3i8 NOT A LIFE OF EASY COMFORT [JET. 36
morning proved raw; rain poured the whole day, and the army, after a march of six hours, halted on a bleak, marshy moor. Being thoroughly wet, and shivering with cold, I found a canvas tent without a fire a comfortless resting-place; yet my brother did not allow himself that shelter, repose, or food until the soldiers were provided for, the guards planted, and all the precautions requisite for the security of the camp settled. The delusion which I had previously formed of the delights of glorious war were now somewhat damped; for I perceived that a General who exerts himself to the utmost, independent of incessant mental occupation, must frequently endure more bodily labour than a private soldier.
"While the French and rebels remained at Castle-bar there was no need of precipitation, therefore Lord Cornwallis advanced slowly, giving time for the junction of several regiments who were on their march, and he detached General Lake to the little town of Boyle to keep watch on that quarter; while the principal army, exceeding ten thousand men, arrived at Hollymount. It was then resolved to march on the following morning to Castlebar, ten miles distant, and Moore was commanded to storm the town with the reserve, which would be supported by the rest of the army."
We encamped on the ist September two miles beyond Tuam, and were joined by Major-General Hunter with the 2nd and 29th Regiments. Nothing could be worse chosen than our position, the troops all crowded together. Lord Cornwallis' foot prevented his getting on horseback and viewing situations himself, and the Quartermaster-General's department had not much experience in this part of their get on horseback also. Thequestioned the country people respecting every road and path, and comparedburgh Fencibles, cavalry, and a detachment of the Hompesch, with a brigade of British artillery, was styled "the advance corps,3' and directed to report to Lord Cornwallis only. On the 31 st