Meanwhile, he never failed to
be present, when any regiment or corps of men were drawn out to be
exercised and reviewed, and accompanied them in all their evolutions,
which he had learned to great perfection, by observing the companies
which were quartered in the place where he was at school. This
eagerness and perseverance attracted the notice of many officers,
who, after having commended his spirit and zeal, pressed him to
return to his parents, and even threatened to expel him from the
camp, if he would not comply with their advice.
"These remonstrances having no other effect than that of warning
him to avoid his monitors, they thought proper to alter their
behaviour towards him, took him into their protection, and even into
their mess, and what, above all other marks of favour, pleased the
young soldier most, permitted him to incorporate in the battalion,
and take his turn of duty with the other men. In this happy situation
he was discovered by a relation of his mother, who was a captain in
the army, and who used all his authority and influence in persuading
M-- to return to school; but, finding him deaf to his admonitions
and threats, he took him under his own care, and, when the army
marched to Dumblane, left him at Stirling with express injunctions
to keep himself within the walls.
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