Henry Wager Halleck

Elements of Military Art and Science Henry Wager Halleck

Book Excerpt: ...ncient friendships contracted by officers of the contending armies during our last war with Great Britain. III. "It is granted that it would be better for man in general, if wars were abolished, and all means, both of offence and defence, abandoned. Now, this seems to me to admit, that this is the law under which God has created man. But this being admitted, the question seems to be at an end; for God never places man under circumstances in which it is either wise, or necessary, or innocent, to violate his laws. Is it for the advantage of him who lives among a community of thieves, to steal; or for one who lives among a community of liars, to lie?"The fallacy of the above argument is so evident that it is scarcely necessary to point out its logical defects. My living among a community of thieves would not justify me in stealing, and certainly it would be no reason why I should neglect the security of my property. My living among murderers would not justify me in committing murder, and on the other h...