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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..68e3173 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #66796 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66796) diff --git a/old/66796-0.txt b/old/66796-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 3c22481..0000000 --- a/old/66796-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12339 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Historical Record of the Thirty-first, or, -The Huntingdonshire Regiment of Foot;, by Richard Cannon - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Historical Record of the Thirty-first, or, The Huntingdonshire - Regiment of Foot; - containing an account of the formation of the regiment in 1702, - and of its subsequent services to 1850 - -Author: Richard Cannon - -Release Date: November 23, 2021 [eBook #66796] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Brian Coe, John Campbell and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was - produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital - Library.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE -THIRTY-FIRST, OR, THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT; *** - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE - - Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. - - Footnote anchors are denoted by [number], and the footnotes have been - placed at the end of each major section. - - A superscript is denoted by ^x or ^{xx}, for example REG^T or 31^{st}. - - Basic fractions are displayed as ½ ⅓ ¼ etc; other fractions are shown - in the form a/b, for example 1/25 or 55/144. - - Three asterisks * * * indicates text omitted by the author from a - quotation. - - The tables in this book are best viewed using a monospace font. - - Some minor changes to the text are noted at the end of the book. - - - - -[Illustration: - - BY COMMAND OF His late Majesty WILLIAM THE IV^{TH}. - _and under the Patronage of_ - Her Majesty the Queen. - - HISTORICAL RECORDS, - _OF THE_ - British Army - - _Comprising the_ - _History of every Regiment_ - _IN HER MAJESTY’S SERVICE_. - - _By Richard Cannon Esq^{re}._ - - _Adjutant Generals Office, Horse Guards._ - London. - _Printed by Authority._] - - - - - THE THIRTY-FIRST, - - OR, - - THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT. - - - - - LONDON: PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, - FOR HER MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE. - - - - -GENERAL ORDERS. - - - _HORSE-GUARDS_, - _1st January, 1836_. - -His Majesty has been pleased to command that, with the view of -doing the fullest justice to Regiments, as well as to Individuals -who have distinguished themselves by their Bravery in Action with -the Enemy, an Account of the Services of every Regiment in the -British Army shall be published under the superintendence and -direction of the Adjutant-General; and that this Account shall -contain the following particulars, viz.:-- - - ---- The Period and Circumstances of the Original Formation of - the Regiment; The Stations at which it has been from time to time - employed; The Battles, Sieges, and other Military Operations - in which it has been engaged, particularly specifying any - Achievement it may have performed, and the Colours, Trophies, - &c., it may have captured from the Enemy. - - ---- The Names of the Officers, and the number of - Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates Killed or Wounded by the - Enemy, specifying the place and Date of the Action. - - ---- The Names of those Officers who, in consideration of their - Gallant Services and Meritorious Conduct in Engagements with the - Enemy, have been distinguished with Titles, Medals, or other - Marks of His Majesty’s gracious favour. - - ---- The Names of all such Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, - and Privates, as may have specially signalized themselves in - Action. - - And, - - ---- The Badges and Devices which the Regiment may have been - permitted to bear, and the Causes on account of which such Badges - or Devices, or any other Marks of Distinction, have been granted. - - By Command of the Right Honorable - GENERAL LORD HILL, - _Commanding-in-Chief_. - - JOHN MACDONALD, - _Adjutant-General_. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The character and credit of the British Army must chiefly depend -upon the zeal and ardour by which all who enter into its service -are animated, and consequently it is of the highest importance that -any measure calculated to excite the spirit of emulation, by which -alone great and gallant actions are achieved, should be adopted. - -Nothing can more fully tend to the accomplishment of this desirable -object than a full display of the noble deeds with which the -Military History of our country abounds. To hold forth these bright -examples to the imitation of the youthful soldier, and thus to -incite him to emulate the meritorious conduct of those who have -preceded him in their honorable career, are among the motives that -have given rise to the present publication. - -The operations of the British Troops are, indeed, announced in the -“London Gazette,” from whence they are transferred into the public -prints: the achievements of our armies are thus made known at the -time of their occurrence, and receive the tribute of praise and -admiration to which they are entitled. On extraordinary occasions, -the Houses of Parliament have been in the habit of conferring on -the Commanders, and the Officers and Troops acting under their -orders, expressions of approbation and of thanks for their skill -and bravery; and these testimonials, confirmed by the high honour -of their Sovereign’s approbation, constitute the reward which the -soldier most highly prizes. - -It has not, however, until late years, been the practice (which -appears to have long prevailed in some of the Continental armies) -for British Regiments to keep regular records of their services -and achievements. Hence some difficulty has been experienced in -obtaining, particularly from the old Regiments, an authentic -account of their origin and subsequent services. - -This defect will now be remedied, in consequence of His Majesty -having been pleased to command that every Regiment shall, in -future, keep a full and ample record of its services at home and -abroad. - -From the materials thus collected, the country will henceforth -derive information as to the difficulties and privations which -chequer the career of those who embrace the military profession. In -Great Britain, where so large a number of persons are devoted to -the active concerns, of agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, -and where these pursuits have, for so long a period, been -undisturbed by the _presence of war_, which few other countries -have escaped, comparatively little is known of the vicissitudes of -active service and of the casualties of climate, to which, even -during peace, the British Troops are exposed in every part of the -globe, with little or no interval of repose. - -In their tranquil enjoyment of the blessings which the country -derives from the industry and the enterprise of the agriculturist -and the trader, its happy inhabitants may be supposed not often to -reflect on the perilous duties of the soldier and the sailor,--on -their sufferings,--and on the sacrifice of valuable life, by which -so many national benefits are obtained and preserved. - -The conduct of the British Troops, their valour, and endurance, -have shone conspicuously under great and trying difficulties; and -their character has been established in Continental warfare by the -irresistible spirit with which they have effected debarkations in -spite of the most formidable opposition, and by the gallantry and -steadiness with which they have maintained their advantages against -superior numbers. - -In the official Reports made by the respective Commanders, ample -justice has generally been done to the gallant exertions of the -Corps employed; but the details of their services and of acts of -individual bravery can only be fully given in the Annals of the -various Regiments. - -These Records are now preparing for publication, under His -Majesty’s special authority, by Mr. RICHARD CANNON, Principal Clerk -of the Adjutant-General’s Office; and while the perusal of them -cannot fail to be useful and interesting to military men of every -rank, it is considered that they will also afford entertainment and -information to the general reader, particularly to those who may -have served in the Army, or who have relatives in the Service. - -There exists in the breasts of most of those who have served, or -are serving, in the Army, an _Esprit de Corps_--an attachment -to everything belonging to their Regiment; to such persons a -narrative of the services of their own Corps cannot fail to prove -interesting. Authentic accounts of the actions of the great, the -valiant, the loyal, have always been of paramount interest with -a brave and civilized people. Great Britain has produced a race -of heroes who, in moments of danger and terror, have stood “firm -as the rocks of their native shore:” and when half the world has -been arrayed against them, they have fought the battles of their -Country with unshaken fortitude. It is presumed that a record of -achievements in war,--victories so complete and surprising, gained -by our countrymen, our brothers, our fellow-citizens in arms,--a -record which revives the memory of the brave, and brings their -gallant deeds before us,--will certainly prove acceptable to the -public. - -Biographical Memoirs of the Colonels and other distinguished -Officers will be introduced in the Records of their respective -Regiments, and the Honorary Distinctions which have, from time to -time, been conferred upon each Regiment, as testifying the value -and importance of its services, will be faithfully set forth. - -As a convenient mode of Publication, the Record of each Regiment -will be printed in a distinct number, so that when the whole shall -be completed, the Parts may be bound up in numerical succession. - - - - -INTRODUCTION - -TO - -THE INFANTRY. - - -The natives of Britain have, at all periods, been celebrated for -innate courage and unshaken firmness, and the national superiority -of the British troops over those of other countries has been -evinced in the midst of the most imminent perils. History contains -so many proofs of extraordinary acts of bravery, that no doubts can -be raised upon the facts which are recorded. It must therefore be -admitted, that the distinguishing feature of the British soldier is -INTREPIDITY. This quality was evinced by the inhabitants of England -when their country was invaded by Julius Cæsar with a Roman army, -on which occasion the undaunted Britons rushed into the sea to -attack the Roman soldiers as they descended from their ships; and, -although their discipline and arms were inferior to those of their -adversaries, yet their fierce and dauntless bearing intimidated -the flower of the Roman troops, including Cæsar’s favourite tenth -legion. Their arms consisted of spears, short swords, and other -weapons of rude construction. They had chariots, to the axles of -which were fastened sharp pieces of iron resembling scythe-blades, -and infantry in long chariots resembling waggons, who alighted -and fought on foot, and for change of ground, pursuit or retreat, -sprang into the chariot and drove off with the speed of cavalry. -These inventions were, however, unavailing against Cæsar’s -legions: in the course of time a military system, with discipline -and subordination, was introduced, and British courage, being -thus regulated, was exerted to the greatest advantage; a full -development of the national character followed, and it shone forth -in all its native brilliancy. - -The military force of the Anglo-Saxons consisted principally of -infantry: Thanes, and other men of property, however, fought on -horseback. The infantry were of two classes, heavy and light. The -former carried large shields armed with spikes, long broad swords -and spears; and the latter were armed with swords or spears only. -They had also men armed with clubs, others with battle-axes and -javelins. - -The feudal troops established by William the Conqueror consisted -(as already stated in the Introduction to the Cavalry) almost -entirely of horse; but when the warlike barons and knights, with -their trains of tenants and vassals, took the field, a proportion -of men appeared on foot, and, although these were of inferior -degree, they proved stout-hearted Britons of stanch fidelity. When -stipendiary troops were employed, infantry always constituted a -considerable portion of the military force; and this _arme_ has -since acquired, in every quarter of the globe, a celebrity never -exceeded by the armies of any nation at any period. - -The weapons carried by the infantry, during the several reigns -succeeding the Conquest, were bows and arrows, half-pikes, lances, -halberds, various kinds of battle-axes, swords, and daggers. Armour -was worn on the head and body, and in course of time the practice -became general for military men to be so completely cased in steel, -that it was almost impossible to slay them. - -The introduction of the use of gunpowder in the destructive -purposes of war, in the early part of the fourteenth -century, produced a change in the arms and equipment of the -infantry-soldier. Bows and arrows gave place to various kinds of -fire-arms, but British archers continued formidable adversaries; -and, owing to the inconvenient construction and imperfect bore of -the fire-arms when first introduced, a body of men, well trained -in the use of the bow from their youth, was considered a valuable -acquisition to every army, even as late as the sixteenth century. - -During a great part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth each company -of infantry usually consisted of men armed five different ways; in -every hundred men forty were “_men-at-arms_,” and sixty “_shot_;” -the “men-at-arms” were ten halberdiers, or battle-axe men, and -thirty pikemen; and the “shot” were twenty archers, twenty -musketeers, and twenty harquebusiers, and each man carried, besides -his principal weapon, a sword and dagger. - -Companies of infantry varied at this period in numbers from 150 -to 300 men; each company had a colour or ensign, and the mode of -formation recommended by an English military writer (Sir John -Smithe) in 1590 was:--the colour in the centre of the company -guarded by the halberdiers; the pikemen in equal proportions, on -each flank of the halberdiers: half the musketeers on each flank -of the pikes; half the archers on each flank of the musketeers, -and the harquebusiers (whose arms were much lighter than the -muskets then in use) in equal proportions on each flank of the -company for skirmishing.[1] It was customary to unite a number -of companies into one body, called a REGIMENT, which frequently -amounted to three thousand men: but each company continued to carry -a colour. Numerous improvements were eventually introduced in the -construction of fire-arms, and, it having been found impossible to -make armour proof against the muskets then in use (which carried -a very heavy ball) without its being too weighty for the soldier, -armour was gradually laid aside by the infantry in the seventeenth -century: bows and arrows also fell into disuse, and the infantry -were reduced to two classes, viz.: _musketeers_, armed with -matchlock muskets, swords, and daggers; and _pikemen_, armed with -pikes from fourteen to eighteen feet long, and swords. - -In the early part of the seventeenth century Gustavus Adolphus, -King of Sweden, reduced the strength of regiments to 1000 men. He -caused the gunpowder, which had heretofore been carried in flasks, -or in small wooden bandoliers, each containing a charge, to be -made up into cartridges, and carried in pouches; and he formed -each regiment into two wings of musketeers, and a centre division -of pikemen. He also adopted the practice of forming four regiments -into a brigade; and the number of colours was afterwards reduced to -three in each regiment. He formed his columns so compactly that his -infantry could resist the charge of the celebrated Polish horsemen -and Austrian cuirassiers; and his armies became the admiration of -other nations. His mode of formation was copied by the English, -French, and other European states; but so great was the prejudice -in favour of ancient customs, that all his improvements were not -adopted until near a century afterwards. - -In 1664 King Charles II. raised a corps for sea-service, styled -the Admiral’s regiment. In 1678 each company of 100 men usually -consisted of 30 pikemen, 60 musketeers, and 10 men armed with light -firelocks. In this year the King added a company of men armed with -hand grenades to each of the old British regiments, which was -designated the “grenadier company.” Daggers were so contrived as to -fit in the muzzles of the muskets, and bayonets, similar to those -at present in use, were adopted about twenty years afterwards. - -An Ordnance regiment was raised in 1685, by order of King James -II., to guard the artillery, and was designated the Royal Fusiliers -(now 7th Foot). This corps, and the companies of grenadiers, did -not carry pikes. - -King William III. incorporated the Admiral’s regiment in the second -Foot Guards, and raised two Marine regiments for sea-service. -During the war in this reign, each company of infantry (excepting -the fusiliers and grenadiers) consisted of 14 pikemen and 46 -musketeers; the captains carried pikes; lieutenants, partisans; -ensigns, half-pikes; and serjeants, halberds. After the peace in -1697 the Marine regiments were disbanded, but were again formed on -the breaking out of the war in 1702.[2] - -During the reign of Queen Anne the pikes were laid aside, and every -infantry soldier was armed with a musket, bayonet, and sword; the -grenadiers ceased, about the same period, to carry hand grenades; -and the regiments were directed to lay aside their third colour: -the corps of Royal Artillery was first added to the Army in this -reign. - -About the year 1745, the men of the battalion companies of infantry -ceased to carry swords; during the reign of George II. light -companies were added to infantry regiments; and in 1764 a Board of -General Officers recommended that the grenadiers should lay aside -their swords, as that weapon had never been used during the Seven -Years’ War. Since that period the arms of the infantry soldier have -been limited to the musket and bayonet. - -The arms and equipment of the British Troops have seldom differed -materially, since the Conquest, from those of other European -states; and in some respects the arming has, at certain periods, -been allowed to be inferior to that of the nations with whom they -have had to contend; yet, under this disadvantage, the bravery and -superiority of the British infantry have been evinced on very many -and most trying occasions, and splendid victories have been gained -over very superior numbers. - -Great Britain has produced a race of lion-like champions who have -dared to confront a host of foes, and have proved themselves -valiant with any arms. At _Crecy_, King Edward III., at the head -of about 30,000 men, defeated, on the 26th of August, 1346, Philip -King of France, whose army is said to have amounted to 100,000 -men; here British valour encountered veterans of renown:--the -King of Bohemia, the King of Majorca, and many princes and nobles -were slain, and the French army was routed and cut to pieces. Ten -years afterwards, Edward Prince of Wales, who was designated the -Black Prince, defeated, at _Poictiers_, with 14,000 men, a French -army of 60,000 horse, besides infantry, and took John I., King of -France, and his son Philip, prisoners. On the 25th of October, -1415, King Henry V., with an army of about 13,000 men, although -greatly exhausted by marches, privations, and sickness, defeated, -at _Agincourt_, the Constable of France, at the head of the flower -of the French nobility and an army said to amount to 60,000 men, -and gained a complete victory. - -During the seventy years’ war between the United Provinces of the -Netherlands and the Spanish monarchy, which commenced in 1578 and -terminated in 1648, the British infantry in the service of the -States-General were celebrated for their unconquerable spirit and -firmness;[3] and in the thirty years’ War between the Protestant -Princes and the Emperor of Germany, the British Troops in the -service of Sweden and other states were celebrated for deeds of -heroism.[4] In the wars of Queen Anne, the fame of the British -army under the great MARLBOROUGH was spread throughout the world; -and if we glance at the achievements performed within the memory -of persons now living, there is abundant proof that the Britons -of the present age are not inferior to their ancestors in the -qualities which constitute good soldiers. Witness the deeds of -the brave men, of whom there are many now surviving, who fought in -Egypt in 1801, under the brave Abercromby, and compelled the French -army, which had been vainly styled _Invincible_, to evacuate that -country; also the services of the gallant Troops during the arduous -campaigns in the Peninsula, under the immortal WELLINGTON; and -the determined stand made by the British Army at Waterloo, where -Napoleon Bonaparte, who had long been the inveterate enemy of Great -Britain, and had sought and planned her destruction by every means -he could devise, was compelled to leave his vanquished legions to -their fate, and to place himself at the disposal of the British -Government. These achievements, with others of recent dates in the -distant climes of India, prove that the same valour and constancy -which glowed in the breasts of the heroes of Crecy, Poictiers, -Agincourt, Blenheim, and Ramilies, continue to animate the Britons -of the nineteenth century. - -The British Soldier is distinguished for a robust and muscular -frame,--intrepidity which no danger can appal,--unconquerable -spirit and resolution,--patience in fatigue and privation, and -cheerful obedience to his superiors. These qualities,--united with -an excellent system of order and discipline to regulate and give -a skilful direction to the energies and adventurous spirit of -the hero, and a wise selection of officers of superior talent to -command, whose presence inspires confidence,--have been the leading -causes of the splendid victories gained by the British arms.[5] -The fame of the deeds of the past and present generations in the -various battle-fields where the robust sons of Albion have fought -and conquered, surrounds the British arms with a halo of glory; -these achievements will live in the page of history to the end of -time. - -The records of the several regiments will be found to contain a -detail of facts of an interesting character, connected with the -hardships, sufferings, and gallant exploits of British soldiers in -the various parts of the world, where the calls of their Country -and the commands of their Sovereign have required them to proceed -in the execution of their duty, whether in active continental -operations, or in maintaining colonial territories in distant and -unfavourable climes. - -The superiority of the British infantry has been pre-eminently set -forth in the wars of six centuries, and admitted by the greatest -commanders which Europe has produced. The formations and movements -of this _arme_, as at present practised, while they are adapted -to every species of warfare, and to all probable situations and -circumstances of service, are well suited to show forth the -brilliancy of military tactics calculated upon mathematical and -scientific principles. Although the movements and evolutions have -been copied from the continental armies, yet various improvements -have from time to time been introduced, to ensure that simplicity -and celerity by which the superiority of the national military -character is maintained. The rank and influence which Great Britain -has attained among the nations of the world have in a great measure -been purchased by the valour of the Army, and to persons who have -the welfare of their country at heart the records of the several -regiments cannot fail to prove interesting. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] A company of 200 men would appear thus:-- - - __| - | | - |__| - | - 20 20 20 30 2|0 30 20 20 20 - | - Harquebuses. Muskets. Halberds. Muskets. Harquebuses. - Archers. Pikes. Pikes. Archers. - -The musket carried a ball which weighed 1/10th of a pound; and the -harquebus a ball which weighed 1/25th of a pound. - -[2] The 30th, 31st, and 32nd Regiments were formed as Marine corps -in 1702, and were employed as such during the wars in the reign -of Queen Anne. The Marine corps were embarked in the Fleet under -Admiral Sir George Rooke, and were at the taking of Gibraltar, and -in its subsequent defence in 1704; they were afterwards employed at -the siege of Barcelona in 1705. - -[3] The brave Sir Roger Williams, in his Discourse on War, printed -in 1590, observes:--“I persuade myself ten thousand of our nation -would beat thirty thousand of theirs (the Spaniards) out of the -field, let them be chosen where they list.” Yet at this time the -Spanish infantry was allowed to be the best disciplined in Europe. -For instances of valour displayed by the British Infantry during -the Seventy Years’ War, see the Historical Record of the Third -Foot, or Buffs. - -[4] _Vide_ the Historical Record of the First, or Royal Regiment of -Foot. - -[5] “Under the blessing of Divine Providence, His Majesty ascribes -the successes which have attended the exertions of his troops in -Egypt to that determined bravery which is inherent in Britons; but -His Majesty desires it may be most solemnly and forcibly impressed -on the consideration of every part of the army, that it has been a -strict observance of order, discipline, and military system, which -has given the full energy to the native valour of the troops, and -has enabled them proudly to assert the superiority of the national -military character, in situations uncommonly arduous, and under -circumstances of peculiar difficulty.”--_General Orders in 1801._ - -In the General Orders issued by Lieut.-General Sir John Hope -(afterwards Lord Hopetoun), congratulating the army upon the -successful result of the Battle of Corunna, on the 16th of January, -1809, it is stated:--“On no occasion has the undaunted valour of -British troops ever been more manifest. At the termination of a -severe and harassing march, rendered necessary by the superiority -which the enemy had acquired, and which had materially impaired -the efficiency of the troops, many disadvantages were to be -encountered. These have all been surmounted by the conduct of the -troops themselves; and the enemy has been taught, that, whatever -advantages of position or of numbers he may possess, there is -inherent in the British officers and soldiers a bravery that knows -not how to yield,--that no circumstances can appal,--and that will -ensure victory, when it is to be obtained by the exertion of any -human means.” - - - - - HISTORICAL RECORD - - OF - - THE THIRTY-FIRST, - - OR, - - THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT; - - CONTAINING - - AN ACCOUNT OF THE FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT - IN 1702, - - AND OF ITS SUBSEQUENT SERVICES - TO 1850; - - TO WHICH IS APPENDED, - - An ACCOUNT of the SERVICES of the MARINE CORPS, - from 1664 to 1748; - - The THIRTIETH, THIRTY-FIRST, and THIRTY-SECOND Regiments having been - formed in 1702 as _Marine Corps_, and retained from 1714 on the - Establishment of the Army as Regiments of Regular Infantry. - - COMPILED BY - - RICHARD CANNON, ESQ. - ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE, HORSE GUARDS - - ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES - - LONDON: - PARKER, FURNIVALL, & PARKER, - 30, CHARING CROSS. - - 1850. - - - - - THE THIRTY-FIRST - - OR, - - THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT, - - BEARS ON THE REGIMENTAL COLOUR AND APPOINTMENTS - - THE WORDS “TALAVERA,” “ALBUHERA,” “VITTORIA,” “PYRENEES,” - “NIVELLE,” “NIVE,” “ORTHES,” AND “PENINSULA.” - - IN COMMEMORATION OF THE SERVICES OF THE SECOND BATTALION - DURING THE “PENINSULAR WAR,” FROM 1809 TO 1814. - - ALSO - - THE WORD “CABOOL, 1842.” - - FOR THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT OF THE REGIMENT DURING - THE SECOND CAMPAIGN IN AFFGHANISTAN IN THE YEAR 1842; - - AND THE WORDS - - “MOODKEE,” “FEROZESHAH,” “ALIWAL,” AND “SOBRAON,” - - IN TESTIMONY OF ITS GALLANTRY IN THOSE BATTLES DURING THE - CAMPAIGN ON THE BANKS OF THE SUTLEJ, FROM DECEMBER 1845, - TO FEBRUARY 1846. - - - - - THE - - THIRTY-FIRST, - - OR, - - THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT. - - - - - CONTENTS - - OF THE - - HISTORICAL RECORD. - - - Year Page - - 1701 Introduction 1 - - 1702 Decease of King William III., and accession of - Her Majesty Queen Anne 2 - - ---- Certain Regiments of Marines raised -- - - ---- Formation of the THIRTY-FIRST as a Regiment of - _Marines_ -- - - ---- Colonel George Villiers appointed Colonel of the - Regiment -- - - ---- Names of the Officers 3 - - ---- _War of the Spanish Succession_ -- - - ---- The Earl of Marlborough appointed to the command of - the troops in Flanders -- - - ---- Expedition to the coast of Spain under the Duke of - Ormond 4 - - ---- The THIRTY-FIRST and other regiments embarked for - Cadiz -- - - ---- Capture of the combined French and Spanish fleets at - Vigo 5 - - ---- The troops under the Duke of Ormond returned to - England 6 - - 1703 The THIRTY-FIRST Regiment stationed at Plymouth 7 - - ---- Decease of Colonel Villiers -- - - ---- Lieut.-Colonel Alexander Lutterell appointed Colonel - of the Regiment -- - - 1704 Services of the THIRTY-FIRST Regiment on board the - fleet under Admiral Sir George Rooke -- - - ---- Unsuccessful attempt on _Barcelona_ -- - - ---- Capture of Gibraltar -- - - ---- The Spanish and French armaments defeated in their - attempts to retake _Gibraltar_ 8 - - 1705 Operations against Barcelona -- - - ---- Capture of Fort Montjuich -- - - ---- The Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt killed -- - - ---- Surrender of the Garrison of Barcelona -- - - 1706 Decease of Colonel Lutterell -- - - ---- Lieut.-Colonel Josiah Churchill appointed Colonel - of the Regiment -- - - ---- Barcelona besieged by the French 9 - - ---- Barcelona relieved by the English and Dutch fleet -- - - ---- The allied fleet proceeded to the coast of Valencia -- - - ---- Capture of _Carthagena_ and _Alicant_ -- - - ---- Surrender of _Iviça_ and _Majorca_ -- - - 1707 Attack upon _Toulon_ -- - - ---- The siege of _Toulon_ raised 10 - - 1708 Capture of _Sardinia_ -- - - ---- ---- ---- _Minorca_ 11 - - 1709 Capture of _Port Royal_, in Nova Scotia -- - - ---- The Fortress named _Anna-polis_ Royal, in honor of - Queen Anne 12 - - ---- _Alicant_ recovered by the enemy 13 - - 1710 The _Isle of Cette_ taken by the British, and - afterwards recaptured by the French -- - - 1711 Retirement of Colonel Churchill 14 - - ---- Lieut.-Colonel Sir Harry Goring, Bart., promoted - Colonel of the Regiment -- - - ---- Charles III., the claimant to the Spanish throne, - elected Emperor of Germany, and its effect upon - the war -- - - 1712 Negociations for Peace -- - - 1713 Treaty of Utrecht -- - - ---- Reductions in the Army and Navy 15 - - 1714 Decease of Queen Anne -- - - ---- Accession of King George I. -- - - ---- Augmentation of the Army, to counteract the designs - of the Pretender -- - - ---- The _Thirtieth_, THIRTY-FIRST, and _Thirty-second_ - Regiments, which had been ordered to be disbanded, - retained on the establishment, and incorporated - with the regiments of the line -- - - ---- Authorized to take rank in the Army from the date of - original formation in 1702 -- - - 1715 Disaffection of the Earl of Mar 16 - - ---- Rebellion in Scotland in favor of the Pretender -- - - ---- BATTLE OF SHERIFFMUIR -- - - ---- Surrender of the Rebels at Preston -- - - ---- Arrival in Scotland of the Pretender 17 - - 1716 His flight to France -- - - ---- Suppression of the Rebellion 18 - - ---- The THIRTY-FIRST embarked for Ireland -- - - ---- Retirement of Colonel Sir Harry Goring -- - - ---- Lord John Kerr appointed Colonel of the Regiment -- - - 1727 Decease of King George I. -- - - ---- Accession of King George II. -- - - 1728 Decease of Major-General Lord John Kerr -- - - ---- Colonel the Honorable Charles Cathcart appointed - Colonel of the Regiment -- - - 1731 Colonel the Honorable Charles Cathcart removed to - the Eighth Dragoons 18 - - ---- Colonel William Hargrave appointed Colonel of the - THIRTY-FIRST Regiment -- - - 1737 Colonel Hargrave removed to the Ninth Regiment -- - - ---- Colonel William Handasyd appointed Colonel of the - THIRTY-FIRST Regiment -- - - 1739 Removal of the Regiment from Ireland to Great - Britain 19 - - ---- Spanish depredations in America -- - - ---- War declared against Spain -- - - 1740 _War of the Austrian Succession_ -- - - 1741 The Regiment encamped at Windsor and on Lexden - Heath 21 - - 1742 Embarked for Flanders as _Auxiliaries_ -- - - 1743 Marched towards the Rhine 22 - - ---- BATTLE OF DETTINGEN 23 - - ---- The Battle compared with other victories 24 - - 1744 Declaration of War against France 25 - - 1745 Decease of Colonel Handasyd -- - - ---- Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk appointed Colonel of - the Regiment -- - - ---- Investment of Tournay by Marshal Saxe -- - - ---- BATTLE OF FONTENOY 26 - - ---- Surrender of Tournay to the French 27 - - ---- Skirmish at _La Mésle_, near Ghent 28 - - ---- Rebellion in Scotland, headed by Prince Charles - Edward -- - - ---- Return of the THIRTY-FIRST and other Regiments - to England -- - - ---- The Regiment stationed in the vicinity of London 29 - - 1746 BATTLE OF CULLODEN -- - - ---- Escape of Prince Charles Edward to France -- - - 1747 BATTLE OF LAFFELD, OR VAL 29 - - 1748 Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle -- - - 1749 Retirement of Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk 30 - - ---- Colonel Henry Holmes appointed Colonel of the - Regiment -- - - ---- The Regiment embarked for Minorca 30 - - 1751 Regulations prescribed by Royal Warrant for - establishing uniformity in the clothing, - standards, and colours of regiments, &c. -- - - 1752 The Regiment returned from Minorca to England -- - - 1755 Proceeded to Scotland -- - - 1756 _The Seven Years’ War_ -- - - ---- War declared against France 30 - - ---- Capture of Minorca by the French 31 - - ---- Augmentations in the Army and Navy -- - - ---- The Second Battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST - constituted the _Seventieth_ Regiment -- - - 1759 Summary of the occurrences of the War -- - - 1762 War declared against Spain 32 - - ---- Capture of _Martinique_, _Grenada_, _St. Vincent_, - and other West India Islands, by the British -- - - ---- Peace of Fontainebleau -- - - ---- The Regiment removed from Scotland to England -- - - ---- Decease of Lieut.-General Holmes -- - - ---- Colonel James Adolphus Oughton appointed Colonel of - the Regiment -- - - 1765 The Regiment embarked for Florida 33 - - ---- Suffered severely from yellow fever -- - - 1772 Embarked for St. Vincent 34 - - ---- Engaged in reducing the Caribs -- - - 1774 Termination of the Carib War 35 - - ---- The Regiment returned to England -- - - 1775 Stationed in North Britain -- - - 1775 _War of American Independence_ 35 - - 1776 The Regiment embarked for Canada with the - - ---- Troops under Major-General Burgoyne -- - - ---- Defence of Quebec against the American Army -- - - ---- Defence of the British Post at _Trois Rivières_ -- - - ---- Declaration of Independence by the American Congress 36 - - ---- Operations on Lake Champlain -- - - 1777 The flank companies of the THIRTY-FIRST and other - regiments proceed on an expedition under - Major-General Burgoyne 37 - - ---- Capture of _Ticonderago_ -- - - ---- Action at _Skenesborough_ -- - - ---- Action near _Castleton_ -- - - ---- Pursuit of the Americans to Fort Anne and Fort Edward 38 - - ---- Action at Stillwater 39 - - ---- Lieut.-General Burgoyne is compelled to capitulate - to General Gates 40 - - ---- Convention of Saratoga -- - - 1778 Aid rendered by France to the Americans 41 - - 1780 Decease of Lieut.-General Sir James Oughton -- - - ---- Major-General Thomas Clarke appointed Colonel of - the Regiment -- - - 1781 The battalion companies, which remained in Canada, - joined by the _flank_ companies -- - - ---- The _light_ company engaged in effecting the - destruction of military stores at Ticonderago -- - - 1782 The Independence of the United States acknowledged - by King George III. 42 - - ---- The THIRTY-FIRST styled the HUNTINGDONSHIRE - Regiment -- - - 1783 Treaty of Peace between England, France, and Spain 43 - - ---- Peace concluded with Holland -- - - 1787 The Regiment embarked at Quebec for England 43 - - ---- Stationed in Great Britain -- - - 1789 Commencement of the French Revolution -- - - ---- Preparations for War with Spain 44 - - 1790 The THIRTY-FIRST embarked on board the fleet to - perform its _original service_ of MARINES -- - - ---- Convention with Spain -- - - 1791 Disturbances in the Manufacturing Districts 45 - - 1792 Lieut.-General Thomas Clarke removed to the - Thirtieth Regiment -- - - ---- Major-General James Stuart appointed Colonel of - the Regiment -- - - ---- The Regiment embarked for Ireland -- - - 1793 Decease of Major-General Stuart -- - - ---- Colonel Lord Mulgrave appointed Colonel of the - Regiment -- - - ---- Progress of events in France -- - - ---- War with France -- - - ---- The _flank_ companies embarked for Barbadoes -- - - 1794 Capture of _Martinique_, _St. Lucia_, and - _Guadaloupe_ 46 - - ---- A French Armament sent to retake _Guadaloupe_ 47 - - ---- Gallant defence of _Guadaloupe_ by the British -- - - ---- The Garrison of _Berville Camp_ surrendered to - the French -- - - ---- Return of the Troops at _Guadaloupe_ 48 - - ---- Evacuation of _Fort Matilda_ by the British 49 - - ---- The Regiment proceeded from Ireland to England -- - - ---- Embarked for Holland -- - - 1795 Returned to England -- - - ---- Joined the Camp formed at Nursling, near Southampton -- - - ---- Embarked for the West Indies -- - - ---- Delayed by storms and contrary winds 50 - - 1796 Disembarked at Gosport 51 - - ---- Embarked for St. Lucia -- - - ---- Engaged in the capture of that Island 52 - - ---- Employed against the Caribs in St. Lucia 53 - - 1797 Returned to England 54 - - 1799 Augmented by volunteers from the Militia 55 - - ---- Embarked for Holland, as part of the Army under the - Duke of York 56 - - ---- Engaged in the Action at _Alkmaar_ -- - - ---- Attack on the French position between _Bergen_ and - _Egmont-op-Zee_ 58 - - ---- Occupation of _Alkmaar_ by the British Troops 59 - - ---- Action near _Alkmaar_ -- - - ---- Withdrawal of the British Troops from Holland 60 - - ---- Regiment arrived in England -- - - 1800 Embarked for Ireland -- - - ---- Expedition to the coast of France under Brigadier - the Honorable Sir Thomas Maitland -- - - ---- Joined the expedition under Lieut.-General Sir - James Pulteney destined for the coast of Spain -- - - ---- Landed at _Ferrol_ -- - - ---- Sailed to _Vigo_ 61 - - ---- Proceeded to _Cadiz_ -- - - ---- Embarked for Gibraltar -- - - ---- Expedition to _Egypt_ -- - - 1801 The THIRTY-FIRST proceeded to Lisbon, and - subsequently to Minorca -- - - 1802 Deliverance of Egypt from the French Troops 62 - - ---- Peace of Amiens -- - - ---- The Regiment embarked at Minorca for England -- - - 1803 Removed to Jersey -- - - ---- Gallant conduct of a Private Soldier of the - THIRTY-FIRST Regiment -- - - 1803 Renewal of the War with France 63 - - ---- Preparations for the defence of England from the - menace of French Invasion -- - - 1804 A _second battalion_ added to the Regiment 64 - - ---- The Regiment embarked for England -- - - ---- War declared by Spain against Great Britain -- - - 1805 The _second_ battalion proceeded from Chester, and - joined the first battalion at Winchester -- - - 1806 Employed on the occasion of the Funeral of Admiral - Viscount Nelson 65 - - ---- The _first battalion_ embarked for Sicily -- - - 1807 Proceeded on the Expedition to Egypt under - Major-General Fraser 66 - - ---- Attacked by the Turks at Rosetta 67 - - ---- Egypt evacuated by the British 68 - - ---- Return of the troops to Sicily -- - - 1808 The _first battalion_ embarked for Malta -- - - 1810 Returned to Sicily -- - - 1811 Proceeded to Malta 69 - - ---- Returned to Sicily -- - - 1812 The _grenadier_ company embarked for the east - coast of Spain -- - - 1813 Returned to Sicily -- - - 1814 The _first battalion_ proceeded on an expedition - to Italy 70 - - ---- Disembarked at Leghorn -- - - ---- Actions at _Sestri_ and _Recco_ -- - - ---- Action at _La Sturla_, on the heights of _Albaro_ 71 - - ---- Gallantry of the _first battalion_ 72 - - ---- Occupation of _Genoa_ 73 - - ---- The first battalion embarked for _Corsica_ -- - - ---- Returned to Sicily 74 - - ---- Treaty of Peace with France -- - - ---- The _second battalion_ disbanded -- - - ---- Honorary Distinctions acquired by the Regiment -- - - 1815 Return of Napoleon Bonaparte to France, and Renewal - of the War 75 - - ---- The Regiment embarked for Naples -- - - ---- BATTLE OF WATERLOO 76 - - ---- Termination of the War -- - - ---- The Regiment embarked for Genoa -- - - 1816 Embarked for Malta -- - - 1818 Returned to England -- - - 1819 Disturbed state of the Manufacturing Districts -- - - ---- The Thanks of the Sovereign and of the Magistrates - conveyed to the THIRTY-FIRST and other Corps - employed at Manchester 77 - - 1821 The Regiment embarked for Ireland 78 - - 1824 Returned to England 79 - - 1825 Embarked for Calcutta -- - - ---- Destruction of the “_Kent_” East Indiaman by fire - in the Bay of Biscay 80 - - ---- Gallant conduct of the _right wing_, embarked in - the “_Kent_” during the conflagration 81 - - ---- Names of the Officers, and the number of the men, - women, and children, saved by the ships “_Cambria_” - and “_Caroline_” 82 - - ---- Letter from the Adjutant-General to Lieut.-Colonel - Fearon, commanding the THIRTY-FIRST, expressive - of the Commander-in-Chief’s approbation of the - courage and discipline displayed by the _right_ - wing of the regiment during the burning of the - “_Kent_” 88 - - ---- Further particulars relating to this calamity 89 - - ---- Part of the _right wing_ re-embarked for India 92 - - ---- Joined the _left wing_ at Berhampore -- - - 1826 Another detachment embarked for India 93 - - ---- The Regiment marched to Meerut 94 - - ---- Presentation of New Colours to the Regiment by - Lady Amherst 95 - - 1831 Marched to Kurna 96 - - ---- Decease of General the Earl of Mulgrave 97 - - ---- General Sir Henry Warde, G.C.B., appointed Colonel - of the Regiment -- - - ---- Interview between the Governor-General of India, - Lord William Bentinck, and Runjeet Singh, the - Sovereign of the Punjaub 98 - - ---- The Regiment formed part of the Governor-General’s - Escort -- - - ---- Detail of the Proceedings on the Sutlej 99 - - ---- The Regiment returned to Kurnaul -- - - 1834 Decease of General Sir Henry Warde 100 - - ---- Lieut.-General Sir Edward Barnes, G.C.B., - appointed Colonel of the Regiment -- - - 1836 The Regiment marched to Dinapore -- - - 1838 Decease of General Sir Edward Barnes 101 - - ---- Lieut.-General Sir Colin Halkett, K.C.B., - appointed Colonel of the Regiment -- - - ---- The Regiment marched to Ghazeepore -- - - 1840 Marched to Agra 102 - - 1841 Insurrection at Cabool 103 - - 1842 The Regiment marched to Peshawur to join the army - under Major-General Pollock, destined to proceed - to Cabool -- - - ---- Arrival of the army at Jellalabad 104 - - ---- The Regiment marched to _Peshbolak_ to attack - the Shinwarees 105 - - ---- Action at _Mazeena_ 107 - - ---- Passage of the _Jugdulluck Pass_ 109 - - ---- Action at _Tezeen_ 110 - - ---- Advance on Cabool 112 - - ---- Occupation of the Bala Hissar 113 - - ---- Release of the Officers, Ladies, and Soldiers, taken - prisoners by the Affghans, at the commencement of - the insurrection -- - - 1842 Return of the Army to India 113 - - ---- Action at the _Jugdulluck Pass_ 114 - - ---- Skirmishes in the Passes between _Tezeen_ and - _Gundamuck_ -- - - ---- Arrival of the troops at Jellalabad 115 - - ---- Marched to Peshawur -- - - ---- Honors rendered to the troops on arrival at - Ferozepore -- - - ---- Authorized to bear the word “CABOOL, 1842,” on the - Regimental Colour and Appointments -- - - ---- The Regiment marched to Umballa -- - - ---- Expedition to Khytul 116 - - ---- Outbreak at Lahore -- - - 1843 The Regiment marched to Ferozepore -- - - 1844 Returned to Umballa 117 - - 1845 Disturbed state of the Punjaub -- - - ---- Sikh invasion of the British Territories in India 118 - - ---- The Regiment marched from Umballa to join the - Ferozepore Field force 119 - - ---- BATTLE OF MOODKEE 120 - - ---- ---- ---- FEROZESHAH 126 - - 1846 The Regiment marched towards Loodiana with the - troops under Major-General Sir Henry Smith 136 - - ---- The Fort of _Dhurrumkote_ captured from the Sikhs 137 - - ---- Action at _Buddiwal_ -- - - ---- BATTLE OF ALIWAL 138 - - ---- Return of the troops under Major-General Sir Henry - Smith to the head-quarters of the Army 145 - - ---- BATTLE OF SOBRAON -- - - ---- Advance of the Army on Lahore 156 - - ---- Occupation of the City 158 - - 1846 Orders received for the Regiment to return to Europe 159 - - ---- Embarked for Calcutta 163 - - ---- Review of the Punjaub Campaign 165 - - ---- Honors conferred on the “_Army of the Sutlej_” 167 - - ---- General Lord Gough’s farewell order to the Regiment 172 - - ---- Embarked for England 174 - - ---- Reception on arrival 175 - - ---- Letter to Lieut.-Colonel Spence, from General Sir - Colin Halkett, reviewing the services of the - Regiment 177 - - ---- Stationed at Walmer 182 - - 1847 Authorized to bear on the Regimental Colour and - Appointments the words “MOODKEE,” “FEROZESHAH,” - “ALIWAL,” and “SOBRAON” 183 - - ---- General Sir Colin Halkett G.C.B., removed to the - forty-fifth Regiment -- - - ---- Lieut.-General the Honorable Henry Otway Trevor - appointed Colonel of the THIRTY-FIRST Regiment -- - - ---- The Regiment removed to Manchester -- - - 1848 Embarked for Ireland -- - - ---- Presentation of New Colours by Major-General His - Royal Highness the Prince George of Cambridge 184 - - 1849 Stationed at Athlone 186 - - 1850 Removed to Dublin -- - - ---- Presentation of a Testimonial to Lieut.-Colonel - Spence on his retirement -- - - ---- CONCLUSION -- - - - - - CONTENTS - - OF - - THE HISTORICAL RECORD - - OF - - THE SECOND BATTALION - - OF - - THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT. - - - Year Page - - 1804 Projected French invasion of England 187 - - 1805 Formation of the _Second_ Battalion of the - THIRTY-FIRST Regiment at Chester -- - - ---- Marched from Chester to Winchester -- - - 1806 Proceeded to Gosport 188 - - 1807 Embarked for Guernsey -- - - ---- Proceeded to Ireland -- - - 1808 Joined the force assembled at Falmouth under the - command of Lieut.-General Sir David Baird -- - - ---- Sailed for Portugal 189 - - ---- Marched to reinforce the army in Spain under - Lieut.-General Sir John Moore -- - - 1809 The intended advance countermanded -- - - ---- BATTLE OF CORUNNA 190 - - ---- Arrival of Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley at - Lisbon, and his appointment to the command of the - army in the Peninsula -- - - ---- The _second_ battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST - marched towards Oporto 191 - - ---- Passage of the _Douro_ -- - - 1809 Arrived at Oropesa 191 - - ---- BATTLE OF TALAVERA 192 - - ---- Authorized to bear the word “TALAVERA” on the - Regimental Colour and Appointments 193 - - ---- Stationed at Abrantes 194 - - 1810 Marched to Portalegre -- - - ---- Encamped between the Estrella and the Tagus 195 - - ---- BATTLE OF BUSACO -- - - ---- Marched on Thomar -- - - ---- Skirmishes near _Alhandra_ 196 - - 1811 Pursuit of Marshal Massena -- - - ---- Siege of Olivenza and Badajoz -- - - ---- BATTLE OF ALBUHERA 197 - - ---- Authorized to bear the word “ALBUHERA” on the - Regimental Colour and Appointments 199 - - ---- _Second_ siege of _Badajoz_ -- - - ---- Affair at _Arroyo dos Molinos_ 200 - - ---- Stationed at Merida -- - - 1812 Siege of _Ciudad Rodrigo_ -- - - ---- _Third_ siege of _Badajoz_ -- - - ---- Capture of _Badajoz_ 201 - - ---- Attack on the French works at _Almaraz_ -- - - ---- Operations against General Drouet 202 - - ---- Siege of the _Castle of Burgos_ 203 - - ---- Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s division, of - which the _second_ battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST - formed part, cantoned at Coria and Placentia 204 - - 1813 Advance upon _Burgos_ and _Vittoria_ -- - - ---- BATTLE OF VITTORIA -- - - ---- Authorized to bear the word “VITTORIA” on the - Regimental Colour and Appointments 205 - - ---- Siege of Pampeluna 206 - - ---- The French dislodged from the valley of _Bastan_ -- - - ---- Action in the _Pass of Roncesvalles_ -- - - 1813 Engaged on the heights at _Pampeluna_ 206 - - ---- Authorized to bear the word “PYRENEES” on the - Regimental Colour and Appointments 207 - - ---- Capture of a French convoy at _Elizondo_ -- - - ---- Capture of _St. Sebastian_ and _Pampeluna_ -- - - ---- March of the Allied Army to the French side of the - Pyrenees -- - - ---- Engaged in the Pass of _Maya_ -- - - ---- Passage of the _Nivelle_ -- - - ---- Authorized to bear the word “NIVELLE” on the - Regimental Colour and Appointments 208 - - ---- Passage of the _Nive_ -- - - ---- Action at _St. Pierre_, near Bayonne 209 - - ---- Authorized to bear the word “NIVE” on the - Regimental Colour and Appointments 210 - - 1814 Action on the heights of _Garris_ -- - - ---- BATTLE OF ORTHES 211 - - ---- Authorized to bear the word “ORTHES” on the - Regimental Colour and Appointments -- - - ---- Action at _Aire_ -- - - ---- BATTLE OF TOULOUSE -- - - ---- Sortie from _Bayonne_ 212 - - ---- Termination of the _Peninsular War_ -- - - ---- The second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST Regiment - marched to Bourdeaux -- - - ---- Embarked for Ireland -- - - ---- Authorized to bear the word “PENINSULA” on the - Regimental Colour and Appointments -- - - ---- Proceeded to Portsmouth 213 - - ---- Disbanded -- - - - - -SUCCESSION OF COLONELS - -OF - -THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT. - - - Page - - 1702 George Villiers 215 - - 1703 Alexander Lutterell -- - - 1706 Josiah Churchill -- - - 1711 Sir Harry Goring, Bart. 216 - - 1716 Lord John Kerr -- - - 1728 The Honorable Charles Cathcart -- - - 1731 William Hargrave 217 - - 1737 William Handasyd -- - - 1745 Lord Henry Beauclerk 218 - - 1749 Henry Holmes -- - - 1762 Sir James Adolphus Oughton -- - - 1780 Thomas Clarke -- - - 1792 James Stuart 219 - - 1793 Henry, Earl of Mulgrave, G.C.B. -- - - 1831 Sir Henry Warde, G.C.B. 220 - - 1834 Sir Edward Barnes, G.C.B. 221 - - 1838 Sir Colin Halkett, G.C.B. 222 - - 1847 Honorable Henry Otway Trevor, C.B. -- - - - - -APPENDIX. - - - Page - - List of Battles, Sieges, &c., in Germany and the Netherlands, - from 1743 to 1748, during the “_War of the Austrian - Succession_” 223 - - List of British Regiments which served in Flanders and - Germany, between the years 1742 and 1748, during the “_War - of the Austrian Succession_” 224 - - Memoir of the services of Colonel Bolton, C.B. 225 - - Memoir of the services of Lieut.-Colonel Skinner, C.B. 226 - - Memoir of the services of Major Baldwin 230 - - - - -PLATES. - - - Present Colours of the Regiment _to face page_ 1 - - Wreck of the _Kent_ East India Ship 80 - - Battle of Ferozeshah 128 - - Battle of Sobraon 152 - - Monument erected in Canterbury Cathedral, to the memory - of the Officers and Soldiers of the THIRTY-FIRST Regiment, - who were killed during the campaign on the banks of the - Sutlej from December 1845 to February 1846 214 - - - - -[Illustration: THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT. - -QUEEN’S COLOUR. - -REGIMENTAL COLOUR. - -FOR CANNON’S MILITARY RECORDS, - -_Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S^t Strand._] - - - - - HISTORICAL RECORD - - OF - - THE THIRTY-FIRST, OR THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE, - - REGIMENT OF FOOT. - - -[Sidenote: 1701] - -In the commencement of the eighteenth century, the British Monarch, -King William III., found that the conditions of the Treaty of -Ryswick, concluded in 1697, were violated by the King of France, -Louis XIV., who, on the decease of Charles II. of Spain on the -1st of November, 1700, pursued with unremitting assiduity his -ambitious project of ultimately uniting the crowns of France and -Spain, by procuring the accession of his grandson, Philip, Duke of -Anjou, to the vacant throne; thus excluding the claims of the House -of Austria, and disregarding the existing treaties between the -principal nations of Europe. The seizure of the Spanish Netherlands -by the troops of France,--the detention of the Dutch garrisons in -the barrier towns,--the declaration of Louis XIV. in favour of the -family of James II., and other acts of hostility, justified the -British Government in making preparations for war. - -King William had determined on active measures, by sea and land, -against the powers of France and Spain, and had accordingly -directed augmentations to be made in the navy and army. A -division of the army had been appointed, under the command of -Brigadier-General Ingoldsby, (twenty-third regiment,) to embark for -Flanders, and another portion of the army was selected to embark -for the coast of Spain, under the orders of the Duke of Ormond. - -[Sidenote: 1702] - -The death of King William III. took place on the 8th of March, -1702. His policy was adopted by his successor Queen Anne, who -entered into treaties of alliance with the Emperor of Germany,--the -States-General of the United Provinces,--and other Princes and -Potentates, for preserving the liberty and balance of power in -Europe, and for defeating the ambitious views of France. - -The measures for increasing the efficiency of the fleet had -occasioned the suggestion of raising _Corps of Marines_, capable -of acting on land as well as at sea. Several regiments of the -regular army were appointed to serve as Marines, and six additional -regiments were especially raised for that service.[6] - -On the 14th of March, 1702, a Royal Warrant was issued, authorising -COLONEL GEORGE VILLIERS to raise a REGIMENT OF MARINES, which was -to consist of twelve companies, of two serjeants, three corporals, -two drummers, and fifty-nine private soldiers each, with an -additional serjeant to the grenadier company. The rendezvous of -the regiment was appointed to be at Taunton and Bridgewater. - -For the raising of this regiment the following officers received -commissions, those of the field officers being antedated to the -12th of February, 1702:-- - - CAPTAINS George Villiers (_Colonel_). - Alexander Lutterell (_Lt.-Colonel_). - Thomas Carew (_Major_). - Francis Blinman. - George Blakeney. - - CAPTAIN-LIEUTENANT John Deveroux. - - FIRST LIEUTENANTS Saloman Balmier. - Roger Flower. - - SECOND LIEUTENANT William Bisset. - - CHIRURGEON James Church. - - CHIRURGEON’S MATE William Church. - -The declaration of hostilities against France and Spain was issued -on the 4th of May, 1702: thus began, “fruitful in great actions and -important results,” _The War of the Spanish Succession_. - -Additional forces were sent to Flanders, and the Earl of -Marlborough was appointed to command the confederate troops with -the rank of Captain-General. - -The expedition, which had been planned by King William against -Spain, was carried out by the Ministers of Queen Anne. It was -arranged, accordingly, that a combined fleet of English and Dutch -ships, consisting of fifty sail of the line, besides frigates, -under Admiral Sir George Rooke, and a land force amounting to -nearly fourteen thousand men, under the command of the Duke of -Ormond, should proceed to the coast of Spain. The following corps -were employed on this service, namely:-- - - Officers - and Men. - Lloyd’s Dragoons, now 3rd Light Dragoons (detachment.) 275 - Foot Guards, the Grenadier and Coldstream 755 - Sir H. Bellasis’s now 2nd Foot 834 - Churchill’s 3rd ” 834 - Seymour’s 4th ” 834 - Columbine’s 6th ” 724 - O’Hara’s, 3 companies 7th Royal Fusiliers 313 - Erle’s 19th Foot 724 - Gustavus Hamilton’s 20th ” 724 - Villiers’s Marines, 5 Companies. 31st ” 520 - Fox’s Marines 32nd ” 834 - Donegal’s 35th ” 724 - Charlemont’s 36th ” 724 - Shannon’s Marines 834 - ---- - 9653 - Dutch Regiments commanded by Major-General Baron } - Sparre and Brigadier Pallandt } 3924 - ------ - 13,577 - -Colonel Villiers’s Corps of Marines, now the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, -soon after its formation was thus called upon to supply five -Companies for embarkation for active service on board the fleet -destined against Spain: these Companies embarked in the latter -part of May from Plymouth, and proceeded to join the fleet at -Portsmouth, from whence the expedition sailed to Cadiz in the month -of July, 1702. - -The armament appeared off Cadiz on the 12th of August, and the -Duke summoned the place; but his terms being refused, he landed on -the 15th at the Bay of Bulls, between Rota and Fort St. Catherine, -under great disadvantages and a well conducted opposition: he -marched upon Rota, where the horses and stores were disembarked, -and in two days afterwards he advanced to the town of St. Mary. -Rota was retaken by a _coup-de-main_, and the British garrison of -300 men was captured. The attempt on Cadiz failed; the troops were -re-embarked, and sailed from Cadiz on the 30th of September. - -In alluding to this expedition, Bishop Burnet remarks,--“It is -certain our Court had false accounts of the state the place was in, -both with relation to the garrison, and to the fortifications; the -garrison was much stronger, and the fortifications were in a better -state, than was represented.” - -Conspicuous as the bravery of the troops had been in the expedition -against Cadiz, still the failure of the attempt naturally caused -painful feelings to arise among the British soldiers, who were -disappointed of reaping the well-earned fame of a successful -enterprise, when victory appeared almost within their grasp. The -receipt of information of the arrival of a Spanish fleet from -the West Indies, under a French convoy, at the harbour of Vigo, -speedily dissipated these feelings, and gave renewed hopes to the -troops. The allied fleet immediately bent its course thither, -and arrived before Vigo on the 22nd of October, 1702. The French -admiral Count de Chateaurenaud had placed his shipping and the -galleons within a narrow passage, the entrance to which was -defended by a castle on one side, and by platforms mounted with -cannon on both sides of the inlet; a strong boom was thrown across -the harbour. - -To facilitate the attack on this formidable barrier, the Duke of -Ormond landed a portion of his army six miles from Vigo on the -23rd of October, and took, by assault, a battery of forty pieces -of cannon, situated at the entrance of the bay. A British flag, -hoisted on this fort, was the signal for a general attack. The -fleet in full sail approached, broke the boom at the first shock, -and became closely engaged with the enemy’s ships, while the -British troops that had landed, stormed and captured the batteries. -After a vigorous defence, the French and Spaniards, finding they -could not escape, set fire to some of their vessels, and cast their -cargoes into the sea; but the British exerted themselves nobly in -extinguishing the flames, and succeeded in saving six galleons and -seven ships of war. Two thousand of the enemy are stated to have -perished, and the Spaniards sustained a loss in goods and treasure -exceeding eight million dollars, more than one-half of which fell -to the captors, whose loss in this victory was inconsiderable. -Queen Anne, attended by the Lords and Commons, went in state to St. -Paul’s Cathedral to return thanks for this success, and each of the -regiments of infantry received 561_l._ 10_s._ prize-money. - -Villiers’s Marines (THIRTY-FIRST regiment) did not land at Vigo, -but served on board the fleet in this gallant enterprise. - -The troops under the Duke of Ormond subsequently returned to -England, and on their arrival in November, 1702, were stationed as -follows, namely:-- - - Lloyd’s 3rd Dragoons (detachment) Portsmouth. - Foot Guards, 1st and Coldstream Gravesend and Chatham. - Sir H. Bellasis’s 2nd Foot Portsmouth. - Churchill’s 3rd ” Chatham. - Seymour’s 4th ” Plymouth. - Columbine’s 6th ” Portsmouth. - Royal Fusiliers 7th ” Tilbury. - VILLIERS’S (Marines) THIRTY-FIRST PLYMOUTH. - Fox’s Marines 32nd Foot Plymouth. - Viscount Shannon’s Marines Chatham. - -[Sidenote: 1703] - -On the 6th of January, 1703, seven companies of the regiment were -stationed at Plymouth, and on the 27th of that month four companies -were ordered for embarkation on board of the ships Suffolk and -Grafton, which proceeded on service to the coast of Spain, to join -the fleet under Admiral Sir George Rooke, and continued in that -quarter, and in the Mediterranean, during that year. - -In December, 1703, Colonel Villiers, who was in command of the -Regiment on board of the fleet, was drowned. He was succeeded -in the Colonelcy of the Regiment by Lieut.-Colonel Alexander -Lutterell, on the 6th of December of that year. - -[Sidenote: 1704] - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment, being at this time a Marine Corps, -continued to serve on board the fleet in the Mediterranean, and -in February, 1704, proceeded, under Admiral Sir George Rooke, -to Lisbon, from whence it proceeded to _Barcelona_, where the -troops were landed under the command of Major-General the Prince -of Hesse-Darmstadt, on the 19th of May; but the force, being -inadequate for the purpose intended, was re-embarked on the day -following. - -The fleet next proceeded to attack the fortress of _Gibraltar_, and -the Prince of Hesse effected a landing on the afternoon of the 21st -of July, 1704, with eighteen hundred BRITISH AND DUTCH MARINES: -after a bombardment of three days, the governor was forced to -capitulate, and the Prince of Hesse took possession of the garrison -on the evening of Sunday, the 24th of July, 1704. The attack of -the seamen and marines is recorded in history to have been one of -the boldest and most difficult ever performed. The _fortress_ of -_Gibraltar_ was thus taken, and was besieged by the Spaniards and -French in October following, for seven months, during which period -it was successfully defended by the navy and marines, and has since -remained, as a monument of British valour, in possession of the -Crown of Great Britain. - -After selecting a sufficient force to garrison Gibraltar, the -Marine Corps were distributed in the several ships of war which -were then collected in the Tagus, in order to co-operate with the -land forces on the coast of Spain. - -[Sidenote: 1705] - -Towards the end of May, 1705, the British fleet having about five -thousand troops on board, with General the Earl of Peterborough, -proceeded to Lisbon; King Charles embarked on board of the Ranelagh -on the 23rd of July, and the Dutch fleet having joined in the -Tagus, proceeded from thence, and anchored before Barcelona on the -22nd of August. - -The Earl of Peterborough commenced operations against _Barcelona_ -by an attack on the strong fortress of _Montjuich_, which was taken -by storm on the 17th of September. In this attack the Prince of -Hesse Darmstadt was wounded by a musket-ball which occasioned his -death. The city of Barcelona was invested, and after considerable -efforts on the part of the besiegers and the besieged, the garrison -surrendered on the 6th of October, 1705. - -The capture of _Barcelona_ obtained for the allied forces the -applause of the nations of Europe, and in a great degree promoted -the cause of King Charles in his efforts to succeed to the Crown of -Spain. - -[Sidenote: 1706] - -The decease of Colonel Lutterell having taken place, he was -succeeded by Lieut.-Colonel Josiah Churchill, on the 1st of -February, 1706. - -The neglect of King Charles III. and his counsellors to secure -the advantages obtained by the conquests before stated, and the -persevering efforts made in favour of King Philip V. by the French, -and by those persons in other countries who supported his cause, -occasioned great difficulties, as well as serious losses to the -allied forces. - -A powerful French and Spanish force by land, aided by a fleet, -attempted the recapture of _Barcelona_, which was besieged in the -beginning of April, 1706; but when the enemy had made preparations -to attack the place by storm, the English and Dutch fleet arrived -with reinforcements for the garrison;--the French relaxed in their -efforts, and the siege was raised on the 11th of May. - -The city of Barcelona was thus relieved, and the allied fleet, with -the troops on board, proceeded to the coast of Valencia; after -capturing _Carthagena_, and placing six hundred Marines for its -defence, the expedition proceeded to an attack upon _Alicant_, -which, after a gallant resistance and severe loss, surrendered on -the 25th of August, 1706. - -The fleet then proceeded to _Iviça_ and _Majorca_, which -surrendered to King Charles III., and detachments of Marines were -placed as garrisons in those islands. - -[Sidenote: 1707] - -The defeat of the allied forces under the Earl of Galway by the -Duke of Berwick at _Almanza_, on the 25th of April, 1707, cast a -gloom over the prospects of King Charles in Spain; and in June -following, measures were adopted for co-operating with the Duke of -Savoy and the Prince Eugene, in an attack upon Toulon. The fleet -proceeded for the coast of Italy, and anchored between Nice and -Antibes, when a conference took place with the commanders-in-chief -of the sea and land forces, and it was decided that a joint -attack should be made upon a portion of the enemy’s army which -was entrenched upon the river Var; the enemy having evacuated -his positions, they were immediately occupied by several hundred -British seamen and marines; the passage was thus secured for the -Duke of Savoy to prosecute his designs, and ships were stationed -along different parts of the sea-coast: every aid was afforded -by the fleet; but the enemy, having been reinforced, made a -successful sally, and the allied forces sustained considerable -loss; the siege was consequently raised on the 10th of August -following. - -[Sidenote: 1708] - -In consequence of King Charles having desired that _Sardinia_ -should be reduced, with a view to a passage being opened for his -troops into Naples to attack Sicily, and also to secure the means -of supplying provisions for his armies, it was decided that a body -of _marines_ should be withdrawn from Catalonia to assist in this -enterprise. On the 12th of August, 1708, the armament designed for -this service arrived before _Cagliari_, the capital of Sardinia, -and after receiving a hesitating reply to the summons to surrender, -the bombardment commenced on that evening, and continued until the -following morning, when, at the break of day, Major-General Wills -(Thirtieth regiment), at the head of the Marines, with one Spanish -regiment, landed, and the place surrendered. - -It was next decided that an attempt should be made upon the island -of _Minorca_. The fleet accordingly set sail, and arrived before -_Port Mahon_ on the 28th of August, 1708. - -At this period the six _marine_ regiments had been much reduced in -numbers by the arduous services on which they had been employed -from the commencement of the war, so that it became necessary -to draft the men of _two_ of these corps into the other four -regiments, in order to render this force effective for the service -for which it was now destined, and which, there was reason to -expect, would be difficult, and would require the most energetic -measures towards effecting the conquest of the island. For this -purpose all the Marines fit for service, were drawn from the ships -about to return home, and were incorporated in the four regiments -which were employed in the reduction of this island. The two -regiments (Holl’s and Shannon’s) returned to England in order to -recruit their numbers. - -The fleet proceeded to commence operations, and the first attack -was against _Fort Fornelle_, which was cannonaded, and surrendered -after a contest of four hours; a detachment proceeded to -_Citadella_, the capital, which surrendered; batteries, which had -been erected, were opened on the works defending the town of _Port -Mahon_, on the 17th of September, when, after a short but brisk -fire, a lodgment was effected under the walls of St. _Philip’s -Castle_, and on the following day the place surrendered. - -The valuable and important _Island of Minorca_ was thus reduced -to submission to the British Crown by the gallantry of the Navy, -and about two thousand four hundred Marines; the island, which was -ceded to Great Britain at the Treaty of Utrecht, in 1713, continued -in the British possession until the year 1756, when it was -recaptured by a combined Spanish and French force under the command -of Marshal the Duke de Richelieu.[7] - -[Sidenote: 1709] - -In the early part of the year 1709, an armament was prepared -for the purpose of attacking _Port Royal_ in the province of -_Nova Scotia_, which was then in possession of the French; the -expedition was entrusted to Colonel Nicholson of the Marines, and -to Captain Martin of the Navy. The squadron proceeded to Boston, -where it was reinforced by some ships, and by provincial auxiliary -troops: a council of war was held, and arrangements were made for -disembarking the troops, which took place on the 24th of September. -The fortress surrendered on the 1st of October, and the Marines -took possession. The fortress was named _Anna-polis Royal_, in -honor of Queen Anne, in whose reign the conquest was effected. - -The affairs of Spain at this time had materially changed, and -the prospects of King Charles III. in obtaining the monarchy had -become very doubtful. The town of _Alicant_, after sustaining a -powerful siege by the forces of Spain and France, was compelled -to surrender in April; the fleet under Admiral Sir George Byng, -and the troops on board under Lieut.-General Stanhope, which -were destined for its relief, were prevented, by heavy gales and -severe weather, from communicating with the town, and affording the -desired assistance. The garrison consisted of Colonel Sir Charles -Hotham’s and Colonel Frederick Sybourg’s regiments (afterwards -disbanded), together with a large body of Marines, who evinced -the most heroic perseverance in maintaining the place. On the 6th -of April, 1709, the enemy sprung a mine, which split the rock on -which the _Castle of Alicant_ was situated, when Colonel Sybourg -and several other officers were swallowed up in the opening, which -immediately closed. Although they had been permitted to see the -mine, they refused to capitulate; the garrison afterwards continued -to defend the castle, until Lieut.-General Stanhope, being unable -to communicate with the town, proposed terms of surrender, which -being acceded to, the gallant survivors of the siege were conveyed -on board the fleet, and were removed to Minorca, and afterwards to -Barcelona. - -[Sidenote: 1710] - -In March, 1710, Admiral Sir John Norris, who had arrived at Port -Mahon as commander-in-chief of the Naval forces, proceeded to -Barcelona, in the month of June, in order to concert with King -Charles III. the plan of future operations. It was determined -that an expedition should proceed against the _Isle of Cette_ in -the province of Languedoc. His troops, including the Marines, -landed on the 13th of July, and after a feeble resistance the fort -surrendered: the regiment of Stanhope and three hundred Marines -advanced against _Agde_, and the town surrendered. The _Isle of -Cette_ was shortly afterwards recaptured by the French, but the -British troops had been previously re-embarked. - -[Sidenote: 1711] - -Colonel Churchill having received Her Majesty’s permission to -sell his commission, Lieut.-Colonel Sir Harry Goring, Bart., was -promoted to the Colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST Regiment by purchase, -on the 1st of March, 1711. - -The decease of Joseph I., Emperor of Germany, took place on the -17th of April, 1711, and King Charles III. of Spain was elected -Emperor of Germany, by the title of Charles VI., on the 12th of -October of that year: this circumstance rendered unnecessary any -further attempts in the cause of King Charles on the part of the -British Government. His Majesty embarked at Barcelona on board -of the fleet, and proceeded to assume the duties of the Imperial -throne. - -[Sidenote: 1712] - -[Sidenote: 1713] - -In the year 1712 negotiations were entered into between Great -Britain and France, and a Treaty of Peace was concluded at Utrecht, -on the 11th of April, 1713. By this treaty it was settled, that -Great Britain should retain possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, -and Nova Scotia, which had been conquered during the war, and in -acquiring which the _Marine_ Corps had greatly contributed. - -From the period of the formation of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, in -the year 1702, as a _Corps of Marines_, to the termination of the -war by the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, the regiment was employed, -by detachments, on board the fleet, and was engaged on various -services at sea, as well as on land, according to the conditions on -which it was raised.[8] - -Among the reductions which were directed to take place in the -establishment of the army consequent on the Peace of Utrecht, -the _Marine Corps_ were included in the list of regiments to be -discontinued. - -[Sidenote: 1714] - -The decease of Queen Anne took place on the 1st of August, 1714, -and King George I., who was then at Hanover, was immediately -proclaimed as the Sovereign of Great Britain and Ireland. The -partisans of the Pretender, James Francis Edward Stuart, son of the -late King, James II., renewed their exertions in his behalf; and -Jacobite principles had become so prevalent in certain parts of -the kingdom, that it was necessary that the army, which had been -considerably reduced after the Peace of Utrecht, should be again -augmented. - -Six additional regiments of cavalry (from the ninth to the -fourteenth dragoons) were raised. The establishments of the -regiments of infantry were increased, and, in consideration of -the services of the Marine Corps during the late war, Wills’s, -now _thirtieth_,--Goring’s, now _thirty-first_,--and Borr’s, now -_thirty-second_, which had been ordered to be disbanded, were -retained on the establishment, and were incorporated with the -regiments of infantry of the line, and authorised to take rank -according to the dates of their original formation in 1702. - -[Sidenote: 1715] - -The adherents of the Stuart dynasty continued to be numerous, -particularly in Scotland, where active preparations were made -for the elevation of the “_Pretender_” to the throne; and the -_Chevalier de St. George_[9] (so styled in France) repeated the -attempt which he had made in 1708, and effected a landing in -Scotland in December, 1715, where a rebellion had broken out in -September; the Earl of Mar had assembled his vassals, erected the -standard of the Pretender in the Highlands, and had been joined -by several clans, to the number of ten thousand men. King George -I. was supported by his Parliament in adopting energetic measures -for opposing the designs of the Jacobites, and for maintaining the -Protestant Succession. - -To oppose the rebellious forces, the Duke of Argyle was appointed -to the command of the army in Scotland. After several movements -and skirmishing, the rebel army, commanded by the Earl of Mar, -advanced, in the early part of November, towards the Firth; and -the Duke of Argyle quitted the camp at Stirling, and proceeded -to the vicinity of _Dumblaine_. On the morning of Sunday, the -13th of November, the hostile armies confronted each other on -_Sheriffmuir_. After half-an-hour’s sharp fighting the left wing -of the rebel army gave way, and the King’s troops captured several -standards and colours; but while this portion of the rebel army -was being pursued, the rebels had defeated the left wing of the -royal army. Thus each commander had a wing triumphant and a wing -defeated: both armies returned to their former ground, but the -action was not renewed. The rebels were, however, defeated in their -design of crossing the Firth, and they retired, during the night, -towards Perth. The royal army returned to Stirling on the following -day. The rebels who had assembled in England under the Earl of -Derwentwater and Mr. Forster, were also compelled to surrender at -Preston, in Lancashire, to General Carpenter, on the same day as -the battle of Sheriffmuir was fought. - -Towards the end of December the “_Pretender_” arrived in Scotland, -but his presence did not animate the Scots sufficiently to induce -them to renew the contest in his behalf; they considered him unfit -to be the leader of a great military enterprise, although the -Chevalier is recorded in history to have greatly distinguished -himself in the battle of Malplaquet in 1709, “when he charged -twelve times with the household troops of the King of France, -and, in the last charge, was wounded in the arm by a sword.” The -Chevalier had the credit of possessing plenty of animal courage, -when led by others, but no moral fortitude when left to himself, -and dependent upon his own resources.[10] - -[Sidenote: 1716] - -In the latter part of the year 1715 the royal army had been joined -by considerable reinforcements, and in January, 1716, the Duke of -Argyle advanced towards Perth. - -The Pretender and the Earl of Mar, being unable to oppose effectual -resistance, and seeing no prospect of establishing a footing -in Scotland, withdrew from their army privately, and escaped to -France, after which the Highlanders dispersed. - -The rebellion in Scotland at this period thus terminated. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment proceeded to Ireland, and continued to -form a part of the force in that portion of the United Kingdom -until the year 1739. - -On the retirement of Colonel Sir _Harry Goring_, on the 8th of -September, 1716, Lord John Kerr was appointed to the Colonelcy of -the regiment. - -The remainder of the reign of King George I. did not produce any -events to give occasion for the active services of the army, and -the movements of regiments from one station to another seldom took -place. - -[Sidenote: 1727] - -His Majesty’s decease occurred on the 11th of June, 1727, and his -son, King George II., succeeded to the throne. - -[Sidenote: 1728] - -Major-General Lord John Kerr died on the 1st of August, 1728, and -on the 13th of that month, Colonel the Honorable Charles Cathcart, -from the Ninth foot, was appointed to the Colonelcy of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment. - -[Sidenote: 1731] - -Colonel William Hargrave was promoted on the 1st of January, -1731, from the Seventh Royal Fusiliers to the Colonelcy of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment, in succession to Colonel the Honorable -Charles Cathcart, who was removed to the Eighth dragoons. - -[Sidenote: 1737] - -On the 27th of January, 1737, Colonel William Handasyd was promoted -from the Fifteenth foot to the Colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, in succession to Colonel William Hargrave, who was -removed to the Ninth foot. - -[Sidenote: 1739] - -In the year 1739 the THIRTY-FIRST regiment was removed from Ireland -to Great Britain. - -[Sidenote: 1740] - -In the two previous years the British merchants had made great -complaints against the Spanish depredations in America, and on the -23rd of October, 1739, war was proclaimed against Spain by Great -Britain; and the events which occurred in Germany in the following -year occasioned the contest that is designated the “War of the -Austrian Succession,” in which most of the European powers became -engaged, and which disturbed the long interval of comparative peace -that had succeeded the Treaty of Utrecht.[11] - -These events were occasioned by the decease of Charles VI., -Emperor of Germany, on the 20th of October, 1740. The Emperor was -the last Prince of the House of Austria, and he was succeeded in -his hereditary dominions by his eldest daughter, the Archduchess -Maria Theresa, who married, in 1736, the Duke Francis Stephen, of -Lorraine. The Duke, in the following year, became Grand-Duke of -Tuscany. Immediately on her father’s decease, Maria Theresa was -proclaimed Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, Princess of Transylvania, -Archduchess of Austria, and universal successor to all the -dominions of the House of Austria, pursuant to the “_Pragmatic -Sanction_;”[12] and she declared her husband co-regent in the -government of her dominions. - -Although the possessions of Austria were guaranteed to the -Archduchess Maria Theresa by the German Edict known in history -as the “_Pragmatic Sanction_,” to which nearly all the powers of -Europe had been parties, yet the succession of the Archduchess -to her father’s Austrian hereditary territories was disputed by -several claimants; and among others by Charles Albert, Elector of -Bavaria, who was afterwards elected Emperor of Germany. The King of -Prussia also revived a dormant claim to Silesia, which he invaded -in November; the Prussian monarch offered Maria Theresa sufficient -money to resist all her enemies, on condition of ceding Silesia to -him, but the proposition was indignantly rejected. - -[Sidenote: 1741] - -The King of France supported the Elector of Bavaria, while King -George II. supported the Archduchess Maria Theresa; and in April, -1741, the British Parliament voted a subsidy of 300,000_l._ to -the Queen of Hungary and Bohemia. His Majesty also informed the -Parliament, that the Queen of Hungary had demanded the twelve -thousand troops he had stipulated to furnish; and accordingly -he had requested the King of Denmark and the King of Sweden to -hold in readiness their quotas of six thousand men each, for the -maintenance of which they had received subsidies from England. King -George II. was drawn into the war from the apprehension of losing -Hanover, but at this period His Majesty abstained from being a -principal in the contest, by agreeing with the French sovereign, -Louis XV., to give his vote, as Elector of Hanover, to the Elector -of Bavaria for the dignity of Emperor of Germany, and thereby to -preserve the neutrality of his Hanoverian territories. - -During 1741 and the previous year the regiment was encamped at -Windsor, and on Lexden Heath, near Colchester, as part of the force -ordered to be prepared for the assistance of Maria Theresa, but no -embarkation for continental service took place during the year 1741. - -[Sidenote: 1742] - -The Elector of Bavaria was chosen Emperor of Germany at Frankfort -on the Maine, and crowned, as Charles VII., on the 11th of -February, 1742: he was, however, a most unhappy prince; his -electoral dominions were overrun by the Austrians, the French were -driven out of Bohemia, and the King of Prussia, under the mediation -of King George II., concluded a peace at Breslau with the Queen of -Hungary. - -The King of England resolving to take a more active part in the -war, an army of sixteen thousand men, under Field-Marshal the Earl -of Stair, was ordered to be embarked for the Netherlands in the -summer of 1742, in order to support the Queen of Hungary. - -On the 17th of May the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked at Deptford -for Flanders, having been previously reviewed on Kew-green by King -George II. and the Duke of Cumberland, with the other regiments -destined for the above service.[13] No action took place during -the year, the troops being suddenly marched into winter-quarters, -after every preparation had been made for active operations. - -[Sidenote: 1743] - -In the commencement of the year 1743 the British and Hanoverian -troops were assembled in the Low Countries, commanded by -Field-Marshal the Earl of Stair, as _allies_ to the Austrians, -under the command of Marshal Neuperg and the Duke d’Aremberg, and -advanced towards Germany, in order to secure the navigation of the -Upper Maine. The French Marshal, Noailles, had anticipated the -British general, and was already on the opposite shore of this -river, and in possession of its principal posts when the Allies -arrived at Aschaffenberg. Here the Allied army remained until June, -on the 19th of which month King George II., attended by the Duke of -Cumberland, arrived at the camp. - -The two armies were encamped on the plains near the banks of the -Maine, opposite to, and in sight of, each other; with a ridge of -hills, covered with woods on the north of each, the Allies being -on the north and the French on the south side of the river. The -Confederate army amounted to nearly forty thousand men, in high -spirits, though nearly destitute of provisions. A retrograde -movement being resolved on for the purpose of obtaining supplies, -as well as to effect a junction with a corps of twelve thousand -Hessians and Hanoverians, in some danger of being cut off at Hanau, -His Majesty, on the evening of the 26th of June, gave orders -that the army should hold itself in readiness to march on the -following morning; accordingly the Confederate army marched towards -_Dettingen_ before daylight on the morning of the 27th of June. The -army was weakened for want of provisions, the soldiers having been -on half-rations for some time, and the horses were without forage. - -Marshal Noailles immediately ordered a large force of cavalry and -infantry, composed of the household troops and of the Royal Guards, -to the village of _Dettingen_, by which the British had to pass. -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel -Montague, was in advance towards Dettingen, when the French made -the above movement, and gave the first intelligence of it to His -Majesty. - -Aschaffenberg was occupied by the French the moment it was -evacuated by the Allies. The Confederate army had to march through -a narrow way between a mountain and the Maine, the cannon on the -opposite side of the river commanding its flank. Dettingen, in -front, was occupied in force by the French, and also Aschaffenberg -in the rear. In this situation the destruction of the Allies seemed -inevitable; but Marshal Noailles having repassed the river, the -Duke de Grammont, who succeeded to the command, advanced to the -attack through the defile, thus relinquishing all the advantages of -his position. The British troops, animated by the presence of their -Sovereign, on the 27th of June, received the impetuous attack of -the French with such steadiness and intrepidity, that the latter -were forced to retire, and recross the Maine with the greatest -precipitation and the loss of five thousand men. - -The Twentieth and THIRTY-FIRST regiments were in reserve in a -wood on the British right, and towards the afternoon they were -led into action by his Majesty in person, who evinced the same -martial qualities for which he was distinguished at the battle of -Oudenarde, on the 11th of July, 1708, when Hereditary Prince of -Brunswick Lunenburg. - -The regiment sustained but trifling loss at the battle of -Dettingen, in consequence of its having been in reserve during the -early part of the action.[14] - -Although the victory was highly honorable to those by whom it was -gained, yet it was productive of no decisive results.[15] The -allied army continued its march to Hanau; it subsequently crossed -the Rhine, and was employed in West Germany, but returned to -Flanders for winter-quarters. - -[Sidenote: 1744] - -On the 20th of March, 1744, France declared war against England, -and on the 29th of that month a counter-declaration was made by -Great Britain, in which the French monarch was accused of violating -the “_Pragmatic Sanction_,” and of assisting the son of the -Pretender in his designs on the British throne. - -The regiment served the campaign of 1744 with the army commanded -by Field-Marshal Wade; it was encamped some time on the banks of -the Scheldt, and afterwards penetrated the French territory to the -vicinity of Lisle, but no general engagement occurred. - -[Sidenote: 1745] - -In January, 1745, the Emperor Charles VII. died at Munich, and -Francis, Grand-Duke of Tuscany, consort of Maria Theresa, became a -candidate for the Imperial crown; this event changed the aspect of -affairs in Germany, and led to the re-establishment of the House of -Austria in the Imperial dignity. - -Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk was appointed, on the 22nd of April, -1745, from the forty-eighth to the Colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, in succession to Colonel W. Handasyd, deceased. - -His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland was appointed to the -command of the Confederate army, and on the French investing -Tournay, which towards the end of April was besieged by an immense -force, under Marshal Count de Saxe, His Royal Highness determined -to raise the siege, which resulted in the battle of _Fontenoy_. - -On the morning of the 11th of May, the formidable position at -_Fontenoy_, occupied by the superior numbers of the enemy, was -attacked, when the British infantry evinced that heroism for -which that _arme_ of the service has ever been conspicuous, and -forced the enemy’s position; but being exposed to a destructive -cross-fire, in consequence of the Dutch having failed in their -attack on the village of Fontenoy, and Brigadier-General Ingoldsby -not having captured a battery in the wood of Barry, the British -regiments, which had forced the French position, were ordered to -retire. The attack was repeated, with the same results: British -valour was conspicuous, but the failure of the Dutch rendered a -retreat necessary, and the Allied army withdrew to Aeth.[16] - -In the London Gazette it was stated that, - - “The Highland regiment (42nd), the regiment late Handasyd’s - (THIRTY-FIRST), Duroure’s (12th), and many others also - distinguished themselves. The honor gained by the Infantry - was in a great measure owing to the conduct and bravery of - Lieut.-General Ligonier.” - -It was the practice at this period in all the armies of Europe -to form battalions of _Grenadiers_ of the different regiments -composing the force in the field; it was their privilege to lead -upon all arduous occasions, when they were ever conspicuous, and -suffered the most. The _grenadier_ company of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment brought only _eleven_ men out of the field of Fontenoy, -of the seventy-five that it took into action, and its captain and -subalterns were killed. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment had Lieut.-Colonel Montague, Captains -Baird and Pollock, Lieutenant Dalway, four serjeants, and one -hundred and twenty-five rank and file _killed_; Lieutenants -Stafford and Porter, Ensigns Worsley, Bromley, and Freeman, six -serjeants, and one hundred and thirty rank and file, _wounded_. - -Tournay made a gallant defence until the 21st of June, when it -surrendered to Marshal Saxe. - -After the battle of Fontenoy the Allied army encamped at Lessines -and Grammont, when a demonstration being made by the French to -attack the Confederates, it was concentrated at the latter place, -in order to receive them. After exchanging a few cannon-shots, the -enemy withdrew, showing a disposition to surround the Allies, which -determined the Duke of Cumberland to fall back on Brussels. - -The Confederate generals suspected that the French would make an -attempt upon Ghent, and therefore despatched Lieut.-General Baron -de Molck to Ghent to reinforce the garrison of that fortress. The -troops appointed for this service were Sir Robert Rich’s (fourth) -dragoons, three squadrons of Slipperbach’s dragoons, and two -squadrons of the regiments of Ligne and Styrum, and seven hundred -hussars; with a battalion of the Royal regiment of foot, and -Bligh’s and HANDASYD’S regiments (Twentieth and THIRTY-FIRST foot); -in all about four thousand men. - -The Baron de Molck led his column along the cause-way of Alost, -until he reached the Priory of _Melle_ (_Pas du Mésle_), when it -was suddenly assailed by a volley from two batteries near the -priory, and the next moment from ten to fifteen thousand French -sprang from their concealment among the trees and surrounded the -detachment. The Baron de Molck attacked them with such resolution, -that he forced a passage, and arrived safely in Ghent with the -fourth dragoons, the Royals, and the hussars. Brigadier Bligh, -finding it impossible to follow the Lieut.-General, drew off to the -right with his own regiment (the 20th), the THIRTY-FIRST, and the -Austrian and Dutch dragoons, forced a passage through the enemy, -gained an adjacent wood, and retired thence to Dendermond, twelve -miles east of Ghent. The loss of the Allies amounted to about six -hundred men. This action, which was fought on the 9th of July, is -called by the French the combat of _La Mésle_. In the account of -this affair published at the time, it was stated that “our troops -behaved with incredible bravery, and have acquired immortal honor.” -Ghent was shortly afterwards taken by the French. - -The allied army remained entrenched between Antwerp and Brussels -until the French Marshal had reduced the chief fortified places in -Austrian Flanders.[17] - -On the 2nd of September the Grand-Duke of Tuscany was elected -Emperor of Germany, by the title of Francis I. At this period the -rebellion in Scotland began to assume a formidable aspect. Prince -Charles Edward, eldest son of the Pretender, who had arrived in -the Highlands towards the end of July, had been joined by several -clans, and on the 16th of September proclaimed his father King of -Great Britain, at Edinburgh. The success gained over the Royal -army, under Lieutenant-General Sir John Cope, at _Preston-Pans_, on -the 21st of September, caused numerous adherents to flock to the -Prince’s standard. - -Several regiments were in consequence recalled from the Continent, -and the THIRTY-FIRST, with other corps, arrived in the river Thames -on the 25th of October.[18] - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment, which had been much reduced by its -casualties during the campaigns in Flanders, did not proceed -to Scotland, but remained in the vicinity of London. The young -Pretender marched as far as Derby, from whence he commenced his -retreat to the north on the 6th of December, as he found but few -partisans in England to join him in his expedition. - -[Sidenote: 1746] - -On the 16th of April, 1746, a decisive blow was given to the hopes -of the Pretender by the defeat of the rebels at _Culloden_. Prince -Charles, after enduring many hardships, escaped to France. - -[Sidenote: 1747] - -Several regiments were now ordered to return to Flanders, but the -THIRTY-FIRST remained in Great Britain. On the 2nd of July, 1747, -the Duke of Cumberland engaged the French at _Laffeld_, or _Val_, -where the Allies suffered severely from the misconduct of the Dutch -troops. - -[Sidenote: 1748] - -In the summer of 1748 the Allies again took the field, but -hostilities were at length terminated by the treaty of -Aix-la-Chapelle, which was signed on the 7th of October, 1748. By -it all the great treaties, from that of Westphalia in 1648, which -first recognised the principle of a balance of power in Europe, to -that of Vienna in 1738 were renewed and confirmed. Prussia retained -Silesia, and the Empress-Queen, Maria Theresa, was guaranteed -in the possession of her hereditary dominions, according to the -Pragmatic Sanction. France surrendered her conquests in Flanders, -and England those in the East and West Indies; all therefore Great -Britain gained by the war was the glory of having supported the -German sovereignty of Maria Theresa, and of having adhered to -former treaties. - -[Sidenote: 1749] - -Colonel Henry Holmes was appointed by King George II. to the -Colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment on the 8th of May, 1749, in -succession to Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk, who retired from the -service. - -In the year 1749 the THIRTY-FIRST regiment was embarked for -Minorca, where it remained for the three following years. - -[Sidenote: 1751] - -In the Royal Warrant, dated the 1st of July, 1751, for ensuring -uniformity in the clothing, standards, and colours of the army, -and regulating the number and rank of regiments, the facings of -the THIRTY-FIRST regiment were directed to be _Buff_. The first, -or King’s colour, was the Great Union; the second, or Regimental -colour, was of _Buff_ silk, with the Union in the upper canton; in -the centre of the colour the number of the rank of the regiment, in -gold Roman characters, within a wreath of roses and thistles on the -same stalk. - -[Sidenote: 1752] - -In 1752 the regiment returned to England from Minorca. - -[Sidenote: 1753] - -[Sidenote: 1754] - -During the years 1753 and 1754 the THIRTY-FIRST regiment was -stationed in England. - -[Sidenote: 1755] - -In the year 1755 the regiment proceeded to Scotland, in which -country it remained for seven years. - -[Sidenote: 1756] - -While the regiment was stationed in North Britain, the Peace of -Aix-la-Chapelle was interrupted by the aggressions of the French -on the British territory in North America, and early in 1756 the -King of France prepared a powerful armament for the capture of -the island of Minorca. In consequence of this attack on Minorca, -hostilities became inevitable on the part of Great Britain, and on -the 18th of May war was declared against France. - -The garrison of Minorca, consisting of the 4th, 23rd, 24th, and -34th regiments, after making a noble and vigorous defence, which -called forth the unqualified admiration of their opponents, was -forced to surrender on the 29th of June. - -At this period the army and navy were increased, and among other -augmentations, fifteen of the regiments of infantry were authorised -to raise second battalions from the 25th of August, 1756. - -[Sidenote: 1758] - -In 1758 these additional battalions were formed into distinct -corps, and numbered from the sixty-first to the seventy-fifth -regiment. By this arrangement, the second battalion of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment was constituted the present _Seventieth_ -regiment.[19] - -[Sidenote: 1759] - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment, having been selected to remain in the -United Kingdom, was precluded from taking a part in _The Seven -Years’ War_, the most memorable occurrences of which were, the -battle of _Plassey_, gained in India by Colonel Clive, on the 23rd -of June, 1757, which laid the foundation of the British dominion -in India; in Germany, the battle of _Minden_, which was fought on -the 1st of August, 1759; in North America, the capture of _Cape -Breton_, in July, 1758; and the capture of _Quebec_, in September, -1759, which cost the life of the gallant _General Wolfe_, but -which led to the conquest of _Canada_ in the following year, when -_Montreal_, with the whole of that country, surrendered to General -Amherst, in September, 1760. - -[Sidenote: 1760] - -In Germany several hard-fought but indecisive actions occurred: the -battle of Warbourg, on the 31st of July, 1760; the action near the -Convent of Campen, on the 16th of October following; and the battle -of Kirch Denkern, or Fellinghausen, on the 15th and 16th of July, -1761. In the following year actions were fought at Wilhelmstahl and -at Amonebourg; the former on the 24th of June, and the latter on -the 21st of September. - -[Sidenote: 1762] - -On the 4th of January, 1762, war was declared against Spain; and -Martinique, Grenada, St. Vincent, and other West India islands -surrendered to English valour. The important city of Havannah, in -Cuba, also capitulated to the British arms. - -These successes were followed by a Treaty of Peace, the preliminary -articles of which were signed at Fontainebleau, by the Duke of -Bedford, on the 3rd of November, 1762. - -In June, 1762, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment proceeded from Scotland to -England, where it was stationed during the two following years. - -On the 20th of August, 1762, Colonel James Adolphus Oughton, from -the fifty-fifth regiment, was appointed by His Majesty King George -III. to the Colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, in succession -to Lieutenant-General Henry Holmes, deceased. - -[Sidenote: 1763] - -The treaty of Fontainebleau was concluded at Paris on the 10th of -February, the ratifications were exchanged on the 10th of March, -and peace was proclaimed in London on the 22nd of that month. - -By this treaty, the whole of Canada, part of Louisiana, together -with Cape Breton, and the other islands in the Gulf of St. -Lawrence, were ceded to Great Britain. In the West Indies, the -islands of Tobago, Dominica, St. Vincent, and Grenada were retained -by Great Britain; but Martinique, Guadaloupe, Marigalante, and -St. Lucia were restored to France. In the East Indies, the French -obtained the restitution of their settlements, but agreed not to -erect any fortifications in Bengal. Minorca was restored to England -in exchange for Belle-Isle, which had been captured by the British -in 1761, and it was stipulated that the fortifications of Dunkirk -should be demolished. Spain ceded East and West Florida to Great -Britain, in return for the restitution of the Havannah, Manilla, -and all the places which Spain had lost since the commencement of -the war. - -[Sidenote: 1765] - -In this year the THIRTY-FIRST regiment was embarked for Pensacola, -the capital of West Florida, which country had been ceded to Great -Britain by Spain at the peace of Fontainebleau; on the passage out, -the transport having the regiment on board put into Blue-field -Bay, Jamaica, at the time the yellow fever was raging with great -violence in that island; the THIRTY-FIRST took the infection, and -unfortunately carried it to Pensacola, where the soldiers continued -to suffer most severely; so great was the mortality, and so rapid -the disease in its course, that the regiment could not supply -men to carry their comrades to the grave. The men who attended -the funerals of their brother soldiers in the morning, while the -regiment was strong enough to preserve some ceremony, were, in -many instances, consigned to the tomb in the evening. It appears -by the newspapers of the period, in which allusion is made to the -mortality, that at one period of its illness the regiment could -muster only a corporal and six men for duty. - -[Sidenote: 1772] - -The regiment remained in the Floridas, garrisoning alternately St. -Augustine and Pensacola, the capitals of East and West Florida, -until the autumn of 1772, when it was embarked for _St. Vincent_, -to take part in reducing to submission the refractory Caribs in -that island. - -The island of St. Vincent was captured from the French, in 1762, -and was ceded to Great Britain at the peace concluded in the -following year; it contained two tribes of natives, called the -_red_ and _black_ Caribs, the former being the aborigines, and the -latter having sprung from a cargo of African slaves, who escaped -from a vessel which was wrecked on the island. The Caribs were -devoted to the French interest; they were dangerous and troublesome -neighbours to the English planters, and it was found necessary to -restrain their conduct, and enforce obedience to a few salutary -regulations. They were, however, of a resolute spirit, possessed -many thickly wooded fastnesses, and resisted all attempts to -restrain their roving propensities and mode of life with such -determination, that it became necessary to augment the military -force on the island. Although they were contemptible opponents in -skill, yet the nature of the climate, and the natural difficulties -of the country, being thickly wooded where they inhabited, rendered -the service extremely tedious and arduous. - -[Sidenote: 1773] - -On the 14th of January, 1773, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment fell into -an ambuscade, and sustained some loss; the commanding officer, -Lieutenant-Colonel Ralph Walsh, was among the killed. - -[Sidenote: 1774] - -After the troops had been in the woods for some months, they at -length succeeded, in February, 1774, in bringing the Caribs to -terms, who agreed to acknowledge the sovereignty of Great Britain, -but were permitted to preserve their own laws and customs. - -Thus terminated the Carib war. The THIRTY-FIRST regiment returned -to England, and was subsequently stationed in North Britain. - -[Sidenote: 1775] - -At this period the unfortunate misunderstanding between Great -Britain and her American colonies, on the subject of taxation, -produced open hostilities. On the 19th of April the first collision -occurred at _Lexington_, and on the 17th of June following the -battle of _Bunker’s Hill_ was fought. During the winter _Quebec_ -was besieged by an American Army: this fortress was gallantly -defended by the troops under Lieut.-General Guy Carleton, and -reinforcements were ordered to proceed from England to Canada. - -[Sidenote: 1776] - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment proceeded from Glasgow to Cork, whence -it embarked for Canada in April, as part of the army under -Major-General Burgoyne. The transports arrived at Quebec on the -28th of May, shortly after the defeat of the Americans by a sortie -of the garrison. Lieut.-General Carleton had pursued the enemy up -the river St. Lawrence, and Major-General Burgoyne’s force remained -only one night at anchor below Quebec, where orders had been left -for him to follow. He joined at _Trois Rivières_; part of the army -disembarked and immediately occupied the villages adjacent to their -post on the road to Montreal. On the 8th of June the Americans -attempted to surprise the post of Trois Rivières, having passed the -river from Sorel with two thousand men. - -Brigadier-General Fraser, who commanded at the post of _Trois -Rivières_, gave the foe a ready reception, with such men as he -could collect, and, being soon supported from the cantonments and -the transports, put the Americans to the rout. The troops pursued -the fugitives along the shore, while the shipping sailed up the -river and intercepted their flight. Major-General Thompson, the -American General, with many officers, and two hundred men, were -taken prisoners. - -On the 14th of June the flotillas and the force on shore reached -Sorel, which the colonists had evacuated a few hours before; -Major-General Burgoyne continued the pursuit as far as St. John’s, -where the troops from the transports under Major-General Phillips -joined him, and soon afterwards an additional reinforcement under -Brigadier-General Fraser. - -All hope of accommodation now failed; on the 4th of July the -American Congress issued their Declaration of Independence, -and abjured their allegiance to the Crown of Great Britain. By -this Declaration the name of _colonies_ was abolished, and the -_thirteen_ provinces, namely, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode -Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, -Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, -were constituted the _United States_ of America. - -The whole of Major-General Burgoyne’s army was assembled by the end -of July at St. John’s, where it remained encamped during the naval -operations on Lake Champlain. After the defeat of the American -fleet, on the 11th of October, the weather becoming too severe for -further operations in the field, the troops returned to Canada. The -posts occupied by the THIRTY-FIRST regiment during the winter were -Sorel, St. Charles, St. Denis, St. Anthony, and St. Ours. - -[Sidenote: 1777] - -Major-General Burgoyne, who had proceeded to England to submit -to the Government a plan for the ensuing campaign, arrived in -Canada in May, 1777, empowered to carry it out. An army, composed -of British, Dutch, and Colonial Corps, with the _flank_ companies -of the regiments left to garrison Quebec (among which was the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment), amounting to nearly eight thousand men, was -equipped and in the field by the 1st of July. - -The flank companies of the THIRTY-FIRST, commanded by Captains -Cotton and Simpson, formed, with the other flank companies -and the twenty-fourth regiment, the advance of the army under -Brigadier-General Fraser. _Ticonderago_ was first attacked, and the -Provincials were forced to evacuate that post. - -Major-General Burgoyne’s plan was to penetrate the United States -from Lake Champlain to the river Hudson, and advance upon Albany, -with the view of reducing that country to submission. While -Major-General Burgoyne moved towards the lake by _Skenesborough_, -a short distance inland from South Bay, where an action occurred -on the 6th of July, Brigadier-General Fraser, with the advance, -followed the Provincial troops towards _Castleton_, and on the -following day commenced an action by detaching his light companies -to occupy a height commanding their flank. The American General -observing this movement detached a force to prevent the British -obtaining possession of this post. A sharp action ensued, and the -Americans retreated with much loss to Huberton, where, meeting with -a reinforcement, they made a stand in good order. Brigadier-General -Fraser attacked them with great vigour, but not having half -their number, made no impression upon them, until Major-General -Reidesel, commanding the Dutch, arrived, when their flank being -turned, the Americans retreated, leaving two hundred dead on the -field, among whom was Colonel Francis, their commander. - -The flank companies were hotly engaged in this affair. -Brigadier-General Fraser had but 850 men in the beginning of the -day, while the enemy amounted to 2000. - -When Major-General Burgoyne joined, he pursued the Americans to -Fort Anne and Fort Edward, notwithstanding the natural difficulties -of the road, which the enemy increased by every possible means -that could be devised. The Americans retreated from Fort Edward to -Saratoga, and abandoning Fort George, left the navigation of Lake -George open to Major-General Burgoyne. - -General Arnold was now appointed to command the Americans in the -British front, and, forming at Saratoga, fell back to _Stillwater_. -Major-General Burgoyne remained at Fort Edward in great want of -provisions and of means to advance; a detachment sent to procure -supplies was completely cut off at Bennington, while Lieut.-Colonel -St. Leger was compelled to raise the siege of Fort Stanwix, leaving -behind his equipage and baggage. - -The Americans, greatly elated by these circumstances, had assembled -a large body under Major-General Gates at _Stillwater_. Small -parties having been detached to Lieut.-General Burgoyne’s[20] rear, -were in some measure successful, and his communication being thus -threatened, notwithstanding his difficulties, arising from want of -resources, he resolved to advance, and at all hazards to attempt a -junction with the troops under Lieut.-General Sir Henry Clinton, -taking with him thirty days’ provisions. Lieut.-General Burgoyne -crossed the river Hudson on the 13th and 14th of September by a -bridge of rafts, which had once been swept away, and on the 18th -arrived at _Stillwater_, before the enemy’s position, which he -attacked at two o’clock in the afternoon of the 19th of September, -when a severe and indecisive action ensued. Both parties held their -respective positions, and entrenched themselves within them. The -British General, confined between two rivers by a stronger force -than his own, continued within his lines and redoubts until the 7th -of October, and when nearly destitute of provisions, determined to -make another effort to extricate his troops; 1500 British, with -twelve pieces of artillery, commanded by Lieut.-General Burgoyne in -person, moved in advance towards the American position, and formed -his right wing, while a body of light companies and Indians were -placed under cover to act upon the enemy’s rear when he should be -sufficiently advanced. General Gates, observing this separation of -wings, instantly attacked the left wing with a view to cut off all -chance of a junction; the British grenadiers were in this wing, and -behaved with great gallantry. General Arnold attacked the British -right, and Brigadier-General Fraser threw the light companies into -a second line, in rear of the right wing, to cover its retreat -upon the left. While this movement was taking place, the left of -the right wing doubled to the rear. Brigadier-General Fraser led -the light infantry to its support, but was mortally wounded; not, -however, before his brave troops gave the right wing time to -recover, and secured Lieut.-General Burgoyne’s retreat to his camp. -The Americans pushed on, and obtained an entrance into the British -lines: night put an end to the action. - -During the night Lieut.-General Burgoyne removed his position to -higher ground in his rear. General Gates distributed his corps -to surround the British, and Lieut.-General Burgoyne once more -tried a new position, retiring on _Saratoga_, and abandoning his -baggage and provisions, as well as his hospital with 300 sick. He -reached Saratoga safely, the Americans having been delayed in their -pursuit by bad weather: a detachment, sent to observe the British, -succeeded in reaching the place, but withdrew on the appearance -of Lieut.-General Burgoyne’s force. Sending a detachment with -workmen to examine and repair the roads, Lieut.-General Burgoyne -resolved to continue his retreat to Fort George. The detachment, -which was of regular troops, had scarcely marched, when the -Americans appeared in force; it was instantly recalled, and the -hope of rendering the roads passable for artillery was abandoned. -The British patrols reported that every avenue of escape was in -possession of the enemy; the men were worn down with fatigue and -hunger, having been for some time on a reduced allowance, and -but three days’ provisions remained. Under these circumstances -Lieut.-General Burgoyne was constrained to treat with Major-General -Gates, and obtaining honorable terms, capitulated on the 17th of -October. The troops, of which the _grenadier_ and _light companies_ -of the THIRTY-FIRST formed part, laid down their arms on condition -of being sent to England; and they engaged not to serve again in -North America during the war. - -The American government violated the conditions of the convention, -and detained the troops until the year 1781. - -[Sidenote: 1778] - -[Sidenote: 1779] - -In 1778 the French monarch sent a numerous fleet under the -Count D’Estaing, having on board a large body of troops, to the -assistance of the Americans; in 1779 the court of Spain commenced -hostilities against Great Britain, and this example was followed by -the Dutch. - -[Sidenote: 1780] - -Major-General Thomas Clarke, from the Coldstream Guards, was -appointed, on the 3rd of May, 1780, to the Colonelcy of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment, in succession to Lieut.-General Sir James -Adolphus Oughton, K.B., deceased. - -[Sidenote: 1781] - -The _battalion_ companies of the regiment had remained in Canada, -where they eventually were joined by the _flank_ companies. On -the 12th of March, 1781, the _light company_ was detached to -Lake Champlain, with a view of reconnoitring the neighbourhood, -and effecting the destruction of the military stores left at -Ticonderago by Lieut.-General Burgoyne. The object was partly -accomplished, and Captain Andrew Ross, who commanded the company, -gained great credit for the skill and conduct he displayed in -this difficult enterprise. The party consisted, in addition to -the _light company_ of the THIRTY-FIRST, of men selected from -the different Provincial corps, with a few Indians. It was in -the spring of the year, when the ice was breaking up, and the -operations were attended with difficulties and great privations. -The men suffered so severely from fatigue, that the Provincials and -Indians dropped off by degrees, and the party was reduced, on its -return, to the _light company_ only. - -During July the THIRTY-FIRST regiment was encamped on the Plain of -Abraham, memorable as the scene of the British victory over the -French under the Marquis de Montcalm, on the 13th September, 1759, -by which Quebec was gained to England, and in which battle the -celebrated Major-General Wolfe lost his life. - -[Sidenote: 1782] - -In October, 1781, the British army under Lieut.