After having recognized the advantage of intrusting the supply of
arms and ammunition for an army to a military body, it appears to
me extraordinary that the same regulation does not extend to that of
provisions and forage, instead of leaving it in the hands of a separate
administration, as is the practice at present.
The civil establishments attached to armies are formed almost always at
the commencement of a war, and composed of persons strangers to those
laws of discipline which they are but too much inclined to disregard.
These men are little esteemed by the military, because they serve only
to enrich themselves, without respect to the means. They consider only
their private interest in a service whose glory they cannot share,
although some portion of its success depends upon their zeal. The
disorders and defalcations incident to these establishments would
assuredly cease, if they were confided to men who had been employed
in the army, and who, in return for their labors, were permitted to
partake with their fellow-soldiers the triumph of their success.