Who ever bore an order from his commanding officer could receive a certain amount by simply paying for the tax stamp.

On railroad trains the regulars could ride for one third and gain admission to theatres and amusement halls at about the same rate, so that the munificent salary they received of six cents per day enabled them to enjoy themselves in a very limited manner.
Every barracks and military building in Havre was overflowing with soldiers; and when Paul's company arrived they could find no place to sleep.

So they received a document entitled a "billet de logement" that entitled them to a bed in the house on which it was drawn.

Sometimes they received an order on the houses in the poorer part of the town and again in the most aristocratic mansions.

As a general rule, when a billet carried by two war-worn Franc-tireurs was presented at the door of a chateau, the proprietor would gracefully excuse himself with many suave and flattering expressions.