become formidable even to the greatest armies; they trust chiefly to the valour of …
The narrative shifts to Valentinian’s virtues and accomplishments, praising his restraint in religion, military discipline, chastity, and public works, while noting partiality and resulting troubles.
reinforcements, and because also he fortified both banks of the Rhine with lofty fortresses and castles, to prevent the enemy from ever passing over into our territory without being perceived. 7. We may pass over many circumstances, and many acts which he performed with the authority of an emperor whose power was fully established, and many of the reforms which he either effected himself, or caused to be carried out…
A moral inventory of Valentinian’s alleged virtues and vices follows, contrasting his provincial consideration, military discipline, religious moderation, and personal chastity with partiality that spurs unrest in Britain and Africa.
of the barbarians were in motion; and the emperor, when he heard this, became at once so broken-spirited through fear that he became as gentle and merciful as Antoninus Pius. 13. He never intentionally appointed unjust judges but if he learned that those whom he had once promoted were acting cruelly, he boasted that he had discovered new Lycurguses and Cassiuses, those ancient pillars of justice; and he used to be c…
Argues that Australians’ fierce fighting won the landing, yet discipline and coordinated control later enabled holding and evacuation, culminating in a claim that “coolness” and “patience” defined victory.
Seat. But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth, When two strong men stand face to face, tho' they come from the ends of the Earth." The Australian had proved himself the fiercest fighter of the world. . . As one naval officer remarked, they fought not as men but devils. Many have said that much of the loss of life was needless, that had the Australians kept together and waited for orders no…
Haynes describes the execution of deserters John Egin and “Holt” (who admits he is McGuire from Yorkshire), detailing the regiment’s formation, priest, coffins, and firing.
*Friday, April 15.* This forenoon I witnessed the execution of two deserters from our regiment. One was the John Egin I have spoken of before, who was respited for a day. The other was a man who has gone by the name of Holt, but who last night acknowledged that his name was McGuire, and that he was from Yorkshire, England, where he had a wife and two children. The Second Regiment was drawn up in line, facing the exe…
Cleveland recounts Eugene Wells’s court-martial convictions for assault and for drunken misconduct, and says legislative restoration is not justified because Army discipline and justice require disapproval.
of that year he appeared before a naval examining board convened pursuant to law for the purpose of passing upon his fitness to be promoted to the grade of paymaster. The investigation of the board was conducted fairly and thoroughly. Much of the evidence relating to the candidate's moral fitness for promotion was documentary, and the examination touching his professional competency was of the usual character in suc…
Cleveland discusses ways to reduce Army desertions, reform courts-martial justice, and improve discipline, noting major trial counts and reforms needed to protect the honor of the services.
by the same recruit. I am convinced that this number of desertions can be much diminished by better discipline and treatment; but the punishment should be increased for repeated offenses. These desertions might also be reduced by lessening the term of first enlistments, thus allowing a discontented recruit to contemplate a nearer discharge and the Army a profitable riddance. After one term of service a reenlistment …
Cleveland vetoes a pension for George Wallen, citing a long record of enlistment and desertion; despite disputed disability facts, he concludes such a soldier with repeated desertion should not be pensioned.
Medical opinions are produced tending to show that drowning was not the cause of death. No *post mortem* examination was had, and it seems to me it must be conceded that a conclusion that death was in any degree the result of wounds received in military service rests upon the most unsatisfactory conjecture. GROVER CLEVELAND. EXECUTIVE MANSION, *February 12, 1889*. *To the House of Representatives*: I return with…
A new recruit, Duffy, persistently tries to avoid duty—saluting questions, resignation demands, fatigue work after a dream of dying—yet survives a route march and later earns a D.C.M.
me and said, "Are you one of those fellows I have to salute?" To this question I replied "Yes." Then he wanted to know why he had to salute me! I gave him the desired information and passed on. I could see that he was going to be an amusing character, and I had not long to wait before I found this to be true. He was paraded before me one morning by the sergeant. When I asked Duffy to state his business, he told me t…
It continues on Mughal elephants and then contrasts early efficient Mughal armies with Aurangzeb’s Deccan war, portraying its huge, undisciplined camp and growing weakness despite massive numbers.
and Hawkins says that Jehangir had twelve thousand elephants of all descriptions. Aurangzeb is reported to have maintained in the palace stables the more modest number of eight hundred elephants. The early Mogul armies were efficient and successful. Aurangzeb, however, conducted about the Deccan in his twenty-four years’ war of conquest a horde that resembled a migration rather than an army. For each fighting man th…
Responding to claims that Spain’s American weakness and European decline explain pirate success, the translator argues there was no lasting peace and that Spanish forces remained disciplined and courageous.
