Providence Morning Star

An Englishman's View of Military Training.-In the month of January, 18- I set foot upon the soil of the New World- upon a spot stained with English blood. I was curious to examine the field of this decisive action, for at that period of my life I had an inclination for martial affairs. But something more than mere curiosity prompted me to visit the battle ground of New Orleans, I then held an opinion deemed heterodox, namely, that the improvised soldier is under certain circumstances quite equal to the professional hireling, and that long military drill is not essential to victory. The history of war, superficially studied, would seem to antagonize this theory, which conflicts also with the testimony of all military men. But the testimony of mere military men on such a matter is without value. Whoever heard of a military man who did not desire to have his theory considered as mythical as possible? Moreover the rulers of the world have spared no pains to imbue their people with false ideas upon this point, It is necessary to put forward some excuse for that terrible incubus upon the nations, the "standing army. My desire to view the battle ground upon the banks of the Mississippi had reference to this question. The action itself had been one of my strong arguments in favor of my belief, for upon this spot some six thousand men-who had never heard the absurd command, "Eyes right!"—outgeneralled, whipped, in fact nearly annihilated, a well equipped and veteran army of twice their number. Since standing upon that battle ground I have carried a sword in more than one field of action. What I then held only as a theory, I have since proved as an experience. "The "drill" is a delusion; the standing army a cheat.

Capt. Mayne Reid.