Chapter IV

A Field Day And Bivouac - More New Friends - An Invitation To

The Country

Many authors entertain, not only a foolish, but a really dishonest

objection to acknowledge the sources whence they derive much

valuable information. We have no such feeling. We are merely

endeavouring to discharge, in an upright manner, the responsible

duties of our editorial functions; and whatever ambition we might

have felt under other circumstances to lay claim to the authorship of

these adventures, a regard for truth forbids us to do more than claim

the merit of their judicious arrangement and impartial narration. The

Pickwick papers are our New River Head; and we may be compared to

the New River Company. The labours of others have raised for us an

immense reservoir of important facts. We merely lay them on, and

communicate them, in a clear and gentle stream, through the medium

of these pages, to a world thirsting for Pickwickian knowledge.

Acting in this spirit, and resolutely proceeding on our determination to

avow our obligations to the authorities we have consulted, we frankly

say, that to the note-book of Mr Snodgrass are we indebted for the

particulars recorded in this and the succeeding chapter - particulars

which, now that we have disburdened our consciences, we shall

proceed to detail without further comment.

The whole population of Rochester and the adjoining towns rose from

their beds at an early hour of the following morning, in a state of the

utmost bustle and excitement. A grand review was to take place upon

the lines. The manoeuvres of half a dozen regiments were to be

inspected by the eagle eye of the commander-in-chief; temporary

fortifications had been erected, the citadel was to be attacked and

taken, and a mine was to be sprung.

Mr Pickwick was, as our readers may have gathered from the slight

extract we gave from his description of Chatham, an enthusiastic

admirer of the army. Nothing could have been more delightful to him -

nothing could have harmonised so well with the peculiar feeling of

each of his companions - as this sight. Accordingly they were soon

afoot, and walking in the direction of the scene of action, towards

which crowds of people were already pouring from a variety of

quarters.

The appearance of everything on the lines denoted that the

approaching ceremony was one of the utmost grandeur and

importance. There were sentries posted to keep the ground for the

troops, and servants on the batteries keeping places for the ladies,

and sergeants running to and fro, with vellum-covered books under

The Pickwick Papers