. Read the excerpt from Twelve Years a Soldier's Life in India. Just then a breeze sprung up, the dust blew aside, and the long line of horsemen coming on rapidly behind my party burst upon their senses. They turned instantly, and made for the fort; so, leaving my men to advance quietly after them, I galloped up to the Brigadier, pointed out the flying Sikhs, explained their position, and begged him to charge them. He melted from his wrath, and told two regiments of Irregulars 17 to follow my guidance. On we went at the gallop, cut in amongst the fugitives, and punished them fearfully. What overall message is the writer trying to convey? Works Cited Hodson, W.S.R. Twelve Years a Soldier's Life in India. Boston, 1816. Disobeying your commander brings great shame. War should never be seen as sport. It is wise to deceive the enemy. The outcome of war is rarely rewarding.