e
pistols also, and some few I have seen with huge blunderbusses. Their
families generally accompany them, and they are mounted on the best and
fleetest horses. Should any of their women die or run away, they can
easily be replaced at the next village. If any resistance is made,
either on the part of the female herself, or of her father, mother, or
husband, coercive means are unhesitatingly resorted to, and the poor
creature is carried off in the same manner as any other commodity of
which they may stand in need. As soon as they have drained one town or
village, they take up their quarters in another, living entirely upon
rapine and plunder.

In this manner these marauders had long prowled about uncontrolled,
laying whole districts waste, and bringing with them, wherever they
went, desolation and ruin. These desperadoes, who set the laws of the
land at defiance, and the laws of humanity at naught, the Marquis of
Hastings was now determined to destroy; for which purpose, every soldier
that could be spared was now in the field, the noble marquis commanding
in person the centre division of the army, and superintending and
directing the whole plan of the war.

In four days I reached the division, then lying under the fort of
Callenger, and reported myself to Major-General Marshall, commanding the
division, with whom I breakfasted. His extremely kind manner of
receiving me was truly flattering. I cannot say that I was very bashful,
but I always endeavoured to be respectful to my superiors. I took the
earliest opportunity of expressing my acknowledgments for his kind
recommendation of me to his excellency the commander-in-chief. The
general replied, "Shipp, you deserve what you have been appointed to. I
have not forgotten your gallantry at Hattrass, although I was so
extremely ill before that place; but I must confess that plaguy gout
almost made me overlook your merit. I heartily wish you joy. There will
be a knife and fork always laid at my table for you. Make my board your
home." Thus saying, he shook me cordially by the hand.

I had now been told in person, both by the Marquis of Hastings and by
the general in command of the division of the army in which I was now to
act, that I had hitherto performed my duty like a brave and loyal
soldier. These attestations to my military character and conduct caused
my heart to glow with pride and satisfaction; and, indeed, nothing can
be more gratifying to the feelings of a soldier