THE BRITISH LEGION.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 355, 19 March 1861, Page 4

THE BRITISH LEGION.

Caserta, Monday, Nov. 26. After considerable delay and uncertainty as to the course which would be finally taken by the Sardinian government with regard to the disposal of the brigade, it is at length arranged that the disbar dment is to take place immediately, and orders were received last evening from N pies for the discharge to be made out without fun her delay. Each man will receive six months' pay, including rotionSj*and a free passage home. A great portion of the commissariat stores and baggage goes to Naples to-day, and in all probability we shall arrive there to-morrow or the next day, and start for England shortly afterwards. A proposition was made to us by "Major Styles to join the Sardinian army, but as it was necessary to sign an agreement binding ourselves to serve for two years, very few were found willing *o accept it, aud the idea was accordingly abandoned. By order of Colonel Peard, Major Styles was placed under arrest, on the pretence of seducing the men from their allegiance, and he is now waiting to take his trial upon this and other charges.

The arbitrary measures adopted by Colonel Peard and the general want of system displayed in the management of the brigade from the very cimuat-noement, have given rise to a wide-spread feeling of dissatisfaction amongst the men, and so strong has this become latterly that in some cases it has resulted in open mutiny. The causes of difference between the men and their commander are various; but the prinoipal grievance is the harsh tone of manner adopted both by himself aud several of tne superior officers towards them, and the utter indifferenie generally displayed in matters affecting their general health and comfort. The medical department has also been conducted in a singularly inefficient manner, it having been necessary in many cases that have come under my observation to make repeated application before attention was paid, and even then in many instances the medical stores were so insufficiently provided that the proper remedies were not on the spot.

The greater portion of the Garibaldian forces have been disbanded, and only a few regiments remain. Tli9 Naval Brigade, which is composed principally of Englishmen, will probably be emembodied in the course of this week. The Zouaves, including several members of the British Legion, have also been disbanded.

It is probable that a medal will be given to each member of the British Legion for the part they have taken in the campaign, their claim to this distinction resting on, as specified in the discharges, ' Presence with the army before Capua ; presence in the action of tbe 19th, and the passage of the Volturno.'