Colonel Revere's strong character exerted an influence upon the regiment that is still felt. Brave, chivalrous, self sacrificing, gentle and generous, he set a noble example of private virtues, and in the establishment and discipline of the regiment his force impressed both officers and men. The worthy possessed in him a friend upon whom to repose an absolute trust. The unworthy found him a stern and contemptuous adversary. By its means self respect was fostered in the minds of the aspiring, and begotten where it did not exist.
Military discipline involves submission on the part of inferior, and authority on that of superior.
While the forms remain the same, obedience may, in conscious opposition to law be rendered from fear, or exacted by force. This is destructive of the individuality in the man. It is slavish and unchristian. Authority may be used selfishly and without reference to law. This is tyrannical and unchristian.