[214] Woolwright’s History of the 77th, p. 29.
[215] Rogerson’s History of the 53rd, p. 35.
[216] See Fortescue’s History of the British Army, vi. pp. 180–183.
[217] To quote an interesting explanatory note from the autobiography of Morris of the 73rd. “The militia would be drawn up in line, and the officers for the regiments requiring volunteers would give a glowing description of their several corps, describing the victories they had gained, and the honours they had acquired, and conclude by offering the bounty. If these inducements were not effectual in getting men, coercive measures were adopted: the militia colonel would put on heavy and long drills and field exercises, which were so tedious and oppressive that many men would embrace the alternative, and volunteer for the regulars” (p. 13).
[218] A canny Scot makes his explanation for volunteering in a fashion which combines patriotism, love of adventure, and calculation. “In the militia I serve secure of life and limb, but with no prospect of future benefit for old age (pension) to which I may attain. It is better to hazard both abroad in the regular service, than to have poverty and hard-labour accompanying me to a peaceful grave at home.” Anton’s Retrospect of a Military Life, p. 39.
[219] See the amusing narrative of Lawrence of the 20th and his two evasions from his stone-mason employer.
[220] See Stanhope’s Conversations with Wellington, p. 13.
[221] Journal of T. S. of the 71st in Constable’s Memorials of the Late War, i. p. 25.
[222] Note by Colborne on p. 396 of his Life by Moore-Smith.
[223] Rifleman Harris, pp. 10–16.