Spoken like a true...
parochial ring knocker.Originally Posted by MikeF
I'll bet your company was the toughest in the Corps as well.
Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 11th 1775
Captains Nicholas and Mullens, having been tasked by the 2nd Continental Congress to form two battalions of Marines, set up the Corps' first recruiting station in the tavern.
The first likely prospect was, in typical recruiter's fashion, promised a "life of high adventure in service to Country and Corps". And, as an extra bonus: If enlisted now he would receive a free tankard of ale...
The recruit gladly accepted the challenge and, receiving his free tankard of ale, was told to wait at the corner table for orders.
The first Marine sat quietly at the table sipping the ale when he was joined by another young man, who had two tankards of ale.
The first Marine looked at the lad and asked where he had gotten the two tankards of ale?
The lad replied that he had just joined this new outfit called the Continental Marines, and as an enlistment bonus was given two tankards of ale.
The first Marine took a long hard look at the second Marine and said: "Damn boot, it was nothing like that in the old Corps!"
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