-General the Earl -Cornwallis, after a gallant defence against the combined French and -American forces, was compelled to surrender to General Washington -at York-Town. The enormous expense of carrying on the war with -America, so distant from the seat of preparation and power, with -the other evils attending this memorable and ever-to-be regretted -contest, were so apparent, that the desire for peace became -general, and King George III. at length conceded the Independence -of the United States. The Preliminary Articles of Peace were signed -at Paris on the 30th of November, 1782, by the Commissioners of the -King of Great Britain and by those of the American Congress, and -the Treaty was concluded in the ensuing February. - -While the THIRTY-FIRST was stationed in Canada, a letter, dated -the 31st of August, 1782, conveyed to the regiment His Majesty’s -pleasure that _County-titles_ should be given to the regiments of -infantry, and the THIRTY-FIRST was directed to assume the name of -the HUNTINGDONSHIRE regiment, in order that a connexion between the -corps and that county should be cultivated, which might be useful -in furthering the success of the recruiting service. - -[Sidenote: 1783] - -The preliminaries of the treaties between England, France, and -Spain, were signed at Versailles on the 20th of January, 1783. St. -Lucia was restored to France, also the settlements on the river -Senegal, and the city of Pondicherry in the East Indies. France -relinquished all her West India conquests, with the exception of -Tobago; Spain retained Minorca (which she had captured in the -previous year) and West Florida; East Florida was ceded in exchange -for the restitution of the Bahamas to Great Britain. - -On the 2nd of September, 1783, were signed the Preliminary Articles -of Peace with Holland, the peace with that country having been -postponed in consequence of the Dutch claiming an indemnification -for the expenses of the war, and the restoration of Trincomalee, in -Ceylon, which had been captured from the Dutch by the English, in -January, 1782, and retaken by the French in August following. The -place was, however, restored to Holland. - -[Sidenote: 1787] - -After eleven years’ service in North America, the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment embarked, on the 4th of October, 1787, at Quebec, and on -the 7th of November landed at Portsmouth. - -During the two following years the regiment remained in Great -Britain. - -[Sidenote: 1789] - -In the year 1789 was effected the French Revolution; the Bastile -was stormed by the Parisians on the 14th of July, and the Governor -put to death. The National Assembly passed several decrees -abolishing all the relies of the feudal system. On the 20th of -August a declaration of rights was agreed on to serve as the basis -of the French constitution. A national force was embodied, and -no vestige of the old government remained, except a King without -power, and a Court without splendour. - -In the summer of 1789 two British vessels were seized by the -commander of a Spanish frigate at Nootka Sound, on the western -coast of North America, where a settlement had recently been -established for carrying on the fur-trade with the natives. The -settlement was taken possession of by Spain, and the British -crews were made prisoners. The Government, on receiving this -intelligence, called upon the Court of Madrid to make satisfaction -for these injuries, and great preparations were made for war by -both countries. - -[Sidenote: 1790] - -Accordingly in July, 1790, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked at -Spithead on board the fleet to perform its _original_ service of -MARINES, in the event of a war with Spain, which appeared probable. -The negotiations were protracted to a considerable length of time, -but on the 28th of October a convention was entered into, by which -Spain agreed to make reparation for the injuries sustained, and to -restore Nootka. - -[Sidenote: 1791] - -In July, 1791, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment was sent hastily to -Birmingham, to aid in the suppression of very serious disturbances, -which broke out there in consequence of the celebration of the -anniversary of the French Revolution, on the 14th of July, 1791, -by a party of the “Friends of Freedom,” at a tavern. The populace -destroyed the house and chapel of Dr. Priestley, the eminent -philosopher, and burned many of the dwellings of those suspected to -be friendly to the French cause. The troops employed were praised -for their regularity and forbearance on this occasion. - -When order had been restored in Birmingham, an outbreak among the -miners at Whitehaven called for the assistance of the military, -and the regiment was again employed in the delicate as well as -unpleasant duty of aiding the civil power in the suppression of -riot. - -[Sidenote: 1792] - -Major-General James Stuart was appointed from the half-pay of the -Ninetieth regiment to the Colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment -on the 8th of February, 1792, in succession to Lieutenant-General -Thomas Clarke, removed to the Thirtieth regiment. - -On the 17th of April, 1792, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked at -Port Patrick for Ireland. - -[Sidenote: 1793] - -Colonel Henry Lord Mulgrave, from the Grenadier Guards, was -appointed Colonel of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment on the 8th of -February, 1793, in succession to Major-General James Stuart, -deceased. His Lordship subsequently assumed the command of the -regiment at Waterford, as its Colonel; and, after inspecting the -corps in the field, entertained the officers at dinner. - -Meanwhile, Louis XVI. had been decapitated, and the progress of -democracy menaced Europe with universal anarchy. On the 1st of -February the National Convention of France declared war against -Great Britain and Holland, and the British Government prepared -for hostilities. A large army was sent, under the command of the -Duke of York, to join the Austrian and Prussian allies. Several -engagements occurred, and the French gained possession of the -Austrian Netherlands. Holland opened her principal towns to the -enemy, and they were garrisoned by French troops. - -In September, 1793, the _flank_ companies of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment embarked for Barbadoes, for the purpose of taking part in -the capture of the French West India Islands. - -[Sidenote: 1794] - -In the beginning of 1794 an armament was assembled at Barbadoes, -of which the _flank_ companies of the THIRTY-FIRST formed part, -and early in February the expedition, under Admiral Sir John -Jervis and General Sir Charles (afterwards Earl) Grey, sailed -for _Martinique_. After some sharp fighting the island was taken -possession of by General Sir Charles Grey, on the 22nd of March.[21] - -From Martinique the _grenadiers_, under Prince Edward (afterwards -Duke of Kent), the _light_ infantry, under Major-General Dundas, -and three other regiments, embarked on the 30th of March for _St. -Lucia_, where they arrived on the 1st of April, and the conquest of -that island was effected in three days; His Royal Highness Prince -Edward, with his brigade of grenadiers, and Major-General Dundas, -with his brigade of light infantry, taking possession of St. Lucia -on the 4th of April. The flank companies of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment were afterwards employed in the reduction of the island of -_Guadaloupe_. A determined resistance was made by the enemy; but -the island was captured by the 20th of April. - -France did not view with indifference the loss of these valuable -possessions, and in June a French armament arrived at _Guadaloupe_ -for the recovery of that island. The light company, under -Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Andrew Ross, highly distinguished itself -on the night of the 13th of June, in attacking the enemy near -_Point-à-Petre_. General Sir Charles Grey stated in his despatch:-- - - “Brevet Major Ross,[22] of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, who was - with the light infantry, behaved with great gallantry and good - conduct on this occasion, as he has done on every other.” - -The light company also participated in a night attack on Fort -_Fleur d’Epée_ between the 25th and 26th of June; on the day -following, Brigadier-General Symes, with the grenadiers and light -infantry, attacked the enemy, who was driven to Morne Mascot, where -he again made resistance, but being charged with the bayonet, he -fled into Fort Fleur d’Epée. - -Lieut.-Colonel Ross, of the THIRTY-FIRST, commanded the second -battalion of light infantry on these occasions. - -Lieut.-Colonel Colin Graham, of the twenty-first Royal North -British Fusiliers, was appointed to the command of the troops -in Basse Terre, and he defended _Berville_ camp with the -utmost gallantry until the 6th of October, when he was forced -to surrender,--his force having become reduced by excessive -exertion, and the unhealthiness of the climate, to one hundred and -twenty-five rank and file fit for duty. - -The troops at Guadaloupe suffered severely from the climate, and -the arduous duties they had to perform, and could only muster 389 -soldiers fit for duty on the 1st of September.[23] - -By the articles of capitulation the British troops were to march -out with the honors of war, and it was agreed to send the garrison -to England on board French ships, as soon as transports were -ready. The latter part of the agreement was not, however, complied -with, as they remained prisoners for more than a year afterwards, -during which time many of them died. The garrison consisted of -the flank companies of the 17th, 31st, and 34th regiments; the -39th, 43rd, 56th (three companies), and 65th regiments. Their loss -in the different actions between the 27th of September and the -6th of October amounted to two officers killed and five wounded; -twenty-five non-commissioned officers and privates killed, and -fifty-one wounded. - -During the year 1794 Lieutenants Davies, Mackenzie, and Williams, -of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, died of fever contracted in the West -Indies. - -The whole island of Guadaloupe, with the exception of Fort Matilda, -had been recaptured by the French: this fort was defended by the -troops under Lieut.-General Prescott until the 10th of December, -when it was evacuated by the British. - -On the 12th of July, 1794, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked at -Wexford for England, disembarked at Bristol, and marched thence to -Southampton. - -The regiment, on the 25th of July, 1794, was augmented to ten -battalion and two flank companies; and on the 17th of August -following embarked for Holland, where it was stationed at -Middleburg and Flushing, in the island of Walcheren, but was not -employed on any particular duty. - -[Sidenote: 1795] - -In this year the regiment returned to England, and landed at -Plymouth on the 27th of February, 1795. - -A camp was formed in the month of August, at Nursling, near -Southampton, which the THIRTY-FIRST regiment joined on the 25th -of that month, and received a reinforcement to its strength in -drafts from the 43rd, 88th, 92nd, and 94th regiments, which -raised its establishment to 1000 rank and file, with a second -lieutenant-colonel, a major, and one additional lieutenant to each -company, besides two recruiting companies. - -On the 25th of October, 1795, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked -for the West Indies, as part of the armament which had been -prepared for the deliverance of the French West India Islands -from the power of republicanism, and to reduce to obedience the -insurgents of St. Vincent and Grenada. The expedition, commanded -by Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby, sailed with the immense -fleet, under the convoy of a squadron of the Royal Navy, commanded -by Rear-Admiral Sir Hugh Christian. The troops amounted to about -25,000 men, in the highest state of equipment; and the armament -on quitting the British shores presented a magnificent spectacle, -calculated to impress the mind with a just idea of the power of -England; but it unfortunately happened that the voyage had been -delayed until a very late period of the year; three attempts were -made to get under weigh, and each was prevented by the violence of -the weather: many ships were driven from their anchors and stranded. - -Three hundred sail got under weigh on the 11th of November, when an -accident to the Admiral rendered the attempt of no avail. On the -15th another endeavour was overcome by the tempestuous weather. At -length the fleet sailed, but it had scarcely got clear of the Isle -of Wight, when another severe storm obliged the vessels that had -ridden through it with safety to return to Portsmouth. - -With great difficulty and exertion Admiral Christian collected the -remainder of his convoy, and again sailed on the 9th of December, -but four days afterwards a storm destroyed many of the transports, -and so scattered the fleet as to render a re-union impossible. - -[Sidenote: 1796] - -Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby sailed in the “Arethusa” -frigate, with such vessels as could be collected, and on the 14th -of March, 1796, arrived at Barbadoes. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment, having weathered the storm, which had -dispersed the fleet in the Channel, proceeded on the voyage, but -was unable to make good the passage, and on the 5th of February, -1796, after being six weeks at sea struggling against the violent -tempests, the regiment was landed at Gosport, whence it marched to -Poole, in Dorsetshire; the regiment was not long inactive, as on -the 19th of March it was again on board ship at Southampton, and -proceeded to its original destination. - -On the 1st of May the THIRTY-FIRST arrived off the island of _St. -Lucia_, on which Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby had already -effected a landing. The regiment disembarked immediately, under the -command of Lieut.-Colonel Hay, and was cantoned near the point of -disembarkation at Choc Bay. The fortress of _Morne Fortunée_ was -invested by Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby; _Morne Chabot_, -another strong position, having been carried with great gallantry -by Brigadier-General (afterwards Sir John) Moore. - -The batteries against _Morne Fortunée_ were opened on the 14th of -May, and on the night of the 17th the strong outpost of _La Vigie_ -was assaulted. The THIRTY-FIRST regiment marched from its position, -near Choc Bay, at sunset, for the purpose of a night-attack upon -this post, which was remarkably strong. It formed a peninsula, -accessible only by a narrow isthmus, and commanded the entrance -on one side of the Carenage harbour. The post was defended by -two batteries; the first placed midway upon the acclivity, and -the second on the summit of the height. The approaches to both -were by a circuitous path, and the guide who accompanied the -regiment was mortally wounded by the first fire from the enemy’s -piquet stationed on the isthmus. The regiment, being ignorant -of the country, missed the proper direction. Lieut.-Colonel Hay -ordered it to ascend the hill _en force_, which was done, although -attended with great difficulty from the precipitous nature of the -ground. The first battery was gallantly carried by storm, and the -enemy retired to the higher one. The regiment was unfortunately -separated in the ascent, and was unable to make a concentrated and -effectual attack upon the works that crowned the height, which it -nevertheless, in spite of all obstacles, bravely attempted, but the -enemy’s grape-shot took such effect that the regiment was obliged -to withdraw, after a severe struggle. - -The THIRTY-FIRST had Captains Johnson and Walker, four serjeants, -and eighty rank and file _killed_; Lieut.-Colonels Hay and -Arbuthnot, Captains Murray and Sorrell, Lieutenants Sullivan and -Hawkshaw, four serjeants, and one hundred and twenty-one rank and -file _wounded_. - -On the 25th of May the island of St. Lucia capitulated, and -the THIRTY-FIRST, forty-fourth, forty-eighth, and fifty-fifth -regiments, under Brigadier-General Moore, were selected to occupy -the place. The possession of the island was not a quiet one; small -bodies of French, who had deserted from the different fortresses -at their capitulation, withdrew into the interior, and joined the -runaway slaves and Caribs; taking advantage of the impenetrable -nature of the country, they formed themselves into bands for the -purpose of molesting the British, and plundering the planters and -other residents of the island. Brigadier-General Moore took the -field, and penetrated with his force into the wildest quarters of -the mountains, in order to eradicate these predatory bands. - -The THIRTY-FIRST was employed on this harassing duty, and suffered -much from fatigue, privation, and continual exposure; on the -service being concluded, the regiment went into quarters at _Vieux -Fort_, and other posts, when it became so unhealthy that the -authorities were compelled to remove the corps from the island. -The deaths among the men were for a time sixteen each day; on -the embarkation of the regiment, on the 22nd of December, for -Barbadoes, it had scarcely a soldier fit for duty; and on its -disembarkation there, six days afterwards, it became necessary to -send the entire regiment into hospital, which was the _second_ time -the THIRTY-FIRST had been rendered unserviceable from sickness, -the corps having suffered in a similar manner while stationed in -Florida in the year 1765. - -During the year 1796 the regiment had lost seventeen officers, and -eight hundred and seventy men, including those who fell in the -attack of _La Vigie_, in St. Lucia. - -In the previous year Prussia had concluded a peace with the French -republic, and, in consequence of the United Provinces of Holland -having leagued with France, England had taken possession of the -Cape of Good Hope; in February, 1796, the island of Ceylon was -also captured from the Dutch by Great Britain. The former allies -of England now became converted into enemies. War was declared -by Holland, which had been constituted the Batavian republic, -against Great Britain in May, and Spain followed the example in -October. In the same month Lord Malmesbury was sent to Paris to -negotiate a peace on the part of the British Government, but the -French insisted upon retaining, as integral parts of the republic, -the conquests lately made: these terms could not be acceded -to consistently with the general interests of Europe, and the -negotiation was discontinued. - -[Sidenote: 1797] - -On the 14th of February, 1797, the combined fleets of France and -Spain were defeated off Cape St. Vincent, by Admiral Sir John -Jervis, afterwards created Earl St. Vincent, on account of this -glorious victory, for which the honor of knighthood was also -conferred on Commodore (afterwards Admiral Viscount) Nelson. On the -18th of February the Spanish island of Trinidad surrendered to a -British force under Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby. - -In April, 1797, Austria signed the preliminaries of peace with the -French Republic, and, in July, Lord Malmesbury was sent a second -time to negotiate a treaty, but the demands of the French Directory -rendered the attempt abortive. - -In the year 1797 the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, greatly reduced in -numbers, embarked for England and landed at Gravesend in July; it -mustered only _eighty-five_ men, including serjeants, drummers, and -rank and file. Shortly after disembarkation the regiment marched to -Doncaster, and remained at stations between that place, Hull, and -York, for the two following years. - -In this year alarming mutinies occurred on board the fleet at -Spithead and the Nore, but the British seamen nobly redeemed their -character on the 11th of October, 1797, in the victory gained by -Admiral Duncan (who was in consequence created Viscount Duncan), -over the Dutch fleet, off Camperdown, which was proceeding to join -that of the French at Brest. - -On the 17th of October the definitive treaty of peace between -Austria and the French republic was signed at Campo Formio, so that -Great Britain was left to continue the contest single-handed with -France and her allies. - -[Sidenote: 1798] - -The threat of invasion, renewed by France, called forth the -patriotic feelings of the British nation; the militia force was -increased, and volunteer corps were formed in every part of the -kingdom. - -Napoleon Bonaparte, against whose legions in the Peninsula, -in subsequent years, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment acquired great -renown, was now rising step by step to that Imperial sway which he -afterwards attained. The French Directory, jealous of his ambition, -sent him on the expedition to Egypt, with the view of acting from -that country against the British empire in India. Napoleon took -Alexandria by storm, and soon established himself at Cairo. The -Sublime Porte, incensed by the invasion of Egypt, declared war -against France, and formed an alliance with Russia. The fleet, -which had conveyed the expedition to Egypt, was almost destroyed -by Admiral Nelson in _Aboukir Bay_ on the 1st of August. So large -a portion of the French army being thus secluded in a distant -land, gave fresh impulse to the Allies, and in November the island -of _Minorca_ surrendered to the British arms. In December the -co-operation of Russia against France was secured by Great Britain. - -[Sidenote: 1799] - -At this period of the war the soldiers of the English militia -regiments were permitted to extend their services to the regular -army;--the THIRTY-FIRST regiment received eight hundred and -fifty-three volunteers from the militia. - -In March, 1799, war was declared by the French Directory against -Austria, and the combined Austrian and Russian armies were so -successful as to recover the greater portion of Italy. - -In August, 1799, a corresponding attempt was made by Great Britain -to recover Holland from the dominion of France, and a numerous army -was selected to proceed to that country, under His Royal Highness -the Duke of York. Previously to the arrival of the Duke of York, -the army was commanded by Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby, -K.B., with the local rank of General. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment marched to Deal, embarked for Holland -on the 8th of September, and arrived at the Helder on the 15th of -the same month. The THIRTY-FIRST and other regiments were embarked -after the departure of General Sir Ralph Abercromby, in order -to reinforce his army. The Duke of York, having preceded these -additional troops by two days, was already in command of the army, -which was intrenched in the advance of the Helder on the Zuype, in -which lines Sir Ralph Abercromby had, on the 10th of September, -near the village of _Crabbendam_, repulsed the attack of the French -and Dutch under General Brune. - -Immediately on landing, the THIRTY-FIRST marched to the lines, and -joined Major-General the Earl of Chatham’s brigade, in the division -of General Sir Ralph Abercromby, on the 15th of September. The -Duke of York, having been reinforced by the expected arrival of a -corps of twelve thousand Russians, under Lieut.-General Hermann, -resolved on attacking the French position in advance of _Alkmaar_, -reaching from Zuyder-Zee on the right, to Camperdown on the left, -and embracing the town of Bergen. - -The attack was made on the 19th of September, in four columns: the -right, formed entirely of Russians, under Lieut.-General Hermann, -moved on Bergen; the centre divisions, under Lieut.-General Dundas -and Lieut.-General Sir James Pulteney, forced the village and post -of Oude Carspel, on the road to Alkmaar; while the left column, -in which was the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, under General Sir Ralph -Abercromby, advanced to the capture of Hoorne. - -The point of attack selected for Sir Ralph Abercromby’s division -being at a considerable distance beyond the extent of the line, -the THIRTY-FIRST, and other regiments, marched at eight o’clock on -the night of the 18th of September, and the movement was performed -with such skill and secrecy, that Hoorne was surprised and carried -on the following morning without loss, which placed the French -position in considerable peril. The Russians having failed in -holding Bergen, after having entered it in gallant style, rendered -it impossible for the centre division to continue in possession -of the posts it had acquired. The British troops were therefore -withdrawn to their former lines upon the Zuype, to which the -Russians had retreated. Hoorne was evacuated, and the THIRTY-FIRST, -with the other regiments of Sir Ralph Abercromby’s division, -returned on the night of the 19th of September to the ground they -had quitted on the former evening. - -From the 20th of September until the 1st of October, both armies -remained within their intrenchments, strengthening their lines of -defence; the French had received reinforcements, and had inundated -a large tract of country on their right by cutting the sluices, -thus contracting the ground of operations to six or seven miles. - -The Duke of York, on the 2nd of October, made another attack on the -French position between _Bergen_ and _Egmont-op-Zee_. The combined -attacks were made in four columns; the division under General Sir -Ralph Abercromby, being on the right, marched along the beach. The -left of the French army was posted and concentrated about Bergen, a -large village surrounded by extensive woods, through which passed -the great road leading to Haarlem; between which and the sea was -an extensive region of high sand-hills impassable for artillery. -Behind the sand-hills, and to the enemy’s right, through the whole -extent of North Holland, lies a wet and low country, intersected -with dykes, canals, and ditches. The French centre was supported -by the town of Alkmaar. The battle soon became serious in front -of _Bergen_, upon which Lieut.-General Dundas had been ordered to -proceed. - -Meanwhile Sir Ralph Abercromby had passed Bergen in order to -turn the position of the French at _Alkmaar_, and overcame every -opposition until he reached _Egmont-op-Zee_, which post was -occupied in great numbers, and gallantly defended. Sir Ralph -Abercromby, however, here overthrew a corps of the French army, and -wheeling his division to the left, turned the enemy’s position at -_Bergen_, upon which General Brune, the commander-in-chief of the -French and Batavian army, fell back, taking up an equally strong -position at a short distance to the rear. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment had an opportunity of distinguishing -itself particularly throughout this arduous contest, which lasted -from six in the morning until the same hour in the evening. In -the attack of Bergen, the regiment took two pieces of artillery -from the enemy; the corps on the right frequently charged with the -bayonet, and lost a great number of men. The THIRTY-FIRST regiment -had one serjeant and twenty-seven rank and file _killed_; Captain -Smith, Ensign King, and fifty-five rank and file _wounded_. - -During the night of the 2nd of October, Bergen and Egmont-op-Zee -were evacuated by the enemy. - -The army remained during the night on the ground it held at the -close of the battle, and on the 3rd of October _Alkmaar_ was -occupied by detachments of British troops. On the 6th of October, -the advanced posts in front of Alkmaar, Egmont-op-Hooff, and -Egmont-op-Zee, were pushed forward, preparatory to a general -forward movement. At first little opposition was shown, and the -British took possession of some villages, and of a position on the -sand-hills near Wyck-op-Zee; but the column of Russian troops, -under the command of Major-General D’Essen, in endeavouring to gain -a height in front of their intended advanced post at Baccum, was -vigorously opposed, and afterwards attacked by a strong body of the -enemy. - -This movement obliged General Sir Ralph Abercromby to move up in -support with the reserve of his corps; the French advanced their -whole force; the action became general along the whole line from -Limmen to the sea, and was maintained with great obstinacy on both -sides until night, when the enemy retired, leaving the British -masters of the field of battle. The THIRTY-FIRST regiment, on -the 6th of October, had Lieutenant Forster, one serjeant, and -thirty-five rank and file _killed_; Captain Pickering, Lieutenants -Mullins, Walker, Ball, Ensigns Williams and Johnson, three -serjeants, and eighty-four rank and file _wounded_. - -In the meantime the French army had been reinforced; the state of -the weather, the ruined condition of the roads, the total want of -the necessary supplies, offered great obstacles; besides which, the -efforts which had been made for the liberation of Holland were not -seconded by the Dutch people, so that it was determined to withdraw -the British army. A convention was ultimately concluded with -General Brune at Alkmaar, on the 18th of October. - -On the 16th of November the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked at the -Texel, and landed at Deal three days afterwards, when it marched -immediately to Canterbury, where the effects of the Dutch campaign -began to be perceptible. Before the army left Holland dysentery -had broken out among the men, arising from their exposure to the -damp and fogs natural to the country. The THIRTY-FIRST lost a great -number of men, from this cause, while stationed at Canterbury. - -[Sidenote: 1800] - -On the 15th of May, 1800, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked at -Dover for Ireland, landed at Cove on the 6th of June, and marched -directly to Cork, where a force was collecting for a secret -service, to which it was added. On the 27th of June the embarkation -took place, and on the 8th of July the armament reached the Bay -of Quiberon; the twenty-third, THIRTY-FIRST, fifty-second, and -sixty-third regiments landed on the Isle de Houat, where they -remained encamped, under the command of Brigadier-General the -Honorable Thomas Maitland, until the 19th of August, when they -again embarked and joined the expedition under Lieut.-General Sir -James Pulteney, destined for the coast of Spain. A landing was -effected at _Ferrol_ on the 25th of August; the troops advanced to -the heights which overlook the town, and the THIRTY-FIRST had some -skirmishing with the enemy’s piquets. After viewing the town and -its defences, Sir James Pulteney abandoned the idea of attacking -the place; the troops were re-embarked on the following morning, -and the fleet sailed for Vigo, where it arrived on the 27th of -August. Here General Sir Ralph Abercromby joined with other troops, -and assumed the command of the whole force. After remaining in Vigo -Bay for some time, the fleet sailed for Cadiz, where it arrived on -the 3rd of October. Sir Ralph Abercromby summoned the Governor to -surrender, but an epidemic fever was raging in the city, and the -fleet quitted the coast for fear of infection, and proceeded to -Gibraltar. - -At this period General Sir Ralph Abercromby received orders -from the British Government to proceed to Egypt; but the three -battalions of the ninth foot, the second battalion of the -twenty-seventh, the THIRTY-FIRST, and two battalions of the -fifty-second regiment, being composed principally of volunteers -from the militia, whose conditions of enlistment limited their -services to time and place, were not available for the expedition -to Egypt: they were accordingly ordered to proceed to Lisbon, where -they arrived on the 27th of November, having suffered much from -confinement on board ship, and the use of salt provisions. - -[Sidenote: 1801] - -On the 27th of January, 1801, the THIRTY-FIRST was again at sea, -and on the 14th of February disembarked at Minorca, which had -surrendered to Great Britain in November, 1798; this island was -restored to Spain at the Peace of 1802. - -[Sidenote: 1802] - -The successes of the British arms in Egypt, by which the French -were expelled from that country, were followed by a Treaty of -Peace, which was signed on the 27th of March, 1802, at Amiens, -between the French Republic, Spain, and the Batavian Republic, -on the one part, and Great Britain on the other. The principal -features of the treaty were, that Great Britain restored all her -conquests during the war, excepting Trinidad and Ceylon, which were -ceded to her, the former by Spain, and the latter by the Batavian -Republic. Portugal was maintained in its integrity, excepting -that some of its possessions in Guiana were ceded to France. The -territories of the Ottoman Porte were likewise maintained in their -integrity. The Ionian Republic was recognised, and Malta was to be -restored to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. The French agreed -to evacuate the Neapolitan and Roman states, and Great Britain all -the ports that she held in the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. - -In May, 1802, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment sailed from Minorca for -England, and early in June landed at Portsmouth, on the 19th of -which month it was reduced to the Peace Establishment. - -[Sidenote: 1803] - -In the year 1803 the regiment was removed to Jersey.[24] - -Napoleon Bonaparte was now approaching the zenith of his power: -the unsettled state of affairs in France had induced him to quit -his army in Egypt, and on his return the Directory was abolished, -Bonaparte being appointed First Consul of the French Republic. This -occurred in 1799, and in the following year Europe was astounded by -his daring passage of the Alps, followed by the victory of Marengo, -which caused Austria to sue for peace. - -The French being driven from Egypt in 1801 by the gallant -Abercromby and his brave troops, in which the THIRTY-FIRST regiment -would probably have shared, had it not been for the circumstances -stated at page 61, the Peace of Amiens was concluded; it, -however, gave but a slight interval of tranquillity to Europe. -The military spirit of the French nation had been aroused by the -genius of Napoleon, who endeavoured to realize his schemes for the -aggrandizement of France;--and England appeared as a barrier to his -designs. - -In May, 1803, the war was renewed; Hanover was overrun by the -French, and severed for a time from the British Crown. An immense -flotilla was also assembled at Boulogne for the invasion of -England. The threat of invasion aroused the patriotism of the -British people, and the most strenuous measures were pursued to -defeat the French ruler’s designs; the “_Army of Reserve Act_” was -passed in June, 1803, for raising men for home service by ballot; -numerous volunteer and yeomanry corps were formed in every part of -the kingdom; and all party differences merged into one universal -effort for the preservation of Great Britain. - -[Sidenote: 1804] - -On the 18th of May, 1804, Napoleon was invested with the dignity of -_Emperor of the French_, and on the 26th of May of the following -year he was crowned _King of Italy_ at Milan. - -Further measures of defence were adopted by Great Britain, and the -“_Additional Force Act_” was passed on the 14th of July, 1804, by -which a _second battalion_ was added to the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, -to be formed of men raised in the county of Chester, for limited -service. - -The regiment embarked at Jersey for England on the 9th of November, -and on the 27th of that month arrived at Portsmouth, whence it -marched to Winchester, and received a further number of volunteers -from the Militia. - -On the 12th of December the Court of Spain issued a declaration -of war against England, in consequence of the capture of some -frigates off Cadiz, which had been intercepted while on their way -to France with cargoes of treasure,--Spain having agreed to furnish -a powerful aid to Napoleon. - -[Sidenote: 1805] - -By July, 1805, the second battalion was fully embodied, and in -October proceeded from Chester to Winchester, where the first -battalion was stationed. - -While the French were pursuing their victorious career in Germany, -they experienced dreadful reverses from the navy of Great Britain. -On the 21st of October the combined fleets of France and Spain were -completely defeated off Cape _Trafalgar_. The victory was, however, -clouded by the death of Admiral Viscount Nelson, to whose memory -the highest honors were paid by a grateful and admiring nation. - -[Sidenote: 1806] - -On the 9th of January, 1806, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment was present -at the funeral of Admiral Viscount Nelson, and formed part of the -line between which the procession passed on its way to St. Paul’s -Cathedral, in which the Admiral’s remains were interred, and where -a monument was erected by order of Parliament. - -In November of the preceding year a squadron of English and Russian -vessels landed some troops at Naples without any opposition from -the Neapolitan Court. The French Emperor, on receiving intelligence -of this transaction, issued a proclamation that “_the Neapolitan -dynasty had ceased to reign_,” and an army, under his brother, -Joseph Bonaparte, assisted by Marshal Massena, marched for Naples. -On the 15th of February the French entered that capital, and -soon obtained possession of the whole kingdom, excepting Gaeta; -Ferdinand IV. and his Court having previously retired to Sicily. -A decree was shortly issued by Napoleon, conferring the crown of -Naples on his brother Joseph, who was proclaimed King on the 30th -of May. - -England being desirous of preserving Sicily from the dominion of -France, troops were embarked for that island;--on the 26th of -April the _first battalion_ of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked -at Tilbury-fort, and landed at Messina on the 26th of July. - -Previously to the arrival of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, the French -had assembled a force in Calabria for the invasion of Sicily, -and Major-General Stuart, commanding the British troops in that -island, formed the design of cutting off the French division under -General Regnier; the result was the battle of _Maida_, where a -victory was gained by the British troops on the 4th of July. -Major-General Stuart being sensible that he could not, with his -small force, maintain himself in Calabria, recrossed the straits of -Messina and returned to Sicily. For this victory Major-General John -Stuart received the dignity of Knight of the Bath, the thanks of -Parliament, and was created Count of Maida by the King of the Two -Sicilies. - -[Sidenote: 1807] - -Admiral Sir John Duckworth having failed in his coercive -mission to detach Turkey from the interests of France, Great -Britain determined to seize upon Egypt, as a check to any fresh -demonstration by the French against the British possessions in the -East Indies. - -An armament accordingly sailed from Melazzo, on the coast of -Sicily, in February, 1807, under the command of Major-General -Alexander Mackenzie Fraser, Colonel of the seventy-eighth regiment, -and landed at Aboukir on the 18th of March. On the 21st of -March, Alexandria was occupied by the British troops, and it is -a singular coincidence that it was the anniversary of the battle -fought near there in the year 1801, when the gallant General Sir -Ralph Abercromby received the wound which terminated his honorable -career. - -On the 27th of March a force of fifteen hundred men, of which the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment formed part, was detached under the command -of Major-General Wauchope to Rosetta. The troops arrived before the -city on the 31st of March, and not having been impeded in their -progress to the environs, entered the place. The THIRTY-FIRST -regiment marched into Rosetta, while the grenadier battalion -occupied a high sandy mound without the city. - -Rosetta is situated upon a slight eminence, commanding a view of -the river Nile and the fertile lands of the Delta; the streets are -somewhat wider than the generality of Egyptian towns, and planted -here and there with trees. The houses are high, the lower half of -each being a dead wall, with a small door, leading into a narrow -passage, well secured with bolts and bars of iron. The chambers -are above, with trelliced windows projecting over the streets. The -Turks had garrisoned their houses, and remaining quiet, allowed the -British to continue their march until some way into the town, when -through the loop-holes they had constructed on purpose, and their -trelliced windows, a destructive and unexpected fire was opened -upon the column. The troops, although placed in a most trying -and perilous situation, behaved extremely well, and after having -suffered very materially in killed and wounded, retired to Aboukir, -from whence they returned to Alexandria. - -Major-General Wauchope, who commanded the force, was killed; the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment had Captain John Robertson, three serjeants, -three drummers, and sixty-nine rank and file _killed_; Captain -Patrick Dowdall, Lieutenants Edward Knox, Peter Fearon, John -Thornton, ---- Sladden, and Francis Ryan, Ensign Richard Kirby, -seven serjeants, one drummer, and one hundred and twenty-nine rank -and file _wounded_. Lieutenant Sladden subsequently died of his -wounds. - -Brigadier-General the Honorable Robert Meade (Lieutenant-Colonel of -the THIRTY-FIRST), the second in command, was also severely wounded. - -Major-General Fraser finding that a famine would be the consequence -of the British remaining at Alexandria, without the occupation of -Rosetta, detached another body of troops, amounting to two thousand -five hundred men, under Brigadier-General the Honorable William -Stewart, to reduce the place. The force consisted of a detachment -of Royal Artillery, a detachment of the twentieth light dragoons, -light infantry battalion, first battalion of the thirty-fifth -regiment, second battalion of the seventy-eighth regiment, the -Baron De Roll’s regiment, and a detachment of seamen. A large -Turkish force coming down the Nile from Cairo, the troops were -compelled to retire, fighting all the way to Alexandria. - -A formidable force now approached Alexandria, and Major-General -Fraser sent a flag of truce offering to evacuate Egypt, on -condition that the British prisoners should be liberated. The -proposal was readily accepted, and on the 19th of September the -British troops embarked for Sicily, where they arrived on the 16th -of October. - -[Sidenote: 1808] - -The first battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked from -Sicily for Malta, on the 17th of September, 1808, where it remained -until August, 1810, when it returned to Sicily. - -[Sidenote: 1810] - -[Sidenote: 1811] - -On the 17th of August, 1810, the first battalion landed at Messina, -and remained in garrison in the citadel until April, 1811, when -Lieut.-General Lord William Bentinck, being about to proceed to -the eastern coast of Spain, sent it to Malta, in order that a -stronger corps might be drawn from that island, the thirty-first -having been reduced considerably in numbers while stationed in -the Mediterranean. The battalion landed at Malta on the 18th of -April, but the force left in Sicily being found insufficient, four -companies were immediately recalled, and on the 22nd of April -re-embarked for Messina; a few months afterwards the head-quarters -were ordered back to Sicily, and on the 28th of August joined the -detached companies, when the battalion was once more united in -Sicily. - -[Sidenote: 1812] - -About this period the British authorities in Sicily detected the -traces of a conspiracy set on foot the year before by the Queen -of Naples, who, it is said, had proposed a scheme to Napoleon for -massacring the English. A new constitution was established in -Sicily, upon the model of that of Great Britain, under the auspices -of Lieut.-General Lord William Bentinck, who had been appointed -Captain-General of the Island, and the Queen was sent into -retirement. - -In November, 1812, the grenadier company of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment embarked from Sicily for the east coast of Spain, under -Lieut.-General Frederick Maitland, and landed at Alicant on the -2nd of December. In April, 1813, it returned to Sicily, where it -arrived in May. - -[Sidenote: 1813] - -The first battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment remained in -garrison in the citadel of Messina until towards the end of 1813, -when, in consequence of disturbances at Palermo, the capital of -Sicily, which threatened to spread, the troops were detached to -various central positions. The THIRTY-FIRST, by a detour, marched -upon Castro Giovanni, and remained there until January, 1814, when -the battalion returned to Messina. - -[Sidenote: 1814] - -On the 28th of March, 1814, the battalion embarked at Melazzo, -as part of an expedition destined for the shores of Italy, under -Lieut.-General Lord William Bentinck. In the beginning of April the -first division of the army arrived off the coast above and below -the city of Genoa, and threatened a descent upon _Voltri_, rather -to engage the attention of the enemy, however, in that quarter, -than for any other purpose. - -On the 5th of April the second division of the Anglo-Sicilian -army disembarked at Leghorn, and marched directly upon Sestri. -The French reinforced that place to protect the coast batteries, -and prevent the British communicating with the people of the -mountains, who were ready to rise against the French. The two -British divisions had united, and attacked the enemy, on the 8th -of April, at _Sestri_; the battle lasted throughout the day, and -in the night the French General Ronger St. Victor retired towards -Recco, taking up his position in rear of Rafallo, where he left -his advanced guard; a third British division, in which was the -first battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST, hovered about the coast, and -made some attempts to land fresh troops, but was prevented by the -enemy’s detachments at Recco. - -On the 9th and 10th of April the squadron cannonaded _Recco_, but -was obliged to stand out again; in the night of the 10th General -Pègot, who had arrived to relieve General Ronger St. Victor, -retired, and occupied, on the 11th of April, a position at Mount -Fascia. The English squadron and transports had all arrived before -_Genoa_, and a detachment from the divisions on shore had been -able to communicate with the native levies at Fontana Buona. On -the 12th of April the position of Mount Fascia was attacked, and, -after a hard day’s contest, General Pègot fell back in the night, -and took up another strong position at _La Sturla_, on the heights -of Albaro, his right on the sea being covered by a battery of four -pieces of artillery, and his left resting on Fort Richelieu. The -remainder of the British army disembarked at Nervi, and immediately -attacked the enemy on the heights of Albaro, on the 13th of April. - -The THIRTY-FIRST, under the command of Colonel Bruce, belonged -to this division, and, with the 8th battalion of the Line of the -King’s German Legion, dashed in among the enemy the instant of -their debarkation, notwithstanding the intersected and difficult -nature of the ground, which assisted so materially the obstinate -defence of the French. Meanwhile the light company of the -THIRTY-FIRST, under Captain Nunn, had carried the battery which -covered the enemy’s right, with conspicuous bravery, and dismounted -the four guns upon it under a galling fire of musketry and -artillery from another battery near that captured. - -The THIRTY-FIRST had Captains Stewart and Cruice, three serjeants, -one drummer, and thirty-six rank and file _wounded_; one serjeant -and thirteen rank and file _killed_. - -The following extract from Division Orders, dated La Sturla, 14th -of April, 1814, bears testimony to the conduct of the corps:-- - - “The conduct of the troops in the long contested action of - yesterday, at _La Sturla_, was most honorable to them, and - Major-General Montresor feels the greatest satisfaction in doing - justice to their merits, by publicly declaring his high sense - of their persevering gallantry in surmounting the numberless - obstacles which the broken and intersected nature of the country - presented, in every step, to their advance, whilst it afforded - the best shelter to the enemy, who, well accustomed to his - ground, defended it with the greatest obstinacy. - - “However justly entitled the whole may be to individual - distinction, it nevertheless would be unjust not to notice, in - particular, the ardour and spirited skill in which the Royal - Flotilla, and the detachments of the third Italian Levy, and of - the second and third extra regiments, and Royal Marines, began - the attack, and the very gallant manner in which the THIRTY-FIRST - regiment, and the 8th King’s German Legion, dashed in amongst the - enemy after their debarkation, and the conspicuous bravery of - the light company of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, in carrying the - battery on the left.” - -During the 14th and 15th of April the attacks upon the heights of -Albaro were repeated, and on the 17th, while disaffection among the -people was rapidly spreading in Genoa, the posts of St. Francisco -and St. Martin d’Albaro were carried, and the French retired behind -the Bizagno. - -By the 18th of April the disaffection in Genoa had reached a -crisis, and upon the following day the advance upon the city took -place. The THIRTY-FIRST drove the enemy from a strong battery of -ten brass guns and two 13½ inch brass mortars, without sustaining -any loss. - -During the night of the 19th of April a convention was signed; -on the morning of the 21st, the enemy marched out of the city -and evacuated all his posts. On the 22nd the head-quarters -of the THIRTY-FIRST were within the city of Genoa, when the -Commander-in-Chief, Lieut.-General Lord William Bentinck, issued -the order from which the following extract is taken:-- - - “Head-Quarters, Genoa, 24th April, 1814. - - “The Commander of the Forces has much satisfaction in witnessing - the zeal and gallantry evinced by the whole of the troops - under his orders in the late operations, which have led to the - possession of this important fortress; and he has not failed - to represent their conduct in the most favourable terms to His - Majesty’s government. - - “Major-General Montresor has particularly reported to him the - great assistance he received from Brigadier-General Roth, Colonel - Bruce, and Lieut.-Colonel Travers. - - “The Commander of the Forces himself observed the very gallant - and successful attack made by the third Italian regiment, under - the orders of Lieut.-Colonel Ciravignac, and favourable reports - have been made to him of the conduct of the light company of the - twenty-first regiment, commanded by Captain Renny, the light - company of the THIRTY-FIRST, under Captain Nunn, and the light - company of the second Estero regiment, under Captain-Lieutenant - Fulghier.” - -On the 27th of April the first battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST -sailed with a force for the island of Corsica; when the troops -arrived opposite Ajaccio, that place capitulated. The THIRTY-FIRST -regiment then sailed for Bastia (the birth-place of Napoleon), -and landing there on the 11th of May, remained until the 24th of -June following, when it embarked for Sicily, and again went into -garrison in the citadel of Messina, on the 18th of July, 1814. - -In the meantime the brilliant successes gained over the French in -the Peninsula and South of France, by the troops under the Duke of -Wellington, in which the _second_ battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment bore a prominent part, led to a treaty of peace with -France; Napoleon retired to Elba, which island was ceded to him in -full sovereignty for life, with a pension payable from the revenues -of France; and on the 3rd of May, 1814, Louis XVIII. entered Paris, -and ascended the throne of his ancestors. - -On the 24th of October, 1814, the _second_ battalion of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment was disbanded at Portsmouth, and the officers -and men fit for service were transferred to the first battalion, -with which they were incorporated on the 6th of May, 1815, at -Messina. - -In commemoration of the services of the _second_ battalion during -the Peninsular War, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment has received the -Royal Authority to bear on the Regimental Colour and Appointments, -the words “TALAVERA,” “ALBUHERA,” “VITTORIA,” “PYRENEES,” -“NIVELLE,” “NIVE,” “ORTHES,” and “PENINSULA.” - -[Sidenote: 1815] - -Although the first and second battalions of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment were employed in different countries, yet they were -engaged in the promotion of the same interests, namely, the -restoration of the exiled families of the House of Bourbon to the -thrones of their ancestors; the achievements of the _second_ -battalion were in the most distinguished arena, but the _first_ -battalion, although it was stationed among the pastoral beauties of -Sicily, and the luxurious towns of Italy, maintained its discipline -and character, besides adding honors to those formerly acquired on -the field of battle, whenever, as on the heights of _Albaro_, an -opportunity had offered. - -The peace of Europe was again to be disturbed. The French army -retained a chivalrous veneration for Napoleon, who returned from -Elba, landed at Cannes, in Provence, on the 1st of March, 1815, and -was joined by his former troops. Louis XVIII. withdrew from Paris -to Ghent, and Napoleon assumed his former dignity of Emperor of the -French. - -Marshal Murat, the brother-in-law of Napoleon, by whom in 1808 -he had been made King of Naples, upon Joseph Bonaparte being -constituted King of Spain, had, in January, 1814, signed a treaty -with England, and engaged to co-operate with the allies against -France. Napoleon’s triumphal return to France caused Murat to -espouse his cause, and he at once commenced hostilities against -Austria, issuing a proclamation asserting the independence of -Italy. Naples was thereupon invested by the Austrians, while an -English squadron entered the port and acted in co-operation. - -The allied powers, however, refused to acknowledge the sovereignty -of Napoleon, and determined on his dethronement. - -These events caused the THIRTY-FIRST regiment to be embarked at -Melazzo for Naples, where it arrived on the 25th of May. The city -had capitulated to the British fleet, under Admiral Lord Exmouth, -and the troops landed to hold possession until the restoration -of order in the kingdom, and Ferdinand IV. should be reinstated -on the throne of the Two Sicilies. After an exile of nine years, -this sovereign entered his capital on the 17th of June; on the -following day the hopes of Bonaparte were crushed by his defeat on -the memorable field of Waterloo, which victory triumphantly closed -the campaign; and on the 8th of July Louis XVIII. re-entered Paris, -and the Bourbon government was restored. - -In the beginning of July the THIRTY-FIRST had sailed from the Bay -of Naples for Genoa, and remained there to support the arrangements -for restoring the Sardinian dominions to their original state. - -Bonaparte was subsequently compelled to surrender himself a -prisoner on the 15th of July to Captain Maitland, commanding -the “Bellerophon” ship-of-war, and the island of St. Helena was -afterwards appointed for his residence. Murat’s career was equally -brief; he was driven from Italy, and withdrew to Corsica, from -which island he made a rash descent on the coast of Calabria. After -a sharp action he and his followers were taken prisoners. Murat was -tried by a military commission, and shot on the 15th of October. - -[Sidenote: 1816] - -[Sidenote: 1818] - -In February, 1816, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked for Malta, -and remained in that island until June, 1818, when it proceeded to -England, and landed at Deal on the 22nd of July. - -On the return of the regiment to England it was stationed at Dover -Castle, Colchester, Chatham, and Sheerness. - -[Sidenote: 1819] - -In August, 1819, in consequence of disturbances in the -manufacturing districts, three companies of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment proceeded to Manchester, three to Macclesfield, and three -to Stockport. On the 10th of the same month the regiment was -employed in Manchester. - -An assemblage of people, estimated at forty to sixty thousand, -took place on the 16th of August, in an open space in the town of -Manchester, named St. Peter’s Field, for the purpose of petitioning -Parliament. Such meetings having been forbidden by proclamation -some weeks previously, the military were employed by the civil -authorities in dispersing the crowd of persons who had entered the -town, with banners, some of which were of a menacing nature. - -The troops of the garrison, the fifteenth hussars, the THIRTY-FIRST -and eighty-eighth regiments, with the Chester and Manchester -yeomanry cavalry, were ordered to be assembled in the vicinity, -under the senior officer, Lieut.-Colonel L’Estrange, of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment. The yeomanry were engaged during part of the -day in dispersing the multitude, many of whom received injuries, -and eight or ten were killed. The regular troops behaved with -their usual coolness and discipline, in the delicate and important -duty they had to perform. The thanks of the Prince Regent, and of -the Magistrates, were communicated to the troops in the following -letters:-- - - “Whitehall, 21st August, 1819. - - “SIR - - “I lost no time in laying before the Prince Regent your letter to - me of the 17th August, together with the enclosure to yourself - from Lieut.-Colonel L’Estrange, and I have great satisfaction - in obeying the commands of His Royal Highness, by requesting - that you will express to Lieut.-Colonel L’Estrange, and to the - officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, that served - under his command at Manchester on the 16th of August, His Royal - Highness’s high approbation of the exemplary manner in which - they assisted and supported the civil authorities of the County - Palatine of Lancaster on that day. - - “I have, &c. - (Signed) “SIDMOUTH.” - - - “New Bailey Court-House, August 17th, 1819. - - “The Magistrates of the two counties of Lancaster and Chester, - assembled at Manchester, request Lieut.-Colonel L’Estrange will - accept for himself, and convey to the officers, non-commissioned - officers, and privates under his command, their best and - sincerest thanks, for the energy, tempered by the greatest - humanity, displayed in their conduct yesterday, a conduct - peculiarly characteristic of the British soldier. - - (Signed) “WM. HUTTON, _Chairman_.” - - -[Sidenote: 1820] - -The disturbances among the manufacturing classes having subsided, -the THIRTY-FIRST regiment left Manchester on the 2nd of June, -1820. The troops had been much harassed throughout the winter, in -consequence of the ill spirit which prevailed among the people -of the surrounding districts, and on the removal of the regiment -the municipal authorities of Manchester and Salford addressed a -letter to Lieut.-Colonel L’Estrange, expressing their regret at its -departure, and their esteem for its conduct during the eventful -period the corps was stationed in those towns. - -On the 10th of June, 1820, the regiment arrived at Sunderland. - -[Sidenote: 1821] - -In February, 1821, the regiment marched from Sunderland to Port -Patrick, in Scotland, whence, on the 7th of March, it embarked for -Donaghadee, and on the following morning proceeded to Belfast. -While quartered in this town, the establishment was reduced from -ten companies of sixty-five rank and file, to eight companies of -seventy-two rank and file each. - -During the period the head-quarters remained at Belfast, -detachments of the regiment were stationed in Coleraine, -Downpatrick, and Carrickfergus, where they were employed on the -revenue and other duties generally required from the army in -Ireland. - -[Sidenote: 1822] - -In April, 1822, the regiment was removed from Belfast and its -neighbourhood, occupying fresh quarters at Armagh, Newry, and -Dundalk. - -[Sidenote: 1823] - -[Sidenote: 1824] - -The regiment, in October 1823, marched from Armagh to Naas, and -in January, 1824, proceeded to Dublin, where it occupied Richmond -barracks. - -In the year 1824 the regiment received orders to prepare for -foreign service:--the island of Ceylon was, in the first instance, -selected as its destination, but it was eventually changed to -Bengal. On the 20th of July the left wing of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment marched to Kingstown, and embarked on board of transports -for Portsmouth, where it arrived on the 26th of July; the right -wing, following soon afterwards, joined on the 2nd of August, and -the regiment went into barracks at Gosport. - -[Sidenote: 1825] - -On the 12th of January, 1825, the regiment marched from Gosport for -Chatham, where it arrived on the 20th of that month. On the 7th of -February the regiment marched to Gravesend to embark for Calcutta: -the right wing on board the Honorable East India Company’s ship -“_Kent_,” under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Fearon; the left -wing on board the “Scaleby Castle,” under Major Tovey. The two -ships parted company off Portsmouth at the end of February, and -the “Scaleby Castle,” after making a favourable voyage, arrived at -Sangor, in the mouth of the Hoogley, on the 7th of June. - -The men had been remarkably healthy during the long confinement on -board ship; two only had died during the passage, and only eight -were on the sick list when the vessel came to anchor. The men were -transferred, after a few days’ delay at Sangor Point, to sloops, a -particularly uncomfortable and clumsy description of vessel, then -used to transport troops up the River Hoogley from the sand-heads, -and on the 21st of June they arrived opposite Fort William, where -boats had been prepared to receive them, for they were not yet -destined to land. It was the 26th, however, before the left wing -was able to sail again; it was therefore five days, during the most -trying season of the year, confined in small thatched boats, which -were moored to the river’s bank: it nevertheless reached Berhampore -on the 2nd of July, with the loss of only one man. - -Berhampore, on the Bhagaritty river, is the cantonment of the city -of Moorshedabad, and in 1825 was the depôt of the regiments on the -Bengal establishment, then on service in Burmah. The companies of -the left wing of the corps took possession of the barracks, and -remained in them till the 22nd of September. - -[Illustration: THE KENT EAST INDIAMAN. - -ON FIRE DURING A STORM IN THE BAY OF BISCAY, HAVING THE HEAD -QUARTERS AND 5 COMPANIES OF THE 31^{ST} REG^T ON BOARD, THE BRIG -CAMBRIA, OPPORTUNELY APPEARS IN SIGHT, & 553 OUT OF A TOTAL OF 637 -SOULS ARE RESCUED. 1^{ST} MARCH, 1825. - -_Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S^t Strand._ - -_For Cannon’s Military Records._] - -The voyage of the _right_ wing of the regiment from England was -interrupted very early in its progress by one of the most unhappy -events that could befall a ship at sea. The _Kent_ took fire on the -1st of March, in the Bay of Biscay, and was totally destroyed: the -accident was first perceived about ten o’clock A.M., towards the -end of a violent gale of wind, when the sea was disturbed, and the -ship rolling heavily. - - “It was a little before this period that one of the officers of - the ship, with the well-meant intention of ascertaining that - all was fast below, descended with two of the sailors into the - hold, where they carried with them, for safety, a light in a - patent lantern, and seeing that the lamp burned dimly, took the - precaution to hand it up to the orlop deck to be trimmed. Having - afterwards discovered one of the spirit casks to be adrift, he - sent the sailors for some billets of wood to secure it, but the - ship in their absence having made a heavy lurch, the officer - unfortunately dropped the light, and letting go his hold of the - cask, in his eagerness to recover the lantern, it suddenly stove, - and the spirits communicating with the lamp, the whole place was - instantly in a blaze.”[25] - -When all hopes of saving the ship vanished, exertions were made to -rescue the troops and the crew. Encouraged by the noble example -of their officers, the soldiers preserved the utmost order and -firmness in their perilous situation. - -During the long and honorable services of the regiment, no -opportunity had occurred to put its discipline and conduct to -such a severe trial, but it brought from the ordeal a reputation -even more distinguished than it had previously gained. In the -field, when the spirits of men are excited by the animating -circumstances of the contest, where honor is sure and death -uncertain, valour and good order may be expected; but in the midst -of dangers against which it appeared hopeless to struggle,--at -a time when no aid appeared, and passively to die was all that -remained,--the manly resignation, the ready obedience, and the -unfailing discipline--characteristics of a good soldier--evinced -by the THIRTY-FIRST, entitle the regiment to dwell at some length, -in its Record, upon the events that called forth those admirable -qualities. Although Lieut.-Colonel Fearon and Major M‘Gregor were -most conspicuous, yet all who were on board deserve that their -names should be recorded. - -In the following statement is shown the number of officers and men -of the THIRTY-FIRST embarked in the “Kent,” specifying also the -number saved:-- - - Officers. Men. Women. Children. Total. - Embarked in the Kent 20 344 47 73 484 - -------------------------------------- - Saved by the Cambria 20 276 46 52 394 - Saved by the Caroline -- 14 -- -- 14 - -------------------------------------- - Total lost 54 1 21 76 - -------------------------------------- - - -_Names of the Officers saved._ - - _Lieut.-Colonel_ Robert Bryce Fearon. - _Major_ Duncan M‘Gregor. - - -_Captains._ - - _Sir_ Charles Farrington, _Bart._ - Robert Thomas Greene. - Edward Wm. Bray. - James Spence. - - -_Lieutenants._ - - Charles Shaw (_Adjutant._) - George Baldwin. - D. B. T. Dodgin. - ---- Ruxton. - William Booth. - Alexander Douglas. - Ronald Campbell. - Edmund Gennys. - - _Ensign_ Thomas Tait. - ” Asaph Shaw. - ” Henry Evans. - _Paymaster_ Richard Monk. - _Quarter-Master_ John Waters. - _Ass.-Surgeon_ Edward Graham. - -The following letters will explain the providential means of escape -afforded by the brig _Cambria_, and do justice to the humanity -and gallantry of Captain Cook, who commanded it, as well as of -his officers and crew. The name of this gallant officer must ever -be held in great estimation by the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, to him, -under Providence, it owes the power of being enabled to record the -many high qualities shown by its members in the extremity from -which he rescued them. - - “Brig Cambria, Falmouth, March 4, 1825. - - “GENTLEMEN, - - “You are aware of my leaving this port on the 24th ultimo, with - passengers and goods for Mexico, and I beg to acquaint you of - my return here this morning at one o’clock, under the following - circumstances:-- - - “On Tuesday last, the 1st instant, being then in latitude 47° - 30′ and longitude 9° 45′, laying-to, with a strong gale from - the westward, under a close-reefed main-topsail, we discovered - a large sail to the westward, and on approaching found her to - have a signal of distress flying, which induced me immediately to - render every assistance in my power, and on nearing, found her to - be on fire. - - “About three P.M., being then on her bow, we succeeded in - getting the first boat from the vessel, which proved to be the - Hon. Company’s ship ‘Kent’ (Captain Cobb), of 1400 tons, for - Bengal and China, with troops and passengers amounting, with the - crew, to 637 souls. From three to eight P.M. the boats were - constantly employed in bringing the people to the ‘Cambria,’ and - succeeded in saving 296 officers, non-commissioned officers, and - privates of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, 46 women and 52 children - appertaining to ditto, 19 male and female private passengers, - and Captain Cobb and 139 of the crew, amounting in all to 553. - The flames now becoming exceedingly fierce, I could not urge the - sailors again to return to the ship, nor deem it at all prudent - for the preservation of the lives already on board my vessel to - remain longer near the ‘Kent,’ expecting her instantly to blow - up. By accounts since made it is supposed that 68 soldiers, 1 - woman and 21 children, and 4 of the crew were left when Captain - Cobb quitted the vessel, whose conduct during the trying occasion - is beyond my humble praise, displaying the greatest coolness and - intrepidity, and by his exertions, and those of Colonel Fearon, - the commander of the troops, who were the last to quit, the - women, children, and passengers were got into the boats; and they - did not leave themselves until their influence to induce any more - to go into them was useless. - - “At two A.M. the ‘Kent’ blew up, after being completely enveloped - in flames for four hours previously. The fire originated in - the after-hold, where the spirits were stowed for the use of - the troops; a cask of which breaking adrift, and bursting, the - contents were unfortunately ignited by a candle in a lantern. I - feel the greatest gratification in stating that the gentlemen - and their Cornish miners, in all 36, with my own crew, 11 more, - behaved throughout the trying period with the greatest kindness - in getting the people from the boats, soothing their sufferings, - giving up their own clothes and beds to the women and children, - volunteering to go into the boats (which I had good reason to - prevent), and leaving nothing undone to make them as comfortable - as the limited size of my brig would allow (only 200 tons). It - would be pleasing also could I speak as highly of the crew of the - ‘Kent,’ but I cannot refrain from expressing my disappointment - of their conduct (in which I am borne out by Captain Cobb) - derogatory in every respect to the generally received character - of a British seaman,--by refusing to return to the ‘Kent’ for the - people, after the first trip, and requiring my utmost exertions - and determination to compel them to renew their endeavours to - get out the soldiers, passengers, and the remainder of their own - shipmates, who were left behind; and it was only by coercive - measures, in conjunction with my own crew and passengers, and - telling them I would not receive them on board unless they did - so, that they proceeded, though reluctantly, in their duty. I - must, however, except the officers, particularly Mr. Thomson, - fourth mate, and Mr. Phillips, the boatswain, whose conduct and - behaviour, in every respect, justify my warmest praise. - - “It may not be amiss to state that, two hours after the ship blew - up, a soldier’s wife was delivered of a fine boy on board the - ‘Cambria,’ and both mother and child are doing well. - - “I remain, Gentlemen, - “Your most obedient servant, - (Signed) “W. COOK. - - “To Messrs. Wm. Broad and Sons, “Agents to Lloyd’s.” - - - “Falmouth, 4th March, 1825. - - “SIR, - - “It is with feelings of the deepest regret I have to report, for - the information of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, - the melancholy calamity which has befallen that portion of the - THIRTY-FIRST regiment under my command, embarked on board the - Honorable Company’s ship ‘Kent,’ for conveyance to Bengal, owing - to her loss, she having taken fire towards the close of a heavy - gale of wind on the 1st instant, about noon, in the Bay of - Biscay. The moment it was discovered bursting from the after-hold - of the vessel every possible effort was made to get it under, - and by the immediate application of wet blankets, soldiers’ - great-coats, and other woollen articles that could be obtained - on the emergency, we had for a short period every reason to hope - these efforts would have proved successful; but, unhappily, - having communicated to the spirits, the hope of extinguishing - it was soon dispelled, and all further exertion to save the - vessel appeared evidently vain; the conflagration, owing to the - state of the weather, gaining ground so rapidly. Under these - circumstances it became the imperative duty of Captain Cobb and - myself to endeavour to save the lives of as many of the people - as possible, for which purpose the boats were hoisted out, and - some rafts hastily constructed, and as many of the women and - children put into the former as we could at the moment assemble. - At this instant, by the Divine interposition of Providence, a - sail hove in sight, which, discerning our perilous situation, - came promptly down to our relief; and, owing to the persevering - heroism of the commander, at the evident risk of losing his own - vessel, and by the cool and intrepid conduct of Captain Cobb, - whose attentions were unremitting, a larger portion of the troops - than could even have been anticipated under so unforeseen a - calamity were preserved, though, I lament to add, sixty-eight - men, one woman, and twenty-one children appear to have perished, - exclusive of five seamen. - - “It is some alleviation to our afflictions to be enabled to - state, that the origin of the fire is in no way attributable - to the troops; a pleasing part of my duty to bear testimony - to the cool and subordinate conduct of both officers and men - under my command,--the former affording me every aid which so - critical and trying an occasion demanded, and none more so than - Major M‘Gregor, to whose collected counsel and manly example, - throughout this agonizing scene of distress, I feel greatly - indebted. - - “I have, &c. - (Signed) “R. B. FEARON, - “_Lieut.-Colonel com^{dg} 31st Foot_. - - “To the Adjutant-General, “Horse-Guards, London.” - - - “Horse-Guards, 7th March, 1825. - - “SIR, - - “His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief has received, with - sentiments of the deepest concern, your letter of the 4th - instant, communicating the awful and afflicting calamity which - has befallen the right wing of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, - embarked on board the Honorable Company’s ship ‘Kent.’ - - “I am at the same time to observe, that if anything could - alleviate the measure of His Royal Highness’s regret at the - loss of the many valuable lives which have perished on this - melancholy occasion, it would be the satisfaction experienced by - the Commander-in-Chief at the safety of so large a proportion of - the detachment, and which, by the happy interposition of Divine - Providence, aided by your own collected firmness, and the united - discipline and courage of Major M‘Gregor and the officers and men - under your command, have been preserved for the future service of - their country. - - “His Royal Highness commands me to add, that he appreciates in - the fullest manner the heroic and humane assistance afforded to - you by the master of the ‘Cambria’ brig; and that it will afford - His Royal Highness the greatest satisfaction to bear testimony to - it in any manner most calculated to advance the interests, or to - do credit to the conduct, of this individual. - - “Arrangements have been made by the Quarter-Master-General - for the transport of the detachment under your command by sea - to Chatham, as soon as it is possible to obtain the necessary - vessels from the Navy Board for that purpose; and I have - further to acquaint you, that immediate measures will be taken - for sending down to you, by the quickest inland carriage, the - most essential articles of supply and equipment; and that the - Commander-in-Chief will contribute, by every means in his power, - to the restoration of your comforts, and the remuneration for - the losses sustained by your officers and men, consistently with - the regulations of the service. - - “I have the honor to be, &c. - (Signed) “HENRY TORRENS, - “_Adjutant-General_. - - “Lieut.-Colonel Fearon, “Thirty-first Regiment, Falmouth.” - -It was two hours after midnight when the ‘Kent’ blew up; all the -individuals of the regiment and of the crew that it had been -possible to save were now on board the “Cambria;” their number, -however, was diminished by sixty-eight men, one woman, and -twenty-one children:--about twenty of the former were left on the -poop of the vessel, when it became unsafe for a vessel to approach -her; whence, abandoning themselves to despair, they would make no -exertion to escape; it was absolutely necessary therefore to leave -them: others had thrown themselves into the sea, and were drowned -before help could be extended to them, or had come in contact with -part of the wreck and had been killed; while the anxiety of some -few to board the “Cambria” lost them their lives;--they were jammed -to death between the brig and the boats. The only woman lost was -suffocated in the orlop deck, with her three children; she was not -able to escape. Among the children lost there were four, three -girls and a boy, the family of Serjeant Jack, an old and deserving -soldier, who had seen much service with the second battalion in the -Peninsula. While the women and children were being lowered into -the boats, Mrs. Jack fell overboard; the serjeant leaped into the -sea to save his wife, and was not able to return to the ship. In -the confusion unavoidable on board, the children were overlooked; -missing their parents, they had sought refuge, it is supposed, in -the Colonel’s cabin, and no one knew, until it was too late, that -they were still on board; for the soldiers were not backward in -giving their aid to save the families of their comrades; there were -instances of men who tied the children of their brother soldiers on -their backs, and, leaping overboard, swam with their burdens to the -boats. There were indeed proofs among the non-commissioned officers -and soldiers of a fortitude, courage, and good-feeling that would -have done honor to the highest station. It happened, however, that -fourteen of the men, who had remained on the wreck, were picked -up the following morning, clinging to some portions of it, by the -“Caroline,” a vessel bound from the Mediterranean to Liverpool, -and carried by her into that port. The lives lost amounted, -therefore, to seventy-six, being two serjeants, two corporals, one -drummer, forty-nine privates, one woman, and twenty-one children, -as specified at page 82. The “Cambria” was of 200 tons only; -notwithstanding her crowded state, she providentially reached -Falmouth on the third day (the 4th March), when the regiment landed. - -It is needless to observe that nothing was saved from the wreck, -and many had found it difficult to preserve even the clothes they -happened to have on at the time; the motley and forlorn appearance -the corps presented on its landing, was never equalled,--at any -rate, in the British army. The kind exertions of the gentry and -residents generally in Falmouth, to soften the sufferings of the -women and children, must ever be remembered with gratitude by the -regiment; the officers are more particularly indebted to this -calamity for the brotherly attention and friendship it procured for -them from the officers who then belonged to the Division of Royal -Marines at Chatham, where on the 26th of March it arrived, having -sailed on the 16th of that month in the “Diadem” transport from -Falmouth. - -The following letter from the Military Secretary, Major-General -Sir Herbert Taylor, conveying the sentiments of his Royal Highness -the Duke of York of the conduct of the officers and men of the -regiment, will show that the discipline received approbation from -the quarter from which it was most valuable:-- - - “Horse-Guards, March 9, 1825. - - “SIR, - - “The Court of Directors of the East India Company having - transmitted to the Commander-in-Chief the report made to them - by Captain Cobb of the circumstances attending the destruction - of the ship ‘Kent’ by fire, on the 1st instant, I have received - his Royal Highness’s commands to assure you of the high sense - his Royal Highness entertains of the admirable conduct of the - detachment of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment embarked in that ship - under your command, and, more particularly, of the steadiness - and coolness which you evinced, under circumstances so critical - and trying. His Royal Highness is well aware that no occasion - could offer in which the effects of a well-established system - of discipline and subordination would be more apparent, or in - which they would in a more important degree tend to assist - the efforts of those who so nobly afforded their aid towards - preserving the lives of all concerned;--and he desires that you - will convey his thanks to the officers and soldiers forming - the detachment embarked, under your orders, in the ship ‘Kent,’ - and assure them that he gives them due credit for their orderly - and meritorious conduct. He considers his thanks to be due more - especially to yourself, for the example which you set them, and - for the persevering and gallant exertions which contributed so - essentially to lessen the sad result of the catastrophe. - - “His Royal Highness orders me to add, that he shall deem it his - duty to report to his Majesty a conduct, on your part and that - of the officers and men committed to your charge, which so well - deserves his Majesty’s approbation. - - “I have, &c. - (Signed) “H. TAYLOR. - - “Lieut.-Colonel Fearon, 31st Regt.” - -His Majesty was graciously pleased to confer upon Lieut.-Colonel -Fearon the distinction of a Companion of the Bath, for his conduct -on the 1st of March. - -On the 10th of April a detachment, from the head-quarters at -Chatham, marched to Gravesend, and embarked on board the “Charles -Grant,” under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Cassidy, who had, -a short time before, been appointed to the regiment. After a -good passage the “Charles Grant” reached Calcutta on the 16th of -August, when the detachment was ordered to Berhampore; it joined -the left wing in that cantonment on the 12th of September, when, -immediately on its landing, orders were received to return to Fort -William. On the 21st of the same month, the left wing, with the -detachment,--all under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Cassidy,--were -again embarked, and dropping down the river, in a few days reached -Fort William, and disembarking, marched into barracks in the fort -on the 27th of September. - -On the 17th of November the head-quarters marched into Fort -William, and the regiment was once more together. This portion had -embarked on board the “Lord Hungerford” on the 21st of June, under -the command of Major Eagar. - -The cholera broke out among the men of the regiment towards the end -of November, and not abating, the regiment moved into camp on the -south glacis of the fort. The ground was occupied on the 20th of -December, and the change was soon attended with advantage. - -[Sidenote: 1826] - -On the 18th of January 1826, another detachment, consisting of the -grenadier company, and part of No. 1, joined, and the strength -of the regiment was 39 officers, 50 serjeants, 17 drummers, 48 -corporals, and 812 privates. - -On the 13th of February the regiment embarked on the river Hoogley, -and left the ghaut below the fort for the Sunderbunds, on its route -to Dinapore, the Bhagaritty river, by which branch of the Ganges -it would have entered the main stream, being at this season of the -year too shallow for boats of such a size as composed the fleet. -The cholera unfortunately made its appearance during the voyage, -and carried off a great number of men. The disease was so sudden -in its attacks, and so quick in its effects, that the men scarcely -survived till assistance could reach them from the hospital, which -being always in the rear, the boat in which a sick man might be, -was ordered to drop down to it,--it therefore became necessary -to supply officers with a mixture to be given immediately to the -person seized: the sick man thus received aid from the nearest -boat to his own, and was saved until the more necessary treatment -could be used upon him. It was the 2nd of May before the regiment -reached Dinapore;--this cantonment is within a few miles of Patna, -midway between it and the junction of the Soane with the Ganges; -it is composed of two quadrangles, a larger and a smaller one, the -southern side of the former being occupied by two long buildings, -with a road dividing them in the centre; these formed the barracks, -each for a wing of a regiment, the remaining sides of the square -being the quarters of the officers;--the centre area is a smooth -greensward, used as a parade-ground; the river flows on the north -of the whole, and within a few yards of the quarters on that side. - -At the end of the hot season of the year, the regiment was ordered -to Meerut, and commenced its first march in India, before daylight -on the morning of the 8th of November, under Lieut.-Colonel James -Cassidy, who had succeeded to the command of the THIRTY-FIRST, -Lieut.-Colonel Fearon having been appointed to the sixty-fourth -regiment on the 12th of January, 1826. The sick with the women and -children had been previously sent by water under Captain Bolton. - -[Sidenote: 1827] - -The route of the regiment lay across the Soane, which it passed at -Quilwur Ghaut, through the Shahabad district to Buxar, beneath the -fort of which place it crossed the Ganges by ferry, and marched -towards the military station of Ghazeepore, then occupied by the -forty-fourth regiment. After passing this post, the regiment -crossed the Goomtee by a bridge of boats, where it falls into -the Ganges, near the village of Kitee; then to the cantonment of -Seerole, near the city of Benares; again reached the banks of -the Ganges, at the little village of Joosey, and recrossed it -to Allahabad; thence the route lay through Kurrah, Futtehpore, -and Korah to Etawah, a city on the Jumna. From Etawah through -Shekohabad and Jellasir, in the province of Agra; passing the -dilapidated fort of Shasnee, the road led through the city of -Coel, to the celebrated fortress of Allyghur; thence by Khorjah -Bolundshuhur and Haupper to Meerut, where the regiment arrived -on the morning of Saturday, January 13th, 1827, after a march -of sixty-seven days, during which time the men continued very -healthy;--the number in hospital never exceeded thirty, many for -trifling cases, and but two men died. - -On the same day the THIRTY-FIRST occupied the lines vacated by the -fourteenth regiment. Meerut was the head-quarters of a division -of the Bengal Army, commanded by Major-General Reynell; and a -considerable force was assembled, as a check upon Delhi, thirty-six -miles from Meerut, as well as upon the province of Rohilcund, on -the opposite shore of the Ganges. - -The THIRTY-FIRST had been without colours since the destruction of -the “Kent,” but a new stand, which, for want of an opportunity, -had not yet been presented, was in possession of the regiment; and -the Governor-General of India, the Right Honorable Lord Amherst, -being at Delhi, in the course of a tour of the upper provinces, his -Lady was solicited to present the new colours to the regiment. They -were presented by her Ladyship on the 7th of March, 1827, and the -Governor-General addressed the following speech to Lieut.-Colonel -Cassidy on the occasion:-- - - “I am persuaded that Lady Amherst will consider herself fortunate - in having been selected to bear so distinguished a part in the - ceremony of this day. It will be her earnest prayer that so dire - a calamity as that which befell your former colours may never - occur to these which she has had the honor to present to you. - From the ordinary perils of war they are safe in your hands, and - she confidently trusts that Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST will ever - march to victory under the colours now consigned to your charge.” - -To celebrate the event, the officers of the regiment entertained -a large party at a ball and supper in their Mess-house. - - -[Sidenote: 1828] - -During the years 1828 and 1829 the regiment continued at Meerut. - -[Sidenote: 1829] - -In 1829 orders were received to reduce the establishment of the -regiment to 736 rank and file. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment was at this time stronger than it had -ever been; its effective strength amounted to 1086. The men were -young and in high health; the climate good, and the barracks -excellent, different from those at Dinapore; they consisted of -a certain number of detached buildings, each calculated for a -subdivision only: they were thatched, and had at the angles good -rooms for non-commissioned officers. New buildings were erected -of even a superior description, each company having four houses -allotted to it, with its proportion of non-commissioned officers’ -rooms at the angles, as in the old buildings. - -[Sidenote: 1831] - -In the commencement of the year 1831 the north-west frontier of -India was reinforced, and the THIRTY-FIRST marched to Kurnaul, the -head-quarters of the Sirhind division. The regiment left Meerut on -the 27th of January, and halted that day at Sardhanna, the capital -of an independent state, under the celebrated Begum Sumroo. She -had been its ruler for a period of sixty years; and, a Mahometan -in her youth, she had adopted Christianity. The officers of the -regiment dined with her Highness. - -It is five days’ march from Meerut to Kurnaul. On the 30th -of January the river Hinden was crossed by ferry, and on the -following day the river Jumna, when the regiment encamped in its -new quarters. The barracks had not then been built, Kurnaul never -having been occupied by a British regiment. The Native cantonment -was situated in front of the city, facing to the north. - -The new lines marked out for the regiment were in front of the -right of the old lines facing the west, in which quarter an -extensive plain extends, without one tree to shade it, as far as -the eye can reach; in the rear flows the canal of Merdan Ali Khan, -a lively stream drawn from the Jumna at Rajghaut, fifty miles -above, and running to Delhi, eighty miles below. On the right are -long tracts of jungle, with a few villages and some cultivated land -near the bank of the canal, a little to the rear. The barracks were -detached buildings, two to each company. - -General Sir Henry Warde, G.C.B., was appointed from the -sixty-eighth regiment to the Colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment -on the 13th of April, 1831, in succession to General the Earl of -Mulgrave, G.C.B., deceased. - -It was the month of June before the barracks were ready to receive -the men, until which time the regiment remained in camp. The -officers’ houses in rear of the barracks were built at their own -expense, it being the custom in the upper provinces of India to -possess property of this description; the inconvenience and -expense of establishing a cantonment are very severe at the time -on many, particularly on the junior officers. It is only, however, -when a cantonment is altogether abandoned that this custom can be -attended with loss. Kurnaul was likely to be permanent from its -position with regard to the Punjaub and the dominions of the Ameers -of Scinde, besides the great importance acquired every year by the -country beyond the Indus. - -In October, 1831, the regiment marched to Roopur on the river -Sutlej, as part of the escort attached to the Governor-General, -Lord William Bentinck, who had arranged to have an interview at -that place with his Highness Runjeet Singh, the Ruler of the -Punjaub. - -Having left Kurnaul on the 10th of October, the regiment reached -the ground allotted for the escort on the 22nd of that month; the -route lay through the Sikh territories, on the British side of the -Sutlej. Thennaiser, a spot of celebrated sanctity, and Umballa, -a populous city, were the only places of consequence, however, -on the march. The escort assembled at Roopur, to do honor to the -interview, was composed of two squadrons of the sixteenth Lancers, -with the band of that regiment, the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, two -battalions of native infantry (the 14th and 32nd), eight guns of -horse artillery, with two squadrons of irregular cavalry from -Colonel Skinner’s regiment. - -The force Runjeet Singh had brought with him encamped, on the -morning of the 25th of October, on the opposite bank of the river, -and consisted of ten thousand of his best horse and six thousand -disciplined infantry. A bridge of boats had been thrown across the -river, and on the morning of the 26th of October the meeting took -place; the Chief of the Punjaub, accompanied by a deputation of -British officers that had gone to meet him, with a detachment of -3800 horse, 800 being disciplined dragoons, under General Allard, -a French officer in Runjeet’s service, crossed the river. All the -Sikh chiefs were in attendance on their Sovereign, and the train -passed through a street to the Governor-General’s camp, formed -by the sixteenth Lancers and the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. This is -not the place in which to dwell on the splendour or chivalrous -appearance of the scene, on the glitter of the polished armour of -some, and the gaiety of the yellow silk in which all were dressed. -The British troops were infinitely greater objects of interest -and curiosity to the Sikhs, than even the variety of the arms, -and the figures of the men of the latter, were to the former. -Runjeet Singh inquired into every thing connected with the arming -and disciplining of the THIRTY-FIRST with the keenest eye. During -a review of the corps, on a second visit, he rode close into -the line, and examined every movement, pointing out with great -intelligence to the Sirdars, or leaders, about him the evolutions -that he thought useful, or sending them to observe particularly how -they were performed. The THIRTY-FIRST regiment was not under arms -on the return visit. The farewell interview took place on the last -day of the month, with the same ceremony as that observed at the -first meeting. - -The next morning (November 1st) the camps broke up; the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment returned, by the route it had come, to -Kurnaul, and arrived there on the 16th of November. - -[Sidenote: 1832] - -In the spring of the year 1832, Lieut.-Colonel Cassidy returned -to England in ill health, after having commanded the regiment -seven years. He was succeeded by Major Eagar, who died in December -following, when for nearly three years the command of the regiment -devolved upon the two senior Captains alternately. - -[Sidenote: 1834] - -On the 10th of October, 1834, Lieut.-General Sir Edward Barnes, -G.C.B., was appointed from the seventy-eighth regiment to the -Colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, in succession to General -Sir Henry Warde, G.C.B., deceased. - -[Sidenote: 1835] - -In December, 1834, Major Bolton joined the regiment, and was -promoted, in November of the following year, to the rank of -Lieut.-Colonel, by purchase, Colonel Cassidy having been removed to -the charge of a recruiting district. - -[Sidenote: 1836] - -On the 20th of January, 1836, the regiment left Kurnaul on its -march to Dinapore, and, halting a day near Delhi, crossed the -Jumna below the city; thence, continuing through the Doab (land -between two rivers), to Allahabad, crossed the Ganges by a bridge -of boats above the fort. Having halted at Benares and Ghazeepore, -it recrossed the Ganges at Buxar, and arriving on the 26th of -March at Dinapore, again took up its quarters in the barracks it -had occupied ten years before;--although the weather was very hot, -and the regiment had marched without a day’s halt from Cawnpore -(thirty-one marches), there were only fifteen sick. From Kurnaul to -Dinapore the change of climate is very great, while the confinement -of the latter place, with the close and crowded state of the -barracks, after the open scene, the comfortable thatched buildings, -and the cold bracing winter air of the former station, were -severely felt. In Kurnaul the hospital list never exceeded seventy, -while it occasionally continued, during the hot weather, so low as -thirty, and in the cold season eight or nine, for months together. - -[Sidenote: 1837] - -During the summer of the year 1837, the thermometer remained at 115 -degrees in the barracks for several days, and many deaths occurred -from apoplexy, produced by the great heat. - -[Sidenote: 1838] - -Lieut.-General Sir Colin Halkett, K.C.B. and G.C.H., was -appointed from the seventy-first regiment to the Colonelcy of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment, on the 28th of March, 1838, in succession to -General Sir Edward Barnes, G.C.B., deceased. - -On the 16th of November the THIRTY-FIRST marched towards -Ghazeepore, to relieve the forty-fourth regiment, and occupied the -barracks at that station on the 27th of that month. Ghazeepore -stands at the edge of a fine plain on the left bank of the Ganges, -close to the river. It is one of the frontier posts towards Nepaul, -is forty-six miles from Benares, and four hundred and six miles -from Calcutta. - -[Sidenote: 1839] - -The strength of the regiment had been reduced to six hundred and -thirty-two rank and file; it had at this period been fourteen years -in India, during which time the casualties by death amounted to -fourteen officers, and six hundred and seventy-seven men. - -During this year the regiment remained cantoned at Ghazeepore, -under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Bolton; and was constantly -on the alert in expectation to march towards Nepaul to repel the -incursions of the Nepaulese. - -On the 3rd of April, 1839, the regiment was augmented to an -establishment of ten companies, consisting of one colonel, two -lieut.-colonels, two majors, ten captains, thirty subalterns, six -staff, fifty-seven serjeants, nineteen drummers, and nine hundred -and seventy-six rank and file. - -On the 13th of May, 1839, the regiment was inspected by -Major-General Cocks, of the Honorable East India Company’s Service, -who expressed, in high terms, his approbation of its appearance. - -Ghazeepore was found very unhealthy during the rains, and the -regiment suffered severely, both in officers and men, from fever -and dysentery. - -[Sidenote: 1840] - -The regiment remained at Ghazeepore until the 12th of October, -1840, when orders were received to march to Agra, to relieve the -ninth foot. It arrived at Agra on the 30th of November, and its -effectives amounted to forty-one serjeants, and seven hundred rank -and file. - -At Agra the regiment was more healthy than at the two former -stations, and its strength was increased during the year by a large -detachment of recruits from England. - -[Sidenote: 1841] - -In March, 1841, a large party of recruits joined the regiment under -the command of Major Skinner, through whose able management they -arrived in the highest possible order. - -Owing to the indefatigable exertions of Lieut.-Colonel Bolton, the -commanding officer, little time elapsed before the regiment formed -a highly disciplined and most efficient battalion of 992 bayonets. - -At this period the government of Shah Shoojah became so unpopular, -that the Affghans appeared determined to effect the expulsion of -the British, by whose aid he had been reinstated in the sovereignty -of Cabool in 1839, and whose presence was rendered necessary to -support his authority. - -Towards the close of the year 1841, the Affghans broke out into -open insurrection; the British Envoy, Sir William McNaghten, and -Sir Alexander Burnes were treacherously murdered; and the British -troops, including the forty-fourth regiment, which occupied Cabool, -being compelled to evacuate and retreat towards Jellalabad, were -cut to pieces on the march. - -_Jellalabad_ was soon beleaguered by the Affghans, and every -exertion was made to send succour from India to its little -garrison, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Sir Robert Sale, of the -thirteenth light infantry, who was serving with the rank of -Major-General in Affghanistan. Upon the breaking out of the -insurrection, the Major-General had been detached from Cabool -with a force, in order to reduce the insurgents, and, after much -hard fighting in the passes, had taken possession of Jellalabad, -the successful defence of which, by his small garrison, forms so -interesting a feature in the Affghan campaign. - -[Sidenote: 1842] - -The regiment was ordered to join a force collected at Peshawur, -in the north of the Punjaub, under Major-General Pollock; and on -the 15th of January, 1842, it marched from Agra, mustering 996 -bayonets, in the highest state of discipline and efficiency. - -On the 10th of March the Sutlej was crossed by means of a bridge -of boats (which had been constructed for the accommodation of the -British troops by the Sikh government) by the force under the -command of Lieut.-Colonel Bolton, of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. -The force, which consisted of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, the -sixth native infantry, some troops of Tait’s irregular horse, and -Delafosse’s troop of horse artillery, arrived at Peshawur on the -21st of April, and was most hospitably entertained by General -Avitabile,[26] by order of the Maharajah Shere Singh. - -Before the corps could join the army, Major-General Pollock forced -the Khyber Pass, and marched on to Jellalabad, at which place he -arrived on the 16th of April; the Affghans had, on the 7th of -April, been attacked, and defeated, by Major-General Sir Robert -Sale; Mahomed Akbar Khan was consequently obliged to abandon the -siege of Jellalabad, which he had blockaded since February, 1842. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment, which had followed Major-General Pollock -by forced marches, joined at Jellalabad on the 5th of May,--after -making a halt for about five days at Peshawur,--having undergone -much privation on the way by the desertion of the camel-drivers: -several deaths occurred from famine and fatigue. - -The army was halted in wretched tents at Jellalabad, the climate -of which is known to be so unhealthy during the summer as to cause -it to be used by the natives as a winter residence only. Soon the -effects of this displayed itself; the days became so oppressive -that both officers and men were obliged to dig deep holes -underground in which to shield themselves, in some slight measure, -from the burning heat of the sun. The thermometer rose as high as -126° in the tents, and man and beast fell stricken by the extreme -heat. - -Neither was it in men alone that the army was daily losing its -efficiency. From the valley of Jellalabad having been so long the -seat of war, the fertile land had become a desert,--the wretched -half-starved camels could find no forage on the bare face of the -sand, and they died by hundreds; their dead bodies lying about in -all directions, swollen with the sun, and emitting the most horrid -exhalations, together with the filth and dirt of a standing camp of -50,000 men, added to the disease which raged among the troops. The -army suffered a loss which the most sanguinary encounter with the -enemy could not have exceeded. - -At last, it was found necessary to divide the force, and the fourth -brigade, in which was the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, was ordered to -march under Brigadier Monteath to Peshbolak, in the Shinwaree -country, to punish some refractory tribes, which had behaved with -great treachery to a party of Jezailchees, who had been at the -former place, and to bring to submission the unruly Shinwarees, -who had attacked several convoys, and been guilty of many acts of -murder and plunder. - -For the first month the regiment met with little opposition, and -the camel-thorn, a wild bush, on the leaves of which camels feed, -being found in great quantities, and large supplies of grain being -taken, the condition of the camels, horses, and other baggage -animals was much improved; the half-starved emaciated animals, -which had marched from Jellalabad, quickly recovered their wonted -vigour and efficiency. The warlike and turbulent Shinwaree tribes -retired before Brigadier Monteath’s brigade, until they sheltered -themselves in their strongholds, which were formed in a narrow -valley, strengthened by many forts and stockaded enclosures, while -the heights on either side were defended by numerous _sunghas_, or -breastworks of large stones, which were so constructed as to enable -them to dispute every inch of ground with an advancing force. - -The brigade having arrived, and encamped about two miles from this -formidable position, a reconnoitring party was sent out, under the -command of Captain Willes, of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, to examine -the strength of the enemy’s preparations, and determine his exact -position. It was composed of two companies of the thirty-third -Native Infantry, with a few Jezailchees, or Native Light Infantry, -so named from the Jezail, or short rifle, with which they are -armed. This party, having proceeded some four or five miles from -the camp, was furiously attacked by a large force of Shinwarees, -and suffered severely from their fire, which was very effective -from the position they had taken up, and from which it required -a very considerable force to drive them: nevertheless the object -sought was fully obtained; the enemy’s position was correctly -ascertained, together with every requisite information for the -attack in force, after which the reconnoitring party returned to -the camp, sustaining a smart action the whole way back. - -On the 26th of July Brigadier Monteath prepared to attack the -enemy near _Mazeena_ with his whole force; and accordingly, -leaving the camp standing under an efficient guard, he moved -towards the position occupied by the Affghans, who were prepared, -and nothing loth to meet him. Little time elapsed before the -engagement was commenced by the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, seconded by -the thirty-third and fifty-third Native Infantry, ascending the -heights, and driving the Shinwarees from their breastworks, and -along the ridges of the hills, while the tenth Light Cavalry, in -the valley below, charged them whenever they showed front on level -ground. The camp followers and pioneers had been furnished with -combustibles to burn the forts, as the Shinwarees were driven out -of them, which service was very efficiently performed. Meanwhile, -on the heights, the enemy disputed every foot of ground until -taken at the point of the bayonet, and Lieut. M‘Ilween, of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment, was killed while gallantly leading an attack -of this kind against a vastly superior force. - -The Affghans being driven from their defences, the artillery, under -the command of Captain Abbott, played upon them with great effect; -and after contesting the day until every fort and place of defence -had been taken and destroyed, they fled, dispersing themselves -among the neighbouring hills, where it was impossible to pursue -them. Their loss was very great, including most of their leaders. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment had Lieut. Dalway M‘Ilveen _killed_, and -seven rank and file _wounded_; several men of the regiment died -suddenly from apoplexy, caused by the heat of the sun and want of -water. Thus ended the action of Mazeena, in which the behaviour of -the THIRTY-FIRST regiment elicited the highest commendation from -Brigadier Monteath, who stated, in his despatch of the 27th of -July, that - - “at one time the interiors of five-and-thirty forts were in a - blaze along the valley, the enemy contemplating the scene from - the heights in the vicinity of Secunder Khan’s fort, where they - had taken up positions, and from whence they were driven in - gallant style by the advance, consisting of the light and two - battalion companies of Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST regiment, the - light companies of the thirty-third and fifty-third regiments - of Native Infantry, and the corps of Jezailchees under _Major - Skinner_, of Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST regiment. - - “It gives me great pleasure to record the zealous conduct of - the troops generally, and the cheerful and praiseworthy manner - in which the soldiers of Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST regiment - laboured to drag the guns up such places as the horses, - notwithstanding their unequalled qualities, were incapable of - doing. - - “My thanks are very justly due to _Lieut.-Colonel Bolton_, of Her - Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST regiment, for the able manner in which he - conducted the duties of covering the retirement of the force; and - particularly so to _Major Skinner_ for the zealous and gallant - manner in which he led the advance against the enemy.” - -The Brigadier also acknowledged the services of other officers -belonging to the force under his command, in which number was -included Lieutenant and Adjutant Lugard, of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, who acted as Major of Brigade. - -The brigade of Brigadier-General Monteath, having thus performed -most successfully the service for which it had been detached, now -marched to join the main army at Jellalabad, and arriving there -took up its old ground. On the 22nd of August the army marched in -two divisions, and proceeded without opposition, but suffering -intense fatigue from the labour of dragging the artillery and -stores over the almost inaccessible paths, until it arrived at -Soorkhab, distant four marches from Jellalabad. - -On the British leaving Soorkhab, the Affghans showed themselves -in force, and the rear-guard, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel -Bolton, was so hard-pressed by thousands of the irregular troops -of the enemy, that Brigadier Monteath thought it necessary to halt -the brigade at the entrance of the Jugdulluck pass, to enable it to -form a junction with the main column, which it did after suffering -considerable loss. The Ghilzees hotly contested the passage of the -pass, but after a sharp engagement they were driven off with much -slaughter. - -In this action Lieut.-Colonel Bolton had his horse shot under him -in two places, and Lieutenant Shaw, of the regiment, was wounded. - -The next day (9th September) the Affghans were so much dispirited -by their defeat, that the division marched to Jugdulluck without -further opposition than a little skirmishing with the rear-guard, -and Lieutenant Brooke, of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, was wounded. - -On the 10th of September, it having been ascertained that Akbar -Khan with 20,000 men had established himself in the Khoord Cabool -pass, in order to cover the capital and fight a pitched battle with -the British, the second division was ordered to join the first by a -forced march to Tezeen, where Major-General Pollock was encamped. -This junction was effected on the 11th of September, with little -loss, although a running fight was kept up the greater part of the -way. In fact, the advance to Cabool was a succession of skirmishes, -oftentimes by night as well as by day. - -The camp was attacked on the night of the 12th of September, but -the enemy made no impression, and little loss occurred, although -all the piquets of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment were engaged until -daybreak. - -Shortly after daybreak on the 13th of September the army moved off -its ground towards the _Tezeen Pass_, the advanced guard, commanded -by Sir Robert Sale, being composed of three companies of the ninth -regiment, three companies of the thirteenth or Prince Albert’s -Light Infantry, together with two companies of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, under Captain Baldwin and Lieutenant Greenwood. - -After moving carefully along the pass for about two miles, the -Affghans were discovered, in great force, occupying strong -positions on the heights on either side, while their artillery -and cavalry were formed some distance farther on in the pass -itself. The action commenced by a heavy fire from the enemy on the -advanced guard of the British; and the distance being too great for -musketry, from the effect of which also the Affghans were covered -by extensive _sunghas_, or intrenchments formed of large blocks -of stone, for the whole length of their position, it was judged -necessary for the troops to ascend the heights, and drive them from -their posts at the point of the bayonet. - -This service was most brilliantly performed on the left heights -by the ninth and THIRTY-FIRST regiments, and on the right by the -thirteenth light infantry. - -The companies ascended the face of the mountain under a most -galling fire, from the effects of which many casualties occurred, -and not returning a shot until the ledge was gained: a combined -volley within ten yards of the enemy, followed by an immediate -charge of bayonets, drove him from his defences with great -slaughter, and the heights were gained. For this service Captain -Baldwin received the brevet rank of Major. - -The Affghans’ advanced posts being driven in and pursued as far -as the broken and difficult nature of the country would admit, -they retired upon their supports, which were, with great judgment, -defended by endless _sunghas_, erected in every position from which -a fire could be brought on advancing troops. - -The British, having gained the heights, and being reinforced by -fresh troops, pushed on, and, storming one intrenchment after -another, threw the Affghans into great confusion. The artillery, -having been brought up, played upon them with terrific effect, -while the British cavalry, having charged and overthrown their -horse, posted in the pass, and taken their guns, together with the -state tent of Akbar Khan, the fortune of the day at this early -period evidently smiled on the British arms; but the warlike -mountaineers, who composed the Affghan army, fought with desperate -valour to retrieve the day. Attack after attack was made upon the -troops occupying the posts from which the enemy had first been -driven. Reckless of life, the stern fanatics came on to be shot -down from the defences which they had themselves thrown up. In a -series of desultory attacks the day declined, and the British, -having obtained possession of every height commanding the pass, -the remains of the Affghan army made a _détour_ among the hills, -falling with great fury upon the British rear-guard, commanded by -Colonel Richmond, of the thirty-third regiment of Native Infantry. -Here they were so warmly received that their discomfiture was -completed, and the day was won. The victorious British encamped -for the night in the valley of Khoord (Little) Cabool, a village -distant about sixteen miles from Cabool. - -In this action Lieutenant Pollard received a severe contusion from -a large block of stone while attempting to take a standard. Major -Skinner, of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, highly distinguished himself -with the force which was detached under his command, and which -proceeded, in the afternoon of the 12th of September, across the -hills towards the valley of Khoord Cabool by a route different from -that of the main army. On the march, Major Skinner came suddenly in -presence of a greatly superior number of Affghans. Notwithstanding -that the country was difficult and imperfectly known, by a series -of skilful manœuvres he extricated his troops from the perilous -situation in which they were placed, and defeated the Affghans, who -exceeded five times his force, with great slaughter, on the 13th of -September. - -So complete was the defeat of the Affghan army on the 13th of -September, that Akbar Khan escaped from the field accompanied only -by a solitary horseman. - -The enemy acknowledged to have lost fifty-three chiefs and persons -of consequence, and 700 men. The casualties on the part of the -British amounted to 185. - -Major-General Pollock, in his despatch dated 14th of September, -again acknowledged the services of Lieut.-Colonel Bolton and Major -Skinner, of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. - -No impediments now existed to the advance of the British on the -city of Cabool. On the 15th of September the army arrived at -Cabool, and encamped on the race-course. On the following day the -place was occupied and the standard of England hoisted on the -highest pinnacle of the battlements of the Bala Hissar (Upper -Fort), on which occasion the flank companies of the THIRTY-FIRST -formed part of the guard which garrisoned the citadel. The British -colours were hoisted daily as long as the army remained at Cabool. - -All the objects of the campaign having been gained, and the rescue -of the prisoners effected,--among whom were several officers -and ladies (Lady Sale, the partner of the gallant defender of -Jellalabad being among the number), also three serjeants, three -drummers, and thirty rank and file of Her Majesty’s forty-fourth -regiment,--the Anglo-Indian army commenced its march towards -Hindoostan on the 12th of October, after having destroyed the grand -bazaar of Cabool, named the Chahar Chuttah, where the remains -of the British Envoy had been exposed to public insult by the -infuriated Affghans. