Connecticut western news., 1874-10-16
Handling an Army.

General Sherman, In his letter on the army, says Tt is related of Napoleon that his last words were "Tete- d Ar mee." Doubtless as the shadow of death obscured his memory, the last thought that remained for speech was of some event when he was directing an important "head of column" I believe that every general who has handled armies in battle must recall from his own experience the intensity of thought on some similar occasion, when by 8 single command he had given the finishing stroke to some complicat- ed action; but to me recurs another thought that is worthy of record, and may encourage others who are to fol low us in our profession. never saw the rear of an army engaged in battle but I feared that some calamity had happened at the front. Tho apparent confusion, broken wagons, dead horses, men lying about dead and maimed, parties hastening to and fro in seeming disorder, and general apprehension of something dreadful about to ensue-alI these signs, however, 1essened as I neared the front, and there the contrast was perfect; perfect order, men and horses full of confidence, and it was not unusual for general hilarity, laughing and cheering. Although cannon might be firing, the musketry clattering, and the enemy's shot hitting close, there reigned general feeling of strength and security that bore marked con- trast to bloody signs that had drifted rapidly fo the rear therefore, for com fort and security, I surely would rather be at the front line than the rear line of battle. So also on the march, the head of a column moves on steadily, whilst the rear is alternately halting and then rushing forward to close up the gap, and all sorts of rumors. especi- ally the worst, float back to the rear. Old troops invariably deem it special privilege to be in the front, to be at the "head of column," because experience has taught them that it is the easiest and most comfortable place, and danger only adds zest and stimulus to this fact.
 The hardest task in war is to lie in support of some position or battery under fire without the privilege of re- turning it :; or to guard some train left in the rear within hearing; but out of reach of danger or to care for the wounded and dead of some corps which is too busy ahead to care for their own.
 To be at the head of strong column of troops, in the execution of some task that requires brain, is the highest pleasure of war, a grim one and terri ble one, but which leaves on the mind and memory the strongest mark to detect the weak point of an enemy's line to break through with vehemence and thus lead to victory or to discover some key-point and hold it with tenac- ity; or to do some other distinct act that is afterwards recognized as the real cause of success. These all be- come matters that are never forgotten Other great difficulties experienced by every general, are to measure truly the thousand and one reports that come tt him in the midst of conflict to pre- serve clear and well-defned purpose at every instant of time, and to cause all efforts to converge to that end.
 To do these things he must knov 1 perfectly the strength and quality O. each part of his own army, as we'll al of his opponent, and must be where b. can personally see and observe with hi own eyes, and judge with his owl mind.
 No man can properly command al army from the rear, he must be at Git front," and when detachment is mad' the commander thereof should be in formed of the object to be accomplish ed, and left as free as possible to exc cute it in his own way, and when al army is divided up into several part the superior should always attend tha one which he regards as most import ant. Some men think that moder1 armies may be so regulated that
 general can sit in an office and play ol his several columns like on the keys o piano; this is fearful mistake. Tn directing mind must be at the yer. head of the army-must be seen there and the effect of his mind and persona energy must be felt by every officer an' man present with it to secure the bes results. Every attempt to make wa easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.