1787-11-13 (static/transcriptions/1787/11/288.jpg)

must have formed a considerable part of the Engl Society there, lost their pay in the Compy’s Service, while they served the Vizier, it must have been his own fault that he did not know it, & his want of Knowledge was supine; for “Supina ignorantia est ignorare quod omnes scimus.” says Gothofred on the Dig: Lib: 2. Tit: 6.
But supposing Mr. Thomas had been both mustered and in pay; he was not liable to be tried on this charge, for no warrant officer or common soldier can be tried for behaviour unbecoming a Gentleman. The Art: of war that creates the offence, which is peculiar to the military Code, is in these words: Whatsoever Commissd Officer shall be convicted before a Gen: Cor: Mart: of behav: in a scandalous infamous manner, such as is unbecoming the character of an Plf & a Gent, shall be dischd from the Service. Sect: 12. Art: 20.
That