Tweet
Oh, how this says so much...
The Dress – Does it Make the Soldier?
We beseech you, gentlemen, be something of your own merit. Be yourselves, any way. Do not be mere apes or miserable copyists. How many novices are there who imagine that the reputation of the National Guard hangs upon the gray coat; and who sigh after the privilege to wear the precious gray uniform!
The truth is, that the well drilled soldier, like the well bred gentleman, is known everywhere with honor; and gives respectability and dignity to any garb. A body of good soldiers in almost any uniform look well; and if they are brave and skillful, whether with uniform or without it, they will be the lions of the city and county.
We admire skill and daring – we honor valor and heroism! For these qualities the original Zouaves became famous; and for skill, and presumed zeal and courage, the Chicago Zouaves were welcomed and lauded.
Go, gentlemen, - a patient practice in military and gymnastic exercises; and you need not seek a singular garb to make you conspicuous and honorable. But if the wearing of a precise copy of the dress of Washington will not confer upon the wearer worth or patriotism, no more will the wearing of a Zouave uniform make you an accomplished soldier.
[From The Military Gazette: An Organ Devoted to the Army, Navy and Militia, August 1, 1860.]
But, of course, authentic reproduction kit wouldn't hurt...
The Dress – Does it Make the Soldier?
We beseech you, gentlemen, be something of your own merit. Be yourselves, any way. Do not be mere apes or miserable copyists. How many novices are there who imagine that the reputation of the National Guard hangs upon the gray coat; and who sigh after the privilege to wear the precious gray uniform!
The truth is, that the well drilled soldier, like the well bred gentleman, is known everywhere with honor; and gives respectability and dignity to any garb. A body of good soldiers in almost any uniform look well; and if they are brave and skillful, whether with uniform or without it, they will be the lions of the city and county.
We admire skill and daring – we honor valor and heroism! For these qualities the original Zouaves became famous; and for skill, and presumed zeal and courage, the Chicago Zouaves were welcomed and lauded.
Go, gentlemen, - a patient practice in military and gymnastic exercises; and you need not seek a singular garb to make you conspicuous and honorable. But if the wearing of a precise copy of the dress of Washington will not confer upon the wearer worth or patriotism, no more will the wearing of a Zouave uniform make you an accomplished soldier.
[From The Military Gazette: An Organ Devoted to the Army, Navy and Militia, August 1, 1860.]
But, of course, authentic reproduction kit wouldn't hurt...
Comment