Letter 6025: VARIAE, BOOK 6, FORMULA 25

VARIAE, BOOK 6, FORMULA 25 From: The Ostrogothic Chancery (Cassiodorus) To: [Template for the appointment of a princeps militum (chief of the military staff) under the Count of Naples] Date: ~522 AD Context: A model letter for a military staff officer attached to the Neapolitan administration, responsible for maintaining order among the governor's troops and staff. [1] Every office ought to have its own officers of discipline, so that the work of government proceeds in good order and the authority of the judge is supported by reliable subordinates. The princeps militum [chief of military staff] is appointed to maintain discipline among the governor's own retinue -- a vital role, since a disordered staff brings discredit upon the office it serves. [2] You are to ensure that the soldiers and clerks assigned to this administration conduct themselves with propriety, that no abuse is committed under color of official authority, and that the people of this province have no cause to fear those who are meant to protect them. The governor's power is exercised through his staff, and the reputation of his office depends on their conduct as much as on his own. Serve faithfully, maintain order, and know that your diligence will not go unnoticed.

XXV. FORMULA (DE COMITE) PRINCIPIS MILITUM DE COMITIVA SUPRA SCRIPTA. [1] Omnes apparitiones habere decet iudices suos: nam cui praesul adimitur, et militia denegatur. sed nos, quibus cordi est locis suis universos ordines continere, indicamus illi comitivam Neapolitanam domino iuvante largitos, ut iudicibus annua successione reparatis vobis sollemnitas non pereat actionis. quapropter designato viro praestate competenter obsequium, ut sicut vos non patimur emolumentorum commoda perdere, ita et vos parendi debeatis priscam regulam custodire. Cassiodorus