He was a soldier at last.
As a reward for his scholarship he was informed that he might choose
any post where he would prefer to be stationed. He selected Tarbes,
his birthplace, and the town nearest his home. Truly, the fates were
kind!
Two years were spent with the garrison at Tarbes, in a round of
regimental duties. Then the routine began to pall upon him. He wanted
something approaching active service. He had perfected himself in
artillery maneuvers; and during his four months as a volunteer in the
War, he had drilled in the infantry. So he now applied for transfer to
the third branch, the cavalry. His love of horses may also have
influenced this desire.
He received the transfer and spent a year in the Cavalry School at
Saumur. On completing this course he was given a commission as
Captain, and placed in command of a field battery, in Brittany. This
transfer marked the beginning of a new era in his life. From being a
Gascon, he was now about to become a Breton. He spent so many years of
his life in Brittany, that in later years he called his soldiers "my
brother Bretons."
Another reason for his change of sentiment was his fortunate marriage
to a lady whom he met at Rennes, where his regiment was
stationed--Mademoiselle Julie Bienvenue.
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