The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1857-03-26
A MODEL REGIMENT

We ale Indebted To gentleman of this city,
says the Charleston Ercning Nens, for tie follow.
ing translation from the Rottcrt!,tmSchc (ourant :.
"AmoDg tho Regiments of I'll. army of Sinm
one III Pariicnlar, attracts the attention of the
strangcr; ii is the battalion of women, which
forms the body guard Of the King. This bnttul
ION consists OF four hundred women, carefully
chosen from among the han,lsomrst and braves,
girls of the country. They are We'll paid and
remarkably disciplined. When thirteen YEAR
Old they enter active scrvirr, until their twenty
fifth, when they are placed in Icscrve to take
charge until the death q: tie royal palaces and
the estntes of the crown.
''On being admitted To this Regiment they
pledge themselves to cclhacy, which promises
they cannot blehk, unless chosen by the
King himself to enhance the number of his wives
which hnppens now ami then. In that cas-,
however, he has not 80 much regard TO beauty IA
to valour and skill in The exercise Of wenpons.-
The hope TO obtain such honorable distnc-
ton, creates an extraordinary ankle V and pride.
among the members whose wnrI,ke appearance
and Prrc!scEess OF manGuvrcs rtulIy astonisl,
every European be,older. The uniform o.
these women IS very rich. When III full dress.
they have on fine white woolcn lrcss bortcrc;i
with gold, Which reaches to their knees, besides
Il light aud pant coat "f mail and gilt cuil,.ss,
leaving their arms, however, entirety free 4
little gilt helmet covers the heal Of these Young
warrior, When il this Uniform their only wea
pom ls u lance, which they know how TO handle
with extraordinary sk.ll.
palmer but still very nen,, they .re armed with
rifle, with which they scrvu themselves with
equaI ability.
"'rhis battalion is divided into four co:np,nics,
each OF lO0 women. Each company has one
le"ier chosen from among them. who has tl,..
rank of Captain. Nhcn the latter dies, the
company assemblies and performs. in tn. pr. s.
ence Of the King. three long military exercises,
so lie may Goose from among them the most
skillful aud capable rs their future leader.
1.-The battalion il commanded since tive Yeas
by woman who when in 1851. she acco,npnn
ic'l The king on u tigers hunt, was fortunate
enough to save his life by her courage, and dcx-
terty. She is very much liked at The Court
aud enjoys great influence among her fellow
soldiers. The house wherein shr dwclls, is fitted
up as if belonging to member of the royal
iam,iy, and ten elephants at her disposal.
Ihe king never undertakes un expedition ,r
even hunt, without his usual escort from these
brave warrior. who have in return an ncxprcssi,
bic affection and attachment for him.
Every member of this regiment has five
negro slaves Mt her service, and bring entirely
above want and care, she can devote herself
with with her energies TO her glorious occupa-
ton.
1T is but very seldom necessary to admistcr
punishment, but when it hnppens it consists in
the hani>hnlent from the regiment for u certain
period, not exceeding three months.
Ilucls, however, urc more frequent and
must be appr"ved Of by tho cuptan Of the COM
Pany, who invites them 10 witness the perior-
nance.
"Shonld one of the duests die, she is honored
with magnificent funeral, and the high priest
praises her vaior and proclaims her worthy Of
entering everlasting happiness.
" The winner receives the good wishes of her
fellow soldiers, but is released from actual ser
vice for two months to devote herself to pray
ing and fasting. -
Notwithstanding NIL these particuarities one
~ nstonished by the wonderful organization Of
tiIs regiment, which has nowhere its equal. II
serves ns M example to The whole army of siam,
which acknowledges howoyer;sits periority,
honors its courage and tries. 70 initiate it."