My CSM had a variation on that theme:
'Enlisted Men are Stupid, but Extremely Cunning and Sly, and Bear Considerable Watching'
'He' claimed that it was from an 1890's Officer's Manual - but it's most likely apocryphal.
Still - a good reminder to see on a daily basis.
As to this 1896 'Manual for Army Cooks' - an off-timeframe aside.
I have a copy of the 'Handbook for Quartermasters' as published in 1930.
In it - there are specifications of all types - how to inspect foodstuffs, how to purchase fresh meats, vegetables and the like, how to create and nail the wooden box - and so on and so forth.
back then, the Quartermaster was trusted to spend the Army's money wisely and for the best-quality goods that the dollar could purchase.
Reading it is an eye-opening experience - simply because of the tremendous detail that it goes into, and the responsibility expected.
Today - we give 'em an Impact Card, and they head off to Wal-Mart...
Vaya,
Scouts Out!