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment was again constantly engaged in -desultory skirmishes with the Ghilzees and Afreedee tribes which -infested the passes. - -At the _Jugdulluck Pass_ the Affghans again made head, and a severe -action occurred on the 18th of October, in which the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment sustained some loss, but the Ghilzees were put to flight -with great slaughter. Lieutenant Thomas Pender, of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, received a severe wound near Seh Baba, from the effects -of which he died on the 18th of November. - -Major-General McCaskill, in his despatch dated 20th of October, -1842, recording the attacks on his division by the predatory tribes -of the mountains between Tezeen and Gundamuck, stated that, - - “Throughout these affairs the conduct of the troops employed, - including the second and sixteenth Native infantry, temporarily - attached to me, has deserved my highest approbation, and I feel - it to be my duty to record, that in the advance to Cabool, and - in retiring from it, the bravery of that portion of the fourth - brigade which took part in the active operations, namely, Her - Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST regiment, and a wing of the thirty-third - Native infantry,--the remaining wing and the sixth Native - infantry having been detained to garrison Jellalabad and - Gundamuck,--as well as their endurance of privations and fatigue, - have been beyond all praise. No troops could, in every respect, - have behaved better; and I feel myself to be deeply indebted to - Brigadier Monteath, C.B., and to Lieut.-Colonel Bolton, of Her - Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST, and to Lieut.-Colonel Richmond, of the - thirty-third Native infantry, for the able and gallant manner in - which they have been led.” - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment arrived at Jellalabad on the 23rd of -October, and, after destroying the fortifications, proceeded thence -on the 27th to Peshawur, where it arrived in the beginning of -November. - -The campaign having now been brought to a close, the THIRTY-FIRST -reached Ferozepore on the 19th of December, having been in the -field for eleven months during this arduous campaign. - -On arrival at Ferozepore the THIRTY-FIRST regiment joined the “Army -of Reserve,” which had been assembled on the frontier, and where -the Governor-General, Lord Ellenborough, and General Sir Jasper -Nicolls, the commander-in-chief in India, had proceeded to receive -the army of Affghanistan. - -For his services connected with the command of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, Lieut.-Colonel Bolton was made a Companion of the Bath, -and appointed aide-de-camp to the Queen, with the rank of colonel. - -In testimony of the services of the THIRTY-FIRST during the -campaign in Affghanistan, Her Majesty was graciously pleased to -authorize the regiment to bear the word “CABOOL, 1842,” on the -regimental colour and appointments. - -[Sidenote: 1843] - -On the breaking up of the army at Ferozepore, the THIRTY-FIRST, -commanded by Colonel Bolton, was ordered to Umballa, a place -about 170 miles to the south, and which had never been previously -occupied by troops. Here the regiment arrived on the 27th of -January, 1843, and, cantonments having been marked out, barracks -were commenced for the men, and ground allotted for the erection of -bungalows for the officers. - -On the 5th of May the THIRTY-FIRST sustained a severe loss by the -death of Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Skinner, a zealous and -talented officer, whose services are frequently alluded to in the -historical record of the regiment.[27] - -In May, 1843, the regiment was ordered to Khytul, and formed part -of a force under Major-General Fast, which was sent to reduce the -city and state of Khytul to British subjection. The force arrived -at Khytul after about a week’s march, and the enemy, after a slight -show of resistance, evacuated the city, which was occupied by the -British troops. All the objects of the expedition having been -fulfilled, the regiment returned to its cantonments at Umballa. -All, however, remained under canvas, exposed to most intense heat, -until July, 1843, when the men were housed, and a few of the -officers got shelter. In October, 1843, an outbreak occurred at -Lahore, and the Maharajah, Shere Singh, was shot at a review by his -brother-in-law, Ajeet Singh; after this event the youthful Dhuleep -Singh, a reputed son of the late Runjeet Singh, was placed on the -throne. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment was in consequence ordered to the -frontier, and marched for Ferozepore on the 16th of November, where -it arrived on the 1st of December, 1843, and remained as a corps of -observation. - -[Sidenote: 1844] - -The THIRTY-FIRST, commanded by Colonel Bolton, C.B., continued at -Ferozepore, where the regiment was joined by ninety-three recruits -from England. On the 16th of January, 1844, the regiment was -inspected, and elicited great praise from Major-General Hunter -of the Company’s Service, and again on the 16th of February, by -Major-General Sir Robert Dick, K.C.B., who expressed great praise -as well of the soldierlike and gallant bearing as of the high state -of discipline of the regiment. - -The weather becoming extremely hot, the regiment marched from -Ferozepore on the 19th of April, 1844, _en route_ to Umballa, where -it arrived on the 2nd of May. - -On the 30th of December, 1844, his Excellency General Sir -Hugh Gough, Bart., Commander-in-Chief in India, inspected the -THIRTY-FIRST, in review order, on which occasion he expressed -himself highly satisfied with the soldierlike appearance of the -regiment. - -[Sidenote: 1845] - -On the 12th of March, 1845, a detachment of recruits and -volunteers, consisting of one major, one captain, three -lieutenants, two ensigns, one assistant-surgeon, with four hundred -and seventy-one rank and file, joined the regiment from the lower -provinces, under the command of Major Spence. - -Many men continued to die from the effects of the Cabool campaign, -but the station in itself proved healthy until July, when it was -visited by cholera in a most fearful manner. On the 26th of July -the regiment was ordered into camp, about two miles from the -barracks, at a few hours’ notice, with orders for one officer per -company, as well as the medical officers, constantly to remain in -camp under Major Spence, where they continued until the 5th of -August. In one month the regiment lost by cholera eighty-nine men, -women, and children. - -After the death of Maha Shere Singh, the Punjaub was in a state of -anarchy; the juvenile sovereign, Dhuleep Singh, under the tutelage -of his mother and uncle, was unable to control the turbulent Sikh -chieftains, and open hostility soon manifested itself against the -British Government in India. - -In the beginning of December, 1845, the inclination of the Sikh -Sirdars to invade the British territories appeared to increase, -and about the 11th of that month, with a large army and a -well-appointed artillery, they actually crossed the Sutlej, the -boundary river which separates the Punjaub from the British -dominions.[28] - -The Commander-in-Chief in India, General Sir Hugh Gough, sent -immediate orders for the Umballa division of the army, which had -lately been considerably increased in strength, to be pushed on -towards the invaded frontier. - -Previous to its march, this force had been formed into divisions -and brigades. The first brigade of the first division was composed -of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, and two regiments of Native infantry, -viz., the twenty-fourth and forty-seventh regiments. The first -division was commanded by Major-General Sir Henry Smith; Colonel -Bolton, C.B., of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, was appointed Brigadier -to command the first brigade. Lieut.-Colonel Byrne, the next senior -officer, assumed the command of the regiment. Captain Garvock was -appointed Brigade-Major to the first brigade, and Captain Lugard, -Assistant-Adjutant-General to the first division. - -It being of the utmost importance to aid the division of the army -in the defence of Ferozepore, a fort on the left bank of the -Sutlej, where the British Government had large magazines containing -munitions of war, a park of artillery, military stores, and -equipments for the field army, which protected the frontier, it -was necessary to push on the Umballa division, with all possible -speed, by rapid and forced marches, towards the point near which -the Sikhs, after having crossed the Sutlej, were assembled in -large force, emboldened by numbers, and their army composed of -well-disciplined troops, with a numerous and well-appointed -artillery. This army had been instructed and trained in European -tactics and discipline by French and Italian officers; it was -confident in its own strength and in the powerful aid of its -formidable artillery. - -It was evidently the object of the enemy to prevent the junction -of the Umballa division with the Ferozepore field force, to cut -off the latter division, and to capture the fort and magazines of -Ferozepore, before the Umballa division could arrive at the scene -of action. The enemy hoped also to have a rich booty in the plunder -of the large town of Ferozepore. The Sikhs knew and calculated the -distance the Umballa troops had to march before they could reach -the vicinity of Ferozepore, one hundred and fifty miles, and the -nature of the country through which they had to march; but they did -not calculate on the energy, patient endurance of hardships, and -privation, which the British soldier would cheerfully undergo, when -he knew, that his brave and heroic Commander-in-Chief was leading -him in person against the foe, who had dared to invade the British -possessions. - -On the 10th of December the THIRTY-FIRST received the order to -march, and the morning of the 12th saw the regiment leave Umballa, -mustering 30 officers and 844 men. - -After long and harassing marches of twenty-five to thirty miles a -day, the severe nature of which it is impossible to describe, the -regiment arrived at the village of _Moodkee_ about two o’clock in -the afternoon of the 18th of December, having on that day performed -a march of not less than twenty-five miles: some idea may be -formed of the sufferings which the men endured from fatigue on -this eventful day, when it is known that at the last halt, about -two miles from Moodkee, scarcely _fifty_ men were left with the -colours; and for miles to the rear they might be seen staggering -forward through the soft sand in an exhausted state from want of -water and rest. - -The soldiers were in the act of pitching their tents, and had -eaten nothing, when the alarm was given that the enemy was -close upon them in force. The THIRTY-FIRST rushed to arms, and -forming the right of the first brigade of the first division, -under Major-General Sir Henry Smith, formed in quarter-distance -column, left in front, advanced two or three miles, deployed on -the grenadier company, and so continued the line formed by the -regiments on their right. - -The THIRTY-FIRST were now on ploughed land in front of a thick -jungle of thorny bushes, and moving forward under a heavy fire of -round and grape-shot, entered the jungle, through which it was -impossible to move in anything like a correct line, and beyond -which the Sikhs were formed. It was here that the gallant Colonel -Bolton received his death-wound;--his last emphatic words to the -men were, “_Steady_, THIRTY-FIRST, _and fire low_,”--when man -and horse came down together; but he did not allow himself to be -removed from the field until the action was over. The regiment now -found itself in front of a battery of fourteen or fifteen guns. -By this time the men were falling quickly under severe discharges -of grape from the guns, a few yards only distant, which were -also protected by a battalion of infantry, from which withering -volleys were sent into the ranks of the THIRTY-FIRST, who, however, -returned it with interest, and the intrepid valour of the men bore -down all opposition. One continued fire from the regiment laid low -nearly the whole of the enemy’s artillery-men opposed to its part -of the line, while the bayonet disposed of such of the remainder -of the foe as had not time to save themselves by flight. The -opposition of the Sikhs was desperate; but nothing could resist the -bravery of the British troops, who drove them from one position -after another with great slaughter: all their advanced guns -remained in the hands of the British. - -It was not till an hour and a half after sunset that this hand to -hand conflict was over, when the rolling of musketry gradually died -away, and the British found themselves undisputed masters of the -field. Soon after the commencement of the action, Lieut.-Colonel -Byrne being severely wounded, the command of the regiment devolved -upon Major Spence, the senior major. - -The regiment, being much broken and scattered over the field in -pursuit of the enemy, was re-formed in quarter-distance column, and -marched back to within about a mile of Moodkee, where it bivouacked -on the sand until daylight, and then returned to camp. - -In this short but hard-fought action the regiment suffered -severely. Of 30 officers and 814 men, who went into action, 9 -officers and 155 rank and file were killed or wounded. - -The following officers were killed or wounded in the action at -Moodkee:-- - - Colonel Bolton C.B., } Mortally wounded. - commanding first brigade } - Lieut.-Colonel Byrne Severely ” - Captain Willes Mortally ” - ” Bulkeley Dangerously ” - ” Young Dangerously ” - ” Lugard Slightly ” - Lieut. Pollard Slightly ” - ” H. W. Hart Killed. - ” Brenchley Mortally ”[29] - Assistant-Surgeon Gahan, } Mortally ” - 9th foot, doing duty } - -In this action Lieutenant Bolton, of the twenty-first Fusiliers, -acted as aide-de-camp to his father Brigadier Bolton. - -The army was commanded in the action by General Sir Hugh Gough, the -Commander-in-Chief, aided by the counsel and military experience of -the Governor-General, Sir Henry Hardinge. The following extract is -taken from the despatch of the Commander-in-Chief, dated 19th of -December, 1845:-- - - “The opposition of the enemy was such as might have been expected - from troops who had everything at stake, and who had long vaunted - of being irresistible. Their ample and extended line, from their - great superiority of numbers, far out-flanked ours; but this was - counteracted by the flank movements of our cavalry. The attack - of the infantry now commenced; and the roll of fire from this - powerful arm soon convinced the Sikh army that they had met with - a foe they little expected; and their whole force was driven from - position after position with great slaughter, and the loss of - seventeen pieces of artillery, some of them of heavy calibre; our - infantry using that never-failing weapon, the bayonet, whenever - the enemy stood. Night only saved them from worse disaster, for - this stout conflict was maintained during an hour and a half of - dim starlight, amidst a cloud of dust from the sandy plain, which - yet more obscured every object. - - “I regret to say, this gallant and successful attack was - attended with considerable loss. The force bivouacked upon the - field for some hours, and only returned to its encampment after - ascertaining that it had no enemy before it, and that night - prevented the possibility of a regular advance in pursuit. * * * - - “I have every reason to be proud of, and gratified with, the - exertions of the whole of the officers and troops of this army on - this arduous occasion.” - -It appears from the list of killed and wounded, that the first or -Major-General Sir Henry Smith’s division bore the brunt of the -action at Moodkee, as the casualties in that division out-numbered -those of the other two infantry divisions united, as will be seen -by the following published list:-- - - -FIRST DIVISION OF INFANTRY. - - Officers. Native Officers. Serjeants. Rank & File. - Killed 4 1 4 69 - Wounded 18 2 20 299 - -- -- -- --- - Total 22 3 24 368 - - -SECOND DIVISION OF INFANTRY. - - Killed .. 1 .. 17 - Wounded 4 5 10 81 - -- -- -- -- - Total 4 6 10 98 - - -THIRD DIVISION OF INFANTRY. - - Killed 1 .. 1 6 - Wounded 1 .. 4 73 - -- -- -- -- - Total 2 .. 5 79 - -The army of the Sikhs amounted, it is said, to upwards of 32,000 -men of all arms. The British force did not amount to more than -one-third of that number. - -Thus terminated the battle of _Moodkee_, the first action in which -the Sikhs measured their strength with British troops in the field. - -The following extracts are taken from an account of the battle of -Moodkee:-- - - “Between the 11th and 18th the army had marched over a distance - of 160 miles, along roads of heavy sand; the incessant toil - scarcely leaving them leisure to cook their food. Hardly an hour - of repose was allowed them when they were summoned to renewed - exertion. On the 18th the army took up their encamping ground - in front of Moodkee. Our troops had scarcely time to prepare - their food, when intelligence was brought that the enemy, 30,000 - strong, was close at hand. It was about three o’clock P.M.; the - men were tired with incessant work, suffering from scarcity - of water, and exhausted for want of nourishment and rest. The - instant the order was given, however, they turned out with the - utmost alacrity, as if fresh from their lines.” - -After describing the preliminary movements of the cavalry and -artillery, the narrator proceeds:-- - - “The afternoon was by this time far spent, and the evening - at hand. The infantry, under Generals Smith, Gilbert, and - McCaskill, pushed on in echellon right for the enemy’s line, - now nearly invisible from the wood and approaching darkness. We - were out-flanked and fearfully out-numbered. The struggle was - tremendous. The Sikhs fought with the fury of desperate men. - Nothing could resist the dauntless courage of our troops, and - fearful was the storm of musketry poured forth by them as they - rushed. The bayonet,--the never-failing resource of British - soldiers,--completed the confusion and havoc the musketry had - begun. Every position was forced; the enemy driven from the - ground they had so well selected, and for a time so obstinately - maintained; and night found eighteen pieces of artillery in our - possession. Darkness only saved them from extreme disaster; - and so fierce and unrelenting had been the fray, that it was - maintained through an hour of dim starlight, while the dust of - the sandy plain added to the obscurity of the advancing night. - Pursuit was impossible, and the troops bivouacked on the field.” - -The following officers were present with the regiment at the battle -of Moodkee on the 18th of December:-- - - Colonel S. Bolton, C.B. (_Commanding the first brigade_). - Lt.-Col. John Byrne (_commanding the regiment_). - - Major James Spence. - ” G. Baldwin. - - Capt. W. G. Willes. - ” T. Bulkeley. - ” G. D. Young. - ” G. F. White (_Acting Paymaster_). - ” J. Garvock. - ” D. F. Longworth. - ” E. Lugard. - - Lieut. T. H. Plasket. - ” W. F. Atty. - ” J. L. R. Pollard. - ” H. W. Hart. - ” Robert Law. - ” J. P. Robertson. - ” Graham Elmslie. - ” Poole Gabbett. - ” S. J. Timbrell. - ” John Brenchley. - ” A. Pilkington. - ” E. A. Noel. - - Ensign James Paul. - ” H. P. Hutton. - ” C. H. G. Tritton. - - Adjt. William Bernard. - Q. M. Samuel Benison. - A. Surg. G. W. Macready. - ” David Stewart. - Lieut. A. S. Bolton (_H. M. 21st Fusiliers, doing duty_). - Surg. R. B. Gahan (_H. M. 9th Foot, in medical charge_). - -It being expected that the Sikhs, notwithstanding their defeat on -the previous evening, would make a second attack, the troops were -ordered under arms early on the following morning, the 19th, and -remained so till evening, when, no enemy appearing, they returned -to their tents. - -It having been subsequently ascertained, by scouts, that the enemy -was strongly entrenched in great numbers round the village of -Ferozeshah, the Commander-in-Chief determined to effect a junction -with the troops at Ferozepore, and with the combined force to drive -the Sikhs from their position. Accordingly at daylight on the 21st -of December the army was formed in separate columns of attack, and -marched in order of battle in the supposed direction of the enemy. -Having proceeded about five miles, it was ascertained that the -Sikhs had retired to their entrenched camp at _Ferozeshah_, about -twelve miles from Moodkee. - -The troops then fell into columns of route, and after a very -fatiguing and circuitous march, rendered more so from no water -being procurable on the road, they arrived about three o’clock P.M. -in the neighbourhood of the enemy’s position, having, on the march, -effected the desired junction with the division under Major-General -Sir John Littler, consisting of five thousand men and twenty-one -guns, which had moved from Ferozepore on the morning of the 21st of -December: about a quarter of an hour was allowed for rest, and the -plan of battle was then immediately arranged. The first division -formed the reserve, and was drawn up in line, the THIRTY-FIRST -being about the centre: here they remained about twenty minutes, -during which time the round shot were passing through the ranks, -killing and wounding several men. - -The order was now given to advance to the support of the troops, -who were hotly engaged and hard-pressed; the reserve moved -forward in excellent order, though darkness was coming on, and -very shortly became engaged and exposed to a heavy fire. The two -lines were shortly reduced to one, the shattered remains of the -reserve scarcely filling up the gaps formed in the first line by -the deadly fire of the enemy, who nobly fought, and fell every -man in his place; thus those _two_ lines, which had so shortly -before presented the regularity of a field-day, were now but _one_, -standing surrounded by their dead and dying comrades, and the brave -fellows of other European regiments could scarcely understand how -they came to be fighting in the ranks of the THIRTY-FIRST. After -a long and desperate contest, the Sikhs were driven from their -guns, but not without severe loss on the part of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, both in officers and men. Lieut. and Adjutant Bernard -was killed on the spot, and Major Baldwin and Lieut. Pollard were -mortally wounded; Lieut. Pilkington was struck by two shots, one -passing through each ankle; and the horse of Major Spence was -shot under him. On the death of Lieutenant and Adjutant Bernard, -Lieutenant Robertson was appointed Adjutant, which appointment -he held until the nomination of Lieutenant Bolton was received -from the Horse Guards, he having been applied for by his father, -Colonel Bolton, previously to the campaign. The camp of the Sikhs -being now on fire in several places, mines and magazines exploding -with terrific violence at short intervals, the enemy’s fire being -silenced,--and their guns standing undefended,--the order was given -to fall back a short distance and re-form, which was accordingly -done; the troops bivouacked during the night in front of the Sikh -camp, within reach of shot from their guns, which, having been left -unspiked, were quickly reopened upon the exhausted troops, whose -sufferings on that fearful night, from thirst and intense cold, -will never be forgotten by those who endured them. - -Towards morning the troops were formed in one line facing the -enemy; the THIRTY-FIRST happened to be on the right of the whole. -At the break of day, the British artillery opened on the enemy, who -returned their fire, and after a short cannonading the infantry -advanced to the attack: the THIRTY-FIRST moved steadily towards a -battery of seven guns on the enemy’s extreme left, which kept up a -continued fire of grape; it was, however, carried by the bayonet -without a single check, and almost without a shot being fired by -the assailants, though the loss of the THIRTY-FIRST was severe. -Having killed all the enemy’s artillery-men who remained at their -guns, the regiment, led by its brave commander, Major Spence, -passed through the battery, and advanced steadily in an excellent -line for about 300 yards, when it halted. The Governor-General and -the Commander-in-Chief passed down the ranks amidst the cheers of -the men; the line saluted them, dropping the regimental colours; -and private William Ash, a grenadier, stood in front of his company -displaying a colour taken from the enemy in the battery before -mentioned. - -[Illustration: THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT - -_From a sketch by Major G. F. White, 31^{st} Regiment_ - -BATTLE OF FEROZESHAH. (2^{ND} DAY) 22^{ND} DECEMBER, 1845. - -_Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S^t Strand._ - -_For Cannon’s Military Records_] - -The defeat of the enemy now appearing to be complete, the soldiers -were allowed to go in search of water, the want of which was -severely felt. In the course of half an hour the alarm was suddenly -given, that the Sikhs were coming down in force; the troops were -quickly placed in position, though there could be no regularity -as regarded brigades, and on the near approach of the enemy’s -horse, the THIRTY-FIRST formed square, the Governor-General and -his Staff placing themselves in the centre: a terrific fire was -now opened upon the devoted troops (whose artillery ammunition -was expended) from the guns of Tej-Singh’s army advancing to the -support of the already defeated Sikhs, and the tide of victory -appeared about to turn, when Sir Henry Hardinge, glancing at the -small but undismayed band around him, exclaimed “THIRTY-FIRST, -remember _Albuhera_.” Line was, however, soon after re-formed, no -decided attack being made by the enemy, who nevertheless kept up -a galling and destructive fire from his guns. The THIRTY-FIRST -suffered very considerably without the power of retaliation, but -patiently maintained their position; at one time, when threatened -by cavalry, forming an oblong square of four deep, one side of the -square being composed of the twenty-ninth foot under Brigadier -Taylor of that corps, the twenty-ninth forming four deep to the -front, and the THIRTY-FIRST four deep to the rear, and in this -position they remained for some time, ready to receive cavalry. -The THIRTY-FIRST maintained their position upwards of three hours, -when they were once more enabled to go in search of water by the -sudden and precipitate retreat of the enemy. The water in the wells -was, however, found to be in such a putrid state, as to be nearly -useless, from the bodies of the dead having been thrown into them; -and the ground in the neighbourhood was extremely dangerous, having -been extensively mined. - -The loss of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment at the battle of -_Ferozeshah_, on the 21st and 22nd of December, amounted to two -officers killed and six wounded. - - Serjeants. Rank and File. - Killed, 2 57 - Wounded, 4 92 - -The following officers were killed or wounded on this occasion:-- - - Killed. Wounded. - - Lieut. Pollard. Major Baldwin, mortally. - Lieut. & Adj. Bernard. Lieut. T. Plasket, severely. - ” A. Pilkington, ” - Ensign Paul, slightly. - ” Hutton, ” - -Captain Garvock, Major of Brigade, had his horse shot under him in -the advance to charge the enemy’s batteries. - -On the 21st of December, Lieutenant Bolton was appointed to carry -orders from the Governor-General to Major-General Sir Henry -Smith, and was transferred from the twenty-first Fusiliers to the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment, to which he was appointed adjutant shortly -afterwards. - -Lieutenant Pollard, a promising officer, was wounded at Moodkee; -but being a high-spirited young man, he would not remain behind, -when his regiment went into action at Ferozeshah, although -suffering from his wound, and advised to remain in his tent by -the medical officers. He went into action on horseback; his wound -being in the foot, he was unable to walk. At the desire of Sir -Henry Smith he was employed as second adjutant to convey the orders -of his commanding officer, Major Spence, who was so hoarse from -a severe cold which he had caught at the battle of Moodkee, that -he could not make himself sufficiently heard by the men; in the -performance of this duty this gallant young officer nobly fell. - - “The field after the retreat of the enemy was literally covered - with dead,--they had abandoned large stores of grain, military - stores, camp-equipage, and ammunition. The loss of the British - army was very heavy; being opposed to a highly disciplined and - organized army more than treble their number, with a field of - artillery of battering calibre, admirably served, which kept - up an incessant and destructive fire on the British troops: - justifying the remark of an officer, who had been in all - Napoleon’s great battles, that he never saw such devastation - committed by artillery at any battle in Europe. What other army - in the world would, under such circumstances, have, within thirty - hours, stormed an entrenched camp, fought a general action, and - sustained two considerable combats with the enemy? Within four - days it dislodged from their positions 60,000 Sikh soldiers - supported by 150 pieces of artillery, 108 of which the enemy - acknowledged to have lost, and 91 of which fell into our hands.” - -Another account of the action states:-- - - “The right wing was commanded by the Commander-in-Chief in - person; the left by the Governor-General. As our troops deployed - into line, and prepared for an advance, a tremendous fire from - upwards of one hundred pieces of artillery, 40 of them of - battering size, was opened by the enemy. The right wing, under - Sir Hugh Gough, threw themselves with matchless gallantry on the - guns, and wrested them from the enemy, when the storm of shot - from the Sikh infantry behind became so fearful, that a portion - only of the intrenchments could be carried, when darkness put an - end to the conflict. - - “Night had now closed in; the carnage had proved tremendous; our - men thinned in numbers, harassed with forced marches, exhausted - with fatigue, with little food and scarcely any water, and - nothing whatever to cover them from the chill and heavy dew as - the evening advanced, bivouacked amidst the dying and the dead, - close under the intrenchments, and within reach of the shot of - the enemy. All night long their artillery played upon us, and - as the waning moon showed them our position, the cannon-shot - ploughed up the ground right through, and amidst the wearied - soldiers. - - “Morning at length approached, and our troops were once more - arrayed for the fight. With daylight came retribution and triumph - to our arms. Our infantry was formed in line, supported on both - flanks by the horse artillery. A masked battery now began to play - on us with fearful effect; the heavy shot of the Sikhs dismounted - our guns; nine of our tumbrils were blown up. A general charge - was now determined on; amidst a terrific storm of shot and shell, - the troops rushed on undismayed; the carnage was fearful: battery - after battery was carried at the bayonet’s point; the camp was - pierced with loaded mines, which exploded with fearful slaughter - as we advanced. The village of _Ferozeshah_ was stormed, and the - enemy driven out of it at every point. When changing its front - to the left, our force continued to sweep the camp, carrying - everything before them. - - “Undisturbed and unbroken by the fearful service in which they - had been engaged, the troops drew up, when the camp was won, - and halted to cheer their generals on the field they had just - conquered, with the regularity of a parade. Seventy-three - guns had now been taken; 20 more quickly fell into our hands. - We had lost 37 European and 17 Native officers, with 630 - non-commissioned officers and rank and file,--nearly 700 in all - killed. Our casualties in killed and wounded amounted to 2415.” - -The Commander-in-Chief in his despatch to the Governor-General, -after the battle of _Ferozeshah_, bears the following testimony -of his approbation of the gallant conduct of the army under his -command on that glorious occasion. At the conclusion of the -despatch General Sir Hugh Gough stated:-- - - “On the conclusion of such a narrative as I have given, it is - surely superfluous in me to say, that I am, and shall be, to the - last moment of my existence, proud of the army which I had the - honor to command on the 21st and 22nd instant. To its gallant - exertions I owe the satisfaction of seeing such a victory - achieved, and the glory of having my own name associated with it.” - -On receipt in London of the despatch of the Governor-General of -India, announcing the victories of _Moodkee_ and _Ferozeshah_, -the thanks of both Houses of Parliament were voted unanimously -to the Governor-General, the Right Honorable Lieutenant-General -Sir Henry Hardinge,--to General Sir Hugh Gough, Bart., the -Commander-in-Chief,--and to the several officers under their -command,--for the eminent services rendered by them in the recent -arduous and successful operations;--also to the non-commissioned -officers and soldiers, European and Native, for the perseverance -and fortitude maintained by them at _Moodkee_ on the 18th of -December, 1845, and for the daring valour with which they forced -the enemy’s intrenchments at _Ferozeshah_ on the 21st and 22nd of -December, captured most of his guns, and finally compelled the -Sikh army, of greatly superior numbers, to retire within their own -frontiers. - -The thanks of the Court of East India Directors were voted to the -army of the Sutlej at the same time. - -The Court of East India Directors confirmed the grant of a medal to -all the officers and soldiers engaged in the battles of _Moodkee_ -and _Ferozeshah_, denoting that they served in this important -campaign. - -On the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of December, the army bivouacked on -the field of battle, having been, since the morning of the 20th, -without tents, or any regular supply of food; and owing to the -extreme heat by day, and intense cold by night, both officers and -men had suffered much. On the 24th the troops changed their ground -about four miles to Sultan Khan Walla, and three days afterwards -the regimental baggage arrived. - -At Sultan Khan Walla they remained seven days; the whole army was -then moved to the banks of the Sutlej, not far from the fort of -Hurreekee, where large camps were formed. For nearly a week after -these terrible encounters, the Sikhs remained on the British side -of the Sutlej, the army being unable to follow up its victory, -as the troops, which were on their march to join, had not yet -arrived; the heavy artillery, which was on the march from Cawnpore, -was still very distant, and until the whole of the army was -concentrated, it would be impossible to attack the enemy, who had -again collected a formidable force of 70,000 men, with 110 pieces -of ordnance, which were encamped on the opposite side of the river, -and ready to oppose the British. - -In the meantime the wounded officers and soldiers had been removed -to the hospital at Ferozepore. - -Lieut.-Colonel Byrne being prevented from resuming the command of -the regiment by the severe wound he received at Moodkee, Major -Spence continued to exercise the command during the arduous -conflict of the 21st and 22nd of December at Ferozeshah, where he -showed an example of bravery to his distinguished regiment. He was -ably supported by every Officer and Man under his command. All -nobly performed their duty on this well-contested field. - -Colonel Bolton, being mortally wounded at Moodkee, died on the -4th January, 1846;[30] and the Commander-in-Chief promoted Major -Spence, the senior major, to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the -regiment. - -Major Baldwin also died of the wounds received at Ferozeshah.[31] -Captains Bulkeley and Young were promoted to the vacant majorities, -a promotion which they justly merited for their gallant conduct at -Moodkee, where both these officers were severely wounded. - -Captain Willes, a meritorious and deserving officer, also died of -the wounds received at Moodkee. The THIRTY-FIRST regiment, now -greatly reduced in numbers from the heavy loss, both of officers -and men, sustained in the late arduous conflicts, still preserved -its spirit and energy, and was ready at a moment’s notice to be -led on to future victories. - -On the 30th of December, the Governor-General published a General -Order, congratulating the Army on the recent victories, from which -the following are extracts: - - “The Governor-General again cordially congratulates His - Excellency Sir Hugh Gough, G.C.B., on the great and important - victories obtained by the army under his command. - - “The Governor-General, in the name of the government and of the - people of India, gratefully acknowledges the noble services - rendered to the public by His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, - by all the General and other Officers, and by the - Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers of the brave Indian army. - - “The Governor-General’s thanks are due to all the infantry - regiments of Her Majesty, and to the first European Light - Infantry of the East India Company’s Service, all of which - regiments distinguished themselves by the most devoted courage - in braving the destructive fire of the enemy’s batteries, and - valiantly capturing their guns.” - - * * * * * - -Thus ended the year 1845. The Sikhs, after having suffered two -severe defeats, were preparing to renew the contest; they had made -large additions to their army, and had again collected a formidable -train of artillery. - -[Sidenote: 1846] - -On the 16th of January, 1846, the first brigade, with a few guns -and some Native cavalry, received sudden orders to march on the -following morning in the direction of Loodiana, under the command -of Major-General Sir Henry Smith; by a forced march on the -17th, the fort of _Dhurrumkote_ was surprised, and the garrison, -consisting of about three hundred men, laid down their arms, and -were sent prisoners to head-quarters. On the 20th of the same -month, this division was reinforced near the fort of Jugraon by the -sixteenth lancers, the fifty-third foot, a detachment of recruits -of the Queen’s regiments, and a troop of horse artillery. - -The Major-General decided on attempting the relief of Loodiana, -which was but slightly garrisoned, and was threatened by a -large body of the enemy. Jugraon is distant from Loodiana about -twenty-five miles, and the road (if road it can be called) is over -a heavy and sandy soil. The troops were formed, and commenced -their march about one o’clock on the morning of the 21st; about -eleven A.M. the enemy was observed to be drawn up, parallel with -the British line of march, in a strong position at _Buddiwal_, his -front covered by a ridge of low sand-hills, bristling with forty -pieces of artillery, which were so placed that it was necessary, -in order to gain Loodiana, either to risk a battle to dislodge him -from a strong position,--which, with troops fatigued by a long -march, under a burning sun, and greatly inferior in numbers, would -have been a hazardous proceeding,--or to march along the entire -front of his position under a galling fire. - -Major-General Sir Henry Smith, having a just confidence in the -steadiness of his troops, chose the latter. The infantry, formed in -open column of companies right in front (the grenadier company of -the THIRTY-FIRST leading), and ready at any moment to form line, -preceded by the artillery, and covered by the cavalry, marched at a -distance of five hundred yards, along the front of this formidable -line, receiving the fire of each battery as it bore upon them. The -regiment formed line on the grenadier company. - -On this occasion, and under the fire of forty guns, the -THIRTY-FIRST received an order from Sir Henry Smith to change front -to the rear on the centre, a movement which was rendered necessary -by the manœuvres of the enemy, who had thrown forward his right in -such a manner as to get into the rear of the British; this movement -could not be attempted without the most perfect steadiness on the -part of the men, and it was performed in such a manner as to call -forth the praises of the Major-General. This was the first time -this manœuvre was ever done under fire of the enemy; after which, -the retirement of corps in line, covered by the sixteenth lancers, -to relieve Loodiana (the object being to relieve that place), was -beautifully executed. - -The Sikh position being passed, and the enemy declining to follow, -by three o’clock in the afternoon the troops arrived at Loodiana, -thus effecting Sir Henry Smith’s object. In this affair the -THIRTY-FIRST lost 21 men killed and wounded; and 19 men, who had, -from the length and severity of the march, been unable to keep up -with the column, were taken prisoners. The greatest part of the -baggage belonging to the division was taken by the enemy. - -On the 22nd and 23rd the troops were permitted to rest themselves -after their late fatigues, and on the 24th the enemy retired to -_Aliwal_, a village on the Sutlej. The British force moved to the -ground lately occupied by them at Buddiwal, where it was reinforced -by the second brigade of Sir Henry Smith’s division, consisting of -Her Majesty’s fiftieth foot, and forty-eighth Native infantry, -from head-quarters, with some cavalry and infantry from Loodiana. - -On the 28th of January at daylight, Major-General Sir Henry Smith -marched with his whole force to attack the enemy under Sirdar -Runjoor Singh and the Rajah of Ladwa in their camps at Aliwal, -but found him, on approaching it, drawn up in line of battle, -with his left resting on the village. From information afterwards -received, it appeared that the Sikhs were about to march upon -Jugraon that very morning, for the purpose of getting between Sir -Henry Smith’s force and the heavy guns coming up from Delhi under -a very slender escort. The march having been previously conducted -in column of brigades at deploying distance, each brigade deployed -on its leading company, and thus formed one long line. The troops -advanced on the enemy, distant about one mile and a half, and -about ten A.M. the action was commenced by a heavy cannonade from -the Sikh artillery, which was principally directed on the British -centre. The village of _Aliwal_ was filled with infantry, supported -by cavalry in the rear, and further defended by two guns on its -left, immediately opposite that part of the line occupied by the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment. The village was carried, and the two guns -were captured. - -The line, being somewhat disordered in carrying the village, was -quickly re-formed, and advanced in excellent order, carrying -everything before it. The attack of the enemy by the left wing -was equally successful. The line advanced, and made a steady and -successful charge; the enemy, being everywhere beaten, gave way, -and fled towards the river in the utmost confusion, leaving his -camp and fifty-two pieces of artillery, as trophies in the hands -of the victors. A standard was captured here by the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment; also a gurry, or gong.[32] - -The advance of the British force in order of battle is thus -described by Major-General Sir Henry Smith in his despatch -containing an account of the action:-- - - “As I neared the enemy, the ground became most favourable for - troops to manœuvre, being open and hard grass-land. I ordered - the cavalry to take ground to the right and left by brigades, - thus displaying the heads of the infantry columns, and as they - reached the high ground, I directed them to deploy into line. - After deployment I observed the enemy’s left to outflank me; I - therefore broke into open columns and took ground to my right; - when I had gained sufficient ground, the troops wheeled into - line: there was no dust; the sun shone brightly. These manœuvres - were performed with the celerity and precision of the most - correct field-day; the glistening of the bayonets and the swords - of this order of battle was most imposing, and the line advanced. - Scarcely had it moved forward 150 paces, when at ten o’clock - the enemy opened a fierce cannonade from his whole line. At - first his balls fell short, but quickly reached us. Thus upon - him, and capable of better ascertaining his position, I was - compelled to halt the line, though under fire, for a few moments, - until I ascertained that by bringing up my right, and carrying - the village of Aliwal, I could with great effect precipitate - myself on his left and centre; I therefore quickly brought up - Brigadier Godby’s brigade, and, with it and the first brigade - under Brigadier Hicks, made a rapid and noble charge, carried - the village and two guns of large calibre. The line I ordered - to advance. Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST regiment and the Native - regiments contending for the front, the battle became general. - * * * The battle was won; our troops advancing with the most - perfect order to the common focus, the passage of the river. - The enemy, completely hemmed in, were flying from our fire, and - precipitating themselves in disordered masses into the ford and - boats, in the utmost confusion and consternation. * * * - - “Thus ended the _Battle of Aliwal_, one of the most glorious - victories ever achieved in India. By the united efforts of Her - Majesty’s and the Honorable Company’s troops, every gun the enemy - had, fell into our hands: fifty-two guns are now in the Ordnance, - two sunk in the bed of the Sutlej, and two spiked on the opposite - bank, making a total of fifty-six pieces of cannon captured or - destroyed! - - “Having thus done justice, and justice alone, to the gallant - troops his Excellency trusted to my command, I would gladly, - if the limits of a despatch permitted me, do that justice to - individuals all deserve. This cannot be; therefore I must confine - myself to mention those officers whose continued services, - experience, and standing placed them in conspicuous commands.” - -After lauding the gallant service performed by the artillery, Sir -Henry Smith proceeds to state in his official despatch:-- - - “To Brigadiers MacDowell and Stedman, commanding their gallant, - brigades of cavalry, the fortune of the day is greatly indebted, - and to all commanding officers of cavalry and infantry my warmest - thanks are due; to Major Smyth, commanding the sixteenth lancers; - to Lieut.-Colonel Spence, commanding Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST - foot; to Lieut.-Colonel Ryan, K.H., commanding Her Majesty’s - fiftieth regiment; and to Lieut.-Colonel Phillips, commanding Her - Majesty’s fifty-third foot. - - “His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief having witnessed the - glorious services of Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST and fiftieth - regiments, I have only to report upon Her Majesty’s fifty-third, - a young regiment, but veterans in daring gallantry and regularity. - - “To Captain Lugard (THIRTY-FIRST regiment) the - Assistant-Adjutant-General of this force, I am deeply indebted, - and the service still more so; a more cool, intrepid, and - trustworthy officer cannot be brought forward. - - “The brigadiers all speak in high terms of their majors of - brigade, Captain O’Hanlan, of the second brigade, and Captain - Garvock, of Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST foot, of the first - brigade.” - -The loss of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment in this conflict was -fortunately small: one officer, Lieut. Atty, slightly wounded, and -fifteen men killed and wounded. The troops bivouacked for the night -near the field of battle. The army remained at Aliwal five days, -during which the following General Order was received from General -Sir Hugh Gough, the Commander-in-Chief:-- - - “GENERAL ORDERS TO THE ARMY OF THE SUTLEJ. - - “Head-Quarters, Camp, Nihalkee, - “29th January, 1846. - - “A glorious victory, with the capture of all the enemy’s guns, - having been achieved by the force under Major-General Sir Henry - Smith, K.C.B., the whole line will parade at eight o’clock - this morning for the inspection of the Right Honorable the - Governor-General and his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, and - a royal salute will be fired from the eighteen-pounder battery, - and three cheers will be given by the line after the salute, in - celebration of this triumphant event.” - -The following extract is taken from the General Orders issued by -the Governor-General, dated “Camp, Ferozepore, 2nd of February, -1846:”-- - - “Great praise is due to Brigadier Hicks, who, with Her Majesty’s - THIRTY-FIRST regiment, the twenty-fourth and forty-seventh Native - infantry, stormed the village of _Aliwal_, drove the enemy from - it, and seized the guns by which it was defended.” - -Extract of the despatch of the Governor-General of India to the -Secret Committee, dated “Camp, Kanha Kutchwa, 19th of February, -1846:”-- - - “The immediate result of the victory of Aliwal was the evacuation - by the Sikh garrisons of all the forts hitherto occupied by - detachments of Lahore soldiers on this side of the river Sutlej, - and the submission of the whole of the territory on the left - bank of that river to the British government. - - “The Sikh army remained in its intrenched position; and though, - on the first intelligence of the victory of Aliwal, and at the - sight of the numerous bodies which floated from the neighbourhood - of that battle-field to the bridge of boats at Sobraon, the Sikhs - seemed much shaken and disheartened,--yet after a few days, the - Sikh troops seemed to be as confident as ever of being able to - defy us in their intrenched position, and to prevent our passage - of the river. - - “The Commander-in-Chief was not in a state to take advantage of - the enemy’s defeat at _Aliwal_, by an attack on his intrenched - position at _Sobraon_, until the troops under Major-General - Sir Henry Smith should have rejoined his Excellency’s camp, - and the siege-train and ammunition should have arrived from - Delhi. The first portion of the siege-train, with the reserved - ammunition for 100 guns, reached the Commander-in-Chief’s camp - on the 7th and 8th of February. On the latter day the brigades, - which had been detached from the main army, rejoined the - Commander-in-Chief.” - -Notwithstanding the signal defeat in the battles of _Moodkee_, -_Ferozeshah_, and _Aliwal_, and the loss of 143 pieces of artillery -captured by the British in these actions, the enemy determined to -persevere in his rash project of invading the British dominions. -For this purpose he made extraordinary efforts; he had collected -all his available troops, and assembled a large army on the left -bank of the Sutlej, near the village of _Sobraon_. Here the Sikhs -formed an intrenched camp, defended by 30,000 men with 70 pieces -of artillery; this camp was supported by a large reserve on the -opposite side of the river, the communication being preserved by a -bridge of boats. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment, under its distinguished and experienced -leader, Major-General Sir Henry Smith, rejoined the head-quarter -camp on the 8th of February, just in time for the crowning and -decisive victory of _Sobraon_. The arrival of Sir Henry Smith’s -force enabled the Commander-in-Chief to carry his plan of attacking -the enemy into execution. Two days were allowed, that this division -should rest after its fatigues. - -The entrenched camp of the Sikhs was in a position judiciously -chosen in a bend of the river, about five or six miles from -the British camp. The defences of the enemy were constructed -scientifically by European engineers. - -On the morning of the 10th of February, some hours before daylight, -the several divisions were silently formed in column of attack. -Major-General Sir Henry Smith’s division was on the extreme right; -it was formed into two lines; the first line consisted of the -first brigade, to which the THIRTY-FIRST regiment belonged, under -Lieut.-Colonel Spence: this line was supported by the second -brigade at a short distance in the rear. When the day dawned, the -first brigade found itself about three-quarters of a mile in front -of the enemy’s works. The cannonading, which commenced a little -after daylight, continued with little interruption, until about -nine A.M. A stray shot was now and then sent at the regiment, but -did no damage, when orders were given to the infantry to advance to -the attack. The men, who had been lying down, instantly jumped up, -formed line, and advanced. - -The ground immediately in front of the enemy’s works was very -irregular, which made it difficult for the men to keep their -places. The enemy’s fire, which commenced at a distance of two -or three hundred yards, grew gradually more and more heavy; and -firing, as the Sikhs did, from behind lofty entrenchments at the -assaulting party, who offered a fair mark as they scrambled up the -ramparts, they shot down a number of the British troops, while the -survivors, after in vain attempting to reach the top, the loose -nature of the soil rendering the footing extremely insecure, were -compelled to fall back on the advancing second brigade, who saw -with indignation that the enemy were hacking the wounded. - -The line was quickly re-formed and advanced a second time; the -same determined resistance was again made: but the men, burning to -revenge their comrades, would not be deterred. Here Lieut. Tritton, -bearing the Queen’s colour, was shot through the head; and Ensign -Jones,[33] who carried the regimental colour, was, nearly at the -same time, mortally wounded; the regimental colour, falling to -the ground, was seized by Serjeant Bernard M‘Cabe, who, rushing -forward, crossed the ditch and planted it on the ramparts. The men -cheering, scrambled into the works as best they could, and drove -the enemy, who were beaten at all points, before them into the -river, Lieut. Noel gallantly carrying the Queen’s colour in front -of the regiment, the staff of which was shivered in his hand. - -The attack having been everywhere successful, the slaughter -of the Sikhs, as they crossed the river, was tremendous. Many -casualties, however, in the THIRTY-FIRST regiment occurred within -the enemy’s works. Lieutenant Timbrell was dangerously wounded by -a grape-shot, which broke both his thighs, and Lieutenant Elmslie -was also severely wounded by a musket-ball. Captain Garvock, Major -of Brigade, and Lieutenant and Adjutant Bolton, were both severely -wounded outside the works, where Lieutenants Gabbett and Law were -also wounded. Thirty-five rank and file were killed, and 102 -wounded. - -Two stands of colours were captured by the regiment, making four -stands altogether. - -The first brigade, on this glorious occasion, was commanded by -Lieutenant-Colonel Spence, whose horse was shot during the advance, -and the sword in his hand bent nearly double by a grape-shot. - -Captain White, the senior Captain, being left sick at Loodiana, -from the effects of the sun on service, Captain Longworth commanded -the regiment during the action. He was promoted for his gallant -conduct to be major in the army; his horse was killed under him. -Captains Garvock and Lugard were also promoted to be majors in the -army on the same occasion. - -The following account of the action is given in Captain Longworth’s -despatch, dated 11th of February, 1846:-- - - “Camp, Attia, 11th February, 1846. - - “SIR, - - “I have the honor to state for the information of the Brigadier, - that H. M.’s THIRTY-FIRST regiment, under my command, marched - from Camp Tulwondee yesterday morning at four A.M., in - quarter-distance column, right in front, being the leading - regiment of the first brigade, first division. We advanced in - this order till within about two miles of the enemy’s position, - and then halted, formed line, and waited till daybreak, when - we advanced some distance and halted till sunrise, and again - advancing halted with our right resting on the Sutlej within - range of the enemy’s guns; here we remained about two hours, when - we were ordered to advance. This was no sooner discovered by the - enemy than they opened upon us a most tremendous fire of round - shot from the whole of the guns upon the left flank of their - intrenched camp; shell, grape, canister, and a very heavy fire of - musketry were showered upon us as we neared the fortifications: - but in spite of this, I am proud to say, the regiment advanced - steadily and in the best order till within thirty paces of the - intrenched camp, when a most destructive fire from overpowering - numbers forced us to retire to a short distance, for the purpose - of re-forming, as we left a full third of the regiment upon the - ground; and I feel convinced that had the regiment remained for - five minutes longer in its exposed situation it must have been - annihilated, as our fire was totally ineffectual against the - enemy’s strongly fortified position, which completely protected - them, until by a desperate charge, in conjunction with H. M.’s - Fiftieth Regiment, we succeeded in penetrating the extremity of - their works extending to the river, and thereby were enabled to - bring our fire to bear upon their gunners, who with the most - desperate courage turned their guns upon the portion of their - own camp in our possession, and fought till bayoneted where they - stood. Their infantry in masses now retiring, we followed them - up, and, in concert with the other branches of the army, shot and - bayoneted them into the river, where immense numbers were brought - down by our fire. Shortly after the battle was over the regiment - was ordered into camp. - - “I beg to bring to your notice the gallant conduct of Serjeant - M‘Cabe of the light company, who planted the regimental colour on - the highest point of the enemy’s fortifications, and maintained - his position under a most tremendous fire, the colour being - completely riddled by the enemy’s shot;--he did this after the - officer carrying the colour was shot.[34] I beg further to - bring to your notice Private Williams of No. 7 company, and - Private Biffin of the light company, who each took a colour from - the enemy, one of which is supposed to have belonged to their - artillery. I have much pleasure in expressing my high approbation - of both officers and men under my command for their gallant - conduct throughout the day. I regret to add that Lieutenant Law, - my second in command, and Lieutenant and Adjutant Bolton, were - both severely wounded. - - “List of Officers who were present at the Battle of _Sobraon_. - - Lieut.-Colonel Spence. - - Captain Garvock. - ” Longworth. - ” Lugard. - - Lieutenant Atty. - ” Law. - ” Robertson. - ” Bolton (_Adjutant_). - ” Elmslie. - ” Gabbett. - ” Timbrell. - ” Noel. - ” Paul. - ” Hutton. - ” Tritton. - - Ensign Jones. - Quarter-Master Benison.” - -On the 14th of February, 1846, the Governor-General published a -General Order, dated from his camp at Kussoor, from which the -following extracts are taken:-- - - “The Governor-General, having received from his Excellency the - Commander-in-Chief the despatch annexed, announces to the army - and to the people of India, for the fourth time during this - campaign, a most important and memorable victory obtained by the - army of the Sutlej over the Sikh forces at _Sobraon_, on the 10th - instant. - - “On that day the enemy’s strongly intrenched camp, defended by - 35,000 men and 67 pieces of artillery, exclusive of heavy guns on - the opposite bank of the river, was stormed by the British Army - under the immediate command of His Excellency Sir Hugh Gough, - and in two hours the Sikh forces were driven into the river with - immense loss, 67 guns being captured by the victors. - - “The Governor-General most cordially congratulates the - Commander-in-Chief and the British Army on this exploit, one of - the most daring ever achieved, by which in open day a triple line - of breastworks, flanked by formidable redoubts, bristling with - artillery, manned by thirty-two regular regiments of infantry, - was assaulted, and carried by the forces under His Excellency’s - command. - - “This important operation was most judiciously preceded by - a cannonade from the heavy howitzers and mortars, which had - arrived from Delhi on the 8th of February, the same day on which - the forces under Major-General Sir Henry Smith, which had been - detached to Loodiana, and had gained the victory of Aliwal, - rejoined the Commander-in-Chief’s camp. - - “The British infantry, formed on the extreme left of the line, - then advanced to the assault, and, in spite of every impediment, - cleared the intrenchments and entered the enemy’s camp. Her - Majesty’s tenth, fifty-third, and eightieth regiments, moving at - a firm and steady pace, never fired a shot until they had passed - the barriers opposed to them, a forbearance much to be commended, - and most worthy of constant imitation, to which may be attributed - the success of their first effort, and the small loss they - sustained. The attack was crowned with the success it deserved! - - “The same gallant efforts, attended by the same success, - distinguished the attack on the enemy’s left, made by the - first division, under the command of Major-General Sir Henry - Smith, K.C.B., in which the troops nobly sustained their former - reputation. - - “These three divisions of infantry, concentrated within the - enemy’s camp, drove the shattered forces into the river, with a - loss which far exceeded that which the most experienced officers - had ever witnessed. - - “Thus terminated, in the brief space of two hours, this most - remarkable conflict, in which the military combinations of the - Commander-in-Chief were fully and ably carried into effect with - His Excellency’s characteristic energy; the enemy’s select - regiments of regular infantry have been dispersed, and a large - portion destroyed, with the loss, since the campaign began, of - 220 pieces of artillery taken in action. * * * - - “The Governor-General, in the name of the Government and - of the people of India, offers to His Excellency the - Commander-in-Chief,--to the General Officers, and all the - Officers and Troops under their command, his grateful and - heartfelt acknowledgments for the services they have performed. - * * * - - “The Governor-General acknowledges the meritorious conduct of - Brigadier Penny, and Lieut.-Colonel Spence,[35] commanding - brigades in the first division. - - “Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST and fiftieth regiments greatly - distinguished themselves, as well as the forty-second and - forty-seventh native infantry, and the Nusseeree battalion.” - -The despatch of the Commander-in-Chief, General Sir Hugh Gough, to -the Governor-General, dated Camp, Kussoor, 13th of February, 1846, -giving a detailed account of the battle of Sobraon, contained the -following expressions of approbation and thanks:-- - - “I have now to make the attempt,--difficult, nay impracticable, - though I deem it,--of expressing in adequate terms my sense of - obligation to those who especially aided me by their talents and - self-devotion in the hard-fought field of _Sobraon_. - - “The major-generals of the divisions engaged deserve far more - commendation than I am able, within the limits of a despatch, to - bestow. * * * - - “Brigadier Penny and Lieut.-Colonel Spence commanded the two - brigades of Major-General Sir Henry Smith’s division, and - overcame at their head the most formidable opposition. I beg to - bring both in the most earnest manner to your notice. * * * - -[Illustration: THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT - -BATTLE OF SOBRAON 10^{TH} FEB^Y 1846 - -_Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S^t Strand._ - -_For Cannon’s Military Records_] - - “The Sikhs, even when at particular points their intrenchments - were mastered with the bayonet, strove to regain them by the - fiercest conflict, sword in hand. Nor was it until the cavalry - of the left, under Major-General Sir Joseph Thackwell, had moved - forward and ridden through the openings in the intrenchments - made by our sappers, in single file, and re-formed as they passed - them; and the third light dragoons, whom no obstacle usually held - formidable by horse appears to check, had, on this day, as at - Ferozeshah, galloped over and cut down the obstinate defenders of - batteries and field-works, and until the full weight of _three - divisions is of infantry_, with every field-artillery gun which - could be sent to their aid, had been cast into the scale, that - victory finally declared for the British. - - “The fire of the Sikhs first slackened and then nearly ceased, - and the victors, then pressing them on every side, precipitated - them in masses over their bridge and into the Sutlej, which - a sudden rise of seven inches had rendered hardly fordable. - In their efforts to reach the right bank through the deepened - water, they suffered from our horse artillery a terrible carnage. - Hundreds fell under this cannonade: hundreds upon hundreds - were drowned in attempting the perilous passage. Their awful - slaughter, confusion, and dismay were such as would have excited - compassion in the hearts of their generous conquerors, if the - Khalsa troops had not, in the earlier part of the action, sullied - their gallantry by slaughtering and barbarously mangling every - wounded soldier whom, in the vicissitudes of attack, the fortune - of war left at their mercy. - - “Sixty-seven pieces of cannon, upwards of two hundred - camel-swivels (zumboorucks), numerous standards, and vast - munitions of war, captured by our troops, are the pledges and - trophies of our victory. - - “The battle was over by eleven in the morning, and in the - forenoon I caused our engineers to burn a part and to sink a part - of the vaunted bridge of the Khalsa army, across which they had - boastfully come once more to defy us, and to threaten India with - ruin and devastation. - - “The consequences of this great action have yet to be fully - developed. It has at least, in God’s providence, once more - expelled the Sikhs from our territory, and planted our standards - on the soil of the Punjaub. After occupying their intrenched - position for nearly a month, the Khalsa army had perhaps mistaken - the _caution_ which had induced us to wait for the necessary - materiel, for _timidity_; but they must now deeply feel that the - blow, which has fallen on them from the British arm, has only - been the heavier for being long delayed.” - -Lieut.-Colonel Spence, Captain Garvock (Major of Brigade), -and Captain Lugard (Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General) of the -THIRTY-FIRST, were specially mentioned in the above despatch. - -At the close of a despatch dated Camp, Lahore, 22nd of February, -1846, the Governor-General added the following:-- - - “The soldiers of the army of the Sutlej have not only proved - their superior prowess in battle, but have on every occasion, - with subordination and patience, endured the fatigues and - privations inseparable from a state of active operations in the - field. - - “The Governor-General has repeatedly expressed on his own part, - and on that of the Government of India, admiration and gratitude - for the important services which the army has rendered. - - “The Governor-General is now pleased to resolve, as a testimony - of the approbation of the Government of India of the bravery, - discipline, and soldierlike bearing of the army of the Sutlej, - that all the generals, officers, non-commissioned officers, and - privates, shall receive a gratuity of twelve months’ batta.” - -In writing the history of the part borne by a regiment in the -brilliant victories of this glorious campaign, there are many -traits of individual heroism which should not pass unrecorded. -The modesty of true valour prevents officers, who have had an -opportunity of distinguishing themselves, from announcing their -own deeds, but the historian, who impartially records the service -of a corps, can have no such scruples. No hesitation is therefore -felt in giving a place in the records of the service of this -distinguished corps to the following extract from the Calcutta -Star, an Indian newspaper, which described the recent battles of -the Sutlej:-- - - “THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT.--This gallant old corps seems to have - received more than its share of hard knocks, in the last four - glorious battles it was engaged in. Lieut.-Colonel Spence who - commanded in all four actions, seems to have had a charmed life, - having escaped in a most astonishing way. He had two horses - killed under him; balls through his cap and scabbard; his sword - broken in his hand by grape-shot; and at Sobraon, a Sikh, who - was lying apparently dead in the trenches, jumped up when he saw - the Colonel’s head turned, and rushed at him to cut him down, - which was only prevented by a private who called the Colonel’s - attention to his danger, and afterwards bayoneted the Sikh, the - Colonel’s sword having broken in the encounter.” - -The glorious _Victory of Sobraon_ was decisive: the invaders were -repelled; their army, discomfited, retreated sullenly from the -field; the whole of their artillery, their camp, warlike stores, -and baggage fell into the hands of the victors; the enemy retired -over their bridge, which, from the weight and pressure of the -immense mass of the defeated troops passing over it, gave way; the -Sikhs were precipitated into the water; the whole river was filled -with the confused bodies of the flying enemy, the British artillery -playing on them with round and grape-shot; the stream was choked up -with the dead and dying: the carnage was frightful! - -The enemy never attempted to rally. With the loss of his artillery, -on which all his confidence was placed, his spirit was broken, -and all his hopes of successfully resisting the British troops -vanished: his pride was humbled: the last and final struggle -was over; the battle was ended, and the power of the haughty -and turbulent Sikhs received a blow on the sanguinary field of -_Sobraon_ from which it could not recover: the city of _Lahore_ was -at the mercy of the conquerors. - -Preparations were now made for the advance of the British army into -the Punjaub; the engineer department constructed a pontoon-bridge, -and the whole British force, with its artillery, passed the Sutlej, -and encamped on the opposite side, in the territory of the Sikhs: -the enemy, disheartened and dismayed by their late defeats offered -no opposition, retiring as the British army advanced. The distance -from the river Sutlej to the capital of the Sikhs is less than -fifty miles; the march to it was performed without opposition, and -without difficulty: the power of the Sikhs was prostrate; their -government sent chiefs of high rank as ambassadors to the British -camp, to offer terms of submission to the Governor-General, suing -for peace on whatever terms the conquerors might please to dictate. - -Lieutenant Tritton died of his wounds on the evening of the battle, -and early the next morning the regiment marched towards the bridge -of boats, which was in progress at the nearest point on the Sutlej -to Ferozepore; on this march it was joined by a detachment of -sixty men under the command of Lieutenant M‘Kenzie, along with -Assistant-Surgeon Massey, who had just arrived from Umballa, being -part of an escort in charge of heavy guns, and an immense train -of ammunition hackeries, which they had hoped to bring up in time -for the last great battle, and were sadly disappointed to find -it was all over;--such are the chances of war!! On the 12th the -regiment was turned out at 10 o’clock P.M., and marching all night, -crossed the river in native boats at sunrise, along with a large -force under Sir Henry Smith, the band in the first boat playing -“Garry-Owen,” and the men in high spirits at the prospect of -entering the Punjaub. - -This forced march was effected from a report having been sent to -the Commander-in-Chief, that the Sikhs were about to oppose the -crossing of the river, but no such demonstration took place. After -halting some days at Kussoor, which is one march from the Sutlej, -the army moved towards Lahore, marching at daylight every morning -in order of battle, and every regiment in brigade keeping its -own place through fields and jungles, forcing a way through every -obstacle, and ready to form line at any moment. It was indeed a -grand sight to see this splendid army on the morning of the 20th -of February approaching the city of Lahore, over a boundless and -perfectly open plain, on which it encamped about two miles from the -city. On the 22nd the British Standard was hoisted on the citadel, -and the event was announced to the army by the following General -Orders of the Governor-General:-- - - GENERAL ORDERS BY THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF - INDIA. - - “Camp, Lahore, 22nd February, 1846. - - “The British army has this day occupied the gateway of the - citadel of _Lahore_, the Badshahee Mosque, and the Huzzooree Bagh. - - “The _Army of the Sutlej_ has now brought its operations in the - field to a close, by the dispersion of the Sikh army, and the - military occupation of Lahore, preceded by a series of the most - triumphant successes ever recorded in the military history of - India. - - “Compelled suddenly to assume the offensive by the unprovoked - invasion of its territories, the British Army, under the command - of its distinguished leader, has in sixty days defeated the - Sikh forces in four general actions, has captured 220 pieces of - field-artillery, and is now at the capital, dictating to the - Lahore durbar the terms of a treaty, the conditions of which will - tend to secure the British provinces from the repetition of a - similar outrage.” - -The decisive termination of the war in the Punjaub enabled the -Governor-General and the Supreme Council to reduce the number of -the Queen’s regular regiments in India. An order was accordingly -issued for the return of the THIRTY-FIRST to Europe, but as it -was desirable to retain all the efficient men who were willing to -continue their services in India, the soldiers were permitted to -volunteer into the other regiments serving in the Bengal Presidency. - -A General Order was issued permitting the soldiers of the sixteenth -lancers and the THIRTY-FIRST regiment to volunteer into other -corps; the volunteering of the THIRTY-FIRST to commence on the 26th -and to close on the 28th of February. - -The regiment now mustered only 420 bayonets fit for duty out of 844 -which left Umballa, and during these three days 103 men volunteered -to other corps; at Umballa, on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of March, -it again volunteered 214 men; and at Chinsurah, on the 10th of -July, 12 men, in all 329, who remained in India. Within the last -few years, the regiment had gained a considerable accession to -its strength by volunteers from corps leaving India: these men, -whose object in volunteering was to remain in India, again availed -themselves of the General Order granting them a bounty, of thirty -rupees, and volunteered into other corps with which they had served -during the late campaign. - -After the authority for volunteering had taken effect the strength -of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment was much reduced: all the young -soldiers who were desirous of serving in India volunteered into -other regiments. Several of the officers exchanged into corps -remaining in India: Lieut.-Colonel Byrne into the fifty-third -regiment; Major Young into the tenth; and Brevet Major Lugard into -the twenty-ninth. - -On the publication of the General Order for the return of the -regiment to Europe,--the following Division Order was issued -by Major-General Sir Henry Smith, K.C.B., commanding the first -division:-- - - “Camp, Lahore, 3rd March, 1846. - - “Comrades,--Officers and Soldiers of the gallant THIRTY-FIRST - regiment,--you and I have been so associated in the recent - conflicts, where your services have been distinguished, that I - cannot lose you from under my command without an expression of - the deepest regret; that regret is however mitigated, when I know - that you are about to return to your native country, from which - the regiment has been absent twenty-one years,--much diminished - in numbers,--caused by your valiant conduct and recent glorious - victories; but the former renown of your distinguished corps has - acquired additional fame, by the valour of Lieut.-Colonel Spence, - the officers, and soldiers; and the long list of triumphant - victories now recorded on your colours, has been much increased - by your services in India. Farewell, my gallant comrades, for - the present; may every success, happiness, honor, and prosperity - attend you, the gallant THIRTY-FIRST regiment, in peace, as it - has so gloriously done in war! and, believe me, one of the most - happy and proud recollections of my life will be that I have - witnessed the indomitable valour of the corps.” - -On the same occasion the following Brigade Orders were issued -by Brigadier Monteath, who commanded the brigade in which the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment served in the Cabool campaign:-- - - BRIGADE ORDERS BY BRIGADIER MONTEATH, C.B. - - “Camp, Lahore, 3rd March, 1846. - - “Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST regiment being now about to quit - the army, Brigadier Monteath cannot allow it to depart without - expressing the deep regret he feels at the approaching separation - from those to whom he has been bound by so many ties of friendly - feeling for their private good qualities, and high admiration for - their public services. On a former occasion, when associated with - them under the most difficult and trying circumstances, he had - the gratification of recording, that the regiment had exhibited, - in a high degree, the best qualities of the best British - soldiers; and he has now the proud pleasure of telling them, that - by their gallant conduct during the late sanguinary conflicts - with the enemy, they have encircled themselves with every honor, - nobly maintained the former character of the regiment, and - placed its number amongst the foremost of those whose military - achievements are most conspicuously engraved upon the records - of their country; and he sincerely prays, on their arrival in - England, that their beloved Sovereign may be induced to confer - such marks of distinction upon the regiment as its gallant deeds - so eminently deserve. - - “Farewell, my gallant comrades; may every happiness and - prosperity attend you. Your old Commander will ever remember you - with pleasure, and watch your future progress with all the deep - interest of your firmest friends. - - “By order, - (Signed) “G. A. TYTLER, Brigade-Major.” - -The Commander-in-Chief in India, having deemed it advisable to -send home as many of the severely wounded men of the army as -possible, before the beginning of the hot weather, gave orders for -the boats to be prepared on the Sutlej to convey them to Bombay, -and the command of this detachment was given by His Excellency to -Lieutenant Robertson, of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. It consisted -of about 158 men of all the European corps lately engaged, and -an escort of 63 duty men of the THIRTY-FIRST, making in all 221, -97 of which belonged to the regiment. The detachment sailed from -Ferozepore on the 14th of March, 1846, and arrived safely at -Bombay on the 27th of April, whence it embarked on board the ship -‘Herefordshire’ on the 14th of May, and landed at Gravesend on the -29th of September, 1846, being the first portion of the regiment -that arrived in England. - -On the 28th of February the officers of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment -were specially invited to dinner by Lieut.-General Lord Hardinge, -the Governor-General, and on the 3rd of March the same honor was -conferred on them by General Lord Gough, the Commander-in-Chief in -India. - -The volunteering being completed, the volunteers were delivered -over to their new corps. The regiment separated from the army with -which it had gained such distinguished renown, and commenced its -march on the 4th of March towards Ghurmuktesir Ghât, on the river -Ganges, where boats were prepared for its conveyance to Calcutta. -The regiment recrossed the river Sutlej on the 7th of March, and on -the 20th reached Umballa. - -The women, children, and baggage of the regiment, having been -left at Umballa when the regiment proceeded on service, a halt -was required to enable the officers to arrange their affairs and -dispose of their property, and that of the deceased officers -and men; the houses which the officers occupied being their own -property and built by themselves, as they were the first to inhabit -the station when it was formed into a new cantonment in 1843. - -The regiment moved again on the 28th of March, and, passing through -the station of Meerut, arrived at Ghurmuktesir Ghât, on the right -bank of the Ganges, on the 13th of April. - -The boats provided by the commissariat for the conveyance of the -regiment to Calcutta being in readiness for the voyage, the wounded -and sick men, women, and children were embarked with as little -delay as possible. By the 16th of April the whole were embarked, -and the fleet of boats sailed for the Presidency of Calcutta on the -following day. - -Lieut.-Colonel Spence, after having commanded the regiment in every -action during this brilliant and glorious campaign,--at _Moodkee_ -on the 18th of December, _Ferozeshah_ on the 21st and 22nd of -December, 1845, _Buddiwal_ on the 21st of January, _Aliwal_ on the -28th, and on the 10th of February, 1846, at the crowning victory at -_Sobraon_,--had now the satisfaction of embarking with it on board -the boats appointed to convey it to the port of Calcutta, where -the ships lay at anchor, which were engaged to carry the war-worn -veterans of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment to their native country. - -On the 3rd of April Her Majesty was pleased to appoint -Lieut.-Colonel Byrne and Lieut.-Colonel Spence, of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, to be Companions of the Most Honorable Military Order of -the Bath, for their distinguished gallantry in the late actions on -the Sutlej. - -In consequence of the particularly gallant conduct of Serjeant -Bernard M‘Cabe, Major-General Sir Henry Smith, in a letter dated -17th February, was pleased to recommend him for a commission, in -the following terms:--“This intrepid non-commissioned officer, -in the midst of a hand-to-hand conflict with the enemy, planted -the colour of Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST regiment upon one of the -towers of the enemy’s intrenchments,--one of the most bold and -daring acts of a gallant soldier I ever witnessed, and which, I now -deliberately consider, tended much to shorten the struggle alluded -to. This serjeant is a young man of excellent character, and, if I -may be permitted to remind His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of -the promise made me almost in the heat of battle, it is,--‘_This -Serjeant shall be recommended for a commission_.’ I can only add -(which is unnecessary to the soldiers’ friend, Sir Hugh Gough) -that, if he receives a commission, it will be as gratifying to -me as was the gallant conduct I witnessed at the moment the -colour-head was shot off, and the flag perforated with balls, as he -triumphantly waved it in the air in the very midst of the enemy.” - -This highly honorable testimony of the bravery of Serjeant -M‘Cabe at the battle of Sobraon, was supported by the strong -recommendation of General Lord Gough to His Grace the -Commander-in-Chief, and Serjeant Bernard M‘Cabe was appointed by -Her Majesty to an ensigncy in the Eighteenth, Royal Irish, regiment -of foot, on the 8th of May, 1846. - -The details of the campaign on the Sutlej afford abundant proofs -of the skill and bravery of the troops: the highest praise is due, -and has been rendered by their admiring and grateful countrymen, -to the officers and soldiers by whose gallantry four battles were -fought, and victories obtained, in sixty days, over an enemy who -had most ample means of equipping and supplying his corps with all -the _matériel_ of war, and of choosing his own time and opportunity -of commencing his perfidious attack. - -The army of the Sikhs, at the commencement of this unprovoked -aggression, is ascertained to have amounted to 60,000 men, and -their artillery to 108 pieces of cannon, some of them being of -large calibre. - -The Anglo-Indian forces, which had been hastily collected to -contend against this immense army, amounted only to about 20,000 -men, a great proportion of which had marched one hundred and sixty -miles, in order to arrive at the seat of war. - -Under the most serious disadvantages, fatigues, and privations, -the British troops, with the aid of their faithful allies, the -Native corps, nobly contended with their Sikh adversaries, “who, in -spite of their exceeding numbers and advantageous positions, were -vanquished in every battle.” - -In expressing admiration of the heroic conduct of the British -troops in this short but decisive war, it is the duty of the nation -to acknowledge, with gratitude, the wonderful interference of a -Supreme Power, by whose all-wise decree the army of the Sikhs was -destroyed and dispersed; and, notwithstanding its numbers, received -a complete and signal overthrow, as a just but severe punishment -for its faithless conduct and daring violation of every honorable -and religious feeling. - -When it is considered that with a disparity of force of three to -one, independent of artillery, the Sikh army was discomfited, and -the enemy was driven back to his capital to seek for safety and -peace, the British Nation must be sensible that an over-ruling -Power aided their cause, and gave strength where numbers were -deficient; and that another signal instance of Divine favour and -protection has been added to the numerous claims which demand the -nation’s humble acknowledgment and gratitude. - -The campaign on the Sutlej having terminated by the destruction -of the Sikh army and the capture of the city of Lahore, a treaty -of peace was entered into. The Sikh government requested that a -force of 10,000 British troops might be left at their capital for -the protection of the city and the maintenance of good order: this -being complied with, arrangements were made for the return of the -British army to the territories of the East India Company. - -The glorious news of the Battle of Sobraon was received in London -on the 1st of April, and was announced to the British public by a -royal salute from the guns of the Tower and in St. James’s Park; -and the royal standard was displayed at Buckingham Palace and at -the Tower of London. The greatest sensation pervaded all ranks of -society: no military event, with the exception of the Battle of -Waterloo, excited such wonder and surprise, mingled with joy, that -the cloud, which had hung over the fate of the British Empire in -India, was completely dissipated by this last splendid and decisive -victory, which effected the final overthrow of the power of the -Sikhs, the destruction of their army, and the capture of their -artillery, on the sanguinary field of _Sobraon_. - -On the 2nd of April the Thanks of the House of Lords were proposed -by the Earl of Ripon, and carried unanimously. - - _Extracts from Minutes of Proceedings of the House of Lords.--2nd - April, 1846._ - - “That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General Sir - Henry George Smith, Knight Commander of the Most Honorable - Military Order of the Bath, for his skilful and meritorious - conduct when in command of the British troops employed against a - large portion of the Sikh army, of greatly superior numbers, and - for the signal valour and judgment displayed by him in the battle - of the 28th of January, 1846, when the enemy’s force was totally - defeated, and a new lustre added to the reputation of the British - arms. - - “That the Thanks of this House be given to the several officers, - European and Native, under the command of Sir Henry Smith, for - the distinguished services rendered by them at the battle of - Aliwal. - - “That this House doth highly approve of and commend the - intrepidity and exemplary discipline displayed by the - non-commissioned officers and private soldiers, European and - Native, on the 28th of January, 1846, in their attack on the - enemy’s position, by which the Sikhs were completely routed and - driven in confusion across the Sutlej, with the loss of all their - artillery and military equipment; and that the same be signified - to them by the Commanders of the several corps, who are desired - to thank them for their gallant behaviour. - - “That in requesting the Governor-General of India to communicate - these Resolutions to the several Officers referred to therein, - this House desires to acknowledge the zeal and judgment evinced - by the Right Honorable Lieut.-General Sir Henry Hardinge, Knight - Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, Governor-General of India, - and also by General Sir Hugh Gough, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross - of the Order of the Bath, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in - India, in supplying Major-General Sir Henry Smith with such - reinforcements and military means as enabled him, under Divine - Providence, to overcome all the obstacles thrown in his way by a - brave and determined enemy. - - “That the Thanks of this House be given to the Right Honorable - Lieut.-General Sir Henry Hardinge, Knight Grand Cross of the Most - Honorable Military Order of the Bath, Governor-General of India, - for the judgment, energy, and ability with which the resources - of the British Empire in India have been applied in repelling - the unjust and unprovoked invasion of the British Territory by - the Sikh Nation; and for the valour and indefatigable exertions - which he displayed on the 10th of February, 1846, at the battle - of Sobraon, when, by the blessing of Almighty God, which we - desire most humbly to acknowledge, this hostile and treacherous - invasion was successfully defeated. - - “That the Thanks of this House be given to General Sir Hugh - Gough, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honorable Military - Order of the Bath, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in India, - for the signal ability and valour with which, upon the 10th of - February, 1846, he directed and led the attack, when the enemy’s - intrenchments were stormed, their artillery captured, their army - defeated and scattered, and the Punjaub laid open to the advance - of our victorious troops. - - “That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General Sir - Henry George Smith, Knight Commander of the Most Honorable - Military Order of the Bath; Major-General Walter Raleigh Gilbert; - and Major-General Sir Joseph Thackwell, Knight Commander of the - Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath; and to the other - officers, European and Native, for the distinguished services - rendered by them in the eminently successful operations at the - battle of Sobraon. - - “That this House doth highly approve of and commend the - invincible intrepidity, perseverance, and steady discipline - displayed by the non-commissioned officers and private soldiers, - European and Native, on the 10th of February, 1846, by which - the glory of the British arms has been successfully maintained - against a determined and greatly superior force, and that the - same be signified to them by the Commanders of the several corps, - who are desired to thank them for their gallant behaviour. - - “That the said Resolutions be transmitted by the Lord Chancellor - to the Governor-General of India, and that he be requested to - communicate the same to the several officers referred to therein.” - - -THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. - -Votes of Thanks to the same effect were proposed by Sir Robert Peel -in the House of Commons, and carried without a dissenting voice. - - -THE EAST INDIA COMPANY. - -On the same day, a Special General Court of the proprietors of -stock was held at the East India House, for the purpose of passing -a Vote of Thanks to Major-General Sir Henry Smith for his victory -at Aliwal over the Sikh army; to the Governor-General Sir Henry -Hardinge; to General Sir Hugh Gough, and to the European and Native -troops who were engaged in the war on the Sutlej. The resolutions -of the Court were proposed by Sir Henry Willock, the chairman, and -were unanimously adopted. - - -THE COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL OF LONDON. - -At a Special Court of the Court of the Common Council of the -City of London, the Thanks and Congratulations of the Court were -awarded to Lieut.-General Sir Henry Hardinge, G.C.B., General Sir -Hugh Gough, G.C.B., and Major-General Sir Henry Smith, K.C.B., -for the valour, judgment, and ability displayed by them in the -recent battles of Aliwal and Sobraon; also the Thanks of the Court -to the other officers, European and Native, for the intrepidity, -perseverance, and discipline evinced by them upon both these -memorable occasions. - - -After a tedious voyage down the Ganges, owing to the shallowness -of the river and the numerous sand-banks, the regiment did not -reach the station of Chinsurah until the 6th of July, on which day -it landed and marched into barracks. Chinsurah, formerly a Dutch -settlement, was ceded by Holland to the British Government in 1827; -it is situated on the right bank of the Ganges, about thirty miles -from Calcutta: the East India Company have built an excellent -barrack here for a regiment of infantry. The regiment was halted -here until the necessary preparations were made for its embarkation -for England. - -On the 30th of July the arms of the regiment, which had been -proudly borne and successfully used on many occasions on the -battle-field, were given over to the ordnance department, and -deposited in the arsenal of Fort William. - -On the arrival of the regiment at Fort William, the military -officers of the Presidency invited the officers of the sixteenth -lancers and THIRTY-FIRST regiment to a ball and supper at the -Town-hall, to show their high sense of the distinguished conduct -of those regiments in the field during the recent campaign on the -Sutlej. - -The Lieut.-Governor, Sir Herbert Maddox, also invited the officers -to a splendid banquet at the Government House on the 1st of August. - -The officers were also hospitably entertained by the officers of -the Bengal artillery stationed at Dum-Dum, the head-quarters of -that corps. - -The entertainment given by the military officers at Calcutta to -the officers of the sixteenth lancers and THIRTY-FIRST regiment is -thus noticed in the public paper called the “Star,” of the 1st of -August, 1846:-- - - “The ball given by the military to Her Majesty’s sixteenth - lancers and Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST regiment, came off - with great brilliancy last night at the Town Hall; there were - probably from 400 to 500 persons present. The hall was decorated - with remarkable taste, and the honored Peninsular colours of - the THIRTY-FIRST regiment hung in tatters under the principal - canopy, blood-stained in the recent engagements, in all of which - the gallant regiment was present. At the opposite end of the - table was a large transparency of the battle of Sobraon. Colonel - Warren presided at the supper-table; and Colonel Burlton, in an - excellent speech, reviewing the services of the regiments from - the commencement of the present century, gave the toast of the - evening, which was acknowledged by Lieut.-Colonel MacDowell and - Lieut.-Colonel Spence.” - -Previous to the departure of the regiment from India, the -following General Order was issued by General Lord Gough, the -Commander-in-Chief:-- - - “Head-Quarters, Simla, 23rd May, 1846. - - “Those distinguished regiments, the sixteenth lancers and the - THIRTY-FIRST foot, are about to return to their native country - after a service in India, the former of twenty-four, the latter - of twenty-one years; and although the Commander-in-Chief has - recently, and so frequently, had occasion to laud the gallant - conduct of these corps before an intrepid enemy, he cannot - permit them to embark without again expressing his admiration - of their continued and conspicuous bravery in all the battles - they have been engaged in during the long and eventful period - of their Indian service, whether in Affghanistan, or at the more - sanguinary conflicts of 1845 and 1846. - - “These brave regiments may be assured they will be received in - their native land with every demonstration of that patriotic - feeling which gallant exploits ensure from their countrymen. - - “The sixteenth lancers have added to their standards ‘Bhurtpore, - Affghanistan, Ghuznee, Maharajpore, Aliwal, and Sobraon;’ and the - THIRTY-FIRST regiment will have recorded on their already highly - decorated colours--‘Cabool, Moodkee, Ferozeshah, Aliwal, and - Sobraon.’ - - “Again must Lord Gough express the gratification it affords him - thus to be able to record his opinion of their merits; and both - these corps are assured that their correct conduct in quarters, - and almost total absence of crime for many years, have mainly - conduced to the gallant achievements in the field to which their - good fortune has afforded them the opportunity to contribute. - - “That every happiness and welfare may hereafter attend these - regiments, is the Commander-in-Chief’s ardent desire, for he - must ever feel the warmest interest in the career of such highly - distinguished regiments. - - “The Commander-in-Chief congratulates the two officers, - Lieut.-Colonel MacDowell, C.B., and Lieut.-Colonel Spence, - who accompanied their regiments to India nearly a quarter of - a century ago, upon now having the honor and gratification of - commanding them, after such distinguished services, on their - return to their native land. Lieut.-Colonel MacDowell has never - left India since his first arrival. - - “By order of His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief. - - (Signed) “H. G. SMITH, Major-General, - “Adjutant-General to the Forces in India.” - -The regiment embarked for England, the left wing under the command -of Lieutenant Plaskett, on board the ‘Plantagenet,’ on the 2nd of -August, 1846, consisting of 5 officers, 12 serjeants, 4 drummers, -and 102 rank and file, 10 women and 10 children. The head-quarters, -or right wing, embarked on board the ‘Madagascar’ on the 3rd of -August, 1846, under the command of Major Staunton, and consisted -of 10 officers, 19 serjeants, 7 drummers, and 194 rank and file, -21 women, and 32 children. Unfortunately, as the ‘Plantagenet’ was -putting out to sea, she sprung a leak, and was obliged to return -to Calcutta with all speed, the pumps being worked night and day -by the soldiers, without whose assistance she must have gone -down: they succeeded in bringing her safe into dock, there being -then above seven feet of water in the hold. This detachment again -embarked in the same ship on the 29th of August, and arrived in -England on the 13th of January, 1847, having lost on the passage -seven men. The ‘Madagascar,’ with head-quarters, arrived in England -on the 5th of December, and lost on the passage Lieutenant Richard -Sparrow and five soldiers. - -After a voyage of four months, the surviving veterans of the -regiment were gladdened with the sight of the shores of their -native land. The head-quarters of the regiment reached Gravesend on -the 4th of December, 1846; and on the 6th disembarked and marched -to Chatham. Nothing could exceed the enthusiasm of the public to -welcome the arrival of this distinguished corps. - -The following description of the reception the regiment met with -on its arrival, is taken from the ‘Illustrated London News’ of -December, 1846:-- - - “_The Return of the_ THIRTY-FIRST _Regiment from India_.--On the - 4th instant the head-quarters of this distinguished regiment - arrived by the ship Madagascar from Calcutta, from which place - they embarked on the 3rd of August last: they lost by deaths on - the voyage five men and one officer, Lieut. Richard Sparrow. - They brought home with them four captured colours, which they - took in the short but brilliant campaign against the Sikhs. - * * * On the evening of the 6th the head-quarters marched into - Chatham garrison from Gravesend, by the Rochester and Gravesend - Railway, where they were met by the very superior band of the - royal marines. On the arrival at the Rochester terminus, the - band struck up, ‘God save the Queen,’ and these heroes of the - Sutlej were greeted by hundreds of people with loud and repeated - huzzas. The soldiers, in return for this spirited welcome, waved - the four colours captured from the enemy, one at Ferozeshah, - one at Aliwal, and two taken at Sobraon. These banners bear - testimony of the severe engagements. The Queen’s colour, and the - regimental colour, are complete fragments. The head-quarters were - also accompanied by the depôt band, which played at intervals in - passing with the regiment through the streets of Rochester and - Chatham, and were greeted along the whole line by thousands of - people who assembled to witness their return. - - “Out of the 215 men landed from the Madagascar there are but 80 - unwounded. Lieut.-Colonel Spence, and Quarter-master Benison, are - the only officers, now with the regiment, who went out with it in - the ‘Kent’ East Indiaman, which took fire and sank in the Bay of - Biscay. - - “The following officers have come home with the - head-quarters:--Major George Staunton, Brevet Major D. F. G. - Longworth, Lieut. G. Elmslie, Lieut. T. Scarman, Lieut. R. - Mackenzie, Lieut. and Adjutant A. S. Bolton, Lieut. H. P. Hutton, - Quarter-master S. Benison, and Assistant-Surgeon H. C. Foss. - Total nine officers and 215 serjeants, drummers, and rank and - file. - - “Lieut.-Colonel Spence headed the troops. The officers of this - regiment, having been on the most friendly terms with the royal - marine corps, and being members of the mess of the royal marines, - they dined at the royal marines’ mess-room with the officers, who - invited them on their arrival at the garrison to a superb repast. - - “The officers of the regiment were invited to dinner by Colonel - Sir Frederick Smith and the officers of the royal engineers in - garrison at Chatham. They also received invitations to dinner - from the officers of the 2nd battalion of the 60th rifles, and - also from the officers of the provisional battalion quartered in - this garrison.” - -Shortly after its arrival in England, the following complimentary -letter was received by Lieut.-Colonel Spence, commanding the -regiment, from that distinguished officer General Sir Colin -Halkett, G.C.B., the Colonel of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment:-- - - “United Service Club, London, 22nd Dec., 1846. - - “MY DEAR COLONEL, - - “It is with the liveliest satisfaction that I avail myself of - the arrival in England of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, under - your command, to offer you, and the corps, my most sincere - congratulations on your return to your native land, after your - arduous and distinguished services in the East. Connected as I - have the honor to be with the regiment, it was natural for me - to take a deep interest in its welfare, and to follow its fate - and fortunes with all the attention in my power; and as some - professional experience enabled me to appreciate the toils you - had to encounter, and the dangers you had to overcome, it was - with highly gratified pride and most heartfelt delight, that I - heard how nobly you had supported the first, and how gallantly - you had vanquished the latter. - - “At the very outset of the voyage from England, the regiment - was already called upon to give proofs of that high state of - discipline, which is the soldier’s best shield in difficulties. - On dark and distant seas, amid the flames of the unfortunate East - India ship Kent, you remained firm and tranquil, obedient to - orders issued by that meritorious soldier, your then commanding - officer, Lieut.-Colonel Fearon (now Major-General), and thus - ensured the safety of all when every semblance of hope seemed to - have vanished, and when confusion must have led to inevitable - destruction. - - “The promise, which such noble conduct gave, was fully justified - by your subsequent behaviour. Called upon to aid in avenging - disasters which the feebleness of allies had brought upon your - country’s arms, you forced your way through the most difficult - part of Central Asia, through mountain wildernesses unequalled - on the face of the globe, and never traversed by disciplined - troops since the days of the great Macedonian conqueror. Even - the gallantry, which you displayed during this campaign, seems - to be forgotten, when we reflect on the steady discipline, and - dauntless energy, evinced in contending against the toils and - difficulties which had to be overcome at every step of this - memorable march, only eclipsed by the more brilliant actions you - were soon afterwards called upon to perform. - - “An Army, composed of the most warlike tribes of Asia, trained - to arms by European officers, long accustomed to victory under - the sway of an able and ambitious prince, assuming, on the death - of Runjeet Singh, the power of absolute control over its feeble - government, resolved to invade the British provinces; which, - protected by a disciplined army, ruled by a wise and paternal - government, had long prospered in peace, and acquired a degree of - wealth too well calculated to tempt the rapacity of such lawless - bands. - - “To avoid every appearance of hostility, and preserve peace to - the last, the British authorities had kept their forces at a - distance from the frontier; and the enemy thus emboldened by - forbearance, which was probably taken for timidity, crossed the - Sutlej, and attacked our possessions without even a declaration - of war. In this difficulty it was only by extraordinary exertion - on the part of the troops, by toil and fortitude never surpassed, - if ever equalled, that your comrades posted along the frontier - could be saved from ruin, and an unprincipled foe checked in - time to avert the greatest calamities. - - “The march from Umballa must ever be memorable in the annals of - war. Under the burning sun of India, you supported, at duty’s - call, an excess of toil and fatigue, which would have tried the - hardiest and the best, even in the bracing atmosphere of our - northern climate; and your victory of _Moodkee_ was actually - achieved over bold, numerous, and well-prepared foes, after a - march of twenty miles, performed under the rays of a vertical - sun, through a waste and parched country, not affording even a - drop of water to allay the scorching thirst occasioned by the - clouds of dust raised from the burning soil; fought, and won in - fact, after an excess of toil that would have overcome all but - the first and foremost soldiers of their time. - - “A single defeat was not, however, to daunt the fierce and - numerous foes with whom you had to contend; and hardly had - you recovered from the fatigues of your long march and first - victory, when you were called upon to storm an entrenched camp, - defended by vastly superior numbers, and by a train of heavy - and well-served artillery such as the East had never beheld. To - assail works, under such circumstances, is one of the most trying - and difficult operations of war; and when the strength of the - position, and the fierce resolution with which it was defended, - are considered, your victory may safely be termed an action of - unsurpassed boldness, energy, and perseverance. - - “Never will your country’s banner suffer a stain, so long as - its soldiers shall equal those who stormed the Sikh camp of - _Ferozeshah_: greater fortitude and gallantry than those of - which you had given proof in these actions could not possibly be - displayed. But every species of high soldiership was to be called - for during the course of this brief campaign, and it was your - fortune to be present in the different actions, all fought under - different circumstances. - - “At _Aliwal_ you had to execute on an open and level plain, and - under a heavy fire of artillery, the skilful movements which - ensured the success of that brilliant day; and at _Sobraon_ you - were again called upon to force entrenchments, constructed with - European science, and defended with all the fierce resolution - of Asiatic despair. But neither savage valour, nor European - art, could withstand your efforts,--could compete with high and - matchless gallantry, regulated by discipline, and fired to noble - exertion by the consciousness of what was due to your country’s - name and fame!--The _Battle of Sobraon_, which crushed the power - of unprincipled adversaries, terminated your exploits in the - East, saved the British provinces from devastation, and secured - to our youthful and beloved Sovereign the peaceful and happy - possession of India! Never indeed were nobler objects attained by - nobler conduct! - - “It is needless for me to tell you how greatly all ranks of your - countrymen sympathised with your fortunes during these trying - times; how much they felt for your sufferings; how deeply they - mourned for the heavy losses you sustained; and how highly they - exulted in the gallantry you displayed. The admiration your - behaviour excited, must have reached you even on the distant - shores of India; and I feel confident that every step you - take on British ground will show how justly your conduct is - appreciated by all those whose good opinion can be of value. - It only remains for me, therefore, again to offer you my most - sincere congratulations on your return to your native land, to - wish you every success and happiness in your future progress, and - to assure you, that as far as my sphere of action extends, no - effort shall be wanting to give effect to the sentiments I feel - such high satisfaction in now expressing. - - “Believe me, - “My dear Colonel, ever yours sincerely, - “COLIN HALKETT, - “General, and Colonel Thirty-first Regt. - - “Lieut.-Colonel Spence, C.B., “Commanding Thirty-first Regiment.” - -As an additional testimony of the consideration of the services -of the officers and men of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment who had -returned from India, His Grace the Commander-in-Chief was pleased -to authorize the following letter to be addressed to the officer -commanding, dated Horse Guards, 21st of December, 1846:-- - - “Sir, - - “In transmitting the enclosed Copy of the General Order of the - 30th of October last, granting leave of absence to officers, and - furloughs to non-commissioned officers and men, to the 10th of - March next, I have it in command to intimate to you, that the - Commander-in-Chief, duly considering the glorious and important - services recently performed by the regiment under your command, - as well as its protracted service abroad, has been pleased to - direct that furloughs may be forthwith granted to such of the - non-commissioned officers and men recently returned from India, - without limitation as to numbers, as may be desirous of availing - themselves of that indulgence, so as to enable them immediately - to visit their friends; and that leave of absence may, in like - manner, be extended to as large a portion of the officers as can - be spared from the duties of the regiment. - - “I have, &c. - (_Signed_) “JOHN MACDONALD, - “_Adjutant-General_.” - - -The usual directions were given by the Secretary at War for -reducing the establishment of the regiment, in order to assimilate -it to that of other regiments on home duty, from the 6th of -December, 1846. - -After transferring to the Invalid Depôt the men selected for -discharge on account of wounds and other disabilities, and -incorporating the depôt with the other companies, the regiment was -removed from Chatham to Walmer, where it arrived on the 20th of -December, and was received at Deal and in the neighbouring parts, -with the same honors and marks of distinction as had been evinced -on its arrival in the garrison of Chatham. - -[Sidenote: 1847] - -The remainder of the regiment, consisting of five officers, viz., -Lieutenants Plaskett, Law, Pilkington, and Noel, Assistant-Surgeon -Massey, and 111 men, arrived at Gravesend on the 13th of January, -1847, on board of the Plantagenet freight ship: the delay in their -arrival was occasioned by that vessel having sprung a leak, which -compelled her to put back to Calcutta. This division proceeded -from Chatham on the 20th of January, to join the head-quarters of -the regiment at Walmer. - -On the 30th of June, 1847, the regiment was apprised by the -Adjutant-General, that her Majesty had been pleased to approve of -its bearing on the regimental colour and appointments the words -MOODKEE, FEROZESHAH, ALIWAL, and SOBRAON, in commemoration of the -distinguished conduct evinced by the THIRTY-FIRST at those battles. - -Lieut.-General the Honorable Henry Otway Trevor was appointed to -the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment on the 12th of July, -1847, in succession to General Sir Colin Halkett, G.C.B., who was -removed to the forty-fifth regiment. - -On the 6th of September, 1847, Lieut.-General Sir Henry Smith -came to Walmer to see the regiment, before he proceeded to the -Cape of Good Hope, of which colony he had been appointed Governor -and Commander-in-Chief. On the 7th of September he reviewed the -regiment, and expressed his satisfaction at seeing its discipline -so perfect, considering that only a few months had elapsed since it -returned home a mere skeleton. - -The regiment was inspected by Major-General Brown on the 4th of -May, and on the 1st of October, 1847; it was inspected on the 10th -of November, by His Grace the Duke of Wellington, who expressed -his approbation in the highest terms. In November the regiment was -removed to Manchester by railway in three divisions, where it was -completed to its establishment of 39 officers, 47 serjeants, 40 -corporals, 17 drummers, and 760 privates. - -[Sidenote: 1848] - -On the 7th of April, 1848, the regiment proceeded to Ireland, -and arrived at Dublin on the following day. In July the regiment -marched to Athlone. - -New Colours were presented to the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, on the -19th of May, 1848, by Major-General His Royal Highness the Prince -George of Cambridge, K.G., and the following account of the -ceremony was given in “_Saunders’ News-Letter_” of the following -day:-- - - “The interesting military ceremonial of the presentation of - New Colours to this gallant and distinguished corps took place - yesterday, in the ornamental grounds in front of that fine - building, the Queen’s Inns, Henrietta-street, Dublin. The - regiment was formed in full review order at three o’clock, - shortly after which His Royal Highness Prince George of - Cambridge, accompanied by his aide-de-camp Captain the Honorable - James Macdonald, Major-General John M‘Donald, and several other - officers of distinction, came upon the ground. - - “In front of the line were four standards, captured by the - regiment from the Sikhs, one of them taken at _Ferozeshah_, one - at _Aliwal_, and two at _Sobraon_. The Colours of the Corps, - torn to pieces from the grape-shot through which they were led - to victory, and stained with the blood of the Ensigns who were - killed carrying them to the muzzles of the Sikh guns, were - objects of great interest to the numerous citizens who thronged - the grounds. Lieut.-Colonel Spence, C.B., who commanded the - gallant regiment in all these actions, except Sobraon (where he - commanded the first brigade of Sir Henry Smith’s Division), was - in command, and looked in admirable health and spirits. - - “The survivors of the Indian campaigns were decorated with their - medals. After the usual routine of parading the old colours, and - giving them up, the band playing ‘_Auld lang syne_,’ the Regiment - formed a hollow square, and the Garrison Chaplain repeated the - prescribed formula for the occasion. The New Colours were then - handed to Ensigns Christian and Brown, when His Royal Highness - the Prince George of Cambridge briefly addressed the Regiment, - stating his gratification at having this pleasing duty to - perform. He had not seen service himself, and the task would have - fallen more appropriately upon one who had. In encouraging the - troops to the performance of their duty, he related the anecdote - of the Serjeant who, when the Ensign bearing the old colour had - fallen mortally wounded, seized it,--carried it onwards,--and - victory resulted. The non-commissioned officer was promoted to an - ensigncy in the Eighteenth, Royal Irish, regiment.[36] - - “The corps then formed in line, and gave a Royal salute, the band - playing ‘_God save the Queen_.’ The day was remarkably fine, and - after the ceremony the regiment marched into its quarters in the - Linen-Hall Barracks.” - -Certain of the distinguished officers of the garrison of Dublin -were entertained by the officers of the regiment at dinner in the -evening; but His Royal Highness Prince George was prevented from -attending by an expected disturbance in the city. - -[Sidenote: 1849] - -On the 1st of February, 1849, the establishment of the regiment -was reduced from eight hundred to seven hundred and fifty rank and -file. - -On the 20th of July, 1849, Lieut.-Colonel Spence retired, after a -lengthened service of forty-one years, and Major George Staunton -was promoted to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, in succession to Lieut.-Colonel James Spence.