In your statistical analysis, you probably want to consider the categories that these women fell into:

1. Sanctioned: These were women that were allowed by army mandate and on the rolls as part of the regiment. They were almost always the wife of an NCO, or less likely a private. They would often have specific work, such as cooking or washing clothes. The British army had lots drawn to establish which wives could go on campaign with the regiment.

2. Following the Drum: Women unprotected by the regiment, but attacted to a particular soldier--as you noted. That 'protection' was important for both safety and food. Often these women, if not wives, were considered 'wives' for all intents and purposes. The soldiers often would pay for the woman's travel to the Peninsula, or if they met them in the campaign territory, be responsible for their keep. Because of casualties, if their man was killed or seriously wounded, these women often would quickly find another 'husband'.

3. Campfollowers: These are women that chose to follow the army. They were often prostitutes, but could be for escaping enemy occupation, as the Russian example. They were completely outside the army system entirely. They made money or obtained food for sexual favors or doing work like cooking or washing. Most hoped to move upt to "Following the Drum". They also contributed to the 'pillage economy.'

4. Sutlers: These were merchants that followed the army and sold goods and services to the soldiers. Many of these sutlers were women, wives and daughters, selling everything from leather to wine. Unlike the above groups, these women were primarily business persons.

5. Officers' women: Officers could have their wives and families follow them if they paid for all expenses. This also included mistresses. When an officer was killed, it would often leave the families destitute. Regiments would help out in a number of ways, from buying up the killed officers' equipment, giving the money to the widow, to providing his rations until a new replacement appeared. These women could be on the rosters and records also.

Only groups 1, 2, and 5 would possibly appear on regimental rosters. #4 might appear in quartermaster reports. The others, probably the largest numbers of women, would not, but would appear in special reports, like the Russian example posted, or in memoirs.

It is something to consider in your analysis.

Best Regards,
Bill H.