In Pride and Prejudice, it was mentioned that there was a millitia that arrived in England, "At present, indeed, they were well supplied both with news and happiness by the recent arrival of a militia regiment in the neighbourhood; it was to remain the whole winter, and Meryton was the head quarters" (Pride and Prejudice. Austen. pg. 66). As seen in Appendix F of the novel, Militia regiments were deployed in Southern countries of England due to the war with France. Men were drafted by the number from their respective countries. Wealthy men could avoid being drafted by paying a fine. During the winter, The men were stationed on inland towns, Austen's fictional town Meryton being an example. When summer rolled around, the men would be sent to large camps along the coast of England. Thus the soldiers essentially allowed the town folks the latest news of what occured in their country.

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. (First Edition) Edited by Robert P. Irvine, Broadview Press, 2002. (pg. 66, 449)