 cabin of unusual size and accommodations, in front of which those
sentinels paced their rounds, who were known to guard the person of the English
general. At this spot were gathered some half dozen horses, caparisoned in a
manner which showed that two, at least, were destined to bear the persons of
females, of a rank that it was not usual to meet so far in the wilds of the
country. A third wore the trappings and arms of an officer of the staff; while
the rest, from the plainness of the housings, and the travelling mails with
which they were encumbered, were evidently fitted for the reception of as many
menials, who were, seemingly, already awaiting the pleasure of those they
served. At a respectful distance from this unusual show, were gathered divers
groupes of curious idlers; some admiring the blood and bone of the high-mettled
military charger, and others gazing at the preparations with the dull wonder of
vulgar curiosity. There was one man, however, who, by his countenance and
actions, formed a marked exception to those who composed the latter class of
spectators, being neither idle, nor seemingly very ignorant.
    The person of this individual was to the last degree ungainly, without being
in any particular manner deformed. He had all the bones and joints of other men,
without any of their proportions. Erect, his stature surpassed that of his
fellows; though, seated, he appeared reduced within the ordinary limits of the
race. The same contrariety in his members, seemed to exist throughout the whole
man. His head was large; his shoulders narrow; his arms long and dangling; while
his hands were small, if not delicate. His legs and thighs were thin nearly to
emaciation, but of extraordinary length; and his knees would have been
considered tremendous, had they not been outdone by the broader foundations on
which this false superstructure of blended human orders, was so profanely
reared. The ill-assorted and injudicious attire of the individual only served to
render his awkwardness more conspicuous. A sky-blue coat, with short and broad
skirts and low cape, exposed a long thin neck, and longer and thinner legs, to
the worst animadversions of the evil disposed. His nether garment was of yellow
nankeen, closely fitted to the shape, and tied at his bunches of knees by large
knots of white ribbon, a good deal sullied by use. Clouded cotton stockings, and
shoes, on one of the latter of which was a plated spur, completed the costume of
the lower extremity of this figure, no curve or angle of which was concealed
