In this way many of those who might be called the sober and decent part of the regiment, gradually fell from their steadfastness, and became as dissipated as those whom they had condemned. From the miserable languor produced by idleness and the climate, they now did not bethink themselves of any other refuge than liquor; _mustering a fuddle_ as often as possible; which is by two or three of them clubbing together for a rupee's worth of arrack[10]; and it was no uncommon thing to hear it said, on these occasions, that it was of no use for them to lay up money for others to spend; and as their comrades were dying so fast, and they did not know how soon it would be their turn, it was the best way to be merry when they had it in their power; saying in effect, "Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die." In their drunken rambles they would often have altercations amongst themselves, or with the noncommissioned officers, when trying to keep good order amongst them, which brought them under one or more breaches of the articles of war; and this not unfrequently terminated in their pain and dishonour, by their being exposed to corporal punishment in the front of the regiment. To those who had any regard to their good name, this was a severe trial, and the effect generally was, that it either cast them into a despondency of mind, or more commonly rendered them utterly regardless of their character ever afterwards. [10] Two drams of arrack were served out daily to each of the men, and as there were at that time no canteens in the regiment, the jovial fellows could not obtain more than their allowance but by getting it from the women, the _Sammy Hawks_, or from such of their boon companions who had _put in the pin or kegged_, which expressions signify to take an oath against liquor till some given time, such as the new year's day, the king's birth day, some particular fair in their native place. From the regimental store nothing beyond the ordinary allowance could be obtained but by _drawing out a chit_ or line, and having it subscribed by the commanding officer, addressed to the keeper of the store, who delivered the quantity specified upon receiving payment for it; but it required a very sufficient reason indeed; such as a marriage, the baptism of a child, or something of that nature, before our Colonel would subscribe such an order. I understand that canteens are now common in every barrack in India, from the belief that the men will not be so mad upon liquor when they have the power to spend their money as they think proper. I may also notice a circumstance which had not a little influence in spreading this evil contagion amongst us.