g
most belligerently from his three-cornered cocked hat. He wore a sash
and sword, and always reviewed the troops on horseback.

One day, after a statutory review of the militia of the county, a
proposition was started to form a volunteer company of mounted hussars.
A nucleus was soon obtained, and in less than a week a sufficient number
had enrolled themselves to authorize the Colonel to order a drill. It
happened on a Saturday; the place selected was an old field near the
schoolhouse, and I need not add that the entire battalion of boys was
out in full force, as spectators of the warlike exercises. How they got
through with the parade, I have forgotten; but I do remember that the
mania for soldiering, from that day forward, took possession of the
school.

The enrollment at first consisted entirely of infantry, and several
weeks elapsed before anybody ventured to suggest a mounted corps. Late
one afternoon, however, as we were returning homeward, with drums
beating and colors flying, we disturbed a flock of lazy goats, browsing
upon dry grass, and evincing no great dread for the doughty warriors
advancing. Our captain, whose dignity was highly offended at this utter
want of respect, gave the order to "form column!" "present arms!" and
"charge!" Austrian nor Spaniard, Italian nor Prussian, before the
resistless squadrons of Murat or Macdonald, ever displayed finer
qualities of light infantry or flying artillery, than did the vanquished
enemy of the "Woodville Cadets" on this memorable occasion. They were
taken entirely by surprise, and, without offering the least resistance,
right-about-faced, and fled precipitously from the field. Their
terrified bleating mingled fearfully with our shouts of victory; and
when, at the command of our captain. I blew the signal to halt and
rendezvous, our brave fellows magnanimously gave up the pursuit, and
returned from the chase, bringing with them no less than five full-grown
prisoners, as trophies of victory!

A council of war was immediately called, to determine in what way we
should dispose of our booty. After much learned discussion, and some
warm disputes, the propositions were narrowed down to two:

Plan the first was, to cut off all the beard of each prisoner, flog, and
release him.

Plan the second, on the contrary, was, to conduct the prisoners to the
playground, treat them kindly, and endeavor to train them to the bit and
saddle, so as to furnish the officers with what