74 FORMATION OF A PEASANT VOLUNTEER-CORPS. 



against the Danes, as its own men had not the courage 

 to do it. I would wait till they came, and defend 

 the fort with them! 



That had the desired effect. As I was on the 

 point of departing with my little troop there came a 

 deputation of the elder peasants and begged me to 

 wait a little, they would think the matter over again, 

 for they did'nt like the idea that the women should 

 defend their country. I declared my willingness, but 

 required . that the village should furnish at least 

 50 men. otherwise it would be no good. We were 

 thereupon well fed. and an hour later there stood in 

 fact 50 young men ready to go with us, followed by 

 vehicles laden to the utmost with all sorts of provisions, 

 "that their youngsters might not have to starve in 

 the fort"\ as the mayor's wife explained to me. Thus 

 we proceeded from village to village with like result, 

 and late in the evening I marched back to the fort 

 with 150 stout peasant lads and a whole commissariat 

 caravan. 



I thereupon discharged the civic guard with the 

 exception of a sprinkling of volunteers, who were 

 willing to assist me in the direction and drilling of 

 my peasant corps, and I had the pleasure of seeing 

 a thoroughly serviceable troop turned out in a short 

 space of time. 



Arms, ammunition and military insignia I obtained 

 from the ever helpful commander of the town, whose 

 name unfortunately has escaped my memory. My 

 corps of volunteers was recognised by the provisional 



