Infamous Behavior

In the British service a term peculiarly applicable to military life when it is affected by dishonorable conduct; on conviction of which, an officer is ordered to be cashiered. Infamy may be attached to an officer or soldier in a variety of ways; and some countries are more tenacious than others on this head. Among European nations it has always been deemed infamous and disgraceful to abandon the field of action or to desert the colors. In Germany a mark of infamy was attached to the character of every man who was found guilty of misbehavior before the enemy. Among the Romans it was considered as infamous and disgraceful to be taken prisoner, and a Roman soldier was impre ed with the idea that he must either conquer or die on the field. There are various occasions in which the conduct of an officer may render him unworthy of the situation he fills, such as cheating at play, taking unfair advantages of youth, imposing upon the credulity or confidence of a tradesman, habitual drunkenne , flagrant breaches of hospitality, etc.