to Jingle?

IV.--The Garrison

The military recollections of Rochester and Chatham are amusingly
confused, or rather, in defiance of all known regulations. Thus, at the
Ball, we find Colonel Bulder as "head of the garrison"--one would think
at so important a quarter, where there was a large garrison, a General at
least would be in command. Then we may ask the question, why was not Dr.
Slammer in uniform--always required in presence of a commander? It was
wonderfully bold, too, on Boz's part to give the _numbers_ of the
regiments. Hon. Wilmot Snipe of the 97th, who _was_ in full uniform,
which Mr. Tupman took for "a fancy dress." It was, of course, a Highland
one. We learn, too, that the other regiment was the 43rd, to which Dr.
Payne belonged, and that the 52nd was getting up plays at the local
theatre. And why did Boz select these particular numbers?

The Chatham garrison consisted of "half-a-dozen regiments," with which a
fair display at a Review could be made on "The Lines." Temporary
fortifications had been erected, the citadel was to be attacked and
taken--Fort Pitt we may assume--and a mine was to be sprung. Servants
were keeping places for the ladies "on the Batteries"--an alarming
position it would seem. The Sergeants were running "with vellum books"
under their arms, usually left at home on Review-day. The Officers were
"running backwards and forwards," while Colonel Bulder was seen
"gallopping" (with two p's) at large, "prancing and curvetting," that is,
making his steed curvet. The operations were, however, not under his
command, but directed by the "Commander-in-Chief," not, of course, of the
Army, but, we may presume, the General of the district. His behaviour
was the most extraordinary of all, for, instead of cultivating a solemn
reserve and quietude, and standing still, surrounded by his staff, he was
seen "backing his horse _among the people_," and heard shouting "till he
was hoarse." The soldiers wore the old, stiff leather stock, choking
them, which was heard of so much in Crimean days. They were also arrayed
in _white_ trowsers. Boz is here wonderfully accurate, for these
garments were always worn after May came round, and this was May.

The catastrophe to the Pickwickians from their having got between the two
lines of soldiers, is somewhat perplexing. One line was advancing to the
attack, the other firmly awaiting it. They were shouted at to get out of
the way. Suddenly t