There was something probably in the tone of my question which was not altogether expected, and his companions began to look a little uneasy.

He then protested that none of them meant any disrespect, but that as their military experience was about as extensive as my own, they thought I ought to make no movements but on consultation with them and by their consent.

The others seemed to be better pleased with this way of putting it, and signified assent.

My answer was that their conduct very plainly showed their own lack both of military experience and elementary military knowledge, and that this ignorance was the only thing which could palliate their action.
Whether they meant it or not, their action was mutinous.

The responsibility for the movement of the army was with me, and whilst I should be inclined to confer very freely with my principal subordinates and explain my purposes, I should call no councils of war, and submit nothing to vote till I felt incompetent to decide for myself.