AFTER THE BATTLE   iii

weather, few escaped serious frost-bites. Military regulations were much relaxed to afford relief, and sentries were only required to remain on duty one hour instead of two, while the ready wit of emergency suggested many ingenious devices as a protection against the cold. Amidst the general privation it is painful to point to the Highland regiment in their kilts as reaching experience of a unique order; and their thankfulness to the good nuns who found time in their leisure moments to knit long woollen hose for their use was immeasurable, "though," as one of the Scots remarked with native humour, "they were at a loss to know whether the gift was inspired by modesty or charity."

All these combined trials, though endured with cheerful heroism, could not fail to cause a great deal of illness and many untimely deaths, though the active care of the hospital sisters, received with touching gratitude by the sufferers, did much to mitigate it; and altogether the winter of 1759-60 was one to be long remembered by garrison and citizens alike.