[37] - -During the year 1849 the regiment remained at Athlone. - -[Sidenote: 1850] - -In April, 1850, the regiment proceeded from Athlone to Dublin, -where it continued to be stationed at the conclusion of the -Historical Record. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[6] - - Colonel Thomas Saunderson’s Marine Corps, now 30th Regiment. - Colonel George Villiers’s do. now 31st do. - Colonel Edward Fox’s do. now 32nd do. - Colonel Harry Mordaunt’s do. disbanded in 1713. - Colonel Henry Holl’s do. do. do. - Colonel Viscount Shannon’s. do. do. do. - -[7] Minorca, an island in the Mediterranean, on the eastern coast -of Spain, is about thirty miles in length and twelve in breadth, -and is chiefly valuable for the excellent harbour of Port Mahon. -In September, 1708, Minorca was taken by Admiral Leake and a -land force under Lieut.-General Stanhope, after a siege of about -three weeks. The island was ceded to Great Britain by the treaty -of Utrecht, and remained in its possession until 1756, when, in -April of that year, it was besieged by the French, under Marshal -the Duke de Richelieu. After a brave defence by the Governor, -General Blakeney, the garrison, consisting of the 4th, 23rd, 24th, -and 34th regiments, surrendered, and, in consideration of their -gallantry, were permitted to march out with all the honors of war. -At the peace of Fontainebleau, in 1763, Minorca was restored to -the English in exchange for Belle-Isle. In February, 1782, the -garrison, under the Governor, Lieut.-General the Honorable James -Murray, after suffering severely from sickness, surrendered to the -Duke de Crillon, the Commander-in-Chief of the combined French and -Spanish forces, and Minorca was retained by Spain at the peace of -1783. Minorca again surrendered to a British force under General -the Honorable Charles Stuart, on the 15th of November, 1798; and -at the peace of Amiens, in 1802, Minorca was restored to the -Spaniards, under whose sway it remains at the present period. - -[8] The nature of the services on which the _Marine Corps_ were -employed has since obtained for them the Royal authority to bear -the motto, “_Per mare, per terram_.” - -[9] “On the morning of Sunday, the 10th of June, 1688, a day long -kept sacred by the too faithful adherents of a bad cause, was born -James Francis Edward Stuart, the most unfortunate of princes, -destined to seventy-seven years of exile and wandering,--of vain -projects,--of honours more galling than insults,--and of hopes -such as make the heart sick.”--‘History of England,’ by _Thomas -Babington Macaulay_. Vol. ii. page 363. - -[10] _James Francis Edward_, “_The Pretender_,” son of _James II._, -and of _Mary_, daughter of the Duke of Modena, his second wife; was -born on the 10th June, 1688. He married, in 1719, Mary Clementina, -daughter of Prince James Sobieski, and granddaughter of John -Sobieski, King of Poland. He died on the 1st June, 1766 (aged 78 -years), leaving issue two sons:-- - -1. _Charles Edward Louis Cassimir_, termed in England “_The Young -Pretender_;” born on the 30th November, 1720, who married the -Princess Stohlberg of Germany, and died at Rome, without issue, on -the 31st January, 1788. - -2. _Henry Benedict_, called _The Cardinal York_; born on the 24th -March, 1725. When the last grand effort for the restoration of his -family, in 1745, proved abortive, he took holy orders, and was -elevated to the Purple by Pope Benedict XIV. in 1747, and died at -Rome in 1807. The Cardinal was the last male branch of the House of -Stuart. - -[11] From the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht, in April, 1718, -until 1739, the only events that appeared at times to threaten -the _general_ tranquillity of Europe which prevailed during the -above period, arose from the Rebellion in Scotland, in favour of -the Pretender, in 1715, which was suppressed by the Battle of -_Sheriffmuir_, on the 13th of November of that year. Charles XII., -of Sweden, also espoused the cause of the Pretender in 1717, but -the death of King Charles, in the following year, put an end to -the projected expedition to Great Britain. In 1719 Spain supported -the Pretender with troops, which were, however, defeated at -_Glenshiel_, on the 10th of June, 1719. This was followed by the -British expedition against Spain, but in January, 1720, the Spanish -Monarch accepted the conditions of Peace. In 1726 Spain made an -unsuccessful attempt to recover _Gibraltar_, and in 1729 a treaty -of Peace was concluded at Seville, which remained unbroken for the -ten following years. - -[12] The “_Pragmatic Sanction_” was published by the Emperor -Charles VI. on the 17th of April, 1713, whereby, in case of -his having no male issue, his daughters were to succeed to his -hereditary dominions, in preference to the sons of his late -brother, Joseph I. - -[13] See list of British regiments which served in Flanders and -Germany between 1742 and 1748, during the “_War of the Austrian -Succession_.”--Appendix, page 224. - -[14] The following tradition has been preserved in the -regiment:--The facings and breeches of the THIRTY-FIRST being of -the same colour as those worn by the _Third “Buffs,”_ King George -II. mistook it for the latter regiment, and called out “_Bravo, -Buffs_,” with a view of animating the men to further gallantry; -and when reminded that it was the THIRTY-FIRST, and not the “Old -Buffs,” His Majesty then rejoined, “_Bravo, Young Buffs_;” and this -name, valuable for the time and manner of its being conferred, has -been since retained by the Regiment. - -[15] Although the results of the _Battle of Dettingen_, fought -on the 27th of June, 1743, were not equal to those attending the -victories gained over the French by Edward the Third and Henry -the Fifth, yet there are circumstances which render the conflict -at _Dettingen_ similar to those of _Creçy_ and _Agincourt_. At -_Creçy_, on the 26th of August, 1346, King _Edward the Third_ and -his son _Edward the Black Prince_ were present; and at _Dettingen_, -_King George the Second_ was accompanied by his son the _Duke of -Cumberland_. It was the _début_ of both the Royal Princes on the -tented plain, and the chivalrous bearing of the _Black Prince_, -particularly his behaviour to the prisoners, finds a parallel -in the conduct of the _Duke of Cumberland_, who refused to have -his wound attended to, until the surgeons had examined that of a -French officer, the Count De Fenelon, who had been taken prisoner -and conveyed to the Duke’s tent. “Begin,” said His Royal Highness, -“with the wound of the French officer; he is more dangerously hurt -than I am, and stands more in need of assistance.” - -The disadvantage under which the British fought at _Dettingen_ was -equal to that at _Agincourt_, and the impetuosity of the enemy, in -both instances, prevented the English army perishing from want of -provisions. - -All these battles are likewise noted for the number of the French -Royal family and nobility who were present; and the battle of -Dettingen is further remarkable as being the last action in which a -British Monarch commanded the army. - -The want of provisions and tents, unfortunately, compelled the -victors to abandon the field of battle, otherwise Dettingen might -have rivalled many of the achievements recorded in British History. - -[16] “The Dutch, in their flight, breaking in on the _English_ -ranks, were fired upon by those troops, which did them considerable -damage; a _Highlander_ in Lord Semphill’s (forty-second) regiment -being asked ‘Why he fired upon them; they were his friends?’ -replied, ‘I am sure they are the greatest enemy we have seen this -day.’”--_Biggs’s Military History of Europe from 1739 to 1748._ - -[17] _Vide_ List of Battles, Sieges, &c., inserted in Appendix, -page 223. - -[18] The regiments which returned to England from Flanders, on this -occasion, are specified in the List inserted in the Appendix, page -224. - -[19] - - 2nd Batt. Constituted - 3rd Foot, the 61st Regiment. - 4th ” the 62nd Regiment. - 8th ” the 63rd Regiment. - 11th ” the 64th Regiment. - 12th ” the 65th Regiment. - 19th ” the 66th Regiment. - 20th ” the 67th Regiment. - 23rd ” the 68th Regiment. - 24th ” the 69th Regiment. - 31st ” the 70th Regiment. - 32nd ” the 71st Regiment. - 33rd ” the 72nd Regiment. - 34th ” the 73rd Regiment. - 36th ” the 74th Regiment. - 37th ” the 75th Regiment. - -The 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, and 75th regiments were disbanded after -the peace of Fontainebleau in 1763. - -[20] Major-General John Burgoyne was promoted, to the rank of -Lieut.-General on the 20th of August, 1777. - -[21] _Martinique_ was captured by the English in 1762, but was -restored to France at the Peace of Fontainebleau in 1763. - -[22] Promoted to the brevet rank of Lieut.-Colonel on the 1st of -March, 1794. - -[23] Return of the Troops at _Guadaloupe_ on the 1st of September, -1794. - - +----------------------------+--------------------------+ - | | Rank and File. | - | +----------+-------+-------+ - | Corps. | Fit for | Sick. | Total.| - | | Duty. | | | - |----------------------------+----------+-------+-------+ - |Grenadier Battalion | 152 | 208 | 360 | - |Light Infantry Battalion | 33 | 382 | 415 | - |35 Regiment | 47 | 116 | 163 | - |39th Ditto | 24 | 284 | 308 | - |43rd Ditto | 23 | 176 | 199 | - |56th Ditto, three companies | 67 | .. | 67 | - |65th Ditto | 43 | 209 | 252 | - | +----------+-------+-------+ - |General Total | 389 | 1375 | 1764 | - +----------------------------+----------+-------+-------+ - -The _Grenadier_ and _Light Infantry_ battalions were composed of -the flank companies of the 8th, 12th, 17th, 31st, 33rd, 34th, 38th, -40th, 44th, and 55th Regiments. - -[24] While stationed at Jersey, a soldier of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment displayed the following example of courage and presence -of mind:--On the 4th of June, 1804, a salute had been fired in -honor of the anniversary of the birthday of King George III. The -bombardier, whose duty it was to deposit the slow match in the -magazine on the Town Hill at St. Heliers, after the performance of -the ceremony, neglected to observe whether it was extinguished; -it unfortunately was still alight, and set fire to the building; -there were within the place three hundred and twenty-five barrels -of powder, and, from its central situation, an explosion would -have destroyed the greater portion of the town. Private William -Pentenny, of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, assisted by two inhabitants -of Jersey, broke open the magazine, when another moment’s delay -would probably have been too late, the fire having nearly reached -the spot where the powder was deposited, when he entered. With -infinite coolness and decision, he carried the nearest barrels -away in his arms, and continued so to act until the whole stock -was removed out of danger. This important service was highly -appreciated. The Patriotic Fund at Lloyd’s awarded Private William -Pentenny a pension of 20_l._ a year, while the states of Jersey -conferred an additional 12_l._ upon this deserving soldier, and -presented to him a gold medal, struck on purpose to commemorate -the achievement, which he was permitted to wear. The Governor, -Major-General the Honorable William Stewart, ordered a ring of -silver lace to be worn round his arm as a further distinction. - -[25] This extract is from an excellent pamphlet published in -Edinburgh soon after the event, by a “_Passenger_.” It was written -by Major Duncan M‘Gregor of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, who was -afterwards the Lieutenant-Colonel of the ninety-third Highlanders. - -[26] General Avitabile, one of the military instructors of the -Sikhs, was a native of Italy, and at the conclusion of Napoleon’s -bright, but evanescent career, sought employment in the East. He -was handsomely rewarded by the Sovereign of the Punjaub, Runjeet -Singh, together with another Italian officer, named Ventura, -and two Frenchmen, Allard and Court, for introducing European -tactics into the Sikh army. Runjeet Singh also conferred the -governorship of Peshawur upon General Avitabile, and by his -vigorous administration it was reduced from a state of anarchy to -one of comparative security. Peshawur signifies “_advanced post_,” -that name having been conferred upon it by its founder, the Mogul -Emperor Akbar, in consequence of its being the frontier town of -India towards Affghanistan. - -Runjeet Singh died in 1839, and his son and successor, Kurruck -Singh, being of weak intellect, was shortly afterwards deposed, -when his son, Noo Nehal Singh, assumed the reins of Government. -His death, which occurred in returning from his father’s funeral, -caused the throne to be again vacant, and the crown was bestowed on -Prince Shere Singh, a twin-son of Runjeet Singh. Shere Singh was a -firm friend to the English, and by his interference Major-General -Pollock was permitted to proceed with his army through the Punjaub -to Cabool in 1842, although the Sikh Sirdars were disposed to -attack the British troops. - -[27] Vide Memoir of Lieut.-Colonel Skinner, Appendix, p. 226. - -[28] The Punjaub derives its name from two Persian words (_punj_, -five, and _aub_ waters), signifying _five waters_. In fact there -are _six_ rivers intersecting the country, namely the _Indus_, -_Jhelum_, _Chenaub_, _Ravee_, _Beas_, and _Sutlej_. The course of -the _Beas_ is much shorter than the five other rivers, so that it -appears to have been disregarded when the name of the Punjaub was -bestowed. - -[29] On the death of Assistant-Surgeon Gahan, Assistant-Surgeon -Patrick Gammie, of the 80th regiment, was appointed to take medical -charge of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. - -[30] Vide Memoir of Colonel Bolton, inserted in Appendix, page 225. - -[31] Vide Memoir of Major Baldwin, inserted in Appendix, page 230. - -[32] Shortly after the storming of the village of _Aliwal_, an -European officer in the Sikh service was given in charge to the -regiment, having surrendered himself as a prisoner to an officer -of one of the cavalry regiments in the Company’s service. He said -his servant had galloped off with his charger, and, being rather -stout, preferred giving himself up to the chance of running away; -his name was John Potter, a native of Maidstone in Kent; he had -deserted from the Company’s Artillery twenty years before, and was -at this period a Colonel of Artillery in the Sikh service, having -a native wife and family at Lahore. At first he was kept a very -strict prisoner, but the severity of his confinement was gradually -relaxed, and when the army encamped before Lahore, he was released -altogether. The Governor-General afterwards permitted him to hold -an appointment in the Sikh service. - -[33] This officer was promoted from Quarter-master-Serjeant to -Ensign after the battle of Ferozeshah. - -[34] This part of the action is represented in the engraving of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment at the battle of Sobraon. - -[35] In some copies of this General Order it was erroneously stated -that Brigadier Hicks commanded the first brigade: he was not at the -battle of Sobraon. - -[36] Vide pages 146 and 165 of Regimental Record. - -[37] A beautiful silver inkstand has been recently presented -to Lieut.-Colonel Spence, by the Officers of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment. It is an elegant testimonial, and is tastefully -embellished with military trophies, a soldier of the regiment being -introduced on the two extremities, in the position to receive -cavalry,--the whole surmounted by the British Lion. The following -inscription is engraved on the testimonial:-- - - Presented to - - LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SPENCE, C.B., - - By Lieutenant-Colonel Staunton and Officers of the THIRTY-FIRST - Regiment, - As a token of their esteem and attachment, - On his leaving the Regiment, in which he had served for a period of - forty-one years, - With high distinction to himself and honor to his Country. - - - - -HISTORICAL RECORD - -OF THE - -SECOND BATTALION - -OF THE - -THIRTY-FIRST, OR THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE - -REGIMENT OF FOOT. - - -[Sidenote: 1804] - -Napoleon Bonaparte, upon being raised in May 1804 to the dignity -of Emperor of the French, increased his immense preparations to -carry into effect his project for the invasion of England, that -he might, by one great effort, crush the power of the British -people, who appeared as a barrier to his ambitious designs. This -menace of invasion had aroused the spirit of the British nation; -patriotic enthusiasm pervaded all ranks; and among the measures of -defence[38] adopted by the Government was the introduction of the -“_Additional Force Act_” which was passed on the 14th of July 1804. - -[Sidenote: 1805] - -Under this Act of Parliament, a _second battalion_ was added to the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment, which was to be formed of men raised in the -county of Chester for limited service. - -The second battalion was embodied by July 1805, and in October it -proceeded from Chester to Winchester, where the first battalion was -stationed. - -[Sidenote: 1806] - -After the first battalion had embarked for Sicily in April 1806, -the second battalion continued at Winchester until June following, -when it proceeded to Gosport. - -[Sidenote: 1807] - -On the 8th of January 1807, the second battalion embarked at -Gosport for Guernsey, where it arrived on the 15th of that month. -In May 1807, the battalion proceeded to Ireland, and was stationed -at Limerick. - -[Sidenote: 1808] - -In March 1808, the battalion was removed from Limerick to Dublin. - -Important events had in the meantime occurred on the Continent, -which occasioned the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment -to be ordered on active service. Napoleon, having reduced Germany -to submission to his will, and forced Russia to accede to his -decrees, next attempted the subjugation of Spain and Portugal. The -Spaniards and Portuguese rose in arms to assert their national -rights, the French Emperor having conferred the crown of Spain on -his brother Joseph, who relinquished the throne of Naples in favor -of Marshal Murat. - -In the summer of 1808, Portugal was delivered by a British army -under Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley; and in the autumn -Lieut.-General Sir John Moore received orders to advance with a -body of British troops from Portugal into the heart of Spain; at -the same time several regiments were embarked from the United -Kingdom to co-operate in the enterprise. - -The second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST, which had proceeded in -August to Fermoy, marched on the 8th of September to Monkstown for -embarkation, and sailed in a few days afterwards to Falmouth, where -a fleet was assembling with a force for service, the command of the -troops being held by Lieut.-General Sir David Baird. In a short -time, the fleet sailed, and arrived in the Bay of Corunna on the -23rd of October. The THIRTY-FIRST did not, however, land with the -army, the battalion being despatched to Lisbon, where it arrived on -the 5th of November. - -Lieut.-General Sir John Cradock, who commanded in Portugal at -this period, detached some regiments towards the frontier, with a -view of reinforcing Lieut.-General Sir John Moore in Spain. The -THIRTY-FIRST, being one of the corps destined for this service, -marched with a force under the command of Brigadier-General Richard -Stewart from Lisbon, on the 18th of December, upon Castello Branco, -where the battalion arrived in ten days. - -The communication with Lieut.-General Sir John Moore being at this -period suddenly interrupted, Brigadier-General Stewart was ordered -to halt, and unfavourable intelligence being received from Spain, -Lieut.-General Sir John Cradock determined to concentrate his army -near Lisbon, and the further advance was, therefore, countermanded. - -[Sidenote: 1809] - -The second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST, and the other corps of -the division, commenced their march to the rear on the 1st of -January 1809. On arrival at Santarem, the intelligence of Sir -John Moore’s advance upon Sahagun had reached head-quarters, and -the anticipated danger being thus drawn from the frontiers of -Portugal, Brigadier-General Stewart was again ordered to halt. His -head-quarters continued at Santarem, and the THIRTY-FIRST occupied -cantonments in the neighbourhood of Bucellas. A month’s march in -incessant rain had seriously damaged the appointments, and the men -being indifferently provided with shoes, rendered a rest in this -pleasant quarter of infinite benefit. - -In the meanwhile, the army under Lieut.-General Sir John Moore -had continued its retreat over two hundred and fifty miles of -mountainous country, constantly repulsing the attacks of the enemy. -The British army arrived at Corunna on the 11th of January, being -closely followed by Marshal Soult, who occupied a position on a -height above the town, in order to make an attack on the troops -while proceeding to embark. This operation commenced on the 16th -of January, and the French descending from the heights in three -columns, a sanguinary action ensued. Lieut.-General Sir John -Moore received a mortal wound from a cannon-ball, and his country -was deprived of an officer, who, both in his professional and -private character, had acquired universal esteem and admiration. -Lieut.-General Sir David Baird lost an arm, and the command -devolved on Lieut.-General Sir John Hope, who vigorously maintained -the action, the British remaining masters of the field. The -embarkation for England was effected on the following night, no -further molestation being offered by the enemy. - -No change was made in the disposition of the army in Portugal -until the middle of March, when Lieut.-General Sherbrooke, and -Major-General John Randoll McKenzie, with their corps arrived. -The army was then drawn together between Lumiar and Sacavem, in -which position it encamped until toward the end of April, when -Lieut.-General Sir John Cradock commenced his advance towards Spain -on the 24th of that month; and when Lieut.-General Sir Arthur -Wellesley, who had arrived at Lisbon with reinforcements, assumed -the command of the army, the force was assembled at Leiria. The -first object of Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley was to dislodge -Marshal Soult from Oporto, and he accordingly marched towards that -city at the end of April. - -A corps of British and Portuguese was detached, previous to Sir -Arthur Wellesley’s march upon Oporto, under Major-General McKenzie, -to watch the right bank of the Tagus in observation of Marshal -Victor in Estremadura. The second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST -joined this army, and remained posted at Thomar until after the -famous passage of the Douro by the British General, and the fall of -Oporto, which compelled Marshal Soult to retreat. - -In the month of June the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST was -at Cortiçada with Major-General McKenzie’s head-quarters, and in -that officer’s division reached Placentia, whence on the 17th of -July it commenced its march to Oropesa, where it arrived on the -20th. A junction with the Spanish army under General Cuesta was -effected here, and on the 22nd the advanced guards, to which the -THIRTY-FIRST belonged, moved forward to the attack on the French -posts at _Talavera_. The enemy’s position was turned by the British -cavalry and infantry, while the Spanish General drove the French -on in front. On the 25th, in consequence of General Cuesta having -followed the enemy, two divisions of infantry were sent across the -Alberche to Casa Legas. The second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST -was in that commanded by Major-General McKenzie, and was brigaded -with the twenty-eighth and forty-fifth regiments. - -On the 27th of July, when General Cuesta had retreated from -Alcabon under cover of Lieut.-General Sherbrooke’s divisions, -Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley withdrew to the position of -_Talavera_, leaving Major-General McKenzie on the Alberche to -protect the movement. When the French, on the 27th of July, crossed -this river, Major-General McKenzie’s division was posted near the -Casa des Salinas, his infantry in the forest, and cavalry on the -plain. - -The attach was somewhat sudden, and the THIRTY-FIRST and -eighty-seventh regiments, which were in the wood on the right of -the Alberche, sustained some loss. As the enemy increased his -numbers on the British side of the river, Major-General McKenzie -fell back gradually, and entering the position by the left of the -combined army, took up his ground in a second line, in rear of the -foot guards. In the dusk of the evening the enemy commenced his -attack on the British left, but failed; in the night the attack was -repeated, and on the morning of the 28th of July the French renewed -the attack on the height on the British left, and were again -repulsed with considerable loss. After a pause of some hours the -attacks were renewed upon the whole British front, and the action -became general. Brigadier-General Alexander Campbell’s division, -on the British right, sustained the assault of the enemy’s fourth -corps, assisted by Major-General McKenzie’s brigade. “The English -regiments, putting the French skirmishers aside, met the advancing -columns with loud shouts, and breaking in on their front, and -lapping their flanks with fire, and giving no respite, pushed them -back with a terrible carnage. Ten guns were taken; but as General -Campbell prudently forbore pursuit, the French rallied on their -supports, and made a show of attacking again: vain attempt! The -British artillery and musketry played too vehemently upon their -masses, and a Spanish regiment of cavalry charging on their flank -at the same time, the whole retired in disorder, and the victory -was secured in that quarter.”[39] - -The ten captured guns remained in possession of the -British;--Major-General John Randoll McKenzie was killed;--and the -second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, under Major John -Williams Watson, conducted itself in such a manner as to merit -notice in the despatch, as well as approbation in General Orders. -Major Watson received a medal, and was afterwards promoted to the -rank of Lieutenant-Colonel for his conduct on this occasion. - -The THIRTY-FIRST, in the actions of the 27th and 28th of July, -had Captain William Lodge, two serjeants, and forty-two rank and -file _killed_; Captains Nicolls and Coleman,--Lieutenants George -Beamish, Adderley Beamish, and Girdlestone,--Ensigns Gamble and -Soden,--Assistant-Surgeon Edwards,--eight serjeants, and one -hundred and eighty-two rank and file, _wounded_. Most of the -wounded fell into the hands of the French, on the abandonment of -Talavera afterwards by the Spanish General. Assistant-Surgeon -Edwards, who was left in charge of the wounded, died shortly -afterwards. - -The news of the brilliant victory of _Talavera_, gained over the -French army commanded by Joseph Bonaparte in person, excited -great joy in England, and Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley was -raised to the peerage by the title of Viscount Wellington. The -Royal Authority was afterwards given for the THIRTY-FIRST to bear -the word “TALAVERA” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments, to -commemorate the distinguished conduct of the second battalion on -that memorable occasion. - -After the battle of the 28th of July, the second battalion was -posted to Major-General Tilson’s brigade, in the division commanded -by Major-General Rowland (afterwards Viscount) Hill; and on the 3rd -of August marched from Talavera, in order to oppose the French, who -had entered Estremadura by Placentia. - -On the 3rd of September, the head-quarters arrived at Badajoz, -and the army was distributed about Elvas, Campo Mayor, and other -places, the THIRTY-FIRST being in the division cantoned at Montejo. -The troops had suffered greatly on the march from Talavera, -generally from dysentery, brought on by bad food, fatigue, and -exposure. When the second battalion had rested awhile in its -position, the sickness that had been kept off in a great measure -by the previous excitement, now visited the men severely, and a -considerable number died. - -[Sidenote: 1810] - -When Viscount Wellington broke up from the Guadiana in the month -of December, and crossed the Tagus, he left Lieut.-General Hill, -who had been appointed to serve on the Staff in the Peninsula as -a Lieut.-General, after the battle of _Talavera_, with a force of -ten thousand men, British and Portuguese, at Abrantes. Among the -former was the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST; it continued -at that place until February 1810, when Lieut.-General Hill, on the -approach of Marshal Mortier on Badajoz, marched to Portalegre, and -occupied that strong position. He made a move on the 23rd of April -through the Sierra de St. Marmede, which had the desired effect of -relieving General O’Donnell at Albuquerque, the enemy retiring to -Merida. Lieut.-General Hill was once more at Portalegre on the 26th -of April, and on the 15th of May he again quitted his cantonment, -by which movement he disengaged Badajoz from the attention of the -enemy, who had made a reconnoisance on the 12th of that place, and -relieved General Ballasteros, returning in a few days afterwards to -his old position. - -During the continuance of the division at Portalegre, it was always -on the alert, owing to General Regnier’s movements in Estremadura. -In the beginning of July, Lieut.-General Hill concentrated his -corps at Campo Mayor, previously to an expedition into Estremadura -in conjunction with the Marquis de Romana. General Regnier had, -however, frustrated this plan, by quitting Merida on the 10th of -July, and marching upon Aleonete and Almaraz, effected the passage -of the Tagus on the 16th. Lieut.-General Hill made a parallel -movement, and crossing the river at Vilha Velha, was at Castello -Branco on the 21st; he encamped at Sarzedas, in front of the -Sobreira Formosa, remaining some time in observation between the -Estrella and the Tagus. - -Upon Marshal Massena concentrating his force for the invasion -of Portugal, Lieut.-General Hill fell back from his position at -Sarzedas, and on the 21 st of August, arrived on the Alva. On the -26th, the THIRTY-FIRST in Lieut.-General Hill’s corps, crossed the -Mondego, arrived on the _Sierra de Busaco_, and was posted on the -right, across the road leading over the mountain ridge to Peña -Cova, but the battalion was not engaged in the action. - -When General Regnier attacked the position held by the third and -fifth divisions, Lieut.-General Hill withdrew towards his left to -support them; it was unnecessary however, these divisions having -repulsed the enemy, and he therefore continued in his original -position. - -After the battle of Busaco, fought on the 27th of September, the -army withdrew from the Sierra, and Lieut.-General Hill’s division -marched on Thomar, arriving there on the 4th of October; whence -continuing its retreat by Santarem, it took up its ground, on the -8th, on the right of the Torres Vedras lines at Alhandra, on the -right of the Tagus, in which position the second battalion of -the THIRTY-FIRST had several skirmishes with the enemy, without -sustaining much loss. The battalion remained at Alhandra, opposite -which was the second French corps under General Regnier. - -On the 17th of November, the second division crossed the Tagus -at Villada upon Abrantes, where the French were in retreat. Upon -Marshal Massena taking up a position at Santarem, it halted at -Chamako, where the head-quarters were stationed; the troops being -so distributed as to have an eye to the enemy, and prevent his -crossing to the south of the Tagus. Lieut.-General Hill returned -to England on account of ill health in December, and Marshal Sir -William Carr (now Viscount) Beresford succeeded him in the command -of his division, which amounted to fourteen thousand men, British -and Portuguese. - -[Sidenote: 1811] - -The hostile armies remained in the same positions until the -beginning of March, when Marshal Massena broke up from Santarem, -and Major-General the Honorable William Stewart, with a body of -troops, of which the THIRTY-FIRST formed part, crossed the Tagus at -Abrantes, and moved to Thomar, while Marshal Beresford remained at -Barla, and did not join in the pursuit of Marshal Massena. - -Towards the end of March, Sir William Beresford arrived at -Portalegre with twenty thousand infantry, two thousand cavalry, -and eighteen guns, with orders to relieve Campo Mayor, and besiege -_Olivenza_ and _Badajoz_. The first object was effected on the -25th of March; it was an affair of cavalry only. On the 6th of -April, the passage of the Guadiana took place at Jurumenha, and -the army occupied a position on a strong range of hills. On the -9th of April, _Olivenza_ was summoned, and not surrendering the -army encamped round it. General Latour Maubourg having retired -to Llerena, Marshal Beresford leaving the fourth division, with -Colonel Madden’s cavalry, opposite Olivenza, took post on the 11th -at _Albuhera_, the infantry being on the 16th drawn nearer to -_Badajoz_, which place was invested on the 8th of May. - -On the 8th and 10th of May, the French made two sorties, but were -driven back with considerable loss. Marshal Soult’s approach to -relieve Badajoz having been ascertained, the siege was raised on -the night of the 12th, and moving to _Albuhera_, the British were -in position on the 15th of May. - -The second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST was on the left of -Lieut.-Colonel Colborne’s brigade, in the division under -Major-General the Honorable William Stewart, which was drawn up, -in one line, behind the village of _Albuhera_; its right on a -commanding hill, over which the Valverde road passed; its left on -the road to Badajoz. - -On the morning of the 16th of May, the grand attack was made by -the French on the right of the position, and in a line at right -angles to it: this point was contested by the Spaniards without -success,--they gave way, and the French columns pushing on, seized -the crown of the hill, and bringing up their reserves, established -their batteries in position on it. At this moment Major-General the -Honorable William Stewart brought forward Lieut.-Colonel Colborne’s -brigade, and arrived with it at the foot of the hill, while all -was in confusion above. The Major-General rushed on in open column -of companies, attempting to form his line in succession as the -battalions arrived. The THIRTY-FIRST, the left of the brigade, was -still in column, when four regiments of hussars and lancers, which -had been concealed by the heavy rain falling at the time, passed by -the right flank to the rear of the line. - -“_One battalion only_ (_the_ THIRTY-FIRST) _being still in column, -escaped the storm, and maintained its ground, while the French -horsemen, riding violently over everything else, penetrated to all -parts._”[40] - -Major-General the Honorable William Lumley sent some squadrons of -cavalry to take the attention of the Lancers, but the THIRTY-FIRST -continued to hold the height, while the Spaniards would not -advance, and Marshal Soult still kept his columns together on the -point he had assailed. Major-General Hoghton’s brigade coming up -in good order, under Major-General the Honorable William Stewart, -and being soon afterwards reinforced by a portion of the fourth -division, relieved the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST from -the difficulty of its position. - -The THIRTY-FIRST had two serjeants and twenty-six rank and file -_killed_; and Captains Fleming and Knox, Lieutenants Butler, -Gethen, and Bolton; Ensigns Wilson and Nicholson; four serjeants, -and one hundred and sixteen rank and file, _wounded_. - -Major George Guy Carleton L’Estrange, who commanded the -battalion, at the battle of _Albuhera_, was promoted to the rank -of Lieut.-Colonel in the army for his conduct on that day, and -received a medal. Viscount Wellington alluded to his gallantry in -the following terms:-- - -“There is one officer, Major L’Estrange, of the THIRTY-FIRST, whom -I must recommend, in the strongest manner, for promotion in some -way or other. _After the other parts of the same brigade were swept -off by the Cavalry, this little battalion alone held its ground -against all the ‘colonnes en masse.’_” - -Captain Peter Fearon, of the THIRTY-FIRST, distinguished himself on -the same day in command of the Lusitanian legion, and received a -medal for his conduct. - -The Royal Authority was afterwards given for the THIRTY-FIRST to -bear the word “ALBUHERA” on the regimental colour and appointments, -to commemorate the distinguished conduct of the second battalion on -that memorable occasion. - -The army was again in position during the 17th of May, the enemy -appearing to meditate another attack; the remainder of the fourth -division, however, arrived by forced marches from Jurumenha, and on -the 18th Marshal Soult retreated, followed by Marshal Beresford, -who left the Portuguese to make a show of investing Badajoz. The -infantry had no affair with the enemy during his retreat; and when -he assumed a position at Llerena, the operations terminated. - -Major-General Hill at this period rejoined from England, and the -second siege of _Badajoz_ commenced on the 30th of May. - -The second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST continued under -Lieut.-General Hill, to which rank he was promoted on the 4th of -June 1811, in the covering army, which was posted between Merida -and Albuhera. Having been much reduced in the late action, it -was formed, with the sixty-sixth regiment, into a Provisional -Battalion, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Colborne. - -When Marshal Soult advanced, and the siege of Badajoz was raised, -the covering army was once more concentrated on the position of -Albuhera. The French Marshal did not, however, attack; on the 17th -of June, the British crossed the Guadiana, and prepared for the -probability of an engagement with the united corps of Marshals -Marmont and Soult. In July, the British were relieved from their -presence, and the Commander-in-Chief, Viscount Wellington, leaving -Lieut.-General Hill to watch Estremadura, at Portalegre, Villa -Viciosa, and Estremos, with ten thousand men, put the rest of the -army into quarters near the Tagus. - -The THIRTY-FIRST continued with Lieut.-General Hill in the second -division: this part of the army was constantly on the alert, but -nothing very important occurred until October. - -On the 9th of October, Lieut.-General Hill’s force was concentrated -behind Campo Mayor, and on the 22nd marched to drive Marshal Girard -from Caçeres: at daylight on the 28th of October, the British -General surprised the French Marshal at _Arroyo dos Molinos_, in -which brilliant affair the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST was -present. - -The army returned to its cantonments about Portalegre immediately -afterwards, and remained in them until the 24th and 25th of -December, when it moved upon Merida, and arrived there on the 30th -to surprise General Dombrouski, and attack General Drouet. They -both retired, abandoning magazines of wheat, and Lieut.-General -Hill took up his cantonments at Merida on the 6th of January, 1812. - -[Sidenote: 1812] - -Immediately afterwards Lieut.-General Hill fell back upon the -frontiers of Portugal, while the grand army was investing _Ciudad -Rodrigo_, and occupied Portalegre. - -In March, _Badajoz_ was invested for the third time, and -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s[41] corps again formed part of -the covering army. He halted at Almendralejos, while Lieut.-General -Sir Thomas Graham (afterwards Lord Lynedoch) took post at Zafra. -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s division then moved forward, -and took post at Medellin. When the breaches at Badajoz were -nearly practicable, Marshal Soult, having effected a junction with -Generals Drouet and Daricau, advanced to relieve it. Viscount -Wellington thereupon determined to fight him at Albuhera. -Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Graham then fell back towards that place, -and Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill having destroyed the bridge at -Merida, marched from the Upper Guadiana to Talavera Real. Marshal -Soult did not however advance in time, and _Badajoz_ was taken on -the 6th of April. - -After the fall of Badajoz, when Viscount Wellington marched towards -Beira, two divisions of British infantry, in one of which was the -second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST, remained with Lieut.-General -Sir Rowland Hill in Estremadura, to cover Badajoz during the -re-establishment of its works. Nothing occurred in the army until -the 12th of May, when six thousand men, with twelve field-pieces, -crossed the Guadiana at Merida, and joining the battering train -and pontoons, formed the force destined to surprise the French at -_Almaraz_. - -The THIRTY-FIRST remained in position on the Guadiana, while the -expedition proceeded to attack the French works on the Bridge at -_Almaraz_, on the Tagus, which were captured on the 19th of May. -The bridge having been destroyed, and the communication between the -several divisions of the French army rendered more difficult, the -British troops returned to the south of the Guadiana. - -A great part of June was passed in operations against General -Drouet, until he was reinforced on the 18th of that month with -General Barrois’s division of infantry, and two divisions of -cavalry. Hereupon Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill fell back -gradually to Albuhera, and took up a position on the former field, -awaiting an attack. The enemy did not advance, and on the 2nd of -July, Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill broke up from Albuhera, and -moved upon General Drouet, who retired towards Cordova. At the end -of July, Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill was at Llerena, and the -second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, in Brigadier-General -Byng’s brigade, was detached to Merida. General Drouet made a -demonstration, but no action of infantry ensued. - -After the victory gained by the army under Viscount Wellington on -the 22nd of July at Salamanca, the troops under Lieut.-General Sir -Rowland Hill penetrated the Spanish provinces: during the month of -August they were engaged in the pursuit of General Drouet, and in -the beginning of October they were on the Tagus, between Aranjuez -and Toledo. - -While the army under the Marquis of Wellington, which title was -conferred upon him after the victory of Salamanca, was engaged -in the siege of the Castle of _Burgos_, the second battalion of -the THIRTY-FIRST regiment remained at Aranjuez. In consequence -of the necessity of raising the siege of Burgos, and retreating, -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill broke up from his ground on the -Tagus, to effect a junction with the grand army, which commenced -its retrograde movement from Burgos on the 21st of October. - -On the 30th of October, Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill, having -taken up a position of defence on the Jarama, was pressed by -the enemy, who attacked the bridge of Aranjuez. The French were -repulsed by Colonel Skerrett, with the forty-seventh (of which he -was the Lieutenant-Colonel), and part of the ninety-fifth regiment, -now the Rifle Brigade. The retreat continued without molestation; -and on the 8th of November, the troops under Lieut.-General Sir -Rowland Hill were at Alba, while the Marquis of Wellington occupied -the heights of San Christoval. The brigade of the second division, -in which the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST was posted, being -in the neighbourhood of the fords of Encinas. - -On the 14th of November, the enemy passed the river near that -place, and the Marquis of Wellington moved with the second division -to attack him, while the remainder of the troops were ordered -towards the Arapiles in the evening. No engagement occurred. The -enemy fortified himself at Mozarbes, on the ground he had taken -up the night before, and moved bodies of cavalry and infantry to -the communication with Ciudad Rodrigo. The superiority of numbers -on the part of the French caused the British army to continue its -march to Ciudad Rodrigo, which it reached on the 19th of November. -Thus ended the retreat from Burgos. The men had suffered greatly -on the march and required rest; the enemy had pressed the retreat -closely with his cavalry, and made an attack upon the rear upon -the passage of the Huebra; the roads were difficult, and in some -parts impassable. The second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST did not -share in the hardships of the main retreat until it had crossed the -Tormes. - -Marshal Soult having retired to the Upper Tormes, towards the pass -of Banos, it was reported that he intended to invade Portugal by -the valley of the Tagus. Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s division -was therefore moved to the right as far as Robledo, to cover the -pass of Perales. King Joseph, however, in December, took up his -position for the winter, and the allied army was also distributed -in quarters. - -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s division occupied Coria and -Placentia, the THIRTY-FIRST being cantoned in the latter place. - -[Sidenote: 1813] - -The allied army remained in cantonments until the month of May -1813; on the 19th of that month the second battalion of the -THIRTY-FIRST, in the second division, broke up from its winter -quarters, and, forming a part of the right wing of the army, shared -in the operations during the advance upon Burgos and Vittoria; in -the plan for the action of the 21st of June, before _Vittoria_, -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s corps, composed of Morillo’s -Spaniards, Sylveira’s Portuguese, and the second British division, -forming the right of the allied army, was to attack the enemy’s -left, and forcing the passage of the lower Zadora, at Puebla, -assail the French on the heights beyond, entering the plain of -Vittoria, by the defile of La Puebla. The river was passed about -ten o’clock A.M., and Morillo’s Spaniards assailed the mountain -with his first brigade; but meeting with much resistance on the -heights, called up his second brigade, which, the French being also -reinforced, was supported by part of the second division, while -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill, with the rest, passed through -the defile, and, seizing the village of _Subijana de Alava_, held -his ground: he thus connected his own right with the troops on -the mountain, and maintained this forward position, although -the French made great efforts to dislodge the allies from this -vantage-ground. - -Meanwhile the fourth division crossed by the bridge of Nanclares. -The action on the British right was severe, and sustained with -great gallantry. The French, being driven from all their defences, -retreated with such precipitation towards Pampeluna as to abandon -all their baggage, artillery, ammunition, military chests, and the -court equipage of King Joseph, whose carriage being seized, he -had barely time to escape on horseback. The defeat was the most -complete that the French had experienced in Spain. - -The bâton of Marshal Jourdan was taken, and the Prince Regent, -in the name and behalf of his Majesty, appointed the Marquis of -Wellington a Field-Marshal. In a most flattering letter, the Prince -Regent thus conferred the honor:--“You have sent me among the -trophies of your unrivalled fame, the staff of a French Marshal, -and I send you in return that of England.” - -During part of the day, the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST -was stationed to cover a brigade of guns: its loss was not very -great, being one private killed, and thirteen wounded. Captain -Girdlestone was the only officer of the THIRTY-FIRST who was -wounded. - -Lieut.-Colonel Leith received a medal for his conduct in command -of the battalion, and the Royal Authority was afterwards given -for the word “VITTORIA” to be inscribed on the Regimental Colour -and Appointments of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, to commemorate the -gallantry of the second battalion in that battle. - -The second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment shared in the -pursuit of the enemy after his defeat at Vittoria, and, when the -Marquis of Wellington marched on the 26th of June to intercept the -French General Clausel, it remained with the other corps of the -second division for the siege of _Pampeluna_. - -Although the enemy had withdrawn his right and left into France, -he maintained his centre in force in the rich valley of _Bastan_, -which afforded numerous strong positions, and the troops under -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill, having been relieved from the -blockade of Pampeluna, advanced to dislodge the French. On the 4th -of July, and the three following days, General Gazan was driven -from the valley of Bastan by the troops under Lieut.-General -Sir Rowland Hill, and the positions abandoned by the enemy were -occupied by the British. Major-General Byng’s brigade, of which the -THIRTY-FIRST formed part, with some Spanish corps under General -Morillo, took possession of the Pass of _Roncesvalles_ on the 7th -of July. In this celebrated valley the THIRTY-FIRST remained for a -few days. - -Marshal Soult having arrived at Bayonne on the 13th of July to -command, as Lieutenant of the Emperor, the united French army of -Spain, amounting to above seventy-eight thousand men, exclusive of -garrisons, collected more than sixty thousand of his own left, and -advanced on the 25th of July to force the Pass of _Roncesvalles_. -The brigade which had been ordered to occupy the Pass, and of -which the THIRTY-FIRST formed a part, kept the French in check for -several hours, but was obliged to fall back, on perceiving that a -strong body had succeeded in turning the position. - -The THIRTY-FIRST had two privates killed, and three wounded, in -the action on the 25th of July. On the 28th and 30th of July, the -battalion was engaged in the attack made upon the enemy on the -heights in front of _Pampeluna_, and had Captain Girdlestone, -Ensign Smith, and Quarter-Master McIntosh, together with -thirty-three rank and file, wounded:--two rank and file were killed. - -Lieut.-Colonel Leith received a clasp, in addition to his former -medal, for his conduct on these occasions. - -The THIRTY-FIRST regiment subsequently received the Royal -Authority to bear the word “PYRENEES” on the Regimental Colour and -Appointments, to commemorate the services of the second battalion -in these several combats, which have been designated the “_Battles -of the Pyrenees_.” - -On the 31st of July, Major-General Byng’s brigade captured a large -convoy near _Elizondo_, and made many prisoners. - -The British troops resumed their position in the Pyrenees, awaiting -the capture of St. Sebastian and Pampeluna. St. Sebastian was -captured on the 31st of August, and on the 31st of October the -French garrison of Pampeluna surrendered prisoners of war. - -Pampeluna being captured, the right of the allied army, which had -been employed in covering the blockade, became disengaged, and -the British Commander looking down from the lofty Pyrenees on the -well-guarded territory of France, resolved to carry the war into -the heart of that country. The British army, early on the morning -of the 10th of November, descended into the valleys on the French -side; the division of which the THIRTY-FIRST formed part entered -France by the Pass of _Maya_, having sustained some loss in the -capture of one of the enemy’s redoubts. Only one man belonging to -the battalion was killed, but Captain Girdlestone and eleven rank -and file were wounded. Marshal Soult’s army was driven from his -fortified position on the river _Nivelle_, and several guns and -prisoners were captured. The French being pursued on the following -day, retired to their fortified camp near Bayonne. - -Captain Thomas Samuel Nicolls was promoted to the rank of Major -in the army for his conduct on this day, and the THIRTY-FIRST -afterwards received the Royal Authority to bear the word “NIVELLE” -on the Regimental Colour and Appointments, in testimony of the -gallantry of the second battalion in that action. - -The passage of the river _Nive_ was effected on the 9th of -December: the THIRTY-FIRST passed over without the loss of a man, -one serjeant only being wounded. - -Lieut.-Colonel Leith received an additional clasp for his conduct -on this occasion, and Captains Patrick Dowdall and Peter Fearon -were promoted to the rank of Majors in the army. - -On the 13th of December, the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment shared in the action at _St. Pierre_, near Bayonne, -when the enemy abandoned two pieces of cannon, which were taken -possession of by Captain Hemsworth’s company. - -The Marquis of Wellington, in his despatch dated _St. Jean de Luz_, -14th December 1813, thus alluded to the conduct of the brigade -under Major-General John Byng,[42] of which the THIRTY-FIRST formed -part. - - “I had great satisfaction, also, in observing the conduct of - Major-General Byng’s brigade of British infantry, supported - by the fourth Portuguese brigade, under the command of - Brigadier-General Buchan, in carrying an important height from - the enemy on the right of our position, and maintaining it - against all their efforts to regain it. - - “_Two guns and some prisoners_ were taken from the enemy, who - being beaten at all points, and having suffered considerable - loss, were obliged to retire upon their entrenchment.” - -In a very interesting life of the late Viscount Hill, by the -Reverend Edwin Sidney, A.M. is the following account of the action -at _St. Pierre_, near Bayonne. - - “This great service was thus performed by Sir Rowland Hill. - The enemy, who had failed in all their attempts with their - whole force upon Lord Wellington’s left, withdrew to their - entrenchments on the night of December 12th, and passed a large - body of troops through the town of Bayonne. With these, on - the morning of the 13th, they made a desperate attack on Sir - Rowland Hill. This, as has appeared, was not unexpected; and - Lord Wellington had placed at his disposal not only the sixth - division, but the fourth division, and two brigades of the third. - Soult’s objects were to gain the bridge of _St. Pierre_, to - make himself master of the road to St. Jean Pied de Port, and - to break through the position of the allies. For these purposes - he put forth his whole strength, and was completely vanquished. - Even before the sixth division arrived, Sir Rowland Hill had - repulsed him with prodigious loss; and although he skilfully - availed himself of a high ground in retreating, he could not - stand against the famous charge of General Byng, and was entirely - defeated. It was a battle fought and won by the corps of Sir - Rowland Hill alone and unaided. At the instant of victory Lord - Wellington came up, and in the ecstasy of the moment of triumph, - caught him by the hand, and said, ‘Hill, the day is your own.’” - -The THIRTY-FIRST had seven rank and file _killed_, and three -serjeants, two drummers, and twenty-seven rank and file _wounded_. - -Lieut.-Colonel Leith, who received a cross for his conduct, was -slightly wounded. Ensign Hardy died of his wounds. - -Brevet Major Peter Fearon, of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, who -commanded the fifth Portuguese Caçadores, received an additional -distinction to the medal which had been granted him for the battle -of Albuhera. - -The THIRTY-FIRST subsequently received the Royal Authority to -bear on the Regimental colour the word “NIVE,” to commemorate the -gallantry of the second battalion in the actions which ensued on -the passage of that river. - -No further actions occurred during the few remaining days of the -year 1813; and the army occupied winter-quarters. - -[Sidenote: 1814] - -Leaving their cantonments at the village of St. Pierre, the -THIRTY-FIRST advanced with the troops under Lieut.-General Sir -Rowland Hill, in the middle of February 1814, when the French -corps, under General Harispe, were driven from Hellete, and -afterwards forced from a position on the heights of _Garris_ on -the 15th of February. The battalion had one private killed, and six -rank and file wounded. Brevet Major Peter Fearon, who commanded the -fifth Portuguese Caçadores, died of his wounds. The other officer -wounded was Captain Knox, who was subsequently promoted to the -brevet rank of major. - -On the 27th of February, the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST, -in Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s division, crossed the Adour, -on the right of _Orthes_, with the loss of only two rank and file -wounded. - -Lieut.-Colonel Leith gained another distinction, and the -THIRTY-FIRST afterwards received the Royal Authority to bear -the word “ORTHES” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments, in -commemoration of the conduct of the second battalion in that battle. - -Advancing rapidly against the enemy, Lieut.-General Sir Rowland -Hill engaged him at _Aire_, on which occasion the THIRTY-FIRST had -Ensign Hardcastle (Captain in the third Portuguese Caçadores) one -serjeant, and two rank and file wounded. - -On the 10th of April, the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment was in action with the French in the suburbs of -_Toulouse_, and had one private wounded. - -During the night of the 11th of April, the French army evacuated -Toulouse, and the white flag was hoisted. On the day following, -the Marquis of Wellington entered the city amidst the acclamations -of the inhabitants. In the afternoon of this day intelligence was -received of the abdication of Napoleon; and had not the express -been delayed on the journey by the French police, the sacrifice of -many valuable lives would have been prevented. A disbelief in the -truth of this intelligence occasioned much unnecessary bloodshed -at _Bayonne_, the garrison of which made a desperate sortie on the -14th of April, and Lieut.-General Sir John Hope (afterwards Earl of -Hopetoun) was wounded and taken prisoner. Major-General Andrew Hay -was killed, and Major-General Stopford was wounded. This was the -last action of the Peninsular war. - -The advance of the Allied troops into the heart of France led to a -Treaty of Peace, by which Louis XVIII. was restored to the throne -of that kingdom, and Napoleon Bonaparte was permitted to reside at -Elba, the sovereignty of that Island having been conferred upon him -by the Allied Powers. - -The war being ended, the second battalion of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment was ordered to return to England. It marched from Toulouse -to Bourdeaux on the 3rd of June, and on the 12th of July embarked -in the Rodney, disembarking on the 23rd at the Cove of Cork, whence -it immediately marched to Middleton. - -In commemoration of the services of the second battalion, the -THIRTY-FIRST subsequently received the Royal Authority to bear the -word “PENINSULA,” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments, in -addition to the names of the several actions in which the second -battalion had taken a prominent part, during the war in Spain -from 1808 to 1814, namely, “TALAVERA,” “ALBUHERA,” “VITTORIA,” -“PYRENEES,” “NIVELLE,” “NIVE,” and “ORTHES.” - -Lieut.-Colonel Alexander Leith was nominated a Knight Commander -of the Order of the Bath for his conduct in command of the second -battalion during the Peninsular war. - -Lieut.-Colonel George Guy Carleton L’Estrange, who was promoted -from major in the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, to the rank of -Lieut.-Colonel in the twenty-sixth regiment on the 15th of -December 1812, was nominated a Companion of the Order of the Bath -for his conduct while serving with the second battalion of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment. - -On the 23rd of September, the _second battalion_ proceeded to -Portsmouth, where it was disbanded on the 24th of October 1814, the -officers and men, fit for service, being transferred to the _first -battalion_ of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, at that period stationed -in Sicily. - - -1814 - - -[Illustration: THE 31^{ST} REG^T SUTLEJ TESTIMONIAL - -ERECTED IN CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL - -_For Cannon’s Military Records_] - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[38] Vide page 64. - -[39] Major-General Sir William Napier’s History of the Peninsular -War. - -[40] History of the Peninsular War by Major-General Sir William -Napier. - -[41] Lieut.-General Rowland Hill was nominated a Knight of the Bath -on the 22nd of February, 1812. - -[42] Major-General Byng, the present General the Earl of Strafford, -and Colonel of the Coldstream Guards, in consideration of his -gallantry in the action of the 13th of December, 1813,--wherein -he led his troops, under a most galling fire, to the assault -of a strong height occupied in great force by the enemy, and -having himself ascended the hill first with the Colour of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment of foot in his hand, he planted the Colour -upon the summit, and drove the enemy (far superior in numbers) -down the ridge to the suburbs of _St. Pierre_,--received the Royal -Authority on the 7th of July, 1815, to bear the following honorable -augmentation, namely, “Over the arms of the family of Byng, in -bend sinister, a representation of the Colour of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment,” and the following crest, namely, “Out of a mural crown -an arm embowed, grasping the Colour of the aforesaid THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, and, pendent from the wrist by a riband, the Gold Cross -presented to him by His Majesty’s command, as a mark of his royal -approbation of his distinguished services,” and in an escrol above -the word “_Mouguerre_,” being the name of a height near the hamlet -of _St. Pierre_. - - - - - SUCCESSION OF COLONELS - - OF - - THE THIRTY-FIRST, - - OR - - THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT. - - -GEORGE VILLIERS, - -_Appointed 12th February 1702_. - -This officer did not long enjoy the colonelcy of the regiment, as -his decease occurred in December 1703, when he was unfortunately -drowned while in command of the regiment on board the fleet. - - -ALEXANDER LUTTERELL, - -_Appointed 6th December 1703_. - -Upon the decease of Colonel Villiers, Lieut.-Colonel Alexander -Lutterell was promoted to the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, which he held but for a few years, his decease occurring -early in the year 1706. - - -JOSIAH CHURCHILL, - -_Appointed 1st February 1706_. - -LIEUT.-COLONEL JOSIAH CHURCHILL was promoted on the 1st of February -1706, to the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, at that period -serving as _Marines_. In March 1711 Colonel Churchill received -permission from Her Majesty Queen Anne to sell his commission. - - -SIR HARRY GORING, BART., - -_Appointed 1st March 1711_. - -Colonel Churchill having sold his commission, Lieut.-Colonel -Sir Harry Goring, Bart., was promoted to the colonelcy of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment on the 1st of March, 1711. Sir Harry Goring -retired on the 8th of September, 1716. - - -LORD JOHN KERR, - -_Appointed 8th September 1716_. - -Colonel Sir Harry Goring having retired, His Majesty King George -the First conferred the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment on -Lord John Kerr, the commission being dated 8th of September, 1716. -His Lordship’s decease occurred on the 1st of August 1728. - - -THE HONORABLE CHARLES CATHCART, - -_Appointed 13th August 1728_. - -THE HONORABLE CHARLES CATHCART, son of Alan, seventh Lord Cathcart, -entered the army in the eighteenth year of his age, and in 1704 -he commanded a company in Colonel Macartney’s regiment (since -disbanded), serving on the frontiers of Holland. In 1706 he -commanded a troop in the Scots Greys, which corps distinguished -itself at the battle of Ramilies in the same year: in 1707 he was -brigade major to the Earl of Stair. Continuing in active service -with the army under the Duke of Marlborough, he acquired the -reputation of a brave and zealous officer: in 1709 he was appointed -major of the Scots Greys, and was soon afterwards promoted to -the lieut.-colonelcy of the regiment. On the accession of King -George I., he was appointed one of the grooms of His Majesty’s -bedchamber. In the autumn of 1715 he joined the forces under the -Duke of Argyle at Stirling, and served against the rebels under -the Earl of Mar. On the 23rd of October, he was detached against -a hundred rebel horse and two hundred foot, whom he attacked with -his dragoons, killed many, and took seventeen prisoners. At the -battle of Sheriffmuir on the 13th of November, in the same year, -he charged the insurgents at the head of the Scots Greys, and -contributed materially to the overthrow of the left wing of the -rebel army. His Majesty rewarded him with the colonelcy of the -ninth foot, in 1717; but he only retained this appointment eleven -months. In 1728 he obtained the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment, and was removed, in 1731, to the eighth dragoons. In 1732 -he succeeded to the title of LORD CATHCART; he was appointed lord -of the bedchamber to King George II. in the following year, and was -promoted to the colonelcy of the seventh horse, now sixth dragoon -guards. In 1739 he was advanced to the rank of major-general. His -Lordship was chosen one of the representatives of the Scottish -peerage in several parliaments; and was governor of Duncannon -fort, and of Londonderry. An attack on the Spanish possessions in -America having been resolved upon, in the year 1739, Lord Cathcart -was selected to command the expedition: at the same time he was -appointed commander-in-chief in America; but he died on his passage -in December, 1740, and was buried on the beach of Prince Rupert’s -Bay, Dominica, where a monument was erected to his memory. - - -WILLIAM HARGRAVE, - -_Appointed 1st January 1731_. - -WILLIAM HARGRAVE was appointed ensign in a regiment of foot in -1694, and he served in the wars of Queen Anne. He proved a good and -useful officer, but was not conspicuous for any quality calculated -to attract attention. After serving twenty years he was appointed -major of the thirty-sixth foot, and subsequently lieut.-colonel -of the seventh Royal Fusiliers. In 1731 he was promoted to the -colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST foot, and was appointed to the -ninth in 1737. He was removed to the seventh royal fusiliers, and -promoted to the rank of major-general in 1739, and was advanced to -the rank of lieut.-general in 1743. He died in 1751. - - -WILLIAM HANDASYD, - -_Appointed 27th January 1737_. - -COLONEL WILLIAM HANDASYD was promoted from the fifteenth foot to -the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment on the 27th of January -1737, in succession to Colonel William Hargrave, who was removed to -the ninth foot. Brigadier-General Handasyd died near Hammersmith on -the 27th of February 1745. - - -LORD HENRY BEAUCLERK, - -_Appointed 22nd April 1745_. - -King George II. appointed Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk from the -forty-eighth to the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment on the -22nd of April 1745, in succession to Brigadier-General Handasyd, -deceased. Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk retired from the service on -the 8th of May, 1749. - - -HENRY HOLMES, - -_Appointed 8th May 1749_. - -Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk having retired from the service, -Colonel Henry Holmes was appointed to the colonelcy of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment on the 8th of May 1749. Colonel Holmes was -promoted to the rank of Major-General on the 2nd of February, -1756, and to that of Lieut.-General on the 2nd of April, 1759. -Lieut.-General Holmes died in the year 1762. - - -SIR JAMES ADOLPHUS OUGHTON, - -_Appointed 20th August 1762_. - -COLONEL OUGHTON was removed by His Majesty King George III. from -the colonelcy of the fifty-fifth to that of the THIRTY-FIRST -regiment on the 20th of August 1762, in succession to -Lieut.-General Holmes deceased. Colonel Oughton was promoted to -the rank of major-general on the 15th of August 1761, and to that -of lieut.-general on the 30th of April 1770. His Majesty King -George III. also constituted him a Knight of the Order of the Bath. -Lieut.-General Sir James Adolphus Oughton, K.B., died in April 1780. - - -THOMAS CLARKE, - -_Appointed 3rd May 1780_. - -MAJOR-GENERAL THOMAS CLARKE, from the Coldstream Guards, was -appointed on the 3rd of May 1780 to the colonelcy of the -THIRTY-FIRST regiment in succession to Lieut.-General Sir James -Adolphus Oughton, deceased. Major-General Clarke was promoted to -the rank of lieut.-general on the 20th of November 1782; and on the -8th of February 1792, he was removed to the thirtieth regiment. On -the 3rd of May, 1796, he was advanced to the rank of general. His -decease occurred in the year 1799. - - -JAMES STUART, - -_Appointed 8th February 1792_. - -MAJOR-GENERAL JAMES STUART was appointed from the half-pay -ninetieth regiment, which corps was disbanded at the Peace of -1763, to the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, on the 8th -of February 1792, in succession to Lieut.-General Thomas Clarke, -removed to the thirtieth foot. Major-General Stuart’s decease -occurred in the following year. - - -HENRY EARL OF MULGRAVE, G.C.B. - -_Appointed 8th February 1793._ - -LORD MULGRAVE entered the army on the 8th of June 1775, as -an ensign in the first foot guards, in which regiment he was -promoted lieutenant and captain on the 2nd of April 1778; on -the 30th of August 1779 he was promoted to the rank of major in -the eighty-fifth regiment, and to that of lieut.-colonel of the -eighty-eighth regiment on the 4th of October 1780. He was removed -to the forty-fifth regiment on the 9th of January 1782, and was -appointed captain and lieut.-colonel in the first foot guards on -the 6th of June 1783. He was advanced to the rank of colonel in the -army on the 18th of November 1790. His Majesty King George III. -conferred the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment upon Colonel -Lord Mulgrave on the 8th of February, 1793. Lord Mulgrave was -advanced to the rank of major-general on the 3rd October 1794; to -that of lieut.-general on the 1st of January 1801; and to that of -general on the 25th of October 1809. - -Lord Mulgrave served in America from 1776 to the end of 1778; -in the West Indies in 1780:--he commanded at Toulon in 1793; -in Zealand in 1794; and in 1799 his Lordship was employed on a -military mission to the Archduke Charles and Marshal Suvaroff. -During the course of his military career, Lord Mulgrave received -the thanks, in public orders, of the officers under whom he -served. His Lordship was appointed Master-General of the Ordnance -on the 5th of May 1810, and held that appointment until the 31st -of December, 1818. On the 15th of August 1812, he was created Earl -of Mulgrave and Viscount Normanby. His Lordship was also appointed -Governor of Scarborough Castle. On the 20th of May 1820, his -Lordship was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the -Bath. General the Earl of Mulgrave died on the 12th of April 1831. - - -SIR HENRY WARDE, G.C.B. - -_Appointed 13th April 1831._ - -In March 1783, this officer was appointed ensign in the first -regiment of foot guards, and was promoted to the rank of -lieutenant and captain in 1792; in the following year he landed -in Holland with the first troops sent to that country, and was -wounded in storming the outworks at the siege of Valenciennes. -He came home, and when recovered, returned early in July 1794, -and acted as adjutant to the third battalion of foot guards; he -returned in November, on being promoted to a company, with the -rank of lieut.-colonel. He served in the expedition to Ostend, as -lieut.-colonel, with Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby at the -Helder, and was present in all the actions. On the 1st of January -1801, His Majesty King George III. conferred on him the brevet -of colonel, and in 1804 he was appointed brigadier-general; he -served under Lord Cathcart at Copenhagen in 1807, and his name was -included in the vote of thanks from Parliament for his services -on that expedition. He was appointed major-general on the 25th -of April 1808, and he commanded the first brigade of guards, in -the force under Lieut.-General Sir David Baird sent to Corunna -in 1808, and returned after that battle. For his services at the -battle of Corunna, he again received the thanks of Parliament, and -a medal. He proceeded to India in 1809, and as second in command -under Lieut.-General Abercromby, to the Mauritius in 1810, where -he remained in command of the troops after the capture. For the -conquest of the Island of the Mauritius his name was included -in the vote of thanks from Parliament. He was afterwards acting -governor for three months, and was subsequently appointed to the -command of the forces at the Mauritius. On the 1st of January -1813, Major-General Sir Henry Warde was appointed colonel of the -sixty-eighth foot, and was advanced to the rank of lieut.-general -on the 4th of June, 1813. In January 1815, he was appointed a -Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, and was advanced to the -dignity of a Knight Grand Cross on the 13th of September, 1831. On -the 22nd of July 1830, he was promoted to the rank of general. - -On the 13th of April 1831, General Sir Henry Warde was removed from -the sixty-eighth to the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. -His decease occurred on the 1st of October, 1834, at Alresford, in -Hampshire. - - -SIR EDWARD BARNES, G.C.B. - -_Appointed 10th October, 1831._ - -This officer was appointed major in the ninety-ninth regiment -on the 16th of November, 1794, which corps was directed to be -raised early in that year, in consequence of the war with France. -In the year 1796 the ninety-ninth regiment was reduced. Major -Barnes was promoted to the brevet rank of lieut.-colonel on the -1st of January, 1800, and on the 17th of February following, was -appointed from the half-pay of the late ninety-ninth Foot to be -major in the seventy-ninth regiment, from which he was promoted -to the rank of lieut.-colonel of the forty-sixth regiment on the -23rd of April 1807. He was promoted colonel in the army on the -25th of July 1810, and was advanced to the rank of major-general -on the 4th of June 1813. He served on the staff in Spain and -Portugal, to which he was appointed on the 8th of August, 1812, and -commanded a brigade at the battles of Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, -Nive, and Orthes. He also served with the army in the campaign of -1815 in the Netherlands and France, as adjutant-general, and was -severely wounded in the battle of Waterloo. For his services the -major-general was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the -Bath, and had the honor to wear a cross and three clasps; was also -appointed a Knight of the Austrian Order of Maria Theresa, and of -the first class of St. Anne of Russia. - -Major-General Sir Edward Barnes was appointed colonel of the -late ninety-ninth regiment on the 24th of October 1816, and -on the 13th of January 1819, he was appointed major-general on -the staff at Ceylon, of which island he was appointed governor, -and lieut.-general on the staff, in March 1823, which he held -until October 1831. On the 13th of May 1820, he was appointed -Colonel-Commandant of the Rifle Brigade, and was removed to the -seventy-eighth regiment on the 25th of August, 1822. On the 27th -of May 1825, he was promoted to the rank of lieut.-general, and -in the year 1832 was nominated a Knight Grand Cross of the Order -of the Bath. On the 10th of January, 1832, he was appointed -Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies with the local rank of -general, which he held until the 15th of October of the following -year. Lieut.-General Sir Edward Barnes was appointed by His Majesty -King William IV. to the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment on -the 10th of October 1834. His decease occurred in London on the -19th of March 1838. - - -SIR COLIN HALKETT, G.C.B. - -_Appointed, 28th March 1838._ - -_Removed to the forty-fifth regiment on the 12th July 1847._ - - -THE HONORABLE HENRY OTWAY TREVOR, C.B. - -_Appointed 12th July 1847._ - - - - -APPENDIX. - - -_Battles, Sieges, &c., which occurred in Germany and in the -Netherlands from 1743 to 1748, during the “War of the Austrian -Succession.”_ - - Battle of Dettingen (Germany) 27 June, 1743 - Menin invested by the French 18 May, and captured. 5 June, 1744 - Ypres invested by the French 7 June, and captured. 14 June, ---- - Fort Knocque surrendered to the French June, ---- - Furnes surrendered to the French 5 July, ---- - Friburg (Germany) invested by the French 21 Sept. ---- - Citadel of Friburg captured by the French 28 Nov. ---- - Tournay invested by the French 23 April, 1745 - Battle of Fontenoy 11 May, ---- - Citadel of Tournay surrendered to the French 21 June, ---- - Skirmish near Ghent 9 July, ---- - Citadel of Ghent captured by the French 15 July, ---- - Bruges captured by the French July, ---- - Oudenarde captured by the French 21 July, ---- - Dendermond captured by the French Aug. ---- - Ostend invested by the French on 14 July, and captured 23 Aug. ---- - Nieuport captured by the French 26 Aug. ---- - Aeth captured by the French 28 Sept. ---- - Brussels invested by the French 24 Jan., and captured 20 Feb. 1746 - Mechlin captured by the French May, ---- - Antwerp captured by the French 20 May, ---- - Citadel of Antwerp captured by the French 31 May, ---- - Mons invested by the French on 7 June, and captured 11 July, ---- - Fort St. Ghislain captured by the French 21 July, ---- - Charleroi invested by the French on 25 July, and - captured 2 Aug. ---- - Huy captured by the French Aug. ---- - Namur invested by the French 26 Aug.; Citadel captured 19 Sept. ---- - Battle of Roucoux, near Liege 11 Oct. ---- - Sluys surrendered to the French 11 April, 1747 - Fort Sandberg in Hulst, and Axel, surrendered to the - French 28 April, ---- - Sandvliet captured by the French June, ---- - Battle of Val, or Laffeld, near Maestricht 2 July, ---- - Bergen op-Zoom invested by the French 13 July, and - captured 16 Sept. ---- - Forts Lillo, Frederick Henry, and Croix 2 Oct. ---- - Limburg captured by the French Mar. 1748 - Maestricht invested by the French 3 April, ---- - Maestricht surrendered to the French 3 May, ---- - Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle 7 Oct. ---- - - -LIST of the BRITISH REGIMENTS which served in FLANDERS and -GERMANY between 1742 and 1748, during the “_War of the Austrian -Succession_.” - - +--------------------+--------------------+--------+--------+--------+ - | Rejoined the Army in Flanders, after | - | the suppression of the Rebellion. | - | || | - | Returned to Great Britain in consequence of | || | - | the Rebellion in favor of the Pretender. | || | - | || | || | - | Year in which embarked for Flanders. | || | || | - | || | || | \/ | - | REGIMENTS. | COLONELS. | || | \/ | | - | | | \/ | | | - +--------------------+--------------------+--------+--------+--------+ - | | | | | | - | CAVALRY. | | | | | - | | | | | | - |3rd Troop Horse }|Earl of Albemarle | 1742 | 1746 | .. | - | Guards }| | | | | - |4th ditto ditto |Earl of Effingham | 1742 | 1746 | .. | - |2nd ditto Horse }|Earl of Cranfurd | 1742 | 1746 | .. | - | Grenadier Guards.}| | | | | - |Royal Regiment }|Earl of Hertford | 1742 | 1746 | .. | - | Horse Guards }| | | | | - |1st Horse (1st }|Earl of Pembroke | 1742 | 1746 | .. | - | Dragoon Guards) }| | | | | - |4th Irish Horse }|Sir John Ligonier | 1742 | 1745 | .. | - | (7th Dragoon | | | | | - | Guards) }| | | | | - |1st Dragoons |Hawley | 1742 | 1745 | .. | - |2nd ditto |Campbell | 1742 | RF | .. | - |3rd ditto |Honeywood | 1742 | 1745 | .. | - |4th ditto |Rich | 1742 | 1746 | 1747 | - |6th ditto |Lord Cadogan | 1742 |} }| .. | - | (Inniskilling) | | |} RF }| | - |7th ditto |Cope | 1742 |} }| | - | | | | | | - | FOOT GUARDS. | | | | | - | | | | | | - |1st Foot Guards }|Duke of Cumberland | 1742 | 1745 | 1747 | - |1st Battalion }| | | | | - |2nd ditto ditto |Duke of Marlborough | 1742 | 1745 | .. | - |3rd ditto ditto |Earl of Dunmore | 1742 | 1745 | 1747 | - | | | | | | - | INFANTRY. | | | | | - | | | | | | - |1st Foot 1st Batt. |St. Clair | 1744 | 1745 | .. | - |3rd ditto (Buffs) |Howard | 1742 | 1745 | 1747 | - |4th ditto |Barrel | 1744 | 1745 | .. | - |8th ditto |Onslow | 1742 | 1745 | 1746 | - |11th ditto |Cornwallis | 1742 | RF | .. | - |12th ditto |Duroure | 1742 | 1745 | .. | - |13th ditto |Pulteney | 1742 | 1745 | 1746 | - |18th ditto |Mordaunt | 1743 | 1745 | .. | - |19th ditto (Green) |Howard | 1744 | RF | .. | - |20th ditto |Bligh | 1742 | 1745 | 1748 | - |21st ditto, Royal }| | | | | - | Nth. British }|Campbell | 1742 | 1745 | 1747 | - | Fusiliers }| | | | | - |23rd ditto, Royal } |Peers | 1742 | 1745 | 1747 | - | Welsh Fusiliers } | | | | | - |25th ditto |Earl of Rothes | 1744 | 1745 | 1747 | - |28th ditto |Bragg | 1744 | 1745 | .. | - |31st ditto |Handasyd | 1742 | 1745 | .. | - |32nd ditto |Skelton | 1742 |} RF }| .. | - |33rd ditto |Johnson | 1742 |} }| | - |34th ditto |Cholmondeley | 1744 | 1745 | .. | - |36th ditto |Fleming | 1744 | 1745 | 1747 | - |37th ditto |Ponsonby | 1742 | 1745 | 1747 | - |42nd ditto |Lord Semphill | 1744 | 1745 | .. | - |48th ditto (orig. |Lord Harry Beauclerk| 1744 | 1745 | 1747 | - | 59th) | | | | | - +--------------------+--------------------+--------+--------+--------+ - RF = Remained in Flanders - - -_Memoir of the Services of_ COLONEL SAMUEL BOLTON, C.B. _of the_ -THIRTY-FIRST _Regiment_. - -This officer was appointed an ensign in the THIRTY-FIRST regiment -on the 5th of February 1807, in which regiment he was promoted to -be lieutenant on the 6th of April 1809. Lieutenant Bolton served -with the second battalion during the Peninsular war from 1808 to -1814, and was present at the battles of Talavera, Busaco, and -Albuhera, in the last of which he was wounded: took part in the -capture of Marshal Girard’s division at Arroyo dos Molinos on the -28th of October 1811, and shared in the battle of Vittoria; also in -the actions in the Pyrenees, at the Nive, Garris, Orthes, Aire, and -Toulouse. - -Lieutenant Bolton was appointed adjutant to the second battalion -on the 31st of March 1813, but returned to his duty as lieutenant -upon the reduction of the second battalion on the 24th of October -1814. He was promoted to the rank of captain on the 24th of October -1822; and on the 7th of February 1825, embarked with the left wing -of the regiment for the East Indies. Captain Bolton was promoted to -the rank of major in the THIRTY-FIRST regiment on the 14th of June -1833, and to that of lieutenant-colonel on the 24th of November -1835. - -Lieut.-Colonel Bolton served in the Affghanistan campaign of 1842, -and commanded the THIRTY-FIRST regiment in the action at Mazeena, -in the Shinwaree valley, on the 26th of July 1842; at Tezeen on -the 13th of September 1842, and at the occupation of Cabool by -Major-General Pollock. - -For his services in Affghanistan, Lieut.-Colonel Bolton received -a medal, and was promoted to the rank of colonel on the 23rd of -December 1842; he was also appointed aide-de-camp to Her Majesty, -and was nominated a Companion of the Most Honorable Order of the -Bath. - -Colonel Bolton served with the army of the Sutlej in 1845, as -Brigadier to the first brigade under the command of General Sir -Hugh (now Viscount) Gough, Commander-in-Chief in India at that -period. Colonel Bolton received a severe wound at the battle of -_Moodkee_ on the 18th of December 1845, from the effects of which -he died on the 4th of January 1846. - - -LIEUT.-COLONEL THOMAS SKINNER, C.B.[43] - -Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Skinner, the eldest son of Lieut.-General -John Skinner, while at Eton College, was on the 25th of January -1816, appointed to an ensigncy in the sixteenth regiment of foot, -to which regiment his father had been attached for thirty-nine -years, before he attained the rank of Major-General; Ensign -Skinner joined the sixteenth regiment in Ireland in the year -1817, then commanded by the late Major-General (then Colonel) -Tolley. Major-General Tolley, the best Greek scholar of his day -at Westminster, amused his leisure with classical literature, and -invited the young Etonian to share his studies; and thus making -complete his education, fortunately imbued him with that taste -for letters which secured to him through life a most agreeable -resource. In 1819, the regiment being ordered to Ceylon, he -obtained, by purchase, a lieutenancy on the 6th of August, and -proceeded to that colony. While there he was employed to make the -roads constructed by the late Lieut.-General Sir Edward Barnes, -afterwards Colonel of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. Lieutenant Skinner -was appointed adjutant to the sixteenth regiment on the 20th of -April 1820, and did duty in that capacity until 1822, when his -Commanding Officer returned to England, and obtaining leave of -absence for his young friend, they travelled home together through -India and Egypt, visiting Malta and Sicily, and thence through -Italy and France to England. Lieutenant Skinner was promoted to an -unattached company on the 9th of October 1823, and on the 20th of -March, 1824, was appointed Captain in the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. -In February 1825, he sailed with the left wing of the THIRTY-FIRST -in the _Scaleby Castle_ for Calcutta, the regiment being ordered -to reinforce the army at that time acting in Burmah; but owing to -the burning of her consort, the _Kent_ East Indiaman, in the Bay -of Biscay, with the right wing, the regiment was inefficient, and -remained in garrison at Calcutta. In 1829, Captain Skinner returned -home on leave of absence in the _Cartha_, and nearly suffered -shipwreck on the coast of Wales. The vessel being driven by storm -when off Liverpool, was unable to weather Bardsea Island, and -fortunately passed safely through the narrow channel between that -rock, and the coast of Carnarvon into Pwelli Bay. He did not lose -his time in India; for with his brother, Captain James Skinner, of -the sixty-first regiment of Bengal Native Infantry, he travelled -to the sources of the Ganges and the Jumna, an account of which -was published in 1833, from letters written at the time, in two -volumes, entitled “_Excursions in India_,” and the work passed -through two editions. During his leave of absence he travelled -over England and Scotland, and made himself as well acquainted -with those parts of his native land, as, in the course of his -professional duties, he had previously become with Ireland. In -December 1833, by permission of General Lord Hill, Commanding in -Chief, he travelled by the Holy Land and Bagdad to India to rejoin -the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. An account of these travels, in two -volumes, was published in 1836, under the title of “_Adventures -during a Journey overland to India_” which also passed through two -editions. On the 24th of November, 1835, he was promoted Major in -the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. Emulous of his father’s skill as an -officer of Light Infantry, he diligently cultivated that branch -of the service, availing himself of the opportunity of practising -manœuvres in the field afforded to those serving in India, by -the collection of large bodies of men at the principal stations. -In 1840, his health being affected by the climate, Lord Hill -considerately forwarded to him, through the General commanding in -India, leave of absence, of which he declined to avail himself, -as he thought his services might be useful in the then state of -India. On the 23rd of November 1840, he was entrusted to take from -Chinsurah a large body of recruits, about twenty young officers, -and about twenty-two young women and as many children, to their -destinations where they arrived in health, and without complaint of -any sort against them in the districts through which they passed. -The Commander-in-Chief in India thus expressed his thanks for this -unprecedented success in such duty. - - “The Commander-in-Chief takes an early opportunity of conveying - his best thanks to Major Skinner, of Her Majesty’s THIRTY-FIRST - regiment, for the forethought, caution, and exertion shown by him - in marching a body of 489 recruits from Chinsurah to Cawnpore and - Agra, without the loss of a man, except one accidentally drowned - while bathing in the Soane. His Excellency requests that Major - Skinner will report to him in what degree the medical officers - contributed to this very desirable result, in order that their - skill and attention may be duly appreciated and remembered.” - -Major Skinner, for this service, was rewarded with the appointment -of Commandant of the Convalescent Depôt at Landour. - -Upon the march of the army under Major-General Pollock to -Affghanistan, where Captain James Skinner, of the sixty-first -Bengal Native Infantry, was reported to be a prisoner, having been -wounded on the retreat from Cabool, Major Skinner resigned at once -his lucrative and pleasant post, and by forced journeys, joined -the THIRTY-FIRST regiment, in February 1842; his anxiety for his -brother, whom he had hoped to be in part the means of rescuing, -only appeased by the distressing certainty of his violent and -untimely death. Major Skinner rendered very important services at -the battle of _Mazeena_, for which he was particularly thanked by -Brigadier Monteath; Major Skinner’s account of the transaction was -also included in the despatches published in the “London Gazette.” - -From the fatigue and exposure in the action at _Mazeena_ on the -26th of July 1842, Major Skinner was seized with the fever of that -country, living, to avoid the heat and dust, in a hole dug in the -ground, the air being pestilent and the water corrupt, from the -mortality of animals. His life was, however, spared for the service -of his country. Though still suffering from the malignant disease, -which rest might then have cured, he commenced his labours, being -removed from the sick list on the very day he marched with the -second division, under Major-General McCaskill, commanding, on the -8th of September 1842, the advance guard to Soorkhab, on the 9th -to Jugdulluck; a running fight being kept up the whole way; on the -10th to Kutta Sung; and on the 11th the rear-guard to Tezeen. He -was specially thanked in Major-General McCaskill’s despatches for -the manner in which he performed these duties. In the afternoon -of the 12th of September he was despatched to the heights of the -Huft-Kotul, and commenced at daylight of the 13th, by attacking -the enemy on the heights, those operations which ended in the -victory of Tezeen. Major-general Pollock stated, “that the Major’s -duty was performed with great gallantry, and his operations -contributed much to frustrate the attempts of the enemy on the -right flank.” The Major-General enclosed in the despatches the -detailed account of Major Skinner’s movements, which were published -in the “London Gazette.” - -Proceeding from Tezeen to Cabool on the 10th of October, he -commanded five companies of the THIRTY-FIRST regiment at the -destruction of the Great Bazaar, which, from the skilful -arrangement of the force, was effected almost without loss of life. -On the march from Cabool to India his conduct was thought from -time to time deserving of praise by those under whom he acted. On -his arrival at Ferozepore, he was chosen for the imposing duty of -commanding the Guard of Honor, consisting of artillery, cavalry, -and infantry, escorting the embassy to Lahore. - -On the 23rd of December 1842, he was promoted to the rank of -lieut.-colonel in the army, was three days afterwards made a -Companion of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath, and -was presented by the government of India with the silver medal -of Cabool, bearing on one side “_Cabool_ 1842,” and on the other -“_Victoria Vindex_.” - -Unfortunately Lieut.-Colonel Skinner did not live long to enjoy the -rewards of his useful services, for his decease occurred on the 5th -of May 1843, at Mussoorie, in the Himalaya Mountains, from disease -brought on by privation and fatigue during the Affghan campaign. -Lieut.-Colonel Skinner was buried the next morning at Landour with -military honors, the arms of a native corps being borrowed for the -European invalids stationed there at their own request. They formed -the funeral procession and firing party, an honorable mark of -respect never before paid by them on any similar occasion. The body -was attended to the grave by every European, civil or military, in -the place, and by a very large proportion of the native population, -to whom he had been previously known as commandant, and by whom he -was greatly loved and deeply lamented. His brother officers erected -over his remains a tomb of Delhi stone, and his death was announced -to the regiment by Colonel Bolton in a regimental order, which did -full justice to his merits “_as a good and gallant officer_,” -expressing at the same time, that “_he was devotedly attached to -his profession, and that he was the warm advocate and steady friend -of the well-deserving soldier_.” - - -MAJOR GEORGE BALDWIN. - -This officer commenced his military career as ensign in the -thirty-sixth regiment, on the 2nd of June 1808. He served in -Holland during 1809 and 1810, and was present at the capture of -Walcheren and siege of Flushing. Ensign Baldwin was removed from -the thirty-sixth to the third Ceylon regiment on the 4th of April -1811, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in the fourteenth -regiment of foot on the 9th of November 1814. Lieutenant Baldwin -was present at the memorable battle of Waterloo, for which he -received a medal, and served at the storming of Cambray on the 24th -of June 1815. He exchanged from the half-pay of the seventy-fifth -regiment to the THIRTY-FIRST on the 14th of March 1822, and -embarked for India on the 7th of February 1825, with the right -wing of the regiment on board the ship _Kent_, which was burnt at -sea on the 1st of March following. Lieutenant Baldwin received a -severe injury when the ship was in flames, by an iron spike running -into his thigh. Lieutenant Baldwin was promoted to the rank of -Captain in the THIRTY-FIRST regiment on the 14th of June 1833. He -served in the campaign of Affghanistan in 1842; was present in -the action at Mazeena on the 26th of July 1842; at Tezeen on the -13th of September following; and at the occupation of Cabool by -Major-General Pollock. For his services in Affghanistan he was -rewarded with a medal, and received the brevet rank of major on the -23rd of December 1842. On the 8th of October 1844 he was promoted -to the rank of major in the THIRTY-FIRST regiment. Major Baldwin -served with the army of the Sutlej in 1845, was present at the -battles of Moodkee and Ferozeshah; in the latter he was mortally -wounded. Major Baldwin died on the 30th of December 1845. - - -FOOTNOTE: - -[43] This account of the services of Lieut.-Colonel Skinner has -(with permission) been abridged from a printed (but unpublished) -“_Sketch of the Military Services of Lieut.-General Skinner and his -Sons_,” by Allan Maclean Skinner, Esq., of Lincoln’s Inn, Barrister -at Law, youngest son of the late Lieut.-General Skinner. - - - * * * * * - -As the _Thirtieth_, _Thirty-first_, and _Thirty-second_ Regiments -were originally raised, in 1702, as _Marine Corps_, and served in -that capacity until the year 1714, when they were retained, as -Regiments of regular Infantry, on the Establishment of the Army, -the following account of the _Marine Corps_ is appended,--it -being found impracticable to record the earlier services of the -_Thirtieth_, _Thirty-first_ and _Thirty-second_ Regiments distinct -from those of the _Marine Corps_, in consequence of their being -employed, from 1702 to 1714, _by detachments_ on board the Fleet, -and engaged on various services at Sea, as well as on land, -according to the purposes for which they were originally raised. - - - - - HISTORICAL RECORD - - OF - - THE MARINE CORPS, - - CONTAINING - - AN ACCOUNT OF THEIR FORMATION AND SERVICES - FROM 1664 TO 1748; - - AT WHICH PERIOD THOSE CORPS CEASED TO FORM PART OF THE - ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REGULAR ARMY. - - - FROM THE YEAR 1755 - - THE PRESENT CORPS OF - - ROYAL MARINES - - HAVE BEEN UNDER THE CONTROL OF - - THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF THE ADMIRALTY. - - - COMPILED BY - - RICHARD CANNON, Esq., - - ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE, HORSE-GUARDS. - - - ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES. - - - - -THE MARINE REGIMENTS. - - - - - CONTENTS - - OF THE - - RECORDS OF THE MARINE CORPS. - - - YEAR PAGE - INTRODUCTION. - - 1664 Formation of a Corps for Sea-service on commencement - of war with Holland 1 - - ---- Designated “_The Admiral’s Maritime Regiment_,” - and commanded by the Duke of York, afterwards - King James II. -- - - 1672 Formation of additional Corps of Marines on renewal - of hostilities with Holland 2 - - 1689 _The Admiral’s Maritime Regiment_ incorporated - in the Second Foot Guards -- - - 1702 Formation of six Regiments of Marines -- - - ---- Six other Regiments of Infantry selected for - Sea-service -- - - ---- The Royal Warrant for forming the six Regiments of - Marines, and for selecting six other Regiments for - Sea-service 3 - - ---- Other Regiments embarked, at different periods during - the war, to serve as Marines on board the Fleet -- - - ---- Rules and Instructions for the duties, pay, and - clothing of the Marine forces 4 - - 1702 Placed under the control of the Lord High Admiral, - the Prince George of Denmark 4 - - ---- Appointment of Brigadier-General W. Seymour, of the - Fourth Foot, to superintend the details of the - Marine Regiments 5 - - ---- Uniform prescribed for the Marine forces -- - - ---- Independent Companies of Marines formed for the fleet - in the West Indies -- - - ---- Services of the Marines on board the fleet in the - Mediterranean -- - - 1704 Proceeded in the fleet to Lisbon, to aid the cause - of the Archduke Charles of Austria -- - - ---- Proceeded against Barcelona, but afterwards withdrew, - and re-embarked 6 - - ---- Attack and Capture of Gibraltar -- - - ---- Engagement of the British and French fleets in the - Mediterranean 7 - - ---- Siege of Gibraltar by the Spaniards and French 8 - - 1705 The attempt to retake the fortress abandoned after - a siege of seven months 9 - - ---- The Marine Corps distributed in the several ships - of war on the coast of Spain 10 - - ---- Proceeded against Barcelona with the troops under - the Earl of Peterborough -- - - ---- Capture of Fort Montjuich by storm 11 - - ---- Surrender of the garrison of Barcelona 12 - - 1706 Siege of Barcelona by the French 13 - - ---- The French raised the siege and retreated -- - - ---- Capture of Carthagena -- - - ---- Capture of Alicant 14 - - ---- Surrender of Iviça -- - - ---- Surrender of Majorca -- - - 1707 Attack and siege of Toulon 15 - - ---- The siege of Toulon raised -- - - 1708 Surrender of Sardinia -- - - 1708 Capture of the Island of Minorca 16 - - ---- Decease of H. R. H. the Prince George of Denmark, - Consort of Queen Anne, and Lord High Admiral of - England -- - - 1709 Capture of _Anna-polis Royal_, in Nova Scotia 17 - - ---- Surrender of Alicant to the forces of Spain and - France -- - - 1710 Capture of the Isle of Cette 18 - - ---- The Isle of Cette recaptured -- - - 1711 Proceeded on an Expedition against Quebec, in Canada -- - - ---- Failure of the expedition by storms and wreck in the - River St. Lawrence 19 - - ---- Decease of Joseph I., Emperor of Austria -- - - ---- Election of Charles III. of Spain to be Emperor of - Germany -- - - 1712 Negotiations for general peace -- - - 1713 Definitive treaty of peace at Utrecht on 31st March 20 - - ---- Gibraltar, Minorca, and Nova Scotia ceded to Great - Britain by the treaty of peace -- - - ---- The Corps of Marines disbanded -- - - 1714 Decease of Her Majesty Queen Anne on the 1st of August -- - - ---- Accession of King George I. -- - - ---- Attempts of the Son of the late King James II. to - obtain the throne, defeated -- - - ---- Augmentations made to the Army 21 - - ---- Three of the late regiments of Marines, now the 30th, - 31st, and 32nd, retained, and placed on the - establishment of the infantry of the Line -- - - 1739 War declared against Spain on the 23rd of October, - 1739 -- - - ---- Augmentation of the Land forces 22 - - 1739 Formation of six regiments of Marines 22 - - ---- Fleet of five ships, with a detachment of Marines, - under Admiral Vernon, proceeded against - _Porto Bello_ -- - - 1740 An additional regiment of Marines, of four battalions, - formed at New York in North America, and Colonel - Spotswood appointed Colonel-Commandant 23 - - ---- The six regiments of Marines augmented from 700 to - 1000 men each -- - - ---- Augmentation of the four invalid companies of Marines -- - - ---- Usefulness of Marine forces, as proved on former - occasions, now generally admitted 24 - - ---- Formation of four additional regiments of Marines, - of 1000 men each -- - - ---- Attack and capture of Fort Chagre 25 - - ---- Fleet under Admiral Sir Chaloner Ogle, and troops, - including the six Marine regiments under General - Lord Cathcart, proceeded to the West Indies, for - the purpose of attacking the Spanish possessions - in South America -- - - ---- Death of General Lord Cathcart at Dominica 26 - - ---- Brigadier-General Wentworth succeeded to the military - command of the expedition -- - - 1741 The whole collected at Jamaica under Admiral Vernon -- - - ---- Proceeded to the _Grande Playa_, to windward of the - town of Carthagena -- - - ---- Capture of forts _St. Jago_ and _St. Philip_ -- - - ---- Capture of the castle of _Bocca Chica_ 27 - - ---- Capture of Fort _St. Joseph_ -- - - ---- Capture of the castle of _Grande Castello_ -- - - ---- Attack of St. Lazar by escalade -- - - 1741 Repulse of the troops, and abandonment of the - enterprise 28 - - ---- The forts and castle of Carthagena demolished -- - - ---- The expedition returned to Jamaica -- - - ---- Another expedition proceeded to the island of Cuba 29 - - ---- Returned to Jamaica after encountering much sickness - and numerous casualties 30 - - 1742 The island of _Rattan_, in the bay of Honduras, - taken possession of, and placed in a state of - defence 31 - - ---- A detachment sent to the assistance of General - Oglethorpe, in South Carolina, against the - Spaniards 32 - - ---- Recall of Admiral Vernon and General Wentworth -- - - ---- The independent Companies at Jamaica (now the - forty-ninth regiment) and the Marines on board - of the fleet, completed with effective men; the - remainder of the troops returned to England -- - - ---- The command of the fleet in the West Indies devolved - on Sir Chaloner Ogle -- - - 1743 Another expedition proceeded to South America, under - the command of Commodore Knowles of the Navy, with - 400 men of the thirty-eighth regiment and 600 - Marines 33 - - ---- Sailed to Antigua, and proceeded to attack La Guira - in Terra Firma -- - - ---- Proceeded to Curaçao to refit -- - - ---- Sailed again for Porto Cavallo -- - - ---- Attack of Ponta Brava -- - - ---- Returned to Jamaica 34 - - ---- Declaration of war against France on 31st March, 1743 35 - - 1744 Engagement of a party of Marines of the Essex - ship-of-war in the Mediterranean 35 - - ---- Active means adopted for completing the ten regiments - of Marines -- - - 1745 Expedition against Cape Breton 36 - - ---- Capitulation of Louisburg and of the Island of Cape - Breton -- - - 1746 Complaints investigated respecting the settlement of - accounts in the corps of Marines 37 - - ---- Contemplated expedition against Quebec 38 - - ---- Expedition proceeded against _Port L’Orient_ -- - - ---- Disembarked in Quimperlay Bay, and advanced against - Plymeur -- - - ---- Re-embarked and sailed for Quiberon -- - - ---- Returned to England 39 - - 1747 Royal Warrant issued on the 28th February, 1747, for - placing the Marine Forces under the control of the - Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty -- - - ---- Renewed efforts of the King of France against the - British possessions in North America, and in the - East Indies 40 - - ---- Victory over the French Fleet by Vice-Admiral Lord - Anson and Rear-Admiral Sir Peter Warren, K.B., on - the 3rd of May, 1747 41 - - ---- Another victory over the French Fleet, by Commodore - Fox, in June 1747 42 - - ---- A further victory obtained on the 14th of October, - 1747, by Admiral Sir Edward Hawke, over the French - Fleet -- - - 1748 A fleet proceeded under Admiral Boscawen, with - Marines and other troops, to attack the - _Mauritius_ 43 - - ---- Proceeded thence to the coast of _Coromandel_ -- - - ---- Disembarked and marched towards _Pondicherry_ 44 - - 1748 Obtained possession of _Arian Coupan_ 44 - - ---- Re-embarked after having demolished the fort of - Arian Coupan -- - - ---- Another expedition, under Rear-Admiral Knowles, - proceeded against St. Jago in Cuba 45 - - ---- Squadron returned to Jamaica -- - - ---- The King of France expressed a desire for Peace -- - - ---- Definitive treaty of Peace concluded at Aix-la-Chapelle - on 18th October, 1748 46 - - ---- The ten regiments of Marines disbanded in November, - 1748 -- - - - 1755 Preparations for renewing war with France -- - - ---- Re-formation of the present Corps of Marines -- - - ---- Augmentations made in the Army and Navy -- - - ---- Fifty Companies of Marines, formed in Three Divisions, - raised under the control of the Lords Commissioners - of the Admiralty -- - - ---- An Act of Parliament for the regulation of the Marine - Forces while doing duty on Shore -- - - 1802 The Royal Authority granted for the Marine Forces to - be styled “_The Royal Marines_” 47 - - 1805 A _Fourth_ Division formed at Woolwich by Order in - Council dated 15th August 1805 -- - - 1827 Presentation of Colours, on the part of His Majesty - King George IV., by His Royal Highness the Duke of - Clarence, then Lord High Admiral, and afterwards - King William IV 48 - - -PLATES. - - Costume of Marines in 1742 _to face page_ 1 - - Present Colours of the Royal Marines ” 48 - - - - - CONTENTS - - OF THE - - APPENDIX TO THE MARINE CORPS. - - - YEAR PAGE - - Authorities were granted by King William III. - in 1694; by Queen Anne in 1713; and by - King George I. in 1715, for deciding the - Rank and Precedence of the Regiments of - Infantry, and for giving Numeral Titles to - the several Regiments, according to the dates - of formation, or of being placed on the - English establishment; as recommended by - Boards of General Officers, at the several - periods stated:--These regulations were confirmed - by the Warrants of King George II., - dated 1st July, 1751, and of King George III., - dated 19th December, 1768 49 - - 1660 The Regiments of Infantry, exclusive of the - three regiments of Foot Guards, from the - period of the Restoration of King Charles II., - in 1660, to 1684, consisted of-- - The 1st, or the Royal Regiment. - The 2nd, or the Queen’s Royal (First Tangier) Regiment. - The 3rd, or the Holland Regiment. - The 4th, (the Second Tangier) Regiment. -- - - 1685 The 5th and 6th Regiments were formed in Holland, - in the year 1674, and were brought to England on - the requisition of King James II., in 1685,--from - which period they were authorized to take rank in - the English Army -- - - 1685 The Regiments of Infantry formed during the reign - of King James II., and placed on the establishment - of the army, were:-- - From 7th Royal Fusiliers to 17th Regiment 49 - - 1688 During the reign of King William III.: - and From 18th Regiment to 27th Regiment -- - - 1689 The 18th Royal Irish Regiment was formed in Ireland - in 1684; and the 21st Royal North British Fusiliers - in Scotland in 1678: They were placed on the - English establishment, the 18th in 1688, and the - 21st in 1689, from which periods their numerical - rank took effect -- - - 1702 Formed during the reign of Queen Anne: - From 28th Regiment to 39th Regiment -- - - 1717 Formed during the reign of King George I.: - From 40th Regiment to 41st Regiment -- - - 1739 Formed during the reign of King George II.: - From 42nd Regiment to 70th Regiment 50 - - And - The Marine Corps 52 - - 1775 Formed during the reign of King George III.: - From 71st. Regiment to 93rd Regiment 54 - - 1793 The Scots Brigade brought from Holland 55 - - 1800 The Rifle Brigade originally formed -- - - 1824 Formed during the reign of King George IV.: - From 94th Regiment to 99th Regiment -- - - -[Illustration: MARINES. 1742.] - - - - -FORMATION AND SERVICES - -OF THE - -MARINE CORPS. - - -The advantages arising from the services of corps trained to the -use of arms _on board of ship, as well as on land_, were found -when the British navy acquired a superiority over that of other -nations of Europe; and as the safety of Great Britain, from its -insular position, chiefly depends on the efficiency and excellence -of her fleets, the importance and value of _Marine Forces_ have -consequently been at all times acknowledged and appreciated by the -Sovereign, as well as by the Nation at large. - -[Sidenote: 1664] - -The first corps raised for Sea-service, of which history gives -an account, is that which was formed by King Charles II., in the -year 1664, when the war with Holland took place: this corps was -commanded by the Duke of York (afterwards King James II.), then -Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, and was designated “_The -Admiral’s Maritime Regiment_.”[44] - -[Sidenote: 1672] - -In the year 1672 a dispute on the subject of naval precedence, -and other causes, gave rise to another war with the Dutch, and -battalions for _Sea-service_ were formed, as the occasions of the -State required, by drafts from the land forces, which were embarked -on board the fleet; several companies of the Foot Guards were -employed on the Marine duty; these companies were engaged in a -sharp fight with the Dutch fleet on the 28th of May, 1672, in which -upwards of two thousand men were killed; they were also engaged in -several other actions during the war which ended in February, 1674. - -[Sidenote: 1689] - -In 1689 King William III. incorporated “_the Admiral’s Regiment_” -(which was then considered the third regiment of Infantry) in the -Second, now the Coldstream, regiment of Foot Guards. Two Marine -regiments were, about the same time, established for service on -board the fleet, which were disbanded in 1698. - -[Sidenote: 1702] - -On the recommencement of hostilities, in 1702, with France and -Spain, both of which nations possessed powerful fleets as well -as numerous armies, the British Parliament felt the expediency -of enabling the Queen to increase the efficiency of her navy, by -forming _Corps of Marines_, which could act at sea as well as on -land. - -Six regiments were accordingly added in the year 1702 to the -regular Army as _Marine corps_, and six other of the regular -regiments of Infantry were appointed for _Sea-service_; as shown in -the following list. - -The six Regiments of Marines were:-- - - Colonel Thomas Saunderson’s, now thirtieth foot. - Colonel George Villiers’s, now thirty-first foot. - Colonel Edward Fox’s, now thirty-second foot. - Colonel Harry Mordaunt’s; disbanded in 1713. - Colonel Henry Holl’s; disbanded in 1713. - Colonel Viscount Shannon’s; disbanded in 1713. - -The six regiments of Foot for _Sea-service_ were:-- - - Colonel Ventris Columbine’s, now sixth foot. - Colonel Thomas Erle’s, now nineteenth foot. - Colonel Gustavus Hamilton’s, now twentieth foot. - Colonel Lord Lucas’s, now thirty-fourth foot. - Colonel Earl of Donegal’s, now thirty-fifth foot. - Colonel Lord Charlemont’s, now thirty-sixth foot. - -Her Majesty’s Order for levying this body of men was contained in -the following Royal Warrant, dated 1st of June, 1702:-- - - “ANNE R. - - “Our pleasure is, that this establishment of _six regiments of - Marines_, and six other regiments for _Sea-Service_, do commence - and take place from the respective times of raising. - - “And our further pleasure is, that the order given by our dearest - brother the late King, deceased, and such orders as are, or shall - be, given by us, touching the pay or entertainment of our said - forces, or any of them, or any charges thereunto belonging, shall - be duly complied with, and that no new charge be added to this - establishment without being communicated to our High Treasurer, - or Commissioners of our Treasury for the time being. - - “Given at our Court at St. James’s, on the first day of June in - the first year of our reign. - - “_By Her Majesty’s Command._ - “GODOLPHIN.” - - -Other regiments were also embarked, at different periods, during -the war, on board the fleet to act as Marines, and the efficiency -and usefulness of these corps, while so employed, were attested by -the capture of several fortresses in Spain; more especially that of -Gibraltar in 1704, the taking of which was effected by the Navy and -Marines. - -Rules and Instructions for the better government of the Marine -regiments were issued by authority of Her Majesty Queen Anne, on -the 1st of July, 1702, in which it was directed, “That when on -shore they were to be quartered in the vicinity of the dock-yards, -in order to guard them from embezzlement, or from any attempt that -might be made on them by an enemy.” - -Full instructions were also given as to their pay, subsistence, and -clothing, which directed, “that the same deductions should be made -for clothing as was usual in the land forces. Also that one day’s -pay in every year be deducted from officers and soldiers for the -Hospital. - -“When on board ship they were to have an equal proportion of -provisions with the seamen, without any deductions from their pay, -the soldiers receiving short allowance money like the seamen.” - -In order to render such portions of the Marine regiments as might -be on shore, useful on all occasions when their services might be -required, Her Majesty directed, that it should rest with herself, -or with the Lord High Admiral, the Prince George of Denmark, to -dispose of them at such places nearest to the several dock-yards as -might be judged most convenient; and as there might be occasion for -labourers to despatch necessary public works, Her Majesty empowered -the High Admiral, or the Commissioners for executing that office, -to cause to be employed in the dock-yards so many of the marine -soldiers as might be judged fitting, and to make them such daily -allowance for their labour, besides their ordinary pay, as should -seem reasonable. - -The Marine forces being thus placed under the control of the Lord -High Admiral, His Royal Highness was pleased in 1702, to nominate -Colonel William Seymour (of the fourth regiment of foot) to -superintend the whole, with the rank of Brigadier-General, whose -peculiar duties were to observe, that the men were comfortably -quartered, that the officers were attentive in their respective -departments, and that the marine soldiers, when embarked on board -of ship, were supplied with proper sea-clothes and other suitable -necessaries. When the Marines were serving afloat, they were to be -under the command of the Naval Officers of the ships. - -The Uniform of the Marine forces consisted of high-crowned -leather-caps, covered with cloth of the same colour as the facings -of the regiment, and ornamented with devices, the same as the caps -worn by the grenadiers; scarlet frock-coat; buff waist-belt; black -pouch carried in front, with bayonet-belt attached; buff gaiters. - -During the reign of Queen Anne, certain Independent Companies of -Marines were raised for the purpose of aiding in the defence of the -British possessions in the West Indies. - -The first important service on which the Marine corps were employed -in this reign, was on board the fleet under Admiral Sir Cloudesly -Shovel, then commanding in the Mediterranean, who was instructed to -make every possible arrangement, by conciliation or by conquest, -among the dependencies of the French and Spanish monarchies, in -order to ensure a cordial reception of the Archduke Charles of -Austria, in opposition to Philip, Duke of Anjou, of France, to the -throne of Spain. - -[Sidenote: 1704] - -After some delays, the Archduke arrived at Lisbon under Admiral Sir -George Rooke, on the 25th of February, 1704, in order to concert a -plan of future operations with his ally the King of Portugal. - -Sir George Rooke, after cruising with the fleet on the coast -of Portugal, returned to Lisbon, and took the Prince of -Hesse-Darmstadt on board, with whom he sailed on the 20th of -April to Barcelona. On the arrival of the fleet before Barcelona, -the Prince of Hesse sent a letter to Don Velasco, the governor, -requiring him to surrender the town, which he refused. Information, -however, being received that the city would declare for Charles -III. if a show of attack were made,--sixteen hundred Marines were -accordingly landed at the request, and under the command, of -Major-General the Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, on the 19th of May, -1704: this force, being found to be inadequate for the purpose, was -re-embarked on the following day. - -The next object of attack was the Rock of _Gibraltar_, where the -Prince of Hesse landed in the afternoon of the 21st of July, 1704, -with 1800 British and Dutch Marines. Acting upon the decision of a -council of war, His Highness proceeded to cut off all communication -with the mainland, to bombard the place, and to reduce it to the -obedience of Charles III., King of Spain. The governor, on being -summoned, refused to surrender, alleging that all the garrison had -taken an oath of allegiance to King Philip V. - -Admiral Sir George Rooke having directed a strong force to proceed -against the South Mole, the enemy was driven from his guns; several -boats, manned and armed, were then detached under the command of -Captain Whitaker, of the Navy, who soon obtained possession of the -great platform: about one hundred of the besiegers, whose impetuous -bravery had carried them within the effects of a mine connected -with the fort, were killed or wounded by the explosion; the rest, -advancing rapidly, gained a redoubt half-way between the mole and -the town. The Governor, at the urgent desire of the inhabitants, -was induced to capitulate, and the Prince of Hesse took possession -of the garrison on the evening of Sunday the 24th of July 1704. -The loss in effecting the capture of this important fortress was -sixty-one killed, and two hundred and six wounded. The attack of -the seamen was one of the boldest and most difficult ever made, -being obliged to climb up rocks and precipices. Thus was taken, in -three days, a fortress since made impregnable to all assaults. - -The loss of Gibraltar disconcerted the measures of Philip V., and -of his grandfather Louis XIV. Eight thousand men, under the Marquis -de Villadarias, were immediately detached from the Spanish army -to retake the fortress; and the French Admiral received orders -to engage the British and Dutch fleets, and to co-operate in the -recapture of Gibraltar. The hostile fleets engaged on the 24th of -August, about eleven leagues south of Malaga, and, after each had -suffered severely, they were separated in the night. The enemy -retired to Toulon, and Sir George Rooke sailed to Gibraltar. Here, -after having held a Council of War, it was determined to return -home; and the confederate fleet sailed for England, arriving at -Spithead on the 25th of September. Sir John Leake and Admiral -Vanderdussen were left at Lisbon to protect the coast of Portugal, -and relieve Gibraltar, if it should be besieged as was anticipated. - -The Marquis de Villadarias commenced the siege of Gibraltar on the -22nd of October, and the garrison, composed of Marines, under the -command of the Prince of Hesse, sustained a siege by seven thousand -men. The purpose of the enemy was to have stormed from the South -Mole, united with the desperate attempt of a Spanish forlorn-hope -climbing the rock, and a general attack from the mainland. The -fortress was maintained against very superior numbers; and the fire -of the enemy’s batteries having damaged the works, a body of men -was landed from the fleet to assist in the defence. Brigadier Fox, -and several other officers and men, having been killed on the 5th -of December, 1704, aid was solicited from the army in Portugal. -Admiral Sir John Leake accordingly sailed from Lisbon on the 10th -of December, with a fleet, having on board a battalion of the first -and second foot guards; Barrymore’s regiment, now thirteenth foot; -Donegal’s regiment, now thirty-fifth foot; the Dutch regiment of -Waes; and a Portuguese regiment; amounting in all to upwards of -three thousand men. On their passage they fell in with the enemy’s -squadron under Monsieur de Pointi, but they succeeded in arriving -at Gibraltar, although some of the transports had separated. - -These corps were safely landed on the 18th of December, and the -Prince, strengthened by this reinforcement, made a sortie on the -23rd, and destroyed the lines, that had been erected within a -hundred and sixty paces of the palisade. - -[Sidenote: 1705] - -The Marquis de Villadarias, having received a considerable -reinforcement, evinced a disposition to storm the place, and on the -2nd of February, 1705, an attempt was made against the Round Tower, -to ascertain what might be effected by a larger force. On the 7th -the enemy attacked with five hundred chosen grenadiers, French and -Walloons, commanded by Lieut.