ARMY OFFICERS A CENTURY AGO.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] • Sin,—The proprietors of the Royal Cornwall Gazette are republishing (weekly) extracts from that journal published in 1803. These extracts, dealing in many cases as they do with the then prevalent war scare, are extremely interesting, and deserve to be more widely read than they are. The following extract from the Royal Edinburgh Volunteer Orders, 1803, which appeared on the 12th inst., is particularly interesting at the present time :- In this regiment the officers cannot be permitted to have any indulgences or accommodation beyond the privates. They must, therefore, march with their whole baggage on their backs, of which the Lieut.-Col. will set the example, never mounting his horse, but for the purpose of command. In camp or quarters, no distinction of tents or quarters will be permitted. Officers and privates must fare alike, but the officers will mess together as it will give opportunities not otherwise to be easily obtained, of conversing on many points of regimental duty."
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