Quote Request

[a_propagandist]

I am interested in an instance where a general or someone throws his hat into the enemy lines and rallies his troops with that gesture.

Who was it etc? Hopefully, someone will know. This is really bothering me.

 

[Birdjaguar]

With his hat on the point of his sword, General Lewis A. Armistead leads Rebel troops against the 69th Pa. Volunteers during Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863.

 

[shortguy]

I think I remember an episode from the early books of Livy that was similar, though obviously it wasn't a hat.

 

[a_propagandist]

I'm thinking of something where the general says, "You would not leave your general's hat behind, would you?"
(something along those lines)

 

[North King]

I'm thinking of something where the general says, "You would not leave your general's hat behind, would you?"
(something along those lines)

That was Toussaint L'Overture, I think, the leader of the Haitian revolution. At least, I read somewhere that he said that. Actually, it could have been his opponent, Charles Leclerc; I'd have to look it up.

 

[Atticus]

I think I remember an episode from the early books of Livy that was similar, though obviously it wasn't a hat.

If I remember correctly, Romans had habit of occasionally throwing the standard behind the enemy lines to motivate their soldiers, so it wasn't maybe a single event.

 

[a_propagandist]

After the Haiti comment, I checked the my "What If?" book. In the section detailing what happened in the past, it mentions General Rochambeau throwing his hat. Thanks for reminding me of Haiti. I would have continued to research the American Civil War.

 

[Trieste]

If I remember correctly, Romans had habit of occasionally throwing the standard behind the enemy lines to motivate their soldiers, so it wasn't maybe a single event.

I remember reading about a Roman standard bearer who threw the standard into the enemy army. The Romans charged, won the battle, and then killed the standard bearer.

 

[Atticus]

That would be so Livy-like story: Romans conclude that it was good thing to throw the standard, but also against the laws, so they must punish him, and he solemnly suffers his punishment...

 

[North King]

After the Haiti comment, I checked the my "What If?" book. In the section detailing what happened in the past, it mentions General Rochambeau throwing his hat. Thanks for reminding me of Haiti. I would have continued to research the American Civil War.

Funnily enough, I was going to check the same book, but couldn't find it.

 

[Trieste]

I think Livy had a story where the son of the general deserts to challenge the enemy general to single combat and wins, but his father kills him for deserting the watch even though the war was won, the same theme. It's been a long time since I've read it so it might not be Livy, but still a good story. Those Romans were hardcore