Batmen

Most of the officers had either British or Indian servants; in the former case they were known as batmen, and in the latter as bearers; but I decided to follow suit with the minority and get an ❋ Kermit Roosevelt (1916)

A wild tale was always better than a dull one; furthermore the "batmen" were our only sources of official information, and could always command a hearing. ❋ James Norman Hall (1919)

The officers 'servants, commonly called "batmen," were unfortunate rankers who, in moments of weakness, had sold themselves into slavery for half a crown per week. ❋ James Norman Hall (1919)

His commander had answered all his questions except the ones about batmen; Stanwix was too smart to get drawn into a provincial skunk fight. ❋ David A. Clary (2011)

Washington accused Dinwiddie of claiming that he had exceeded his authority by allowing batmen and transport for the officers of the Virginia Regiment. ❋ David A. Clary (2011)

During the pay negotiations, the governor had complained about the number of batmen, servants drawn from the ranks, that Washington and his officers employed, claiming that they exceeded the number in regular regiments. ❋ David A. Clary (2011)

The colonel sent Stanwix a detailed set of questions about the numbers, pay, and subsistence of batmen in the regulars, with more questions about provision of horses for officers.42 ❋ David A. Clary (2011)

If the lieutenant governor looked to the regulars as precedent, Virginia should pay for batmen and transport for the officers. ❋ David A. Clary (2011)