Page:Narrative of a captivity and adventures in France and Flanders between the years 1803 and 1809.djvu/134

 one might imagine, as the road was between two woods, with a broad ditch on each side; had they stopped to dismount, we should have instantly jumped over, and run into the wood, where no cavalry could have pursued.

The rain continued to pour down, and, having been completely soaked to the skin during many hours, about ten P. M. we held a council of war. Although such consultations have been designated the "bane of enterprise," and considered an effort on the part of the commanding officer to diminish his responsibility, in the event of failure, it was not so with us,—for, being without a commander, we consulted upon almost every important measure; the unanimity that prevailed, not only rendered success more certain, but made each bear his own individual privations with cheerfulness, and proved a stimulant to our energy, which seemed to increase with increasing difficulties and sufferings. After mature deliberation, it was agreed to enter the town, and reconnoitre the low public houses, in order to purchase