HKB
60 passages · search this phrase →
Often appears with: conquest, plunder, and captives · battle and tactics · strategy and the aims of war · supply, logistics, and encampment · siege and fortification · naval warfare and sea power · courage and cowardice · counsel and advisers to rulers · forms of government · mobilization and recruitment · diplomacy and embassies · justice as a virtue
Usually: narrative (873) · detachment (692) · argument (452) · the test or trial (193) · curiosity (192) · exhortation (178) · censure (166) · indignation (164) · crisis of belief (163) · skepticism (149)
“Therefore, let him who has no desire to conquer make use of these arms, for they are much more hazardous than mercenaries, because with them the ruin is ready made; they are all united, all yield obedience to others; but with mercenaries, when they have conquered, more time and better opportunities are needed to injure you;” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · insight
“In conclusion, in mercenaries dastardy is most dangerous; in auxiliaries, valour. The wise prince, therefore, has always avoided these arms and turned to his own; and has been willing rather to lose with them than to conquer with the others, not deeming that a real victory which is gained with the arms of others.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · precept
“A prince ought to have no other aim or thought, nor select anything else for his study, than war and its rules and discipline;” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · precept
“Now on a distant shore, no kind mortality near him, Far all household love, every familiar urn, Tomb'd in Troy the malign, in Troy the unholy reposing.” Gaius Valerius Catullus (translated by Robinson Ellis), The Poems and Fragments of Catullus · vivid
“But the scanty wisdom of man, on entering into an affair which looks well at first, cannot discern the poison that is hidden in it, as I have said above of hectic fevers. Therefore, if he who rules a principality cannot recognize evils until they are upon him, he is not truly wise.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · insight
“But the scanty wisdom of man, on entering into an affair which looks well at first, cannot discern the poison that is hidden in it, as I have said above of hectic fevers.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · insight
“I conclude, therefore, that no principality is secure without having its own forces; on the contrary, it is entirely dependent on good fortune, not having the valour which in adversity would defend it.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · insight
“No man would refuse to give brass for silver or gold, because the latter had some alloy in it.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · precept
“Either the mode in which the federal government is to be constructed will render it sufficiently dependent on the people, or it will not. On the first supposition, it will be restrained by that dependence from forming schemes obnoxious to their constituents.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · insight
“if any of our guardians shall try to be happy in such a manner that he will cease to be a guardian, and is not content with this safe and harmonious life... then he will have to learn how wisely Hesiod spoke, when he said, 'half is more than the whole.” Plato, The Republic · precept
“This whole transaction gave us Americans the first suspicion that our exalted ideas of the prowess of British regulars had not been well founded.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · observation
“I approve, says I, of his rule, and will practice it with a small addition; I shall never ask, never refuse, nor ever resign an office.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · precept
Within Sura XXVII (“The Ant”), it narrates Moses’ encounter with God in fire, David and Solomon’s wisdom, Solomon’s command to summon legions, and the Queen of Sheba’s rejection of God and eventual submission.
2 Waquidy says the night-journey took place on the 17th of Rabhy' 1, a twelvemonth before the Hejira. 3 Of Jerusalem; and thence through the seven heavens to the throne of God on the back of Borak, accompanied by Gabriel, according to some traditions; while others, and those too of early date, regard it as no more than a vision. It was, however, in all probability a dream. Muir ii. 219; Nöld. p. 102, who give the Mu…
The passage explains and quotes Sura VIII on war booty (spoils), framing it as God and the apostle’s, and recounting the believers’ departure, God’s promise of angels, and instructions for fighting and discipline at battle.
that he might thereby cleanse you, and cause the pollution of Satan to pass from you, and that he might gird up your hearts, and stablish your feet by it: When thy Lord spake unto the angels, "I will be with you: therefore stablish ye the faithful. I will cast a dread into the hearts of the infidels." Strike off their heads then, and strike off from them every finger-tip. This, because they have opposed God and his…
Quotations stress that betrayal and disobedience bring humiliation, distinguish between righteous and infidels, warn against alliances with outsiders, and recount battles such as Badr with angelic aid.
