Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1861-06-19
For the Standard.
III.
NECESSITY FOR COMPETENT OFFICERS.


NECESSITY FOR COMPETENT OFFICERS
Nh. EDIToR:-I was greatly pleased at some re-
marks in your last paper about the appointment of
cers-suggesting that none be appointed but
those entirely competent This is the true policy
In time like this, none that not thoroughly
qualified should desire to hold office. And if such
desire it they should not be gratied. The rashness
and lack Of judgment in Gen. Gates, in the Revolu-
tionary war; cost US the dreadful defeat at Camden.
On the other hand the vigilance, caution, and pru
dence, and sklful man9vering of Gen. Greene, sa-
we'd our little army at time when we were not able
to meet the enemy. The vigilance and good man.
asement of Washington gained the victories of Tren
ton and Princeton. 1t was these qualities that made
Marion successful in S. c., at time, prudent
ly avoiding battle when he was not strong enough,
at another issuing ont of the swamps and falling
upon them when favorable opportunity offered
Braddock's despisng prudent counses caused his
death and defeat at Fort DuQuesne. The Roman
Fabius, by his delays and caution conquered anni-
bal. His comrade, who commanded with him was
rash and precpate, and was dlsastrously defeated.
The overwhelming defeat of the British at New Or
leans was partly owing to their own blunders.
have seen it stated in of the histories of that
event. that the morning of the attack they held
counsel Of war, but they were divided, some for the
attack others against it. and some feeling manifest
ed. Then the ground on which they had to advance
to the American lines was muddy and slippery
Where an army has confidence in their officers it
inspires confidence in themselves and this is great
advantage When man thinks he can do thing
he is much more apt to do it than when he thinks
he can't We see how this operated on Caesars SOL
diers. Some times, when they were faltering in a
battle and the enemy was pressing hard upon them,
Caesar would suddenly throw himself among them
snatchng up a standard and calling on them to ad.
vance, when they would press forward with re-dou.
bled energy and gain the victory. On one occasion,
when he was about to attack the enemy reports
were brought to his camp of the numbers and i'm
mense statue, and ferceness of the enemy. which
caused great fear throughout his army. But by ad-
dressing them few words, and showing his self.
confidence and resolution, he overcame their fears
and they advanced boldly against the enemy. While
the British held possession of Savannah, our army
appeared before it and summoned it to surrender.
our commander imprudently granting them t,oenty.
four hours in which to make up their minds. In
the meantime they set resolutey to work strength.
ening their position and during the time, they re.
ceived large reinforcements, which enabled them to
repulse us. Here was a great blunder. At the
battle of Buena Vista, where such immense odds
were against us, owing to some management one
whole regiment was thrown out of action. And it
was the confidence in old lack and their officers,
that enabled them to gain that battle
mention these things to show the Importance Of
having good officers The fate of the whole coun.
try may depend on one man sometimes
l heard Volunteer say the other day, that he
wanted competent officers that he did mt care how
strict and rigid they were and that he had rather be
under an officer that he might personally dislike, il
he was good officer. Horny, in his life Of Marion