educated at West Point. I have appointed him Captain of D Troop and
Adjutant of the Legion. As adjutant you will recognize his authority
as you would my own. You will now break camp, and be prepared to march
in half an hour."

Soon after we had started we reached a clearing, and Laguerre halted
us and formed the column into marching order. Captain Miller, who was
thoroughly acquainted with the trail, and his natives, were sent on
two hundred yards ahead of us as a point. They were followed by Heinze
with his Gatling guns. Then came Laguerre and another troop, then
Reeder with the two remaining troops and our "transport" between them.
Our transport consisted of a dozen mules carrying bags of coffee,
beans, and flour, our reserve ammunition, the General's tent, and
whatever few private effects the officers possessed over and above the
clothes they stood in. I brought up the rear with D Troop. We moved at
a walk in single file and without flankers, as the jungle on either
side of the trail was impenetrable. Our departure from camp had been
so prompt that I had been given no time to become acquainted with my
men, but as we tramped forward I rode along with them or drew to one
side to watch them pass and took a good look at them. Carrying their
rifles, and with their blanket-rolls and cartridge-belts slung across
their shoulders, they made a better appearance than when they were
sleeping around the camp. As the day grew on I became more and more
proud of my command. The baron pointed out those of the men who could
be relied upon, and I could pick out for myself those who had received
some military training. When I asked these where they had served
before, they seemed pleased at my having distinguished the difference
between them and the other volunteers, and saluted properly and
answered briefly and respectfully.