that is resorted to by the mule. The animal seems
to know when his pack is securely and properly adjusted; for, if it is
not, he is ready to dump it on the first opportunity occurring. When
the mules are loaded, they start out in a drove, but are allowed to
select their own path, provided they follow on after the command.
It generally happens that one of them is more ambitious than his
companions. This one taking the lead, the others resign to him
their right to the place, and are content to keep his company at a
respectful distance in the rear. One of the duties of the Commissary
Department in fitting out such expeditions is, to provide a sufficient
quantity of rations for the men, such as beef, bacon, beans, sugar
and coffee. These form the reliable subsistence of the soldiers while
absent from their posts or the settlements. The estimate is judged of
by the number of days which the expedition will require to be absent,
in order to perform a certain amount of work. From this result is
calculated the weight and number of the rations required, always,
when practicable, allowing a small surplus. In this respect old and
experienced soldiers are far superior to volunteers. The former will
allow of no waste. They are accustomed to be methodic in their modes
of life, while the volunteer is usually ignorant of such teaching;
hence, he is wanting in making little things go a great way. While
out on one of these campaigns, it is often practicable to a certain
extent, provided the undertaking is not a hotly contested chase, to
drive along beef cattle, which can be killed and used at discretion.
Bacon, however, is the soldier's sheet anchor; and, the variety of
forms in which he can cook and prepare for eating this article, while
in the field, would astonish even a French _chef de cuisine_. It very
frequently happens, however, that in an Indian country, he is not
allowed to exercise his talent, for, making large fires might have the
effect of apprising the enemy of the near approach of danger. In such
a case he is obliged to make his coffee in a tin cup, over a very
small fire, the fuel of which consists of a handful of dry twigs,
which are carefully and cautiously replenished as the first supply is
consumed. This coffee, together with the remains of his last frugal
meal, serves to stay his appetite for the time being, _nolens volens_.
The organization is said to be complete and fit for service when the
soldiers are judiciously p