The same day an Irish drummer, having heard of my
misfortune, visited me, and after having condoled me on the chance
of war, gave me to understand, that he was master of the sword,
and would in a very short time instruct me so thoroughly in that
noble science, that I should be able to chastise the old Gascon
for his insolent boasting at my expense. This friendly office he
proffered on pretence of the regard he had for his countrymen; but
I afterwards learned the true motive was no other than a jealousy
he entertained of a correspondence between the Frenchman and his
wife, which he did not think proper to resent in person. Be this as
it will, I accepted his offer and practised his lessons with such
application, that I soon believed myself a match for my conqueror.
In the meantime we continued our march, and arrived at the Camp
of Mareschal Noailles the night before the battle at Dettingen:
notwithstanding the fatigue we had undergone, our regiment was one
of those that were ordered next day to cross the river, under the
command of the Duc de Grammont, to take possession of a narrow
defile, through which the allies must of necessity have passed at a
great disadvantage, or remain where they were, and perish for want
of provision, if they would not condescend to surrender at discretion.
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