The idea of a press gang recruiting soldiers in Prince Albert's time seems a bit anachronistic, but then, what do I know? == Toadfrog 10 Feb 03
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In fact forcible impressment by gang was only a naval tradition. The army depended on the recruiting party, led by the notorious recruiting sergeant ("The recruiting party came beating their drum"), who relied on persuasion [as, unsuccessfully, in Arthur McBride], or, often, getting the young man drunk [see The Rambling Royal above, 19 aug 09 1223 pm].

~Michael~