They will never inflict on you but a trifling damage; and if they do battle with you, they shall turn their backs to you: then they shall not be succoured. Shame shall be stamped upon them36 wherever found, unless they ally them with God and men! And the wrath of God will they incur, and poverty shall be stamped upon them! This-for that they believed not in the signs of God, and slew the prophets unjustly: This-beca…
Sura LXI (Battle Array) instructs believers to fight in disciplined ranks, recalls Moses and Jesus, promises divine reward, and rebukes hypocrisy and hesitation toward God’s cause.
is, who rejoice in their successful corruptions of their own sacred books, especially the testimony of Moses to Muhammad, and in their own fancied righteousness. Thus some of the commentators. 57 Lit. some of you are from others. These words were occasioned by one of the Prophet's wives having told him that God often praised the men, but not the women, who had fled their country for the faith. Beidh. 58 Lit. their …
It allows shortened prayers during danger, orders a party-based prayer while guarding against infidels, reminds soldiers to continue pursuit, and instructs fair judgment and repentance.
and if any one shall quit his home and fly to God and his apostle, and then death overtake him,-his reward from God is sure: for God is Gracious, Merciful! And when ye go forth to war in the land, it shall be no crime in you to cut short your prayers,22 if ye fear lest the infidels come upon you; Verily, the infidels are your undoubted enemies! And when thou, O apostle! shalt be among them, and shalt pray with them…
Pepys continues travels and then returns to London, where he sees militia and hears thanksgiving for the Parliament’s return, discusses Monk and Pepys’s lord’s naval command, and meets at Parliament-related places.
who told us he had lost his journey, for my Lord was gone from Hinchingbroke to London on Thursday last, at which I was a little put to a stand. 27th. Up by four o'clock: Mr. Blayton and I took horse and straight to Saffron Walden, where at the White Hart, we set up our horses, and took the master of the house to shew us Audly End House, who took us on foot through the park, and so to the house, where the housekee…
Pepys continues aboard ship, tracking how naval and parliamentary politics swing to the King: he hears Lambert taken, Parliament meets with speakers chosen, and officers worry about Cavaliers versus Presbyterians.
by which he is capable of being elected for them. This day I heard that the Army had in general declared to stand by what the next Parliament shall do. 15th (Lord's day). To sermon, and then to dinner, where my Lord told us that the University of Cambridge had a mind to choose him for their burgess, which he pleased himself with, to think that they do look upon him as a thriving man, and said so openly at table. A…
The party takes leave of King Charles II; the fleet weighs anchor for England, and Pepys hears detailed stories from the King about his escape from Worcester and hardships traveling on foot.
[The Naseby now no longer England's shame, But better to be lost in Charles his name. DRYDEN'S ASTRAEA REDUX.] That done, the Queen, Princesse Royalle, and Prince of Orange, took leave of the King, and the Duke of York went on board the London, and the Duke of Gloucester, the Swiftsure. Which done, we weighed anchor, and with a fresh gale and most happy weather we set sail for England. All the afternoon the King w…
Beginning September 1–5, Pepys meets naval officials, hears political fears about a Presbyterian rising on a significant day, and records court and naval comparisons with Queen Elizabeth’s fleet and artillery practices.
to struggle and to look after his business. I also put him upon getting an order from the Duke for our inquiries into the Chest, which he will see done. Mr. Creed and I walked down to the Tylt Yard, and so all along Thames-street, but could not get a boat: I offered eight shillings for a boat to attend me this afternoon, and they would not, it being the day of the Queene's coming to town from Hampton Court. So we …
Pepys reports church music at Whitehall chapel, travel to Whitehall by water, dinner at Sheriff Maynell’s, observations of Catholic worship at St James’s, and advice about Tangier’s garrison and the Mole’s financing.
and hath almost cut the fingers of one of his hands off; which I am very sorry for: but this is the vanity of being apt to command and strike. 14th. To White Hall chapel, where sermon almost done, and I heard Captn. Cooke's new musique. This the first day of having vialls and other instruments to play a symphony between every verse of the anthems; but the musique more full than it was the last Sunday, and very fin…
Pepys records Sunday churchgoing in London, then his work at the Navy Office and Whitehall: Monk’s advice about guards passing through the City, payment of fleets from Portugal, and international church politics.
