Each mess detailed a man each day to wash up the part of the floor it occupied, and he had to do this properly or no ration would be given him.

While the washing up was going on each man stripped himself and made close examination of his garments for the body-lice, which otherwise would have increased beyond control.

Blankets were also carefully hunted over for these "small deer." About eight o'clock a spruce little lisping rebel named Ross would appear with a book, and a body-guard, consisting of a big Irishman, who had the air of a Policeman, and carried a musket barrel made into a cane.

Behind him were two or three armed guards.

The Sergeant-of-the-Floor commanded: "Fall in in four ranks for roll-call." We formed along one side of the room; the guards halted at the head of the stairs; Ross walked down in front and counted the files, closely followed by his Irish aid, with his gun-barrel cane raised ready for use upon any one who should arouse his ruffianly ire.