The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-11-16
The Austrian Army.


Having received an in Introduction to a captain in
an Austrian regiment Of infantry, quartered ut
Mayence, l was received by him with the utmost
civility and attention. His corps, the llth, or
Archduke Reiniers regiment, consists Gas oil the
Imperial Infantry regiments do, of five battalions,
LOO strong each Six companies, 200 men each,
compose q battalion, so that an Austrian regimen.
comprises about 800 officers non commissioned
ment is dressed as follows White double breasted
frockcoat, terminating three full inches above the
knees, dark blue cuffs, shoulder cords (ofi,ers
money collars and edgiDg; sky blue trousers, with
nine inches deep, with orange lace round the top,
black and yellow projecting tuft, brass double.
headed eagle plate, horizontal cap, peak, and no
chin strap. The packs are Of goatskin; they are
much smaller and lighter than the English, and can
be opened behind, but the breast strap is still
tanned, and the soldier can neither take it off nor
put it on without assistance. The greatcoat is
rolled, and is worn strapped round three sides of
the pack in guard order it is worn rolled over one
shoulder and across the chest The pouch is large
and clumsy, but smaller one is being gradually
introduced which will contain thirty rounds of ball
cartridge; twenty more rounds are carried in COM
paTtment at the bottom of the knapssck. Two cross
belts support the bayonet and pouch, to which is
added sword for corporals and sergeants. Sixteen
men per company are armed with o new five groved
musket, which is saidt TO carry concal ball 900
PAGES with accuracy, and the charge is guited by
percussion cap with copper wires which being
rather complicated, would be Objectionable active
service The various ranks are designated by the
number Of small stars on each side of the collars,
viz lance corporals, one; corporals two scrgesnts,
tbree second eu;enants, one; first lieutenant, two;
captains, three the officers stars being of silver.
The baIrack rooms were clean and IN good order
the bedding, which is q straw palliasso nearly
tv elve inches thick, is not rolled up, and the
are permitted to lie or sit upon It in the day time
The band performed four pieces for as in excellent
style. They number sixty musicians, but are very
soft Their dress is light blue coats aud trousers,
without any facing. Austrian regiments move very
seldom in peace time. The four bAttalions Of the
18th regiment now at Mayencc, have been there
four years. and no. expecting to leave the garr
con for some months Promotion is slow in the Aus
TRAN service Unless regiment is active service,
or an officer possesses influence ut court, fifteen six
teen years may elapse before he obtains his company
and probably ten more before he is major. All in
belts lined with red, and handsome yellow and gold
sash, the latter in full dress only They are also
permitted to wear q neat and comfortable undress
grey frockcoat, which in winter is worn over tho
white uniform Plain clothes in q garrison town
are never heard Of and officers at all times are OBJ.
leed to appear In uniform. Every rank salutes its
superior, and private soldiers in Germany salute
every sentry they may pass. The Austrian officers
pay Ia not high, captain receives only 900 forms,
or 600 year, besides lodging and fuel allowance
If unprovidtd with quarters. The bread issued to
the troops Is black sour, and Of infamous quality.
did not see the soldiers ut dinner, b2. / under
stood from them that their daily allowance of meat
was about one third Of pound each. The soldiers
come entitled to their discharges, but should they
re enlist. they receive small medal accompanied
by trding increase Of pay, and some extra indul-
0auspa.