The wives of ſeveral colonels received the reports of the regiment, gave orders to the officers, employed them in particular ſervices, diſmiſſed them, and ſometimes appointed them. Mrs. Mellin, coloneleſs of the regiment of Tobolſk, commanded it with a truly martial haughtineſs, received the reports at her toilette, and regulated the mounting guard at Narva, while her good-natured huſband was employed elſewhere.