After the failure of Badajoz in 1811 the necessity of this measure was strongly advocated by the war officers. Then it was recommended to form a corps under the name of royal sappers and miners, to be composed of six companies chosen from the royal military artificers, which after receiving some instruction in the art, was to be sent to the Peninsula to aid the troops in their future siege operations.[176] Early in this year [1812] the suggestion was repeated by Sir Richard Fletcher; and Lord Wellington having also, in the most forcible manner, brought the subject to the notice of the Secretary of State,[177] a warrant was issued under date of the 23rd April for the formation of an establishment for instructing the corps in military field-works. ----- Footnote 176: Jones’s ‘Sieges,’ 2nd edit., ii., p. 390. Footnote 177: ‘Wellington Dispatches,’ 1845, v., p. 508. ----- Lord Mulgrave, the Master-General, selected Chatham as the most suitable place for carrying out the royal orders, and appointed Major C. W. Pasley director of the establishment. The exertions of that officer at Plymouth naturally singled him out for the post. The better to effect his purpose, he published for the use of the corps, elementary works on fortification, geometry, &c. of the greatest simplicity; and they have ever since been the text-books of the institution. In addition to sapping and mining, his system comprised bridge-making, pontooning, the use of ropes, mechanical appliances, and all other arts and contrivances, which the corps, in its connection with the engineer department, is likely to be called on to perform. “Uniting,” says Sir John Jones, “great zeal and unwearied perseverance with good talents” and judgment, Major Pasley “succeeded in extending the course far beyond these objects,” and not only “filled the ranks of the corps with good scholars, good surveyors, and good draughtsmen,” but enabled many, after quitting the service, to occupy with ability and credit, situations of considerable importance in civil life.[178] ----- Footnote 178: Jones’s ‘Sieges,’ 2nd edit., ii.. p. 392. ----- The formation of the school at Chatham increased the means for discipline and drill. Other stations, stimulated by the example, paid greater attention to their enforcement. The injurious system of changing officers incessantly was now abolished; and the juniors, among a stated number of the second captains, first lieutenants, and second lieutenants of the royal engineers, were appointed regimental officers of the companies. Sir John Jones has recorded that “the men generally were of superior acquirements and well-disposed,” and the above changes had the best possible effect upon their general behaviour.[179] “By linking officers and men together,” he added, “and closely connecting their mutual interests, discipline and pride were given to the soldier,” and character to the corps.[180] ----- Footnote 179: