279.] While in the actual presence of the Indians the stern necessities of border warfare forced the frontiersmen into a certain semblance of discipline.

As soon as the immediate pressure was relieved, however, the whole militia system sank into a mere farce.

At certain stated occasions there were musters for company or regimental drill.

These training days were treated as occasions for frolic and merry-making.

There were pony races and wrestling matches, with unlimited fighting, drunkenness, and general uproar.