Letter 7019: We have learned from the report of many that the named individual, trained in upright character, is capable of...

19. FORM OF APPOINTMENT ADDRESSED TO THE PRAETORIAN PREFECT CONCERNING THE MANUFACTURERS OF ARMS. [1] From the report of many we have learned that this man, trained in upright character, is able to discharge faithfully the duties committed to him. Therefore let your illustrious greatness know that we have chosen him, so that he may both preside over the soldiers according to the ancient custom and may have authority to issue orders to the artisans who make arms, to the end that they may so elegantly fulfill their customary tasks that no fault can be found in them. For although a fault does harm everywhere, here nevertheless it strikes gravely, if one neglects the instruments of war. For indeed it is like an act of treason to withdraw from the army that which is established to arm it. To these men your foresight will assign their accustomed allowances, so that, while the excuse of provisions is taken away from them, the things that are necessary may be exacted more vigorously.

XVIIII. FORMULA AD PPO DE ARMIFACTORIBUS. [1] Multorum insinuatione comperimus illum probis moribus institutum commissa sibi posse fideliter expedire. idcirco illustris magnitudo vestra nos eum elegisse cognoscat, ut et militibus praesit secundum morem pristinum et artificibus iubere possit armorum, quatenus consuetudines suas sic eleganter adimpleant, ut nulla in eis inveniri possit offensio. quia licet ubique culpa laedat, hic tamen graviter percutit, si bellorum instrumenta neglexerit. proditionis quippe instar est exercitui subtrahere quod eum constat armare. quibus consuetudines suas providentia vestra deputabit, ut, dum illis excusatio victualium tollitur, necessaria vivacius exigantur.