[20] In consequence of the difficulty of transporting Baggage, and from other causes, a Regiment on active Service in the Peninsula, could not keep up a regular Mess, as in England. Each Officer was obliged to manage for himself. They were generally divided in mess-parties of twos and threes. This greatly incommoded the Subaltern Officer: allowed only the carriage of half an Animal, it was not possible to admit, for the purpose of having eatables, any addition to his share of Baggage. The mere Ration was all that could be carried, with a Camp-kettle for culinary purposes. Besides, we must recollect the difficulty of obtaining extra articles, and also the want of Money: so that the bit of Beef, and the portion of Biscuit, was the general fare for at least two-thirds of the Officers, with a small allowance of Ration, Rum, and Wine (generally execrable stuff): the prime luxury was a drop of Brandy and a Segar. With respect to the article of dress, the contents of a very small Portmanteau was all that could be taken, and, if an Officer wore out, or lost his Regimental Jacket, his great Coat was the substitute. As for waistcoats, they were as fancy directed, but generally black, blue, or green, of either silk or velvet. An enormous pair of Mustachios and Whiskers were frequently seen to protrude from the delicate countenances of some of our Bond Street Beaux. [21] For the purpose of getting Liquor, the invincible British Soldier will commit every species of depredation: he will rob a House, plunder a Church, steal from his Comrade, and strip his own Officer in the midst of death and slaughter. Instances are known, and too frequently have they occurred, of Scoundrels having, under pretence of aiding a wounded Officer, rifled and stripped him of his apparel; and all this was effected before death had sealed his doom--before his gallant spirit, that through Life had led them to victory, or protected them in Retreat, had quitted its earthly Mansion! [22] In the Portuguese language various meanings are attached to the same term. For instance, ‘Viva’ is generally intended for, ‘How do you do?’ ‘God bless you.’--‘Rompi’ is used ‘to beat, to tear, to scratch, to plunder.’--‘Patron’ is ‘the father of a family, the husband, the master.’--‘Sparum,’ ‘stop, be quiet, be easy, have done.’--‘Poke,’ from ‘poco,’ ‘a little, directly, quietly.’ The Portuguese driver perfectly resembles the English wagoner; except that the one is obstinate from stupidity, the other from insolence. [23] It is a _general observation_, ‘that One Campaign at St. James’s is more efficacious in the attainment of promotion than half-a-dozen Campaigns in active service.’ Military observers can easily appreciate the justice of that remark. The fact is, that had his Royal Highness, the Commander-in-Chief, the uncontrolled power in the guidance of the Army, Interest and Wealth would give place to Justice, Merit, and Desert.