Temple, hearing a bit there too, and observing that in the streets and churches the Sunday is kept in appearance as well as I have known it at any time. 10th. A little to the office, and so with Sir J. Minnes, Sir W. Batten, and myself by coach to White Hall, to the Duke, who, after he was ready, did take us into his closett. Thither come my Lord General Monk, and did privately talk with the Duke about having the …
Pepys describes being seized as a prisoner by a “Commission of Rebellion” over Field’s case, the farcical/hostile bailiff encounter at his office, and his efforts to avoid disgrace and maintain routine duties.
did give the Duke and Mr. Coventry an account of that and other like matters in writing under oath, of which I was ashamed, and for which I was sorry. 22nd (Lord's-day). Went not out all the morning; but after dinner to Sir W. Batten's and Sir W. Pen's, where discoursing much of yesterday's trouble and scandal; but that which troubled me most was Sir J. Minnes coming from Court at night, and instead of bringing gre…
Pepys visits Hide Park for a King’s Guards muster, later attends the Archbishop’s funeral procession too late, and remarks on Roman letters on a hanging while writing lists of ships at his office.
6th. At my office all the morning, writing of a list of the King's ships in my Navy collections with great pleasure. 7th. In Mr. Pett's garden I eat some of the first cherries I have eat this year, off the tree where the King himself had been gathering some this morning. Deane tells me that Mr. Pett did to-day, that my Lord Bristoll told the King that he will impeach the Chancellor of High Treason: but I find tha…
A long conversation continues on military discipline, public mismanagement of revenue, and the Navy’s leadership, including accusations and reputations around Sir William Penn and related political-religious figures.
and did desire me to observe it to my Lord Sandwich, among other things, that of all the old army now you cannot see a man begging about the streets; but what? You shall have this captain turned a shoemaker; the lieutenant, a baker; this a brewer; that a haberdasher; this common soldier, a porter; and every man in his apron and frock, &c., as if they had never done anything else: whereas the other go with their belts…
He records court gossip and observations at tennis and Pell Mell, notes a razer shaving practice he plans to keep for saving time and money, and recounts merchants’ theft news and rumours around Colonel Turner and others.
find by the ease I do it with that I shall continue, it saving me money and time; that is, to trimme myself with a razer; which pleases me mightily. 8th. We had great pleasure this afternoon; among other things, to talk of our old passages together in Cromwell's time; and how W. Symons did make me laugh and wonder to-day when he told me how he had made shift to keep in, in good esteem and employment, through eight …
Pepys relays King’s and Coventry’s conversation on differing kinds of valour, contrasting figures like Blake, Prince Rupert, and Teviott, then continues with Sandwich’s party at Trinity House.
us look to ourselves, for it was this day three years that so many brave Englishmen were knocked on the head by the Moores, when Fines made his sally out." 4th. Mr. Coventry discoursing this noon about Sir W. Batten, (what a sad fellow he is!) told me how the King told him the other day how Sir W. Batten, being in the ship with him and Prince Rupert when they expected to fight with Warwicke, did walk up and down sw…
After playgoing and domestic amusements, Pepys records long reading of old navy books, a crowded social day and troublesome late night boat travel with anxious noblewomen, then hears De Ruyter’s death at Calais.
than just to make him civill, and to command in words of great obligation to his officers and men; but without any the least disturbance in his judgment or spirit. 6th. By barge with Sir W. Batten to Trinity House. Here were my Lord Sandwich, Mr. Coventry, my Lord Craven, and others. A great dinner, and good company. Mr. Prin also, who would not drink any health, no, not the King's, but sat down with his hat on …
Pepys continues the Privy Council discussion about stopping Turkey merchant ships from going out with insufficient naval escort, explains shortages of sailors, and then records other administrative and naval committee activity.
14th. To the King's house, there to see Vulpone, [A Comedy by Ben Jonson.] a most excellent play: the best I think I ever saw, and well acted. 15th. With Sir W. Pen in his coach to my Lord Chancellor's, where by and by Mr. Coventry, Sir W. Pen, Sir J. Lawson, Sir G. Ascue, and myself were called in to the King, there being several of the Privy Council, and my Lord Chancellor lying at length upon a couch (of the gou…
Pepys goes to Sheerness and then receives orders about relocating to Greenwich; he details a naval setback at Bergen involving Dutch ships cutting cables and rendering English fire-ships useless.
laying out the ground to be taken in for a yard to lay provisions for cleaning and repairing of ships, and a most proper place it is for the purpose. 19th. Come letters from the King and Lord Arlington, for the removal of our office to Greenwich. I also wrote letters, and made myself ready to go to Sir G. Carteret, at Windsor; and having borrowed a horse of Mr. Blackbrough, sent him to wait for me at the Duke of A…
Pepys describes visiting Lord Sandwich aboard a fleet of over 100 ships, learning it suffers from poor provisions and naval complications near Bergen, and then records later dire plague statistics at Lambeth.
on other Occasions.] Sir Thomas Teddiman, and Sir Roger Cuttance. So to our Yacht again, having seen many of my friends there, and continued till we come into Chatham river. 20th. To Lambeth. But, Lord! what a sad time it is to see no boats upon the River; and grass grows all up and down White Hall court, and nobody but poor wretches in the streets! and, which is worst of all, the Duke showed us the number of th…
With war and plague intensifying, Pepys boards the Bezan, visits the Chatham yard with Commissioner Pett, hears of deaths among watermen, and discusses his office’s urgent victualling and prisoner responsibilities.