-General Thouy, and supported by one -thousand Spanish troops. They ascended the hill in perfect silence -at daybreak, and again attempted to storm the Round Tower, which -was defended by Colonel Borr, of the Marines, now thirty-second -regiment. The assailants, by throwing from above great stones -and grenades on his men, at last obliged him to retire into that -part of the works where the foot guards were posted. Flushed with -success, they advanced too far; when they were gallantly charged -by Colonel Moncall, of Barrymore’s (thirteenth) regiment, and -driven from the Round Tower. Colonel Rivett, of the Coldstream foot -guards, having got up the rock on the right of the covered-way with -twenty grenadiers, favoured very much Colonel Moncall’s success. -The garrison by this time had assembled, and kept up so destructive -a fire that the enemy was obliged to make a precipitate retreat, -losing seventy men killed on the spot; upwards of two hundred -wounded; and one captain, four lieutenants, and forty men taken. -The loss on the part of the garrison was twenty-seven men killed, -and one hundred and twenty wounded. - -Marshal de Tessé arrived with additional troops to carry on the -siege; the garrison also received fresh reinforcements from -Portugal, besides supplies of every description. Admiral Sir John -Leake sailed from the Tagus on the 6th of March, 1705, and his -arrival in the bay of Gibraltar on the 10th, was again so sudden, -that he completely surprised the Baron de Pointi, together with the -whole of his squadron, consisting of live ships of the line, three -of which were captured, and two were driven on shore, and burnt by -the enemy. - -After a siege of seven months the enemy retired, in April, giving -up all hopes of being able to make any impression on the fortress: -his efforts were then confined to a very feeble blockade. - -The fortress of Gibraltar, seated upon the territory of Spain, -was thus rendered subject to the British crown by the bravery of -its Navy and Marines: its possession was subsequently secured by -the defence made against the renewed efforts of the Spaniards in -1727, and by the glorious defence sustained by the troops, under -General Lord Heathfield, for three years, from 1779 to 1782, when -it exhibited to the nations of Europe a brilliant instance of -the combined exertions of the British navy and army against the -repeated, but unsuccessful, attempts of Spain and France to recover -this important fortress. - -After the Spaniards and French had desisted from further attempts -to retake Gibraltar, the Marine corps were distributed in the -several ships of war which were collected in the Tagus, in order to -co-operate with the land forces on the coast of Spain. - -Towards the end of May, the English fleet, with about five thousand -land forces on board, under the joint command of Admiral Sir -Cloudesly Shovel and General the Earl of Peterborough, sailed -from St. Helen’s, and arrived at Lisbon on the 20th of June. King -Charles went on board the Ranelagh on the 23rd of July, and the -Dutch fleet having joined in the Tagus, the confederate squadron -sailed on the 28th, and anchored at Gibraltar on the 11th of -August. The Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, with the battalion of foot -guards, and the thirteenth and thirty-fifth regiments, embarked, -and the fleet sailed for Altea Bay: form thence it again proceeded -on its voyage, and anchored before Barcelona on the 22nd of August. - -The Earl of Peterborough commenced active operations against -_Barcelona_ by an attack on the strong fortress of _Montjuich_, -situated on the opposite part of the town, at which the -disembarkation took place, the troops having landed near the river -Bassoz, about three miles east of Barcelona, on the 23rd and -24th of August. On the 28th, King Charles went on shore, when the -inhabitants of the neighbouring towns and villages flocked to the -camp, and many took arms to act as guerilla-bands and miquelets. A -difference of opinion on the part of the Dutch General occasioned -some delay, but it was ultimately determined to attack the fortress -of _Montjuich_ by storm. - -The storming party, consisting of four hundred grenadiers, with -a support of six hundred musketeers, commanded by the Earl -of Peterborough and the Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, commenced -their march about ten o’clock on the night of Sunday the 13th -of September round the mountains, and were followed by another -detachment, and a party of dragoons. After traversing many miles of -rugged mountain scenery, by different tracks, the storming party -appeared about break of day at the foot of the mountain. Colonel -Southwell of the sixth foot, which was then acting as Marines, was -ordered to head the attack, and he succeeded in driving the enemy -from the outworks into the castle. Upon this success the Prince of -Hesse, advancing with great eagerness through all the fire, was -shot with a musket-ball in the thigh, and upon being carried to -an adjacent cottage, expired: this accident somewhat damped the -spirits of the soldiers;--at the same time a large reinforcement -was seen advancing from the town to aid the garrison in the Castle, -and the troops received orders from some inferior officer to -retire. The Earl of Peterborough rushed to the spot, countermanded -the order, seized the half-pike out of Lord Charlemont’s hand, and -rallied and led back the soldiers to the posts they had so nobly -won. The Spaniards, who were advancing from the town, turned back, -and the outworks of the Fortress of Montjuich were thus gained; -batteries were constructed, and the inner works were assailed with -cannon-balls, bombs, and grenades. On the 17th of September the -Fort surrendered, and thus facilitated the siege of the _City of -Barcelona_, which was prosecuted with vigour. The Admirals even -relinquished for a time their natural element, and acted on shore -as General Officers;--they came daily from their ships with a body -of men formed into companies, having captains and lieutenants of -their own. Cannon and mortars were dragged up steep precipices -by the men; and a breach being declared practicable, a body of -soldiers prepared to attack the town: further effusion of blood -was spared, however, by the surrender of the garrison, which -capitulated on the 9th of October. - -The capture of Barcelona gave additional reputation to the -arms of the allies, and this splendid achievement was regarded -with astonishment throughout Europe. It was accompanied by the -submission of nearly all Catalonia; and Boyer, in his history -of these wars, observes, “all the generals, admirals, officers, -private soldiers, and seamen, engaged in this memorable expedition, -deserved each their share of the honour.” - -[Sidenote: 1706] - -King Charles and his counsellors, instead of exerting themselves -to provide for the security of the towns which had come into -their possession, and collecting the means for future conquests, -spent their time and money in balls and public diversions. The -breaches in _Barcelona_, and the fortress of _Montjuich_, were left -unrepaired, and the garrison unprovided for a siege. Meanwhile -King Philip was obtaining reinforcements from the favourers of -his cause in Portugal, Italy, Provence, Flanders, and the Rhine, -and he soon appeared at the head of above twenty thousand men to -recapture the provinces he had lost. A powerful French and Spanish -force approached Barcelona by land; a French fleet appeared before -the town, and the garrison, being weak in numbers, regiments were -hurried from other places, one English regiment travelling one -hundred and twenty miles on mules, in two days, to take part in the -defence of Barcelona. The siege was commenced in the beginning of -April, 1706, when the soldiers repaired the breaches, and entered -upon a resolute and desperate defence. A severe conflict took place -on the 21st of April at _Montjuich_, in which Lord Donegal, of the -thirty-fifth regiment, lost his life, and several prisoners were -taken by the enemy; but when the garrison was nearly exhausted, its -numbers decreased by deaths, wounds, sickness, and other causes, to -about a thousand effective men, and a practicable breach was ready -for the enemy to attack the place by storm, the English and Dutch -fleet arrived with five regiments of foot; the French fleet hurried -from before the town; and the reinforcements were landed. - -The French, who had prepared to storm the place on the 10th of May, -relaxed in their efforts, and raised the siege on the following -day, making a precipitate retreat. - -The important city of _Barcelona_ being thus relieved, the -fleet sailed on the 12th of May, and landed the forces of every -description on the coast of Valencia. This was preparatory to an -attack on _Alicant_. The capture of _Carthagena_ was in the interim -effected, and a garrison of six hundred marines under Major Hedges -was established for its defence. - -The fleet arrived off _Alicant_ on the 26th of June, when the -Governor-General Mahoni, was summoned to surrender: a refusal -being made by the garrison, consisting of one thousand soldiers, -and many inhabitants of the town who had volunteered in its -defence, the bombardment of the city was resolved upon. - -Brigadier Richard Gorges, who succeeded the Earl of Donegal, as -colonel of the thirty-fifth regiment, then serving as marines, -moved from Elcho on the 21st of July to within a mile of Alicant, -and all the marines of the fleet, with eight hundred seamen, were -landed on that day, and on the following morning:--the bombardment -commenced on the evening of the 22nd. A detachment of the navy, -under Admiral Sir George Byng, rendered very essential service by -dismounting many of the enemy’s guns on the coast. On the 24th of -July the marines arrived from Carthagena, and were immediately -landed; after four days the troops had gained possession of the -suburbs, and all the boats were manned, and armed, in order to -attack the town. On the 29th of July the ships having made a -practicable breach on the Round Tower, at the west end of the -place, and another at the middle of the curtain, the soldiers -advanced to storm them. General Mahoni retired into the Castle, and -was again summoned by Brigadier Gorges, and was at length obliged -to surrender his charge on the 25th of August, after a most gallant -resistance, and a heavy loss. - -The fleet proceeded to _Iviça_, where it arrived on the 9th -of September: the governor immediately saluted, and tendered -submission to King Charles III. It was next resolved to attack -_Majorca_, which surrendered on the 14th of September: a garrison -of one captain, one lieutenant, and one hundred marines, was placed -in this island. - -[Sidenote: 1707] - -In June, 1707, an opportunity offered of co-operating with the -Duke of Savoy and Prince Eugene, in an intended attack upon Toulon: -the fleet proceeded for the coast of Italy, where it anchored, on -the 28th of June, between Nice and Antibes, about a league from -the Var: after a conference between the commanders-in-chief, it -was decided that a joint attack should be made upon a part of the -enemy’s army then entrenched upon that river: the positions, being -evacuated by the enemy, were immediately occupied by six hundred -British seamen and marines: the passage was thus secured for the -Duke of Savoy to prosecute his designs, and frigates were stationed -along different parts of the sea-coast: every aid was afforded by -the fleet both as to men and cannon; but the enemy having daily -augmented his forces, and having made a successful sally, the siege -was raised on the 10th of August, 1707, after a loss of more than a -thousand men. The French, from a sudden dread of consequences, sunk -a number of their largest ships of war, which were ever after unfit -for service. - -[Sidenote: 1708] - -King Charles having urged the reduction of Sardinia, with a view -to open a passage for his troops in Naples to attack Sicily, as -well as to secure a supply of provisions for his armies, a body -of marines was withdrawn from _Tarragona_, a strong sea-port and -garrison in Catalonia, to assist in this enterprise. On the 12th -of August, 1708, the whole arrived before Cagliari, the capital -of Sardinia; and on receiving an equivocal answer to the summons -to surrender, the bombardment commenced on that evening, and -continued, without intermission, until the next morning, when at -the break of day Major-General Wills (thirtieth regiment) and the -whole of the marines, with one Spanish regiment, were landed. The -place, in consequence, almost immediately surrendered. - -The whole having been re-embarked, the fleet again set sail on the -18th of August, 1708, for _Minorca_, and arrived at Port Mahon on -the 28th of that month. - -At this period _two_ of the Marine regiments were drafted, and -the officers and men were incorporated into the other _four_, now -employed on this service: this measure had become necessary in -order to supply the casualties which had occurred, and to render -these corps effective. For this purpose all the marines capable of -duty, were drawn from the fleet about to return home, in order to -assist in the reduction of an island, which, it was expected, would -make a spirited and tedious defence. - -The first attack was against _Fort Fornede_, which was cannonaded -by two of the ships, and surrendered after a contest of four hours; -a detachment having been pushed to _Citadella_ the capital, it -surrendered without resistance:--the batteries were opened on the -works defending the town of _Port Mahon_ on the 17th of September, -when, after a short but brisk fire, and the loss of only six men, a -lodgment was effected under the walls of St. Philip’s Castle; and -on the next day the place surrendered. - -Thus was this strong fortress, and the important _Island of -Minorca_, gained by a force of only two thousand four hundred men; -the garrison consisted of one thousand soldiers, with upwards of -one hundred pieces of cannon mounted. - -Admiral Sir George Byng arrived at Lisbon on the 14th of October, -from Portsmouth, having Her Majesty the Queen of Portugal on board; -but although many other objects of service were in contemplation, -nothing further was attempted during the remainder of the year 1708. - -On the 28th of October, 1708, the decease of His Royal Highness -the Prince George of Denmark, Consort of Her Majesty Queen Anne, -and Lord High Admiral of England, took place. - -[Sidenote: 1709] - -In the early part of the year 1709 a plan was formed to attack -_Port Royal_ in the province of Nova Scotia, at that time in -possession of the French: for this purpose a body of four hundred -marines was embarked, and the expedition was entrusted to the joint -conduct of Colonel Nicholson of the Marine forces, and Captain -Martin of the Navy. The squadron proceeded for Boston, where they -were reinforced by some ships, and provincial auxiliaries: for this -intended conquest a council of war was held, and arrangements were -made for the debarkation of a body consisting of two thousand five -hundred men, which took place on the 24th of September. On the 1st -of October the Governor surrendered the fortress, and a garrison of -Marines took possession. The fortress was named _Anna-polis Royal_, -in honour of Queen Anne, in whose reign it was conquered. - -At this period the prospects of King Charles III. in obtaining -the monarchy of Spain, had become very gloomy and doubtful. The -town of Alicant had sustained along and obstinate siege, against -very powerful forces of Spain and France. The garrison, consisting -principally of Marines, exhibited the most heroic perseverance in -maintaining the place. The fleet under Admiral Sir George Byng, and -the troops on board, under the command of General Stanhope, were to -have attempted its relief, and the squadron was at the same time -to have attacked the enemy’s lines along the sea shore; but the -weather continuing severe, and heavy gales preventing communication -with the town, the Commander-in-Chief deemed it necessary to -propose terms of surrender, and the remainder of the brave troops -were embarked on board of the fleet, which now proceeded to -Tarragona, Port Mahon, and afterwards to Barcelona. During the -remainder of the year 1709, the fleets attempted nothing beyond the -protecting of the convoys of provisions, where they were considered -necessary, and in harassing the commerce of the enemy. - -[Sidenote: 1710] - -On the 13th of March, 1710, Admiral Sir John Norris arrived at Port -Mahon, as Commander-in-Chief of the Naval forces. After making -arrangements for disposing of the ships and troops in attacks upon -the enemy, he proceeded to Barcelona on the 18th of June, in order -to concert future operations with His Majesty King Charles III. - -An expedition was planned against the _Isle of Cette_ in the -province of Languedoc, where the troops and Marines were landed on -the 13th of July. The place made a feeble resistance, and the Fort, -upon which were mounted eighteen pieces of cannon, surrendered on -the same day. The regiment of Stanhope, and three hundred Marines, -advanced against Adge, and the town was delivered up without -resistance. - -The Isle of Cette was shortly afterwards recovered by the French -army, under the Duke of Roquetaine; but the British troops had -previously re-embarked. - -[Sidenote: 1711] - -In the early part of the year 1711 it was resolved to make -an attack on the town of _Quebec_, the capital of the -French possessions in Canada, for which service Admiral Sir -Hovenden Walker and Major-General John Hill were appointed -Commanders-in-Chief; a large fleet of ships of war formed part of -the armament, which was to be further strengthened by troops from -the American colonies; they were directed to proceed to Boston in -New England, and to make arrangements for this undertaking. They -reached Naerlaskel near Boston on the 24th of June, and having -collected the provincial corps, and withdrawn the Marines from -Anna-polis Royal, which had been occupied by these corps since its -surrender in 1709, they sailed for the object of their destination, -after many delays, on the 30th of July. - -The expedition did not reach the River St. Lawrence until the 21st -of August, when it encountered storms, and being furnished with -pilots who were unacquainted with the navigation of that river, -eight transports, a store ship, and a sloop were lost by shipwreck, -and upwards of eighty persons, including officers, soldiers, and -women, principally belonging to Colonel Kane’s fourth regiment, and -Colonel Clayton’s thirty-seventh regiment, perished in this fatal -service. - -A scarcity of provisions had arisen, and it was then determined -by a council of war that further operations should be abandoned. -Some of the corps proceeded to Anna-polis Royal, and the squadron -returned to England in the month of October, 1711, after having -left the provincial auxiliaries upon their own coast. - -On the 17th of April, 1711, the decease of Joseph I., Emperor of -Germany, occurred, and Charles III., of Spain, was elected Emperor -of Germany at Frankfort, by the name of Charles IV., on the 12th -October following. Further attempts on the part of the British -Government, in the cause of King Charles were now unnecessary, as -he was called upon to assume the Imperial throne of his country. -His Majesty embarked at Barcelona, on the 27th of September, on -board of the confederate fleet, and sailed for Italy. - -[Sidenote: 1712] - -[Sidenote: 1713] - -In the year 1712 negotiations were entered into by Great Britain -and France, and peace was restored by the treaty of Utrecht on -the 31st of March, 1713. By this treaty it was settled, that -Great Britain should retain possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, and -Nova Scotia, which had been conquered during the late war, and in -effecting which, the Marine corps, which had been formed during the -reign of Queen Anne, greatly contributed. - -[Sidenote: 1714] - -On the return of peace, as concluded by the treaty of Utrecht, in -1713, the corps of Marines, which had been formed in the reign of -Queen Anne, were ordered to be disbanded; they were considered to -be part of a war establishment, and a spirit of public economy, as -well as of jealousy against a standing army, particularly in the -early periods after the Revolution of 1688, afforded to the leaders -of parliamentary debates, and of popular prejudices, grounds of -objection to the maintaining of such corps after the termination of -hostilities. - -The arrangements consequent on the general peace having been made, -a great reduction in the forces took place. These arrangements had -scarcely been decided, when the decease of Her Majesty Queen Anne -took place on the 1st of August, 1714, and King George the First -ascended the throne. - -Soon after His Majesty’s accession, the peace of the kingdom was -disturbed by the hostile designs of King Louis XV. of France, who -had supported and encouraged James Francis Edward Stuart, son of -His late Majesty King James II., in his endeavours to obtain the -throne of Great Britain; but the loyalty of the people, and the -courage of the troops, defeated the attempts for the restoration of -the Stuart family. - -King George I., being supported by the parliament, adopted -active measures for increasing his army, and resisting the plans -of his enemies. Six additional regiments of cavalry, from ninth -to fourteenth dragoons, were raised. The establishments of the -regiments of infantry were increased, and in consideration of the -gallant and extensive services of the Marine corps during the late -war, Wills’s, now _thirtieth_, Goring’s, now _thirty-first_, and -Borr’s, now _thirty-second_, were incorporated with the regiments -of infantry of the line, and ranked according to the dates of their -original formation in 1702. - -[Sidenote: 1739] - -From the year 1714 to 1739 no corps of Marines, except four invalid -companies, were kept on the establishment of the army. - -For several years Spain had beheld with great jealousy the growing -commerce and increasing naval consequence of Great Britain, -particularly in the neighbourhood of her possessions in South -America, where Spain had endeavoured to monopolize the whole -commerce and wealth of Mexico and Peru; the vessels of foreign -powers were forbidden, under severe penalties, to approach within -a certain distance of her American possessions; and to enforce -this, the American seas were filled with Spanish cruisers, whose -enormities at length attracted the attention of the British -parliament. After fruitless representations to the court of -Madrid for redress, the British ministry at length determined on -hostilities; and, with the acclamations of the nation, war was -formally declared against Spain on the 23rd of October, 1739. - -It was again considered necessary to form an efficient maritime -force in distinct regiments, by which means the corps of the -regular army could be embarked when required for continental -services, and the marine regiments could be employed, either -on board of ships of war, or at the naval stations, as might be -considered best for the public service. - -Orders were issued for augmenting the land forces, and also -for forming _six regiments of marines_, each to consist of ten -companies of seventy privates in each company, and to be commanded -by - - 1st, Colonel Edward Wolfe, from 3rd Foot Guards; - 2nd, Colonel W. Robinson, from Handasyd’s 22nd regiment; - 3rd, Colonel Andrew Lowther, from 2nd Foot Guards; - 4th, Colonel John Wynyard, from Tyrrell’s regiment; - 5th, Colonel Charles Douglas, from Howard’s regiment; - 6th, Colonel Lucius Ducie Moreton, from 3rd Foot Guards. - -In order to facilitate the speedy formation of these corps, and to -render them effective, five men from each company of the regiments -of foot guards were appointed serjeants and corporals; and further, -that they might be rapidly completed, a bounty of thirty shillings -per man was allowed to 1800 men who volunteered from the regiments -of infantry to the marine corps: by these energies, the whole of -the marine regiments were soon raised and disciplined. - -On the prospect of the commencement of hostilities Admiral Vernon -had sailed for Jamaica, where he arrived in October, 1739, with a -fleet of five ships, having 200 marines on board, and proceeded -from thence to _Porto Bello_, the destined object of his attach, -which was at that time the great mart for the wealthy commerce of -Chili and Peru; the attempt was fraught with many difficulties, but -it was undertaken and performed with spirit and promptitude. - -On the 21st of November, 1739, the attack was commenced by the -ships, in line of battle, against the Iron Castle, a strong -fort at the north point of the entrance into the harbour. The -Spaniards flying from several parts of it, an instant debarkation -of the seamen and marines from on board the Burford, Norwich, and -Worcester took place under cover of those ships, and the fort was -carried. Upon the 22nd an attack was intended against the whole, -but the enemy displayed the white flag as a signal of surrender. -After destroying the fortifications, which from their strength -required some time, the Admiral with his squadron sailed for -Jamaica on the 13th of December, 1739. - -[Sidenote: 1740] - -In the year 1740 an additional regiment, of four battalions, was -authorised to be raised in America, and the royal standard was -erected at New York, as the signal-post to which every volunteer -marine was to repair. The field officers and subalterns were -appointed by the King, and the captains of companies were nominated -by the American provinces. Colonel Spotswood, of Virginia, was -appointed colonel-commandant of the whole. It was supposed that, -from climate, the natives of that continent were better calculated -for the service to which they were destined, than Europeans. Their -uniform was camblet coats, brown linen waistcoats, and canvas -trousers. This regiment, which was afterwards commanded by Colonel -Gooche, was considered as the FORTY-THIRD regiment of infantry of -the line. - -In January, 1740, an augmentation of 340 men, and of one lieutenant -in each company, was made in each of the six regiments of marines, -and twenty men were added to each of the four companies of -invalids, and a similar number to the retired marine establishment. - -The utility of the corps of marines was now universally admitted, -and in a letter addressed to the Duke of Newcastle, then first lord -of the treasury and prime minister, by Admiral Vernon, previously -to his sailing with an expedition to the West Indies, he thus -expressed himself on the subject of marine soldiers:-- - - “I could wish that we” (alluding to ships of war) “had each a - company of regular troops on board, which would strengthen us - in numbers, and their expertness in handling their arms would - incite our seamen to the imitation of them. If we should come to - a general war with France as well as Spain, I believe your Grace - will have already perceived, from the difficulty of manning our - ships, the necessity of converting most of our marching regiments - into marines. - - “I have always looked upon our fleet as what must not only - protect our trade, but secure to us the blessings of a Protestant - succession, being strongly convinced in my own judgment, that - preserving a superiority at sea is the best security of His - Majesty’s government, as well as the trade and prosperity of this - kingdom.” - -The sentiments expressed by Admiral Vernon, in favour of the -marines, were drawn from the acknowledged usefulness of the corps -so employed in the naval expeditions during the reign of Queen Anne. - -In the year 1740 _four_ additional regiments of marines were -raised, viz.:-- - - 7th, Colonel W. Cornwall; - 8th, Colonel W. Hanmore; - 9th, Colonel C. Powlett; - 10th, Colonel J. Jeffreys. - -Each regiment consisted of ten companies of 100 men in each -company, which, with officers included, amounted to 1155 in each -regiment. The _six_ regiments raised in 1739 were increased to the -same numbers of officers and men. - -In February, 1740, the town of _Carthagena_, the capital of an -extensive and wealthy province in Terra Firma in South America, was -bombarded, and an attack was made upon Chagre, a fort situate upon -the mouth of a river of that name a little to the north-west of -the Gulf of Darien. The latter surrendered, after a sharp contest, -on the 24th of March, when the castle, situated on a rock, and the -custom house under its protection, were demolished and burnt. - -These were all that could be performed until the arrival of -reinforcements and supplies from England. The fleet afterwards -returned to Porto Bello, and from thence to Jamaica. - -Considerable exertions were made in England during the year -1740 with the view of attacking, more effectually, the Spanish -possessions in South America. - -A large number of ships of war was assembled at Spithead under -the command of Rear-Admiral Sir Chaloner Ogle, and a land force, -consisting of Harrison’s (15th) regiment, Wentworth’s (24th) -regiment, and part of Cavendish’s (34th) regiment, was collected in -the Isle of Wight, and held in readiness, with the six regiments -of marines, to be embarked for service under the orders of General -Lord Cathcart, a nobleman of approved courage and experience in war. - -The fleet, with the British armament, consisting of one hundred and -seventy ships, sailed from St. Helen’s in October, 1740; but being -overtaken by a tempest in the Bay of Biscay, it was dispersed. -The greater part of the vessels, being re-collected, the Admiral -prosecuted his voyage, and anchored at the neutral island of -Dominica, in order to obtain a supply of wood and water. - -Unfortunately for the service, General Lord Cathcart fell an -early victim to the disease of the climate, and the command of the -expedition devolved upon Brigadier-General Thomas Wentworth, of the -24th regiment. - -The sixth regiment of foot, under the command of Colonel John -Guise, who was appointed brigadier-general, was subsequently -ordered to proceed to the West Indies to reinforce the troops -employed in this enterprise. - -[Sidenote: 1741] - -The fleet, under the charge of Rear-Admiral Sir Chaloner Ogle, -arrived at Jamaica in January, 1741, and joined the force under -Vice-Admiral Vernon, who was thus placed at the head of the most -formidable fleet and army which were ever employed in those -seas. The conjoined squadrons consisted of twenty-nine ships of -the line, with nearly an equal number of frigates, fire-ships, -and bomb-ketches, well manned, and plentifully supplied with -provisions, stores, and necessaries. The number of seamen amounted -to 15,000; that of the land forces, including the American regiment -of four battalions (Colonel Spotswood’s) and a body of negroes -enlisted at Jamaica, did not fall short of 12,000. - -The whole force sailed from Irish Bay in Hispaniola, and anchored -on the evening of the 4th of March in the _Grande Playa_, to -windward of the town of _Carthagena_, the intended object of the -attack. - -The necessary arrangements having been made, the fleet moved -forward in two divisions on the 8th of March, in order to silence -the different forts, preparatory to the landing of the troops. - -After about one hour’s cannonade, the forts of _St. Jago_ and _St. -Philip_ were deserted by the enemy, and were taken possession of -by the troops; and by the 15th all the soldiers, with their tents, -tools, artillery, and stores, were landed, the ground cleared, and -an encampment formed. - -The reduction of the Castle of _Bocca Chica_ next took place, -which, on a practicable breach being made, it was determined to -storm; but, in consequence of a well-judged diversion of the -navy, the Spaniards retired without firing a shot, and when the -grenadiers advanced to storm at the hour appointed, they met no -resistance. - -A panic had seized the enemy, who set fire to one of their ships; -taking advantage of this state, the boats resolved to attempt -the fort of _St. Joseph_, which was immediately evacuated. The -Spaniards appearing to be determined to sink their vessels, the -British crews proceeded to board the ship Galicia, which carried -the flag of the Spanish Admiral. - -After various services the castle of _Grande Castello_ was gained, -and the enemy had sunk all their ships of war; preparations were -made for landing the troops near the town, in order to cut off all -communication with the main land. - -Two channels having been made through the sunk vessels, with which -the Spaniards had blocked up the entrance of the harbour, the -troops and artillery were re-embarked, and commenced landing on -the 5th of April near the city; and, after a spirited contest, the -British bivouacked within a mile of the castle of _St. Lazar_, -which commanded the town. The men passed three nights in the open -air for want of tents and tools, which could not be landed sooner, -and the health of the troops became seriously injured. - -As affairs were now drawing to extremities, and the men were fast -diminishing in numbers from hard duty and the effects of climate, -Brigadier-General Wentworth resolved to attack _St. Lazar_ by -escalade, it being judged necessary to forego the ceremonies of -a regular siege, and, however hazardous, to rest the issue upon a -storm. - -Accordingly before daybreak on the 9th of April, a force under the -command of Brigadier-General Guise, of the sixth foot, consisting -of five hundred grenadiers, supported by a thousand Marines, and -some American and Jamaican levies, advanced against the enemy’s -lines in front of the fort; these were followed by a body of -Americans, with woolpacks, scaling-ladders and hand-grenades. - -The grenadiers, led by Colonel Grant, of the fifth Marines, -rushed forward with astonishing bravery, and, leaping into the -entrenchments, carried the works in gallant style, driving the -Spaniards into the fort over a drawbridge which communicated with -the lines. Colonel Grant fell mortally wounded, and the troops, -after sustaining a most destructive fire for several hours with -intrepidity and perseverance, were ordered to retreat, having lost -many officers, and 600 men in killed and wounded. - -This repulse was succeeded by the violent periodical rains; the -country was deluged with water; and the change of atmosphere, which -is always attended with epidemical diseases, produced the most -fatal effects. The troops were so drenched with rain, and their -health so seriously impaired, that all hope of further success -vanished; they were accordingly re-embarked, and the forts and -castle of the harbour of _Carthagena_ having been demolished, the -fleet sailed for Jamaica on the 6th of May, where it arrived on the -9th of that month. After re-embarking, the distempers, peculiar to -the climate, produced numerous casualties among the troops. - -Thus terminated, for the time, the expedition to Spanish South -America, during which the persevering and undaunted bravery of -British Seamen, Soldiers, and Marines, and their patient endurance -under the most trying difficulties, were never displayed in a -greater degree. - -In consequence of the heavy losses sustained at _Carthagena_, and -the mortality which continued to prevail after the troops returned -to Jamaica, it was not until the beginning of July, 1741, that the -fleet and army were in a condition to renew their operations. It -was then resolved to proceed against the _Island of Cuba_, where -they anchored on the 18th of July in Waltenham Bay, about eighteen -leagues to windward of _St. Jago_, the first object of their -intended attack. The troops were landed on the 24th, consisting of -nearly 4,000 men, including 1000, negroes raised by the Island of -Jamaica, with a view to sustain the peculiar duties of fatigue, -naturally expected to arise on this service. - -After establishing a position on the side of the river, nearly -three leagues from the mouth of the harbour, the General pushed -some detachments into the country, which beat back the outposts of -the enemy, and in a few days returned to the camp with plentiful -supplies of provisions. - -It was originally intended by the Commanders-in-Chief to have made -a joint attack upon _St. Jago_, but the want of unanimity ruined -every purpose, and contentious debates and dilatory measures, -instead of cordial co-operation and daring enterprise, took place; -while the interests of the country, and the lives of the troops, -were sacrificed to the prejudices and bad judgment of the officers -entrusted with so important a command. - -After an interval of several months, during which nothing was -attempted towards effecting the conquest of the island, and when -sickness, the never-failing result of inactivity, particularly in -those climes, began its ravages, it was determined to evacuate the -island, which took place on the 20th of November, 1741, when the -regimental Returns were as follow:-- - - +---------------------------------+-------------+--------------+ - | | | Serjeants, | - | Regiment. | Colonels. |Drummers, and | - | | |Rank and File.| - +---------------------------------+-------------+--------------+ - |15th regiment |Harrison | 225 | - |24th regiment |Wentworth | 219 | - | | | | - |43rd regiment { 1st Battalion |Spotswood’s, | 159 | - | American { 2nd ” | afterwards | 110 | - | Marines { 3rd ” | Gooche’s, | 99 | - | { 4th ” | Marines | 121 | - | | | | - |1st Marines (aft^{ds}. 44th Rt.) |Wolfe | 181 | - |2nd do. ( ” 45th Rt.) |Fraser | 158 | - |3rd do. ( ” 46th Rt.) |Lowther | 237 | - |4th do. ( ” 47th Rt.) |Wynyard | 177 | - |5th do. ( ” 48th Rt.) |Cochrane | 191 | - |6th do. ( ” 49th Rt.) |Cotterell | 211 | - | | +--------------+ - | | 2088 | - | Sick in all | 566 | - | +--------------+ - | Total | 2654 | - +-----------------------------------------------+--------------+ - -The total loss of officers at the close of 1741 amounted to one -Commander-in-Chief, five colonels, ten lieut.-colonels, seven -majors, fifty-five captains, one hundred and sixteen subalterns, -and fourteen staff officers. - -The heavy casualties in the Marine regiments are shown when it is -stated that these six regiments consisted of more than one thousand -men each, and that, only 2654 men returned. - -The foregoing statement affords a sad record of the ill-judged -plans relating to the expedition to South America, both as to the -season of the year at which it was undertaken, and the deficiency -of means and arrangements with which it was attempted to be carried -into execution. Great disappointment and dissatisfaction were -consequently created in the feelings of the British public. - -The transports returned to Jamaica on the 29th of November, 1741, -and the squadron continued at sea to meet the reinforcements which -were anxiously expected from England. - -[Sidenote: 1742] - -In January 1742, nearly 3000 men, including 2000 Marines, arrived -at Jamaica. Another expedition was now meditated, which put to sea -early in March; but adverse winds, the separation of the transports -having on board the working negroes, and the expectation of the -periodical rains being then about to set in, suggested to a Council -of War, held at Porto Bello, at the close of that month, the -immediate return of the whole armament to the port they had left: -the fleet arrived at Jamaica upon the 15th of May. - -It was now considered desirable to detach a force to take -possession of _Rattan_, an island in the Bay of Honduras, and a -situation proper for maintaining a commercial intercourse with -South America, as well as the trade in logwood. An establishment -having been formed there in the early part of the year, it was -determined in a Council of War to send a force of 50 marines and -200 Americans, under Major Caulfield, in order to place the island -in a state of military defence. - -On the 23rd of August the troops reached _Port Royal_, on the -south side of the island, where they formed a camp and erected -_Fort George_ to defend the harbour, as well as _Fort Frederick_ -on the western part of it. A proportion of the Americans, who were -papists, formed a plot to render the settlement abortive, and to -rise upon the Marines. Her Majesty’s ship, the Litchfield, then in -the harbour, hearing the alarm-guns, instantly landed her party -of Marines, who, with those on shore, soon checked the daring -mutiny, secured the delinquents, and preserved the settlement to -the British Crown. - -At this period it was necessary to detach 500 men to the assistance -of _General Oglethorpe_, in _South Carolina_, and to repel the -menaces of the Spaniards against the infant colony of _Georgia_.[45] - -On the 23rd of September orders arrived at Jamaica for the recall -of Admiral Vernon and of General Wentworth; for providing the fleet -with a number of men from the Marines, sufficient to supply its -wants; and also to fill up the vacancies in the eight Independent -Companies raised for the defence of Jamaica (now the 49th -Regiment):--These services absorbed all the men who were considered -fit for duty, and the remainder were embarked for England. - -After the departure of Admiral Vernon, the Naval Command devolved -on Sir Chaloner Ogle, who bore his testimony to the zeal and -bravery of the troops, whose gallant efforts and patient endurance, -under great privations, had been conspicuous throughout a series -of misfortunes. Upwards of 7000 Marines and nearly 4000 other -troops were the lamentable victims to pestilence and disease, but -not to defeat; and the objects which had been effected, although -not adequate to the hopes and expectations of the British Nation, -were distressing to the enemy, and embarrassing to the Spanish -Government. - -[Sidenote: 1743] - -In the early part of 1743 it was resolved to make another attempt -upon the continent of South America, and the conduct of the -operations was entrusted to Captain Knowles, of the Navy, who -had on board of his squadron 400 of _Dalzell’s_ (thirty-eighth) -_regiment_ and about _six hundred Marines_. They were first ordered -to rendezvous at Antigua, from which island they sailed on the 12th -of February with a view to an attack upon La Guira, a town in the -district of the Caraccas in Terra Firma. The attack was commenced -on the 18th, but, owing to a heavy swell, the ships could not -approach the shore, and the troops were consequently not landed. -After a heavy cannonade, which was ended only by the night, the -ships withdrew from the combat: the town suffered extremely, many -breaches being made in the fortifications; and the enemy sustained -a loss of more than 700 men. The British squadron suffered -considerable damage, and had nearly 400 men killed and wounded. - -The fleet proceeded to Curaçao to refit, where preparations were -made for another attempt upon the sea-coast of Terra Firma. Having -been reinforced by some Dutch volunteers, Commodore Knowles sailed -from this island on the 20th of March, and steered for _Porto -Cavallo_, a town having a respectable force, and being in a good -state of defence. - -On the 15th of April the ships anchored to the eastward of the -town, and on the 16th two vessels commenced a flanking fire against -_Ponta Brava_; and after the batteries were silenced, it was -decided to land the troops in order to take possession, and to turn -the guns against the castle, their retreat being secured by a ship -of war within pistol-shot, of the shore: by sunset the ships had -accomplished their object, and by dusk a force of 1200 sailors, -soldiers, and Dutch volunteers, was disembarked under the command -of Major Lucas. - -About eleven at night the van had gained one of the fascine -batteries upon Ponta Brava, but the garrison having been alarmed, -and being prepared for resistance, this mixed detachment acted -under the influence of a panic, and retreated with precipitation to -the ships. On the 21st it was resolved to make another attack of -the squadron and forces against the castle and fascine batteries: -four ships were destined to batter the former on the 24th, while -three others were placed against the latter. The cannonading began -at eleven on the noon of that day, and was maintained with mutual -obstinacy till night, when, some of the ships having expended -their ammunition, and others being damaged, they were ordered -to anchor beyond reach of the enemy’s shot. This attack being -fruitless, and the troops being prevented from landing, it was -deemed impracticable to push the enterprise any further: it was -accordingly resolved on the 28th of April to return to Jamaica. - -From the period of the commencement of hostilities against Spain in -1739, the conduct of the Court of Versailles had been equivocal, -and in the beginning of the year 1743 the projects of Louis XV. -were developed by the equipment of powerful naval armaments in the -ports of France, and by the assembling of armies on the sea-coasts, -the avowed aim of which was against the Crown and liberties of the -British Empire. - -Being no longer able to restrain her views, France declared war on -the 20th of March, 1743, which was answered by a proclamation on -the part of Great Britain on the 31st of that month. - -[Sidenote: 1744] - -A force of 11,550 Marines was granted by Parliament as a part of -the establishment for the year 1744, at which period fleets were -detached to every quarter of the globe. A partial affair occurred -in the Mediterranean in May of this year, in which a party of -Marines disembarked from the Essex ship-of-war, and signalized -themselves: that ship being on a cruise gained sight of twenty-six -xebeques and settees, bound to Antibes, from whence they were to -carry troops to Italy: the former were a convoy to the latter, -which were laden with powder, cannon, ordnance stores, and -provisions: thirteen having taken refuge in the Creek of Casse, the -Marines were landed in order to co-operate with the boats, and to -repel any enemy that might appear to retard their progress: they -were attacked by a body of Spaniards, whom they beat back, and thus -effected the object on which they were employed: eleven vessels -were burnt and two captured. - -The most active measures were adopted, by order of the Secretary at -War, for again completing the ten regiments of Marines, in order to -render them effective as speedily as possible. - -[Sidenote: 1745] - -Attacks having been made during the last year by the French upon -_Canso_ and _Anna-polis_ in _Nova Scotia_, the former of which they -burnt, the Northern Colonies of British America became alarmed for -their safety: an expedition was consequently commenced against -_Louisburg_; considerable levies were raised in the American -provinces, and a co-operating naval force, under Commodore Warren, -then commanding on the West India station, was ordered to repair -to Canso; the arrangements made for conducting this expedition -were carried into effect with that confidence and secrecy which -are always essential towards securing the success of a military -enterprise, and the exertions of the Americans were fully equal to -the important interests which they had at stake. - -On the 4th of April the levies from New England, having reached -_Canso_, were encamped and brought into military order and -discipline preparatory to the arrival of other corps from the -several provinces, while the ships of war upon the coast, and some -stout privateers, continued off the harbour of _Louisburg_, in -order to cut off all intelligence of the projected enterprise. On -the 23rd of April Commodore Warren arrived at _Canso_, and by the -29th all the land forces were embarked, and proceeded to _Gabaras -Bay_, about four miles from the capital of _Cape Breton_. - -On the 30th of April 2000 men were landed at noon, who beat -back a detachment of troops which was sent to prevent their -disembarkation. On that and the following day three hundred seamen -and _five hundred Marines_ were disembarked under cover of the -vessels ranged along the coast. The troops were under the command -of Brigadier-General William Pepperell, a native of Piccataway, and -Colonel of American Militia. - -The French, conscious of the strength of their positions, -maintained possession of the city until their means of defence were -overpowered by the forces brought against them. - -By indefatigable labour, the British Marines, and the American -provincials, succeeded in effecting an entrance into the harbour -on the 1st of June, 1745; _Louisburg_ capitulated, and with it the -whole dependency of _Cape Breton_; the object was attained with a -loss little exceeding 100 men.[46] - -Two regiments were formed for service at Cape Breton, by Colonel -William Shirley and Sir William Pepperell, each consisting of ten -companies of 100 men per company: these were numbered the 50th and -51st regiments of infantry of the line. - -[Sidenote: 1746] - -In the year 1746 very serious complaints were made of the neglect -and delay which had occurred in the settlement of the accounts of -the Marine Corps, and a committee was appointed to investigate -the grievances which had been represented. The cause of the delay -was alleged to arise, in the first instance, from the absence of -regular and periodical muster-rolls, according to the practice in -regiments of the regular army. This system, it was stated, could -not easily be acted upon in the corps of Marines, who were employed -by detachments in the several ships of war. The investigation -produced, however, the effect of a large balance in the hands of -the Paymaster-General being repaid into the Bank of England, for -the benefit of those who were justly entitled to it. - -The privations and inconveniences, which this meritorious body of -troops had continued to endure for several years, did not affect -their loyalty and steady allegiance, and they still remained the -useful corps, in periods of emergency, they had always proved in -former years. - -For the service of this year (1746) nearly 12,000 Marines were -included in the parliamentary vote of the military establishment. -An expedition against Quebec was contemplated at this period, and -a considerable force was assembled at Spithead with that intent, -but delays took place until the season for such an attempt became -too late. Of this force Colonel Powlett’s (the ninth) regiment of -Marines formed a part. - -The troops were afterwards destined against _Port L’Orient_, under -the directions of Admiral Lestock and Lieut.-General Sinclair. -Sixteen sail of the line and eight frigates, with 5000 troops, -exclusive of Marines, were the number employed on this occasion. -The long detention of so respectable a force until the period of -the equinox, endangered its progress along a hostile coast at so -critical a season, and gave time for the enemy to ascertain the -object of the expedition. - -The fleet sailed from Plymouth on the 14th of September for the -coast of Brittany, and a debarkation of the troops was effected on -the 20th of that month, in _Quimperlay Bay_: on the 21st the troops -advanced in two columns against _Plymeur_, which surrendered, and -on the following day the whole moved on to a rising ground within -a mile of _Port L’Orient_, the ultimate object of their views. -Some affairs took place between the 21st and 26th of September, -when after a cannonade, which did considerable damage to the town, -a retreat was commenced under cover of the night. The French were -pouring in from all quarters, and the situation of the British -troops became critical. - -After a loss of 150 men killed, wounded, and missing, a -re-embarkation was effected, and the fleet sailed on the 1st of -October for the Bay of Borneuff, off Quiberon, to the south of -Quimperlay: a detachment of Marines was entrenched at Quimperlay -to guard the landing-place; the remainder, under Colonel Holmes, -was united with the army: some troops were landed on the 4th of -October on the peninsula of Quiberon, and, after remaining ashore -some days, the whole returned to England. - -[Sidenote: 1747] - -The number of Marines for the year 1747 was eleven thousand one -hundred and fifty, as included in the parliamentary vote of that -year. - -On the 28th of February, 1747, His Majesty King George II. -directed, that the several regiments of Marines, which were then -existing, or might hereafter be raised, should be placed under the -entire command of the Lords Commissioners for executing the office -of High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland. - -The following Royal Warrant was issued on this subject:-- - - “_To Our Commissioners for executing the office of High Admiral - of Our Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland; and to Our - Commissioners for executing the office of our High Admiral for - the time being._” - - (Copy) - - “Whereas We have thought it necessary for the good of Our Service - to put under your immediate and entire command all our Marine - regiments now raised, or hereafter to be raised; Our Will and - Pleasure therefore is, that you do lake upon you the immediate - and entire command of the said Marine forces accordingly; and - for the better government of our said Marine regiments, we have - thought fit to empower and authorise you to prepare and publish - such rules and ordinances as are fit to be observed by our said - Marine forces under your command, hereby strictly charging and - requiring the several colonels and other officers, who shall - from time to time be employed in the said regiments, to take - notice thereof, and in all respects to conform themselves to - such directions accordingly, and to cause exact musters to be - taken of them, as well at sea as on shore, and that the same - be transmitted to our Commissary-General of Marines, in order - to the more speedy clearing of the accounts of our said Marine - regiments. And whereas, by the establishment, provision is made - for such contingent charges as may arise in this service, and to - the use of our said forces, you are hereby further authorized - to direct the payment of the said money, in such proportions as - you shall, in your discretion, think necessary, for the purpose - aforesaid. - - “And for executing the several powers and authorities herein - expressed this shall be your warrant. And so we bid you heartily - farewell. - - “Given at our Court at St. James’s, this 28th - February, 1746-7, in the 20th year of - our reign. - - “By His Majesty’s Command. - (Signed) “CHESTERFIELD.” - -Notwithstanding the disasters which had attended the expeditions -of the French in North America in the preceding year (1746), when -Louis XV. had equipped an extensive armament, under the command -of the Duke d’Anville for the recapture of Cape Breton, which was -rendered ineffectual by storms and other casualties, and by the -death of its commander, the French Monarch was not discouraged by -these disasters; but was resolved to renew his efforts against the -British colonies in North America, and also the settlements in the -East Indies. For these purposes two squadrons were prepared at -Brest, one commanded by Commodore de la Jonquière, and the other, -destined for India, by Monsieur de St. George. - -Intelligence had been received by the British Government of these -preparations, and measures were adopted in order to counteract the -views of the enemy. The occasion afforded a renewed display of -the zeal and intrepidity of Vice-Admiral Anson and Rear-Admiral -Warren, who sailed from Plymouth on the 9th of April, in order to -intercept both squadrons, which were to set sail together. The -Vice-Admiral, on board of the “Prince George” of ninety guns, with -the Rear-Admiral, on board the “Devonshire,” and twelve ships more -under his command, received directions to cruise between Ushant and -Cape Finisterre on the coast of Galicia. - -On the 3rd of May, 1747, they fell in with the French squadrons, -consisting of six large ships of war, as many frigates, and four -armed vessels equipped by the French East India Company, having -under their convoy about thirty ships laden with merchandize: those -prepared for war immediately shortened sail, and formed in line of -battle, while the rest, under the protection of the six frigates, -proceeded on their voyage with all the sail they could carry. -The British squadron was likewise drawn up in line of battle, -and the engagement began with great fury about four o’clock in -the afternoon. The enemy’s ships sustained the battle with equal -conduct and valour, until they were overpowered by numbers, and -they then struck their colours. About seven hundred of the French -were killed and wounded in this action; the English lost about -five hundred; and among them Captain Grenville, Commander of the -ship “Defiance,” nephew to Lord Viscount Cobham, an officer of the -most promising genius, and animated with the noblest sentiments of -honour and patriotism. Two of these prizes were the “_Invincible_” -and the “_Glory_,” which induced the Captain of the former to say -to the Admiral, on giving up his sword, “Sir, you have conquered -the _Invincible_, and _Glory_ follows you.” This blow was severely -felt by France, who had vainly flattered herself, that by means of -this armament she should render herself mistress of the Indian -seas, and by that superiority be enabled to wrest from the British -their most valuable possessions in that part of the world. - -A considerable quantity of money, intended to answer the -contingencies of these expeditions, was found on board of the -French ships, which were brought to Spithead, and the treasure, -being landed, was conveyed in twenty waggons to the Bank of -England, escorted by a party of Marines, amidst the acclamations of -the populace. - -For this achievement Vice-Admiral George Anson was created a Peer -of Great Britain, and Rear-Admiral Peter Warren was invested with -the Order of the Bath. The whole fleet received the thanks of the -Sovereign, through their Commander, Admiral Lord Anson. - -The year 1747 was remarkable for other naval successes; about the -middle of June, COMMODORE FOX, with six ships of war, cruising in -the latitude of Cape Ortegal, in Galicia, took about forty French -ships, richly laden from St. Domingo, after they had been abandoned -by their convoy. - -The fourteenth of October, 1747, was rendered memorable as another -day of triumph for the British Navy. REAR-ADMIRAL EDWARD HAWKE -sailed from Plymouth in the beginning of August, with fourteen -ships of the line, with instructions to intercept a fleet of -French merchant-ships bound for the West Indies: the British fleet -cruised for some time on the coast of Bretagne, and the French -ships sailed from the isle of Aix under convoy of nine ships of -the line, besides frigates, commanded by M. de l’Etendiere. The -two squadrons came in sight of each other in the latitude of -Belle Isle. The battle commenced about eleven in the forenoon, -and lasted until night, when all the French squadron, except two -ships, the “Intrepide” and “Tonnant,” which escaped in the dark, -had struck to the English flag. After despatching a sloop to -Commodore Legge, commanding a squadron in the Leeward Islands, to -take proper measures to intercept the French ships in the passage -to Martinique, and other French islands, ADMIRAL HAWKE conducted -his prizes to Spithead, and was rewarded with the Order of the -Bath; and the thanks of a grateful country were rendered to all the -officers, seamen, and Marines of the squadron. - -In the latter part of 1747, _Admiral Boscawen_ had sailed from -England with a fleet of ships, and a number of Marines, and other -forces, in order to reinforce the British fleet in the East Indies, -with instructions to make an attack upon the _Island of Mauritius_, -and subsequently to effect the conquest of _Pondicherry_, which was -the chief object of the expedition. - -After having reconnoitred the coast of the Mauritius, it was -ascertained that the powerful means of defence everywhere -presented, and the dangers in many places of approaching the -land, would involve a great sacrifice of men, and render success -ultimately doubtful; the coming on of the autumnal monsoons had -also an influence in the decision of a council, which was to -relinquish the attempt, and to proceed without delay for the _Coast -of Coromandel_, according to the prescribed plan of operations. - -[Sidenote: 1748] - -About the end of June, 1748, the Admiral quitted the Coasts of the -Mauritius, and proceeded to _Fort St. David_, where the troops were -landed, and encamped with all the necessary stores; the Marines -from four ships sent to Europe under Admiral Griffin, were added -to the battalion employed on this service. The forces employed -amounted to six thousand British and Native Auxiliary troops, and -upwards of one thousand sailors, trained to the use of small arms, -who were to form the besieging army. The battering cannon, mortars, -and every implement were conveyed by the squadron within two miles -of the town, while the land forces marched on the 8th of August -towards _Pondicherry_, about thirty miles distant. - -After several unsuccessful attempts, the troops crossed the river -of _Arian Coupan_, and obtained possession of a strong situation -within a mile of that Fort; a communication was maintained from -thence with the fleet; and all the implements necessary for the -siege were landed. - -On the 25th of September the batteries were completed, and began -to play; but, notwithstanding a combined cannonade on the part -of the squadron against the town, it was found that the enemy’s -fire gained an ascendency over the besiegers. The fatigues endured -by the troops, sickness becoming prevalent, and the rainy season -being daily expected, which would inundate the country, and render -retreat impracticable, afforded strong grounds, on which a Council -of War, held on the 30th of September, determined to abandon -the siege, to re-embark the men and stores, and to destroy the -batteries. The troops fortunately reached Fort St. David on the -evening of the 7th of October, after having demolished the fort of -_Arian Coupan_ on their way; the heavy rains which fell on the same -evening had nearly rendered the rivers impassable. - -On the 13th of February, 1748, the British squadron in the West -Indies sailed from Jamaica under the command of Rear-Admiral -Knowles, on an expedition against St. Jago, in Cuba, for which -purpose some land forces were embarked at Jamaica, and being -joined with the Marines of the squadron, the whole put to sea; but -after persevering for some time against strong northerly winds, -which prevented their approaching that coast, the design was -given up, and the force was directed against _Port Louis_, on the -south side of Hispaniola, before which place it arrived on the -8th of March. The service was performed by the ships in line of -battle, which, after three hours’ heavy cannonade, compelled the -governor, M. de Chaleaunoye, to surrender, when Major Scott, with a -detachment of Colonel Trelawny’s, the forty-ninth regiment, and the -Marines, were landed, and took possession of the Fort in the name -of His Majesty. After having shipped or destroyed upwards of eighty -heavy cannon, and blown up the works, the whole were re-embarked; -and Rear-Admiral Knowles resumed his former design against St. -Jago, where he arrived on the 5th of April. The Plymouth and -Cornwall were ordered to enter the harbour, but after firing a few -broadsides at the castle, it was considered prudent to desist, and -the squadron returned to Jamaica. - -The distresses of France arising from the destruction of her Navy, -and the annihilation of her commerce, compelled King Louis XV. to -express a desire for peace. Accordingly, a congress was held at -_Aix-la-Chapelle_, in order to negotiate the terms on which peace -could be restored. The desire expressed by the King of France, as -well as of Spain, did not, however, induce the British Government -to relax in its efforts to reduce the means which those powers -never failed to use, when opportunities offered, of thwarting the -measures of Great Britain. - -The negotiations, commenced at Aix-la-Chapelle in June, 1748, -produced a Definitive Treaty of Peace, which was concluded on the -18th of October of that year, and was proclaimed on the 2nd of -February, 1749. - -Among the many reductions which took place during 1748, consequent -on the General Peace, the Ten regiments of Marines were disbanded -in November of that year, the officers of which were placed on -half-pay. - -[Sidenote: 1755] - -The conditions of the Peace concluded with France in 1748, were -broken as soon as that Power had recovered from the effects of the -former war: the interval of six years had been devoted to extending -her Naval preparations, and to negotiations with other States, in -order to reduce, or destroy, the power of Great Britain. - -After enduring many insults, and witnessing the hostile measures -which were preparing in the ports of France, the energies of the -British nation were again aroused, and in the spring of 1755 -considerable augmentations were made in the Army and Navy, and -fifty companies of Marines were directed to be raised and placed -under the control of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. -These companies were formed into three Divisions, and stationed at -Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, and an Act of Parliament was -passed for the “Regulation of the Marine forces while on shore.”[47] - -From the 5th of April, 1755, the Marine corps have constituted a -branch of the permanent national force, and have been provided for -in the annual votes of the House of Commons, on distinct estimates -produced at each session, of the Navy, Army, and Marines. - - -War was declared against France on the 18th May in the following -year (1756). - - * * * * * - -The foregoing pages contain accounts of the services of the _Corps -of Marines_ from the earliest period of their formation, to the -year 1748, when they ceased to form a portion of the establishment -of the Army. These historical details afford numerous instances -in which the gallant exertions of the Marines have materially -contributed to the successes obtained by the Navy and Army, and to -the honours and advantages which have resulted from their combined -operations. - -The services of the present Marine forces have been, as in former -years, highly useful and efficient, and by their uniformly good -conduct they have obtained the approbation of the Sovereign, and -the confidence of the Country. - -[Sidenote: 1802] - -As a lasting mark of approbation, His Majesty King George III. was -pleased, in 1802, to direct that they should be styled “_The Royal -Marines_,” as announced in the following Order, issued by the Lords -Commissioners of the Admiralty, and inserted in the London Gazette, -dated - - “_Admiralty Office, 29th April, 1802._ - - “His Majesty has been graciously pleased to signify His Commands, - that, in consideration of the very meritorious services of the - Marines during the late War, the Corps shall in future be styled - ‘THE ROYAL MARINES.’ - - “By Command of their Lordships. - (Signed) “EVAN NEPEAN.” - - -On acquiring the title of _Royal_, the facings of the Marines, -which had been _White_, were changed to _Blue_, as in other Royal -corps of Infantry.[48] - -[Sidenote: 1827] - -On the 26th of September, 1827, New Colours were presented to the -Division of Royal Marines at Chatham, on the part of His Majesty -King George IV., by His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, -then Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, and General of Marines, -afterwards King William IV. - -After alluding to the services of Marine regiments from the period -of their formation to the present time, His Royal Highness caused -the New Colours to be unfurled, and concluded his address in the -following terms: - - “His Majesty has selected for the Royal Marines a _Device_, to - which their achievements have entitled them, and which, by his - permission, I this day present to you;--a _Badge_ which you - have so hardly and honorably earned:--From the difficulty of - selecting any particular places to inscribe on these Standards, - your Sovereign has been pleased to adopt ‘_The Great Globe - itself_,’ as the most proper and distinctive badge. He has also - directed, that his own name (_George IV._) shall be added to that - peculiar badge, THE ANCHOR, which is your distinctive bearing, - in order that it may be known hereafter, that GEORGE THE FOURTH - had conferred on you the honorable and well-earned badge this day - presented to you. - - “The motto, peculiarly your own, ‘_Per Mare; Per Terram_,’ has - been allowed to remain; and surmounting the entire is the word - GIBRALTAR, in commemoration of the important national services - you performed there. In presenting these Colours, the gift of - your Sovereign, into your hands, I trust,--I am confident,--you - will defend them with the same intrepidity, loyalty, and - regard for the interests of the country, that have marked your - preservation of your old ones; and if you do, your Sovereign, and - your Country, will have equal reason to be satisfied.” - -[Illustration: THE ROYAL MARINES - -_For Cannon’s Military Records_] - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[44] By Order in Council, dated 26th October, 1604, it was -directed, that twelve hundred land-soldiers should be raised, in -order to be in readiness for distribution in His Majesty’s fleets; -the whole to form one regiment, of six companies, under a Colonel, -with a Lieutenant-Colonel, and Serjeant-Major; each company -consisted of two hundred soldiers, with a captain, lieutenant, -ensign, drummer, four serjeants, and four corporals. The regiment -was armed with firelocks. - -A subsequent Order in Council, dated 1st April, 1668, authorised -the drawing of such numbers of soldiers from the Foot Guards, for -His Majesty’s service at sea, during the summer, as the Lord High -Admiral might require. - -[45] In 1732 trustees were appointed by charter to superintend -a new settlement in _Georgia_, situated to the southward of -_Carolina_ in America, and _Mr. James Oglethorpe_, General and -Governor of the Province, embarked at Gravesend with a number of -poor families to plant that Colony. In 1737, when the King of Spain -claimed as part of his territories, the Colony of Georgia, which -was considered to belong to Great Britain, General Oglethorpe was -authorised to raise a regiment of six companies of 100 men each, -for the defence of the settlement. The colonies of Georgia and -Carolina had been named from King George II., and his consort Queen -Caroline. - -[46] Cape Breton was restored to the French after the peace of -Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748. It was retaken in 1758 by Admiral Boscawen -and General Sir Jeffery Amherst, and finally ceded to Great Britain -at the peace of 1763. - -[47] A _Fourth_ Division was added to the Establishment of the -Royal Marines, by Order in Council dated 15th August, 1805, and -stationed at Woolwich. - -[48] The LAUREL was authorised to be borne as a testimony of the -gallantry of the Marines at the siege of Belle-Isle in the year -1761, and is encircled about the figure of the GLOBE on the Colours. - - - - -APPENDIX TO THE MARINE CORPS. - - -The following memoranda are appended to this narrative of the -services of the Royal Marines, in order to show the relative -positions in which the Marine regiments were placed, in respect to -_rank and precedence_, with the regiments of Infantry, during the -period the Marine regiments were borne on the establishment of the -regular army, and the ground on which the present corps of Royal -Marines have been authorised, when acting with the infantry of the -line, to take their station next to the _Forty-ninth_ regiment, -according to the date of their formation in the year 1755, as shown -in the following pages. - -The rank of the several regiments of the British army was first -regulated by a Board of General Officers assembled in the -Netherlands, by command of King William III., on the 10th June, -1694. - -Another Board of General Officers was assembled by order of Queen -Anne, in 1713, to decide on the rank and precedence of regiments -raised subsequently to 1694. - -A third Board was assembled, by command of King George I., in 1715, -for the same purpose. - -These Boards recommended that English regiments raised in England, -should take rank from the dates of their formation, and that -English, Scots, and Irish regiments, raised for the service of -a foreign power, should take rank from the dates of their being -placed on the English establishment. - -The _Numerical Titles_ of regiments, as fixed on the principle -laid down in the reports of the Boards of General Officers, above -alluded to, were confirmed by the warrant issued by authority of -King George II., dated 1st July, 1751,--and also by the warrant of -King George III., dated 19th December, 1768, previously to which -periods regiments were generally designated by the names of their -Colonels. - -1. The principle on which the Numerical Titles of regiments were -fixed, having been thus established by Royal authority, the -regiments of infantry which had been formed by King Charles II., -on his Restoration to the Throne in 1660, and those which had been -subsequently raised in the reigns of King James II. and of William -III., were numbered according to the dates of being placed on the -English establishment,--from the _First_, or _Royal_, regiment to -the _Twenty-seventh_ regiment. - -2. The regiments of infantry, which had been added to the army in -the reign of Queen Anne from the year 1702, and retained on the -establishment after the Peace of Utrecht in 1713, commenced with -the _Twenty-eighth_, and ended with the _Thirty-ninth_ regiment. - -3. The _Fortieth_ regiment was formed in the year 1717, from -independent companies in North America and the West Indies:--the -command was conferred on Colonel Richard Philips. - -4. The _Forty-first_ regiment was formed from Invalids in -1719:--the command was conferred on Colonel Edmund Fielding. - -5. The other regiments of infantry, raised by King George I. on the -augmentation of the army in the year 1715, were disbanded in 1718, -after the Monarchy, in the line of the House of Brunswick, had been -established, and the Peace of the Kingdom restored. - -6. The _Forty-second Highland_ regiment was formed in the reign of -King George II. from independent companies in Scotland, in the year -1739. It was originally termed “_The Black Watch_” and was placed -on the establishment on the 25th October, 1739:--the command was -conferred on Colonel James Earl of Crawford.[49] - -7. The _Forty-third_ regiment was raised for service in America, -in the year 1740, by Colonel Andrew Spotswood, and afterwards -commanded by Colonel W. Gooche. It was disbanded in 1743. - -8. The Ten regiments of Marines raised in 1739 and 1740, were -numbered from the 44th to the 53rd regiments, as shown in the -following list, viz.:-- - - +-------------+------------------+----------+-------------+------------+ - | | | | | Precedence | - | Marine | Names of the |Periods of| Colour of | in the | - | Regiments. | Colonels. |Formation,| the Facing. |Regiments of| - | | | &c. | | Infantry of| - | | | | | the Line. | - +-------------+------------------+----------+-------------+------------+ - |1st Regiment |E. Wolfe | 1739 | Deep Yellow | 44th Foot. | - | ” ” |G. Keightley | 1745 | | | - | ” ” |G. Churchill | 1745 | | | - | | | | | | - |2nd Regiment |Wm. Robinson | 1739 | Green | 45th Foot. | - | ” ” |Rt. Frazer | 1741 | | | - | | | | | | - |3rd Regiment |Anthony Lowther | 1739 | Light Yellow| 46th Foot. | - | ” ” |R. Sowle | 1745 | | | - | ” ” |H. Holmes | 1746 | | | - | | | | | | - |4th Regiment |J. Wynyard | 1739 | White | 47th Foot. | - | ” ” |Jas. Long | 1742 | | | - | ” ” |Byng, afterwards | | | | - | | _Visct._ | | | | - | | Torrington | 1744 | | | - | | | | | | - |5th Regiment |C. Douglas | 1739 | Primrose | 48th Foot. | - | ” ” |J. Grant | 1741 | Yellow | | - | ” ” |S. Daniel | 1741 | | | - | ” ” |Jas. Cochrane | 1741 | | | - | | | | | | - |6th Regiment |_Honble._ Lucius | | | | - | | Ducie Moreton | 1739 | Green Cuffs | 49th Foot. | - | ” ” |J. Cotterell | 1741 | Collar, and | | - | ” ” |_Honble._ W. | | Cap | | - | | Herbert | 1747 | | | - | ” ” |Jas. Laforey | 1747 | | | - | | | | | | - |7th Regiment |H. Cornwall | 1740 | White | 50th Foot. | - | | | | | | - |8th Regiment |W. Hanmore | 1740 | Light Yellow| 51st Foot. | - | ” ” |J. Duncombe | 1742 | | | - | ” ” |_Lord_ G. | | | | - | | Beauclerk | 1747 | | | - | ” ” |Jas. Jordan | 1748 | | | - | | | | | | - |9th Regiment |C. Powlett | 1740 | Buff | 52nd Foot. | - | | | | | | - |10th Regiment|J. Jeffreys | 1740 | Deep Yellow | 53rd Foot. | - | ” ” |_Sir_ Andrew Agnew| 1746 | | | - | | | | | | - +-------------+------------------+----------+-------------+------------+ - -The above ten regiments were disbanded in November, 1748. - -9. The following seven regiments were raised, and added to the -establishment of the army, in January, 1741; and in consequence -of the disbandment of Colonel Spotswood’s, afterwards Gooche’s, -American Provincials, and also of the ten regiments of Marines, the -_numerical_ titles of six of these regiments were changed, after -the peace of 1748, as specified in the following list; viz.:-- - - 54th Regt., com. by Colonel Thomas Fowke, now the 43rd Regt. - 55th ” ” James Long, ” 44th Regt. - 56th ” ” D. Houghton, ” 45th Regt. - 57th ” ” James Price, ” 46th Regt. - 58th ” ” J. Mordaunt, ” 47th Regt. - 59th ” ” J. Cholmondeley, ” 48th Regt. - 60th ” ” H. De Grangue, disbanded in 1748. - -10. The _Forty-ninth_ regiment was formed in the year 1743, of -two companies of one of the regiments raised in the reign of -Queen Anne, which had remained at Jamaica, and of six other -companies formed in that colony. The command was given to Colonel -Edward Trelawny, then Governor of Jamaica. It was retained on -the establishment after the peace of 1748, and numbered the 49th -regiment. - -11. On the recommencement of hostilities with France in 1755, fifty -companies of Marines were raised, under the direction and control -of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. These companies were -formed into _three divisions_, at the principal naval stations, -Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Chatham.[50] The _Corps of Marines_ -having been raised in 1755, and since that period retained on the -establishment, as a branch of the permanent national force of -Navy, Army, and Marines, have been authorised to rank, when acting -with infantry of the line, _next to the forty-ninth Regiment_, as -directed by His Majesty King George IV. in the following General -Order, dated - - “_Horse-Guards, 30th March, 1820._ - - “In reference to the _Regulations regarding Precedence of - Regiments_ (as contained in page 10 of the General Regulations - and Orders of the Army), His Majesty has been graciously pleased - to command, that the _Royal Marines_, when acting with the Troops - of the Line, shall take their station next to the forty-ninth - Regiment. - - “By Command of H. R. H. the Commander-in-Chief. - “HENRY TORRENS, _Adjutant-General_.” - - -12. In the year 1745 two regiments were raised for service in -North America, by Colonel William Shirley and Colonel Sir William -Pepperell. In 1754 they were numbered the 50th and 51st Regiments. - -13. In December, 1755, eleven regiments were raised and added -to the establishment of the army; and in consequence of the -disbandment of Colonel Shirley’s and Sir William Pepperell’s -regiments in 1757, the eleven regiments, above alluded to, were -ranked two numbers higher in the list of regiments of infantry, as -shown in the following list; viz.:-- - - 52nd Regt., com. by Colonel James Abercromby now the 50th Regt. - 53rd ” ” Robt. Napier ” 51st Regt. - 54th ” ” H. Lambton ” 52nd Regt. - 55th ” ” W. Whitmore ” 53rd Regt. - 56th ” ” John Campbell ” 54th Regt. - 57th ” ” G. Perry ” 55th Regt. - 58th ” ” Lord C. Manners ” 56th Regt. - 59th ” ” John Arabin ” 57th Regt. - 60th ” ” Robt. Anstruther ” 58th Regt. - 61st ” ” Charles Montagu ” 59th Regt. - 62nd Royal American, } Col. The Earl of Loudon. ” 60th Regt. - of _four_ battalions, } - -14. In April, 1758, the _Second Battalions_ of the fifteen -regiments, undermentioned, were formed into distinct regiments, and -numbered as shown in the following list; viz.:-- - - 3rd Foot, 2d Batt., const^d 61st Regt. - 4th Foot, ” ” 62nd Regt. - 8th Foot, ” ” 63rd Regt. - 11th Foot, ” ” 64th Regt. - 12th Foot, ” ” 65th Regt. - 19th Foot, 2d Batt., const^d 66th Regt. - 20th Foot, ” ” 67th Regt. - 23rd Foot, ” ” 68th Regt. - 24th Foot, ” ” 69th Regt. - 31st Foot, ” ” 70th Regt. - - The Second Battalion of the 32nd was constituted the 71st Regt. - ” ” 33rd ” ” 72nd Regt. - ” ” 34th ” ” 73rd Regt. - ” ” 36th ” ” 74th Regt. - ” ” 37th ” ” 75th Regt. - -After the peace of Fontainebleau, in 1763, reductions were made -in the regular army, and the number of regiments of infantry was -limited to SEVENTY. The above 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, and 75th -Regiments were consequently disbanded in that year. - -15. The number of regiments of infantry continued at _Seventy_, -until the commencement of the American War in 1775, and the -renewal of hostilities with France and Spain in 1779, when it -was increased to _One hundred and Five_ regiments, exclusive of -_Eleven_ unnumbered regiments, and thirty-six independent companies -of Invalids. - -16. After the General Peace in 1782 the number of regiments of -infantry was again reduced. - -17. In consequence of an increase of possessions in India, and of -additional troops being necessary for the suppression of certain -native powers, which were hostile to the British Government, -additional corps were raised and embarked for the East Indies in -1779, and in subsequent years. - -18. The present _Seventy-first_ regiment was raised in December, -1777, and embarked for India in 1779. Its number was changed from -73rd to 71st regiment in 1786. - -19. The present _Seventy-second_ regiment was raised in December, -1777, and embarked for India in 1781. Its number was changed from -78th to 72nd regiment in 1786. - -20. The _Seventy-third_ regiment was raised as the second battalion -of the forty-second (Highland) regiment, in 1777, and embarked for -India in 1781. It was formed into a distinct regiment, and numbered -the 73rd (Highland) in 1786. - -21. The 74th (Highland), 75th (Highland), 76th, and 77th regiments -were raised for service in India in October, 1787, and embarked for -India in 1788. - -22. The 78th (Highland), 79th (Highland), 80th, 81st, 82nd, 83rd, -84th, 85th, 86th, 87th, 88th, 89th, 90th, and 91st (Highland) -regiments were raised in 1793, immediately after the commencement -of the war with France, occasioned by the revolutionary and violent -proceedings in that country in 1793. - -23. The 92nd (Highland) and 93rd (Highland) regiments were raised -and placed on the establishment of the army, the former on the 3rd -May, 1796, and the latter on the 25th August, 1800. - -24. The _Scots Brigade_ was numbered the _Ninety-fourth_ regiment -on the 25th December, 1802. This corps had been formed in the -year 1568, for service in Holland against the oppression of -Spain. Being a British corps, its services were demanded from the -United Provinces by King James II. on the rebellion of the Duke of -Monmouth in 1685, after the suppression of which it returned to -Holland. It again embarked for England with the Prince of Orange -at the Revolution in 1688. It remained in Great Britain until the -Protestant cause had been established, and it re-embarked for -Flanders in 1691, and served in the campaigns of King William III. -It remained in the service of Holland until 1793, when it was -decided by King George III., upon the application of the British -officers remaining in it, to require the corps to return to Great -Britain. It was taken on the British Establishment on the 5th July, -1793. It then consisted of _Three_ battalions; in 1795 it was -reduced to _Two_ battalions, and embarked for Gibraltar. In 1796 it -was formed into _One_ battalion, and proceeded to the Cape of Good -Hope. It embarked, in 1798, for the East Indies, from whence, after -much distinguished service, it returned to England in 1808. It, -embarked for Cadiz and Lisbon, and served with great credit in the -Peninsular War, from January, 1810, to July, 1814. It was disbanded -at Belfast on the 24th December, 1818. - -25. The _Rifle Corps_, commanded by Colonel Coote Manningham, -was formed and added to the establishment of the Army on the -25th August, 1800. On 25th December, 1802, it was directed to be -numbered the _Ninety-fifth_ regiment, but was taken out of the list -of _numbered_ regiments of infantry on the 6th February, 1816, and -directed to be styled “_The Rifle Brigade_.” It then consisted of -three battalions, which were distributed at the following stations, -viz.:-- - - 1st Battalion.--6 Companies with the Army of Occupation in France, - and 4 Companies at Shorncliffe. - - 2nd Battalion.--6 Companies with the Army of Occupation in France, - and 4 Companies at Shorncliffe. - - 3rd Battalion.--10 Companies at Dover. This Battalion embarked for - Ireland in March, 1816. It was disbanded at Birr on - the 24th of November, 1818. - -26. The present 94th, 95th, 96th, 97th, 98th, and 99th regiments -were added to the establishment of the Army in the early part -of the year 1824, in consequence of the increased number of the -colonial possessions of the British Empire. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[49] The Corps, which had been formed in 1737 by Colonel James -Oglethorpe for service in Georgia and South Carolina, was disbanded -in 1749. It had not been ranked in the number of regiments of -infantry in the Official Records of the Army, although in some -publications of that period it was numbered the _Forty-second_, -regiment, according to its seniority and the date of its formation. - -[50] A _Fourth Division_ was formed at Woolwich by Order in Council -dated 15th August, 1805. - - * * * * * - -NOTE.--The Compiler of these Records feels it a duty to -acknowledge, that he has derived a principal portion of the means -of drawing up the details of the services of the Marines from “_An -Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps_,” _published in 1803_, -“_by Captain Alexander Gillespie, who served as an Officer in that -Corps upwards of twenty-four years_;” a work of considerable merit -and research, which reflects great honor on its author, as an -excellent scholar and a most zealous officer. - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE - - The second part of the book, the ‘Historical Record of the Marine - Corps’, used its own page numbering. This has not been changed. - - The column headers for the Table on page 224 have been adjusted - to be more readable, with no loss or change of text. - - Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been - corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within - the text and consultation of external sources. - - Some hyphens in words have been silently removed, some added, - when a predominant preference was found in the original book. - - Except for those changes noted below, all other misspellings in - the text, and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained. - - Pg 54: ‘Lord Malmsbury’ replaced by ‘Lord Malmesbury’. - Pg 80: ‘Saugor Point’ replaced by ‘Sangor Point’. - Pg 81: ‘could befal a’ replaced by ‘could befall a’. - Pg 96: ‘which befel your’ replaced by ‘which befell your’. - Pg 128: Illustration caption: ‘BATTLE OF FEROZSHAH.’ replaced by - ‘BATTLE OF FEROZESHAH.’. - Pg 131: A new paragraph was started after ‘the action states:--’. - Pg 149: missing anchor for Footnote [34] inserted after ‘was shot.’ - Pg 183: ‘who expressed hi ’ replaced by ‘who expressed his’. - Pg 199: ‘THIRY-FIRST’ replaced by ‘THIRTY-FIRST’. - Pg 217: ‘from th fifteenth’ replaced by ‘from the fifteenth’. - Pg 228: ‘was despached to’ replaced by ‘was despatched to’. - Pg 229: ‘victory of Tezeeu’ replaced by ‘victory of Tezeen’. - Pg 229: ‘he comanded five’ replaced by ‘he commanded five’. - - Historical Record of the Marine Corps. - Pg xxix: ‘Recal of Admiral’ replaced by ‘Recall of Admiral’. - Pg xxix: ‘to Curaçoa to’ replaced by ‘to Curaçao to’. - Pg 8: ‘hundred and and sixty’ replaced by ‘hundred and sixty’. - Pg 32: ‘the recal of’ replaced by ‘the recall of’. - Pg 33: ‘to Curaçoa to’ replaced by ‘to Curaçao to’. - Pg 41: ‘to cruize between’ replaced by ‘to cruise between’. - Pg 42: ‘cruizing in the’ replaced by ‘cruising in the’. - Pg 42: ‘cruized for some’ replaced by ‘cruised for some’. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE -THIRTY-FIRST, OR, THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT; *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote { - background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:90%; - padding:0.5em; - margin-top:5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; -} - -.transnote p {text-indent: 0em;} - -/* Illustration classes */ -.illowp100 {width: 100%;} -.illowp66 {width: 66%;} -.illowp94 {width: 94%;} - - </style> - </head> - -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Historical Record of the Thirty-first, or, The Huntingdonshire Regiment of Foot;, by Richard Cannon</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Historical Record of the Thirty-first, or, The Huntingdonshire Regiment of Foot;</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0;'>containing an account of the formation of the regiment in 1702, and of its subsequent services to 1850</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Richard Cannon</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: November 23, 2021 [eBook #66796]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Brian Coe, John Campbell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE THIRTY-FIRST, OR, THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT; ***</div> - - -<div class="transnote"> -<p><strong>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE</strong></p> - -<p>Footnote anchors are denoted by <span class="fnanchor">[number]</span>, -and the footnotes have been placed at the end of each major section.</p> - -<p>Three asterisks * * * indicates text omitted by the author from a quotation.</p> - -<p>Some minor changes to the text are noted at the <a href="#TN">end of the book.</a> -<span class="screenonly">These are indicated by a <ins class="corr">dotted gray</ins> underline.</span></p> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter illowp66" id="i_frontispiece" style="max-width: 35em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_frontispiece.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"> -<span class="fs90">BY COMMAND OF</span> His late Majesty <span class="fs90">WILLIAM THE IV<sup><span class="fs70">TH</span></sup>.</span><br /> -<span class="fs80"><em>and under the Patronage of</em></span><br /> -Her Majesty the Queen.<br /><br /> - -HISTORICAL RECORDS,<br /> -<span class="fs80"><em>OF THE</em></span><br /> -<span class="fs150">British Army</span><br /> - -<em>Comprising the</em><br /> -<em><span class="fs135">History of every Regiment</span></em><br /> -<em>IN HER MAJESTY’S SERVICE</em>.<br /> - -<em>By Richard Cannon Esq<sup>re</sup>.</em><br /> - -<em>Adjutant Generals Office, Horse Guards.</em><br /> - -London.<br /> - -<em>Printed by Authority.</em><br /> - - </div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<h1><span class="fs120">THE THIRTY-FIRST,</span><br /> - -<span class="pfs60">OR,</span><br /> - -THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT.</h1> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p class="p10 pfs60"> -LONDON: PRINTED BY W. CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET,<br /> -FOR HER MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE.</p> - - -<hr class="p2 chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_i"></a>[Pg i]</span><br /></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak lsp2" id="GENERAL_ORDERS">GENERAL ORDERS.</h2> -</div> - -<hr class="r20a" /> -<hr class="r20a" /> -<p class="p2 right fs80"><em>HORSE-GUARDS</em>,</p> -<p class="right fs80"><em>1st January, 1836</em>.</p> - -<p class="noindent">His Majesty has been pleased to command that, -with the view of doing the fullest justice to Regiments, -as well as to Individuals who have distinguished -themselves by their Bravery in Action -with the Enemy, an Account of the Services of -every Regiment in the British Army shall be published -under the superintendence and direction of -the Adjutant-General; and that this Account shall -contain the following particulars, viz.:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>—— The Period and Circumstances of the Original -Formation of the Regiment; The Stations at which it -has been from time to time employed; The Battles, -Sieges, and other Military Operations in which it has -been engaged, particularly specifying any Achievement -it may have performed, and the Colours, -Trophies, &c., it may have captured from the -Enemy.</p> - -<p>—— The Names of the Officers, and the number of -Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates Killed or -Wounded by the Enemy, specifying the place and -Date of the Action.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ii"></a>[ii]</span></p> - -<p>—— The Names of those Officers who, in consideration -of their Gallant Services and Meritorious -Conduct in Engagements with the Enemy, have -been distinguished with Titles, Medals, or other -Marks of His Majesty’s gracious favour.</p> - -<p>—— The Names of all such Officers, Non-Commissioned -Officers, and Privates, as may have -specially signalized themselves in Action.</p> - -<p>And,</p> - -<p>—— The Badges and Devices which the Regiment -may have been permitted to bear, and the -Causes on account of which such Badges or Devices, -or any other Marks of Distinction, have been -granted.</p> -</div> - -<p class="right padr2">By Command of the Right Honorable</p> -<p class="right padr4">GENERAL LORD HILL,</p> -<p class="right"><em>Commanding-in-Chief</em>.</p> - -<p class="p2 right smcap">John Macdonald,</p> -<p class="right padr2"><em>Adjutant-General</em>.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[iii]</span><br /></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak lsp" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2> -</div> - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<p class="noindent">The character and credit of the British Army must -chiefly depend upon the zeal and ardour by which -all who enter into its service are animated, and -consequently it is of the highest importance that any -measure calculated to excite the spirit of emulation, -by which alone great and gallant actions are achieved, -should be adopted.</p> - -<p>Nothing can more fully tend to the accomplishment -of this desirable object than a full display of the noble -deeds with which the Military History of our country -abounds. To hold forth these bright examples to -the imitation of the youthful soldier, and thus to -incite him to emulate the meritorious conduct of those -who have preceded him in their honorable career, -are among the motives that have given rise to the -present publication.</p> - -<p>The operations of the British Troops are, indeed, -announced in the “London Gazette,” from whence -they are transferred into the public prints: the -achievements of our armies are thus made known at -the time of their occurrence, and receive the tribute<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span> -of praise and admiration to which they are entitled. -On extraordinary occasions, the Houses of Parliament -have been in the habit of conferring on the Commanders, -and the Officers and Troops acting under -their orders, expressions of approbation and of thanks -for their skill and bravery; and these testimonials, -confirmed by the high honour of their Sovereign’s -approbation, constitute the reward which the soldier -most highly prizes.</p> - -<p>It has not, however, until late years, been the practice -(which appears to have long prevailed in some of -the Continental armies) for British Regiments to keep -regular records of their services and achievements. -Hence some difficulty has been experienced in obtaining, -particularly from the old Regiments, an authentic -account of their origin and subsequent services.</p> - -<p>This defect will now be remedied, in consequence -of His Majesty having been pleased to command -that every Regiment shall, in future, keep a full and -ample record of its services at home and abroad.</p> - -<p>From the materials thus collected, the country -will henceforth derive information as to the difficulties -and privations which chequer the career of those who -embrace the military profession. In Great Britain, -where so large a number of persons are devoted to -the active concerns, of agriculture, manufactures, -and commerce, and where these pursuits have, for so<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_v"></a>[v]</span> -long a period, been undisturbed by the <em>presence of -war</em>, which few other countries have escaped, comparatively -little is known of the vicissitudes of active -service and of the casualties of climate, to which, -even during peace, the British Troops are exposed in -every part of the globe, with little or no interval of -repose.</p> - -<p>In their tranquil enjoyment of the blessings which -the country derives from the industry and the enterprise -of the agriculturist and the trader, its happy -inhabitants may be supposed not often to reflect on -the perilous duties of the soldier and the sailor,—on -their sufferings,—and on the sacrifice of valuable life, -by which so many national benefits are obtained and -preserved.</p> - -<p>The conduct of the British Troops, their valour, -and endurance, have shone conspicuously under great -and trying difficulties; and their character has been -established in Continental warfare by the irresistible -spirit with which they have effected debarkations in -spite of the most formidable opposition, and by the -gallantry and steadiness with which they have maintained -their advantages against superior numbers.</p> - -<p>In the official Reports made by the respective Commanders, -ample justice has generally been done to -the gallant exertions of the Corps employed; but -the details of their services and of acts of individual<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vi"></a>[vi]</span> -bravery can only be fully given in the Annals of the -various Regiments.</p> - -<p>These Records are now preparing for publication, -under His Majesty’s special authority, by Mr. -<span class="smcap">Richard Cannon</span>, Principal Clerk of the Adjutant-General’s -Office; and while the perusal of them cannot -fail to be useful and interesting to military men -of every rank, it is considered that they will also -afford entertainment and information to the general -reader, particularly to those who may have served in -the Army, or who have relatives in the Service.</p> - -<p>There exists in the breasts of most of those who -have served, or are serving, in the Army, an <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Esprit -de Corps</i>—an attachment to everything belonging -to their Regiment; to such persons a narrative of -the services of their own Corps cannot fail to prove -interesting. Authentic accounts of the actions of -the great, the valiant, the loyal, have always been -of paramount interest with a brave and civilized -people. Great Britain has produced a race of heroes -who, in moments of danger and terror, have stood -“firm as the rocks of their native shore:” and when -half the world has been arrayed against them, they -have fought the battles of their Country with unshaken -fortitude. It is presumed that a record of -achievements in war,—victories so complete and surprising, -gained by our countrymen, our brothers,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vii"></a>[vii]</span> -our fellow-citizens in arms,—a record which revives -the memory of the brave, and brings their gallant -deeds before us,—will certainly prove acceptable to -the public.</p> - -<p>Biographical Memoirs of the Colonels and other -distinguished Officers will be introduced in the -Records of their respective Regiments, and the -Honorary Distinctions which have, from time to -time, been conferred upon each Regiment, as testifying -the value and importance of its services, will be -faithfully set forth.</p> - -<p>As a convenient mode of Publication, the Record -of each Regiment will be printed in a distinct number, -so that when the whole shall be completed, the -Parts may be bound up in numerical succession.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_viii"></a>[viii]</span><br /> - <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_ix"></a>[ix]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION<br /> - -<span class="fs60">TO</span><br /> - -<span class="fs120 lsp2">THE INFANTRY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<hr class="r20a" /> -<hr class="r20a" /> - -<p class="p2 noindent">The natives of Britain have, at all periods, been -celebrated for innate courage and unshaken firmness, -and the national superiority of the British troops -over those of other countries has been evinced in -the midst of the most imminent perils. History contains -so many proofs of extraordinary acts of bravery, -that no doubts can be raised upon the facts which -are recorded. It must therefore be admitted, that -the distinguishing feature of the British soldier is -<span class="smcap">Intrepidity</span>. This quality was evinced by the -inhabitants of England when their country was -invaded by Julius Cæsar with a Roman army, on -which occasion the undaunted Britons rushed into -the sea to attack the Roman soldiers as they descended -from their ships; and, although their discipline -and arms were inferior to those of their -adversaries, yet their fierce and dauntless bearing -intimidated the flower of the Roman troops, including -Cæsar’s favourite tenth legion. Their arms -consisted of spears, short swords, and other weapons -of rude construction. They had chariots, to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_x"></a>[x]</span> -axles of which were fastened sharp pieces of iron -resembling scythe-blades, and infantry in long -chariots resembling waggons, who alighted and -fought on foot, and for change of ground, pursuit -or retreat, sprang into the chariot and drove off -with the speed of cavalry. These inventions were, -however, unavailing against Cæsar’s legions: in -the course of time a military system, with discipline -and subordination, was introduced, and -British courage, being thus regulated, was exerted -to the greatest advantage; a full development of -the national character followed, and it shone forth -in all its native brilliancy.</p> - -<p>The military force of the Anglo-Saxons consisted -principally of infantry: Thanes, and other men of -property, however, fought on horseback. The -infantry were of two classes, heavy and light. -The former carried large shields armed with spikes, -long broad swords and spears; and the latter were -armed with swords or spears only. They had also -men armed with clubs, others with battle-axes and -javelins.</p> - -<p>The feudal troops established by William the -Conqueror consisted (as already stated in the Introduction -to the Cavalry) almost entirely of horse; -but when the warlike barons and knights, with their -trains of tenants and vassals, took the field, a proportion -of men appeared on foot, and, although -these were of inferior degree, they proved stout-hearted -Britons of stanch fidelity. When stipendiary -troops were employed, infantry always constituted -a considerable portion of the military force;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xi"></a>[xi]</span> -and this <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">arme</i> has since acquired, in every quarter -of the globe, a celebrity never exceeded by the -armies of any nation at any period.</p> - -<p>The weapons carried by the infantry, during the -several reigns succeeding the Conquest, were bows -and arrows, half-pikes, lances, halberds, various -kinds of battle-axes, swords, and daggers. Armour -was worn on the head and body, and in course of -time the practice became general for military men -to be so completely cased in steel, that it was -almost impossible to slay them.</p> - -<p>The introduction of the use of gunpowder in the -destructive purposes of war, in the early part of the -fourteenth century, produced a change in the arms -and equipment of the infantry-soldier. Bows and -arrows gave place to various kinds of fire-arms, but -British archers continued formidable adversaries; -and, owing to the inconvenient construction and imperfect -bore of the fire-arms when first introduced, -a body of men, well trained in the use of the bow -from their youth, was considered a valuable acquisition -to every army, even as late as the sixteenth -century.</p> - -<p>During a great part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth -each company of infantry usually consisted of -men armed five different ways; in every hundred -men forty were “<em>men-at-arms</em>,” and sixty “<em>shot</em>;” -the “men-at-arms” were ten halberdiers, or battle-axe -men, and thirty pikemen; and the “shot” were -twenty archers, twenty musketeers, and twenty -harquebusiers, and each man carried, besides his -principal weapon, a sword and dagger.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xii"></a>[xii]</span></p> - -<p>Companies of infantry varied at this period in -numbers from 150 to 300 men; each company had -a colour or ensign, and the mode of formation recommended -by an English military writer (Sir John -Smithe) in 1590 was:—the colour in the centre of -the company guarded by the halberdiers; the pikemen -in equal proportions, on each flank of the -halberdiers: half the musketeers on each flank of -the pikes; half the archers on each flank of the musketeers, -and the harquebusiers (whose arms were -much lighter than the muskets then in use) in equal -proportions on each flank of the company for skirmishing.<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> -It was customary to unite a number of companies -into one body, called a <span class="smcap">Regiment</span>, which -frequently amounted to three thousand men: but -each company continued to carry a colour. Numerous -improvements were eventually introduced in the -construction of fire-arms, and, it having been found -impossible to make armour proof against the muskets -then in use (which carried a very heavy ball) without -its being too weighty for the soldier, armour was -gradually laid aside by the infantry in the seventeenth -century: bows and arrows also fell into disuse, -and the infantry were reduced to two classes, -viz.: <em>musketeers</em>, armed with matchlock muskets,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xiii"></a>[xiii]</span> -swords, and daggers; and <em>pikemen</em>, armed with pikes -from fourteen to eighteen feet long, and swords.</p> - -<p>In the early part of the seventeenth century -Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, reduced the -strength of regiments to 1000 men. He caused the -gunpowder, which had heretofore been carried in -flasks, or in small wooden bandoliers, each containing -a charge, to be made up into cartridges, and -carried in pouches; and he formed each regiment -into two wings of musketeers, and a centre division -of pikemen. He also adopted the practice of forming -four regiments into a brigade; and the number -of colours was afterwards reduced to three in each -regiment. He formed his columns so compactly that -his infantry could resist the charge of the celebrated -Polish horsemen and Austrian cuirassiers; and his -armies became the admiration of other nations. His -mode of formation was copied by the English, -French, and other European states; but so great -was the prejudice in favour of ancient customs, that -all his improvements were not adopted until near a -century afterwards.</p> - -<p>In 1664 King Charles II. raised a corps for sea-service, -styled the Admiral’s regiment. In 1678 -each company of 100 men usually consisted of 30 -pikemen, 60 musketeers, and 10 men armed with -light firelocks. In this year the King added a company -of men armed with hand grenades to each of -the old British regiments, which was designated the -“grenadier company.” Daggers were so contrived -as to fit in the muzzles of the muskets, and bayonets,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xiv"></a>[xiv]</span> -similar to those at present in use, were adopted about -twenty years afterwards.</p> - -<p>An Ordnance regiment was raised in 1685, by -order of King James II., to guard the artillery, and -was designated the Royal Fusiliers (now 7th Foot). -This corps, and the companies of grenadiers, did -not carry pikes.</p> - -<p>King William III. incorporated the Admiral’s -regiment in the second Foot Guards, and raised -two Marine regiments for sea-service. During the -war in this reign, each company of infantry (excepting -the fusiliers and grenadiers) consisted of 14 -pikemen and 46 musketeers; the captains carried -pikes; lieutenants, partisans; ensigns, half-pikes; -and serjeants, halberds. After the peace in 1697 the -Marine regiments were disbanded, but were again -formed on the breaking out of the war in 1702.<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> - -<p>During the reign of Queen Anne the pikes were -laid aside, and every infantry soldier was armed -with a musket, bayonet, and sword; the grenadiers -ceased, about the same period, to carry hand grenades; -and the regiments were directed to lay aside -their third colour: the corps of Royal Artillery was -first added to the Army in this reign.</p> - -<p>About the year 1745, the men of the battalion -companies of infantry ceased to carry swords; during<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xv"></a>[xv]</span> -the reign of George II. light companies were added -to infantry regiments; and in 1764 a Board of -General Officers recommended that the grenadiers -should lay aside their swords, as that weapon had -never been used during the Seven Years’ War. Since -that period the arms of the infantry soldier have been -limited to the musket and bayonet.</p> - -<p>The arms and equipment of the British Troops have -seldom differed materially, since the Conquest, from -those of other European states; and in some respects -the arming has, at certain periods, been allowed to -be inferior to that of the nations with whom they -have had to contend; yet, under this disadvantage, -the bravery and superiority of the British infantry -have been evinced on very many and most trying -occasions, and splendid victories have been gained -over very superior numbers.</p> - -<p>Great Britain has produced a race of lion-like -champions who have dared to confront a host of -foes, and have proved themselves valiant with any -arms. At <em>Crecy</em>, King Edward III., at the head of -about 30,000 men, defeated, on the 26th of August, -1346, Philip King of France, whose army is said to -have amounted to 100,000 men; here British valour -encountered veterans of renown:—the King of Bohemia, -the King of Majorca, and many princes and -nobles were slain, and the French army was routed -and cut to pieces. Ten years afterwards, Edward -Prince of Wales, who was designated the Black -Prince, defeated, at <em>Poictiers</em>, with 14,000 men, -a French army of 60,000 horse, besides infantry, -and took John I., King of France, and his son<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xvi"></a>[xvi]</span> -Philip, prisoners. On the 25th of October, 1415, -King Henry V., with an army of about 13,000 -men, although greatly exhausted by marches, privations, -and sickness, defeated, at <em>Agincourt</em>, the -Constable of France, at the head of the flower of -the French nobility and an army said to amount to -60,000 men, and gained a complete victory.</p> - -<p>During the seventy years’ war between the United -Provinces of the Netherlands and the Spanish monarchy, -which commenced in 1578 and terminated -in 1648, the British infantry in the service of the -States-General were celebrated for their unconquerable -spirit and firmness;<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> and in the thirty -years’ War between the Protestant Princes and the -Emperor of Germany, the British Troops in the service -of Sweden and other states were celebrated for -deeds of heroism.