INFANTRY OF THE LINE.

THE observation of a stranger cannot fail of being attracted by the mode in which their great coats are carried,—no doubt, adopted, by experience, as that attended with the least inconvenience.

A veteran who has “used his dearest action in the tented field,” is relating some “round unvarnish’d tale”—“of hair-breadth ’scapes in th’ imminent deadly breach,” to two who “have heard of battles,” and are, perhaps, “holding their manhoods cheap,”—but “devouring his discourse.”—

In the rear, a party who have piled their arms, are accompanied by drummers only,—the rattling and shapeless roll of whose instruments is seldom, if ever, accompanied by the animating and invigorating shrill notes of the fife,—breathing some national, or lively, jovial, or favorite air, to

“Cheer up the lads,”—and even

“Create a soul under the ribs of death.”