DESERTERS COMING FROM THE ENEMY.
_At Daytime._
As they are discernable at a distance, but cannot be known to be
deserters, a proportionate number from the Picquet must already
have advanced to the line of Videttes when they approach. Deserters
generally make themselves known by flourishing the cap about their
head, and calling out "Deserter!" But this is not to be depended
upon; their further behaviour must be previously observed. They are
to be told that it is an order in the army to take their arms from
them--that is to say, their swords: the flints are only taken off the
fire-arms. In proportion to their number they are then to be brought
to the General's quarter by one, two, or three men, and their swords
returned to them.
Whenever any property is taken from a deserter, the act is always to
be severely punished.
_At Night._
Great caution is to be used in this instance. The Videttes must order
them to halt at some distance, and by no means allow them to come too
near. The Picquet advances, and the Deserters are to come towards it
one by one, and be disarmed immediately. After all this is done, they
are brought to the rear. Deserters must be examined respecting the
movements, &c., of the Enemy.