Shortly after Samyule's return, the Grim Old Fighting Cox took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, ordered a couple of spies to be executed, and discharged the following
"CONGRATULATORY ORDER.
"Head Quarters Mackerel Brigade.
"The General commanding tenders to the aged Mackerels his congratulations on their achievements of the last seven days, which were week.
"If they have not accomplished all that was expected, the reason is, that more was expected than has been accomplished.
"It is sufficient to say that they were of a character not to be foreseen without foresight, nor prevented without human sagacity and attainable resources.
"In withdrawing from the other side of Duck Lake without delivering a general battle to our adversaries, the Mackerels have proved their renewed diffidence in themselves, and their fidelity to a high standard of retiring modesty.
"In fighting at a disadvantage, instead of at the enemy, we would have been recreant to our trust in our pontoons.
"Profoundly loyal, and conscious of its strength, the Mackerel Brigade will give or decline battle whenever it considers the weather sufficiently pleasant and the newspapers sufficiently snubbed.
"It will also be the dictator of its own history and the vindicator of its own legs.