Henry Wager Halleck

Elements of Military Art and Science Henry Wager Halleck

Elements of Military Art and Science Course of Instruction in Strategy, Fortification, Tactics of Battles Military Tactics, Strategy, Art and Science to 1865 COURSE OF INSTRUCTION IN STRATEGY, FORTIFICATION & TACTICS OF BATTLES By H. Wager Halleck, A. M., Major General, U. S. A. Henry Wager Halleck (January 16, 1815 - January 9, 1872) was a United States Army officer, scholar, and lawyer. A noted expert in military studies, he was known by a nickname that became derogatory, "Old Brains." He was an important participant in the admission of California as a state and became a successful lawyer and land developer. Halleck served as General-in-Chief of all Union armies during the American Civil War. All modern ethical writers regard unjust war as not only immoral, but as one of the greatest of crimes-murder on a large scale. Such are all wars of mere ambition, engaged in for the purpose of extending regal power or national sovereignty; wars of plunder, carried on from mercenary motives; wars of propagandism, undertaken for the unrighteous end of compelling men to adopt certain religious or political opinions, whether from the alleged motives of "introducing a more orthodox religion," or of "extending the area of freedom." Such wars are held in just abhorrence by all moral and religious people: and this is believed to be the settled conviction of the great mass of our own citizens. But in addition to that respectable denomination of Christians who deny our right to use arms under any circumstances, there are many religious enthusiasts in other communions who, from causes already noticed, have adopted the same theory, and hold all wars, even those in self-defence, as unlawful and immoral. This opinion has been, within the last few years, pressed on the public with great zeal and eloquence, and many able pens have been enlisted in its cause. One of the most popular, and by some regarded one of the most able writers on moral science, has adopted this view as the only one consonant with the principles of Christian morality.