What was the lesson, precisely, that we had to learn?

What is wanted. — In a superficial way, the answer seems easy enongh: — not to lodge an army in a swamp; — not to send them out on service in a tropical noon, nor to choose the rainy season for a campaign; — not to stifle them, nor starve them, nor freeze them, nor scorch them. But these are the answers which might and would have been given before our Walcheren, and Peninsular, and Birman disasters, as fluently as now. The ideas they contain are true; but, as answers, they are inappropriate and barren. They give an instance for a principle,—like the Sunday scholar, who, being asked what hypocrisy was, replied “Pretending to walk lame.” They are barren, because a mere list of unwholesome conditions, apart from principles and organisation, can never put into the hands of any commander the means of preserving the health of his army.

Who is responsible. — The Commander has always supposed the Doctors undertook the health of the force: and it does not appear that at home the Medical Department of the army has thought of disputing the assignment. But when it comes to service abroad, a difficulty arises; the physicians see that mischief must come of encamping in some particular spot, or exercising under certain conditions: but the military officers say it is necessary, and cannot be helped; and thus the soldiers are doomed.