DORSET VOLUNTEERS DURING THE FRENCH WARS. 33 



"assembled from all quarters with the greatest expedition; 

 " Captain Prater and the Sea Fencibles were at the batteries the 

 " whole of a very severe night; the neighbouring companies 

 " were also in a state of preparation. The loyalty of each 

 " corps cannot be too much applauded, and the anxiety to meet 

 " the enemy could not be exceeded by any regular troops. 

 " About seven in the morning intelligence was received that a 

 " mistake had been made at the signal house." 

 Was this an " exercise " ? 



