Note 625 — Chapter XXXIX · THE ARMY AND NAVY.
Reading edition
This shows to what straits they were reduced for men, and the following exemplifies the class of recruits that were then going into the army: 'Smith, who some time was half hanged[625] and cut down, having accused about 350 pickpockets, housebreakers, &c. who gott to be soldiers in the guards, the better to hide their roguery, were last week upon mustering the regiments drawn out, and immediately shipt off for Catalonia; and about 60 Women, who lay under condemnation for such Crimes, were likewise sent away to follow the Camp.'[626]