Of this I have
no doubt; as I understand that a certain description of reading
makes no inconsiderable part of their military exercises, and that
they are full as well supplied with the ammunition of pamphlets as
of cartridges.
To prevent the mischiefs arising from conspiracies, irregular
consultations, seditious committees, and monstrous democratic
assemblies (comitia, comices) of the soldiers, and all the disorders
arising from idleness, luxury, dissipation, and insubordination, I
believe the most astonishing means have been used that ever occurred
to men, even in all the inventions of this prolific age. It is no less
than this: the king has promulgated in circular letters to all the
regiments his direct authority and encouragement that the several
corps should join themselves with the clubs and confederations in
the several municipalities, and mix with them in their feasts and
civic entertainments! This jolly discipline, it seems, is to soften
the ferocity of their minds, to reconcile them to their bottle
companions of other descriptions, and to merge particular conspiracies
in more general associations.* That this remedy would be pleasing to
the soldiers, as they are described by M. de la Tour du Pin, I can
readily believe; and that, however mutinous otherwise, they will
dutifully submit themselves to these royal proclamations. But I should
question whether all this civic swearing, clubbing, and feasting would
dispose them, more than at present they are disposed, to an
obedience to their officers, or teach them better to submit to the
austere rules of military discipline.
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