Thank you all!

John, I think that is the correct explanation.

The context is Marshal Beresford's inspection tour of the Portuguese corps, December 1809/January 1810. The corps were in cantonments around the country for instruction/drill (military discipline), to be refitted in all material aspects (uniforms, arms etc.), and also to instruct the officers and men to take care not only of the equipment but also of their persons.

Moisés