ell secured by the river; but the right and
the rear were wholly unprotected. Though in occupying this
field, therefore, we might have looked very well had the country
kind us been friendly, it must be confessed that our situation
hardly deserved the title of a military position.

CHAPTER XX.

NOON had just passed, when the word was given to halt, by which
means every facility was afforded of posting the piquet's leisure
and attention. Nor was this deemed enough to secure
tranquillity: parties were sent out in all directions to
reconnoitre, who returned with an account that no enemy nor any
trace of an enemy could be discerned. The troops were
accordingly suffered to light fires, and to make themselves
comfortable, only their accoutrements were not taken off, and the
were piled in such form as to be within reach at a moment's
notice.

As soon as these agreeable orders were issued, the soldiers to
obey them both in letter and in spirit. Tearing up a number of
strong palings, large fires were lighted in a moment; water was
brought from the river, and provisions were cooked. But their
bare rations did not content them. Spreading themselves over the
country as far as a regard to safety would permit, they entered
every house, and brought away quantities of hams, fowls, and
wines of various descriptions; which being divided among them,
all fared well, and none received too large a quantity. In this
division of good things, they were not unmindful of their
officers; for upon active warfare the officers are considered by
the privates as comrades, to whom respect and obedience are due,
rather than as masters.

It was now about three o'clock in the afternoon, and all had as
yet remained quiet. The troops having finished their meal, lay
stretched beside their fires, or refreshed themselves by bathing,
for to-day the heat was such as to render this latter employment
extremely agreeable, when suddenly a bugle from the advanced
posts sounded the alarm, which was echoed back from all in the
army. Starting up, we stood to our arms, and prepared for
battle, the alarm being now succeeded by some firing; but we were
scarcely in order, when intelligence arrived from the front that
there was no danger, only a few horse having made their
appearance, who were checked and put to flight at the first
discharge. Upon this information, our wonted confidence
returned, and we again betook ourselves to our former
occupations,