It is that they have a fixed objection to doing what they consider any kind of soldier work.
Their idea of war is to wait till the enemy comes, and then to make a rush upon them; and when they have done that, they think their duty is ended.

Some day, when the Blues have a sharp commander, and have gained a little discipline, we shall suffer some terrible disaster from the obstinacy of the peasantry." With a word of adieu Leigh turned off the road, and made his way halfway up the eminence.

Here the guns could be plainly made out.
Leaving Andre and his two followers, he went quietly up the slope, to assure himself that the artilleryman was still there.

Had he missed him, he was determined to go at once to Cathelineau, and state his suspicions, and his belief that Bruno had gone off to inform Berruyer that, if he advanced, he would find the place wholly unguarded, and would have it at his mercy.

He found, however, that the artilleryman was still asleep, and returned to Andre.
"Now," he said, "there is no occasion for us all to watch.