the Soil and Riches, the extreme heat of those Countries, and influence of the Stars being such, as totally inclineth their bodies unto an infinite effeminacy and cowardize of minds._ _Unto these Reasons I shall only answer in brief. This History will convince them to be manifestly false. For as to the continual Peace here alleadged, we know that no Peace could ever be established =beyond the Line=, since the first …
On Oct. 8, Russell describes an artillery review across the river, criticizes uneven equipment and grooming, notes a dangerous shell misfire, and shifts to a habeas corpus dispute in an obscure court house.
Lyons entertained the English visitors at dinner, the rooms were shaken by thunder claps, and the blinding lightning seemed at times to turn the well-illuminated rooms into caves of darkness. *October 8th.*--A review of the artillery at this side of the river took place to-day, which has been described in very inflated language by the American papers, the writers on which--never having seen a decently-equipped force…
The narrator explains “rules of war” and punishments for disobedience, including ejecting thieves with the “Rogue’s March,” using a “THIEF!” barrel, and confinement or hard labor.
PAINS AND PENALTIES. Among all civilized nations the "rules of war" seem to have been written with an iron hand. The laws by which the soldier in the field is governed are of necessity inexorable, for strict discipline is the chief excellence of an army, and a ready obedience the chief virtue of the soldier. Nothing can be more admirable in the character of the true soldier than his prompt and unquestioning response…
Harter argues for the power of military discipline, recounting how a guard at General Grant’s headquarters kept a spring for wounded soldiers even against demands, and he concludes Grant likely would not have sent the order again.
see it with my eyes shut, and that I could hear the water as it came gushing out of the hillside and flowed down to the meadow, plashing and rippling---- "I tell you, Harry," said the sergeant, suddenly interrupting my vision as he stepped into the circle of light in front of our little tent, and flung down his canteens, "there isn't anything like military discipline. I went down the road here about a quarter of a m…
Frontinus, introducing Book IV of the Strategemata, says he will treat famous but loosely classified examples as illustrations of general military science, grouped under discipline, its effects, restraint, justice, will to victory, moderation, and maxims.
Having, by extensive reading, collected examples of stratagems, and having arranged these at no small pains, in order to fulfil the promise of my three books (if only I have fulfilled it), in the present book I shall set forth those instances which seemed to fall less naturally under the former classification (which was limited to special types), and which are illustrations rather of military science in general than …
The author argues that war forces soldiers to re-adapt by releasing taboo impulses and imposing strict discipline, and that failure to reconcile ego ideals and repressed drives can produce war neuroses through symbolic symptoms.
and an older one, for the real strength and importance of the current one is often due to the fact that it has aroused buried and imperfectly controlled older ones. I have taken the one instance of cruelty, but there are many others in connection with warfare. It may, indeed, be said in general that the process of re-adaptation in regard to war consists of two distinct sides: on the one hand, war effects an extensiv…
Beginning in 1644, Hume contrasts royal and parliamentary strengths—territorial losses, discipline, finances, and social composition of officers—and notes Charles summoning a rival parliament at Oxford.
CHARLES I. {1644.} The king had hitherto, during the course of the war, obtained many advantages over the parliament, and had raised himself from that low condition into which he had at first fallen, to be nearly upon an equal footing with his adversaries. Yorkshire, and all the northern counties, were reduced by the marquis of Newcastle; and, excepting Hull, the parliament was master of no garrison in these quarter…
The author describes armed inspection and a brigade order stressing honor of a regimental flag and obedience to the Emperor’s Rescript, then frames the soldiers’ duty as guarding the empire’s safety.
it was not at all a disgrace to be on the waiting-list, on the contrary that they were to have the honor of dealing the finishing stroke to the enemy. After our regiment was ready to start, one sad affair took place. Togo Miyatake was one of those who were lodged in a Buddhist temple called Kwan-nonji to wait for a later summons. He was in good health and excellent spirits. When leaving home he had promised his pare…
While acting under guard instructions, the narrator salutes and repeats “Eyes right” even when pressured, earning additional days’ cells for his compliance.
snapped my head round so that my eyes caught the post squarely and swung my left hand up in a clean-cut parabola to "Eyes right," in good old regimental order. A half dozen shocked sentries came up on the double. It was they who were excited now. I was master of myself and the situation. The *unteroffizier* ordered me to repeat and salute. I did so--literally. The officer was, to all outward appearances, the only ot…
The introduction praises British heroism as compatible with just causes, argues war has virtues when necessary, and traces a long national tradition of disciplined courage from Roman times through later campaigns.
