The washing or cooking had to be done in out-houses,
and at night each family had a large curtain drawn around their
respective place, and it was really astonishing how little sickness
existed among so many men, women and children. Every morning at 10
o'clock the officers on guard accompanied by a sergeant on duty had
to visit each respective home, and report any irregularities; and so
it happened that my baby was reported as being a great disturber of
the peace. Poor Mrs. Rice was in great trouble. She had learned to
love the child, and was afraid she would have to part with it. What
was to be done? She was ordered to appear the next morning at 12
o'clock before the commanding officer to receive sentence for her
offence. I had attended a great many officers' ladies in this
regiment, also the Colonel's lady, and was well acquainted with that
gentleman and his kind heart, so I bid Mrs. Rice to keep quiet but
dress the baby (it was then three months old) in its little white fur
jacket and cap, and bring it with her before the officers, and
promising that I would meet her there also.
On my way I met the Doctor of the Regiment, a very kind-hearted
gentleman who, on seeing me, enquired what mischief I had done. I
told him of our trouble, and begged of him to intercede for the poor
baby, if possible, and, as he was well aware that the health of
Mrs.
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