Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-05-31
r.. WHITMORR,
Publisher and pfoprietoY
ANIMAL VOLUNTEERS.

A correspondent Of an English period
ical writes as follows;
In the course Of duty l have several
times day to pass a cavalry barrack
gates, with an entrance to the hospital
on the opposite side OF the road Not
long since / observed a rather handsome
looking shaggy terrier standing beside
the sentry who was posted at the gate OF
the latter At the first glance one might
have concluded that the animal belonged
to the soldier on guard, but as he is re-
lieved every two hours, it could not be
the property of them all, Still, he re-
mained for several days together, except
at brief intervals, when ] suppose, it was
needful to seek refreshment. At last
inquired of the sentry if he knew whether
the dog had a master in the regiment.
No, sir, replied he; 'but L m think
ing he wants to enlist Dogs often come
to us in this wsy."
Whether that particular candidate for
military course of life had his wish
grati6ed cannot say, for | lost sight Of
him. tfttt
When the "Spankers" we're in the Cri.
mea-they were light dragons in those
days, and not hussars, as at present-a
large dog, l don't exactly know of what
breed but universally admired for beau.
ty and intelligence, attached himself to
that particular corps. Wherever the
regiment marched, be invariably accom-.
panied the troopers. Several times he
went into action, and was once seriously
wounded with the point of lance. II
would have been universally regretted
had poor Lutfin's wound proved fatal.
One of the farriers undertook to dress it.
so that, with little care, he soon got
we'll again. Where the dog came from,
or who was his original owner, nobody
knew. He would never follow an indi-
vidual soldier beyond the barrsck gates,
however kindly be might be invited
but when the men we're in full dress,
whether mounted or on foot, provided
they went outin body, Lufin insisted
on taking up his proper position. One
thing was very remarkable-he had suf-
GcieRt discernment to enable him to dis.
tinguish church parade" from any
other he never showed any desire to
attend public worship -He
At the beginning Of his military career
he had to pick up his living as best he
could. He was accustomed at meal
times to go from hut to hut, or among
the tents when the men were under can
vas. Iu some of these habitations he
met with good treatment and supply
of food, but from others he was not un-
frequently summary and ignominiously
elected. However, Lufin, in course Of
time, was allowed regular rations at the
regimental expense, toward which all the
members of q corps contributed share,
from the colonel to the drummer. The
noble animal must have been aware of
his promotion, for it was observed that
he never went "a begging after. One
of Lufin's marks of high intelligence
cannot personally vouch for, but | have
been assured Of its truth, II was said,
and generally believed, that he was in
the constant habit Of visiting the sentries
during the night, especially in the Cri.
mea, to see if the men were at their posts
and on the alert. The reader must be
told that during campaign the troops
are often so much harassed and fatigued
that sentries will occasionally fall asleep
as they stand-an act, however, which is
looked upon as one of the gravest of
military offences. II Lufiu found a man
asleep, he sat before him in silence; but
the slightest sound of approaching foot.
steps was sufficient to make him apprise
the sleeper Of the danger to which he
was exposed. He would then trot off 10
the next post, where he scarcely halted
If convinced that all was we'll. | am
glad to be able to record the fact that his
faithful services in due time obtained for
Lufin the respect of every member of
the corps. 1t would have been a high
misdemeanor to offer him any indignity.
A battalion of the Rifle Brigade had
formerly pair Of beautiful gazelles,
which / have frequently seen at Windsor
in front Of the band with per
feet military precision of step. They
looked quite proud of their position, for
they carried their heads as erect as any
smart young subaltern could do, and az.
feoted like him. TO be unobservant OF
any passing admiration. The ready man.
ner in which they went through their du-
ty, in the absence Of the slightest re-