We had a commissary-general, an inspecting brigade-major of something, a physician to the forces, the adjutant himself, and Major Dalrymple; the _hoi polloi_ consisting of the raw ensign, a newly-fledged cornet (Mr.Sparks), and myself.
The commissary told some very pointless stories about his own department; the doctor read a dissertation upon Walcheren fever; the adjutant got very stupidly tipsy; and Major Dalrymple succeeded in engaging the three juniors of the party to tea, having previously pledged us to purchase nothing whatever of outfit without his advice, he well knowing (which he did) how young fellows like us were cheated, and resolving to be a father to us (which he certainly tried to be).
As we rose from the table, about ten o'clock, I felt how soon a few such dinners would succeed in disenchanting me of all my military illusions; for, young as I was, I saw that the commissary was a vulgar bore, the doctor a humbug, the adjutant a sot, and the major himself I greatly suspected to be an old rogue.
"You are coming with us, Sparks ?" said Major Dalrymple, as he took me by one arm and the ensign by the other.

"We are going to have a little tea with the ladies; not five minutes' walk." "Most happy, sir," said Mr.Sparks, with a very flattered expression of countenance.
"O'Malley, you know Sparks, and Burton too." This served for a species of triple introduction, at which we all bowed, simpered, and bowed again.

We were very happy to have the pleasure, etc.
"How pleasant to get away from these fellows!" said the major, "they are so uncommonly prosy! That commissary, with his mess beef, and old Pritchard, with black doses and rigors,--nothing so insufferable! Besides, in reality, a young officer never needs all that nonsense.

A little medicine chest--I'll get you one each to-morrow for five pounds--no, five pounds ten--the same thing--that will see you all through the Peninsula.

Remind me of it in the morning." This we all promised to do, and the major resumed: "I say, Sparks, you've got a real prize in that gray horse,--such a trooper as he is! O'Malley, you'll be wanting something of that kind, if we can find it for you." "Many thanks, Major; but my cattle are on the way here already.