I ever saw in my life. Thence in his coach to Greenwich, and there to my office, all the way having fine discourse of trees and the nature of vegetables. 7th. Did business, though not much, at the office; because of the horrible crowd and lamentable moan of the poor seamen that lie starving in the streets for lack of money. Which do trouble and perplex me to the heart; and more at noon when we were to go through t…
On 4th of July Pepys says the plague is rising but still limited, discusses building new ships with the Duke, and records criticism of the recent battle’s tactics and training from Sir W. Pen.
wives and families, taken up on a sudden by strangers, was very hard, and that without press-money, but forced against all law to be gone. It is a great tyranny. 2nd. Up betimes, and forced to go to my Lord Mayor's, about the business of the pressed men; and indeed I find him a mean man of understanding and dispatch of any publick business. Thence out of curiosity to Bridewell to see the pressed men, where there a…
Pepys continues with fleet preparation and gossip—money shortages, disorder aboard ships, gardens and fashion at Whitehall, and the shifting expectations before and during the major naval engagement.
and gain more of his acquaintance. Walked to Woolwich, reading "the Rivall Ladys" [A Tragi-comedy by Dryden.] all the way, and find it a most pleasant and fine writ play. 19th. Full of wants of money, and much stores to buy, for to replenish the stores, and no money to do it with. The fleet is sailed this morning; God send us good news of them! 21st. At noon walked in the garden with Commissioner Pett, (newly co…
Pepys records a detailed report of the enemy ship-burning operation: fire-ships used, landing on the Schelling and burning a town, aided by a renegade captain, followed by news of captured cargo after the raid.
and Nan Wright and my wife and Pegg Pen put on perriwigs. Thus we spent till three or four in the morning, mighty merry; and then parted, and to bed. 15th. Mighty sleepy; slept till past eight of the clock, and was called up by a letter from Sir W. Coventry; which among other things, tells me how we have burned one hundred and sixty ships of the enemy within the Fly. I up, and with all possible haste, and in pain …
On 7th Pepys surveys burned areas including St Paul’s and Fleet Street, borrows and washes a shirt, discusses French involvement, militia mobilization, naval losses, and markets set at Leadenhall and Mile-end-greene.
night long there. But strange it is to see Clothworkers' Hall on fire these three days and nights in one body of flame, it being the cellar full of oyle. 7th. Up by five o'clock; and, blessed be God! find all well; and by water to Pane's Wharfe. Walked thence, and saw all the towne burned, and a miserable sight of Paul's church, with all the roofs fallen, and the body of the quire fallen into St. Fayth's; Paul's …
Pepys expresses frustration at continuing disorder in the Navy and longs to retire to Brampton for quiet study and prayer for King and country.
well and quietly settled with what little I have got at Brampton, where I might live peaceably, and study, and pray for the good of the King and my country. 20th. Commissioner Middleton [Thomas Middleton, made a Commissioner of the Navy, 1664.] says, that the fleet was in such a condition, as to discipline, as if the Devil had commanded it; so much wickedness of all sorts. Enquiring how it came to pass that so ma…
Commissioner Middleton reports the fleet’s discipline and wickedness, pilot captains intimidating pilots, factions between Prince Rupert and Duke of Albemarle supporters, and how rumors about mutiny and court plans circulate.
to hear that he did expect great thanks, and lays the fault of the want; of it upon the fire, which deadened every thing, and the glory of his services. 25th. To Mrs. Pierce's, where she was making herself mighty fine to go to a great ball to-night at Court, being the Queene's birth-day; so the ladies for this one day wear laces, but are to put them off again to-morrow, To Mrs. Williams's, where we met Knipp. I wa…
From 22nd to 23rd and onward, Pepys visits the Lord Chancellor’s house, notes the King’s irritation about missing council-table paper, celebrates St. George’s Day as a show for departing Swedish ambassadors, and discusses Sir John Duncombe’s reforms and financial oversight.