INTRODUCTION. Great Britain has produced a race of heroes who, in moments of danger and terror, have stood as "firm as the rocks of their own native shores," and when half the world have been arrayed against them have fought the battles of their country with heroic fortitude. We have written with no wish to foster a bellicose spirit, for we regard war as an evil which is only endurable when the cause is just. But no…
Hamilton continues arguing that officers’ rights to desired commands must yield to the general good and tranquility of the service, given opposition tied to brevet appointments.
judge of the proper limits; and there can be no doubt, that the rights of particular officers ought to give place to the general good and tranquillity of the service. I cannot forbear repeating, that my case is peculiar, and dissimilar to all the former. It is distinguished by the circumstances I have before intimated; my early entrance into the service; my having made the campaign of ’76, the most disagreeable of t…
In Seville, Lawrence admits he absented himself from guard, receives a drummed court-martial, is sentenced to four hundred lashes, endures the punishment, and reflects critically on the severity.
on account of Sir John Moore having been obliged to retreat; and the French cutting off our communication, we had to proceed to Cadiz and there embark again for Lisbon. I must here relate a circumstance which took place before I proceeded from Seville, which, although not very creditable to myself, is of too great importance as an event in my life to be omitted. I absented myself without leave from guard for twenty-…
The narrator describes a rough troopship voyage, where heavy seas drive soldiers into chaos, blankets and sleeping spaces are scarce, and he ultimately tries to rest in the saloon deck area under rain and orders from sailors.
was played, then "God save the Queen." Every hat on board and ashore was waving, and every voice cheering, and so we backed off, and steamed out of the basin. Sober facts had now to be considered. There were signs of a heavy swell outside, and something about "the lift of the great Cape combers" came into my head. We all jostled down to tea, and made the best of our time. There was no mistake about the swell, and a …
Shere Ali’s War Department created a Clothing Department for uniforms, but discipline and officers were weak; he began Sherpur fortress-building with huge plans, later abandoned after conflict with the British.
carriages and limbers were made on the English pattern, the guns captured in the disastrous business of 1841-42 serving as models in addition to the siege-train given by Lord Mayo. Among Shere Ali’s other improvements in his “War Department” was the establishment of a Clothing Department, which had for its object the equipment of his soldiers in proper uniforms. The tunics, trousers, kilts, gaiters, helmets, &c., ar…
Hardenbergh records daily movements and labor on Sullivan’s 1779 march, including building roads and a Tobehanna bridge, trials and floggings for stealing commissary rum, scouting and court-martial duties, and advancing toward Wyoming and the “Shades of Death.”
Thursday, 20th.--Rainy weather with some thunder; we remained in camp. Friday, 21st.--Foggy, rainy weather with thunder and lightning; remained in camp. This day Ensign Swartwout[30] arrived in camp from the State of New York, brought news that the Indians were lurking about Rochester and Wawasink; and the inhabitants chiefly moved off their families. Saturday, 22nd.--The weather continued rainy. Remained in camp. …
In March 1779, Israel Putnam reports a prisoner named Butler’s escape attempt involving a drunk dragoon who refused to return with horses, and Putnam urges sending the dragoon back in irons with supporting evidence.
SIR, I have received a letter from Colonel Emerick (British), informing me that one Butler, who has been a prisoner in New-York, being unable to travel on foot, obtained of Colonel Emerick a dragoon and two horses to conduct him some part of his way in the country. That Butler made the dragoon drunk, then brought him off, together with the horses. The whole of which he, in his letter, makes a demand to be returned. …
C. Asinius Pollio writes on 8 June describing his quaestor Balbus’s financial misconduct and factional behavior, including favoritism toward an actor and discussions of legions, mutinies, and what Cicero should do.
C. ASINIUS POLLIO TO CICERO (AT ROME) CORDUBA, 8 JUNE MY quaestor Balbus having amassed from the public taxes a large sum of ready money, a great amount of bullion, and a still greater amount of silver, has withdrawn from Gades without even paying the soldiers, and after being detained three days off Calpe by bad weather, on the 1st of June crossed into the kingdom of Bogudes, with a very pretty bit of money in his …