Note 2 — Chapter IX · The Conduct of the War
Reading edition
“November 16, 1900.
(Stamp) “Lacuna Brigade. Headquarters.
“Major Thomas Tagunton: Advise all officers of this brigade that he who allows his soldiers to load their rifles without being before the enemy, shall be liable to capital punishment. If the soldiers intentionally or otherwise fire their pieces, whether in the air or at any determined or undetermined person, said soldiers and the officers to whose command they belong shall also be liable to the same punishment as above, without further proceedings, for the reason that we are almost in front of the enemy, and all the more if the shots take effect upon any of the soldiers or chiefs.
“Sergeants and corporals shall also take heed of the present warnings, as they will also be given the same punishment if they by abandoning their squads allow them to commit certain outrages.
“You will report receipt of and compliance with this order.
“God preserve you many years.
“General Headquarters, November 16, 1900.
(Signed) “Lacuna, General, Political-Military Governor and Chief of Operations.”—P.I.R., 643. 1.