<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> In the wars of Queen Anne, -the fame of the British army under the great -<span class="smcap">Marlborough</span> was spread throughout the world; -and if we glance at the achievements performed -within the memory of persons now living, there is -abundant proof that the Britons of the present age -are not inferior to their ancestors in the qualities<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xvii"></a>[xvii]</span> -which constitute good soldiers. Witness the deeds -of the brave men, of whom there are many now -surviving, who fought in Egypt in 1801, under the -brave Abercromby, and compelled the French army, -which had been vainly styled <em>Invincible</em>, to evacuate -that country; also the services of the gallant -Troops during the arduous campaigns in the Peninsula, -under the immortal <span class="smcap">Wellington</span>; and the -determined stand made by the British Army at -Waterloo, where Napoleon Bonaparte, who had -long been the inveterate enemy of Great Britain, -and had sought and planned her destruction by -every means he could devise, was compelled to -leave his vanquished legions to their fate, and to -place himself at the disposal of the British Government. -These achievements, with others of recent -dates in the distant climes of India, prove that the -same valour and constancy which glowed in the -breasts of the heroes of Crecy, Poictiers, Agincourt, -Blenheim, and Ramilies, continue to animate the -Britons of the nineteenth century.</p> - -<p>The British Soldier is distinguished for a robust -and muscular frame,—intrepidity which no danger -can appal,—unconquerable spirit and resolution,—patience -in fatigue and privation, and cheerful obedience -to his superiors. These qualities,—united with -an excellent system of order and discipline to regulate -and give a skilful direction to the energies and -adventurous spirit of the hero, and a wise selection -of officers of superior talent to command, whose -presence inspires confidence,—have been the leading -causes of the splendid victories gained by the British<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xviii"></a>[xviii]</span> -arms.<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> The fame of the deeds of the past and -present generations in the various battle-fields where -the robust sons of Albion have fought and conquered, -surrounds the British arms with a halo of glory; -these achievements will live in the page of history to -the end of time.</p> - -<p>The records of the several regiments will be found -to contain a detail of facts of an interesting character, -connected with the hardships, sufferings, and gallant -exploits of British soldiers in the various parts of the -world, where the calls of their Country and the commands -of their Sovereign have required them to -proceed in the execution of their duty, whether in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xix"></a>[xix]</span> -active continental operations, or in maintaining colonial -territories in distant and unfavourable climes.</p> - -<p>The superiority of the British infantry has been -pre-eminently set forth in the wars of six centuries, -and admitted by the greatest commanders which -Europe has produced. The formations and movements -of this <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">arme</i>, as at present practised, while -they are adapted to every species of warfare, and to -all probable situations and circumstances of service, -are well suited to show forth the brilliancy of military -tactics calculated upon mathematical and scientific -principles. Although the movements and evolutions -have been copied from the continental armies, yet -various improvements have from time to time been -introduced, to ensure that simplicity and celerity by -which the superiority of the national military character -is maintained. The rank and influence which -Great Britain has attained among the nations of the -world have in a great measure been purchased by -the valour of the Army, and to persons who have the -welfare of their country at heart the records of the -several regiments cannot fail to prove interesting.</p> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> A company of 200 men would appear thus:—</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="95%" summary="Structure of a company"> -<tr><td colspan="4"></td><td> <img src="images/flag.jpg" width="20" alt="flag" /></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc">20</td><td class="tdc">20</td><td class="tdc">20</td><td class="tdc">30</td><td class="tdc">20</td> - <td class="tdc">30</td><td class="tdc">20</td><td class="tdc wd10">20</td><td class="tdc wd10">20</td><td class="tdc"></td></tr> -<tr class="fs80"><td class="tdl" colspan="2">Harquebuses.</td><td class="tdl" colspan="2">Muskets.</td><td class="tdl" colspan="2">Halberds.</td> - <td class="tdl" colspan="2">Muskets.</td><td class="tdl" colspan="2">Harquebuses.</td></tr> -<tr class="fs80"><td class="tdl"></td><td class="tdl" colspan="2">Archers.</td><td class="tdl" colspan="2">Pikes.</td> - <td class="tdl" colspan="2">Pikes.</td><td class="tdl" colspan="2">Archers.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>The musket carried a ball which weighed <sup>1</sup>/<sub>10</sub>th of a pound; and the -harquebus a ball which weighed <sup>1</sup>/<sub>25</sub>th of a pound.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> The 30th, 31st, and 32nd Regiments were formed as Marine corps -in 1702, and were employed as such during the wars in the reign of -Queen Anne. The Marine corps were embarked in the Fleet under -Admiral Sir George Rooke, and were at the taking of Gibraltar, and -in its subsequent defence in 1704; they were afterwards employed at -the siege of Barcelona in 1705.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> The brave Sir Roger Williams, in his Discourse on War, printed -in 1590, observes:—“I persuade myself ten thousand of our nation -would beat thirty thousand of theirs (the Spaniards) out of the field, -let them be chosen where they list.” Yet at this time the Spanish -infantry was allowed to be the best disciplined in Europe. For -instances of valour displayed by the British Infantry during the -Seventy Years’ War, see the Historical Record of the Third Foot, or -Buffs.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> <em>Vide</em> the Historical Record of the First, or Royal Regiment of -Foot.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> “Under the blessing of Divine Providence, His Majesty ascribes -the successes which have attended the exertions of his troops in Egypt to -that determined bravery which is inherent in Britons; but His Majesty -desires it may be most solemnly and forcibly impressed on the consideration -of every part of the army, that it has been a strict observance of order, -discipline, and military system, which has given the full energy to the -native valour of the troops, and has enabled them proudly to assert the -superiority of the national military character, in situations uncommonly -arduous, and under circumstances of peculiar difficulty.”—<cite>General -Orders in 1801.</cite></p> - -<p>In the General Orders issued by Lieut.-General Sir John Hope (afterwards -Lord Hopetoun), congratulating the army upon the successful result -of the Battle of Corunna, on the 16th of January, 1809, it is stated:—“On -no occasion has the undaunted valour of British troops ever been more -manifest. At the termination of a severe and harassing march, rendered -necessary by the superiority which the enemy had acquired, and -which had materially impaired the efficiency of the troops, many disadvantages -were to be encountered. These have all been surmounted by -the conduct of the troops themselves; and the enemy has been taught, -that, whatever advantages of position or of numbers he may possess, there -is inherent in the British officers and soldiers a bravery that knows not -how to yield,—that no circumstances can appal,—and that will ensure -victory, when it is to be obtained by the exertion of any human means.”</p> - -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p class="p3 pfs135 lsp">HISTORICAL RECORD</p> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">OF</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs150">THE THIRTY-FIRST,</p> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">OR,</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs120">THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT;</p> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">CONTAINING</p> - -<p class="pfs90">AN ACCOUNT OF THE FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT<br /> -IN 1702,<br /> -AND OF ITS SUBSEQUENT SERVICES<br /> -TO 1850;</p> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">TO WHICH IS APPENDED,</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs100">An ACCOUNT of the SERVICES of the MARINE CORPS,<br /> -from 1664 to 1748;</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs60">The <span class="smcap">Thirtieth</span>, <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span>, and <span class="smcap">Thirty-second</span> Regiments having been<br /> -formed in 1702 as <em>Marine Corps</em>, and retained from 1714 on the Establishment<br /> -of the Army as Regiments of Regular Infantry.</p> - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<p class="pfs60">COMPILED BY</p> - -<p class="pfs100">RICHARD CANNON, <span class="smcap">Esq.</span></p> -<p class="pfs60">ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE, HORSE GUARDS</p> - -<p class="p1"> </p> -<hr class="r30a" /> -<p class="pfs60">ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES</p> -<hr class="r30b" /> - -<p class="p2 pfs90">LONDON:</p> -<p class="pfs100 lsp">PARKER, FURNIVALL, & PARKER,</p> -<p class="pfs70">30, CHARING CROSS.</p> -<hr class="r5a" /> -<p class="pfs70">1850.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p class="p3 pfs150">THE THIRTY-FIRST</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs60">OR,</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs100">THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT,</p> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">BEARS ON THE REGIMENTAL COLOUR AND APPOINTMENTS</p> - -<p class="pfs90">THE WORDS “TALAVERA,” “ALBUHERA,” “VITTORIA,”<br /> -“PYRENEES,” “NIVELLE,” “NIVE,” “ORTHES,”<br /> -AND “PENINSULA.”</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs60">IN COMMEMORATION OF THE SERVICES OF THE SECOND BATTALION<br /> -DURING THE “PENINSULAR WAR,” FROM 1809 TO 1814.</p> - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<p class="pfs60">ALSO</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs90">THE WORD “CABOOL, 1842.”</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs60">FOR THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT OF THE REGIMENT DURING<br /> -THE SECOND CAMPAIGN IN AFFGHANISTAN<br /> -IN THE YEAR 1842;</p> - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<p class="pfs60">AND THE WORDS</p> - -<p class="pfs90">“MOODKEE,” “FEROZESHAH,” “ALIWAL,” AND<br /> -“SOBRAON,”</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs60">IN TESTIMONY OF ITS GALLANTRY IN THOSE BATTLES DURING THE<br /> -CAMPAIGN ON THE BANKS OF THE SUTLEJ,<br /> -FROM DECEMBER 1845, TO FEBRUARY 1846.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxvii"></a>[xxvii]</span><br /></p> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">THE</p> - -<p class="pfs150">THIRTY-FIRST,</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs60">OR,</p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs100">THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT.</h2> - -<hr class="r20" /> - -<h3 id="CONTENTS1"> -<span class="fs135 lsp">CONTENTS</span><br /> -<span class="pfs60">OF THE</span><br /> -<span class="pfs120">HISTORICAL RECORD.</span></h3> - -<hr class="r20" /> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr class="fs70"> -<td class="tdl"> Year</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr">Page</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1701</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Introduction</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1702</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of King William III., and accession of Her Majesty Queen Anne</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_2">2</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Certain Regiments of Marines raised</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Formation of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> as a Regiment of <em>Marines</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Colonel George Villiers appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Names of the Officers</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl"><em>War of the Spanish Succession</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Earl of Marlborough appointed to the command of the troops in Flanders</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Expedition to the coast of Spain under the Duke of Ormond</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_4">4</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> and other regiments embarked for Cadiz</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of the combined French and Spanish fleets at Vigo</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The troops under the Duke of Ormond returned to England</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6">6</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1703<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxviii"></a>[xxviii]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">The <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> Regiment stationed at Plymouth</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of Colonel Villiers</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.-Colonel Alexander Lutterell appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1704</td> -<td class="tdl">Services of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> Regiment on board the fleet under Admiral Sir George Rooke</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Unsuccessful attempt on <em>Barcelona</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of Gibraltar</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Spanish and French armaments defeated in their attempts to retake <em>Gibraltar</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1705</td> -<td class="tdl">Operations against Barcelona</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of Fort Montjuich</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt killed</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Surrender of the Garrison of Barcelona</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1706</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of Colonel Lutterell</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.-Colonel Josiah Churchill appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Barcelona besieged by the French</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Barcelona relieved by the English and Dutch fleet</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The allied fleet proceeded to the coast of Valencia</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of <em>Carthagena</em> and <em>Alicant</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Surrender of <em>Iviça</em> and <em>Majorca</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1707</td> -<td class="tdl">Attack upon <em>Toulon</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The siege of <em>Toulon</em> raised</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1708</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of <em>Sardinia</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">—— —— <em>Minorca</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1709</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of <em>Port Royal</em>, in Nova Scotia</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Fortress named <em>Anna-polis</em> Royal, in honor of Queen Anne</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl"><em>Alicant</em> recovered by the enemy</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1710</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>Isle of Cette</em> taken by the British, and afterwards recaptured by the French</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1711<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxix"></a>[xxix]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Retirement of Colonel Churchill</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.-Colonel Sir Harry Goring, Bart., promoted Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Charles III., the claimant to the Spanish throne, elected Emperor of Germany, and its effect upon the war</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1712</td> -<td class="tdl">Negociations for Peace</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1713</td> -<td class="tdl">Treaty of Utrecht</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Reductions in the Army and Navy</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1714</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of Queen Anne</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Accession of King George I.</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Augmentation of the Army, to counteract the designs of the Pretender</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>Thirtieth</em>, <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span>, and <em>Thirty-second</em> Regiments, -which had been ordered to be disbanded, retained on the establishment, and incorporated with the regiments of the line</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to take rank in the Army from the date of original formation in 1702</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1715</td> -<td class="tdl">Disaffection of the Earl of Mar</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Rebellion in Scotland in favor of the Pretender</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Sheriffmuir</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Surrender of the Rebels at Preston</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Arrival in Scotland of the Pretender</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1716</td> -<td class="tdl">His flight to France</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Suppression of the Rebellion</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> embarked for Ireland</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Retirement of Colonel Sir Harry Goring</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Lord John Kerr appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1727</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of King George I.</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Accession of King George II.</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1728</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of Major-General Lord John Kerr</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Colonel the Honorable Charles Cathcart appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1731<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxx"></a>[xxx]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Colonel the Honorable Charles Cathcart removed to the Eighth Dragoons</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Colonel William Hargrave appointed Colonel of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1737</td> -<td class="tdl">Colonel Hargrave removed to the Ninth Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Colonel William Handasyd appointed Colonel of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1739</td> -<td class="tdl">Removal of the Regiment from Ireland to Great Britain</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Spanish depredations in America</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">War declared against Spain</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1740</td> -<td class="tdl"><em>War of the Austrian Succession</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1741</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment encamped at Windsor and on Lexden Heath</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1742</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Flanders as <em>Auxiliaries</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1743</td> -<td class="tdl">Marched towards the Rhine</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Dettingen</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Battle compared with other victories</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1744</td> -<td class="tdl">Declaration of War against France</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1745</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of Colonel Handasyd</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Investment of Tournay by Marshal Saxe</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Fontenoy</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Surrender of Tournay to the French</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Skirmish at <em>La Mésle</em>, near Ghent</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Rebellion in Scotland, headed by Prince Charles Edward</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Return of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> and other Regiments to England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment stationed in the vicinity of London</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1746</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Culloden</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Escape of Prince Charles Edward to France</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1747<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxi"></a>[xxxi]</span></td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Laffeld, or Val</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1748</td> -<td class="tdl">Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1749</td> -<td class="tdl">Retirement of Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Colonel Henry Holmes appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment embarked for Minorca</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1751</td> -<td class="tdl">Regulations prescribed by Royal Warrant for establishing uniformity in the clothing, -standards, and colours of regiments, &c.</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1752</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment returned from Minorca to England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1755</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded to Scotland</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1756</td> -<td class="tdl"><em>The Seven Years’ War</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">War declared against France</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of Minorca by the French</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Augmentations in the Army and Navy</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Second Battalion of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> constituted the <em>Seventieth</em> Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1759</td> -<td class="tdl">Summary of the occurrences of the War</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1762</td> -<td class="tdl">War declared against Spain</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of <em>Martinique</em>, <em>Grenada</em>, <em>St. Vincent</em>, and other West India Islands, by the British</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Peace of Fontainebleau</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment removed from Scotland to England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of Lieut.-General Holmes</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Colonel James Adolphus Oughton appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1765</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment embarked for Florida</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Suffered severely from yellow fever</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1772</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for St. Vincent</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Engaged in reducing the Caribs</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1774</td> -<td class="tdl">Termination of the Carib War</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment returned to England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1775</td> -<td class="tdl">Stationed in North Britain</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1775<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxii"></a>[xxxii]</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><em>War of American Independence</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_35">35</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1776</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment embarked for Canada with the</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Troops under Major-General Burgoyne</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Defence of Quebec against the American Army</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Defence of the British Post at <em>Trois Rivières</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Declaration of Independence by the American Congress</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Operations on Lake Champlain</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1777</td> -<td class="tdl">The flank companies of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> and other regiments proceed on an expedition under Major-General Burgoyne</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of <em>Ticonderago</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action at <em>Skenesborough</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action near <em>Castleton</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Pursuit of the Americans to Fort Anne and Fort Edward</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action at Stillwater</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.-General Burgoyne is compelled to capitulate to General Gates</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Convention of Saratoga</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1778</td> -<td class="tdl">Aid rendered by France to the Americans</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1780</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of Lieut.-General Sir James Oughton</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Major-General Thomas Clarke appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1781</td> -<td class="tdl">The battalion companies, which remained in Canada, joined by the <em>flank</em> companies</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>light</em> company engaged in effecting the destruction of military stores at Ticonderago</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1782</td> -<td class="tdl">The Independence of the United States acknowledged by King George III.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> styled the <span class="smcap">Huntingdonshire</span> Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1783</td> -<td class="tdl">Treaty of Peace between England, France, and Spain</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Peace concluded with Holland</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1787<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxiii"></a>[xxxiii]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment embarked at Quebec for England</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Stationed in Great Britain</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1789</td> -<td class="tdl">Commencement of the French Revolution</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Preparations for War with Spain</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1790</td> -<td class="tdl">The <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> embarked on board the fleet to perform its <em>original service</em> of <span class="smcap">Marines</span></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Convention with Spain</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1791</td> -<td class="tdl">Disturbances in the Manufacturing Districts</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45">45</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1792</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.-General Thomas Clarke removed to the Thirtieth Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Major-General James Stuart appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment embarked for Ireland</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1793</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of Major-General Stuart</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Colonel Lord Mulgrave appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Progress of events in France</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">War with France</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>flank</em> companies embarked for Barbadoes</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1794</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of <em>Martinique</em>, <em>St. Lucia</em>, and <em>Guadaloupe</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">A French Armament sent to retake <em>Guadaloupe</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Gallant defence of <em>Guadaloupe</em> by the British</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Garrison of <em>Berville Camp</em> surrendered to the French</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Return of the Troops at <em>Guadaloupe</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Evacuation of <em>Fort Matilda</em> by the British</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment proceeded from Ireland to England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Holland</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1795</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Joined the Camp formed at Nursling, near Southampton</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for the West Indies</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Delayed by storms and contrary winds</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1796<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxiv"></a>[xxxiv]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Disembarked at Gosport</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for St. Lucia</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Engaged in the capture of that Island</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_52">52</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Employed against the Caribs in St. Lucia</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1797</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to England</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1799</td> -<td class="tdl">Augmented by volunteers from the Militia</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Holland, as part of the Army under the Duke of York</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Engaged in the Action at <em>Alkmaar</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Attack on the French position between <em>Bergen</em> and <em>Egmont-op-Zee</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Occupation of <em>Alkmaar</em> by the British Troops</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action near <em>Alkmaar</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Withdrawal of the British Troops from Holland</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Regiment arrived in England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1800</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Ireland</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Expedition to the coast of France under Brigadier the Honorable Sir Thomas Maitland</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Joined the expedition under Lieut.-General Sir James Pulteney destined for the coast of Spain</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Landed at <em>Ferrol</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Sailed to <em>Vigo</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded to <em>Cadiz</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Gibraltar</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Expedition to <em>Egypt</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1801</td> -<td class="tdl">The <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> proceeded to Lisbon, and subsequently to Minorca</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1802</td> -<td class="tdl">Deliverance of Egypt from the French Troops</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Peace of Amiens</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment embarked at Minorca for England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1803</td> -<td class="tdl">Removed to Jersey</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Gallant conduct of a Private Soldier of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1803<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxv"></a>[xxxv]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Renewal of the War with France</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Preparations for the defence of England from the menace of French Invasion</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1804</td> -<td class="tdl">A <em>second battalion</em> added to the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_64">64</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment embarked for England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">War declared by Spain against Great Britain</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1805</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>second</em> battalion proceeded from Chester, and joined the first battalion at Winchester</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1806</td> -<td class="tdl">Employed on the occasion of the Funeral of Admiral Viscount Nelson</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>first battalion</em> embarked for Sicily</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1807</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded on the Expedition to Egypt under Major-General Fraser</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Attacked by the Turks at Rosetta</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Egypt evacuated by the British</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Return of the troops to Sicily</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1808</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>first battalion</em> embarked for Malta</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1810</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to Sicily</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1811</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded to Malta</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to Sicily</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1812</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>grenadier</em> company embarked for the east coast of Spain</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1813</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to Sicily</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1814</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>first battalion</em> proceeded on an expedition to Italy</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Disembarked at Leghorn</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Actions at <em>Sestri</em> and <em>Recco</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action at <em>La Sturla</em>, on the heights of <em>Albaro</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Gallantry of the <em>first battalion</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Occupation of <em>Genoa</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The first battalion embarked for <em>Corsica</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to Sicily</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Treaty of Peace with France</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>second battalion</em> disbanded</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Honorary Distinctions acquired by the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1815<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxvi"></a>[xxxvi]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Return of Napoleon Bonaparte to France, and Renewal of the War</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment embarked for Naples</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Waterloo</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Termination of the War</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment embarked for Genoa</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1816</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Malta</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1818</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1819</td> -<td class="tdl">Disturbed state of the Manufacturing Districts</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Thanks of the Sovereign and of the Magistrates conveyed to the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> and other Corps employed at Manchester</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1821</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment embarked for Ireland</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1824</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to England</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1825</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Calcutta</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Destruction of the “<i>Kent</i>” East Indiaman by fire in the Bay of Biscay</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Gallant conduct of the <em>right wing</em>, embarked in the “<i>Kent</i>” during the conflagration</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Names of the Officers, and the number of the men, women, and children, saved by the ships “<i>Cambria</i>” and “<i>Caroline</i>”</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Letter from the Adjutant-General to Lieut.-Colonel Fearon, commanding the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span>, -expressive of the Commander-in-Chief’s approbation of the courage and discipline displayed by the <em>right</em> wing of the regiment -during the burning of the “<i>Kent</i>”</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Further particulars relating to this calamity</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Part of the <em>right wing</em> re-embarked for India</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Joined the <em>left wing</em> at Berhampore</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1826</td> -<td class="tdl">Another detachment embarked for India</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment marched to Meerut</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Presentation of New Colours to the Regiment by Lady Amherst</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1831<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxvii"></a>[xxxvii]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Marched to Kurna</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of General the Earl of Mulgrave</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">General Sir Henry Warde, G.C.B., appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Interview between the Governor-General of India, Lord William Bentinck, and Runjeet Singh, the Sovereign of the Punjaub</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_98">98</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment formed part of the Governor-General’s Escort</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Detail of the Proceedings on the Sutlej</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_99">99</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment returned to Kurnaul</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1834</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of General Sir Henry Warde</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.-General Sir Edward Barnes, G.C.B., appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1836</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment marched to Dinapore</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1838</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of General Sir Edward Barnes</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.-General Sir Colin Halkett, K.C.B., appointed Colonel of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment marched to Ghazeepore</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1840</td> -<td class="tdl">Marched to Agra</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1841</td> -<td class="tdl">Insurrection at Cabool</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1842</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment marched to Peshawur to join the army under Major-General Pollock, destined to proceed to Cabool</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Arrival of the army at Jellalabad</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment marched to <em>Peshbolak</em> to attack the Shinwarees</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action at <em>Mazeena</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Passage of the <em>Jugdulluck Pass</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action at <em>Tezeen</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Advance on Cabool</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Occupation of the Bala Hissar</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_113">113</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Release of the Officers, Ladies, and Soldiers, taken prisoners by the Affghans, at the commencement of the insurrection</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1842<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxviii"></a>[xxxviii]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Return of the Army to India</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_113">113</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action at the <em>Jugdulluck Pass</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_114">114</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Skirmishes in the Passes between <em>Tezeen</em> and <em>Gundamuck</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Arrival of the troops at Jellalabad</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Marched to Peshawur</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Honors rendered to the troops on arrival at Ferozepore</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Cabool</span>, 1842,” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment marched to Umballa</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Expedition to Khytul</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Outbreak at Lahore</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1843</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment marched to Ferozepore</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1844</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to Umballa</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1845</td> -<td class="tdl">Disturbed state of the Punjaub</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Sikh invasion of the British Territories in India</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment marched from Umballa to join the Ferozepore Field force</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Moodkee</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">—— —— Ferozeshah</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1846</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment marched towards Loodiana with the troops under Major-General Sir Henry Smith</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_136">136</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Fort of <em>Dhurrumkote</em> captured from the Sikhs</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action at <em>Buddiwal</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Aliwal</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Return of the troops under Major-General Sir Henry Smith to the head-quarters of the Army</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Sobraon</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Advance of the Army on Lahore</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_156">156</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Occupation of the City</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1846<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxix"></a>[xxxix]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Orders received for the Regiment to return to Europe</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Calcutta</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Review of the Punjaub Campaign</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_165">165</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Honors conferred on the “<em>Army of the Sutlej</em>”</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_167">167</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">General Lord Gough’s farewell order to the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_172">172</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for England</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_174">174</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Reception on arrival</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Letter to Lieut.-Colonel Spence, from General Sir Colin Halkett, reviewing the services of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Stationed at Walmer</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_182">182</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1847</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to bear on the Regimental Colour and Appointments the words -“<span class="smcap">Moodkee</span>,” “<span class="smcap">Ferozeshah</span>,” “<span class="smcap">Aliwal</span>,” and “<span class="smcap">Sobraon</span>”</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_183">183</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">General Sir Colin Halkett G.C.B., removed to the forty-fifth Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.-General the Honorable Henry Otway Trevor appointed Colonel of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiment removed to Manchester</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1848</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Ireland</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Presentation of New Colours by Major-General His Royal Highness the Prince George of Cambridge</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1849</td> -<td class="tdl">Stationed at Athlone</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1850</td> -<td class="tdl">Removed to Dublin</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Presentation of a Testimonial to Lieut.-Colonel Spence on his retirement</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Conclusion</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xl"></a>[xl]</span><br /></p> - -<h3 id="CONTENTS2"> -<span class="fs150">CONTENTS</span><br /> -<span class="p1 pfs60">OF</span><br /> -<span class="pfs120 lsp">THE HISTORICAL RECORD</span><br /> -<span class="p1 pfs60">OF</span><br /> -<span class="p1 pfs100">THE SECOND BATTALION</span></h3> - -<p class="p1 pfs60">OF</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs120">THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT.</p> - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr class="fs70"> -<td class="tdl"> Year</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr">Page</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1804</td> -<td class="tdl">Projected French invasion of England</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_187">187</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1805</td> -<td class="tdl">Formation of the <em>Second</em> Battalion of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> Regiment at Chester</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Marched from Chester to Winchester</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1806</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded to Gosport</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_188">188</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1807</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Guernsey</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded to Ireland</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1808</td> -<td class="tdl">Joined the force assembled at Falmouth under the command of Lieut.-General Sir David Baird</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Sailed for Portugal</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_189">189</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Marched to reinforce the army in Spain under Lieut.-General Sir John Moore</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1809</td> -<td class="tdl">The intended advance countermanded</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Corunna</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_190">190</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Arrival of Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley at Lisbon, and his appointment to the command of the army in the Peninsula</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The <em>second</em> battalion of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> marched towards Oporto</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_191">191</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Passage of the <em>Douro</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1809<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xli"></a>[xli]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Arrived at Oropesa</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_191">191</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Talavera</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Talavera</span>” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Stationed at Abrantes</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_194">194</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1810</td> -<td class="tdl">Marched to Portalegre</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Encamped between the Estrella and the Tagus</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Busaco</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Marched on Thomar</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Skirmishes near <em>Alhandra</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_196">196</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1811</td> -<td class="tdl">Pursuit of Marshal Massena</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Siege of Olivenza and Badajoz</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Albuhera</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Albuhera</span>” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl"><em>Second</em> siege of <em>Badajoz</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Affair at <em>Arroyo dos Molinos</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Stationed at Merida</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1812</td> -<td class="tdl">Siege of <em>Ciudad Rodrigo</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl"><em>Third</em> siege of <em>Badajoz</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of <em>Badajoz</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Attack on the French works at <em>Almaraz</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Operations against General Drouet</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_202">202</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Siege of the <em>Castle of Burgos</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s division, of which the -<em>second</em> battalion of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> formed part, cantoned at Coria and Placentia</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_204">204</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1813</td> -<td class="tdl">Advance upon <em>Burgos</em> and <em>Vittoria</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Vittoria</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Vittoria</span>” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_205">205</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Siege of Pampeluna</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_206">206</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The French dislodged from the valley of <em>Bastan</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action in the <em>Pass of Roncesvalles</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1813<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xlii"></a>[xlii]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Engaged on the heights at <em>Pampeluna</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_206">206</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Pyrenees</span>” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_207">207</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of a French convoy at <em>Elizondo</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of <em>St. Sebastian</em> and <em>Pampeluna</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">March of the Allied Army to the French side of the Pyrenees</td> -<td class="tdr">—-</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Engaged in the Pass of <em>Maya</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Passage of the <em>Nivelle</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Nivelle</span>” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_208">208</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Passage of the <em>Nive</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action at <em>St. Pierre</em>, near Bayonne</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Nive</span>” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_210">210</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1814</td> -<td class="tdl">Action on the heights of <em>Garris</em></td> -<td class="tdl">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Orthes</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Orthes</span>” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Action at <em>Aire</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Battle of Toulouse</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Sortie from <em>Bayonne</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_212">212</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Termination of the <em>Peninsular War</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The second battalion of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> Regiment marched to Bourdeaux</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Embarked for Ireland</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Authorized to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Peninsula</span>” on the Regimental Colour and Appointments</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded to Portsmouth</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Disbanded</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xliii"></a>[xliii]</span><br /></p> - -<h3>SUCCESSION OF COLONELS</h3> -</div> - -<p class="p1 pfs60">OF</p> - -<p class="pfs120">THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT.</p> - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr fs70">Page</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1702</td> -<td class="tdl">George Villiers</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1703</td> -<td class="tdl">Alexander Lutterell</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1706</td> -<td class="tdl">Josiah Churchill</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1711</td> -<td class="tdl">Sir Harry Goring, Bart.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1716</td> -<td class="tdl">Lord John Kerr</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1728</td> -<td class="tdl">The Honorable Charles Cathcart</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1731</td> -<td class="tdl">William Hargrave</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_217">217</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1737</td> -<td class="tdl">William Handasyd</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1745</td> -<td class="tdl">Lord Henry Beauclerk</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_218">218</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1749</td> -<td class="tdl">Henry Holmes</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1762</td> -<td class="tdl">Sir James Adolphus Oughton</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1780</td> -<td class="tdl">Thomas Clarke</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1792</td> -<td class="tdl">James Stuart</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_219">219</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1793</td> -<td class="tdl">Henry, Earl of Mulgrave, G.C.B.</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1831</td> -<td class="tdl">Sir Henry Warde, G.C.B.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1834</td> -<td class="tdl">Sir Edward Barnes, G.C.B.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_221">221</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1838</td> -<td class="tdl">Sir Colin Halkett, G.C.B.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1847</td> -<td class="tdl">Honorable Henry Otway Trevor, C.B.</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xliv"></a>[xliv]</span><br /></p> - -<h3>APPENDIX.</h3> -</div> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr fs70">Page</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">List of Battles, Sieges, &c., in Germany and the Netherlands, from 1743 to 1748, during the “<em>War of the Austrian Succession</em>”</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_223">223</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">List of British Regiments which served in Flanders and Germany, between the years 1742 and 1748, during the “<em>War of the Austrian Succession</em>”</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_224">224</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">Memoir of the services of Colonel Bolton, C.B.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_225">225</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">Memoir of the services of Lieut.-Colonel Skinner, C.B.</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_226">226</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">Memoir of the services of Major Baldwin</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_230">230</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<h3>PLATES.</h3> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx">Present Colours of the Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr"><em>to face page</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#i_001">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx" colspan="2">Wreck of the <i>Kent</i> East India Ship</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#i_080">80</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx" colspan="2">Battle of Ferozeshah</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#i_128">128</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx" colspan="2">Battle of Sobraon</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#i_152">152</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlx" colspan="2">Monument erected in Canterbury Cathedral, to the memory of the Officers and Soldiers of the Thirty-first Regiment, who were killed during the campaign on the banks of the Sutlej from December 1845 to February 1846</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#i_214">214</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<div class="figcenter illowp66" id="i_001" style="max-width: 35em;"> -<p class="pfs120">THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT.</p> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_001.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption">QUEEN’S COLOUR.<br /> -REGIMENTAL COLOUR.<br /> -<span class="fs60">FOR CANNON’S MILITARY RECORDS,</span><br /> -<p class="fs60 right"><em>Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S<sup>t</sup> Strand.</em></p> -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1"></a>[Pg 1]</span><br /></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs120">HISTORICAL RECORD</h2> - -<p class="pfs60">OF</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs100">THE THIRTY-FIRST, OR THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE,</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs150">REGIMENT OF FOOT.</p> - -<hr class="r30c" /> -<hr class="r30d" /> - -<div class="sidenote">1701</div> - -<p class="noindent">In the commencement of the eighteenth century, -the British Monarch, King William III., found that -the conditions of the Treaty of Ryswick, concluded in -1697, were violated by the King of France, Louis -XIV., who, on the decease of Charles II. of Spain on -the 1st of November, 1700, pursued with unremitting -assiduity his ambitious project of ultimately uniting -the crowns of France and Spain, by procuring the -accession of his grandson, Philip, Duke of Anjou, to -the vacant throne; thus excluding the claims of the -House of Austria, and disregarding the existing treaties -between the principal nations of Europe. The -seizure of the Spanish Netherlands by the troops of -France,—the detention of the Dutch garrisons in -the barrier towns,—the declaration of Louis XIV. -in favour of the family of James II., and other acts of -hostility, justified the British Government in making -preparations for war.</p> - -<p>King William had determined on active measures, -by sea and land, against the powers of France and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2"></a>[2]</span> -Spain, and had accordingly directed augmentations to -be made in the navy and army. A division of the -army had been appointed, under the command of -Brigadier-General Ingoldsby, (twenty-third regiment,) -to embark for Flanders, and another portion of the -army was selected to embark for the coast of Spain, -under the orders of the Duke of Ormond.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1702</div> - -<p>The death of King William III. took place on the -8th of March, 1702. His policy was adopted by his successor -Queen Anne, who entered into treaties of alliance -with the Emperor of Germany,—the States-General of -the United Provinces,—and other Princes and Potentates, -for preserving the liberty and balance of power -in Europe, and for defeating the ambitious views of -France.</p> - -<p>The measures for increasing the efficiency of the -fleet had occasioned the suggestion of raising <em>Corps of -Marines</em>, capable of acting on land as well as at sea. -Several regiments of the regular army were appointed -to serve as Marines, and six additional regiments -were especially raised for that service.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p> - -<p>On the 14th of March, 1702, a Royal Warrant was -issued, authorising <span class="smcap">Colonel George Villiers</span> to -raise a <span class="smcap">Regiment of Marines</span>, which was to consist of -twelve companies, of two serjeants, three corporals, -two drummers, and fifty-nine private soldiers each, -with an additional serjeant to the grenadier company.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3"></a>[3]</span> -The rendezvous of the regiment was appointed to be -at Taunton and Bridgewater.</p> - -<p>For the raising of this regiment the following officers -received commissions, those of the field officers being -antedated to the 12th of February, 1702:—</p> - -<div class="pad3"> -<table class="autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl smcap">Captains</td> -<td class="tdl">George Villiers (<em>Colonel</em>).</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Alexander Lutterell (<em>Lt.-Colonel</em>).</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Thomas Carew (<em>Major</em>).</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Francis Blinman.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">George Blakeney.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl smcap">Captain-Lieutenant</td> -<td class="tdl">John Deveroux.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl smcap">First Lieutenants</td> -<td class="tdl">Saloman Balmier.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Roger Flower.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl smcap">Second Lieutenant</td> -<td class="tdl">William Bisset.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl smcap">Chirurgeon</td> -<td class="tdl">James Church.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl smcap">Chirurgeon’s mate</td> -<td class="tdl">William Church.</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p>The declaration of hostilities against France and -Spain was issued on the 4th of May, 1702: thus began, -“fruitful in great actions and important results,” <em>The -War of the Spanish Succession</em>.</p> - -<p>Additional forces were sent to Flanders, and the -Earl of Marlborough was appointed to command the -confederate troops with the rank of Captain-General.</p> - -<p>The expedition, which had been planned by King -William against Spain, was carried out by the Ministers -of Queen Anne. It was arranged, accordingly, -that a combined fleet of English and Dutch ships, -consisting of fifty sail of the line, besides frigates, -under Admiral Sir George Rooke, and a land force -amounting to nearly fourteen thousand men, under -the command of the Duke of Ormond, should proceed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4"></a>[4]</span> -to the coast of Spain. The following corps were -employed on this service, namely:—</p> - - -<table class="autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdc">Officers<br />and Men.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl" colspan="3">Lloyd’s Dragoons, now 3rd Light Dragoons (detachment.)</td> -<td class="tdrq">275</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl" colspan="3">Foot Guards, the Grenadier and Coldstream</td> -<td class="tdrq">755</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Sir H. Bellasis’s</td> -<td class="tdr">now 2nd</td> -<td class="tdl">Foot</td> -<td class="tdrq">834</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Churchill’s</td> -<td class="tdr">3rd</td> -<td class="tdl pad2">”</td> -<td class="tdrq">834</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Seymour’s</td> -<td class="tdr">4th</td> -<td class="tdl pad2">”</td> -<td class="tdrq">834</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Columbine’s</td> -<td class="tdr">6th</td> -<td class="tdl pad2">”</td> -<td class="tdrq">724</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">O’Hara’s, 3 companies</td> -<td class="tdr">7th</td> -<td class="tdl">Royal Fusiliers</td> -<td class="tdrq">313</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Erle’s</td> -<td class="tdr">19th</td> -<td class="tdl">Foot</td> -<td class="tdrq">724</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Gustavus Hamilton’s</td> -<td class="tdr">20th</td> -<td class="tdl pad2">”</td> -<td class="tdrq">724</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Villiers’s Marines, 5 Companies.</td> -<td class="tdr">31st</td> -<td class="tdl pad2">”</td> -<td class="tdrq">520</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Fox’s Marines</td> -<td class="tdr">32nd</td> -<td class="tdl pad2">”</td> -<td class="tdrq">834</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Donegal’s</td> -<td class="tdr">35th</td> -<td class="tdl pad2">”</td> -<td class="tdrq">724</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Charlemont’s</td> -<td class="tdr">36th</td> -<td class="tdl pad2">”</td> -<td class="tdrq">724</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Shannon’s Marines</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr"></td> -<td class="tdrq">834</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdrq">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdrq">9653</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl" colspan="3">Dutch Regiments commanded by Major-General Baron<br /> -Sparre and Brigadier Pallandt</td> -<td class="tdrq"><span class="fs180">}</span> 3924</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdrq">———</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdrq">13,577</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>Colonel Villiers’s Corps of Marines, now the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, soon after its formation was thus -called upon to supply five Companies for embarkation -for active service on board the fleet destined -against Spain: these Companies embarked in the -latter part of May from Plymouth, and proceeded to -join the fleet at Portsmouth, from whence the expedition -sailed to Cadiz in the month of July, 1702.</p> - -<p>The armament appeared off Cadiz on the 12th of -August, and the Duke summoned the place; but his -terms being refused, he landed on the 15th at the Bay -of Bulls, between Rota and Fort St. Catherine, under -great disadvantages and a well conducted opposition: -he marched upon Rota, where the horses and stores -were disembarked, and in two days afterwards he advanced<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span> -to the town of St. Mary. Rota was retaken -by a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">coup-de-main</i>, and the British garrison of 300 -men was captured. The attempt on Cadiz failed; the -troops were re-embarked, and sailed from Cadiz on the -30th of September.</p> - -<p>In alluding to this expedition, Bishop Burnet remarks,—“It -is certain our Court had false accounts of -the state the place was in, both with relation to the -garrison, and to the fortifications; the garrison was -much stronger, and the fortifications were in a better -state, than was represented.”</p> - -<p>Conspicuous as the bravery of the troops had been in -the expedition against Cadiz, still the failure of the -attempt naturally caused painful feelings to arise -among the British soldiers, who were disappointed of -reaping the well-earned fame of a successful enterprise, -when victory appeared almost within their grasp. The -receipt of information of the arrival of a Spanish fleet -from the West Indies, under a French convoy, at the -harbour of Vigo, speedily dissipated these feelings, and -gave renewed hopes to the troops. The allied fleet -immediately bent its course thither, and arrived before -Vigo on the 22nd of October, 1702. The French admiral -Count de Chateaurenaud had placed his shipping and -the galleons within a narrow passage, the entrance -to which was defended by a castle on one side, and -by platforms mounted with cannon on both sides of -the inlet; a strong boom was thrown across the harbour.</p> - -<p>To facilitate the attack on this formidable barrier, -the Duke of Ormond landed a portion of his army six -miles from Vigo on the 23rd of October, and took, by -assault, a battery of forty pieces of cannon, situated at<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span> -the entrance of the bay. A British flag, hoisted on this -fort, was the signal for a general attack. The fleet in full -sail approached, broke the boom at the first shock, and -became closely engaged with the enemy’s ships, while -the British troops that had landed, stormed and captured -the batteries. After a vigorous defence, the French -and Spaniards, finding they could not escape, set fire to -some of their vessels, and cast their cargoes into the sea; -but the British exerted themselves nobly in extinguishing -the flames, and succeeded in saving six galleons -and seven ships of war. Two thousand of the enemy -are stated to have perished, and the Spaniards sustained -a loss in goods and treasure exceeding eight -million dollars, more than one-half of which fell to the -captors, whose loss in this victory was inconsiderable. -Queen Anne, attended by the Lords and Commons, -went in state to St. Paul’s Cathedral to return thanks -for this success, and each of the regiments of infantry -received 561<em>l.</em> 10<em>s.</em> prize-money.</p> - -<p>Villiers’s Marines (<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment) did not -land at Vigo, but served on board the fleet in this gallant -enterprise.</p> - -<p>The troops under the Duke of Ormond subsequently -returned to England, and on their arrival in November, -1702, were stationed as follows, namely:—</p> - -<div class="pad3"> -<table class="autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl" colspan="2">Lloyd’s 3rd Dragoons (detachment)</td> -<td class="tdl">Portsmouth.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl" colspan="2">Foot Guards, 1st and Coldstream</td> -<td class="tdl">Gravesend and Chatham.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Sir H. Bellasis’s</td> -<td class="tdl">2nd Foot</td> -<td class="tdl">Portsmouth.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Churchill’s</td> -<td class="tdl">3rd ”</td> -<td class="tdl">Chatham.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Seymour’s</td> -<td class="tdl">4th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">Plymouth.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Columbine’s</td> -<td class="tdl">6th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">Portsmouth.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Royal Fusiliers</td> -<td class="tdl">7th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">Tilbury.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Villiers’s</span> (Marines) <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span></td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Plymouth.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Fox’s Marines</td> -<td class="tdl">32nd Foot</td> -<td class="tdl">Plymouth.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl" colspan="2">Viscount Shannon’s Marines</td> -<td class="tdl">Chatham.</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1703</div> - -<p>On the 6th of January, 1703, seven companies of the -regiment were stationed at Plymouth, and on the 27th -of that month four companies were ordered for embarkation -on board of the ships Suffolk and Grafton, -which proceeded on service to the coast of Spain, to -join the fleet under Admiral Sir George Rooke, and continued -in that quarter, and in the Mediterranean, during -that year.</p> - -<p>In December, 1703, Colonel Villiers, who was in -command of the Regiment on board of the fleet, was -drowned. He was succeeded in the Colonelcy of the -Regiment by Lieut.-Colonel Alexander Lutterell, on -the 6th of December of that year.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1704</div> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, being at this time a -Marine Corps, continued to serve on board the fleet in -the Mediterranean, and in February, 1704, proceeded, -under Admiral Sir George Rooke, to Lisbon, from -whence it proceeded to <em>Barcelona</em>, where the troops were -landed under the command of Major-General the -Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, on the 19th of May; but -the force, being inadequate for the purpose intended, -was re-embarked on the day following.</p> - -<p>The fleet next proceeded to attack the fortress of -<em>Gibraltar</em>, and the Prince of Hesse effected a landing -on the afternoon of the 21st of July, 1704, with eighteen -hundred <span class="smcap">British and Dutch Marines</span>: after a -bombardment of three days, the governor was forced -to capitulate, and the Prince of Hesse took possession -of the garrison on the evening of Sunday, the 24th of -July, 1704. The attack of the seamen and marines is -recorded in history to have been one of the boldest and -most difficult ever performed. The <em>fortress</em> of <em>Gibraltar</em> -was thus taken, and was besieged by the Spaniards<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span> -and French in October following, for seven months, -during which period it was successfully defended by -the navy and marines, and has since remained, as a -monument of British valour, in possession of the -Crown of Great Britain.</p> - -<p>After selecting a sufficient force to garrison Gibraltar, -the Marine Corps were distributed in the several ships -of war which were then collected in the Tagus, in order -to co-operate with the land forces on the coast of Spain.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1705</div> - -<p>Towards the end of May, 1705, the British fleet having -about five thousand troops on board, with General -the Earl of Peterborough, proceeded to Lisbon; King -Charles embarked on board of the Ranelagh on the -23rd of July, and the Dutch fleet having joined in the -Tagus, proceeded from thence, and anchored before -Barcelona on the 22nd of August.</p> - -<p>The Earl of Peterborough commenced operations -against <em>Barcelona</em> by an attack on the strong fortress -of <em>Montjuich</em>, which was taken by storm on the 17th -of September. In this attack the Prince of Hesse -Darmstadt was wounded by a musket-ball which occasioned -his death. The city of Barcelona was invested, -and after considerable efforts on the part of the besiegers -and the besieged, the garrison surrendered on -the 6th of October, 1705.</p> - -<p>The capture of <em>Barcelona</em> obtained for the allied -forces the applause of the nations of Europe, and in -a great degree promoted the cause of King Charles -in his efforts to succeed to the Crown of Spain.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1706</div> - -<p>The decease of Colonel Lutterell having taken place, -he was succeeded by Lieut.-Colonel Josiah Churchill, -on the 1st of February, 1706.</p> - -<p>The neglect of King Charles III. and his counsellors<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span> -to secure the advantages obtained by the conquests -before stated, and the persevering efforts made in -favour of King Philip V. by the French, and by those -persons in other countries who supported his cause, -occasioned great difficulties, as well as serious losses to -the allied forces.</p> - -<p>A powerful French and Spanish force by land, aided -by a fleet, attempted the recapture of <em>Barcelona</em>, which -was besieged in the beginning of April, 1706; but -when the enemy had made preparations to attack the -place by storm, the English and Dutch fleet arrived -with reinforcements for the garrison;—the French relaxed -in their efforts, and the siege was raised on the -11th of May.</p> - -<p>The city of Barcelona was thus relieved, and the -allied fleet, with the troops on board, proceeded to the -coast of Valencia; after capturing <em>Carthagena</em>, and -placing six hundred Marines for its defence, the expedition -proceeded to an attack upon <em>Alicant</em>, which, -after a gallant resistance and severe loss, surrendered -on the 25th of August, 1706.</p> - -<p>The fleet then proceeded to <em>Iviça</em> and <em>Majorca</em>, which -surrendered to King Charles III., and detachments of -Marines were placed as garrisons in those islands.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1707</div> - -<p>The defeat of the allied forces under the Earl of -Galway by the Duke of Berwick at <em>Almanza</em>, on the -25th of April, 1707, cast a gloom over the prospects of -King Charles in Spain; and in June following, measures -were adopted for co-operating with the Duke of Savoy -and the Prince Eugene, in an attack upon Toulon. -The fleet proceeded for the coast of Italy, and anchored -between Nice and Antibes, when a conference -took place with the commanders-in-chief of the sea and -land forces, and it was decided that a joint attack<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span> -should be made upon a portion of the enemy’s army -which was entrenched upon the river Var; the enemy -having evacuated his positions, they were immediately -occupied by several hundred British seamen and marines; -the passage was thus secured for the Duke of -Savoy to prosecute his designs, and ships were stationed -along different parts of the sea-coast: every aid was -afforded by the fleet; but the enemy, having been reinforced, -made a successful sally, and the allied forces -sustained considerable loss; the siege was consequently -raised on the 10th of August following.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1708</div> - -<p>In consequence of King Charles having desired that -<em>Sardinia</em> should be reduced, with a view to a passage -being opened for his troops into Naples to attack Sicily, -and also to secure the means of supplying provisions -for his armies, it was decided that a body of <em>marines</em> -should be withdrawn from Catalonia to assist in this -enterprise. On the 12th of August, 1708, the armament -designed for this service arrived before <em>Cagliari</em>, -the capital of Sardinia, and after receiving a hesitating -reply to the summons to surrender, the bombardment -commenced on that evening, and continued until the -following morning, when, at the break of day, Major-General -Wills (Thirtieth regiment), at the head of the -Marines, with one Spanish regiment, landed, and the -place surrendered.</p> - -<p>It was next decided that an attempt should be made -upon the island of <em>Minorca</em>. The fleet accordingly -set sail, and arrived before <em>Port Mahon</em> on the 28th of -August, 1708.</p> - -<p>At this period the six <em>marine</em> regiments had been -much reduced in numbers by the arduous services on -which they had been employed from the commencement -of the war, so that it became necessary to draft<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span> -the men of <em>two</em> of these corps into the other four regiments, -in order to render this force effective for the -service for which it was now destined, and which, there -was reason to expect, would be difficult, and would -require the most energetic measures towards effecting -the conquest of the island. For this purpose all the -Marines fit for service, were drawn from the ships -about to return home, and were incorporated in the -four regiments which were employed in the reduction -of this island. The two regiments (Holl’s and Shannon’s) -returned to England in order to recruit their -numbers.</p> - -<p>The fleet proceeded to commence operations, and the -first attack was against <em>Fort Fornelle</em>, which was cannonaded, -and surrendered after a contest of four hours; -a detachment proceeded to <em>Citadella</em>, the capital, which -surrendered; batteries, which had been erected, were -opened on the works defending the town of <em>Port Mahon</em>, -on the 17th of September, when, after a short but brisk -fire, a lodgment was effected under the walls of St. -<em>Philip’s Castle</em>, and on the following day the place surrendered.</p> - -<p>The valuable and important <em>Island of Minorca</em> was -thus reduced to submission to the British Crown by -the gallantry of the Navy, and about two thousand four -hundred Marines; the island, which was ceded to -Great Britain at the Treaty of Utrecht, in 1713, continued -in the British possession until the year 1756, -when it was recaptured by a combined Spanish and -French force under the command of Marshal the Duke -de Richelieu.<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1709</div> - -<p>In the early part of the year 1709, an armament was -prepared for the purpose of attacking <em>Port Royal</em> in -the province of <em>Nova Scotia</em>, which was then in possession -of the French; the expedition was entrusted -to Colonel Nicholson of the Marines, and to Captain -Martin of the Navy. The squadron proceeded to -Boston, where it was reinforced by some ships, and by -provincial auxiliary troops: a council of war was held, -and arrangements were made for disembarking the -troops, which took place on the 24th of September. -The fortress surrendered on the 1st of October, and the -Marines took possession. The fortress was named -<em>Anna-polis Royal</em>, in honor of Queen Anne, in whose -reign the conquest was effected.</p> - -<p>The affairs of Spain at this time had materially -changed, and the prospects of King Charles III. in -obtaining the monarchy had become very doubtful. -The town of <em>Alicant</em>, after sustaining a powerful siege -by the forces of Spain and France, was compelled to -surrender in April; the fleet under Admiral Sir -George Byng, and the troops on board under Lieut.-General<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span> -Stanhope, which were destined for its relief, -were prevented, by heavy gales and severe weather, -from communicating with the town, and affording -the desired assistance. The garrison consisted of -Colonel Sir Charles Hotham’s and Colonel Frederick -Sybourg’s regiments (afterwards disbanded), together -with a large body of Marines, who evinced the most -heroic perseverance in maintaining the place. On the -6th of April, 1709, the enemy sprung a mine, which -split the rock on which the <em>Castle of Alicant</em> was situated, -when Colonel Sybourg and several other officers were -swallowed up in the opening, which immediately closed. -Although they had been permitted to see the mine, -they refused to capitulate; the garrison afterwards -continued to defend the castle, until Lieut.-General -Stanhope, being unable to communicate with the town, -proposed terms of surrender, which being acceded -to, the gallant survivors of the siege were conveyed on -board the fleet, and were removed to Minorca, and -afterwards to Barcelona.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1710</div> - -<p>In March, 1710, Admiral Sir John Norris, who had -arrived at Port Mahon as commander-in-chief of the -Naval forces, proceeded to Barcelona, in the month of -June, in order to concert with King Charles III. the -plan of future operations. It was determined that an -expedition should proceed against the <em>Isle of Cette</em> in -the province of Languedoc. His troops, including the -Marines, landed on the 13th of July, and after a feeble -resistance the fort surrendered: the regiment of Stanhope -and three hundred Marines advanced against -<em>Agde</em>, and the town surrendered. The <em>Isle of Cette</em> was -shortly afterwards recaptured by the French, but the -British troops had been previously re-embarked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1711</div> - -<p>Colonel Churchill having received Her Majesty’s -permission to sell his commission, Lieut.-Colonel Sir -Harry Goring, Bart., was promoted to the Colonelcy -of the <span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span> Regiment by purchase, on the 1st -of March, 1711.</p> - -<p>The decease of Joseph I., Emperor of Germany, -took place on the 17th of April, 1711, and King -Charles III. of Spain was elected Emperor of Germany, -by the title of Charles VI., on the 12th of October -of that year: this circumstance rendered unnecessary -any further attempts in the cause of King Charles -on the part of the British Government. His Majesty -embarked at Barcelona on board of the fleet, and proceeded -to assume the duties of the Imperial throne.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1712<br />1713</div> - -<p>In the year 1712 negotiations were entered into between -Great Britain and France, and a Treaty of -Peace was concluded at Utrecht, on the 11th of April, -1713. By this treaty it was settled, that Great Britain -should retain possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, and -Nova Scotia, which had been conquered during the -war, and in acquiring which the <em>Marine</em> Corps had -greatly contributed.</p> - -<p>From the period of the formation of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, in the year 1702, as a <em>Corps of Marines</em>, -to the termination of the war by the Treaty of Utrecht -in 1713, the regiment was employed, by detachments, -on board the fleet, and was engaged on various services -at sea, as well as on land, according to the conditions on -which it was raised.<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></p> - -<p>Among the reductions which were directed to take<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span> -place in the establishment of the army consequent on -the Peace of Utrecht, the <em>Marine Corps</em> were included in -the list of regiments to be discontinued.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1714</div> - -<p>The decease of Queen Anne took place on the 1st of -August, 1714, and King George I., who was then at -Hanover, was immediately proclaimed as the Sovereign -of Great Britain and Ireland. The partisans of the -Pretender, James Francis Edward Stuart, son of the -late King, James II., renewed their exertions in his behalf; -and Jacobite principles had become so prevalent -in certain parts of the kingdom, that it was necessary -that the army, which had been considerably reduced -after the Peace of Utrecht, should be again augmented.</p> - -<p>Six additional regiments of cavalry (from the ninth -to the fourteenth dragoons) were raised. The establishments -of the regiments of infantry were increased, and, -in consideration of the services of the Marine Corps -during the late war, Wills’s, now <em>thirtieth</em>,—Goring’s, -now <em>thirty-first</em>,—and Borr’s, now <em>thirty-second</em>, which -had been ordered to be disbanded, were retained on the -establishment, and were incorporated with the regiments -of infantry of the line, and authorised to take rank according -to the dates of their original formation in 1702.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1715</div> - -<p>The adherents of the Stuart dynasty continued to be -numerous, particularly in Scotland, where active preparations -were made for the elevation of the “<em>Pretender</em>” -to the throne; and the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Chevalier de St. George</i><a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> (so<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span> -styled in France) repeated the attempt which he had -made in 1708, and effected a landing in Scotland -in December, 1715, where a rebellion had broken out -in September; the Earl of Mar had assembled his -vassals, erected the standard of the Pretender in the -Highlands, and had been joined by several clans, to the -number of ten thousand men. King George I. was -supported by his Parliament in adopting energetic -measures for opposing the designs of the Jacobites, -and for maintaining the Protestant Succession.</p> - -<p>To oppose the rebellious forces, the Duke of Argyle -was appointed to the command of the army in Scotland. -After several movements and skirmishing, the rebel -army, commanded by the Earl of Mar, advanced, in the -early part of November, towards the Firth; and the -Duke of Argyle quitted the camp at Stirling, and proceeded -to the vicinity of <em>Dumblaine</em>. On the morning -of Sunday, the 13th of November, the hostile armies -confronted each other on <em>Sheriffmuir</em>. After half-an-hour’s -sharp fighting the left wing of the rebel army -gave way, and the King’s troops captured several -standards and colours; but while this portion of the -rebel army was being pursued, the rebels had defeated -the left wing of the royal army. Thus each commander -had a wing triumphant and a wing defeated: both -armies returned to their former ground, but the action -was not renewed. The rebels were, however, defeated -in their design of crossing the Firth, and they retired, -during the night, towards Perth. The royal army -returned to Stirling on the following day. The rebels -who had assembled in England under the Earl of -Derwentwater and Mr. Forster, were also compelled to -surrender at Preston, in Lancashire, to General Carpenter,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span> -on the same day as the battle of Sheriffmuir -was fought.</p> - -<p>Towards the end of December the “<em>Pretender</em>” -arrived in Scotland, but his presence did not animate -the Scots sufficiently to induce them to renew the contest -in his behalf; they considered him unfit to be -the leader of a great military enterprise, although the -Chevalier is recorded in history to have greatly distinguished -himself in the battle of Malplaquet in 1709, -“when he charged twelve times with the household -troops of the King of France, and, in the last charge, -was wounded in the arm by a sword.” The Chevalier -had the credit of possessing plenty of animal courage, -when led by others, but no moral fortitude when left to -himself, and dependent upon his own resources.<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1716</div> - -<p>In the latter part of the year 1715 the royal army -had been joined by considerable reinforcements, and in -January, 1716, the Duke of Argyle advanced towards -Perth.</p> - -<p>The Pretender and the Earl of Mar, being unable -to oppose effectual resistance, and seeing no prospect of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span> -establishing a footing in Scotland, withdrew from their -army privately, and escaped to France, after which the -Highlanders dispersed.</p> - -<p>The rebellion in Scotland at this period thus terminated.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment proceeded to Ireland, -and continued to form a part of the force in that -portion of the United Kingdom until the year 1739.</p> - -<p>On the retirement of Colonel Sir <em>Harry Goring</em>, on -the 8th of September, 1716, Lord John Kerr was -appointed to the Colonelcy of the regiment.</p> - -<p>The remainder of the reign of King George I. did -not produce any events to give occasion for the active -services of the army, and the movements of regiments -from one station to another seldom took place.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1727</div> - -<p>His Majesty’s decease occurred on the 11th of June, -1727, and his son, King George II., succeeded to the -throne.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1728</div> - -<p>Major-General Lord John Kerr died on the 1st of -August, 1728, and on the 13th of that month, Colonel -the Honorable Charles Cathcart, from the Ninth foot, -was appointed to the Colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1731</div> - -<p>Colonel William Hargrave was promoted on the 1st of -January, 1731, from the Seventh Royal Fusiliers to -the Colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, in succession -to Colonel the Honorable Charles Cathcart, who -was removed to the Eighth dragoons.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1737</div> - -<p>On the 27th of January, 1737, Colonel William Handasyd -was promoted from the Fifteenth foot to the -Colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, in succession -to Colonel William Hargrave, who was removed to the -Ninth foot.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span></p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1739</div> - -<p>In the year 1739 the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was -removed from Ireland to Great Britain.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1740</div> - -<p>In the two previous years the British merchants had -made great complaints against the Spanish depredations -in America, and on the 23rd of October, 1739, war was -proclaimed against Spain by Great Britain; and the -events which occurred in Germany in the following year -occasioned the contest that is designated the “War of -the Austrian Succession,” in which most of the European -powers became engaged, and which disturbed the long -interval of comparative peace that had succeeded the -Treaty of Utrecht.<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p> - -<p>These events were occasioned by the decease of Charles -VI., Emperor of Germany, on the 20th of October, -1740. The Emperor was the last Prince of the House -of Austria, and he was succeeded in his hereditary dominions -by his eldest daughter, the Archduchess Maria -Theresa, who married, in 1736, the Duke Francis -Stephen, of Lorraine. The Duke, in the following year, -became Grand-Duke of Tuscany. Immediately on her -father’s decease, Maria Theresa was proclaimed Queen of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span> -Hungary and Bohemia, Princess of Transylvania, Archduchess -of Austria, and universal successor to all the -dominions of the House of Austria, pursuant to the -“<em>Pragmatic Sanction</em>;”<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> and she declared her husband -co-regent in the government of her dominions.</p> - -<p>Although the possessions of Austria were guaranteed -to the Archduchess Maria Theresa by the German Edict -known in history as the “<em>Pragmatic Sanction</em>,” to which -nearly all the powers of Europe had been parties, yet the -succession of the Archduchess to her father’s Austrian -hereditary territories was disputed by several claimants; -and among others by Charles Albert, Elector of Bavaria, -who was afterwards elected Emperor of Germany. The -King of Prussia also revived a dormant claim to Silesia, -which he invaded in November; the Prussian monarch -offered Maria Theresa sufficient money to resist all her -enemies, on condition of ceding Silesia to him, but the -proposition was indignantly rejected.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1741</div> - -<p>The King of France supported the Elector of Bavaria, -while King George II. supported the Archduchess Maria -Theresa; and in April, 1741, the British Parliament -voted a subsidy of 300,000<em>l.</em> to the Queen of Hungary -and Bohemia. His Majesty also informed the Parliament, -that the Queen of Hungary had demanded the -twelve thousand troops he had stipulated to furnish; and -accordingly he had requested the King of Denmark and -the King of Sweden to hold in readiness their quotas of -six thousand men each, for the maintenance of which they -had received subsidies from England. King George II.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span> -was drawn into the war from the apprehension of losing -Hanover, but at this period His Majesty abstained from -being a principal in the contest, by agreeing with the -French sovereign, Louis XV., to give his vote, as Elector -of Hanover, to the Elector of Bavaria for the dignity of -Emperor of Germany, and thereby to preserve the -neutrality of his Hanoverian territories.</p> - -<p>During 1741 and the previous year the regiment was -encamped at Windsor, and on Lexden Heath, near -Colchester, as part of the force ordered to be prepared -for the assistance of Maria Theresa, but no embarkation -for continental service took place during the year 1741.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1742</div> - -<p>The Elector of Bavaria was chosen Emperor of Germany -at Frankfort on the Maine, and crowned, as Charles -VII., on the 11th of February, 1742: he was, however, a -most unhappy prince; his electoral dominions were overrun -by the Austrians, the French were driven out of -Bohemia, and the King of Prussia, under the mediation -of King George II., concluded a peace at Breslau with -the Queen of Hungary.</p> - -<p>The King of England resolving to take a more active -part in the war, an army of sixteen thousand men, under -Field-Marshal the Earl of Stair, was ordered to be embarked -for the Netherlands in the summer of 1742, in -order to support the Queen of Hungary.</p> - -<p>On the 17th of May the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -embarked at Deptford for Flanders, having been previously -reviewed on Kew-green by King George II. and -the Duke of Cumberland, with the other regiments -destined for the above service.<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> No action took place<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span> -during the year, the troops being suddenly marched into -winter-quarters, after every preparation had been made -for active operations.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1743</div> - -<p>In the commencement of the year 1743 the British -and Hanoverian troops were assembled in the Low -Countries, commanded by Field-Marshal the Earl of -Stair, as <em>allies</em> to the Austrians, under the command of -Marshal Neuperg and the Duke d’Aremberg, and advanced -towards Germany, in order to secure the navigation -of the Upper Maine. The French Marshal, -Noailles, had anticipated the British general, and was -already on the opposite shore of this river, and in possession -of its principal posts when the Allies arrived at -Aschaffenberg. Here the Allied army remained until -June, on the 19th of which month King George II., -attended by the Duke of Cumberland, arrived at the camp.</p> - -<p>The two armies were encamped on the plains near the -banks of the Maine, opposite to, and in sight of, each -other; with a ridge of hills, covered with woods on the -north of each, the Allies being on the north and the -French on the south side of the river. The Confederate -army amounted to nearly forty thousand men, in high -spirits, though nearly destitute of provisions. A retrograde -movement being resolved on for the purpose of -obtaining supplies, as well as to effect a junction with a -corps of twelve thousand Hessians and Hanoverians, in -some danger of being cut off at Hanau, His Majesty, -on the evening of the 26th of June, gave orders that -the army should hold itself in readiness to march on -the following morning; accordingly the Confederate -army marched towards <em>Dettingen</em> before daylight on -the morning of the 27th of June. The army was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span> -weakened for want of provisions, the soldiers having -been on half-rations for some time, and the horses were -without forage.</p> - -<p>Marshal Noailles immediately ordered a large force of -cavalry and infantry, composed of the household troops -and of the Royal Guards, to the village of <em>Dettingen</em>, by -which the British had to pass. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, -under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Montague, -was in advance towards Dettingen, when the French -made the above movement, and gave the first intelligence -of it to His Majesty.</p> - -<p>Aschaffenberg was occupied by the French the moment -it was evacuated by the Allies. The Confederate -army had to march through a narrow way between a -mountain and the Maine, the cannon on the opposite side -of the river commanding its flank. Dettingen, in front, -was occupied in force by the French, and also Aschaffenberg -in the rear. In this situation the destruction of the -Allies seemed inevitable; but Marshal Noailles having -repassed the river, the Duke de Grammont, who succeeded -to the command, advanced to the attack through -the defile, thus relinquishing all the advantages of his -position. The British troops, animated by the presence -of their Sovereign, on the 27th of June, received the impetuous -attack of the French with such steadiness and -intrepidity, that the latter were forced to retire, and recross -the Maine with the greatest precipitation and the -loss of five thousand men.</p> - -<p>The Twentieth and <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiments were in -reserve in a wood on the British right, and towards the -afternoon they were led into action by his Majesty in -person, who evinced the same martial qualities for which -he was distinguished at the battle of Oudenarde, on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span> -11th of July, 1708, when Hereditary Prince of Brunswick -Lunenburg.</p> - -<p>The regiment sustained but trifling loss at the battle of -Dettingen, in consequence of its having been in reserve -during the early part of the action.<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p> - -<p>Although the victory was highly honorable to those -by whom it was gained, yet it was productive of no decisive -results.<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> The allied army continued its march to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span> -Hanau; it subsequently crossed the Rhine, and was employed -in West Germany, but returned to Flanders for -winter-quarters.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1744</div> - -<p>On the 20th of March, 1744, France declared war -against England, and on the 29th of that month a counter-declaration -was made by Great Britain, in which the -French monarch was accused of violating the “<em>Pragmatic -Sanction</em>,” and of assisting the son of the Pretender -in his designs on the British throne.</p> - -<p>The regiment served the campaign of 1744 with the -army commanded by Field-Marshal Wade; it was encamped -some time on the banks of the Scheldt, and afterwards -penetrated the French territory to the vicinity of -Lisle, but no general engagement occurred.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1745</div> - -<p>In January, 1745, the Emperor Charles VII. died at -Munich, and Francis, Grand-Duke of Tuscany, consort -of Maria Theresa, became a candidate for the Imperial -crown; this event changed the aspect of affairs in Germany, -and led to the re-establishment of the House of -Austria in the Imperial dignity.</p> - -<p>Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk was appointed, on the -22nd of April, 1745, from the forty-eighth to the -Colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, in succession to -Colonel W. Handasyd, deceased.</p> - -<p>His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland was -appointed to the command of the Confederate army, -and on the French investing Tournay, which towards the -end of April was besieged by an immense force, under -Marshal Count de Saxe, His Royal Highness determined -to raise the siege, which resulted in the battle of -<em>Fontenoy</em>.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the 11th of May, the formidable -position at <em>Fontenoy</em>, occupied by the superior numbers of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span> -the enemy, was attacked, when the British infantry evinced -that heroism for which that <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">arme</i> of the service has ever -been conspicuous, and forced the enemy’s position; but -being exposed to a destructive cross-fire, in consequence -of the Dutch having failed in their attack on the village -of Fontenoy, and Brigadier-General Ingoldsby not -having captured a battery in the wood of Barry, the -British regiments, which had forced the French position, -were ordered to retire. The attack was repeated, with the -same results: British valour was conspicuous, but the -failure of the Dutch rendered a retreat necessary, and -the Allied army withdrew to Aeth.<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p> - -<p>In the London Gazette it was stated that,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The Highland regiment (42nd), the regiment late -Handasyd’s (<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>), Duroure’s (12th), and -many others also distinguished themselves. The honor -gained by the Infantry was in a great measure owing to -the conduct and bravery of Lieut.-General Ligonier.”</p> -</div> - -<p>It was the practice at this period in all the armies of Europe -to form battalions of <em>Grenadiers</em> of the different regiments -composing the force in the field; it was their -privilege to lead upon all arduous occasions, when they -were ever conspicuous, and suffered the most. The -<em>grenadier</em> company of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -brought only <em>eleven</em> men out of the field of Fontenoy, of -the seventy-five that it took into action, and its captain -and subalterns were killed.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment had Lieut.-Colonel Montague,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span> -Captains Baird and Pollock, Lieutenant Dalway, -four serjeants, and one hundred and twenty-five rank and -file <em>killed</em>; Lieutenants Stafford and Porter, Ensigns -Worsley, Bromley, and Freeman, six serjeants, and one -hundred and thirty rank and file, <em>wounded</em>.</p> - -<p>Tournay made a gallant defence until the 21st of June, -when it surrendered to Marshal Saxe.</p> - -<p>After the battle of Fontenoy the Allied army encamped -at Lessines and Grammont, when a demonstration being -made by the French to attack the Confederates, it was -concentrated at the latter place, in order to receive them. -After exchanging a few cannon-shots, the enemy withdrew, -showing a disposition to surround the Allies, which -determined the Duke of Cumberland to fall back on -Brussels.</p> - -<p>The Confederate generals suspected that the French -would make an attempt upon Ghent, and therefore despatched -Lieut.-General Baron de Molck to Ghent to -reinforce the garrison of that fortress. The troops appointed -for this service were Sir Robert Rich’s (fourth) -dragoons, three squadrons of Slipperbach’s dragoons, and -two squadrons of the regiments of Ligne and Styrum, -and seven hundred hussars; with a battalion of the Royal -regiment of foot, and Bligh’s and <span class="smcap">Handasyd’s</span> regiments -(Twentieth and <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> foot); in all about four -thousand men.</p> - -<p>The Baron de Molck led his column along the cause-way -of Alost, until he reached the Priory of <em>Melle</em> (<em>Pas -du Mésle</em>), when it was suddenly assailed by a volley from -two batteries near the priory, and the next moment from -ten to fifteen thousand French sprang from their concealment -among the trees and surrounded the detachment. -The Baron de Molck attacked them with such resolution, -that he forced a passage, and arrived safely in Ghent with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span> -the fourth dragoons, the Royals, and the hussars. Brigadier -Bligh, finding it impossible to follow the Lieut.-General, -drew off to the right with his own regiment (the -20th), the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, and the Austrian and Dutch dragoons, -forced a passage through the enemy, gained an -adjacent wood, and retired thence to Dendermond, twelve -miles east of Ghent. The loss of the Allies amounted to -about six hundred men. This action, which was fought -on the 9th of July, is called by the French the combat of -<em>La Mésle</em>. In the account of this affair published at the -time, it was stated that “our troops behaved with incredible -bravery, and have acquired immortal honor.” Ghent -was shortly afterwards taken by the French.</p> - -<p>The allied army remained entrenched between Antwerp -and Brussels until the French Marshal had reduced the -chief fortified places in Austrian Flanders.<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></p> - -<p>On the 2nd of September the Grand-Duke of Tuscany -was elected Emperor of Germany, by the title of Francis I. -At this period the rebellion in Scotland began to assume -a formidable aspect. Prince Charles Edward, eldest son -of the Pretender, who had arrived in the Highlands -towards the end of July, had been joined by several clans, -and on the 16th of September proclaimed his father King -of Great Britain, at Edinburgh. The success gained -over the Royal army, under Lieutenant-General Sir John -Cope, at <em>Preston-Pans</em>, on the 21st of September, caused -numerous adherents to flock to the Prince’s standard.</p> - -<p>Several regiments were in consequence recalled from -the Continent, and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, with other corps, -arrived in the river Thames on the 25th of October.<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span></p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, which had been much -reduced by its casualties during the campaigns in Flanders, -did not proceed to Scotland, but remained in the vicinity -of London. The young Pretender marched as far as -Derby, from whence he commenced his retreat to the north -on the 6th of December, as he found but few partisans in -England to join him in his expedition.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1746</div> - -<p>On the 16th of April, 1746, a decisive blow was given -to the hopes of the Pretender by the defeat of the rebels -at <em>Culloden</em>. Prince Charles, after enduring many hardships, -escaped to France.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1747</div> - -<p>Several regiments were now ordered to return to Flanders, -but the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> remained in Great Britain. -On the 2nd of July, 1747, the Duke of Cumberland -engaged the French at <em>Laffeld</em>, or <em>Val</em>, where the Allies -suffered severely from the misconduct of the Dutch troops.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1748</div> - -<p>In the summer of 1748 the Allies again took the field, -but hostilities were at length terminated by the treaty of -Aix-la-Chapelle, which was signed on the 7th of October, -1748. By it all the great treaties, from that of Westphalia -in 1648, which first recognised the principle of a -balance of power in Europe, to that of Vienna in 1738 -were renewed and confirmed. Prussia retained Silesia, -and the Empress-Queen, Maria Theresa, was guaranteed -in the possession of her hereditary dominions, according to -the Pragmatic Sanction. France surrendered her conquests -in Flanders, and England those in the East and -West Indies; all therefore Great Britain gained by the -war was the glory of having supported the German sovereignty -of Maria Theresa, and of having adhered to -former treaties.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1749</div> - -<p>Colonel Henry Holmes was appointed by King -George II. to the Colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span> -on the 8th of May, 1749, in succession to Colonel -Lord Henry Beauclerk, who retired from the service.</p> - -<p>In the year 1749 the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was -embarked for Minorca, where it remained for the three -following years.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1751</div> - -<p>In the Royal Warrant, dated the 1st of July, 1751, for -ensuring uniformity in the clothing, standards, and colours -of the army, and regulating the number and rank of -regiments, the facings of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment were -directed to be <em>Buff</em>. The first, or King’s colour, was the -Great Union; the second, or Regimental colour, was of -<em>Buff</em> silk, with the Union in the upper canton; in the -centre of the colour the number of the rank of the regiment, -in gold Roman characters, within a wreath of roses -and thistles on the same stalk.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1752</div> - -<p>In 1752 the regiment returned to England from -Minorca.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1753<br />1754</div> - -<p>During the years 1753 and 1754 the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment was stationed in England.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1755</div> - -<p>In the year 1755 the regiment proceeded to Scotland, -in which country it remained for seven years.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1756</div> - -<p>While the regiment was stationed in North Britain, -the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle was interrupted by the -aggressions of the French on the British territory in -North America, and early in 1756 the King of France -prepared a powerful armament for the capture of the -island of Minorca. In consequence of this attack on -Minorca, hostilities became inevitable on the part of -Great Britain, and on the 18th of May war was declared -against France.</p> - -<p>The garrison of Minorca, consisting of the 4th, 23rd, -24th, and 34th regiments, after making a noble and -vigorous defence, which called forth the unqualified admiration<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span> -of their opponents, was forced to surrender on -the 29th of June.</p> - -<p>At this period the army and navy were increased, and -among other augmentations, fifteen of the regiments of -infantry were authorised to raise second battalions from -the 25th of August, 1756.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1758</div> - -<p>In 1758 these additional battalions were formed into -distinct corps, and numbered from the sixty-first to the -seventy-fifth regiment. By this arrangement, the second -battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was constituted -the present <em>Seventieth</em> regiment.<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1759</div> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, having been selected to -remain in the United Kingdom, was precluded from -taking a part in <em>The Seven Years’ War</em>, the most memorable -occurrences of which were, the battle of <em>Plassey</em>, gained -in India by Colonel Clive, on the 23rd of June, 1757, -which laid the foundation of the British dominion in -India; in Germany, the battle of <em>Minden</em>, which was -fought on the 1st of August, 1759; in North America, -the capture of <em>Cape Breton</em>, in July, 1758; and the capture -of <em>Quebec</em>, in September, 1759, which cost the life -of the gallant <em>General Wolfe</em>, but which led to the conquest -of <em>Canada</em> in the following year, when <em>Montreal</em>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span> -with the whole of that country, surrendered to General -Amherst, in September, 1760.