GAMES OF CHANCE
Gambling has been occurring in armies for
as long as there has been something to gamble over. Games of chance in the 18th
Century were prevalent and practiced at all levels of the military. Officers often wagered at cards as a
gentlemanly pastime. The Rank and file
used cards, dice, and just about any other imaginable item. Musket balls hammered into dice have been a common
find at camp site excavations. Slices of
horn were blackened on
BY THE AUTHORITY OF
THE REGIMENTAL SJT. MAJOR
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN DECLARED OFF LIMITS.
The vile practice of gambling is detrimental to
the spirit of the Corps. as the winner proceeds with ideas of avarice, and the
loser to recover his losses, & regardless, it administers to idleness,
dissipation, and the illegal sales of soldier’s necessities.
Any such activity be it by cards or dice is
expressly forbidden in camp.
The recent rumors of gambling at sutlers after
hours are grossly exaggerated.
Those enlisted men found gambling will be subject
to a trial by Courts Martial and any such punishment as determined by said
Courts Martial will be duly executed.