[92] The P----se Army was originally contemptible. The great brilliant, and persevering exertions of F----d-M----l B----d, and the Officers under him, have been successful, by rendering the P----se Army efficient in point of Discipline, Activity, and interior Oeconomy. [93] F----d-M----l B----d. [94] Officers taken from the British and German regiments. [95] The H----r B----de. Upon our approach to the River Eslar, it was expedient that a Lodgement should be made on the opposite side of that River, to protect the formation of the Pontoon Bridge, for the Army to cross the River; the Hussar Brigade, supported by the 51st Light Regt. and Light Regiment of Brunswick Oels (ordered to support the Cavalry) were ordered to attack, take, and maintain the Village. The River, at all times rapid, by the melting of the Snow, was swollen two feet in depth, and its current raged with increasing velocity: 100 Men of the 51st were advanced, with the advance of the Hussars, and passed at the Ford with safety, but drenched with Water; the two Corps followed, and it was directed that an Infantry Soldier should hold by the stirrup-leather of a Hussar. Whether it was the anxiety to pass the Ford, or some other cause, such was the press to enter the River, that the Ford was lost, and in one minute were seen Hussars scrambling, their Horses now on a Rock--next minute, plunging over head, the Infantry dragged hanging at the Stirrup, and Horses Tails; some by a jerk, or kick lost their hold, and were, struggling with the Torrent--others borne by the rapid Current of the Water, sunk, never to rise more;--others happily cast on bits of Islands. Hussars were seen plunging to get up the Bank, dragging three or four Infantry, half-drowned, so convulsed as to keep their grasp. Men’s Caps, Knapsacks, floating down the Stream: but the attachment of one Infantry Soldier to his Firelock was astonishing--he was seen by an Officer, who rode to the brink of the Rock; as the Man floated down the stream, supported as he lay on his back, by his Knapsack, the Officer said, ‘Can you swim?’ ‘No, your honour.’ ‘Then throw away your Firelock.’ ‘No, your honour; I’ll bring She to shore with me--I won’t part with She.’ Fortunately the current bore Him so near to the Rock, the Officer could reach his Bayonet, and the Man was saved. On this occasion it is not in words to give an adequate idea of the gallant and humane conduct of the Hussars. A Serjeant of the 18th Hussars was heard to exclaim, upon his seeing a very fine young Officer of the 51st struggling for life in the middle of the Torrent, ‘I’ll be D----d if the fine Boy shall be drowned,’ and plunged his Horse into the Stream, and, when he rose above the Water, pressed towards the Officer, caught him by the jacket, and lifted him on Shore.--Many other similar cases happened. During the time of passing the River, indeed, I have every reason to believe the Men of the Hussars that were drowned, on this occasion, died