WRITINGS OF SAM HousTol'i, 1847
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men he was to command; and the objection to being overslaughed would be obviated. The man who had patriotically volunteered to engage in the service of his country would thus be stimulated to rise among his companions, to attract their notice and esteem, and thus secure his elevation from their respect and personal esteem. No such hope as this was held up before the eyes of the regular soldier; he might have military pride and conscious valor, but he found all access to promotion barred against him-his elevation must, at best, be confined to the ranks-promotion stopped there. It was so found in actual experience; for Mr. H. had been in, formed that out of the six thousand regulars who had served since the commencement of this war with Mexico-and who had ex- hibited more bravery than they ?-there had been but two promo- tions from the ranks. Vacancies, when they occurred, were usually given to old and long-tried officers; and however the private soldier might have distinguished himself by acts of the highest personal bravery, he need hope to rise no higher than if he had simply obeyed orders with mechanical regularity. The knowledge of this wa; well calculated to abate the valor of the soldier when about to engage in some arduous and hazardous con- flict. But under the provisions of this amendment the road to promotion was open; it lay in fair and animating prospect in full view of every chivalrous spirit; and the effect of such a hope would be felt in the bosom as a stimulus of mighty power in those trying moments when every motive should be brought to bear that can stir the human breast, and nerve the arm in the ex- tremest peril. But it was objected that if this amendment should be adopted, the ranks of the army would not be filled. Why, how else would they be filled? Could gentlemen restrain the glowing patriotic ardor of three hundred thousand brave men, who had emulated each other in offering themselves for the service and defence of the country? Would gentlemen tell him that out of this body of three hundred thousand brave men it was impossible to obtain ten thousand as permanent auxiliaries to the army? He never could be made to believe it. A hundred thousand could be had if there was need. The department would only have to choose whom they would take. The real difficulty would be, not to get enough, but to select from among the multitude of applicants. The great task would be to choose so as not to give offence to those who must be rejected. The great mortification would be,
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