01-31-2012, 03:54 AM
In 1927, Lt. Col. William Goff Caples of the U.S. Corps of Engineers wrote an article in which he stated that George Washington carried with him a copy of Lt. John Clarke's translation of Vegetius' Epitoma Rei Militaris constantly during the American Revolution (W. G. Caples, 'George Washington's Military Guide', The Military Engineer, Vol. XIX, No. 105 (May-June 1927), 244-247). He went on the say that this had been proved by Col. C. R. Howland but, unfortunately, did not give a reference. The alleged fact of Washington's use of Vegetius has been repeated several times since, sometimes citing Caples' article as authority, sometimes referring to the 'Preparatory Note' to a mimeographed copy of Clarke's translation prepared for the 1927-1928 course at the U.S. Army War College which was almost certainly written by Caples (the author is identified by the initials 'W.G.C.'), and sometimes without any reference at all.
This is a nice story but is it true? I have been unable to trace anything to support Caples' statement. What and where is Col. Howland's proof? Has anyone else written on the subject? I would be most interested to know if any members of RAT have any information on this, particularly if they can cite a reference that I can follow up.
This is a nice story but is it true? I have been unable to trace anything to support Caples' statement. What and where is Col. Howland's proof? Has anyone else written on the subject? I would be most interested to know if any members of RAT have any information on this, particularly if they can cite a reference that I can follow up.
Michael King Macdona
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)
And do as adversaries do in law, -
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
(The Taming of the Shrew: Act 1, Scene 2)