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- May 2, 1999
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I don't know if you'll want to lock this and move it to another forum or what, but this is coming from a 19th century American fighting and military manual, by Capt. M.W. Berriman; The Militiaman's Manual, and Sword-Play.
Capt. Berriman;
"Everywhere throughout our country- and long may it remain so! we find the Soldier-spirit manifesting its force amongst all ages and classes, from the children who parade the streets with wooden guns and penny trumpets as their earliest pastime, to the splendidly equipped and disciplined bodies of our cavalry and infantry, who spend time, money and excertions, without grudging, to make themselves competent at any moment to the defence of their homes, their liberties, and the inviolability of the American flag.
It is in view of these things, carefuly noted and reported, that high European authorities have pronounced us "the most naturally warlike people in the world;" and who shall pretend to limit the influence which this belief has had in securing for us the respect which our flag enjoys abroad, and that happy immunity from aggression which, for this long time past, has given our warlike spirit no cause or call for any very extensive excitement?"
Nick again;
My, how much things have changed! I just thought I'd throw this out there for you guys to think and talk about.
In case you're wondering about American swordsmanship, the last official U.S. Army manual on the subject I am aware of-that deals with combative swordsmanship mind you, not sportfencing- is dated 1907. It teaches the weilding of the saber from both horseback and foot.
Many of the old bayonet manuals, if not all, also teach how to fight against cavalry.
Capt. Berriman;
"Everywhere throughout our country- and long may it remain so! we find the Soldier-spirit manifesting its force amongst all ages and classes, from the children who parade the streets with wooden guns and penny trumpets as their earliest pastime, to the splendidly equipped and disciplined bodies of our cavalry and infantry, who spend time, money and excertions, without grudging, to make themselves competent at any moment to the defence of their homes, their liberties, and the inviolability of the American flag.
It is in view of these things, carefuly noted and reported, that high European authorities have pronounced us "the most naturally warlike people in the world;" and who shall pretend to limit the influence which this belief has had in securing for us the respect which our flag enjoys abroad, and that happy immunity from aggression which, for this long time past, has given our warlike spirit no cause or call for any very extensive excitement?"
Nick again;
My, how much things have changed! I just thought I'd throw this out there for you guys to think and talk about.
In case you're wondering about American swordsmanship, the last official U.S. Army manual on the subject I am aware of-that deals with combative swordsmanship mind you, not sportfencing- is dated 1907. It teaches the weilding of the saber from both horseback and foot.
Many of the old bayonet manuals, if not all, also teach how to fight against cavalry.
