The new garments were not indeed very fine.

But even the generals had long been out at elbows; and there were few of the common men whose habiliments would have been thought sufficient to dress a scarecrow in a more prosperous country.

Now, at length, for the first time in many months, every private soldier could boast of a pair of breeches and a pair of brogues.

The Lord Lieutenant had also been authorised to announce that he should soon be followed by several ships, laden with provisions and military stores.

This announcement was most welcome to the troops, who had long been without bread, and who had nothing stronger than water to drink.