19th. Some talk about Sir W. Pen's being to buy Wanstead-House of Sir Robert Brookes. 20th. Met Mr. Rolt, who tells me the reason of no play today at the King's house. That Lacy had been committed to the porter's lodge for his acting his part in the late new play, and being thence released to come to the King's house, he there met with Ned Howard, the poet of the play, who congratulated his release; upon which Lac…
On 15th morning, Pepys notes the seacoast defenses sinking ships at Woolwich and Deptford, complains about wasted or misdirected sinkings (including the Franklin), cites Coventry’s orders to stop yard wages, and receives slow letters from Brouncker and Peter Pett.
[Evelyn says it was owing to Sir W. C. that no fleet was fitted out in 1667.] but he agrees with me, that he is the best Minister of State the King hath, and so from my heart I believe. At night come home Sir W. Batten and W. Ben, who only can tell me that they have placed guns at Woolwich and Deptford, and sunk some ships below Woolwich and Blackwall, and are in hopes that they stop the enemy's coming up. But stran…
On 15th morning, Pepys measures manpower on the Princesse at Chatham and notes severe inefficiency, while sailors of the Cambridge demand payment of tickets and refuse work unless paid, describing them as lawless and debauched.
And as an evidence of that, just now, being the 15th day in the morning that I am writing yesterday's passages, one is with me, Jacob Bryan, Purser of the Princesse, who confesses to me that he hath but 180 men borne at this day in victuals and wages on that ship lying at Chatham, being lately brought in thither; of which 180 there was not above five appeared to do the King any service at this late business. And this…
Pepys recounts further critiques of Jordan’s operations—cowardly desertion, bad fire-ship design, poor coordination, and the Dutch tactical retreat—then notes a Quaker warning and the King dismissing Parliament after a short speech.
He says, that if they had come up slower, the enemy would (with their boats and their great sloops, which they have to row with a great many men,) and did come and cut up several of our fire-ships, and would certainly have taken most of them, for they do come with a great provision of these boats on purpose, and to save their men, which is bravely done of them, though they did on this very occasion show great fear, a…
Pepys describes desperate pressed sailors due to lack of pay, reports drownings and limits of punishment, considers visiting imprisoned Commissioner Pett, and hears Dutch letters that peace is proclaimed though terms are bad.
did tell us that there never was so much need of it in the world as now, we being brought to the lowest straits that can be in the world. 22nd. Up, and to the office: whence Lord Brouncker, J. Minnes, and W. Pen, and I went to examine some men that are put in there for rescuing of men that were pressed into the service: and we do plainly see that the desperate condition that we put men into for want of their pay …
Pepys records January 2 at the Duke of York’s lodgings, discussing ship design and fleet performance in recent wars, and includes Prince Rupert’s view that punishment should follow drunkenness rather than immediate dismissal.
a pound.'" And so they parted, the King bidding him do as he would; which, methought, was an answer not like a King that did intend ever to do well. 4th. It seems worth remembering that this day I did hear my Lord Anglesy at the table, speaking touching this new Act for Accounts, say that the House of Lords did pass it because it was a senseless, impracticable, ineffectual, and foolish Act; and that my Lord Ashly h…
Pepys reports talk about the Duchess of York’s influence over pensions and spending, then meets the Duke of York about discipline problems in the fleet and about promoting commanders and reorganizing responsibility.
yet, he tells me, she reserves 5000l. a- gear for her own spending; and my Lady Peterborough by and by tells me that the Duchesse do lay up mightily jewells. 28th. To White Hall; and by and by the Duke of York comes, and we had a little meeting, Anglesy, W. Pen, and I there, and none else: and, among other things, did discourse of the want of discipline in the fleet; which the Duke of York confessed, and yet said …
Pepys experiments with musical theory, hears that Sir William Pen will command the summer fleet and that Prince Rupert resents it, and later reports Coventry’s renewed troubles over petitions.
kindness for, that he should not at any desire of his be put to this service, and thereby make the Prince his enemy and contract more envy from other people. 24th. From the Duke's chamber Sir W. Coventry and I to walk in the Mattted Gallery; and there, among other things, he tells me of the wicked design that now is at last contriving against him, to get a petition presented from people, that the money they have pa…
On 26th Pepys watches “The Man is the Master,” praises his wife’s dress, comments on strict city watch measures after recent disturbances, and notes political maneuvering around calling Pen to account.
