History of the First West India Regiment. By A. B.
Ellis, Major, 1st West India Regiment. (Chapman and Hall.)—Military history does not, we fancy, appeal to a very wide circle of readers, but to those interested in such matters we can cordially recommend the present volume. In his preface, Major Ellis disclaims all attempt at descriptive writing ; but his book is, nevertheless, written in an easy style, and is by no means dull. Indeed, it cannot fail to arouse con- siderable interest in the corps whose eventful career he details. But the part of the book which will attract most general attention is the introductory chapter, in which the author urges the more exten- sive use of negro troops for colonial service. In the face of the general admission that we have lost much of our insularity, and shall be obliged in future to devote far more attention to our defences than heretofore, it is satisfactory to hear, from one who speaks with the authority of experience, that we are able to draw upon a large supply of men who have the making of capital soldiers, and are naturally far better able to support the climate of our tropical possessions than white troops. Major Ellis thinks far more highly of the West Indian than the West African negro, who is, he says, "a mere machine, who mechanically obeys orders, and never ventures, under any circumstances, to act or think for himself," besides being a hopelessly bad shot. The West Indian islands, however, would easily supply material for five or six new battalions. Major Ellis's plan, at any rate, deserves a trial.
Previous page
