The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-02-24
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1.-THE disgracGul state Of discipline
which exists in certain portions OF this
command, has rendered these worse than
useless appendices to The brigade. Conn
panies muster for duty not more than
one fourth or one 9Th their strength,
and even these are allowed to scatter so
as TO be Of little or no use 10 the COM
mand. This disgracelu state Of things
is caused by the gross neglect OF duty
on the part Of regimental and company
commanders.
"The gallantry displayed by many Of
these men, and their devotion to the
cause, has so won for them the affection Of
their brigade commander as TO make it
extremely painful for him TO proceed
against or even censure them; but his
duty 10 the country as well as kindness
to the command, now demands more
stringent action.
"The disgraceful and cowardly con-
duet of many officers and mCn who seek
to avoid actions with the enemy, aud
other dangers and hardships, by remain-
ing in reserve camps and other places Of
rest and comfort under various pretenses
has been noticed with deep r,gret by the
true officers and soldiers Of the command
Though they may claim to be true men,
it is difficult for heir comrades to atiri-
butte their absence from their command,
when in the face of the enemy, 10 any
other cause than coleqrdice He hopes and
feels, however, that there are some ex-
cepdons to this rule, but it is painful to
reflect that it is true in a majority Of
cases.
company commanders must at all
times keep their commands together, new
err allowing a man TO be absent from duty
without written permission from his
brigade commander They must exact
implicit obedience from their men; remain
with them, keep them together, provide
| for their comfort, drill them at every OPP
| poriuaity, require them TO keep their
| horses, arms aud Announcements in order.
See that they are provided with he pro-
per ammunition, and in readiness 81 all
times 10 meet The enemy. They must
also see that upon the march they keep
close up and in ranks. In case soldier
deserves punishment they must iufmedi-
aiely have the proper punishment infict-
ed, or prefer written charges against the
delinquent.
"True discipline can only be maintain
ed by officers never overlooking breach
of duty however slight.
! Ree.mental commanders will be held
strictly responsible that they require
company officers to do all their duty. Ia
case they do not perform all their duties,
they must be arrested, and other officers
found who will do their duty. Brigade
commanders will hold regimental com
manders strictly respDnsble for their
compliance with their duties, and will
promptly arrest and report as incompe-
tent all field officers who fail TO require
their company officers to do all their du.
ties, as above prescribed
IA strict compliance with the above
and the individual and untiring exertions
on the part of all officers, is necessary to
preserve proper discipline in the com
msnd, and fit il for the work for which
it was designed. Those officers who are
not disposed or are unable TO preserve
discipline in their commands, must give
way TO those who can and will accom-
plish these ojects.
"Regmental commanders must rid the
I command of incompetent company Off,
GERS, ano the brigade commanders will
take care 10 rid this brigade of ihcompe-
tent and Negligent regimental command
crs,
"By or6trof
"Major- General WHEELER,
"Chief of Cavalry.
"E. S. PrToRD, Capt and A. A. Gen"