Regimental Prisoners 1 49 



the officers' mess-room door, under the charge of a corporal 

 and to salute every officer as he passed in and out, until 

 he did know them all by sight ! A rather funny answer, 

 though, was made by a young Irish soldier when we were 

 quartered at Plymouth. The officers' guard-room was 

 exactly opposite to the gate of the private approach, 

 leading up to the houses of the General commanding the 

 Division, and of the Admiral commanding the port. Each 

 of these officers was entitled to the compliment of the 

 guard being turned out to them, but as naval officers of all 

 sorts in undress uniforms were constantly passing to the 

 Admiralty House, and at first sight there is no great 

 distinction between the different ranks, it was very 

 necessary to make certain that the sentry knew who was 

 who. When hearing him repeat his orders, it was always 

 the custom when he got to the words, " Turn out the guard 

 to the General and the Admiral," to inquire if he knew 

 them by sight, and if he was not acquainted with the 

 latter to ask him if he knew the different naval ranks by 

 their uniform. On this occasion the sentry had got a 

 little mixed, and on being asked how he would know 

 the Admiral, the reply came, " Begorra, I'd know him 

 by his 8])urs ! " 



At one period quite an epidemic broke out of men 

 tearing up their regimental clothing when brought back 

 for some crime coupled with desertion, for which they 

 were likely to be dismissed the service. This pressed 

 particularly hard upon the unfortunate captains, for the 

 modus operandi that was pursued when a man deserted 

 was to hold an auction of his regimental effects, after the 

 usual Board had been held, and the proceeds were credited 

 to the Government. After twenty-one days' absence a 



