The  force  consisted  of  6,367  officers  and  soldiers  of  the
regular  army  and  9,054  colonial  troops.  Abercromby  him-
self Avas  an  infirm  and  incapable  man,  who  owed  his  posi-
tion to  political  influence.  The  real  command  was  in  the
hands  of  Brigadier-General  Lord  Howe — a  most  energetic
and  able  officer,  Avho  had  during  the  past  year  thoroughly
studied  forest  Avarfare,  and  had  made  several  expeditions
Avith  the  scouting  parties  of  Rogers  and  other  frontier


THE   WINNING   OF   A   CONTINENT.  291

leadei'S.  He  was  a  strict  disciplinarian,  but  threw  aside  all
the  trammels  of  the  traditions  of  the  service.  He  made
both  officers  and  men  dress  in  accordance  with  the  work
they  had  before  them.  All  had  to  cut  their  hair  close,  to
wear  leggings  to  protect  them  from  the  briars,  and  to  carry
in  their  knapsacks  thirty  pounds  of  meal,  which  each  man
had  to  cook  for  himself.
The  coats  of  both  the  regulars  and  provincials  were  cut
short  at  the  waist,  and  no  officer  or  private  was  allowed  to
carry  more  than  one  blanket  and  a  bear-skin.  Howe  him-
self lived  as  simply  and  roughly  as  his'  men.  The  soldiers
were  devoted  to  their  young  commander,  and  were  ready
to  follow  him  to  the  death.
