Frederick Russell Burnham

Burnham after his investiture with the cross of the Distinguished Service Order by Edward VII. The black armband was worn in mourning for the recent death of Queen Victoria.

Major Frederick Russell Burnham (11 May 1861 – 1 September 1947) was an American scout and world traveling adventurer known for his service to the British Army in colonial Africa and for teaching woodcraft to Robert Baden-Powell, thus becoming one of the inspirations for the founding of the international Scouting Movement.

Quotes

• There is nothing that sharpens a man's senses so acutely as to know that bitter and determined enemies are in pursuit of him night and day.
  • Scouting on Two Continents (1926)

• Under the administration of Rhodes, there were the fewest laws, the widest freedom, the least crime, and the turest justice, that I have ever seen in any part of the world.
  • Scouting on Two Continents (1926)

• As far as we can look back into history, the downfall of any nation can be traced from the moment that nation became timid about spending its best blood.
  • Taking Chances (1944)

• I am more afraid of an army of a hundred sheep led by a lion than an army of a hundred lions led by a sheep.
  • Taking Chances (1944)