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1760</div> - -<p>In Germany several hard-fought but indecisive actions -occurred: the battle of Warbourg, on the 31st of July, -1760; the action near the Convent of Campen, on the -16th of October following; and the battle of Kirch -Denkern, or Fellinghausen, on the 15th and 16th of July, -1761. In the following year actions were fought at -Wilhelmstahl and at Amonebourg; the former on the -24th of June, and the latter on the 21st of September.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1762</div> - -<p>On the 4th of January, 1762, war was declared against -Spain; and Martinique, Grenada, St. Vincent, and other -West India islands surrendered to English valour. The -important city of Havannah, in Cuba, also capitulated to -the British arms.</p> - -<p>These successes were followed by a Treaty of Peace, the -preliminary articles of which were signed at Fontainebleau, -by the Duke of Bedford, on the 3rd of November, 1762.</p> - -<p>In June, 1762, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment proceeded -from Scotland to England, where it was stationed during -the two following years.</p> - -<p>On the 20th of August, 1762, Colonel James Adolphus -Oughton, from the fifty-fifth regiment, was appointed by -His Majesty King George III. to the Colonelcy of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, in succession to Lieutenant-General -Henry Holmes, deceased.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1763</div> - -<p>The treaty of Fontainebleau was concluded at Paris on -the 10th of February, the ratifications were exchanged on -the 10th of March, and peace was proclaimed in London -on the 22nd of that month.</p> - -<p>By this treaty, the whole of Canada, part of Louisiana, -together with Cape Breton, and the other islands in the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span> -Gulf of St. Lawrence, were ceded to Great Britain. In -the West Indies, the islands of Tobago, Dominica, St. -Vincent, and Grenada were retained by Great Britain; -but Martinique, Guadaloupe, Marigalante, and St. Lucia -were restored to France. In the East Indies, the French -obtained the restitution of their settlements, but agreed -not to erect any fortifications in Bengal. Minorca was -restored to England in exchange for Belle-Isle, which had -been captured by the British in 1761, and it was stipulated -that the fortifications of Dunkirk should be demolished. -Spain ceded East and West Florida to Great Britain, in -return for the restitution of the Havannah, Manilla, and -all the places which Spain had lost since the commencement -of the war.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1765</div> - -<p>In this year the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was embarked -for Pensacola, the capital of West Florida, which country -had been ceded to Great Britain by Spain at the peace of -Fontainebleau; on the passage out, the transport having -the regiment on board put into Blue-field Bay, Jamaica, -at the time the yellow fever was raging with great violence -in that island; the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> took the infection, and -unfortunately carried it to Pensacola, where the soldiers -continued to suffer most severely; so great was the mortality, -and so rapid the disease in its course, that the regiment -could not supply men to carry their comrades to -the grave. The men who attended the funerals of their -brother soldiers in the morning, while the regiment was -strong enough to preserve some ceremony, were, in -many instances, consigned to the tomb in the evening. -It appears by the newspapers of the period, in which -allusion is made to the mortality, that at one period of its -illness the regiment could muster only a corporal and six -men for duty.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1772</div> - -<p>The regiment remained in the Floridas, garrisoning -alternately St. Augustine and Pensacola, the capitals of -East and West Florida, until the autumn of 1772, when -it was embarked for <em>St. Vincent</em>, to take part in reducing -to submission the refractory Caribs in that island.</p> - -<p>The island of St. Vincent was captured from the -French, in 1762, and was ceded to Great Britain at the -peace concluded in the following year; it contained two -tribes of natives, called the <em>red</em> and <em>black</em> Caribs, the former -being the aborigines, and the latter having sprung from a -cargo of African slaves, who escaped from a vessel which -was wrecked on the island. The Caribs were devoted to -the French interest; they were dangerous and troublesome -neighbours to the English planters, and it was -found necessary to restrain their conduct, and enforce -obedience to a few salutary regulations. They were, -however, of a resolute spirit, possessed many thickly -wooded fastnesses, and resisted all attempts to restrain -their roving propensities and mode of life with such determination, -that it became necessary to augment the military -force on the island. Although they were contemptible -opponents in skill, yet the nature of the climate, -and the natural difficulties of the country, being thickly -wooded where they inhabited, rendered the service extremely -tedious and arduous.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1773</div> - -<p>On the 14th of January, 1773, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -fell into an ambuscade, and sustained some loss; -the commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Ralph -Walsh, was among the killed.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1774</div> - -<p>After the troops had been in the woods for some -months, they at length succeeded, in February, 1774, -in bringing the Caribs to terms, who agreed to -acknowledge the sovereignty of Great Britain, but<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span> -were permitted to preserve their own laws and customs.</p> - -<p>Thus terminated the Carib war. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment returned to England, and was subsequently -stationed in North Britain.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1775</div> - -<p>At this period the unfortunate misunderstanding -between Great Britain and her American colonies, on -the subject of taxation, produced open hostilities. On -the 19th of April the first collision occurred at <em>Lexington</em>, -and on the 17th of June following the battle of -<em>Bunker’s Hill</em> was fought. During the winter <em>Quebec</em> -was besieged by an American Army: this fortress was -gallantly defended by the troops under Lieut.-General -Guy Carleton, and reinforcements were ordered to -proceed from England to Canada.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1776</div> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment proceeded from Glasgow -to Cork, whence it embarked for Canada in April, as -part of the army under Major-General Burgoyne. -The transports arrived at Quebec on the 28th of May, -shortly after the defeat of the Americans by a sortie -of the garrison. Lieut.-General Carleton had pursued -the enemy up the river St. Lawrence, and Major-General -Burgoyne’s force remained only one night at -anchor below Quebec, where orders had been left for -him to follow. He joined at <em>Trois Rivières</em>; part of -the army disembarked and immediately occupied the -villages adjacent to their post on the road to Montreal. -On the 8th of June the Americans attempted to surprise -the post of Trois Rivières, having passed the -river from Sorel with two thousand men.</p> - -<p>Brigadier-General Fraser, who commanded at the -post of <em>Trois Rivières</em>, gave the foe a ready reception, -with such men as he could collect, and, being soon supported<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span> -from the cantonments and the transports, put -the Americans to the rout. The troops pursued the -fugitives along the shore, while the shipping sailed up -the river and intercepted their flight. Major-General -Thompson, the American General, with many officers, -and two hundred men, were taken prisoners.</p> - -<p>On the 14th of June the flotillas and the force on -shore reached Sorel, which the colonists had evacuated -a few hours before; Major-General Burgoyne continued -the pursuit as far as St. John’s, where the -troops from the transports under Major-General -Phillips joined him, and soon afterwards an additional -reinforcement under Brigadier-General Fraser.</p> - -<p>All hope of accommodation now failed; on the 4th of -July the American Congress issued their Declaration of -Independence, and abjured their allegiance to the -Crown of Great Britain. By this Declaration the -name of <em>colonies</em> was abolished, and the <em>thirteen</em> provinces, -namely, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, -Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, -Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South -Carolina, and Georgia, were constituted the <em>United -States</em> of America.</p> - -<p>The whole of Major-General Burgoyne’s army was -assembled by the end of July at St. John’s, where it -remained encamped during the naval operations on -Lake Champlain. After the defeat of the American -fleet, on the 11th of October, the weather becoming too -severe for further operations in the field, the troops returned -to Canada. The posts occupied by the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment during the winter were Sorel, St. -Charles, St. Denis, St. Anthony, and St. Ours.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1777</div> - -<p>Major-General Burgoyne, who had proceeded to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span> -England to submit to the Government a plan for the -ensuing campaign, arrived in Canada in May, 1777, -empowered to carry it out. An army, composed of -British, Dutch, and Colonial Corps, with the <em>flank</em> -companies of the regiments left to garrison Quebec -(among which was the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment), -amounting to nearly eight thousand men, was equipped -and in the field by the 1st of July.</p> - -<p>The flank companies of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, commanded -by Captains Cotton and Simpson, formed, with the -other flank companies and the twenty-fourth regiment, -the advance of the army under Brigadier-General -Fraser. <em>Ticonderago</em> was first attacked, and -the Provincials were forced to evacuate that post.</p> - -<p>Major-General Burgoyne’s plan was to penetrate -the United States from Lake Champlain to the river -Hudson, and advance upon Albany, with the view of -reducing that country to submission. While Major-General -Burgoyne moved towards the lake by <em>Skenesborough</em>, -a short distance inland from South Bay, where -an action occurred on the 6th of July, Brigadier-General -Fraser, with the advance, followed the Provincial -troops towards <em>Castleton</em>, and on the following day -commenced an action by detaching his light companies -to occupy a height commanding their flank. The -American General observing this movement detached -a force to prevent the British obtaining possession of -this post. A sharp action ensued, and the Americans -retreated with much loss to Huberton, where, meeting -with a reinforcement, they made a stand in good order. -Brigadier-General Fraser attacked them with great -vigour, but not having half their number, made no -impression upon them, until Major-General Reidesel,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span> -commanding the Dutch, arrived, when their flank being -turned, the Americans retreated, leaving two hundred -dead on the field, among whom was Colonel Francis, -their commander.</p> - -<p>The flank companies were hotly engaged in this -affair. Brigadier-General Fraser had but 850 men in -the beginning of the day, while the enemy amounted -to 2000.</p> - -<p>When Major-General Burgoyne joined, he pursued -the Americans to Fort Anne and Fort Edward, notwithstanding -the natural difficulties of the road, which -the enemy increased by every possible means that -could be devised. The Americans retreated from Fort -Edward to Saratoga, and abandoning Fort George, -left the navigation of Lake George open to Major-General -Burgoyne.</p> - -<p>General Arnold was now appointed to command the -Americans in the British front, and, forming at Saratoga, -fell back to <em>Stillwater</em>. Major-General Burgoyne -remained at Fort Edward in great want of provisions -and of means to advance; a detachment sent to procure -supplies was completely cut off at Bennington, while -Lieut.-Colonel St. Leger was compelled to raise the -siege of Fort Stanwix, leaving behind his equipage -and baggage.</p> - -<p>The Americans, greatly elated by these circumstances, -had assembled a large body under Major-General -Gates at <em>Stillwater</em>. Small parties having -been detached to Lieut.-General Burgoyne’s<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> rear, -were in some measure successful, and his communication -being thus threatened, notwithstanding his difficulties,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span> -arising from want of resources, he resolved to -advance, and at all hazards to attempt a junction with -the troops under Lieut.-General Sir Henry Clinton, -taking with him thirty days’ provisions. Lieut.-General -Burgoyne crossed the river Hudson on the 13th and -14th of September by a bridge of rafts, which had once -been swept away, and on the 18th arrived at <em>Stillwater</em>, -before the enemy’s position, which he attacked at two -o’clock in the afternoon of the 19th of September, when -a severe and indecisive action ensued. Both parties -held their respective positions, and entrenched themselves -within them. The British General, confined -between two rivers by a stronger force than his own, -continued within his lines and redoubts until the 7th -of October, and when nearly destitute of provisions, -determined to make another effort to extricate his -troops; 1500 British, with twelve pieces of artillery, -commanded by Lieut.-General Burgoyne in person, -moved in advance towards the American position, and -formed his right wing, while a body of light companies -and Indians were placed under cover to act upon the -enemy’s rear when he should be sufficiently advanced. -General Gates, observing this separation of wings, instantly -attacked the left wing with a view to cut off -all chance of a junction; the British grenadiers were -in this wing, and behaved with great gallantry. -General Arnold attacked the British right, and Brigadier-General -Fraser threw the light companies into a -second line, in rear of the right wing, to cover its -retreat upon the left. While this movement was -taking place, the left of the right wing doubled to the -rear. Brigadier-General Fraser led the light infantry -to its support, but was mortally wounded; not, however,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span> -before his brave troops gave the right wing time -to recover, and secured Lieut.-General Burgoyne’s -retreat to his camp. The Americans pushed on, and -obtained an entrance into the British lines: night put -an end to the action.</p> - -<p>During the night Lieut.-General Burgoyne removed -his position to higher ground in his rear. General -Gates distributed his corps to surround the British, -and Lieut.-General Burgoyne once more tried a new -position, retiring on <em>Saratoga</em>, and abandoning his -baggage and provisions, as well as his hospital with -300 sick. He reached Saratoga safely, the Americans -having been delayed in their pursuit by bad weather: -a detachment, sent to observe the British, succeeded -in reaching the place, but withdrew on the appearance -of Lieut.-General Burgoyne’s force. Sending a detachment -with workmen to examine and repair the roads, -Lieut.-General Burgoyne resolved to continue his -retreat to Fort George. The detachment, which was -of regular troops, had scarcely marched, when the -Americans appeared in force; it was instantly recalled, -and the hope of rendering the roads passable for artillery -was abandoned. The British patrols reported -that every avenue of escape was in possession of the -enemy; the men were worn down with fatigue and -hunger, having been for some time on a reduced allowance, -and but three days’ provisions remained. Under -these circumstances Lieut.-General Burgoyne was constrained -to treat with Major-General Gates, and obtaining -honorable terms, capitulated on the 17th of -October. The troops, of which the <em>grenadier</em> and <em>light -companies</em> of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> formed part, laid down -their arms on condition of being sent to England; and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span> -they engaged not to serve again in North America -during the war.</p> - -<p>The American government violated the conditions -of the convention, and detained the troops until the -year 1781.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1778<br />1779</div> - -<p>In 1778 the French monarch sent a numerous fleet -under the Count D’Estaing, having on board a large -body of troops, to the assistance of the Americans; in -1779 the court of Spain commenced hostilities against -Great Britain, and this example was followed by the -Dutch.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1780</div> - -<p>Major-General Thomas Clarke, from the Coldstream -Guards, was appointed, on the 3rd of May, 1780, to -the Colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, in succession -to Lieut.-General Sir James Adolphus Oughton, -K.B., deceased.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1781</div> - -<p>The <em>battalion</em> companies of the regiment had remained -in Canada, where they eventually were joined -by the <em>flank</em> companies. On the 12th of March, 1781, -the <em>light company</em> was detached to Lake Champlain, -with a view of reconnoitring the neighbourhood, and -effecting the destruction of the military stores left at -Ticonderago by Lieut.-General Burgoyne. The object -was partly accomplished, and Captain Andrew Ross, -who commanded the company, gained great credit for -the skill and conduct he displayed in this difficult -enterprise. The party consisted, in addition to the -<em>light company</em> of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, of men selected -from the different Provincial corps, with a few Indians. -It was in the spring of the year, when the ice was -breaking up, and the operations were attended with -difficulties and great privations. The men suffered so -severely from fatigue, that the Provincials and Indians<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span> -dropped off by degrees, and the party was reduced, on -its return, to the <em>light company</em> only.</p> - -<p>During July the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was encamped -on the Plain of Abraham, memorable as the -scene of the British victory over the French under the -Marquis de Montcalm, on the 13th September, 1759, -by which Quebec was gained to England, and in which -battle the celebrated Major-General Wolfe lost his life.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1782</div> - -<p>In October, 1781, the British army under Lieut.-General -the Earl Cornwallis, after a gallant defence -against the combined French and American forces, -was compelled to surrender to General Washington at -York-Town. The enormous expense of carrying on -the war with America, so distant from the seat of -preparation and power, with the other evils attending -this memorable and ever-to-be regretted contest, were -so apparent, that the desire for peace became general, -and King George III. at length conceded the Independence -of the United States. The Preliminary -Articles of Peace were signed at Paris on the 30th of -November, 1782, by the Commissioners of the King of -Great Britain and by those of the American Congress, -and the Treaty was concluded in the ensuing February.</p> - -<p>While the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> was stationed in Canada, -a letter, dated the 31st of August, 1782, conveyed to -the regiment His Majesty’s pleasure that <em>County-titles</em> -should be given to the regiments of infantry, and the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> was directed to assume the name of the -<span class="smcap">Huntingdonshire</span> regiment, in order that a connexion -between the corps and that county should be cultivated, -which might be useful in furthering the success of the -recruiting service.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1783</div> - -<p>The preliminaries of the treaties between England,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span> -France, and Spain, were signed at Versailles on the -20th of January, 1783. St. Lucia was restored to -France, also the settlements on the river Senegal, and -the city of Pondicherry in the East Indies. France -relinquished all her West India conquests, with the -exception of Tobago; Spain retained Minorca (which -she had captured in the previous year) and West -Florida; East Florida was ceded in exchange for the -restitution of the Bahamas to Great Britain.</p> - -<p>On the 2nd of September, 1783, were signed the -Preliminary Articles of Peace with Holland, the peace -with that country having been postponed in consequence -of the Dutch claiming an indemnification for the -expenses of the war, and the restoration of Trincomalee, -in Ceylon, which had been captured from the Dutch by -the English, in January, 1782, and retaken by the -French in August following. The place was, however, -restored to Holland.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1787</div> - -<p>After eleven years’ service in North America, the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment embarked, on the 4th of October, -1787, at Quebec, and on the 7th of November -landed at Portsmouth.</p> - -<p>During the two following years the regiment remained -in Great Britain.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1789</div> - -<p>In the year 1789 was effected the French Revolution; -the Bastile was stormed by the Parisians on the 14th of -July, and the Governor put to death. The National -Assembly passed several decrees abolishing all the relies -of the feudal system. On the 20th of August a declaration -of rights was agreed on to serve as the basis of the -French constitution. A national force was embodied, -and no vestige of the old government remained, except -a King without power, and a Court without splendour.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span></p> - -<p>In the summer of 1789 two British vessels were -seized by the commander of a Spanish frigate at -Nootka Sound, on the western coast of North America, -where a settlement had recently been established for -carrying on the fur-trade with the natives. The settlement -was taken possession of by Spain, and the British -crews were made prisoners. The Government, on -receiving this intelligence, called upon the Court of -Madrid to make satisfaction for these injuries, and -great preparations were made for war by both countries.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1790</div> - -<p>Accordingly in July, 1790, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -embarked at Spithead on board the fleet to -perform its <em>original</em> service of <span class="smcap">Marines</span>, in the event of -a war with Spain, which appeared probable. The -negotiations were protracted to a considerable length of -time, but on the 28th of October a convention was -entered into, by which Spain agreed to make reparation -for the injuries sustained, and to restore Nootka.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1791</div> - -<p>In July, 1791, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was sent -hastily to Birmingham, to aid in the suppression of -very serious disturbances, which broke out there in -consequence of the celebration of the anniversary of the -French Revolution, on the 14th of July, 1791, by a -party of the “Friends of Freedom,” at a tavern. The -populace destroyed the house and chapel of Dr. Priestley, -the eminent philosopher, and burned many of the -dwellings of those suspected to be friendly to the -French cause. The troops employed were praised for -their regularity and forbearance on this occasion.</p> - -<p>When order had been restored in Birmingham, an -outbreak among the miners at Whitehaven called for -the assistance of the military, and the regiment was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span> -again employed in the delicate as well as unpleasant -duty of aiding the civil power in the suppression of -riot.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1792</div> - -<p>Major-General James Stuart was appointed from the -half-pay of the Ninetieth regiment to the Colonelcy -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment on the 8th of February, -1792, in succession to Lieutenant-General Thomas -Clarke, removed to the Thirtieth regiment.</p> - -<p>On the 17th of April, 1792, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -embarked at Port Patrick for Ireland.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1793</div> - -<p>Colonel Henry Lord Mulgrave, from the Grenadier -Guards, was appointed Colonel of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment on the 8th of February, 1793, in succession -to Major-General James Stuart, deceased. His Lordship -subsequently assumed the command of the -regiment at Waterford, as its Colonel; and, after -inspecting the corps in the field, entertained the officers -at dinner.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Louis XVI. had been decapitated, and -the progress of democracy menaced Europe with universal -anarchy. On the 1st of February the National -Convention of France declared war against Great -Britain and Holland, and the British Government -prepared for hostilities. A large army was sent, under -the command of the Duke of York, to join the Austrian -and Prussian allies. Several engagements occurred, -and the French gained possession of the -Austrian Netherlands. Holland opened her principal -towns to the enemy, and they were garrisoned by -French troops.</p> - -<p>In September, 1793, the <em>flank</em> companies of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment embarked for Barbadoes, for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span> -the purpose of taking part in the capture of the French -West India Islands.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1794</div> - -<p>In the beginning of 1794 an armament was assembled -at Barbadoes, of which the <em>flank</em> companies of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> formed part, and early in February the -expedition, under Admiral Sir John Jervis and General -Sir Charles (afterwards Earl) Grey, sailed for <em>Martinique</em>. -After some sharp fighting the island was taken -possession of by General Sir Charles Grey, on the 22nd -of March.<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p> - -<p>From Martinique the <em>grenadiers</em>, under Prince Edward -(afterwards Duke of Kent), the <em>light</em> infantry, -under Major-General Dundas, and three other regiments, -embarked on the 30th of March for <em>St. Lucia</em>, -where they arrived on the 1st of April, and the conquest -of that island was effected in three days; His -Royal Highness Prince Edward, with his brigade of -grenadiers, and Major-General Dundas, with his brigade -of light infantry, taking possession of St. Lucia on the -4th of April. The flank companies of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment were afterwards employed in the reduction -of the island of <em>Guadaloupe</em>. A determined -resistance was made by the enemy; but the island was -captured by the 20th of April.</p> - -<p>France did not view with indifference the loss of -these valuable possessions, and in June a French armament -arrived at <em>Guadaloupe</em> for the recovery of that -island. The light company, under Brevet Lieut.-Colonel -Andrew Ross, highly distinguished itself on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span> -night of the 13th of June, in attacking the enemy near -<em>Point-à-Petre</em>. General Sir Charles Grey stated in his -despatch:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Brevet Major Ross,<a id="FNanchor_22" href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, -who was with the light infantry, behaved with great -gallantry and good conduct on this occasion, as he has -done on every other.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The light company also participated in a night attack -on Fort <em>Fleur d’Epée</em> between the 25th and 26th of -June; on the day following, Brigadier-General Symes, -with the grenadiers and light infantry, attacked the -enemy, who was driven to Morne Mascot, where he again -made resistance, but being charged with the bayonet, -he fled into Fort Fleur d’Epée.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Ross, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, commanded -the second battalion of light infantry on these occasions.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Colin Graham, of the twenty-first -Royal North British Fusiliers, was appointed to the -command of the troops in Basse Terre, and he -defended <em>Berville</em> camp with the utmost gallantry until -the 6th of October, when he was forced to surrender,—his -force having become reduced by excessive exertion, -and the unhealthiness of the climate, to one hundred -and twenty-five rank and file fit for duty.</p> - -<p>The troops at Guadaloupe suffered severely from the -climate, and the arduous duties they had to perform,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span> -and could only muster 389 soldiers fit for duty on the -1st of September.<a id="FNanchor_23" href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></p> - -<p>By the articles of capitulation the British troops -were to march out with the honors of war, and it was -agreed to send the garrison to England on board -French ships, as soon as transports were ready. The -latter part of the agreement was not, however, complied -with, as they remained prisoners for more than -a year afterwards, during which time many of them -died. The garrison consisted of the flank companies of -the 17th, 31st, and 34th regiments; the 39th, 43rd, -56th (three companies), and 65th regiments. Their -loss in the different actions between the 27th of September -and the 6th of October amounted to two -officers killed and five wounded; twenty-five non-commissioned -officers and privates killed, and fifty-one -wounded.</p> - -<p>During the year 1794 Lieutenants Davies, Mackenzie,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span> -and Williams, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, died of -fever contracted in the West Indies.</p> - -<p>The whole island of Guadaloupe, with the exception -of Fort Matilda, had been recaptured by the French: -this fort was defended by the troops under Lieut.-General -Prescott until the 10th of December, when -it was evacuated by the British.</p> - -<p>On the 12th of July, 1794, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment embarked at Wexford for England, disembarked -at Bristol, and marched thence to Southampton.</p> - -<p>The regiment, on the 25th of July, 1794, was -augmented to ten battalion and two flank companies; -and on the 17th of August following embarked for -Holland, where it was stationed at Middleburg and -Flushing, in the island of Walcheren, but was not -employed on any particular duty.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1795</div> - -<p>In this year the regiment returned to England, and -landed at Plymouth on the 27th of February, 1795.</p> - -<p>A camp was formed in the month of August, at -Nursling, near Southampton, which the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment joined on the 25th of that month, and received -a reinforcement to its strength in drafts from -the 43rd, 88th, 92nd, and 94th regiments, which raised -its establishment to 1000 rank and file, with a second -lieutenant-colonel, a major, and one additional lieutenant -to each company, besides two recruiting -companies.</p> - -<p>On the 25th of October, 1795, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment embarked for the West Indies, as part of the -armament which had been prepared for the deliverance -of the French West India Islands from the power of -republicanism, and to reduce to obedience the insurgents -of St. Vincent and Grenada. The expedition,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span> -commanded by Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby, -sailed with the immense fleet, under the -convoy of a squadron of the Royal Navy, commanded -by Rear-Admiral Sir Hugh Christian. The troops -amounted to about 25,000 men, in the highest state of -equipment; and the armament on quitting the British -shores presented a magnificent spectacle, calculated to -impress the mind with a just idea of the power of -England; but it unfortunately happened that the -voyage had been delayed until a very late period of the -year; three attempts were made to get under weigh, -and each was prevented by the violence of the weather: -many ships were driven from their anchors and -stranded.</p> - -<p>Three hundred sail got under weigh on the 11th of -November, when an accident to the Admiral rendered -the attempt of no avail. On the 15th another endeavour -was overcome by the tempestuous weather. -At length the fleet sailed, but it had scarcely got clear -of the Isle of Wight, when another severe storm obliged -the vessels that had ridden through it with safety to -return to Portsmouth.</p> - -<p>With great difficulty and exertion Admiral Christian -collected the remainder of his convoy, and again sailed -on the 9th of December, but four days afterwards a -storm destroyed many of the transports, and so scattered -the fleet as to render a re-union impossible.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1796</div> - -<p>Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby sailed in -the “Arethusa” frigate, with such vessels as could be -collected, and on the 14th of March, 1796, arrived at -Barbadoes.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, having weathered the -storm, which had dispersed the fleet in the Channel,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span> -proceeded on the voyage, but was unable to make good -the passage, and on the 5th of February, 1796, after -being six weeks at sea struggling against the violent -tempests, the regiment was landed at Gosport, whence -it marched to Poole, in Dorsetshire; the regiment was -not long inactive, as on the 19th of March it was -again on board ship at Southampton, and proceeded -to its original destination.</p> - -<p>On the 1st of May the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> arrived off -the island of <em>St. Lucia</em>, on which Lieut.-General Sir -Ralph Abercromby had already effected a landing. -The regiment disembarked immediately, under the -command of Lieut.-Colonel Hay, and was cantoned -near the point of disembarkation at Choc Bay. The -fortress of <em>Morne Fortunée</em> was invested by Lieut.-General -Sir Ralph Abercromby; <em>Morne Chabot</em>, another -strong position, having been carried with great gallantry -by Brigadier-General (afterwards Sir John) -Moore.</p> - -<p>The batteries against <em>Morne Fortunée</em> were opened -on the 14th of May, and on the night of the 17th the -strong outpost of <em>La Vigie</em> was assaulted. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment marched from its position, near Choc -Bay, at sunset, for the purpose of a night-attack upon -this post, which was remarkably strong. It formed a -peninsula, accessible only by a narrow isthmus, and -commanded the entrance on one side of the Carenage -harbour. The post was defended by two batteries; -the first placed midway upon the acclivity, and the -second on the summit of the height. The approaches -to both were by a circuitous path, and the guide who -accompanied the regiment was mortally wounded by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span> -the first fire from the enemy’s piquet stationed on the -isthmus. The regiment, being ignorant of the country, -missed the proper direction. Lieut.-Colonel Hay -ordered it to ascend the hill <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en force</i>, which was done, -although attended with great difficulty from the precipitous -nature of the ground. The first battery was -gallantly carried by storm, and the enemy retired to -the higher one. The regiment was unfortunately -separated in the ascent, and was unable to make a -concentrated and effectual attack upon the works that -crowned the height, which it nevertheless, in spite of all -obstacles, bravely attempted, but the enemy’s grape-shot -took such effect that the regiment was obliged to -withdraw, after a severe struggle.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> had Captains Johnson and Walker, -four serjeants, and eighty rank and file <em>killed</em>; Lieut.-Colonels -Hay and Arbuthnot, Captains Murray and -Sorrell, Lieutenants Sullivan and Hawkshaw, four -serjeants, and one hundred and twenty-one rank and -file <em>wounded</em>.</p> - -<p>On the 25th of May the island of St. Lucia capitulated, -and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, forty-fourth, forty-eighth, -and fifty-fifth regiments, under Brigadier-General -Moore, were selected to occupy the place. -The possession of the island was not a quiet one; small -bodies of French, who had deserted from the different -fortresses at their capitulation, withdrew into the -interior, and joined the runaway slaves and Caribs; -taking advantage of the impenetrable nature of the -country, they formed themselves into bands for the -purpose of molesting the British, and plundering the -planters and other residents of the island. Brigadier-General<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span> -Moore took the field, and penetrated with his -force into the wildest quarters of the mountains, in -order to eradicate these predatory bands.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> was employed on this harassing -duty, and suffered much from fatigue, privation, and -continual exposure; on the service being concluded, -the regiment went into quarters at <em>Vieux Fort</em>, and -other posts, when it became so unhealthy that the -authorities were compelled to remove the corps from -the island. The deaths among the men were for a -time sixteen each day; on the embarkation of the regiment, -on the 22nd of December, for Barbadoes, it had -scarcely a soldier fit for duty; and on its disembarkation -there, six days afterwards, it became necessary -to send the entire regiment into hospital, which was -the <em>second</em> time the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> had been rendered -unserviceable from sickness, the corps having suffered -in a similar manner while stationed in Florida in the -year 1765.</p> - -<p>During the year 1796 the regiment had lost seventeen -officers, and eight hundred and seventy men, -including those who fell in the attack of <em>La Vigie</em>, in -St. Lucia.</p> - -<p>In the previous year Prussia had concluded a peace -with the French republic, and, in consequence of the -United Provinces of Holland having leagued with -France, England had taken possession of the Cape of -Good Hope; in February, 1796, the island of Ceylon -was also captured from the Dutch by Great Britain. -The former allies of England now became converted -into enemies. War was declared by Holland, which -had been constituted the Batavian republic, against -Great Britain in May, and Spain followed the example<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span> -in October. In the same month <ins class="corr" id="tn-54" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'Lord Malmsbury'"> -Lord Malmesbury</ins> was sent to Paris to negotiate a peace on the part of the -British Government, but the French insisted upon -retaining, as integral parts of the republic, the conquests -lately made: these terms could not be acceded to consistently -with the general interests of Europe, and -the negotiation was discontinued.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1797</div> - -<p>On the 14th of February, 1797, the combined fleets of -France and Spain were defeated off Cape St. Vincent, -by Admiral Sir John Jervis, afterwards created Earl -St. Vincent, on account of this glorious victory, for -which the honor of knighthood was also conferred on -Commodore (afterwards Admiral Viscount) Nelson. On -the 18th of February the Spanish island of Trinidad -surrendered to a British force under Lieut.-General -Sir Ralph Abercromby.</p> - -<p>In April, 1797, Austria signed the preliminaries of -peace with the French Republic, and, in July, Lord -Malmesbury was sent a second time to negotiate a treaty, -but the demands of the French Directory rendered the -attempt abortive.</p> - -<p>In the year 1797 the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, greatly -reduced in numbers, embarked for England and landed -at Gravesend in July; it mustered only <em>eighty-five</em> men, -including serjeants, drummers, and rank and file. -Shortly after disembarkation the regiment marched to -Doncaster, and remained at stations between that place, -Hull, and York, for the two following years.</p> - -<p>In this year alarming mutinies occurred on board the -fleet at Spithead and the Nore, but the British seamen -nobly redeemed their character on the 11th of October, -1797, in the victory gained by Admiral Duncan (who -was in consequence created Viscount Duncan), over the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span> -Dutch fleet, off Camperdown, which was proceeding -to join that of the French at Brest.</p> - -<p>On the 17th of October the definitive treaty of -peace between Austria and the French republic was -signed at Campo Formio, so that Great Britain was -left to continue the contest single-handed with France -and her allies.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1798</div> - -<p>The threat of invasion, renewed by France, called -forth the patriotic feelings of the British nation; the -militia force was increased, and volunteer corps were -formed in every part of the kingdom.</p> - -<p>Napoleon Bonaparte, against whose legions in the -Peninsula, in subsequent years, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -acquired great renown, was now rising step by -step to that Imperial sway which he afterwards attained. -The French Directory, jealous of his ambition, -sent him on the expedition to Egypt, with the view of -acting from that country against the British empire in -India. Napoleon took Alexandria by storm, and soon -established himself at Cairo. The Sublime Porte, incensed -by the invasion of Egypt, declared war against -France, and formed an alliance with Russia. The fleet, -which had conveyed the expedition to Egypt, was -almost destroyed by Admiral Nelson in <em>Aboukir Bay</em> -on the 1st of August. So large a portion of the French -army being thus secluded in a distant land, gave fresh -impulse to the Allies, and in November the island of -<em>Minorca</em> surrendered to the British arms. In December -the co-operation of Russia against France was -secured by Great Britain.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1799</div> - -<p>At this period of the war the soldiers of the English -militia regiments were permitted to extend their -services to the regular army;—the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span> -received eight hundred and fifty-three volunteers -from the militia.</p> - -<p>In March, 1799, war was declared by the French -Directory against Austria, and the combined Austrian -and Russian armies were so successful as to recover -the greater portion of Italy.</p> - -<p>In August, 1799, a corresponding attempt was made -by Great Britain to recover Holland from the dominion -of France, and a numerous army was selected to proceed -to that country, under His Royal Highness the -Duke of York. Previously to the arrival of the Duke -of York, the army was commanded by Lieut.-General -Sir Ralph Abercromby, K.B., with the local rank of -General.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment marched to Deal, embarked -for Holland on the 8th of September, and -arrived at the Helder on the 15th of the same month. -The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> and other regiments were embarked -after the departure of General Sir Ralph Abercromby, -in order to reinforce his army. The Duke of York, -having preceded these additional troops by two days, was -already in command of the army, which was intrenched -in the advance of the Helder on the Zuype, in which -lines Sir Ralph Abercromby had, on the 10th of September, -near the village of <em>Crabbendam</em>, repulsed the -attack of the French and Dutch under General Brune.</p> - -<p>Immediately on landing, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> marched -to the lines, and joined Major-General the Earl of -Chatham’s brigade, in the division of General Sir -Ralph Abercromby, on the 15th of September. -The Duke of York, having been reinforced by the -expected arrival of a corps of twelve thousand Russians, -under Lieut.-General Hermann, resolved on attacking<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span> -the French position in advance of <em>Alkmaar</em>, reaching -from Zuyder-Zee on the right, to Camperdown on the -left, and embracing the town of Bergen.</p> - -<p>The attack was made on the 19th of September, in -four columns: the right, formed entirely of Russians, -under Lieut.-General Hermann, moved on Bergen; -the centre divisions, under Lieut.-General Dundas -and Lieut.-General Sir James Pulteney, forced the -village and post of Oude Carspel, on the road to -Alkmaar; while the left column, in which was the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, under General Sir Ralph -Abercromby, advanced to the capture of Hoorne.</p> - -<p>The point of attack selected for Sir Ralph Abercromby’s -division being at a considerable distance -beyond the extent of the line, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, -and other regiments, marched at eight o’clock on -the night of the 18th of September, and the movement -was performed with such skill and secrecy, that -Hoorne was surprised and carried on the following -morning without loss, which placed the French position -in considerable peril. The Russians having failed in -holding Bergen, after having entered it in gallant -style, rendered it impossible for the centre division to -continue in possession of the posts it had acquired. -The British troops were therefore withdrawn to their -former lines upon the Zuype, to which the Russians -had retreated. Hoorne was evacuated, and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, -with the other regiments of Sir Ralph Abercromby’s -division, returned on the night of the 19th of -September to the ground they had quitted on the -former evening.</p> - -<p>From the 20th of September until the 1st of -October, both armies remained within their intrenchments,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span> -strengthening their lines of defence; the French -had received reinforcements, and had inundated a -large tract of country on their right by cutting the -sluices, thus contracting the ground of operations to -six or seven miles.</p> - -<p>The Duke of York, on the 2nd of October, made -another attack on the French position between <em>Bergen</em> -and <em>Egmont-op-Zee</em>. The combined attacks were made -in four columns; the division under General Sir -Ralph Abercromby, being on the right, marched -along the beach. The left of the French army was -posted and concentrated about Bergen, a large village -surrounded by extensive woods, through which passed -the great road leading to Haarlem; between which -and the sea was an extensive region of high sand-hills -impassable for artillery. Behind the sand-hills, and to -the enemy’s right, through the whole extent of North -Holland, lies a wet and low country, intersected with -dykes, canals, and ditches. The French centre was -supported by the town of Alkmaar. The battle soon -became serious in front of <em>Bergen</em>, upon which Lieut.-General -Dundas had been ordered to proceed.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Sir Ralph Abercromby had passed -Bergen in order to turn the position of the French at -<em>Alkmaar</em>, and overcame every opposition until he -reached <em>Egmont-op-Zee</em>, which post was occupied in -great numbers, and gallantly defended. Sir Ralph -Abercromby, however, here overthrew a corps of the -French army, and wheeling his division to the left, -turned the enemy’s position at <em>Bergen</em>, upon which -General Brune, the commander-in-chief of the French -and Batavian army, fell back, taking up an equally -strong position at a short distance to the rear.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span></p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment had an opportunity of -distinguishing itself particularly throughout this -arduous contest, which lasted from six in the morning -until the same hour in the evening. In the attack of -Bergen, the regiment took two pieces of artillery from -the enemy; the corps on the right frequently charged -with the bayonet, and lost a great number of men. -The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment had one serjeant and -twenty-seven rank and file <em>killed</em>; Captain Smith, -Ensign King, and fifty-five rank and file <em>wounded</em>.</p> - -<p>During the night of the 2nd of October, Bergen -and Egmont-op-Zee were evacuated by the enemy.</p> - -<p>The army remained during the night on the ground -it held at the close of the battle, and on the 3rd of -October <em>Alkmaar</em> was occupied by detachments of -British troops. On the 6th of October, the advanced -posts in front of Alkmaar, Egmont-op-Hooff, and -Egmont-op-Zee, were pushed forward, preparatory to -a general forward movement. At first little opposition -was shown, and the British took possession of some -villages, and of a position on the sand-hills near Wyck-op-Zee; -but the column of Russian troops, under the -command of Major-General D’Essen, in endeavouring -to gain a height in front of their intended advanced -post at Baccum, was vigorously opposed, and afterwards -attacked by a strong body of the enemy.</p> - -<p>This movement obliged General Sir Ralph Abercromby -to move up in support with the reserve of -his corps; the French advanced their whole force; -the action became general along the whole line from -Limmen to the sea, and was maintained with great -obstinacy on both sides until night, when the enemy -retired, leaving the British masters of the field of battle.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span> -The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, on the 6th of October, -had Lieutenant Forster, one serjeant, and thirty-five -rank and file <em>killed</em>; Captain Pickering, Lieutenants -Mullins, Walker, Ball, Ensigns Williams and -Johnson, three serjeants, and eighty-four rank and file -<em>wounded</em>.</p> - -<p>In the meantime the French army had been reinforced; -the state of the weather, the ruined condition -of the roads, the total want of the necessary supplies, -offered great obstacles; besides which, the efforts -which had been made for the liberation of Holland -were not seconded by the Dutch people, so that it was -determined to withdraw the British army. A convention -was ultimately concluded with General Brune at -Alkmaar, on the 18th of October.</p> - -<p>On the 16th of November the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -embarked at the Texel, and landed at Deal three days -afterwards, when it marched immediately to Canterbury, -where the effects of the Dutch campaign began -to be perceptible. Before the army left Holland -dysentery had broken out among the men, arising from -their exposure to the damp and fogs natural to the -country. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> lost a great number of -men, from this cause, while stationed at Canterbury.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1800</div> - -<p>On the 15th of May, 1800, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -embarked at Dover for Ireland, landed at Cove -on the 6th of June, and marched directly to Cork, where -a force was collecting for a secret service, to which it -was added. On the 27th of June the embarkation -took place, and on the 8th of July the armament -reached the Bay of Quiberon; the twenty-third, <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, -fifty-second, and sixty-third regiments landed on -the Isle de Houat, where they remained encamped,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span> -under the command of Brigadier-General the Honorable -Thomas Maitland, until the 19th of August, -when they again embarked and joined the expedition -under Lieut.-General Sir James Pulteney, destined -for the coast of Spain. A landing was effected at -<em>Ferrol</em> on the 25th of August; the troops advanced to -the heights which overlook the town, and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -had some skirmishing with the enemy’s piquets. -After viewing the town and its defences, Sir James -Pulteney abandoned the idea of attacking the place; -the troops were re-embarked on the following morning, -and the fleet sailed for Vigo, where it arrived on the -27th of August. Here General Sir Ralph Abercromby -joined with other troops, and assumed the -command of the whole force. After remaining in Vigo -Bay for some time, the fleet sailed for Cadiz, where it -arrived on the 3rd of October. Sir Ralph Abercromby -summoned the Governor to surrender, but an epidemic -fever was raging in the city, and the fleet quitted the -coast for fear of infection, and proceeded to Gibraltar.</p> - -<p>At this period General Sir Ralph Abercromby -received orders from the British Government to -proceed to Egypt; but the three battalions of the -ninth foot, the second battalion of the twenty-seventh, -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, and two battalions of the fifty-second -regiment, being composed principally of volunteers from -the militia, whose conditions of enlistment limited their -services to time and place, were not available for the -expedition to Egypt: they were accordingly ordered to -proceed to Lisbon, where they arrived on the 27th of -November, having suffered much from confinement on -board ship, and the use of salt provisions.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1801</div> - -<p>On the 27th of January, 1801, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span> -again at sea, and on the 14th of February disembarked -at Minorca, which had surrendered to Great Britain in -November, 1798; this island was restored to Spain at -the Peace of 1802.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1802</div> - -<p>The successes of the British arms in Egypt, by which -the French were expelled from that country, were -followed by a Treaty of Peace, which was signed on the -27th of March, 1802, at Amiens, between the French -Republic, Spain, and the Batavian Republic, on the -one part, and Great Britain on the other. The principal -features of the treaty were, that Great Britain restored -all her conquests during the war, excepting Trinidad -and Ceylon, which were ceded to her, the former by -Spain, and the latter by the Batavian Republic. -Portugal was maintained in its integrity, excepting -that some of its possessions in Guiana were ceded to -France. The territories of the Ottoman Porte were -likewise maintained in their integrity. The Ionian -Republic was recognised, and Malta was to be restored -to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. The French -agreed to evacuate the Neapolitan and Roman states, -and Great Britain all the ports that she held in the -Adriatic and the Mediterranean.</p> - -<p>In May, 1802, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment sailed from -Minorca for England, and early in June landed at -Portsmouth, on the 19th of which month it was reduced -to the Peace Establishment.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1803</div> - -<p>In the year 1803 the regiment was removed to -Jersey.<a id="FNanchor_24" href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span></p> - -<p>Napoleon Bonaparte was now approaching the zenith -of his power: the unsettled state of affairs in France -had induced him to quit his army in Egypt, and on -his return the Directory was abolished, Bonaparte -being appointed First Consul of the French Republic. -This occurred in 1799, and in the following year -Europe was astounded by his daring passage of the -Alps, followed by the victory of Marengo, which caused -Austria to sue for peace.</p> - -<p>The French being driven from Egypt in 1801 by -the gallant Abercromby and his brave troops, in which -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment would probably have shared, -had it not been for the circumstances stated at <a href="#Page_61">page 61</a>, -the Peace of Amiens was concluded; it, however, gave -but a slight interval of tranquillity to Europe. The -military spirit of the French nation had been aroused -by the genius of Napoleon, who endeavoured to realize -his schemes for the aggrandizement of France;—and -England appeared as a barrier to his designs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span></p> - -<p>In May, 1803, the war was renewed; Hanover was -overrun by the French, and severed for a time from -the British Crown. An immense flotilla was also -assembled at Boulogne for the invasion of England. -The threat of invasion aroused the patriotism of the -British people, and the most strenuous measures were -pursued to defeat the French ruler’s designs; the -“<em>Army of Reserve Act</em>” was passed in June, 1803, for -raising men for home service by ballot; numerous -volunteer and yeomanry corps were formed in every -part of the kingdom; and all party differences merged -into one universal effort for the preservation of Great -Britain.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1804</div> - -<p>On the 18th of May, 1804, Napoleon was invested -with the dignity of <em>Emperor of the French</em>, and on the -26th of May of the following year he was crowned -<em>King of Italy</em> at Milan.</p> - -<p>Further measures of defence were adopted by Great -Britain, and the “<em>Additional Force Act</em>” was passed on -the 14th of July, 1804, by which a <em>second battalion</em> was -added to the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, to be formed of -men raised in the county of Chester, for limited service.</p> - -<p>The regiment embarked at Jersey for England on -the 9th of November, and on the 27th of that month -arrived at Portsmouth, whence it marched to Winchester, -and received a further number of volunteers -from the Militia.</p> - -<p>On the 12th of December the Court of Spain issued -a declaration of war against England, in consequence -of the capture of some frigates off Cadiz, which had -been intercepted while on their way to France with -cargoes of treasure,—Spain having agreed to furnish a -powerful aid to Napoleon.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span></p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1805</div> - -<p>By July, 1805, the second battalion was fully embodied, -and in October proceeded from Chester to -Winchester, where the first battalion was stationed.</p> - -<p>While the French were pursuing their victorious -career in Germany, they experienced dreadful reverses -from the navy of Great Britain. On the 21st of -October the combined fleets of France and Spain were -completely defeated off Cape <em>Trafalgar</em>. The victory -was, however, clouded by the death of Admiral -Viscount Nelson, to whose memory the highest honors -were paid by a grateful and admiring nation.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1806</div> - -<p>On the 9th of January, 1806, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -was present at the funeral of Admiral Viscount -Nelson, and formed part of the line between which the -procession passed on its way to St. Paul’s Cathedral, -in which the Admiral’s remains were interred, and -where a monument was erected by order of Parliament.</p> - -<p>In November of the preceding year a squadron of -English and Russian vessels landed some troops at -Naples without any opposition from the Neapolitan -Court. The French Emperor, on receiving intelligence -of this transaction, issued a proclamation that -“<em>the Neapolitan dynasty had ceased to reign</em>,” and an -army, under his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, assisted -by Marshal Massena, marched for Naples. On the -15th of February the French entered that capital, and -soon obtained possession of the whole kingdom, excepting -Gaeta; Ferdinand IV. and his Court having previously -retired to Sicily. A decree was shortly issued by -Napoleon, conferring the crown of Naples on his brother -Joseph, who was proclaimed King on the 30th of May.</p> - -<p>England being desirous of preserving Sicily from -the dominion of France, troops were embarked for that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span> -island;—on the 26th of April the <em>first battalion</em> of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment embarked at Tilbury-fort, and -landed at Messina on the 26th of July.</p> - -<p>Previously to the arrival of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, the French had assembled a force in Calabria -for the invasion of Sicily, and Major-General -Stuart, commanding the British troops in that island, -formed the design of cutting off the French division -under General Regnier; the result was the battle of -<em>Maida</em>, where a victory was gained by the British troops -on the 4th of July. Major-General Stuart being -sensible that he could not, with his small force, -maintain himself in Calabria, recrossed the straits of -Messina and returned to Sicily. For this victory -Major-General John Stuart received the dignity of -Knight of the Bath, the thanks of Parliament, and was -created Count of Maida by the King of the Two Sicilies.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1807</div> - -<p>Admiral Sir John Duckworth having failed in his -coercive mission to detach Turkey from the interests of -France, Great Britain determined to seize upon Egypt, -as a check to any fresh demonstration by the French -against the British possessions in the East Indies.</p> - -<p>An armament accordingly sailed from Melazzo, on -the coast of Sicily, in February, 1807, under the -command of Major-General Alexander Mackenzie -Fraser, Colonel of the seventy-eighth regiment, and -landed at Aboukir on the 18th of March. On the 21st -of March, Alexandria was occupied by the British -troops, and it is a singular coincidence that it was the -anniversary of the battle fought near there in the year -1801, when the gallant General Sir Ralph Abercromby -received the wound which terminated his honorable -career.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span></p> - -<p>On the 27th of March a force of fifteen hundred -men, of which the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment formed part, -was detached under the command of Major-General -Wauchope to Rosetta. The troops arrived before the -city on the 31st of March, and not having been impeded -in their progress to the environs, entered the -place. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment marched into Rosetta, -while the grenadier battalion occupied a high -sandy mound without the city.</p> - -<p>Rosetta is situated upon a slight eminence, commanding -a view of the river Nile and the fertile lands -of the Delta; the streets are somewhat wider than the -generality of Egyptian towns, and planted here and -there with trees. The houses are high, the lower half -of each being a dead wall, with a small door, leading -into a narrow passage, well secured with bolts and bars -of iron. The chambers are above, with trelliced windows -projecting over the streets. The Turks had garrisoned -their houses, and remaining quiet, allowed the British -to continue their march until some way into the town, -when through the loop-holes they had constructed on -purpose, and their trelliced windows, a destructive and -unexpected fire was opened upon the column. The -troops, although placed in a most trying and perilous -situation, behaved extremely well, and after having -suffered very materially in killed and wounded, retired -to Aboukir, from whence they returned to Alexandria.</p> - -<p>Major-General Wauchope, who commanded the -force, was killed; the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment had -Captain John Robertson, three serjeants, three drummers, -and sixty-nine rank and file <em>killed</em>; Captain -Patrick Dowdall, Lieutenants Edward Knox, Peter -Fearon, John Thornton, —— Sladden, and Francis Ryan,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span> -Ensign Richard Kirby, seven serjeants, one drummer, -and one hundred and twenty-nine rank and file <em>wounded</em>. -Lieutenant Sladden subsequently died of his wounds.</p> - -<p>Brigadier-General the Honorable Robert Meade -(Lieutenant-Colonel of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>), the second -in command, was also severely wounded.</p> - -<p>Major-General Fraser finding that a famine would -be the consequence of the British remaining at Alexandria, -without the occupation of Rosetta, detached -another body of troops, amounting to two thousand -five hundred men, under Brigadier-General the Honorable -William Stewart, to reduce the place. The force -consisted of a detachment of Royal Artillery, a detachment -of the twentieth light dragoons, light infantry -battalion, first battalion of the thirty-fifth regiment, -second battalion of the seventy-eighth regiment, the -Baron De Roll’s regiment, and a detachment of seamen. -A large Turkish force coming down the Nile from -Cairo, the troops were compelled to retire, fighting all -the way to Alexandria.</p> - -<p>A formidable force now approached Alexandria, and -Major-General Fraser sent a flag of truce offering to -evacuate Egypt, on condition that the British prisoners -should be liberated. The proposal was readily accepted, -and on the 19th of September the British troops -embarked for Sicily, where they arrived on the 16th of -October.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1808</div> - -<p>The first battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -embarked from Sicily for Malta, on the 17th of September, -1808, where it remained until August, 1810, -when it returned to Sicily.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1810<br />1811</div> - -<p>On the 17th of August, 1810, the first battalion -landed at Messina, and remained in garrison in the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span> -citadel until April, 1811, when Lieut.-General Lord -William Bentinck, being about to proceed to the eastern -coast of Spain, sent it to Malta, in order that a stronger -corps might be drawn from that island, the thirty-first -having been reduced considerably in numbers -while stationed in the Mediterranean. The battalion -landed at Malta on the 18th of April, but the force left -in Sicily being found insufficient, four companies were -immediately recalled, and on the 22nd of April re-embarked -for Messina; a few months afterwards the -head-quarters were ordered back to Sicily, and on the -28th of August joined the detached companies, when -the battalion was once more united in Sicily.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1812</div> - -<p>About this period the British authorities in Sicily -detected the traces of a conspiracy set on foot the year -before by the Queen of Naples, who, it is said, had -proposed a scheme to Napoleon for massacring the -English. A new constitution was established in Sicily, -upon the model of that of Great Britain, under the -auspices of Lieut.-General Lord William Bentinck, -who had been appointed Captain-General of the -Island, and the Queen was sent into retirement.</p> - -<p>In November, 1812, the grenadier company of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment embarked from Sicily for the -east coast of Spain, under Lieut.-General Frederick -Maitland, and landed at Alicant on the 2nd of -December. In April, 1813, it returned to Sicily, where -it arrived in May.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1813</div> - -<p>The first battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -remained in garrison in the citadel of Messina until -towards the end of 1813, when, in consequence of disturbances -at Palermo, the capital of Sicily, which -threatened to spread, the troops were detached to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span> -various central positions. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, by a -detour, marched upon Castro Giovanni, and remained -there until January, 1814, when the battalion returned -to Messina.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1814</div> - -<p>On the 28th of March, 1814, the battalion embarked -at Melazzo, as part of an expedition destined for the -shores of Italy, under Lieut.-General Lord William -Bentinck. In the beginning of April the first division -of the army arrived off the coast above and below the -city of Genoa, and threatened a descent upon <em>Voltri</em>, -rather to engage the attention of the enemy, however, -in that quarter, than for any other purpose.</p> - -<p>On the 5th of April the second division of the Anglo-Sicilian -army disembarked at Leghorn, and marched -directly upon Sestri. The French reinforced that -place to protect the coast batteries, and prevent the -British communicating with the people of the -mountains, who were ready to rise against the French. -The two British divisions had united, and attacked the -enemy, on the 8th of April, at <em>Sestri</em>; the battle -lasted throughout the day, and in the night the French -General Ronger St. Victor retired towards Recco, -taking up his position in rear of Rafallo, where he left -his advanced guard; a third British division, in which -was the first battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, hovered -about the coast, and made some attempts to land fresh -troops, but was prevented by the enemy’s detachments -at Recco.</p> - -<p>On the 9th and 10th of April the squadron cannonaded -<em>Recco</em>, but was obliged to stand out again; -in the night of the 10th General Pègot, who had -arrived to relieve General Ronger St. Victor, retired, -and occupied, on the 11th of April, a position at Mount<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span> -Fascia. The English squadron and transports had all -arrived before <em>Genoa</em>, and a detachment from the -divisions on shore had been able to communicate with -the native levies at Fontana Buona. On the 12th of -April the position of Mount Fascia was attacked, and, -after a hard day’s contest, General Pègot fell back in -the night, and took up another strong position at <em>La -Sturla</em>, on the heights of Albaro, his right on the sea -being covered by a battery of four pieces of artillery, -and his left resting on Fort Richelieu. The remainder -of the British army disembarked at Nervi, and -immediately attacked the enemy on the heights of -Albaro, on the 13th of April.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, under the command of Colonel -Bruce, belonged to this division, and, with the 8th -battalion of the Line of the King’s German Legion, -dashed in among the enemy the instant of their debarkation, -notwithstanding the intersected and difficult nature -of the ground, which assisted so materially the -obstinate defence of the French. Meanwhile the light -company of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, under Captain Nunn, -had carried the battery which covered the enemy’s -right, with conspicuous bravery, and dismounted the -four guns upon it under a galling fire of musketry and -artillery from another battery near that captured.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> had Captains Stewart and Cruice, -three serjeants, one drummer, and thirty-six rank and -file <em>wounded</em>; one serjeant and thirteen rank and file -<em>killed</em>.</p> - -<p>The following extract from Division Orders, dated La -Sturla, 14th of April, 1814, bears testimony to the -conduct of the corps:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span></p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The conduct of the troops in the long contested -action of yesterday, at <em>La Sturla</em>, was most honorable -to them, and Major-General Montresor feels the -greatest satisfaction in doing justice to their merits, -by publicly declaring his high sense of their persevering -gallantry in surmounting the numberless -obstacles which the broken and intersected nature of -the country presented, in every step, to their advance, -whilst it afforded the best shelter to the enemy, who, -well accustomed to his ground, defended it with the -greatest obstinacy.</p> - -<p>“However justly entitled the whole may be to individual -distinction, it nevertheless would be unjust -not to notice, in particular, the ardour and spirited -skill in which the Royal Flotilla, and the detachments -of the third Italian Levy, and of the second and -third extra regiments, and Royal Marines, began -the attack, and the very gallant manner in which -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, and the 8th King’s -German Legion, dashed in amongst the enemy after -their debarkation, and the conspicuous bravery of the -light company of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, in -carrying the battery on the left.”</p> -</div> - -<p>During the 14th and 15th of April the attacks upon -the heights of Albaro were repeated, and on the 17th, -while disaffection among the people was rapidly -spreading in Genoa, the posts of St. Francisco and St. -Martin d’Albaro were carried, and the French retired -behind the Bizagno.</p> - -<p>By the 18th of April the disaffection in Genoa had -reached a crisis, and upon the following day the advance -upon the city took place. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> drove -the enemy from a strong battery of ten brass guns and -two 13½ inch brass mortars, without sustaining any loss.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span></p> - -<p>During the night of the 19th of April a convention -was signed; on the morning of the 21st, the enemy -marched out of the city and evacuated all his posts. -On the 22nd the head-quarters of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -were within the city of Genoa, when the Commander-in-Chief, -Lieut.-General Lord William Bentinck, issued -the order from which the following extract is taken:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="fs80 right">“Head-Quarters, Genoa, 24th April, 1814.</p> - -<p>“The Commander of the Forces has much satisfaction -in witnessing the zeal and gallantry evinced -by the whole of the troops under his orders in the -late operations, which have led to the possession of -this important fortress; and he has not failed to -represent their conduct in the most favourable terms -to His Majesty’s government.</p> - -<p>“Major-General Montresor has particularly reported -to him the great assistance he received from Brigadier-General -Roth, Colonel Bruce, and Lieut.-Colonel -Travers.</p> - -<p>“The Commander of the Forces himself observed -the very gallant and successful attack made by the -third Italian regiment, under the orders of Lieut.-Colonel -Ciravignac, and favourable reports have -been made to him of the conduct of the light company -of the twenty-first regiment, commanded by -Captain Renny, the light company of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, -under Captain Nunn, and the light company -of the second Estero regiment, under Captain-Lieutenant -Fulghier.”</p> -</div> - -<p>On the 27th of April the first battalion of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> sailed with a force for the island of -Corsica; when the troops arrived opposite Ajaccio,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span> -that place capitulated. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -then sailed for Bastia (the birth-place of Napoleon), -and landing there on the 11th of May, remained until -the 24th of June following, when it embarked for -Sicily, and again went into garrison in the citadel of -Messina, on the 18th of July, 1814.</p> - -<p>In the meantime the brilliant successes gained over -the French in the Peninsula and South of France, by -the troops under the Duke of Wellington, in which the -<em>second</em> battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment bore a -prominent part, led to a treaty of peace with France; -Napoleon retired to Elba, which island was ceded to -him in full sovereignty for life, with a pension payable -from the revenues of France; and on the 3rd of May, -1814, Louis XVIII. entered Paris, and ascended the -throne of his ancestors.</p> - -<p>On the 24th of October, 1814, the <em>second</em> battalion -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was disbanded at Portsmouth, -and the officers and men fit for service were -transferred to the first battalion, with which they were -incorporated on the 6th of May, 1815, at Messina.</p> - -<p>In commemoration of the services of the <em>second</em> battalion -during the Peninsular War, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment has received the Royal Authority to bear on -the Regimental Colour and Appointments, the words -“<span class="smcap">Talavera</span>,” “<span class="smcap">Albuhera</span>,” “<span class="smcap">Vittoria</span>,” “<span class="smcap">Pyrenees</span>,” -“<span class="smcap">Nivelle</span>,” “<span class="smcap">Nive</span>,” “<span class="smcap">Orthes</span>,” and “<span class="smcap">Peninsula</span>.”</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1815</div> - -<p>Although the first and second battalions of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment were employed in different -countries, yet they were engaged in the promotion of -the same interests, namely, the restoration of the -exiled families of the House of Bourbon to the thrones -of their ancestors; the achievements of the <em>second</em><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span> -battalion were in the most distinguished arena, but -the <em>first</em> battalion, although it was stationed among -the pastoral beauties of Sicily, and the luxurious -towns of Italy, maintained its discipline and character, -besides adding honors to those formerly acquired on -the field of battle, whenever, as on the heights of -<em>Albaro</em>, an opportunity had offered.</p> - -<p>The peace of Europe was again to be disturbed. -The French army retained a chivalrous veneration for -Napoleon, who returned from Elba, landed at Cannes, -in Provence, on the 1st of March, 1815, and was -joined by his former troops. Louis XVIII. withdrew -from Paris to Ghent, and Napoleon assumed his -former dignity of Emperor of the French.</p> - -<p>Marshal Murat, the brother-in-law of Napoleon, by -whom in 1808 he had been made King of Naples, -upon Joseph Bonaparte being constituted King of -Spain, had, in January, 1814, signed a treaty with -England, and engaged to co-operate with the allies -against France. Napoleon’s triumphal return to -France caused Murat to espouse his cause, and he at -once commenced hostilities against Austria, issuing a -proclamation asserting the independence of Italy. -Naples was thereupon invested by the Austrians, -while an English squadron entered the port and acted -in co-operation.</p> - -<p>The allied powers, however, refused to acknowledge -the sovereignty of Napoleon, and determined on his -dethronement.</p> - -<p>These events caused the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment to -be embarked at Melazzo for Naples, where it arrived -on the 25th of May. The city had capitulated to the -British fleet, under Admiral Lord Exmouth, and the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span> -troops landed to hold possession until the restoration -of order in the kingdom, and Ferdinand IV. should -be reinstated on the throne of the Two Sicilies. -After an exile of nine years, this sovereign entered -his capital on the 17th of June; on the following day -the hopes of Bonaparte were crushed by his defeat on -the memorable field of Waterloo, which victory -triumphantly closed the campaign; and on the 8th of -July Louis XVIII. re-entered Paris, and the Bourbon -government was restored.</p> - -<p>In the beginning of July the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> had -sailed from the Bay of Naples for Genoa, and remained -there to support the arrangements for restoring -the Sardinian dominions to their original state.</p> - -<p>Bonaparte was subsequently compelled to surrender -himself a prisoner on the 15th of July to Captain -Maitland, commanding the “Bellerophon” ship of -war, and the island of St. Helena was afterwards -appointed for his residence. Murat’s career was -equally brief; he was driven from Italy, and withdrew -to Corsica, from which island he made a rash descent -on the coast of Calabria. After a sharp action he -and his followers were taken prisoners. Murat was -tried by a military commission, and shot on the 15th -of October.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1816<br />1818</div> - -<p>In February, 1816, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -embarked for Malta, and remained in that island -until June, 1818, when it proceeded to England, and -landed at Deal on the 22nd of July.</p> - -<p>On the return of the regiment to England it was -stationed at Dover Castle, Colchester, Chatham, and -Sheerness.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1819</div> - -<p>In August, 1819, in consequence of disturbances in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span> -the manufacturing districts, three companies of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment proceeded to Manchester, three -to Macclesfield, and three to Stockport. On the 10th -of the same month the regiment was employed in -Manchester.</p> - -<p>An assemblage of people, estimated at forty to sixty -thousand, took place on the 16th of August, in an open -space in the town of Manchester, named St. Peter’s -Field, for the purpose of petitioning Parliament. Such -meetings having been forbidden by proclamation some -weeks previously, the military were employed by the -civil authorities in dispersing the crowd of persons who -had entered the town, with banners, some of which -were of a menacing nature.</p> - -<p>The troops of the garrison, the fifteenth hussars, the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> and eighty-eighth regiments, with the -Chester and Manchester yeomanry cavalry, were ordered -to be assembled in the vicinity, under the senior officer, -Lieut.-Colonel L’Estrange, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment. -The yeomanry were engaged during part of the -day in dispersing the multitude, many of whom received -injuries, and eight or ten were killed. The regular -troops behaved with their usual coolness and discipline, -in the delicate and important duty they had to perform. -The thanks of the Prince Regent, and of the Magistrates, -were communicated to the troops in the following -letters:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="fs80 right">“Whitehall, 21st August, 1819.</p> - -<p class="smcap noindent">“Sir</p> - -<p>“I lost no time in laying before the Prince Regent -your letter to me of the 17th August, together -with the enclosure to yourself from Lieut.-Colonel -L’Estrange, and I have great satisfaction in obeying -the commands of His Royal Highness, by requesting<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span> -that you will express to Lieut.-Colonel L’Estrange, -and to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and -privates, that served under his command at Manchester -on the 16th of August, His Royal Highness’s high -approbation of the exemplary manner in which they -assisted and supported the civil authorities of the -County Palatine of Lancaster on that day.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr4">“I have, &c.</span><br /> -<span class="padr2">(Signed) <span class="smcap pad2">“Sidmouth.”</span></span></p> -</div> - - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="p2 fs80 right">“New Bailey Court-House, August 17th, 1819.</p> - -<p>“The Magistrates of the two counties of Lancaster -and Chester, assembled at Manchester, request Lieut.-Colonel -L’Estrange will accept for himself, and convey -to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates -under his command, their best and sincerest thanks, -for the energy, tempered by the greatest humanity, -displayed in their conduct yesterday, a conduct peculiarly -characteristic of the British soldier.</p> - -<p class="right">(Signed) <span class="smcap pad2">“Wm. Hutton</span>, <em>Chairman</em>.”</p> -</div> - -<div class="sidenote">1820</div> - -<p>The disturbances among the manufacturing classes -having subsided, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment left -Manchester on the 2nd of June, 1820. The troops had -been much harassed throughout the winter, in consequence -of the ill spirit which prevailed among the -people of the surrounding districts, and on the removal -of the regiment the municipal authorities of Manchester -and Salford addressed a letter to Lieut.-Colonel -L’Estrange, expressing their regret at its departure, -and their esteem for its conduct during the eventful -period the corps was stationed in those towns.</p> - -<p>On the 10th of June, 1820, the regiment arrived at -Sunderland.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1821</div> - -<p>In February, 1821, the regiment marched from -Sunderland to Port Patrick, in Scotland, whence, on -the 7th of March, it embarked for Donaghadee, and on -the following morning proceeded to Belfast. While -quartered in this town, the establishment was reduced -from ten companies of sixty-five rank and file, to eight -companies of seventy-two rank and file each.</p> - -<p>During the period the head-quarters remained at -Belfast, detachments of the regiment were stationed in -Coleraine, Downpatrick, and Carrickfergus, where they -were employed on the revenue and other duties generally -required from the army in Ireland.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1822</div> - -<p>In April, 1822, the regiment was removed from -Belfast and its neighbourhood, occupying fresh quarters -at Armagh, Newry, and Dundalk.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1823<br />1824</div> - -<p>The regiment, in October 1823, marched from Armagh -to Naas, and in January, 1824, proceeded to Dublin, -where it occupied Richmond barracks.</p> - -<p>In the year 1824 the regiment received orders to -prepare for foreign service:—the island of Ceylon was, -in the first instance, selected as its destination, but it -was eventually changed to Bengal. On the 20th of -July the left wing of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -marched to Kingstown, and embarked on board of -transports for Portsmouth, where it arrived on the -26th of July; the right wing, following soon afterwards, -joined on the 2nd of August, and the regiment went -into barracks at Gosport.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1825</div> - -<p>On the 12th of January, 1825, the regiment marched -from Gosport for Chatham, where it arrived on the -20th of that month. On the 7th of February the -regiment marched to Gravesend to embark for Calcutta: -the right wing on board the Honorable East India<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span> -Company’s ship “<i>Kent</i>,” under the command of Lieut.-Colonel -Fearon; the left wing on board the “Scaleby -Castle,” under Major Tovey. The two ships parted -company off Portsmouth at the end of February, and -the “Scaleby Castle,” after making a favourable voyage, -arrived at Sangor, in the mouth of the Hoogley, -on the 7th of June.</p> - -<p>The men had been remarkably healthy during the -long confinement on board ship; two only had died -during the passage, and only eight were on the sick -list when the vessel came to anchor. The men were -transferred, after a few days’ delay at <ins class="corr" id="tn-80" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'Saugor Point'"> -Sangor Point</ins>, to sloops, a particularly uncomfortable and clumsy description -of vessel, then used to transport troops up -the River Hoogley from the sand-heads, and on the -21st of June they arrived opposite Fort William, -where boats had been prepared to receive them, for -they were not yet destined to land. It was the 26th, -however, before the left wing was able to sail again; -it was therefore five days, during the most trying -season of the year, confined in small thatched boats, -which were moored to the river’s bank: it nevertheless -reached Berhampore on the 2nd of July, with the loss -of only one man.</p> - -<p>Berhampore, on the Bhagaritty river, is the cantonment -of the city of Moorshedabad, and in 1825 -was the depôt of the regiments on the Bengal establishment, -then on service in Burmah. The companies -of the left wing of the corps took possession of the -barracks, and remained in them till the 22nd of -September.</p> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_080" style="max-width: 40.625em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_080.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"><p><em>Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S<sup>t</sup> Strand.</em></p> -THE KENT EAST INDIAMAN.<br /> -<span class="fs80">ON FIRE DURING A STORM IN THE BAY OF BISCAY, HAVING THE HEAD QUARTERS AND 5 COMPANIES OF THE 31<sup>ST</sup> REG<sup>T</sup> -ON BOARD, THE BRIG CAMBRIA, OPPORTUNELY APPEARS IN SIGHT, & 553 OUT OF A TOTAL OF 637 SOULS ARE RESCUED. -1<sup>ST</sup> MARCH, 1825.</span><br /> -<em>For Cannon’s Military Records.</em></div> -</div> - -<p>The voyage of the <em>right</em> wing of the regiment from -England was interrupted very early in its progress by -one of the most unhappy events that <ins class="corr" id="tn-81" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'could befal a'"> -could befall a</ins> ship<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span> -at sea. The <i>Kent</i> took fire on the 1st of March, in the -Bay of Biscay, and was totally destroyed: the accident -was first perceived about ten o’clock <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span>, towards the -end of a violent gale of wind, when the sea was -disturbed, and the ship rolling heavily.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“It was a little before this period that one of the -officers of the ship, with the well-meant intention of -ascertaining that all was fast below, descended with -two of the sailors into the hold, where they carried -with them, for safety, a light in a patent lantern, -and seeing that the lamp burned dimly, took the -precaution to hand it up to the orlop deck to be -trimmed. Having afterwards discovered one of the -spirit casks to be adrift, he sent the sailors for some -billets of wood to secure it, but the ship in their -absence having made a heavy lurch, the officer unfortunately -dropped the light, and letting go his hold -of the cask, in his eagerness to recover the lantern, -it suddenly stove, and the spirits communicating with -the lamp, the whole place was instantly in a blaze.”<a id="FNanchor_25" href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a></p> -</div> - -<p>When all hopes of saving the ship vanished, exertions -were made to rescue the troops and the crew. Encouraged -by the noble example of their officers, the soldiers -preserved the utmost order and firmness in their -perilous situation.</p> - -<p>During the long and honorable services of the regiment, -no opportunity had occurred to put its discipline -and conduct to such a severe trial, but it brought from -the ordeal a reputation even more distinguished than it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span> -had previously gained. In the field, when the spirits -of men are excited by the animating circumstances of the -contest, where honor is sure and death uncertain, valour -and good order may be expected; but in the midst of -dangers against which it appeared hopeless to struggle,—at -a time when no aid appeared, and passively to die -was all that remained,—the manly resignation, the ready -obedience, and the unfailing discipline—characteristics -of a good soldier—evinced by the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, entitle -the regiment to dwell at some length, in its Record, upon -the events that called forth those admirable qualities. -Although Lieut.-Colonel Fearon and Major M‘Gregor -were most conspicuous, yet all who were on board -deserve that their names should be recorded.</p> - -<p>In the following statement is shown the number of -officers and men of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> embarked in the -“Kent,” specifying also the number saved:—</p> - -<table class="p1 autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr">Officers.</td> -<td class="tdr">Men.</td> -<td class="tdr">Women.</td> -<td class="tdr">Children.</td> -<td class="tdr">Total.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Embarked in the Kent</td> -<td class="tdrq">20</td> -<td class="tdrq">344</td> -<td class="tdrq">47</td> -<td class="tdrq">73</td> -<td class="tdrq">484</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="bb" colspan="5"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Saved by the Cambria</td> -<td class="tdrq">20</td> -<td class="tdrq">276</td> -<td class="tdrq">46</td> -<td class="tdrq">52</td> -<td class="tdrq">394</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Saved by the Caroline</td> -<td class="tdrq">—</td> -<td class="tdrq">14</td> -<td class="tdrq">—</td> -<td class="tdrq">—</td> -<td class="tdrq">14</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="bb" colspan="5"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">Total lost</td> -<td class="tdrq"></td> -<td class="tdrq">54</td> -<td class="tdrq">1</td> -<td class="tdrq">21</td> -<td class="tdrq">76</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="bbb" colspan="5"></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<div class="pad3"> -<table class="p2 autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdc fs120" colspan="2"><em>Names of the Officers saved.</em></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad4"><em>Lieut.-Colonel</em></td> -<td class="tdl">Robert Bryce Fearon.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad4"><em>Major</em></td> -<td class="tdl">Duncan M‘Gregor.</td> -</tr> -<tr><td></td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc fs100" colspan="2"><em>Captains.</em></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><em>Sir</em> Charles Farrington, <em>Bart.</em></td> -<td class="tdl">Edward Wm. Bray.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Robert Thomas Greene.</td> -<td class="tdl">James Spence.</td> -</tr> -<tr><td></td></tr> -<tr><td></td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc fs100" colspan="2"><em>Lieutenants.</em></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Charles Shaw (<em>Adjutant.</em>)</td> -<td class="tdl">William Booth.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">George Baldwin.</td> -<td class="tdl">Alexander Douglas.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">D. B. T. Dodgin.</td> -<td class="tdl">Ronald Campbell.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">—— Ruxton.</td> -<td class="tdl">Edmund Gennys.</td> -</tr> -<tr><td></td></tr> -<tr><td></td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><em>Ensign</em> Thomas Tait.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><em>Paymaster</em> Richard Monk.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2">” Asaph Shaw.</td> -<td class="tdl"><em>Quarter-Master</em> John Waters.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2">” Henry Evans.</td> -<td class="tdl"><em>Ass.-Surgeon</em> Edward Graham.</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p>The following letters will explain the providential -means of escape afforded by the brig <i>Cambria</i>, and do -justice to the humanity and gallantry of Captain Cook, -who commanded it, as well as of his officers and crew. -The name of this gallant officer must ever be held in -great estimation by the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, to -him, under Providence, it owes the power of being -enabled to record the many high qualities shown by its -members in the extremity from which he rescued them.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="p1 fs80 right">“Brig Cambria, Falmouth, March 4, 1825.</p> - -<p class="smcap noindent">“Gentlemen,</p> - -<p>“You are aware of my leaving this port on -the 24th ultimo, with passengers and goods for -Mexico, and I beg to acquaint you of my return -here this morning at one o’clock, under the following -circumstances:—</p> - -<p>“On Tuesday last, the 1st instant, being then in -latitude 47° 30′ and longitude 9° 45′, laying-to, with -a strong gale from the westward, under a close-reefed -main-topsail, we discovered a large sail to the westward, -and on approaching found her to have a signal -of distress flying, which induced me immediately to -render every assistance in my power, and on nearing, -found her to be on fire.</p> - -<p>“About three <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span>, being then on her bow, we succeeded -in getting the first boat from the vessel, -which proved to be the Hon. Company’s ship -‘Kent’ (Captain Cobb), of 1400 tons, for Bengal and -China, with troops and passengers amounting, with -the crew, to 637 souls. From three to eight <span class="allsmcap">P.M.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span></span> -the boats were constantly employed in bringing the -people to the ‘Cambria,’ and succeeded in saving -296 officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, 46 women and 52 -children appertaining to ditto, 19 male and female -private passengers, and Captain Cobb and 139 of the -crew, amounting in all to 553. The flames now -becoming exceedingly fierce, I could not urge the -sailors again to return to the ship, nor deem it at all -prudent for the preservation of the lives already on -board my vessel to remain longer near the ‘Kent,’ -expecting her instantly to blow up. By accounts since -made it is supposed that 68 soldiers, 1 woman and 21 -children, and 4 of the crew were left when Captain -Cobb quitted the vessel, whose conduct during the -trying occasion is beyond my humble praise, displaying -the greatest coolness and intrepidity, and by his exertions, -and those of Colonel Fearon, the commander of -the troops, who were the last to quit, the women, -children, and passengers were got into the boats; -and they did not leave themselves until their influence -to induce any more to go into them was useless.</p> - -<p>“At two <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span> the ‘Kent’ blew up, after being -completely enveloped in flames for four hours previously. -The fire originated in the after-hold, where -the spirits were stowed for the use of the troops; -a cask of which breaking adrift, and bursting, the -contents were unfortunately ignited by a candle in a -lantern. I feel the greatest gratification in stating -that the gentlemen and their Cornish miners, in all -36, with my own crew, 11 more, behaved throughout -the trying period with the greatest kindness -in getting the people from the boats, soothing their<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span> -sufferings, giving up their own clothes and beds to -the women and children, volunteering to go into the -boats (which I had good reason to prevent), and -leaving nothing undone to make them as comfortable -as the limited size of my brig would allow (only 200 -tons). It would be pleasing also could I speak as -highly of the crew of the ‘Kent,’ but I cannot -refrain from expressing my disappointment of their -conduct (in which I am borne out by Captain Cobb) -derogatory in every respect to the generally received -character of a British seaman,—by refusing to return -to the ‘Kent’ for the people, after the first trip, and -requiring my utmost exertions and determination to -compel them to renew their endeavours to get out -the soldiers, passengers, and the remainder of their -own shipmates, who were left behind; and it was -only by coercive measures, in conjunction with my -own crew and passengers, and telling them I would -not receive them on board unless they did so, that -they proceeded, though reluctantly, in their duty. -I must, however, except the officers, particularly Mr. -Thomson, fourth mate, and Mr. Phillips, the boatswain, -whose conduct and behaviour, in every respect, -justify my warmest praise.</p> - -<p>“It may not be amiss to state that, two hours after -the ship blew up, a soldier’s wife was delivered of a -fine boy on board the ‘Cambria,’ and both mother -and child are doing well.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr6">“I remain, Gentlemen,</span><br /> -“Your most obedient servant,<br /> -(Signed) <span class="smcap pad3">“W. Cook.</span><br /> -</p> - -<p class="fs80 noindent">“To Messrs. Wm. Broad and Sons,<br /> - “Agents to Lloyd’s.”</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span></p> - - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="p2 fs80 right">“Falmouth, 4th March, 1825.</p> - -<p class="smcap noindent">“Sir,</p> - -<p>“It is with feelings of the deepest regret I have -to report, for the information of His Royal Highness -the Commander-in-Chief, the melancholy calamity -which has befallen that portion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment under my command, embarked on board -the Honorable Company’s ship ‘Kent,’ for conveyance -to Bengal, owing to her loss, she having taken -fire towards the close of a heavy gale of wind on the -1st instant, about noon, in the Bay of Biscay. The -moment it was discovered bursting from the after-hold -of the vessel every possible effort was made to -get it under, and by the immediate application of -wet blankets, soldiers’ great-coats, and other woollen -articles that could be obtained on the emergency, we -had for a short period every reason to hope these -efforts would have proved successful; but, unhappily, -having communicated to the spirits, the hope of extinguishing -it was soon dispelled, and all further -exertion to save the vessel appeared evidently vain; -the conflagration, owing to the state of the weather, -gaining ground so rapidly. Under these circumstances -it became the imperative duty of Captain -Cobb and myself to endeavour to save the lives of as -many of the people as possible, for which purpose -the boats were hoisted out, and some rafts hastily -constructed, and as many of the women and children -put into the former as we could at the moment -assemble. At this instant, by the Divine interposition -of Providence, a sail hove in sight, which, -discerning our perilous situation, came promptly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span> -down to our relief; and, owing to the persevering -heroism of the commander, at the evident risk of -losing his own vessel, and by the cool and intrepid -conduct of Captain Cobb, whose attentions were -unremitting, a larger portion of the troops than -could even have been anticipated under so unforeseen -a calamity were preserved, though, I lament to -add, sixty-eight men, one woman, and twenty-one -children appear to have perished, exclusive of five -seamen.</p> - -<p>“It is some alleviation to our afflictions to be enabled -to state, that the origin of the fire is in no way -attributable to the troops; a pleasing part of my -duty to bear testimony to the cool and subordinate -conduct of both officers and men under my command,—the -former affording me every aid which so -critical and trying an occasion demanded, and none -more so than Major M‘Gregor, to whose collected -counsel and manly example, throughout this agonizing -scene of distress, I feel greatly indebted.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr6">“I have, &c.</span><br /> -<span class="padr2">(Signed) <span class="pad2 smcap">“R. B. Fearon,</span></span><br /> -“<em>Lieut.-Colonel com<sup>dg</sup> 31st Foot</em>.</p> - -<p class="fs80 noindent">“To the Adjutant-General,<br /> - “Horse-Guards, London.”</p> -</div> - - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="p2 fs80 right">“Horse-Guards, 7th March, 1825.</p> - -<p class="smcap noindent">“Sir,</p> - -<p>“His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief -has received, with sentiments of the deepest concern, -your letter of the 4th instant, communicating the -awful and afflicting calamity which has befallen the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span> -right wing of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, embarked -on board the Honorable Company’s ship ‘Kent.’</p> - -<p>“I am at the same time to observe, that if anything -could alleviate the measure of His Royal Highness’s -regret at the loss of the many valuable lives which -have perished on this melancholy occasion, it would -be the satisfaction experienced by the Commander-in-Chief -at the safety of so large a proportion of the -detachment, and which, by the happy interposition -of Divine Providence, aided by your own collected -firmness, and the united discipline and courage of -Major M‘Gregor and the officers and men under your -command, have been preserved for the future service -of their country.</p> - -<p>“His Royal Highness commands me to add, that -he appreciates in the fullest manner the heroic and -humane assistance afforded to you by the master of -the ‘Cambria’ brig; and that it will afford His -Royal Highness the greatest satisfaction to bear -testimony to it in any manner most calculated to -advance the interests, or to do credit to the conduct, -of this individual.</p> - -<p>“Arrangements have been made by the Quarter-Master-General -for the transport of the detachment -under your command by sea to Chatham, as soon as -it is possible to obtain the necessary vessels from the -Navy Board for that purpose; and I have further to -acquaint you, that immediate measures will be taken -for sending down to you, by the quickest inland -carriage, the most essential articles of supply and -equipment; and that the Commander-in-Chief will -contribute, by every means in his power, to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span> -restoration of your comforts, and the remuneration -for the losses sustained by your officers and men, -consistently with the regulations of the service.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr4">“I have the honor to be, &c.</span><br /> -<span class="padr2">(Signed) <span class="smcap pad2">“Henry Torrens,</span></span><br /> -“<em>Adjutant-General</em>.</p> - -<p class="fs80 noindent">“Lieut.-Colonel Fearon,<br /> - “Thirty-first Regiment, Falmouth.”</p> -</div> - -<p>It was two hours after midnight when the ‘Kent’ -blew up; all the individuals of the regiment and of the -crew that it had been possible to save were now on -board the “Cambria;” their number, however, was -diminished by sixty-eight men, one woman, and twenty-one -children:—about twenty of the former were left on -the poop of the vessel, when it became unsafe for a -vessel to approach her; whence, abandoning themselves -to despair, they would make no exertion to escape; it -was absolutely necessary therefore to leave them: -others had thrown themselves into the sea, and were -drowned before help could be extended to them, or -had come in contact with part of the wreck and had -been killed; while the anxiety of some few to board -the “Cambria” lost them their lives;—they were -jammed to death between the brig and the boats. -The only woman lost was suffocated in the orlop deck, -with her three children; she was not able to escape. -Among the children lost there were four, three girls -and a boy, the family of Serjeant Jack, an old and -deserving soldier, who had seen much service with the -second battalion in the Peninsula. While the women -and children were being lowered into the boats, Mrs. -Jack fell overboard; the serjeant leaped into the sea -to save his wife, and was not able to return to the ship.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span> -In the confusion unavoidable on board, the children -were overlooked; missing their parents, they had -sought refuge, it is supposed, in the Colonel’s cabin, -and no one knew, until it was too late, that they were -still on board; for the soldiers were not backward in -giving their aid to save the families of their comrades; -there were instances of men who tied the children of -their brother soldiers on their backs, and, leaping overboard, -swam with their burdens to the boats. There -were indeed proofs among the non-commissioned -officers and soldiers of a fortitude, courage, and good-feeling -that would have done honor to the highest -station. It happened, however, that fourteen of the -men, who had remained on the wreck, were picked up -the following morning, clinging to some portions of it, -by the “Caroline,” a vessel bound from the Mediterranean -to Liverpool, and carried by her into that port. -The lives lost amounted, therefore, to seventy-six, being -two serjeants, two corporals, one drummer, forty-nine -privates, one woman, and twenty-one children, as specified -at <a href="#Page_82">page 82</a>. The “Cambria” was of 200 tons -only; notwithstanding her crowded state, she providentially -reached Falmouth on the third day (the 4th -March), when the regiment landed.</p> - -<p>It is needless to observe that nothing was saved from -the wreck, and many had found it difficult to preserve -even the clothes they happened to have on at the time; -the motley and forlorn appearance the corps presented -on its landing, was never equalled,—at any rate, in the -British army. The kind exertions of the gentry and -residents generally in Falmouth, to soften the sufferings -of the women and children, must ever be remembered -with gratitude by the regiment; the officers are more<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span> -particularly indebted to this calamity for the brotherly -attention and friendship it procured for them from the -officers who then belonged to the Division of Royal -Marines at Chatham, where on the 26th of March it -arrived, having sailed on the 16th of that month in the -“Diadem” transport from Falmouth.</p> - -<p>The following letter from the Military Secretary, -Major-General Sir Herbert Taylor, conveying the -sentiments of his Royal Highness the Duke of York of -the conduct of the officers and men of the regiment, will -show that the discipline received approbation from the -quarter from which it was most valuable:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="p2 fs80 right">“Horse-Guards, March 9, 1825.</p> - -<p class="smcap noindent">“Sir,</p> - -<p>“The Court of Directors of the East India -Company having transmitted to the Commander-in-Chief -the report made to them by Captain Cobb of the -circumstances attending the destruction of the ship -‘Kent’ by fire, on the 1st instant, I have received his -Royal Highness’s commands to assure you of the -high sense his Royal Highness entertains of the -admirable conduct of the detachment of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment embarked in that ship under your -command, and, more particularly, of the steadiness -and coolness which you evinced, under circumstances so -critical and trying. His Royal Highness is well -aware that no occasion could offer in which the -effects of a well-established system of discipline and -subordination would be more apparent, or in which -they would in a more important degree tend to assist -the efforts of those who so nobly afforded their aid -towards preserving the lives of all concerned;—and -he desires that you will convey his thanks to the officers<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span> -and soldiers forming the detachment embarked, under -your orders, in the ship ‘Kent,’ and assure them that -he gives them due credit for their orderly and meritorious -conduct. He considers his thanks to be due -more especially to yourself, for the example which you -set them, and for the persevering and gallant exertions -which contributed so essentially to lessen the -sad result of the catastrophe.</p> - -<p>“His Royal Highness orders me to add, that he shall -deem it his duty to report to his Majesty a conduct, -on your part and that of the officers and men committed -to your charge, which so well deserves his -Majesty’s approbation.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr4">“I have, &c.</span><br /> -(Signed) <span class="smcap pad2">“H. Taylor.</span></p> - -<p class="fs80 noindent">“Lieut.-Colonel Fearon, 31st Regt.”</p> -</div> - -<p>His Majesty was graciously pleased to confer upon -Lieut.-Colonel Fearon the distinction of a Companion -of the Bath, for his conduct on the 1st of March.</p> - -<p>On the 10th of April a detachment, from the head-quarters -at Chatham, marched to Gravesend, and embarked -on board the “Charles Grant,” under the -command of Lieut.-Colonel Cassidy, who had, a short -time before, been appointed to the regiment. After a -good passage the “Charles Grant” reached Calcutta -on the 16th of August, when the detachment was -ordered to Berhampore; it joined the left wing in that -cantonment on the 12th of September, when, immediately -on its landing, orders were received to return to -Fort William. On the 21st of the same month, the left -wing, with the detachment,—all under the command -of Lieut.-Colonel Cassidy,—were again embarked,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span> -and dropping down the river, in a few days reached -Fort William, and disembarking, marched into barracks -in the fort on the 27th of September.</p> - -<p>On the 17th of November the head-quarters marched -into Fort William, and the regiment was once more -together. This portion had embarked on board the -“Lord Hungerford” on the 21st of June, under the -command of Major Eagar.</p> - -<p>The cholera broke out among the men of the regiment -towards the end of November, and not abating, -the regiment moved into camp on the south glacis of the -fort. The ground was occupied on the 20th of December, -and the change was soon attended with advantage.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1826</div> - -<p>On the 18th of January 1826, another detachment, -consisting of the grenadier company, and part of -No. 1, joined, and the strength of the regiment was -39 officers, 50 serjeants, 17 drummers, 48 corporals, and -812 privates.</p> - -<p>On the 13th of February the regiment embarked on -the river Hoogley, and left the ghaut below the fort -for the Sunderbunds, on its route to Dinapore, the -Bhagaritty river, by which branch of the Ganges -it would have entered the main stream, being at this -season of the year too shallow for boats of such a size -as composed the fleet. The cholera unfortunately -made its appearance during the voyage, and carried off -a great number of men. The disease was so sudden -in its attacks, and so quick in its effects, that the men -scarcely survived till assistance could reach them from -the hospital, which being always in the rear, the boat -in which a sick man might be, was ordered to drop down -to it,—it therefore became necessary to supply officers -with a mixture to be given immediately to the person<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span> -seized: the sick man thus received aid from the nearest -boat to his own, and was saved until the more necessary -treatment could be used upon him. It was the 2nd of -May before the regiment reached Dinapore;—this cantonment -is within a few miles of Patna, midway between -it and the junction of the Soane with the Ganges; it -is composed of two quadrangles, a larger and a smaller -one, the southern side of the former being occupied by -two long buildings, with a road dividing them in the -centre; these formed the barracks, each for a wing of a -regiment, the remaining sides of the square being the -quarters of the officers;—the centre area is a smooth -greensward, used as a parade-ground; the river flows -on the north of the whole, and within a few yards of the -quarters on that side.</p> - -<p>At the end of the hot season of the year, the regiment -was ordered to Meerut, and commenced its first march -in India, before daylight on the morning of the 8th of -November, under Lieut.-Colonel James Cassidy, who -had succeeded to the command of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, -Lieut.-Colonel Fearon having been appointed to the -sixty-fourth regiment on the 12th of January, 1826. -The sick with the women and children had been previously -sent by water under Captain Bolton.