speakes people's minds; and then they do say that there are men of understanding among them, that have been of Cromwell's army: but how true that is, I know not. 26th. To the Duke of York's house to see the new play, called "The Man is the Master:" [A comedy, by Sir Wm. Davenant, taken from Moliere's "Joddelet."] where the house was, it being not one o'clock, very full. By and by the King came; and we sat just un…
The Duke of York recounts stories about Spanish discipline, Antwerp, and commanders, while Pepys later watches theatrical spectacles including “Macbeth” and worries about courtly attention toward Moll Davis.
fight as ever I saw in my life. We sat next to Betty Hall, that did belong to this house, and was Sir Philip Howard's mistress; a mighty pretty wench. 20th. The Duke of York in good humour did fall to tell us many fine stories of the wars in Flanders, and how the Spaniards are the best disciplined foot in the world; will refuse no extraordinary service if commanded, but scorn to be paid for it as in other countries…
Pepys is made captain of the King’s ship The Jerzy and will sit on a court-martial about The Defyance; he researches Navy rolls, dines, and begins shaping a Navy history from 1618–1642.
I have this day found, having got almost as much as I desire of the history of the Navy, from 1618 to 1642, when the King and Parliament fell out. 16th. Comes to me Mr. Evelyn of Deptford, a worthy good man, and dined with me (but a bad dinner): who is grieved for and speaks openly to me his thoughts of the times, and our ruin approaching; and all by the folly of the King. His business to me was about some ground…
Pepys works with the Treasury to divide customs and argue with the East India Company for the King, then proposes going to Chatham to pay troops and investigate the loss of The Defyance.
one of our Company's East India ships outward-bound, which will certainly make the war last; which I am sorry for, being so poor as we are, and broken in pieces. 22nd. Up, and by water with W. Hewer to White Hall, there to attend the Lords of the Treasury; but before they sat, I did make a step to see Sir W. Coventry at his house, where, I bless God, he is come again; but in my way I met him, and so he took me into…
At the start of April 1669 Pepys attends a court-martial over purser complaints against his commander, then advises the Duke of York on Navy changes while observing court life and court-martial misconduct.
great content. And so ends the month, my mind in pretty good content for all things but the designs on foot to bring alterations in the office, which trouble me. APRIL 1. 1669. Up, and with Colonell Middleton (at the desire of Rear-Admiral Kempthorne the president, for our assisting them) to the Court-Martiall on board a yacht in the River here to try the business of the purser's complaints, (Baker against Trevanio…
Pepys describes disputes at Whitehall about Navy instructions and the Council of Trade; the Duke of York takes Treasurers to task, Wren tries to dine with the Archbishop but misses the locked gate, and Pepys hears that Pen may be replaced and adversaries losing ground.
believe will do the thing, and therein gives me great content; but I have, I fear, all the content that must be received by my eyes, which are almost lost. 10th. To White Hall, where the Duke of York met the office, and there discoursed of several things, particularly the Instructions of Commanders of ships. But here happened by chance a discourse of the Council of Trade, against which the Duke of York is mightily…
Corinth and Corcyra fight a large sea battle near Corcyra, with Athens on the Corcyraean right wing hampering Corinth due to restrictive orders, and each side claims victory as the action splits and becomes a crush like land warfare.
the Corinthians on the mainland without their allies. The barbarians flocked in large numbers to their assistance, the inhabitants of this part of the continent being old allies of theirs. When the Corinthian preparations were completed, they took three days’ provisions and put out from Chimerium by night, ready for action. Sailing with the dawn, they sighted the Corcyraean fleet out at sea and coming towards them. …
A Corinthian remonstration to Lacedaemonians contrasts Spartan “keeping what you have” with Athenian innovation, speed, daring, and soldierly labor, arguing delay and undue faith in allies will doom them.
we owe it more to her blunders than to your protection; Indeed, expectations from you have before now been the ruin of some, whose faith induced them to omit preparation. “We hope that none of you will consider these words of remonstrance to be rather words of hostility; men remonstrate with friends who are in error, accusations they reserve for enemies who have wronged them. Besides, we consider that we have as goo…
The Corinthians claim courage over fear will decide action, predict victory through numbers, experience, and obedience, plan to raise Athenian naval pay via Athenian money at Olympia and Delphi, and emphasize coordinated revolt.
