[46] Colonel Henderson's 'Science of War.'
[47] Maurice's 'Diary of Sir John Moore.'
[48] Fortescue's 'History of the British Army,' vol. iii.
[49] This order appears to have been held in abeyance during the Peninsular War, as officers as young as fourteen frequently joined regiments. Its object, however, was to abolish the pernicious custom of granting ensigncies to children in the nursery, and allowing them leave of absence until they were old enough to join.
[50] 'Narrative of the Peninsular War,' by Lieut.-General Charles William Vane, Marquess of Londonderry, G.C.B., G.C.H., Colonel of the Tenth Hussars. 1826. He was better known as General Charles Stewart, Adjutant-General of Wellington's army.
[51] Lieut.-Colonel (afterwards Sir Ralph) Darling.
[52] A survival of this queue-bow is to be found in the "flash," still worn by the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
[53] Roliça is sometimes written Roleia; Vimiera, Vimeiro; Corunna, Coruña, &c. The spelling followed in this book is that to be found on the Colours of British regiments.
[54] Other spellings, Casal Novo, and Foz d'Arouce (or Foz do Arouce).
[55] This is the spelling of the name of the village as borne on the colours of the regiments present at the battle. Napier calls it Fuentes Onoro, other writers Fuentes d'Honor, Fuentes d'Honoro, &c. The correct local spelling is, however, Fuentes de Oñoro.