At one period of the Peninsular war, the army was several months in arrear of pay. Money was not to be got anywhere by the advanced troops, except in the class of Generals and higher officers. Morris Quill was, of course, one of those whose purses were empty--indeed there was not a dollar to be _caught_ in the regiment from right to left. A general officer was passing with his staff (General Crawford, I believe) through the village in which Morris was quartered. As soon as he saw the General, he turned to a brother officer, and said, “By J----! I’ve a great mind to ask the General for a few dollars.” “That you may do,” replied the officer; “but I’m sure you will not get them.” “Will you bet me £5 I don’t?” returned Morris. “I will bet you £5 you do not borrow £5 or 20 dollars from _him_.” “Done. I’ll bet you a bill on the paymaster.” “Done.” “Done--and I’ll _dine_ with him too,” said Morris, as he started off on his poney. He trotted up to the General: taking off his hat in the most “official” manner,--“General,” said he, “I beg your pardon--I have to mention to you that my sick are without any _comforts_,[4]--they will be in a bad way if I cannot buy something for them; and I have no money at all.” “Well, Mr. Quill, that is a very unfortunate thing. How much money will be enough for you?” “Oh! about 20 dollars, Sir; and if you will lend that sum to me, I will give you an order on Cox and Greenwood for the money; which you can send over, and it will be just the same thing to you.” “Very well, Mr. Quill. Come to my quarters, and you shall have the money.” Morris jogged off with the General about two miles to his quarters; and during the time they were going, the General found him a very pleasant and humorous fellow. Morris, as he was receiving the money, mentioned something about the scarcity of provisions, and concluded by saying, “Faith, General, I don’t know when I had a dinner, or even saw the ghost of one: there is a very savoury smell here, I can perceive; but that is a _General_ thing, I suppose, in this quarter.” The General without hesitation asked Morris to stay to dinner; and highly enjoyed his society during the evening. It was eleven o’clock before he returned; when producing the cash, he convinced his friend and the other officers of his success; so they finished the night over a cigar and a bottle of ration grog.