"He sees to the cleanliness of his men" [mine must have had peculiar ideas on the subject].... "Often and without warning he inspects the clothes of a man whom he suspects of bad conduct.
"He passes constant reviews of the men's effects" [doesn't he], "and when a man returns after an absence of fifteen days or more he inspects his kit...."
He does many other things—in theory—but chiefly acts on the principle that rules are made to be broken.
"PETIT ETAT MAJOR AND "PELOTON HORS RANG.
Under these titles are known all the skilled assistants (whether non-commissioned officers or troopers) who are employed as clerks in the offices of the Treasurer, and other officers employed in the various administrative services of the regiment. The "Capitaine d'habillement acts as their Captain Commandant.
ADJUDANTS.
The Adjudants, although non-commissioned officers, wear the uniform of a Sub-lieutenant, the only difference being that their galloons are striped with a small red thread. They receive from the troopers and other non-commissioned officers the same marks of respect as officers.
There are three Adjudants in each cavalry regiment. The first two are the Adjudants proper, while the third (Adjudant vaguemestre) has different duties. The two Adjudants have under their immediate authority all the Sergeants and Corporals so far as the discipline and the general police of barracks are concerned. They have to keep watch over the private conduct and appearance of the Sergeants.
They take "the week" in turn under the immediate orders of the "Captain of the Week." All strangers wishing to enter the barracks are referred to him when he takes "the week." The Adjudant receives from the one he has relieved: