THE SOLDIER'S
21st November 1854.
Em—In your number of the 4th instant was inserted a letter on the sol- dier's cap, signed by "An Old Shako-Wearer." As I have myself also worn a shako,—which, by the by, emit me eight guineas some thirty years ago, and which frequently gave me a headache in consequence of its having been covered with melees expensive ornaments of more or leas weight,—I take the liberty of impressing upon you, and through you upon the public, the great importanoe it is that the soldier who is sent forth to fight his country's battles should have a comfortable covering for hie head, more in accordance with common sense than any I have as yet seen proposed by writers on the subject. This I conceive to be a felt hat, without any ornament whatever, similar to that worn by the Metrepoii. tan Police ; which, although not too heavy, protects the face and neck from the sun and rain by means of a brim of tolerable breadth all round. If such were adopted, I would venture to predict, that in one calendar month, the eye having become by that time accustomed to the said hat on the soldier's head, it would be considered highly military, instead of being considered the contrail,.
Few persons reflect upon the importance that attends the proper
orient of a soldier, so as to enable him to grapple with the herds of a campaign, and to exert himself with becoming energy on the field o 'battle, and at the same time how even the fate of the nation may depend upon apparent trifles : yet the appearance of the British sailor invariably is praised on account of his rough-and-ready habiliments; it being quite over- looked that convenience in dress is equally an object to the warrior on land as on the sea.
After the recent brilliant conduct of eur gallant little army in the East, it appears to Inc that the British nation might adopt a rational military cos- tume of its own, without any fear of ridicule being ever attached to it. I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient humble servant, Common Braise.
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