Note 218 — Chapter XII · INTERNAL ORGANIZATION OF THE REGIMENT: THE RANK AND FILE
Reading edition
A canny Scot makes his explanation for volunteering in a fashion which combines patriotism, love of adventure, and calculation. “In the militia I serve secure of life and limb, but with no prospect of future benefit for old age (pension) to which I may attain. It is better to hazard both abroad in the regular service, than to have poverty and hard-labour accompanying me to a peaceful grave at home.” Anton’s Retrospect of a Military Life, p. 39.