John R. Thompson 
Southern Literary Messenger [PDF ebook] 
Devoted to Every Department of Literature and the Fine Arts; January to June, 1858

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Until the introduction of fire arms, things remained unchanged. The man who is destined for the profession of arms, must harden his sinews by a con stant practice of gymnastics, and the con tinual use of weapons; for his life may hang upon a moment’s weakness, or a false motion of his hand. Hence his training is long, painful, incessant. But it makes him self-reliant. He does not depend for his defence upon his companions. He can fight alone as well as in the ranks; and with his good horse and trusty blade he feels himself able to meet the foe.