French soldiers in Marching order.
--The precautions taken to prevent our catching cold and to insure our comfort and health I thought then and know now excessive. In the first place, if the weather were chilly we were obliged to march in clags order for warmth. As the day grew warmer the ranks were opened, so that we should not be in commanded by dust and perspiration. As soon as we began to perspire delirious sergeants, captains, and lieutenants trotted about our columns, shouting to the men to button up their coats if they opened them, and diminishing the quickness of our step as we approached the halt; and when we did strike at the hall, woe to the paroled soldier who dare touch water until he received orders to do so. "Eat bread!" Eat a few mouthfuls of bread before you drink!" "Rinse your mouth well out before you swallow a mouthful of water!" "Sit on your packs, and not on the ground!" "You, sir, two days salle de polies for lying in the shade. Do you think we can drag fever and shout with us? Up with you!" "And you, there exposing your chest to the coldest; you'll be writhing like a scarecrow probably!" When we arrived at our destination the and hurry-scurry were greater. First duties over and eaten the officers seemed possessed; they stormed and shouted at the sight of a particle of dust and mud upon a shoe; they caused the trowner; to be turned up to see that there were no damp feet; doctors flew about inquiring after sore heel explains grew red in the face and threatened prisons, dungeons, and even shooting and cutting into a million of places, in their anxiety to see everything orderly and comfortable. Before sunset whether it or village, the regiment was as quiet as a church. Next morning everybody awoke refreshed, and rather inclined for the march than otherwise.--Dickens's All the Year Round.
