This feature has been a distinguishing mark in nearly all the wars in which the American people have taken part, and with a few notable exceptions has been the rule in the leading military struggles of the world.

Alexander the Great died in his thirty-second year.

Caesar entered upon the conquest of Gaul at forty.

Frederick the Great was the leading commander of Europe at thirty-three.

Napoleon and Wellington, born in the same year, fought their last battle at forty-six years of age.