mple lads drunk in jovial society, to press the money on them
when intoxicated, take them into strict custody, and when, on becoming
sober, they resisted, keep them by chains and every means of
compulsion. Under escort and threatenings, the prisoners were dragged
under the banners, and compelled to take the oath by barbarous
punishments. Every other means of seduction was used besides drinking;
gambling, prostitutes, lying, and every kind of deceit. Individuals
considered desirable subjects were for days watched by spies. It was
required of recruiting sergeants, who were paid for this purpose, to be
especially expert in the art of outwitting. Advancement and presents of
money depended on their knowing how to catch many men. Frequently they
avoided, even where enlisting offices were allowed, showing themselves
in uniform, and tried to seize their victims in every kind of disguise.
Horrible were the basenesses practised in this man-hunting, and
connived at by the governments. It was, in fact, slave-hunting; for the
enlisted soldier could only perform his service in the great machine of
the army, when he closed with all the hopes and wishes of his former
life. It is a melancholy task to represent to oneself the feelings
which worked in these victims; destroyed hopes, faintheartedness under
violence, and heart-rending grief over a ruined life. It was not always
the worst men who were hunted to death by running the gauntlet for
repeated desertions, or flogged on account of insolent disobedience,
till they lay senseless on the ground. Whoever could overcome his own
inward struggle and accustom himself to the rough style of his new
life, became a complete soldier, that is, a man who performed his
service punctually, showed a firm spirit in attack, honoured or hated
as enjoined, and perhaps felt some attachment to his flag; and probably
much greater to the friend which made him for a time forget his
situation--brandy.

Enlistment in foreign countries could only take place with the consent
of the Government of the country. Urgently did warlike princes seek for
permission from their neighbours for an enlistment office. The Emperor,
indeed, had the best of it, for each of his regiments had, according to
custom, a fixed recruiting district throughout Germany. The others,
especially Prussia, had to provide a favourable district for it. The
larger Imperial cities were frequently courteous enough to grant
permission to the more powerf