[35] I am afraid I expose my ignorance in making this remark; but, as I observed, those Gentlemen were not all dressed in the same kind of Uniform: (for instance, one in the Uniform of the Guards; another in the Uniform of some Militia Corps; a third, in the Uniform of a Light Regiment; but all with two blazing Epaulettes) I must own I was puzzled in endeavouring to account for this Masquerading.
[36] This has happened in a variety of instances; but particularly at the storming of St. Sebastian, where our Soldiers were seen arm in arm, Drunk, with the French Soldiers, and actually tumbling over the Bodies of their dead Companions.
[37] This is a melancholy truth. The immorality of the British Soldier is disgusting, and it is only by strict attention and severe discipline it is at all kept within bounds.
[38] The astonishing difficulties against which Lord Wellington had to struggle, from the disorganized state of his Army, may, in some respect, be understood by reverting to his Lordship’s General Orders. Three volumes are filled with recapitulations of General Courts-Martial.
[39] The handsome addition of Pay to General Officers is highly creditable to those who originally were the promoters of so well-timed a remuneration.
[40] I am but a poor Poet, and if I have taken the advantage in the invention of the word achievance in this instance, I hope I may be excused, as we have instances of the richest Poets having done the same.
In respect to the term Grievance, I conceive it does not require explanation in our Military classes.
SEQUEL
TO THE
MILITARY ADVENTURES OF
JOHNNY NEWCOME
PART II