victims to their humanity. And it was admirable to see those gallant Fellows, when landed, and free from the grasp of the poor Infantry Soldiers, spring forward to ascend the Hill with an ardour to attack an Enemy they were instructed to expect would oppose them. I wish it was in my power to have paid a similar compliment, for humane exertion, to an Officer of A----y. [96] The H----ld T----ps.--In respect of those fine Regiments, much, very much, should be considered in their favour. Unaccustomed to Foreign service--unaccustomed to any duty but London duty, which Duty there are no Regiments can perform half so ably--distinguished from other Regiments in every respect, particularly in regard to _pay_ and interior convenience, it was hardly fair, and assuredly inconsiderate, calculating the expence, to employ the Life Guards on such service. Barring the absence of proper feeling in a few Officers, who rather too hastily returned Home, no Troops were more distinguished for Discipline, good Conduct, _Sobriety_, Zeal, and Gallantry, or for their patient, and cheerful submission to privations, and hardships resulting from the nature of the Service, and possibly somewhat increased by their inexperience: and I may observe without any possible risk of contradiction, had the Household Troops been fortunately pitted against the best Cavalry of the Enemy, the result would have given them a Celebrity in arms coequal to a general Character so highly creditable to those Corps. [97] F----d O----rs, Gold and Silver Sticks in the Court Regalia. [98] Ample Stores--of Provision--Forage, also for the Hospitals, and of various other descriptions. [99] The pay of the Army is six months in arrear; the Contingent allowance Ten months. A more than actual sufficiency for the Men during the operations of active Warfare is injurious; the Soldier should not have wherewith to get drunk with, for that is always the result after the Balances are received, and, until the Money is exhausted, the Soldier is a Clog. The Officers, unfortunately, suffer by the withholding their Pay. [100] However formidable the Spanish Armies are on Paper, what we have seen of them in the Field does not entitle them to be ranked with any description of Troops in Europe; and I even doubt if the Americans would not speak slightingly of them. I will give the Spanish Nation all the credit for obstinacy and jealousy they can wish; but I for one give them no further: their conduct to their Allies, in many instances, has been unfriendly and suspicious--often Hostile. It may be politic to commend their conduct for Gallant Achievement in the Field; I of course shall not presume to contradict that: and much may be allowed for a Ragged, Starved, unpaid Host, and of whom the Officers are the first to run away. They have admitted some, but very few British Officers into their service; but if the selection has proved fortunate, I suppose it will be hereafter made known.