An officer has great latitude under such circumstances, and it is not safe or fair to condemn one for almost any act that detects a traitor and spy in arms against the Government which he has sworn to protect, and which has put him in a position of trust.
This quote highlights the discretion military officers have in dealing with traitors, stressing the complexities of their decisions in wartime.
Share
More from Grenville Dodge
Under the regulations, it is impossible for the Army to defend itself and make answer to these attacks, except through their own officers, and their reports do not reach the public, for the press seems to use only that which reflects upon…
It is the duty of every companion here, as well as of every good citizen, to enter his protest against these unjust attacks.
They evidently have no desire to learn about these things, but want some excuse for attacking our Army, hoping thereby to bring dishonor upon our country before the world.
It is upheld and maintained today, as it always has been, by the patriotism of our people as represented by our Army in the Civil War, in Cuba, the Philippines, and China.
Other voices in this conversation
