regiment of fierce Zouaves, from New York, who firmly believed, when
they went out to meet the enemy, that they were more than a match
for him. It is reported that these fierce Zouaves became very much
alarmed, and did some of the very best running of the day, under the
apprehension that they were followed by not less than a troop of
savage horsemen, better known as the black-horse cavalrymen, whose
sabres they had no taste for. But I have always been of opinion, my
son, that these fierce Zouaves were so intent on making the best
speed they were capable of, that they never looked behind them to
see if these savage horsemen were men of buckram or real substances.
I have also heard it intimated that the good speed made by these
red-legged heroes was owing to the fact that they had left their
courage at home, and were returning to get it. Another very
plausible theory I have heard advanced by an Englishman, who had
very profound ideas as to how war should be carried on and battles
fought. He very gravely told me (adding that he had undoubted
authority for his statement), that what set the gallant Zouaves to
scampering was this: There were a large number among them who had a
weakness for office-holding. Knowing this, a mischievous member
started the report that there was a vacancy in the New York
Custom-house. The fellow could not have done a more rash act, for it
sent them all scampering off the battle-field, each in the hope of
being first to gain the prize. Her Majesty's sagacious subject
contended that this sufficiently accounted for the good speed made
in retreat by that gallant regiment, and also for its leaving more
firearms than dead men on the field.

Indeed, my son, each man ran for his life, the excitement increasing
at every step, until the race became general; and in this way it was
kept up until our grand army of gallant militiamen reached the