292 REGULAR TROOPS. 



when blessed, and encouraged by the priests. 

 As far, however, as I have had an opportunity of 

 observing the military force, I cannot think it 

 would ever make a stand against an European 

 army. Not only are the troops badly armed, but 

 even the officers, who are in fact distinguished 

 from the privates only by their uniforms, have 

 no idea of discipline ; any sort of precision in 

 their manoeuvres is out of the question ; and to 

 find a sentinel comfortably asleep with his mus 

 ket on his shoulder, is by no means an uncom 

 mon occurrence. 



I was told that Luon contained eight thou 

 sand regular troops, and that by summoning 

 the militia, twenty thousand could be assembled. 



The field of honour where the heroes of Lucon 

 distinguish themselves is on the southern Phi 

 lippine Islands, which are not yet subdued ; they 

 are inhabited by Mahommedan Indians, who are 

 constantly at war with the Spaniards, and who, 

 ranging as pirates over all the coasts inhabited 

 by Christians, spread terror and desolation 

 wherever they appear. From time to time some 

 well manned gun-boats are sent in pursuit of 



