--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We ought instead of retreating should…" description: "\"We ought instead of retreating should follow up the enemy and take Richmond. And in full view of all responsible for such declaration, I say to you all..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55a/philip-kearny-55132_cowardice_we-ought-instead-of-retreating-should-fo_1147068.jpg" --- # We ought instead of retreating should follow up the enemy… ![“We ought instead of retreating should follow up the enemy and take Richmond. And in full view of all responsible for such declaration, I say to you all, such an order can only be prompted by cowardice or treason.” quote by Philip Kearny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55a/philip-kearny-55132_cowardice_we-ought-instead-of-retreating-should-fo_1147068.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55a/philip-kearny-55132_cowardice_we-ought-instead-of-retreating-should-fo_1147068.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/55a/philip-kearny-55132_cowardice_we-ought-instead-of-retreating-should-fo_1147068.jpg) > “We ought instead of retreating should follow up the enemy and take Richmond. And in full view of all responsible for such declaration, I say to you all, such an order can only be prompted by cowardice or treason.” [Philip Kearny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-kearny/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A commander urges aggressive action against the enemy, arguing that retreat is cowardice or treason, and calls for a decisive offensive. **In simple terms:** Bold attacks are better than retreat; retreat equals cowardice. Key Takeaway Pursue decisive action against threats. Themes war leadership courage Mood determined serious Type historical motivational When to use this quote - battlefield decisions - political negotiations - public statements Key Concepts military strategy morality politics Questions to Reflect On - When is retreat a strategic necessity? - How to balance courage with prudence? A Different Perspective Aggressive tactics may cause high casualties and political backlash. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cowardice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cowardice/) [Declaration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/declaration/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Order](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/order/) [Prompted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prompted/) [Treason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/treason/) ## Related quotes > [“I wonder: instead of retreating and hiding, instead of pining for the way it was, what if I accept the way it is? 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