The confidence with which we form our schemes is never completely justified in their execution; speculation is carried on in safety, but, when it comes to action, fear causes failure. “To apply these rules to ourselves, if we are now kindling war it is under the pressure of injury, with adequate grounds of complaint; and after we have chastised the Athenians we will in season desist. We have many reasons to expect s…
After issuing orders to invade Attica, the Peloponnesian army assembles at the Isthmus under King Archidamus, who exhorts disciplined vigilance and warns against negligence during a campaign in an enemy’s country.
Thera. Of these, ships were furnished by Chios, Lesbos, and Corcyra, infantry and money by the rest. Such were the allies of either party and their resources for the war. Immediately after the affair at Plataea, Lacedaemon sent round orders to the cities in Peloponnese and the rest of her confederacy to prepare troops and the provisions requisite for a foreign campaign, in order to invade Attica. The several states …
Pericles avoids calling meetings amid anger, keeps the city quiet, sends cavalry to deter raids, and meanwhile Peloponnesians ravage demes; the Athenians launch a coastal strategy with a fleet under Carcinus and others while stationing guards and setting aside a war fund.
indignation; his previous counsels were totally forgotten; he was abused for not leading out the army which he commanded, and was made responsible for the whole of the public suffering. He, meanwhile, seeing anger and infatuation just now in the ascendant, and of his wisdom in refusing a sally, would not call either assembly or meeting of the people, fearing the fatal results of a debate inspired by passion and not …
At Stratus, Cnemus and allies assault the Acarnanian town in three divisions; the Chaonians rush ahead, are ambushed and panic, and Cnemus withdraws to the river Anapus and sets up a trophy for the battle.
Amphilochian Argos, and sacking the open village of Limnaea, they advanced to Stratus the Acarnanian capital; this once taken, the rest of the country, they felt convinced, would speedily follow. The Acarnanians, finding themselves invaded by a large army by land, and from the sea threatened by a hostile fleet, made no combined attempt at resistance, but remained to defend their homes, and sent for help to Phormio, …
After their naval defeat, the Spartans send commissioners to Cnemus and order renewed preparation; meanwhile Nicias takes ships to Crete against Cydonia, and both fleets then practice at anchor near Rhium for a decisive sea battle.
coast from Dyme and Patrae to Cyllene, the Eleian arsenal; where Cnemus, and the ships from Leucas that were to have joined them, also arrived after the battle at Stratus. The Lacedaemonians now sent to the fleet to Cnemus three commissioners—Timocrates, Bradidas, and Lycophron—with orders to prepare to engage again with better fortune, and not to be driven from the sea by a few vessels; for they could not at all ac…
Peloponnesian leaders address their troops to reassure them after the earlier sea defeat, arguing that the loss came from lack of preparation and chance rather than cowardice, and promising better preparation and discipline.
and noticing that the men were most of them cowed by the previous defeat and out of heart for the business, first called them together and encouraged them as follows: “Peloponnesians, the late engagement, which may have made some of you afraid of the one now in prospect, really gives no just ground for apprehension. Preparation for it, as you know, there was little enough; and the object of our voyage was not so muc…
Aetolians ambush and counterattack Demosthenes’ forces near Aegitium, killing the archers’ captain and guide Chromon, forcing a rout in ravines and causing heavy Athenian losses including Procles.
and coming on as it retired; and for a long while the battle was of this character, alternate advance and retreat, in both which operations the Athenians had the worst. Still as long as their archers had arrows left and were able to use them, they held out, the light-armed Aetolians retiring before the arrows; but after the captain of the archers had been killed and his men scattered, the soldiers, wearied out with …
The Battle of Delium unfolds with Boeotians attacking from a hill and forming deep shield lines, Athens advancing in close combat, then a panic from hidden cavalry breaks Athenian lines into flight; Boeotians hold Delium’s area and negotiate dead.
to be always ready to give battle for the liberty of their own country, and never unjustly to enslave that of others, will not let him go without a struggle.” By these arguments Pagondas persuaded the Boeotians to attack the Athenians, and quickly breaking up his camp led his army forward, it being now late in the day. On nearing the enemy, he halted in a position where a hill intervening prevented the two armies fr…
Cleon marches with allied troops against Amphipolis after murmurs in his army, hoping to surround and storm despite closed gates, while Brasidas descends from Cerdylium and prepares to attack by stratagem rather than direct assault.
