The escalade of the castle of Badajoz held up as an example to future commanders of such enterprises.--The part performed by the 3rd division under Sir Edward Pakenham at Salamanca, with remarks, &c.--The French generals and état-major before the lines of Torres Vedras, &c.--Marshal Soult and his état-major before the battle of Toulouse, &c.--The 3rd division at Toulouse, &c.--Part performed by the 3rd division at Vittoria, with remarks.--Some occurrences at the Nivelle, with useful observations.--A few necessary remarks upon the battle of the Pyrenees. The 3rd division at Orthes, and shewing its style of fighting there, and upon other occasions.--This farther illustrated at the Vic Bigore, with other matters 219 CHAP. VIII. Observations upon the United States of America.--Their present position as regards Great Britain, the Canadas, &c.--Attention particularly called to that country, with observations upon naval and military matters.--Expedition to Plattsburg, with other matters of importance; such as the question of the Boundary line, &c. and some official documents respecting our North American territories.--Instructions of a military nature, respecting Lower Canada in 1814, with useful hints and matters of consequence to be attended to by Great Britain.--Future combined naval and military enterprises, with necessary and useful observations.--Concluding general remarks 264 ON THE BRITISH ARMY, _&c. &c._ CHAP. I. I have imposed upon myself a task which may probably expose me to much annoyance, or perhaps severe criticism; so much so, that I am almost deterred from entering upon it, in consequence of feeling that although I may fancy I understand the subjects I intend to write upon, yet at the same time I greatly fear I am unequal to do them that justice which they require; but something I shall neither attempt to describe, nor analyze, urges me on in what I consider, as an officer of some experience, I ought to undertake; and let the consequences be what they may, I have the consolation to think, that my motives, at all events, are pure and disinterested. Many well-meaning men, and many mischievous men, have for years past been exerting themselves, with unwearied assiduity, to have the corporal punishment of flogging done away with in our army; but no experienced officer, or person acquainted with the subject, when he considers its former and present composition, can for an instant entertain such an idea, unless some other mode of punishment can be thought of, as a substitute, equally prompt, and which, from its consequences, would keep the transgressor as short a time from the performance of his duties as flagellation does.