The colonel, as the father, should have a personal acquaintance with every officer and man, and should instill a feeling of pride and affection for himself, so that his officers and men would naturally look to him for personal advice and instruction.

In war the regiment should never be subdivided, but should always be maintained entire.

In peace this is impossible.
The company is the true unit of discipline, and the captain is the company.

A good captain makes a good company, and he should have the power to reward as well as punish.

The fact that soldiers world naturally like to have a good fellow for their captain is the best reason why he should be appointed by the colonel, or by some superior authority, instead of being elected by the men.
In the United States the people are the "sovereign," all power originally proceeds from them, and therefore the election of officers by the men is the common rule.