Note 212 — 1814.

Here is a practical exemplification of esprit de corps. Whilst engaged in the attempt to destroy the shipping in the basin of Antwerp, his Royal Highness Prince William frequently visited the Napoleon battery with several military officers. On one of those visits a mounted veteran in the suite of the Prince approached private John Brennan, and said, “Sapper, will you hold this horse for an old guardsman?” Brennan, who was very busy at the time with his shovel, turned his face towards the officer, and feeling that as a sapper he was two or three removes above a groom, replied, “Egad, sir, I’d sooner be shot layin' sand-bags.”