I am entitled to make this assertion here, when the _moral_ depravity of the Convention, of which I shall have to speak hereafter, has not even been touched upon.

Nor let it be blamed in any man, though his station be in private life, that upon this occasion he speaks publicly, and gives a decisive opinion concerning that part of this public event, and those measures, which are more especially military.

All have a right to speak, and to make their voices heard, as far as they have power.

For these are times, in which the conduct of military men concerns us, perhaps, more intimately than that of any other class; when the business of arms comes unhappily too near to the fire-side; when the character and duties of a soldier ought to be understood by every one who values his liberty, and bears in mind how soon he may have to fight for it.

Men will and ought to speak upon things in which they are so deeply interested; how else are right notions to spread, or is error to be destroyed?
These are times also in which, if we may judge from the proceedings and result of the Court of Inquiry, the heads of the army, more than at any other period, stand in need of being taught wisdom by the voice of the people.