REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 43 



The foot rifles of the guard wear a jacket with long skirts, and very loose pants, which are 

 tucked under leather gaiters extending to the top of the calf of the leg. 



The infantry of the line, rifles, &c., wore a light blue merino scarf, in lieu of a stock, in the 

 Crimea. 



The dress of the zouave is of the Arab pattern ; the cap is a loose fig, or skull cap, of scarlet 

 felt, with a tassel ; a turban is worn over this in full dress ; a cloth vest and loose jacket, which 

 leave the neck unencumbered by collar, stock, or cravat, cover the upper portion of his body, 

 and allow free movement of the arms; the scarlet pants are of the loose oriental pattern, and are 

 tucked under gaiters like those of the foot rifles of the guard ; the overcoat is a loose cloak, 

 with a hood ; the chasseurs wear a similar one. The men say that this dress is the most con- 

 venient possible, and prefer it to any other. 



The zouaves are all French ; they are selected from among the old campaigners for their fine 

 physique and tried courage, and have certainly proved that they are what their appearance 

 would indicate, the most reckless, self-reliant, and complete infantry that Europe can produce. 



With his graceful dress, soldierly bearing, and vigilant attitude, the zouave at an outpost is 

 the beau ideal of a soldier. 



They neglect no opportunity of adding to their personal comforts ; if there is a stream in the 

 vicinity the party marching on picket is sure to be amply supplied with fishing rods, &c. ; if 

 anything is to be had the zouaves are quite certain to obtain it. 



Their movements are the most light and graceful I have ever seen ; the stride is long, but 

 the foot seems scarcely to touch the ground, and the march is apparently made without efi'ort or 

 fatigue. 



The step of the foot rifles is shorter and quicker, and not so easy and graceful. 



The impression produced by the appearance of these two corps is very difi'erent ; the rifles 

 look like active, energetic little fellows, who would find their best field as skirmishers ; but the 

 zouaves have, combined with all the activity and energy of the others, that solid ensemble and 

 reckless dare-devil individuality which would render them alike formidable when attacking in 

 mass, or in defending a position in the most desperate hand to hand encounter. Of all the 

 troops that I have ever seen, I should esteem it the greatest honor to assist in defeating the 

 zouaves. The grenadiers of the guard are all large men, and a fine looking, soldierly set. 



The voltigeurs are small, active men, but larger than the rifles; they are light infantry. 



The appearance of the infantry of the line is by no means impressive ; it requires close watching 

 to appreciate their excellent qualities. 



The regulations for the government of troops in the field are strictly carried into practice, and 

 appear to work well ; the only complaint appeared to be that the number of returns and accounts 

 required was so great that it was impossible to make them out in time ; the consequence was 

 stated to be that most officers were very much behind hand with their accounts. 



The regiments with the shelter tents generally bivouaced in line. 



In the field portable ovens of sheet iron are frequently used. These, with all the necessary 

 utensils, are packed in boxes which may be transported either on mules or in wagons ; each 

 division is provided with a set of these, which require from 2 to 3 wagons for their transportation. 

 With the stone and earth usually to be found at the camp, these ovens can be set up and put in 

 working order in 24 hours. 



In the Crimea bread was baked in permanent ovens established at Kamiesch. Coffee was 

 usually sent to the Crimea green, and roasted there by the men, each mess having a cofiee mill. 

 The cakes of biscuit are |" thick, about 3 to a ration ; they are put up in boxes containing 100 