by a war with the Hipponians and Medmaeans who lived on their border, and were colonists of theirs. Phaeax meanwhile proceeded on his voyage, and at length arrived at Athens. Cleon, whom we left on his voyage from Torone to Amphipolis, made Eion his base, and after an unsuccessful assault upon the Andrian colony of Stagirus, took Galepsus, a colony of Thasos, by storm. He now sent envoys to Perdiccas to command his …
Brasidas rallies Spartans and allies at Amphipolis, explaining to Clearidas and the allies how to open the gates at the right moment so Brasidas can surprise the Athenians and create panic.
them alone, if their reinforcements were once allowed to come up; and so calling all his soldiers together in order to encourage them and explain his intention, spoke as follows: “Peloponnesians, the character of the country from which we have come, one which has always owed its freedom to valour, and the fact that you are Dorians and the enemy you are about to fight Ionians, whom you are accustomed to beat, are thi…
Brasidas attacks unexpectedly when the Athenian force begins retreating and wheeling, defeats the Athenian center and both wings suffer confusion, and Brasidas is wounded but survives long enough to learn the victory.
the Hellenes. No cowardice then on your part, seeing the greatness of the issues at stake, and I will show that what I preach to others I can practise myself.” After this brief speech Brasidas himself prepared for the sally, and placed the rest with Clearidas at the Thracian gates to support him as had been agreed. Meanwhile he had been seen coming down from Cerdylium and then in the city, which is overlooked from t…
The armies’ wing composition at Mantinea is described in detail, including elite Sciritae positions, Thracian Brasidas-era forces, Argive trained contingents, and Athenian placement on the extreme left.
the troops; as almost the whole Lacedaemonian army, save for a small part, consists of officers under officers, and the care of what is to be done falls upon many. In this battle the left wing was composed of the Sciritae, who in a Lacedaemonian army have always that post to themselves alone; next to these were the soldiers of Brasidas from Thrace, and the Neodamodes with them; then came the Lacedaemonians themselve…
Agis plans a maneuver to fix right-left overlap fear, but mistakes and noncompliance by officers cause the Sciritae to be attacked in the breach, leading to a decisive rout in one section while others fight stubbornly.
do with religion, but is meant to make them advance evenly, stepping in time, without break their order, as large armies are apt to do in the moment of engaging. Just before the battle joined, King Agis resolved upon the following manoeuvre. All armies are alike in this: on going into action they get forced out rather on their right wing, and one and the other overlap with this adversary’s left; because fear makes e…
Thucydides describes the first sailing force as the most costly and splendid Hellenic armament yet sent by a single city, detailing its ships, infantry, funding, prayers, and the race to reach Corcyra.
that could not but comfort them. As for the foreigners and the rest of the crowd, they simply went to see a sight worth looking at and passing all belief. Indeed this armament that first sailed out was by far the most costly and splendid Hellenic force that had ever been sent out by a single city up to that time. In mere number of ships and heavy infantry that against Epidaurus under Pericles, and the same when goin…
After further debate, a Syracusan general stops calumnious speeches and refocuses on concrete military preparations, while the Athenian generals at Corcyra review the fleet, divide it into squadrons, and send ships to identify which cities will receive them.
largest part takes and keeps the whole of the profit; and this is what the powerful and young among you aspire to, but in a great city cannot possibly obtain. “But even now, foolish men, most senseless of all the Hellenes that I know, if you have no sense of the wickedness of your designs, or most criminal if you have that sense and still dare to pursue them—even now, if it is not a case for repentance, you may stil…
Aware Syracusan cavalry could harass a landing, the Athenians use a stratagem involving a trusted Catana man to bait a Syracusan attack on their camp, then sail by night to Syracuse and land to seize a position near the Olympieum.
and among other insults asked them whether they had not really come to settle with the Syracusans in a foreign country rather than to resettle the Leontines in their own. Aware of this, the Athenian generals determined to draw them out in mass as far as possible from the city, and themselves in the meantime to sail by night alongshore, and take up at their leisure a convenient position. This they knew they could not…
Nicias leads the attack against Syracusan heavy infantry; skirmishing escalates into close combat, thunder and rain alarm the less experienced, the Argives drive Syracusan left, and the Syracusan force is cut and routed with a trophy set up.
we shall have their horse upon us in great numbers. Remember, therefore, your renown, and go boldly against the enemy, thinking the present strait and necessity more terrible than they.” After this address Nicias at once led on the army. The Syracusans were not at that moment expecting an immediate engagement, and some had even gone away to the town, which was close by; these now ran up as hard as they could and, th…