Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-01-19
BRAVERY IN BATTLE.
Curious Extracts From the order
Book of the Gallant Gen. Wolfe.


From the London Express.
Some curiously interesting matter mas
lately been unearthed from an old order
book of the Goth Regiment. the "Minden
boys" now the Lancashire F'usliers, which
emauated from the heroic soldier Wolfe
when colonel of the regiment, about 1850
Their bearing upon military conduct IN
the field makes them very distinctly topical
just now.
'sWhoever shall throw away his arms IN
an action, whether officer. non-commis-
stoned officer or soldier (unless 1t appears
they are so damaged as to be useless,
either under the pretense of taking up 9th
ers that are Of better sort or for any
other cause whatsoever, must expect to be
tried by a court-martial for the crime.
1.-THE death of an officer commanding a
company or platoon shall be no excuse Tor
the confusion or misbehavlor of that pla-
toon; for while there is an officer or non
commissioned officer left alive to command
no man is to abandon his colors or betray
his country.
Neither officer. non-commissioned officer
or soldier is to leave his platoon or aban-
don the colors for slight wound. While
man is able to do his duty and stand
and hold his arms, 1t IS infamous to retire.
1.-The battalion is not to halloo or cry
out upon any account whatsoever, al
until they are ordered to charge with their
bayonets; In that case, and when they are
on the point of rushing upon their enemy,
the battalion may give warlike shout and
rush in
."rhe soldier who takes his musket from
his shoulder and pretends to begin the bat
tie without orders will be put to death that
instant The cowardice or irregular pro-
ceeding Of one man is not to put the whole
In danger.
1.-The soldier who quits his ranks or Of
fers to fly is instantly to be put to death
by the officer who commands the platoon.
A soldier does not deserve to live who viii
not fight for his king and country.
"If a non-commissioned officer or private
man is missing after an action and joins
his company afterward unhurt. he will be
reputed coward and IugluVe, ana VIII
be tried for his life.
'If we attack body less in extent than
the battalion. the platoons upon the wings
must be careful to direct their fire oblique-
ly SO as to strike the enemy. The officers
are to inform the soldiers of their platoons
before the action begins where they are to
direct their fire; and they are to take a
good aim to destroy their adversares.
There is no necessity for firing very
fast A cool. well-leveled fire. with the
pieces carefully loaded is much more de-
structive and formidable than the quickest
fire in confusion. CThe soldiers are to take
their orders entirely from the officer of
their platoon, and he Is to give them with
all possible GOODNESS and resolution.) The
misbehavior of any other corps will not
affect this battalion, because the officers
are determined to give the strongest proofs
of their fidelity, zeal and courage, in
which the soldiers will second them with
their usual spirit.
''The men should consider that they are
upon the point Of entering into a war for
the defense of their country: that drunk
en- vicious, irregular army is but poor
defense to state; but their virtues, cour-
age and obedience are sure guard in all
assaults; they should, therefore, always
be ready to perform their part with honor
and spirit, and not give themselves up to
any excess or irregularity. In times like
these both officers and soldiers should par
ticularly exert themselves in every part Of
the duty. and show their country that they