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1827</div> - -<p>The route of the regiment lay across the Soane, which -it passed at Quilwur Ghaut, through the Shahabad -district to Buxar, beneath the fort of which place it -crossed the Ganges by ferry, and marched towards the -military station of Ghazeepore, then occupied by the -forty-fourth regiment. After passing this post, the -regiment crossed the Goomtee by a bridge of boats, -where it falls into the Ganges, near the village of Kitee; -then to the cantonment of Seerole, near the city of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span> -Benares; again reached the banks of the Ganges, at the -little village of Joosey, and recrossed it to Allahabad; -thence the route lay through Kurrah, Futtehpore, and -Korah to Etawah, a city on the Jumna. From Etawah -through Shekohabad and Jellasir, in the province of -Agra; passing the dilapidated fort of Shasnee, the road -led through the city of Coel, to the celebrated fortress -of Allyghur; thence by Khorjah Bolundshuhur and -Haupper to Meerut, where the regiment arrived on the -morning of Saturday, January 13th, 1827, after a march -of sixty-seven days, during which time the men continued -very healthy;—the number in hospital never exceeded -thirty, many for trifling cases, and but two men died.</p> - -<p>On the same day the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> occupied the lines -vacated by the fourteenth regiment. Meerut was the -head-quarters of a division of the Bengal Army, commanded -by Major-General Reynell; and a considerable -force was assembled, as a check upon Delhi, thirty-six -miles from Meerut, as well as upon the province of -Rohilcund, on the opposite shore of the Ganges.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> had been without colours since -the destruction of the “Kent,” but a new stand, which, -for want of an opportunity, had not yet been presented, -was in possession of the regiment; and the Governor-General -of India, the Right Honorable Lord Amherst, -being at Delhi, in the course of a tour of the upper -provinces, his Lady was solicited to present the new -colours to the regiment. They were presented by her -Ladyship on the 7th of March, 1827, and the Governor-General -addressed the following speech to Lieut.-Colonel -Cassidy on the occasion:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“I am persuaded that Lady Amherst will consider -herself fortunate in having been selected to bear so<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[96]</span> -distinguished a part in the ceremony of this day. It -will be her earnest prayer that so dire a calamity as -that <ins class="corr" id="tn-96" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'which befel your'"> -which befell your</ins> former colours may never occur -to these which she has had the honor to present to -you. From the ordinary perils of war they are safe -in your hands, and she confidently trusts that Her -Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> will ever march to victory -under the colours now consigned to your charge.”</p> -</div> - -<p>To celebrate the event, the officers of the regiment -entertained a large party at a ball and supper in their -Mess-house.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1828</div> - -<p>During the years 1828 and 1829 the regiment continued -at Meerut.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1829</div> - -<p>In 1829 orders were received to reduce the establishment -of the regiment to 736 rank and file.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was at this time stronger -than it had ever been; its effective strength amounted -to 1086. The men were young and in high health; -the climate good, and the barracks excellent, different -from those at Dinapore; they consisted of a certain -number of detached buildings, each calculated for a -subdivision only: they were thatched, and had at the -angles good rooms for non-commissioned officers. New -buildings were erected of even a superior description, -each company having four houses allotted to it, with its -proportion of non-commissioned officers’ rooms at the -angles, as in the old buildings.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1831</div> - -<p>In the commencement of the year 1831 the north-west -frontier of India was reinforced, and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -marched to Kurnaul, the head-quarters of the -Sirhind division. The regiment left Meerut on the -27th of January, and halted that day at Sardhanna, -the capital of an independent state, under the celebrated<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[97]</span> -Begum Sumroo. She had been its ruler for a -period of sixty years; and, a Mahometan in her youth, -she had adopted Christianity. The officers of the regiment -dined with her Highness.</p> - -<p>It is five days’ march from Meerut to Kurnaul. On -the 30th of January the river Hinden was crossed by -ferry, and on the following day the river Jumna, when -the regiment encamped in its new quarters. The barracks -had not then been built, Kurnaul never having been -occupied by a British regiment. The Native -cantonment was situated in front of the city, facing to -the north.</p> - -<p>The new lines marked out for the regiment were in -front of the right of the old lines facing the west, in -which quarter an extensive plain extends, without one -tree to shade it, as far as the eye can reach; in the -rear flows the canal of Merdan Ali Khan, a lively -stream drawn from the Jumna at Rajghaut, fifty miles -above, and running to Delhi, eighty miles below. On -the right are long tracts of jungle, with a few villages -and some cultivated land near the bank of the canal, a -little to the rear. The barracks were detached buildings, -two to each company.</p> - -<p>General Sir Henry Warde, G.C.B., was appointed -from the sixty-eighth regiment to the Colonelcy of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment on the 13th of April, 1831, in -succession to General the Earl of Mulgrave, G.C.B., -deceased.</p> - -<p>It was the month of June before the barracks were -ready to receive the men, until which time the regiment -remained in camp. The officers’ houses in rear of the -barracks were built at their own expense, it being the -custom in the upper provinces of India to possess property<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[98]</span> -of this description; the inconvenience and expense -of establishing a cantonment are very severe -at the time on many, particularly on the junior officers. -It is only, however, when a cantonment is altogether -abandoned that this custom can be attended with loss. -Kurnaul was likely to be permanent from its position -with regard to the Punjaub and the dominions of the -Ameers of Scinde, besides the great importance acquired -every year by the country beyond the Indus.</p> - -<p>In October, 1831, the regiment marched to Roopur -on the river Sutlej, as part of the escort attached to -the Governor-General, Lord William Bentinck, who -had arranged to have an interview at that place with -his Highness Runjeet Singh, the Ruler of the Punjaub.</p> - -<p>Having left Kurnaul on the 10th of October, the -regiment reached the ground allotted for the escort on -the 22nd of that month; the route lay through the -Sikh territories, on the British side of the Sutlej. -Thennaiser, a spot of celebrated sanctity, and Umballa, -a populous city, were the only places of consequence, -however, on the march. The escort assembled at -Roopur, to do honor to the interview, was composed of -two squadrons of the sixteenth Lancers, with the band -of that regiment, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, two battalions -of native infantry (the 14th and 32nd), eight -guns of horse artillery, with two squadrons of irregular -cavalry from Colonel Skinner’s regiment.</p> - -<p>The force Runjeet Singh had brought with him -encamped, on the morning of the 25th of October, -on the opposite bank of the river, and consisted of ten -thousand of his best horse and six thousand disciplined -infantry. A bridge of boats had been thrown -across the river, and on the morning of the 26th of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[99]</span> -October the meeting took place; the Chief of the -Punjaub, accompanied by a deputation of British -officers that had gone to meet him, with a detachment -of 3800 horse, 800 being disciplined dragoons, under -General Allard, a French officer in Runjeet’s service, -crossed the river. All the Sikh chiefs were in attendance -on their Sovereign, and the train passed through a -street to the Governor-General’s camp, formed by the -sixteenth Lancers and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment. -This is not the place in which to dwell on the splendour -or chivalrous appearance of the scene, on the glitter of -the polished armour of some, and the gaiety of the -yellow silk in which all were dressed. The British -troops were infinitely greater objects of interest and -curiosity to the Sikhs, than even the variety of the -arms, and the figures of the men of the latter, were to -the former. Runjeet Singh inquired into every thing -connected with the arming and disciplining of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> with the keenest eye. During a review -of the corps, on a second visit, he rode close into the -line, and examined every movement, pointing out with -great intelligence to the Sirdars, or leaders, about him -the evolutions that he thought useful, or sending them -to observe particularly how they were performed. -The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was not under arms on the -return visit. The farewell interview took place on the -last day of the month, with the same ceremony as that -observed at the first meeting.</p> - -<p>The next morning (November 1st) the camps broke -up; the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment returned, by the -route it had come, to Kurnaul, and arrived there on -the 16th of November.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1832</div> - -<p>In the spring of the year 1832, Lieut.-Colonel<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[100]</span> -Cassidy returned to England in ill health, after having -commanded the regiment seven years. He was -succeeded by Major Eagar, who died in December -following, when for nearly three years the command of -the regiment devolved upon the two senior Captains -alternately.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1834</div> - -<p>On the 10th of October, 1834, Lieut.-General Sir -Edward Barnes, G.C.B., was appointed from the -seventy-eighth regiment to the Colonelcy of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, in succession to General Sir -Henry Warde, G.C.B., deceased.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1835</div> - -<p>In December, 1834, Major Bolton joined the regiment, -and was promoted, in November of the following -year, to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, by purchase, -Colonel Cassidy having been removed to the charge of -a recruiting district.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1836</div> - -<p>On the 20th of January, 1836, the regiment left -Kurnaul on its march to Dinapore, and, halting a day -near Delhi, crossed the Jumna below the city; thence, -continuing through the Doab (land between two -rivers), to Allahabad, crossed the Ganges by a bridge of -boats above the fort. Having halted at Benares and -Ghazeepore, it recrossed the Ganges at Buxar, and arriving -on the 26th of March at Dinapore, again took -up its quarters in the barracks it had occupied ten years -before;—although the weather was very hot, and the -regiment had marched without a day’s halt from Cawnpore -(thirty-one marches), there were only fifteen sick. -From Kurnaul to Dinapore the change of climate is -very great, while the confinement of the latter place, -with the close and crowded state of the barracks, after -the open scene, the comfortable thatched buildings, and -the cold bracing winter air of the former station, were<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[101]</span> -severely felt. In Kurnaul the hospital list never exceeded -seventy, while it occasionally continued, during -the hot weather, so low as thirty, and in the cold season -eight or nine, for months together.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1837</div> - -<p>During the summer of the year 1837, the thermometer -remained at 115 degrees in the barracks for -several days, and many deaths occurred from apoplexy, -produced by the great heat.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1838</div> - -<p>Lieut.-General Sir Colin Halkett, K.C.B. and -G.C.H., was appointed from the seventy-first regiment -to the Colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, on the -28th of March, 1838, in succession to General Sir -Edward Barnes, G.C.B., deceased.</p> - -<p>On the 16th of November the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> marched -towards Ghazeepore, to relieve the forty-fourth regiment, -and occupied the barracks at that station on the -27th of that month. Ghazeepore stands at the edge of -a fine plain on the left bank of the Ganges, close to the -river. It is one of the frontier posts towards Nepaul, is -forty-six miles from Benares, and four hundred and -six miles from Calcutta.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1839</div> - -<p>The strength of the regiment had been reduced to -six hundred and thirty-two rank and file; it had at -this period been fourteen years in India, during which -time the casualties by death amounted to fourteen -officers, and six hundred and seventy-seven men.</p> - -<p>During this year the regiment remained cantoned at -Ghazeepore, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel -Bolton; and was constantly on the alert in expectation -to march towards Nepaul to repel the incursions of the -Nepaulese.</p> - -<p>On the 3rd of April, 1839, the regiment was augmented -to an establishment of ten companies, consisting<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[102]</span> -of one colonel, two lieut.-colonels, two majors, ten -captains, thirty subalterns, six staff, fifty-seven serjeants, -nineteen drummers, and nine hundred and -seventy-six rank and file.</p> - -<p>On the 13th of May, 1839, the regiment was inspected -by Major-General Cocks, of the Honorable East India -Company’s Service, who expressed, in high terms, his -approbation of its appearance.</p> - -<p>Ghazeepore was found very unhealthy during the -rains, and the regiment suffered severely, both in officers -and men, from fever and dysentery.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1840</div> - -<p>The regiment remained at Ghazeepore until the 12th -of October, 1840, when orders were received to march -to Agra, to relieve the ninth foot. It arrived at Agra -on the 30th of November, and its effectives amounted -to forty-one serjeants, and seven hundred rank and -file.</p> - -<p>At Agra the regiment was more healthy than at the -two former stations, and its strength was increased -during the year by a large detachment of recruits from -England.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1841</div> - -<p>In March, 1841, a large party of recruits joined the -regiment under the command of Major Skinner, through -whose able management they arrived in the highest -possible order.</p> - -<p>Owing to the indefatigable exertions of Lieut.-Colonel -Bolton, the commanding officer, little time elapsed -before the regiment formed a highly disciplined and -most efficient battalion of 992 bayonets.</p> - -<p>At this period the government of Shah Shoojah -became so unpopular, that the Affghans appeared -determined to effect the expulsion of the British, by -whose aid he had been reinstated in the sovereignty of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[103]</span> -Cabool in 1839, and whose presence was rendered -necessary to support his authority.</p> - -<p>Towards the close of the year 1841, the Affghans -broke out into open insurrection; the British Envoy, Sir -William McNaghten, and Sir Alexander Burnes were -treacherously murdered; and the British troops, including -the forty-fourth regiment, which occupied Cabool, -being compelled to evacuate and retreat towards Jellalabad, -were cut to pieces on the march.</p> - -<p><em>Jellalabad</em> was soon beleaguered by the Affghans, and -every exertion was made to send succour from India to -its little garrison, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Sir -Robert Sale, of the thirteenth light infantry, who was -serving with the rank of Major-General in Affghanistan. -Upon the breaking out of the insurrection, the Major-General -had been detached from Cabool with a force, -in order to reduce the insurgents, and, after much hard -fighting in the passes, had taken possession of Jellalabad, -the successful defence of which, by his small garrison, -forms so interesting a feature in the Affghan campaign.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1842</div> - -<p>The regiment was ordered to join a force collected at -Peshawur, in the north of the Punjaub, under Major-General -Pollock; and on the 15th of January, 1842, it -marched from Agra, mustering 996 bayonets, in the -highest state of discipline and efficiency.</p> - -<p>On the 10th of March the Sutlej was crossed by means -of a bridge of boats (which had been constructed for the -accommodation of the British troops by the Sikh -government) by the force under the command of Lieut.-Colonel -Bolton, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment. The -force, which consisted of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, the -sixth native infantry, some troops of Tait’s irregular -horse, and Delafosse’s troop of horse artillery, arrived<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[104]</span> -at Peshawur on the 21st of April, and was most hospitably -entertained by General Avitabile,<a id="FNanchor_26" href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> by order of -the Maharajah Shere Singh.</p> - -<p>Before the corps could join the army, Major-General -Pollock forced the Khyber Pass, and marched on to -Jellalabad, at which place he arrived on the 16th of -April; the Affghans had, on the 7th of April, been -attacked, and defeated, by Major-General Sir Robert -Sale; Mahomed Akbar Khan was consequently obliged -to abandon the siege of Jellalabad, which he had -blockaded since February, 1842.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, which had followed -Major-General Pollock by forced marches, joined at -Jellalabad on the 5th of May,—after making a halt for -about five days at Peshawur,—having undergone much -privation on the way by the desertion of the camel-drivers:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[105]</span> -several deaths occurred from famine and -fatigue.</p> - -<p>The army was halted in wretched tents at Jellalabad, -the climate of which is known to be so unhealthy during -the summer as to cause it to be used by the natives as -a winter residence only. Soon the effects of this displayed -itself; the days became so oppressive that both -officers and men were obliged to dig deep holes underground -in which to shield themselves, in some slight -measure, from the burning heat of the sun. The -thermometer rose as high as 126° in the tents, and -man and beast fell stricken by the extreme heat.</p> - -<p>Neither was it in men alone that the army was daily -losing its efficiency. From the valley of Jellalabad -having been so long the seat of war, the fertile land -had become a desert,—the wretched half-starved camels -could find no forage on the bare face of the sand, and they -died by hundreds; their dead bodies lying about in all -directions, swollen with the sun, and emitting the most -horrid exhalations, together with the filth and dirt of -a standing camp of 50,000 men, added to the disease -which raged among the troops. The army suffered a -loss which the most sanguinary encounter with the -enemy could not have exceeded.</p> - -<p>At last, it was found necessary to divide the force, -and the fourth brigade, in which was the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, was ordered to march under Brigadier Monteath -to Peshbolak, in the Shinwaree country, to punish -some refractory tribes, which had behaved with great -treachery to a party of Jezailchees, who had been at the -former place, and to bring to submission the unruly -Shinwarees, who had attacked several convoys, and -been guilty of many acts of murder and plunder.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[106]</span></p> - -<p>For the first month the regiment met with little -opposition, and the camel-thorn, a wild bush, on the -leaves of which camels feed, being found in great quantities, -and large supplies of grain being taken, the -condition of the camels, horses, and other baggage animals -was much improved; the half-starved emaciated -animals, which had marched from Jellalabad, quickly -recovered their wonted vigour and efficiency. The -warlike and turbulent Shinwaree tribes retired before -Brigadier Monteath’s brigade, until they sheltered -themselves in their strongholds, which were formed in a -narrow valley, strengthened by many forts and stockaded -enclosures, while the heights on either side were -defended by numerous <em>sunghas</em>, or breastworks of large -stones, which were so constructed as to enable them to -dispute every inch of ground with an advancing -force.</p> - -<p>The brigade having arrived, and encamped about -two miles from this formidable position, a reconnoitring -party was sent out, under the command of -Captain Willes, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, to examine -the strength of the enemy’s preparations, and -determine his exact position. It was composed of two -companies of the thirty-third Native Infantry, with -a few Jezailchees, or Native Light Infantry, so named -from the Jezail, or short rifle, with which they are -armed. This party, having proceeded some four or -five miles from the camp, was furiously attacked by a -large force of Shinwarees, and suffered severely from -their fire, which was very effective from the position -they had taken up, and from which it required a very -considerable force to drive them: nevertheless the -object sought was fully obtained; the enemy’s position<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[107]</span> -was correctly ascertained, together with every requisite -information for the attack in force, after which the -reconnoitring party returned to the camp, sustaining -a smart action the whole way back.</p> - -<p>On the 26th of July Brigadier Monteath prepared -to attack the enemy near <em>Mazeena</em> with his whole -force; and accordingly, leaving the camp standing under -an efficient guard, he moved towards the position occupied -by the Affghans, who were prepared, and nothing -loth to meet him. Little time elapsed before the -engagement was commenced by the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, seconded by the thirty-third and fifty-third -Native Infantry, ascending the heights, and driving -the Shinwarees from their breastworks, and along -the ridges of the hills, while the tenth Light Cavalry, -in the valley below, charged them whenever they -showed front on level ground. The camp followers -and pioneers had been furnished with combustibles to -burn the forts, as the Shinwarees were driven out of -them, which service was very efficiently performed. -Meanwhile, on the heights, the enemy disputed every -foot of ground until taken at the point of the bayonet, -and Lieut. M‘Ilween, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, -was killed while gallantly leading an attack of this -kind against a vastly superior force.</p> - -<p>The Affghans being driven from their defences, the -artillery, under the command of Captain Abbott, -played upon them with great effect; and after contesting -the day until every fort and place of defence had -been taken and destroyed, they fled, dispersing themselves -among the neighbouring hills, where it was impossible -to pursue them. Their loss was very great, -including most of their leaders.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[108]</span></p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment had Lieut. Dalway -M‘Ilveen <em>killed</em>, and seven rank and file <em>wounded</em>; -several men of the regiment died suddenly from apoplexy, -caused by the heat of the sun and want of -water. Thus ended the action of Mazeena, in which -the behaviour of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment elicited -the highest commendation from Brigadier Monteath, -who stated, in his despatch of the 27th of July, that</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="noindent">“at one time the interiors of five-and-thirty forts were -in a blaze along the valley, the enemy contemplating -the scene from the heights in the vicinity of Secunder -Khan’s fort, where they had taken up positions, and -from whence they were driven in gallant style by the -advance, consisting of the light and two battalion -companies of Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, -the light companies of the thirty-third and fifty-third -regiments of Native Infantry, and the corps of -Jezailchees under <em>Major Skinner</em>, of Her Majesty’s -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment.</p> - -<p>“It gives me great pleasure to record the zealous -conduct of the troops generally, and the cheerful -and praiseworthy manner in which the soldiers of -Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment laboured to -drag the guns up such places as the horses, notwithstanding -their unequalled qualities, were incapable -of doing.</p> - -<p>“My thanks are very justly due to <em>Lieut.-Colonel -Bolton</em>, of Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, for -the able manner in which he conducted the duties of -covering the retirement of the force; and particularly -so to <em>Major Skinner</em> for the zealous and gallant -manner in which he led the advance against the -enemy.”</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[109]</span></p> - -<p>The Brigadier also acknowledged the services of -other officers belonging to the force under his command, -in which number was included Lieutenant and -Adjutant Lugard, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, who -acted as Major of Brigade.</p> - -<p>The brigade of Brigadier-General Monteath, having -thus performed most successfully the service for which -it had been detached, now marched to join the main -army at Jellalabad, and arriving there took up its old -ground. On the 22nd of August the army marched -in two divisions, and proceeded without opposition, but -suffering intense fatigue from the labour of dragging -the artillery and stores over the almost inaccessible -paths, until it arrived at Soorkhab, distant four marches -from Jellalabad.</p> - -<p>On the British leaving Soorkhab, the Affghans showed -themselves in force, and the rear-guard, under the -command of Lieut.-Colonel Bolton, was so hard-pressed -by thousands of the irregular troops of the enemy, that -Brigadier Monteath thought it necessary to halt the -brigade at the entrance of the Jugdulluck pass, to -enable it to form a junction with the main column, -which it did after suffering considerable loss. The -Ghilzees hotly contested the passage of the pass, but -after a sharp engagement they were driven off with -much slaughter.</p> - -<p>In this action Lieut.-Colonel Bolton had his horse -shot under him in two places, and Lieutenant Shaw, -of the regiment, was wounded.</p> - -<p>The next day (9th September) the Affghans were so -much dispirited by their defeat, that the division -marched to Jugdulluck without further opposition -than a little skirmishing with the rear-guard, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[110]</span> -Lieutenant Brooke, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, was -wounded.</p> - -<p>On the 10th of September, it having been ascertained -that Akbar Khan with 20,000 men had established -himself in the Khoord Cabool pass, in order to cover the -capital and fight a pitched battle with the British, the -second division was ordered to join the first by a forced -march to Tezeen, where Major-General Pollock was encamped. -This junction was effected on the 11th of September, -with little loss, although a running fight was -kept up the greater part of the way. In fact, the -advance to Cabool was a succession of skirmishes, oftentimes -by night as well as by day.</p> - -<p>The camp was attacked on the night of the 12th of -September, but the enemy made no impression, and -little loss occurred, although all the piquets of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment were engaged until daybreak.</p> - -<p>Shortly after daybreak on the 13th of September the -army moved off its ground towards the <em>Tezeen Pass</em>, -the advanced guard, commanded by Sir Robert Sale, -being composed of three companies of the ninth regiment, -three companies of the thirteenth or Prince -Albert’s Light Infantry, together with two companies -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, under Captain Baldwin -and Lieutenant Greenwood.</p> - -<p>After moving carefully along the pass for about two -miles, the Affghans were discovered, in great force, -occupying strong positions on the heights on either -side, while their artillery and cavalry were formed some -distance farther on in the pass itself. The action -commenced by a heavy fire from the enemy on the -advanced guard of the British; and the distance being -too great for musketry, from the effect of which also<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[111]</span> -the Affghans were covered by extensive <em>sunghas</em>, or -intrenchments formed of large blocks of stone, for the -whole length of their position, it was judged necessary -for the troops to ascend the heights, and drive them -from their posts at the point of the bayonet.</p> - -<p>This service was most brilliantly performed on the -left heights by the ninth and <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiments, -and on the right by the thirteenth light infantry.</p> - -<p>The companies ascended the face of the mountain -under a most galling fire, from the effects of which -many casualties occurred, and not returning a shot -until the ledge was gained: a combined volley within -ten yards of the enemy, followed by an immediate -charge of bayonets, drove him from his defences with -great slaughter, and the heights were gained. For -this service Captain Baldwin received the brevet rank -of Major.</p> - -<p>The Affghans’ advanced posts being driven in and -pursued as far as the broken and difficult nature of the -country would admit, they retired upon their supports, -which were, with great judgment, defended by -endless <em>sunghas</em>, erected in every position from which a -fire could be brought on advancing troops.</p> - -<p>The British, having gained the heights, and being -reinforced by fresh troops, pushed on, and, storming -one intrenchment after another, threw the Affghans -into great confusion. The artillery, having been -brought up, played upon them with terrific effect, -while the British cavalry, having charged and overthrown -their horse, posted in the pass, and taken -their guns, together with the state tent of Akbar -Khan, the fortune of the day at this early period evidently -smiled on the British arms; but the warlike<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[112]</span> -mountaineers, who composed the Affghan army, fought -with desperate valour to retrieve the day. Attack -after attack was made upon the troops occupying the -posts from which the enemy had first been driven. Reckless -of life, the stern fanatics came on to be shot down -from the defences which they had themselves thrown -up. In a series of desultory attacks the day declined, -and the British, having obtained possession of every -height commanding the pass, the remains of the -Affghan army made a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">détour</i> among the hills, falling -with great fury upon the British rear-guard, commanded -by Colonel Richmond, of the thirty-third -regiment of Native Infantry. Here they were so -warmly received that their discomfiture was completed, -and the day was won. The victorious British encamped -for the night in the valley of Khoord (Little) Cabool, -a village distant about sixteen miles from Cabool.</p> - -<p>In this action Lieutenant Pollard received a severe -contusion from a large block of stone while attempting -to take a standard. Major Skinner, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, highly distinguished himself with the -force which was detached under his command, and -which proceeded, in the afternoon of the 12th of September, -across the hills towards the valley of Khoord -Cabool by a route different from that of the main -army. On the march, Major Skinner came suddenly in -presence of a greatly superior number of Affghans. -Notwithstanding that the country was difficult and -imperfectly known, by a series of skilful manœuvres -he extricated his troops from the perilous situation in -which they were placed, and defeated the Affghans, -who exceeded five times his force, with great slaughter, -on the 13th of September.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[113]</span></p> - -<p>So complete was the defeat of the Affghan army on -the 13th of September, that Akbar Khan escaped from -the field accompanied only by a solitary horseman.</p> - -<p>The enemy acknowledged to have lost fifty-three -chiefs and persons of consequence, and 700 men. The -casualties on the part of the British amounted to 185.</p> - -<p>Major-General Pollock, in his despatch dated 14th of -September, again acknowledged the services of Lieut.-Colonel -Bolton and Major Skinner, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment.</p> - -<p>No impediments now existed to the advance of the -British on the city of Cabool. On the 15th of September -the army arrived at Cabool, and encamped on the -race-course. On the following day the place was occupied -and the standard of England hoisted on the -highest pinnacle of the battlements of the Bala Hissar -(Upper Fort), on which occasion the flank companies -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> formed part of the guard which -garrisoned the citadel. The British colours were hoisted -daily as long as the army remained at Cabool.</p> - -<p>All the objects of the campaign having been gained, -and the rescue of the prisoners effected,—among whom -were several officers and ladies (Lady Sale, the partner -of the gallant defender of Jellalabad being among the -number), also three serjeants, three drummers, and -thirty rank and file of Her Majesty’s forty-fourth -regiment,—the Anglo-Indian army commenced its -march towards Hindoostan on the 12th of October, -after having destroyed the grand bazaar of Cabool, -named the Chahar Chuttah, where the remains of the -British Envoy had been exposed to public insult by -the infuriated Affghans.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was again constantly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[114]</span> -engaged in desultory skirmishes with the Ghilzees -and Afreedee tribes which infested the passes.</p> - -<p>At the <em>Jugdulluck Pass</em> the Affghans again made -head, and a severe action occurred on the 18th of -October, in which the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment sustained -some loss, but the Ghilzees were put to flight with -great slaughter. Lieutenant Thomas Pender, of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, received a severe wound near -Seh Baba, from the effects of which he died on the -18th of November.</p> - -<p>Major-General McCaskill, in his despatch dated -20th of October, 1842, recording the attacks on his -division by the predatory tribes of the mountains -between Tezeen and Gundamuck, stated that,</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Throughout these affairs the conduct of the troops -employed, including the second and sixteenth Native -infantry, temporarily attached to me, has deserved -my highest approbation, and I feel it to be my duty -to record, that in the advance to Cabool, and in retiring -from it, the bravery of that portion of the fourth -brigade which took part in the active operations, -namely, Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, and -a wing of the thirty-third Native infantry,—the remaining -wing and the sixth Native infantry having -been detained to garrison Jellalabad and Gundamuck,—as -well as their endurance of privations and -fatigue, have been beyond all praise. No troops -could, in every respect, have behaved better; and I -feel myself to be deeply indebted to Brigadier -Monteath, C.B., and to Lieut.-Colonel Bolton, of -Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, and to Lieut.-Colonel -Richmond, of the thirty-third Native infantry, for the -able and gallant manner in which they have been led.”</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[115]</span></p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment arrived at Jellalabad -on the 23rd of October, and, after destroying the fortifications, -proceeded thence on the 27th to Peshawur, -where it arrived in the beginning of November.</p> - -<p>The campaign having now been brought to a close, -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> reached Ferozepore on the 19th of -December, having been in the field for eleven months -during this arduous campaign.</p> - -<p>On arrival at Ferozepore the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -joined the “Army of Reserve,” which had been assembled -on the frontier, and where the Governor-General, -Lord Ellenborough, and General Sir Jasper -Nicolls, the commander-in-chief in India, had proceeded -to receive the army of Affghanistan.</p> - -<p>For his services connected with the command of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, Lieut.-Colonel Bolton was -made a Companion of the Bath, and appointed aide-de-camp -to the Queen, with the rank of colonel.</p> - -<p>In testimony of the services of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -during the campaign in Affghanistan, Her Majesty -was graciously pleased to authorize the regiment to -bear the word “<span class="smcap">Cabool, 1842</span>,” on the regimental -colour and appointments.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1843</div> - -<p>On the breaking up of the army at Ferozepore, the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, commanded by Colonel Bolton, was -ordered to Umballa, a place about 170 miles to the -south, and which had never been previously occupied -by troops. Here the regiment arrived on the 27th of -January, 1843, and, cantonments having been marked -out, barracks were commenced for the men, and ground -allotted for the erection of bungalows for the officers.</p> - -<p>On the 5th of May the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> sustained a -severe loss by the death of Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[116]</span> -Skinner, a zealous and talented officer, whose -services are frequently alluded to in the historical -record of the regiment.<a id="FNanchor_27" href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></p> - -<p>In May, 1843, the regiment was ordered to Khytul, -and formed part of a force under Major-General Fast, -which was sent to reduce the city and state of Khytul -to British subjection. The force arrived at Khytul -after about a week’s march, and the enemy, after a -slight show of resistance, evacuated the city, which was -occupied by the British troops. All the objects of the -expedition having been fulfilled, the regiment returned -to its cantonments at Umballa. All, however, remained -under canvas, exposed to most intense heat, -until July, 1843, when the men were housed, and a -few of the officers got shelter. In October, 1843, an -outbreak occurred at Lahore, and the Maharajah, Shere -Singh, was shot at a review by his brother-in-law, Ajeet -Singh; after this event the youthful Dhuleep Singh, a -reputed son of the late Runjeet Singh, was placed on -the throne.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was in consequence -ordered to the frontier, and marched for Ferozepore on -the 16th of November, where it arrived on the 1st of -December, 1843, and remained as a corps of observation.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1844</div> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, commanded by Colonel Bolton, -C.B., continued at Ferozepore, where the regiment was -joined by ninety-three recruits from England. On the -16th of January, 1844, the regiment was inspected, and -elicited great praise from Major-General Hunter of the -Company’s Service, and again on the 16th of February,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[117]</span> -by Major-General Sir Robert Dick, K.C.B., who expressed -great praise as well of the soldierlike and -gallant bearing as of the high state of discipline of the -regiment.</p> - -<p>The weather becoming extremely hot, the regiment -marched from Ferozepore on the 19th of April, 1844, -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en route</i> to Umballa, where it arrived on the 2nd of May.</p> - -<p>On the 30th of December, 1844, his Excellency -General Sir Hugh Gough, Bart., Commander-in-Chief -in India, inspected the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, in review order, -on which occasion he expressed himself highly satisfied -with the soldierlike appearance of the regiment.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1845</div> - -<p>On the 12th of March, 1845, a detachment of recruits -and volunteers, consisting of one major, one captain, -three lieutenants, two ensigns, one assistant-surgeon, -with four hundred and seventy-one rank and file, joined -the regiment from the lower provinces, under the command -of Major Spence.</p> - -<p>Many men continued to die from the effects of the -Cabool campaign, but the station in itself proved -healthy until July, when it was visited by cholera in a -most fearful manner. On the 26th of July the regiment -was ordered into camp, about two miles from the -barracks, at a few hours’ notice, with orders for one -officer per company, as well as the medical officers, -constantly to remain in camp under Major Spence, -where they continued until the 5th of August. In one -month the regiment lost by cholera eighty-nine men, -women, and children.</p> - -<p>After the death of Maha Shere Singh, the Punjaub -was in a state of anarchy; the juvenile sovereign, -Dhuleep Singh, under the tutelage of his mother and -uncle, was unable to control the turbulent Sikh chieftains,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[118]</span> -and open hostility soon manifested itself against -the British Government in India.</p> - -<p>In the beginning of December, 1845, the inclination -of the Sikh Sirdars to invade the British territories -appeared to increase, and about the 11th of that -month, with a large army and a well-appointed artillery, -they actually crossed the Sutlej, the boundary -river which separates the Punjaub from the British -dominions.<a id="FNanchor_28" href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a></p> - -<p>The Commander-in-Chief in India, General Sir -Hugh Gough, sent immediate orders for the Umballa -division of the army, which had lately been considerably -increased in strength, to be pushed on -towards the invaded frontier.</p> - -<p>Previous to its march, this force had been formed -into divisions and brigades. The first brigade of the -first division was composed of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, -and two regiments of Native infantry, viz., the -twenty-fourth and forty-seventh regiments. The first -division was commanded by Major-General Sir Henry -Smith; Colonel Bolton, C.B., of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, was appointed Brigadier to command the -first brigade. Lieut.-Colonel Byrne, the next senior -officer, assumed the command of the regiment. Captain -Garvock was appointed Brigade-Major to the first -brigade, and Captain Lugard, Assistant-Adjutant-General -to the first division.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[119]</span></p> - -<p>It being of the utmost importance to aid the division -of the army in the defence of Ferozepore, a fort -on the left bank of the Sutlej, where the British -Government had large magazines containing munitions -of war, a park of artillery, military stores, and -equipments for the field army, which protected the -frontier, it was necessary to push on the Umballa -division, with all possible speed, by rapid and forced -marches, towards the point near which the Sikhs, after -having crossed the Sutlej, were assembled in large force, -emboldened by numbers, and their army composed of -well-disciplined troops, with a numerous and well-appointed -artillery. This army had been instructed -and trained in European tactics and discipline by -French and Italian officers; it was confident in its -own strength and in the powerful aid of its formidable -artillery.</p> - -<p>It was evidently the object of the enemy to prevent -the junction of the Umballa division with the Ferozepore -field force, to cut off the latter division, and -to capture the fort and magazines of Ferozepore, -before the Umballa division could arrive at the scene -of action. The enemy hoped also to have a rich booty -in the plunder of the large town of Ferozepore. The -Sikhs knew and calculated the distance the Umballa -troops had to march before they could reach the vicinity -of Ferozepore, one hundred and fifty miles, and the -nature of the country through which they had to -march; but they did not calculate on the energy, -patient endurance of hardships, and privation, which -the British soldier would cheerfully undergo, when he -knew, that his brave and heroic Commander-in-Chief -was leading him in person against the foe, who had -dared to invade the British possessions.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[120]</span></p> - -<p>On the 10th of December the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> received -the order to march, and the morning of the 12th saw -the regiment leave Umballa, mustering 30 officers and -844 men.</p> - -<p>After long and harassing marches of twenty-five -to thirty miles a day, the severe nature of which it is -impossible to describe, the regiment arrived at the -village of <em>Moodkee</em> about two o’clock in the afternoon -of the 18th of December, having on that day performed -a march of not less than twenty-five miles: some idea -may be formed of the sufferings which the men -endured from fatigue on this eventful day, when it is -known that at the last halt, about two miles from -Moodkee, scarcely <em>fifty</em> men were left with the colours; -and for miles to the rear they might be seen staggering -forward through the soft sand in an exhausted state -from want of water and rest.</p> - -<p>The soldiers were in the act of pitching their tents, -and had eaten nothing, when the alarm was given that -the enemy was close upon them in force. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -rushed to arms, and forming the right of the -first brigade of the first division, under Major-General -Sir Henry Smith, formed in quarter-distance column, -left in front, advanced two or three miles, deployed -on the grenadier company, and so continued the line -formed by the regiments on their right.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> were now on ploughed land in -front of a thick jungle of thorny bushes, and moving -forward under a heavy fire of round and grape-shot, -entered the jungle, through which it was impossible to -move in anything like a correct line, and beyond which -the Sikhs were formed. It was here that the gallant -Colonel Bolton received his death-wound;—his last -emphatic words to the men were, “<em>Steady</em>, <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[121]</span> -<em>and fire low</em>,”—when man and horse came down together; -but he did not allow himself to be removed -from the field until the action was over. The regiment -now found itself in front of a battery of fourteen -or fifteen guns. By this time the men were falling -quickly under severe discharges of grape from the -guns, a few yards only distant, which were also protected -by a battalion of infantry, from which withering -volleys were sent into the ranks of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, -who, however, returned it with interest, and the intrepid -valour of the men bore down all opposition. -One continued fire from the regiment laid low nearly -the whole of the enemy’s artillery-men opposed to its -part of the line, while the bayonet disposed of such of -the remainder of the foe as had not time to save themselves -by flight. The opposition of the Sikhs was -desperate; but nothing could resist the bravery of the -British troops, who drove them from one position after -another with great slaughter: all their advanced guns -remained in the hands of the British.</p> - -<p>It was not till an hour and a half after sunset that -this hand to hand conflict was over, when the rolling of -musketry gradually died away, and the British found -themselves undisputed masters of the field. Soon -after the commencement of the action, Lieut.-Colonel -Byrne being severely wounded, the command of the regiment -devolved upon Major Spence, the senior major.</p> - -<p>The regiment, being much broken and scattered over -the field in pursuit of the enemy, was re-formed in -quarter-distance column, and marched back to within -about a mile of Moodkee, where it bivouacked on the -sand until daylight, and then returned to camp.</p> - -<p>In this short but hard-fought action the regiment -suffered severely. Of 30 officers and 814 men, who<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[122]</span> -went into action, 9 officers and 155 rank and file were -killed or wounded.</p> - -<p>The following officers were killed or wounded in -the action at Moodkee:—</p> - -<div class="pad3"> -<table class="p1 autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Colonel Bolton C.B., commanding<br />first brigade</td> -<td class="tdl" colspan="2"><span class="fs180">}</span> Mortally wounded.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.-Colonel Byrne</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">Severely</td> -<td class="tdl">”</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Captain Willes</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">Mortally</td> -<td class="tdl">”</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">” Bulkeley</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">Dangerously</td> -<td class="tdl">”</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">” Young</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">Dangerously</td> -<td class="tdl">”</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">” Lugard</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">Slightly</td> -<td class="tdl">”</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Lieut. Pollard</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">Slightly</td> -<td class="tdl">”</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h">” H. W. Hart</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">Killed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h">” Brenchley</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">Mortally</td> -<td class="tdl">”</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><a id="FNanchor_29" href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> -Assistant-Surgeon Gahan,<br />9th foot, doing duty</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="fs180">}</span> Mortally</td> -<td class="tdlm">”</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p>In this action Lieutenant Bolton, of the twenty-first -Fusiliers, acted as aide-de-camp to his father Brigadier -Bolton.</p> - -<p>The army was commanded in the action by General -Sir Hugh Gough, the Commander-in-Chief, aided by -the counsel and military experience of the Governor-General, -Sir Henry Hardinge. The following extract -is taken from the despatch of the Commander-in-Chief, -dated 19th of December, 1845:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The opposition of the enemy was such as might -have been expected from troops who had everything -at stake, and who had long vaunted of being -irresistible. Their ample and extended line, from their -great superiority of numbers, far out-flanked ours; -but this was counteracted by the flank movements -of our cavalry. The attack of the infantry now -commenced; and the roll of fire from this powerful -arm soon convinced the Sikh army that they had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[123]</span> -met with a foe they little expected; and their whole -force was driven from position after position with -great slaughter, and the loss of seventeen pieces of -artillery, some of them of heavy calibre; our infantry -using that never-failing weapon, the bayonet, -whenever the enemy stood. Night only saved them -from worse disaster, for this stout conflict was -maintained during an hour and a half of dim starlight, -amidst a cloud of dust from the sandy plain, which -yet more obscured every object.</p> - -<p>“I regret to say, this gallant and successful attack -was attended with considerable loss. The force -bivouacked upon the field for some hours, and only -returned to its encampment after ascertaining that it -had no enemy before it, and that night prevented the -possibility of a regular advance in <span class="nowrap">pursuit. * * *</span></p> - -<p>“I have every reason to be proud of, and gratified -with, the exertions of the whole of the officers and -troops of this army on this arduous occasion.”</p> -</div> - -<p>It appears from the list of killed and wounded, that -the first or Major-General Sir Henry Smith’s division -bore the brunt of the action at Moodkee, as the casualties -in that division out-numbered those of the other -two infantry divisions united, as will be seen by the -following published list:—</p> - -<div class="pad4"> -<table class="p1 autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdc smcap" colspan="5">First Division of Infantry.</td> -</tr> -<tr class="fs80"> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr">Officers.</td> -<td class="tdr">Native Officers.</td> -<td class="tdr">Serjeants.</td> -<td class="tdr">Rank & File.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Killed</td> -<td class="tdrp">4</td> -<td class="tdrp">1</td> -<td class="tdrp">4</td> -<td class="tdrp">69</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Wounded</td> -<td class="tdrp">18</td> -<td class="tdrp">2</td> -<td class="tdrp">20</td> -<td class="tdrp">299</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -<td class="tdrp">—–</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">Total</td> -<td class="tdrp">22</td> -<td class="tdrp">3</td> -<td class="tdrp">24</td> -<td class="tdrp">368</td> -</tr> - -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc smcap" colspan="5">Second Division of Infantry.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Killed</td> -<td class="tdrp">..</td> -<td class="tdrp">1</td> -<td class="tdrp">..</td> -<td class="tdrp">17</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Wounded</td> -<td class="tdrp">4</td> -<td class="tdrp">5</td> -<td class="tdrp">10</td> -<td class="tdrp">81</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">Total</td> -<td class="tdrp">4</td> -<td class="tdrp">6</td> -<td class="tdrp">10</td> -<td class="tdrp">98</td> -</tr> - -<tr><td> <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[124]</span></td></tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc smcap" colspan="5">Third Division of Infantry.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Killed</td> -<td class="tdrp">1</td> -<td class="tdrp">..</td> -<td class="tdrp">1</td> -<td class="tdrp">6</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Wounded</td> -<td class="tdrp">1</td> -<td class="tdrp">..</td> -<td class="tdrp">4</td> -<td class="tdrp">73</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -<td class="tdrp">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">Total</td> -<td class="tdrp">2</td> -<td class="tdrp">..</td> -<td class="tdrp">5</td> -<td class="tdrp">79</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> - - -<p>The army of the Sikhs amounted, it is said, to -upwards of 32,000 men of all arms. The British -force did not amount to more than one-third of that -number.</p> - -<p>Thus terminated the battle of <em>Moodkee</em>, the first -action in which the Sikhs measured their strength -with British troops in the field.</p> - -<p>The following extracts are taken from an account of -the battle of Moodkee:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Between the 11th and 18th the army had marched -over a distance of 160 miles, along roads of heavy -sand; the incessant toil scarcely leaving them leisure -to cook their food. Hardly an hour of repose was -allowed them when they were summoned to renewed -exertion. On the 18th the army took up their encamping -ground in front of Moodkee. Our troops -had scarcely time to prepare their food, when intelligence -was brought that the enemy, 30,000 strong, -was close at hand. It was about three o’clock <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span>; -the men were tired with incessant work, suffering -from scarcity of water, and exhausted for want of -nourishment and rest. The instant the order was -given, however, they turned out with the utmost -alacrity, as if fresh from their lines.”</p> -</div> - -<p>After describing the preliminary movements of the -cavalry and artillery, the narrator proceeds:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The afternoon was by this time far spent, and the -evening at hand. The infantry, under Generals<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[125]</span> -Smith, Gilbert, and McCaskill, pushed on in echellon -right for the enemy’s line, now nearly invisible from -the wood and approaching darkness. We were out-flanked -and fearfully out-numbered. The struggle -was tremendous. The Sikhs fought with the fury -of desperate men. Nothing could resist the dauntless -courage of our troops, and fearful was the storm -of musketry poured forth by them as they rushed. -The bayonet,—the never-failing resource of British -soldiers,—completed the confusion and havoc the -musketry had begun. Every position was forced; the -enemy driven from the ground they had so well -selected, and for a time so obstinately maintained; -and night found eighteen pieces of artillery in our -possession. Darkness only saved them from extreme -disaster; and so fierce and unrelenting had been the -fray, that it was maintained through an hour of dim -starlight, while the dust of the sandy plain added to -the obscurity of the advancing night. Pursuit was -impossible, and the troops bivouacked on the field.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The following officers were present with the regiment -at the battle of Moodkee on the 18th of December:—</p> - -<table class="p1 autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Colonel</td> -<td class="tdl">S. Bolton, C.B. (<em>Commanding </em></td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.</td> -<td class="tdl">W. F. Atty.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl pad3"><em>the first brigade</em>).</td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">J. L. R. Pollard.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Lt.-Col.</td> -<td class="tdl">John Byrne (<em>commanding the</em></td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">H. W. Hart.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl pad3"><em>regiment</em>).</td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Robert Law.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Major</td> -<td class="tdl">James Spence.</td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">J. P. Robertson.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">G. Baldwin.</td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Graham Elmslie.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Capt.</td> -<td class="tdl">W. G. Willes.</td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Poole Gabbett.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">T. Bulkeley.</td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">S. J. Timbrell.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">G. D. Young.</td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">John Brenchley.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">G. F. White (<em>Acting</em></td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">A. Pilkington.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl pad3"><em>Paymaster</em>).</td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">E. A. Noel.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">J. Garvock.</td> -<td class="tdl">Ensign</td> -<td class="tdl">James Paul.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">D. F. Longworth.</td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">H. P. Hutton.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">E. Lugard.</td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">C. H. G. Tritton.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.</td> -<td class="tdl">T. H. Plasket.</td> -<td class="tdl">Adjt.</td> -<td class="tdl">William Bernard.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Q. M. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[126]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Samuel Benison.</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut.</td> -<td class="tdl">A. S. Bolton (<em>H. M. 21st</em></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">A. Surg.</td> -<td class="tdl">G. W. Macready.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl pad3"><em>Fusiliers, doing duty</em>).</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h">”</td> -<td class="tdl">David Stewart.</td> -<td class="tdl">Surg.</td> -<td class="tdl">R. B. Gahan (<em>H. M. 9th Foot,</em></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl pad3"><em>in medical charge</em>).</td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p>It being expected that the Sikhs, notwithstanding -their defeat on the previous evening, would make a -second attack, the troops were ordered under arms -early on the following morning, the 19th, and remained -so till evening, when, no enemy appearing, they -returned to their tents.</p> - -<p>It having been subsequently ascertained, by scouts, -that the enemy was strongly entrenched in great -numbers round the village of Ferozeshah, the Commander-in-Chief -determined to effect a junction with -the troops at Ferozepore, and with the combined force -to drive the Sikhs from their position. Accordingly at -daylight on the 21st of December the army was formed -in separate columns of attack, and marched in order of -battle in the supposed direction of the enemy. Having -proceeded about five miles, it was ascertained that the -Sikhs had retired to their entrenched camp at <em>Ferozeshah</em>, -about twelve miles from Moodkee.</p> - -<p>The troops then fell into columns of route, and after -a very fatiguing and circuitous march, rendered more -so from no water being procurable on the road, they -arrived about three o’clock <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span> in the neighbourhood -of the enemy’s position, having, on the march, effected -the desired junction with the division under Major-General -Sir John Littler, consisting of five thousand -men and twenty-one guns, which had moved from -Ferozepore on the morning of the 21st of December: -about a quarter of an hour was allowed for rest, and -the plan of battle was then immediately arranged.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[127]</span> -The first division formed the reserve, and was drawn -up in line, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> being about the centre: -here they remained about twenty minutes, during -which time the round shot were passing through the -ranks, killing and wounding several men.</p> - -<p>The order was now given to advance to the support -of the troops, who were hotly engaged and hard-pressed; -the reserve moved forward in excellent order, though -darkness was coming on, and very shortly became -engaged and exposed to a heavy fire. The two lines -were shortly reduced to one, the shattered remains of -the reserve scarcely filling up the gaps formed in the -first line by the deadly fire of the enemy, who nobly -fought, and fell every man in his place; thus those <em>two</em> -lines, which had so shortly before presented the regularity -of a field-day, were now but <em>one</em>, standing surrounded -by their dead and dying comrades, and the -brave fellows of other European regiments could -scarcely understand how they came to be fighting in the -ranks of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>. After a long and desperate -contest, the Sikhs were driven from their guns, -but not without severe loss on the part of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, both in officers and men. Lieut. and -Adjutant Bernard was killed on the spot, and Major -Baldwin and Lieut. Pollard were mortally wounded; -Lieut. Pilkington was struck by two shots, one passing -through each ankle; and the horse of Major Spence -was shot under him. On the death of Lieutenant and -Adjutant Bernard, Lieutenant Robertson was appointed -Adjutant, which appointment he held until the nomination -of Lieutenant Bolton was received from the -Horse Guards, he having been applied for by his father, -Colonel Bolton, previously to the campaign. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[128]</span> -camp of the Sikhs being now on fire in several places, -mines and magazines exploding with terrific violence at -short intervals, the enemy’s fire being silenced,—and -their guns standing undefended,—the order was given to -fall back a short distance and re-form, which was accordingly -done; the troops bivouacked during the night in -front of the Sikh camp, within reach of shot from their -guns, which, having been left unspiked, were quickly -reopened upon the exhausted troops, whose sufferings -on that fearful night, from thirst and intense cold, will -never be forgotten by those who endured them.</p> - -<p>Towards morning the troops were formed in one -line facing the enemy; the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> happened -to be on the right of the whole. At the break of -day, the British artillery opened on the enemy, who -returned their fire, and after a short cannonading the -infantry advanced to the attack: the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -moved steadily towards a battery of seven guns on -the enemy’s extreme left, which kept up a continued -fire of grape; it was, however, carried by the bayonet -without a single check, and almost without a shot -being fired by the assailants, though the loss of -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> was severe. Having killed all the -enemy’s artillery-men who remained at their guns, -the regiment, led by its brave commander, Major -Spence, passed through the battery, and advanced -steadily in an excellent line for about 300 yards, when -it halted. The Governor-General and the Commander-in-Chief -passed down the ranks amidst the -cheers of the men; the line saluted them, dropping the -regimental colours; and private William Ash, a grenadier, -stood in front of his company displaying a colour -taken from the enemy in the battery before mentioned.</p> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_128" style="max-width: 40.625em;"> - <p class="pfs100">THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT</p> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_128.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"><p class="fs70 right"><em>Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S<sup>t</sup> Strand.</em></p> -<em>From a sketch by Major G. F. White, 31<sup>st</sup> Regiment</em><br /> -<ins class="corr" id="tn-128" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'BATTLE OF FEROZSHAH.'"> -BATTLE OF FEROZESHAH.</ins> (2<sup>nd</sup> DAY) 22<sup>nd</sup> DECEMBER, 1845.<br /> -<em>For Cannon’s Military Records</em> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129"></a>[129]</span></p> - -<p>The defeat of the enemy now appearing to be -complete, the soldiers were allowed to go in search of -water, the want of which was severely felt. In the -course of half an hour the alarm was suddenly given, -that the Sikhs were coming down in force; the troops -were quickly placed in position, though there could be -no regularity as regarded brigades, and on the near approach -of the enemy’s horse, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> formed -square, the Governor-General and his Staff placing -themselves in the centre: a terrific fire was now opened -upon the devoted troops (whose artillery ammunition -was expended) from the guns of Tej-Singh’s army -advancing to the support of the already defeated Sikhs, -and the tide of victory appeared about to turn, when -Sir Henry Hardinge, glancing at the small but undismayed -band around him, exclaimed “<span class="smcap">Thirty-first</span>, -remember <em>Albuhera</em>.” Line was, however, soon -after re-formed, no decided attack being made by -the enemy, who nevertheless kept up a galling and -destructive fire from his guns. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -suffered very considerably without the power of -retaliation, but patiently maintained their position; -at one time, when threatened by cavalry, forming -an oblong square of four deep, one side of the square -being composed of the twenty-ninth foot under Brigadier -Taylor of that corps, the twenty-ninth forming -four deep to the front, and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> four deep -to the rear, and in this position they remained for some -time, ready to receive cavalry. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -maintained their position upwards of three hours, when -they were once more enabled to go in search of water by -the sudden and precipitate retreat of the enemy. The -water in the wells was, however, found to be in such a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130"></a>[130]</span> -putrid state, as to be nearly useless, from the bodies of -the dead having been thrown into them; and the ground -in the neighbourhood was extremely dangerous, having -been extensively mined.</p> - -<p>The loss of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment at the battle -of <em>Ferozeshah</em>, on the 21st and 22nd of December, -amounted to two officers killed and six wounded.</p> - -<div class="pad6"> -<table class="p1 autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Serjeants.</td> -<td class="tdl">Rank and File.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Killed,</td> -<td class="tdrp">2</td> -<td class="tdrp">57</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Wounded,</td> -<td class="tdrp">4</td> -<td class="tdrp">92</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p>The following officers were killed or wounded on -this occasion:—</p> - -<div class="pad4"> -<table class="p1 autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">Killed.</td> -<td class="tdl pad4">Wounded.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Lieut. Pollard.</td> -<td class="tdl">Major Baldwin, mortally.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Lieut. & Adj. Bernard. </td> -<td class="tdl">Lieut. T. Plasket, severely.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">” A. Pilkington, ”</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Ensign Paul, slightly.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2h"></td> -<td class="tdl pad2h">” Hutton, ”</td> -</tr> -</table> -</div> - -<p>Captain Garvock, Major of Brigade, had his horse -shot under him in the advance to charge the enemy’s -batteries.</p> - -<p>On the 21st of December, Lieutenant Bolton was -appointed to carry orders from the Governor-General -to Major-General Sir Henry Smith, and was transferred -from the twenty-first Fusiliers to the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, to which he was appointed adjutant -shortly afterwards.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Pollard, a promising officer, was wounded -at Moodkee; but being a high-spirited young man, -he would not remain behind, when his regiment went -into action at Ferozeshah, although suffering from -his wound, and advised to remain in his tent by the -medical officers. He went into action on horseback; -his wound being in the foot, he was unable to walk.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131"></a>[131]</span> -At the desire of Sir Henry Smith he was employed as -second adjutant to convey the orders of his commanding -officer, Major Spence, who was so hoarse from a -severe cold which he had caught at the battle of -Moodkee, that he could not make himself sufficiently -heard by the men; in the performance of this duty this -gallant young officer nobly fell.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The field after the retreat of the enemy was literally -covered with dead,—they had abandoned large -stores of grain, military stores, camp-equipage, and -ammunition. The loss of the British army was very -heavy; being opposed to a highly disciplined and -organized army more than treble their number, with -a field of artillery of battering calibre, admirably -served, which kept up an incessant and destructive -fire on the British troops: justifying the remark of -an officer, who had been in all Napoleon’s great battles, -that he never saw such devastation committed by -artillery at any battle in Europe. What other army -in the world would, under such circumstances, have, -within thirty hours, stormed an entrenched camp, -fought a general action, and sustained two considerable -combats with the enemy? Within four days it -dislodged from their positions 60,000 Sikh soldiers -supported by 150 pieces of artillery, 108 of which -the enemy acknowledged to have lost, and 91 of -which fell into our hands.”</p> -</div> - -<p>Another account of <ins class="corr" id="tn-131" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text did not have a paragraph break here."> -the action states:—</ins></p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The right wing was commanded by the Commander-in-Chief in -person; the left by the Governor-General. As our -troops deployed into line, and prepared for an -advance, a tremendous fire from upwards of one -hundred pieces of artillery, 40 of them of battering<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132"></a>[132]</span> -size, was opened by the enemy. The right wing, -under Sir Hugh Gough, threw themselves with matchless -gallantry on the guns, and wrested them from the -enemy, when the storm of shot from the Sikh infantry -behind became so fearful, that a portion only of the -intrenchments could be carried, when darkness put -an end to the conflict.</p> - -<p>“Night had now closed in; the carnage had proved -tremendous; our men thinned in numbers, harassed -with forced marches, exhausted with fatigue, with -little food and scarcely any water, and nothing whatever -to cover them from the chill and heavy dew as -the evening advanced, bivouacked amidst the dying -and the dead, close under the intrenchments, and -within reach of the shot of the enemy. All night long -their artillery played upon us, and as the waning moon -showed them our position, the cannon-shot ploughed -up the ground right through, and amidst the wearied -soldiers.</p> - -<p>“Morning at length approached, and our troops were -once more arrayed for the fight. With daylight came -retribution and triumph to our arms. Our infantry -was formed in line, supported on both flanks by the -horse artillery. A masked battery now began to play -on us with fearful effect; the heavy shot of the Sikhs -dismounted our guns; nine of our tumbrils were blown -up. A general charge was now determined on; amidst -a terrific storm of shot and shell, the troops rushed on -undismayed; the carnage was fearful: battery after -battery was carried at the bayonet’s point; the camp -was pierced with loaded mines, which exploded with -fearful slaughter as we advanced. The village of -<em>Ferozeshah</em> was stormed, and the enemy driven out of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133"></a>[133]</span> -it at every point. When changing its front to the left, -our force continued to sweep the camp, carrying everything -before them.</p> - -<p>“Undisturbed and unbroken by the fearful service in -which they had been engaged, the troops drew up, when -the camp was won, and halted to cheer their generals -on the field they had just conquered, with the regularity -of a parade. Seventy-three guns had now been taken; -20 more quickly fell into our hands. We had lost 37 -European and 17 Native officers, with 630 non-commissioned -officers and rank and file,—nearly 700 in all -killed. Our casualties in killed and wounded -amounted to 2415.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The Commander-in-Chief in his despatch to the -Governor-General, after the battle of <em>Ferozeshah</em>, bears -the following testimony of his approbation of the gallant -conduct of the army under his command on that glorious -occasion. At the conclusion of the despatch General -Sir Hugh Gough stated:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“On the conclusion of such a narrative as I have -given, it is surely superfluous in me to say, that I am, -and shall be, to the last moment of my existence, proud -of the army which I had the honor to command on the -21st and 22nd instant. To its gallant exertions I owe -the satisfaction of seeing such a victory achieved, and -the glory of having my own name associated with it.”</p> -</div> - -<p>On receipt in London of the despatch of the Governor-General -of India, announcing the victories of <em>Moodkee</em> -and <em>Ferozeshah</em>, the thanks of both Houses of Parliament -were voted unanimously to the Governor-General, the -Right Honorable Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Hardinge,—to -General Sir Hugh Gough, Bart., the Commander-in-Chief,—and -to the several officers under their<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134"></a>[134]</span> -command,—for the eminent services rendered by them -in the recent arduous and successful operations;—also -to the non-commissioned officers and soldiers, European -and Native, for the perseverance and fortitude maintained -by them at <em>Moodkee</em> on the 18th of December, -1845, and for the daring valour with which they forced -the enemy’s intrenchments at <em>Ferozeshah</em> on the 21st -and 22nd of December, captured most of his guns, and -finally compelled the Sikh army, of greatly superior -numbers, to retire within their own frontiers.</p> - -<p>The thanks of the Court of East India Directors -were voted to the army of the Sutlej at the same time.</p> - -<p>The Court of East India Directors confirmed the -grant of a medal to all the officers and soldiers engaged -in the battles of <em>Moodkee</em> and <em>Ferozeshah</em>, denoting that -they served in this important campaign.</p> - -<p>On the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd of December, the army -bivouacked on the field of battle, having been, since -the morning of the 20th, without tents, or any regular -supply of food; and owing to the extreme heat by day, -and intense cold by night, both officers and men had -suffered much. On the 24th the troops changed their -ground about four miles to Sultan Khan Walla, and -three days afterwards the regimental baggage arrived.</p> - -<p>At Sultan Khan Walla they remained seven days; -the whole army was then moved to the banks of the -Sutlej, not far from the fort of Hurreekee, where large -camps were formed. For nearly a week after these -terrible encounters, the Sikhs remained on the British -side of the Sutlej, the army being unable to follow up -its victory, as the troops, which were on their march to -join, had not yet arrived; the heavy artillery, which -was on the march from Cawnpore, was still very distant,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135"></a>[135]</span> -and until the whole of the army was concentrated, it -would be impossible to attack the enemy, who had again -collected a formidable force of 70,000 men, with 110 -pieces of ordnance, which were encamped on the opposite -side of the river, and ready to oppose the British.</p> - -<p>In the meantime the wounded officers and soldiers -had been removed to the hospital at Ferozepore.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Byrne being prevented from resuming -the command of the regiment by the severe -wound he received at Moodkee, Major Spence continued -to exercise the command during the arduous conflict -of the 21st and 22nd of December at Ferozeshah, -where he showed an example of bravery to his distinguished -regiment. He was ably supported by -every Officer and Man under his command. All nobly -performed their duty on this well-contested field.</p> - -<p>Colonel Bolton, being mortally wounded at Moodkee, -died on the 4th January, 1846;<a id="FNanchor_30" href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> and the Commander-in-Chief -promoted Major Spence, the senior major, -to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the regiment.</p> - -<p>Major Baldwin also died of the wounds received at -Ferozeshah.<a id="FNanchor_31" href="#Footnote_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> Captains Bulkeley and Young were -promoted to the vacant majorities, a promotion which -they justly merited for their gallant conduct at Moodkee, -where both these officers were severely wounded.</p> - -<p>Captain Willes, a meritorious and deserving officer, -also died of the wounds received at Moodkee. The -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, now greatly reduced in numbers -from the heavy loss, both of officers and men, sustained -in the late arduous conflicts, still preserved its spirit and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136"></a>[136]</span> -energy, and was ready at a moment’s notice to be led -on to future victories.</p> - -<p>On the 30th of December, the Governor-General -published a General Order, congratulating the Army on -the recent victories, from which the following are extracts:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The Governor-General again cordially congratulates -His Excellency Sir Hugh Gough, G.C.B., on -the great and important victories obtained by the -army under his command.</p> - -<p>“The Governor-General, in the name of the government -and of the people of India, gratefully acknowledges -the noble services rendered to the public by -His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, by all the -General and other Officers, and by the Non-Commissioned -Officers and Soldiers of the brave Indian -army.</p> - -<p>“The Governor-General’s thanks are due to all the -infantry regiments of Her Majesty, and to the first -European Light Infantry of the East India Company’s -Service, all of which regiments distinguished themselves -by the most devoted courage in braving the -destructive fire of the enemy’s batteries, and valiantly -capturing their guns.”</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Thus ended the year 1845. The Sikhs, after having -suffered two severe defeats, were preparing to renew the -contest; they had made large additions to their army, -and had again collected a formidable train of artillery.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1846</div> - -<p>On the 16th of January, 1846, the first brigade, with -a few guns and some Native cavalry, received sudden -orders to march on the following morning in the -direction of Loodiana, under the command of Major-General -Sir Henry Smith; by a forced march on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137"></a>[137]</span> -17th, the fort of <em>Dhurrumkote</em> was surprised, and the -garrison, consisting of about three hundred men, laid -down their arms, and were sent prisoners to head-quarters. -On the 20th of the same month, this division -was reinforced near the fort of Jugraon by the sixteenth -lancers, the fifty-third foot, a detachment of -recruits of the Queen’s regiments, and a troop of horse -artillery.</p> - -<p>The Major-General decided on attempting the relief -of Loodiana, which was but slightly garrisoned, and -was threatened by a large body of the enemy. Jugraon -is distant from Loodiana about twenty-five miles, and -the road (if road it can be called) is over a heavy and -sandy soil. The troops were formed, and commenced -their march about one o’clock on the morning of the -21st; about eleven <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span> the enemy was observed to be -drawn up, parallel with the British line of march, in a -strong position at <em>Buddiwal</em>, his front covered by a ridge -of low sand-hills, bristling with forty pieces of artillery, -which were so placed that it was necessary, in order to -gain Loodiana, either to risk a battle to dislodge him -from a strong position,—which, with troops fatigued by -a long march, under a burning sun, and greatly inferior -in numbers, would have been a hazardous proceeding,—or -to march along the entire front of his position under -a galling fire.</p> - -<p>Major-General Sir Henry Smith, having a just confidence -in the steadiness of his troops, chose the latter. -The infantry, formed in open column of companies right -in front (the grenadier company of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -leading), and ready at any moment to form line, preceded -by the artillery, and covered by the cavalry, -marched at a distance of five hundred yards, along the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138"></a>[138]</span> -front of this formidable line, receiving the fire of each -battery as it bore upon them. The regiment formed -line on the grenadier company.</p> - -<p>On this occasion, and under the fire of forty guns, -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> received an order from Sir Henry -Smith to change front to the rear on the centre, a -movement which was rendered necessary by the manœuvres -of the enemy, who had thrown forward his right -in such a manner as to get into the rear of the British; -this movement could not be attempted without the most -perfect steadiness on the part of the men, and it was -performed in such a manner as to call forth the praises -of the Major-General. This was the first time this -manœuvre was ever done under fire of the enemy; after -which, the retirement of corps in line, covered by the -sixteenth lancers, to relieve Loodiana (the object being -to relieve that place), was beautifully executed.</p> - -<p>The Sikh position being passed, and the enemy -declining to follow, by three o’clock in the afternoon the -troops arrived at Loodiana, thus effecting Sir Henry -Smith’s object. In this affair the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> lost -21 men killed and wounded; and 19 men, who had, from -the length and severity of the march, been unable to -keep up with the column, were taken prisoners. The -greatest part of the baggage belonging to the division -was taken by the enemy.</p> - -<p>On the 22nd and 23rd the troops were permitted to -rest themselves after their late fatigues, and on the -24th the enemy retired to <em>Aliwal</em>, a village on the -Sutlej. The British force moved to the ground -lately occupied by them at Buddiwal, where it was -reinforced by the second brigade of Sir Henry Smith’s -division, consisting of Her Majesty’s fiftieth foot,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139"></a>[139]</span> -and forty-eighth Native infantry, from head-quarters, -with some cavalry and infantry from Loodiana.</p> - -<p>On the 28th of January at daylight, Major-General -Sir Henry Smith marched with his whole force to attack -the enemy under Sirdar Runjoor Singh and the Rajah -of Ladwa in their camps at Aliwal, but found him, on -approaching it, drawn up in line of battle, with his -left resting on the village. From information afterwards -received, it appeared that the Sikhs were about -to march upon Jugraon that very morning, for the -purpose of getting between Sir Henry Smith’s force -and the heavy guns coming up from Delhi under a -very slender escort. The march having been previously -conducted in column of brigades at deploying -distance, each brigade deployed on its leading company, -and thus formed one long line. The troops advanced -on the enemy, distant about one mile and a half, and -about ten <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span> the action was commenced by a heavy -cannonade from the Sikh artillery, which was principally -directed on the British centre. The village of -<em>Aliwal</em> was filled with infantry, supported by cavalry -in the rear, and further defended by two guns on its -left, immediately opposite that part of the line occupied -by the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment. The village was -carried, and the two guns were captured.</p> - -<p>The line, being somewhat disordered in carrying the -village, was quickly re-formed, and advanced in excellent -order, carrying everything before it. The attack -of the enemy by the left wing was equally successful. -The line advanced, and made a steady and -successful charge; the enemy, being everywhere -beaten, gave way, and fled towards the river in the -utmost confusion, leaving his camp and fifty-two pieces<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140"></a>[140]</span> -of artillery, as trophies in the hands of the victors. -A standard was captured here by the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment; also a gurry, or gong.<a id="FNanchor_32" href="#Footnote_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p> - -<p>The advance of the British force in order of battle -is thus described by Major-General Sir Henry Smith -in his despatch containing an account of the action:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“As I neared the enemy, the ground became most -favourable for troops to manœuvre, being open and -hard grass-land. I ordered the cavalry to take -ground to the right and left by brigades, thus -displaying the heads of the infantry columns, and as -they reached the high ground, I directed them to -deploy into line. After deployment I observed the -enemy’s left to outflank me; I therefore broke into -open columns and took ground to my right; when I -had gained sufficient ground, the troops wheeled into -line: there was no dust; the sun shone brightly. -These manœuvres were performed with the celerity -and precision of the most correct field-day; the -glistening of the bayonets and the swords of this -order of battle was most imposing, and the line -advanced. Scarcely had it moved forward 150 paces, -when at ten o’clock the enemy opened a fierce<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141"></a>[141]</span> -cannonade from his whole line. At first his balls -fell short, but quickly reached us. Thus upon him, -and capable of better ascertaining his position, I -was compelled to halt the line, though under fire, for -a few moments, until I ascertained that by bringing -up my right, and carrying the village of Aliwal, I -could with great effect precipitate myself on his left -and centre; I therefore quickly brought up Brigadier -Godby’s brigade, and, with it and the first brigade -under Brigadier Hicks, made a rapid and noble charge, -carried the village and two guns of large calibre. -The line I ordered to advance. Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment and the Native regiments contending -for the front, the battle became <span class="nowrap">general. * * *</span> -The battle was won; our troops advancing with the -most perfect order to the common focus, the passage -of the river. The enemy, completely hemmed in, -were flying from our fire, and precipitating themselves -in disordered masses into the ford and boats, in the -utmost confusion and <span class="nowrap">consternation. * * *</span></p> - -<p>“Thus ended the <em>Battle of Aliwal</em>, one of the most -glorious victories ever achieved in India. By the -united efforts of Her Majesty’s and the Honorable -Company’s troops, every gun the enemy had, fell into -our hands: fifty-two guns are now in the Ordnance, -two sunk in the bed of the Sutlej, and two spiked on -the opposite bank, making a total of fifty-six pieces -of cannon captured or destroyed!</p> - -<p>“Having thus done justice, and justice alone, to the -gallant troops his Excellency trusted to my command, -I would gladly, if the limits of a despatch permitted -me, do that justice to individuals all deserve. This -cannot be; therefore I must confine myself to mention<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142"></a>[142]</span> -those officers whose continued services, experience, -and standing placed them in conspicuous commands.”</p> -</div> - -<p>After lauding the gallant service performed by the -artillery, Sir Henry Smith proceeds to state in his -official despatch:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“To Brigadiers MacDowell and Stedman, commanding -their gallant, brigades of cavalry, the fortune of -the day is greatly indebted, and to all commanding -officers of cavalry and infantry my warmest thanks -are due; to Major Smyth, commanding the sixteenth -lancers; to Lieut.-Colonel Spence, commanding Her -Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> foot; to Lieut.-Colonel Ryan, -K.H., commanding Her Majesty’s fiftieth regiment; -and to Lieut.-Colonel Phillips, commanding Her -Majesty’s fifty-third foot.</p> - -<p>“His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief having -witnessed the glorious services of Her Majesty’s -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> and fiftieth regiments, I have only to -report upon Her Majesty’s fifty-third, a young regiment, -but veterans in daring gallantry and regularity.</p> - -<p>“To Captain Lugard (<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment) the -Assistant-Adjutant-General of this force, I am deeply -indebted, and the service still more so; a more cool, -intrepid, and trustworthy officer cannot be brought -forward.</p> - -<p>“The brigadiers all speak in high terms of their -majors of brigade, Captain O’Hanlan, of the second -brigade, and Captain Garvock, of Her Majesty’s -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> foot, of the first brigade.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The loss of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment in this conflict -was fortunately small: one officer, Lieut. Atty, slightly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143"></a>[143]</span> -wounded, and fifteen men killed and wounded. The -troops bivouacked for the night near the field of battle. -The army remained at Aliwal five days, during which -the following General Order was received from General -Sir Hugh Gough, the Commander-in-Chief:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">General Orders to the Army of the Sutlej.</span></p> - -<p class="fs80 right">“Head-Quarters, Camp, Nihalkee,<br /> -“29th January, 1846.</p> - -<p>“A glorious victory, with the capture of all the -enemy’s guns, having been achieved by the force -under Major-General Sir Henry Smith, K.C.B., the -whole line will parade at eight o’clock this morning -for the inspection of the Right Honorable the -Governor-General and his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, -and a royal salute will be fired -from the eighteen-pounder battery, and three cheers -will be given by the line after the salute, in celebration -of this triumphant event.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The following extract is taken from the General -Orders issued by the Governor-General, dated “Camp, -Ferozepore, 2nd of February, 1846:”—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“Great praise is due to Brigadier Hicks, who, with -Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, the twenty-fourth -and forty-seventh Native infantry, stormed -the village of <em>Aliwal</em>, drove the enemy from it, and -seized the guns by which it was defended.”</p> -</div> - -<p>Extract of the despatch of the Governor-General -of India to the Secret Committee, dated “Camp, -Kanha Kutchwa, 19th of February, 1846:”—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The immediate result of the victory of Aliwal -was the evacuation by the Sikh garrisons of all the -forts hitherto occupied by detachments of Lahore -soldiers on this side of the river Sutlej, and the submission<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144"></a>[144]</span> -of the whole of the territory on the left bank -of that river to the British government.</p> - -<p>“The Sikh army remained in its intrenched position; -and though, on the first intelligence of the victory -of Aliwal, and at the sight of the numerous bodies -which floated from the neighbourhood of that battle-field -to the bridge of boats at Sobraon, the Sikhs -seemed much shaken and disheartened,—yet after a -few days, the Sikh troops seemed to be as confident as -ever of being able to defy us in their intrenched position, -and to prevent our passage of the river.</p> - -<p>“The Commander-in-Chief was not in a state to take -advantage of the enemy’s defeat at <em>Aliwal</em>, by an -attack on his intrenched position at <em>Sobraon</em>, until the -troops under Major-General Sir Henry Smith should -have rejoined his Excellency’s camp, and the siege-train -and ammunition should have arrived from Delhi. -The first portion of the siege-train, with the reserved -ammunition for 100 guns, reached the Commander-in-Chief’s -camp on the 7th and 8th of February. On -the latter day the brigades, which had been detached -from the main army, rejoined the Commander-in-Chief.”</p> -</div> - -<p>Notwithstanding the signal defeat in the battles of -<em>Moodkee</em>, <em>Ferozeshah</em>, and <em>Aliwal</em>, and the loss of 143 -pieces of artillery captured by the British in these -actions, the enemy determined to persevere in his rash -project of invading the British dominions. For this -purpose he made extraordinary efforts; he had collected -all his available troops, and assembled a large army -on the left bank of the Sutlej, near the village of -<em>Sobraon</em>. Here the Sikhs formed an intrenched camp, -defended by 30,000 men with 70 pieces of artillery;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145"></a>[145]</span> -this camp was supported by a large reserve on the -opposite side of the river, the communication being -preserved by a bridge of boats.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, under its distinguished -and experienced leader, Major-General Sir Henry -Smith, rejoined the head-quarter camp on the 8th of -February, just in time for the crowning and decisive -victory of <em>Sobraon</em>. The arrival of Sir Henry Smith’s -force enabled the Commander-in-Chief to carry his -plan of attacking the enemy into execution. Two -days were allowed, that this division should rest after -its fatigues.</p> - -<p>The entrenched camp of the Sikhs was in a position -judiciously chosen in a bend of the river, about five or -six miles from the British camp. The defences of -the enemy were constructed scientifically by European -engineers.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the 10th of February, some -hours before daylight, the several divisions were -silently formed in column of attack. Major-General Sir -Henry Smith’s division was on the extreme right; it -was formed into two lines; the first line consisted of -the first brigade, to which the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -belonged, under Lieut.-Colonel Spence: this line was -supported by the second brigade at a short distance in -the rear. When the day dawned, the first brigade -found itself about three-quarters of a mile in front of -the enemy’s works. The cannonading, which commenced -a little after daylight, continued with little -interruption, until about nine <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span> A stray shot -was now and then sent at the regiment, but did -no damage, when orders were given to the infantry -to advance to the attack. The men, who had been<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146"></a>[146]</span> -lying down, instantly jumped up, formed line, and -advanced.</p> - -<p>The ground immediately in front of the enemy’s -works was very irregular, which made it difficult for -the men to keep their places. The enemy’s fire, which -commenced at a distance of two or three hundred yards, -grew gradually more and more heavy; and firing, as -the Sikhs did, from behind lofty entrenchments at the -assaulting party, who offered a fair mark as they -scrambled up the ramparts, they shot down a number -of the British troops, while the survivors, after in vain -attempting to reach the top, the loose nature of the -soil rendering the footing extremely insecure, were compelled -to fall back on the advancing second brigade, -who saw with indignation that the enemy were hacking -the wounded.</p> - -<p>The line was quickly re-formed and advanced a second -time; the same determined resistance was again made: -but the men, burning to revenge their comrades, would -not be deterred. Here Lieut. Tritton, bearing the -Queen’s colour, was shot through the head; and Ensign -Jones,<a id="FNanchor_33" href="#Footnote_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> who carried the regimental colour, was, nearly -at the same time, mortally wounded; the regimental -colour, falling to the ground, was seized by Serjeant -Bernard M‘Cabe, who, rushing forward, crossed the -ditch and planted it on the ramparts. The men cheering, -scrambled into the works as best they could, and -drove the enemy, who were beaten at all points, before -them into the river, Lieut. Noel gallantly carrying -the Queen’s colour in front of the regiment, the staff of -which was shivered in his hand.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147"></a>[147]</span></p> - -<p>The attack having been everywhere successful, the -slaughter of the Sikhs, as they crossed the river, was -tremendous. Many casualties, however, in the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment occurred within the enemy’s works. -Lieutenant Timbrell was dangerously wounded by a -grape-shot, which broke both his thighs, and Lieutenant -Elmslie was also severely wounded by a musket-ball. -Captain Garvock, Major of Brigade, and Lieutenant -and Adjutant Bolton, were both severely wounded -outside the works, where Lieutenants Gabbett and -Law were also wounded. Thirty-five rank and file were -killed, and 102 wounded.</p> - -<p>Two stands of colours were captured by the regiment, -making four stands altogether.</p> - -<p>The first brigade, on this glorious occasion, was commanded -by Lieutenant-Colonel Spence, whose horse -was shot during the advance, and the sword in his -hand bent nearly double by a grape-shot.</p> - -<p>Captain White, the senior Captain, being left sick -at Loodiana, from the effects of the sun on service, -Captain Longworth commanded the regiment during -the action. He was promoted for his gallant conduct -to be major in the army; his horse was killed under -him. Captains Garvock and Lugard were also promoted -to be majors in the army on the same occasion.</p> - -<p>The following account of the action is given in -Captain Longworth’s despatch, dated 11th of February, -1846:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="fs80 right">“Camp, Attia, 11th February, 1846.</p> - -<p class="smcap noindent">“Sir,</p> - -<p>“I have the honor to state for the information of -the Brigadier, that H. M.’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, -under my command, marched from Camp Tulwondee -yesterday morning at four <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span>, in quarter-distance<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148"></a>[148]</span> -column, right in front, being the leading -regiment of the first brigade, first division. We advanced -in this order till within about two miles of the -enemy’s position, and then halted, formed line, and -waited till daybreak, when we advanced some distance -and halted till sunrise, and again advancing -halted with our right resting on the Sutlej within -range of the enemy’s guns; here we remained about -two hours, when we were ordered to advance. This -was no sooner discovered by the enemy than they -opened upon us a most tremendous fire of round shot -from the whole of the guns upon the left flank of -their intrenched camp; shell, grape, canister, and a -very heavy fire of musketry were showered upon us as -we neared the fortifications: but in spite of this, I am -proud to say, the regiment advanced steadily and in -the best order till within thirty paces of the intrenched -camp, when a most destructive fire from overpowering -numbers forced us to retire to a short distance, for -the purpose of re-forming, as we left a full third of -the regiment upon the ground; and I feel convinced -that had the regiment remained for five minutes -longer in its exposed situation it must have been annihilated, -as our fire was totally ineffectual against -the enemy’s strongly fortified position, which completely -protected them, until by a desperate charge, -in conjunction with H. M.’s Fiftieth Regiment, we -succeeded in penetrating the extremity of their works -extending to the river, and thereby were enabled to -bring our fire to bear upon their gunners, who with -the most desperate courage turned their guns upon -the portion of their own camp in our possession, and -fought till bayoneted where they stood. Their infantry<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149"></a>[149]</span> -in masses now retiring, we followed them up, -and, in concert with the other branches of the army, -shot and bayoneted them into the river, where immense -numbers were brought down by our fire. -Shortly after the battle was over the regiment was -ordered into camp.</p> - -<p>“I beg to bring to your notice the gallant conduct of -Serjeant M‘Cabe of the light company, who planted -the regimental colour on the highest point of the -enemy’s fortifications, and maintained his position -under a most tremendous fire, the colour being completely -riddled by the enemy’s shot;—he did this after -the officer carrying the colour <ins class="corr" id="tn-149" title="Transcriber’s Note—This footnote anchor was missing in the original text."> -was shot.<a id="FNanchor_34" href="#Footnote_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a></ins> I beg further -to bring to your notice Private Williams of No. 7 -company, and Private Biffin of the light company, who -each took a colour from the enemy, one of which is supposed -to have belonged to their artillery. I have much -pleasure in expressing my high approbation of both -officers and men under my command for their gallant -conduct throughout the day. I regret to add that -Lieutenant Law, my second in command, and Lieutenant -and Adjutant Bolton, were both severely -wounded.</p> - -<table class="autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl" colspan="4">“List of Officers who were present at the Battle of <em>Sobraon</em>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3" colspan="2">Lieut.-Colonel Spence.</td> -<td class="tdl">Lieutenant</td> -<td class="tdl">Gabbett.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3" colspan="2">Captain Garvock.</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Timbrell.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad5" colspan="2">” Longworth.</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Noel.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad5" colspan="2">” Lugard.</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Paul.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">Lieutenant</td> -<td class="tdl">Atty.</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Hutton.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad5">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Law.</td> -<td class="tdl pad3">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Tritton.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad5">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Robertson.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad5">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Bolton (<em>Adjutant</em>). </td> -<td class="tdl" colspan="2">Ensign Jones.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad5">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Elmslie.</td> -<td class="tdl" colspan="2">Quarter-Master Benison.”</td> -</tr> -</table> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150"></a>[150]</span></p> - -<p>On the 14th of February, 1846, the Governor-General -published a General Order, dated from his camp at -Kussoor, from which the following extracts are taken:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The Governor-General, having received from his -Excellency the Commander-in-Chief the despatch -annexed, announces to the army and to the people of -India, for the fourth time during this campaign, a -most important and memorable victory obtained by -the army of the Sutlej over the Sikh forces at -<em>Sobraon</em>, on the 10th instant.</p> - -<p>“On that day the enemy’s strongly intrenched -camp, defended by 35,000 men and 67 pieces of -artillery, exclusive of heavy guns on the opposite -bank of the river, was stormed by the British Army -under the immediate command of His Excellency -Sir Hugh Gough, and in two hours the Sikh forces -were driven into the river with immense loss, -67 guns being captured by the victors.</p> - -<p>“The Governor-General most cordially congratulates -the Commander-in-Chief and the British Army -on this exploit, one of the most daring ever achieved, -by which in open day a triple line of breastworks, -flanked by formidable redoubts, bristling with -artillery, manned by thirty-two regular regiments of -infantry, was assaulted, and carried by the forces -under His Excellency’s command.</p> - -<p>“This important operation was most judiciously -preceded by a cannonade from the heavy howitzers -and mortars, which had arrived from Delhi on the -8th of February, the same day on which the forces -under Major-General Sir Henry Smith, which had -been detached to Loodiana, and had gained the victory -of Aliwal, rejoined the Commander-in-Chief’s camp.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151"></a>[151]</span></p> - -<p>“The British infantry, formed on the extreme left -of the line, then advanced to the assault, and, in -spite of every impediment, cleared the intrenchments -and entered the enemy’s camp. Her Majesty’s tenth, -fifty-third, and eightieth regiments, moving at a firm -and steady pace, never fired a shot until they had -passed the barriers opposed to them, a forbearance -much to be commended, and most worthy of constant -imitation, to which may be attributed the success of -their first effort, and the small loss they sustained. -The attack was crowned with the success it deserved!</p> - -<p>“The same gallant efforts, attended by the same -success, distinguished the attack on the enemy’s left, -made by the first division, under the command of -Major-General Sir Henry Smith, K.C.B., in which -the troops nobly sustained their former reputation.</p> - -<p>“These three divisions of infantry, concentrated -within the enemy’s camp, drove the shattered forces -into the river, with a loss which far exceeded that -which the most experienced officers had ever -witnessed.</p> - -<p>“Thus terminated, in the brief space of two hours, -this most remarkable conflict, in which the military -combinations of the Commander-in-Chief were fully -and ably carried into effect with His Excellency’s -characteristic energy; the enemy’s select regiments of -regular infantry have been dispersed, and a large -portion destroyed, with the loss, since the campaign -began, of 220 pieces of artillery taken in <span class="nowrap">action. * * *</span></p> - -<p>“The Governor-General, in the name of the Government -and of the people of India, offers to His Excellency -the Commander-in-Chief,—to the General<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152"></a>[152]</span> -Officers, and all the Officers and Troops under their -command, his grateful and heartfelt acknowledgments -for the services they have <span class="nowrap">performed. * * *</span></p> - -<p>“The Governor-General acknowledges the meritorious -conduct of Brigadier Penny, and Lieut.-Colonel -Spence,<a id="FNanchor_35" href="#Footnote_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> commanding brigades in the first division.</p> - -<p>“Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> and fiftieth regiments -greatly distinguished themselves, as well as the forty-second -and forty-seventh native infantry, and the -Nusseeree battalion.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The despatch of the Commander-in-Chief, General -Sir Hugh Gough, to the Governor-General, dated -Camp, Kussoor, 13th of February, 1846, giving a detailed -account of the battle of Sobraon, contained the -following expressions of approbation and thanks:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“I have now to make the attempt,—difficult, nay -impracticable, though I deem it,—of expressing in -adequate terms my sense of obligation to those who -especially aided me by their talents and self-devotion -in the hard-fought field of <em>Sobraon</em>.</p> - -<p>“The major-generals of the divisions engaged -deserve far more commendation than I am able, -within the limits of a despatch, to <span class="nowrap">bestow. * * *</span></p> - -<p>“Brigadier Penny and Lieut.-Colonel Spence commanded -the two brigades of Major-General Sir Henry -Smith’s division, and overcame at their head the -most formidable opposition. I beg to bring both in -the most earnest manner to your <span class="nowrap">notice. * * *</span></p> - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="i_152" style="max-width: 40.625em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/i_152.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"><p class="fs70 right"><em>Madeley lith. 3 Wellington S<sup>t</sup> Strand.</em></p> -THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT<br /> -BATTLE OF SOBRAON 10<sup>th</sup> FEB<sup>y</sup> 1846<br /> -<em>For Cannon’s Military Records</em> -</div> -</div> - -<p>“The Sikhs, even when at particular points their -intrenchments were mastered with the bayonet,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153"></a>[153]</span> -strove to regain them by the fiercest conflict, sword in -hand. Nor was it until the cavalry of the left, under -Major-General Sir Joseph Thackwell, had moved -forward and ridden through the openings in the -intrenchments made by our sappers, in single file, -and re-formed as they passed them; and the third -light dragoons, whom no obstacle usually held -formidable by horse appears to check, had, on this -day, as at Ferozeshah, galloped over and cut down -the obstinate defenders of batteries and field-works, -and until the full weight of <em>three divisions is of infantry</em>, -with every field-artillery gun which could be sent to -their aid, had been cast into the scale, that victory -finally declared for the British.</p> - -<p>“The fire of the Sikhs first slackened and then -nearly ceased, and the victors, then pressing them on -every side, precipitated them in masses over their -bridge and into the Sutlej, which a sudden rise of -seven inches had rendered hardly fordable. In their -efforts to reach the right bank through the deepened -water, they suffered from our horse artillery a -terrible carnage. Hundreds fell under this cannonade: -hundreds upon hundreds were drowned in attempting -the perilous passage. Their awful slaughter, confusion, -and dismay were such as would have excited -compassion in the hearts of their generous conquerors, -if the Khalsa troops had not, in the earlier part of the -action, sullied their gallantry by slaughtering and -barbarously mangling every wounded soldier whom, -in the vicissitudes of attack, the fortune of war left at -their mercy.</p> - -<p>“Sixty-seven pieces of cannon, upwards of two -hundred camel-swivels (zumboorucks), numerous<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154"></a>[154]</span> -standards, and vast munitions of war, captured by -our troops, are the pledges and trophies of our victory.</p> - -<p>“The battle was over by eleven in the morning, and -in the forenoon I caused our engineers to burn a part -and to sink a part of the vaunted bridge of the -Khalsa army, across which they had boastfully come -once more to defy us, and to threaten India with -ruin and devastation.</p> - -<p>“The consequences of this great action have yet to -be fully developed. It has at least, in God’s providence, -once more expelled the Sikhs from our territory, -and planted our standards on the soil of the -Punjaub. After occupying their intrenched position -for nearly a month, the Khalsa army had perhaps -mistaken the <em>caution</em> which had induced us to wait -for the necessary materiel, for <em>timidity</em>; but they -must now deeply feel that the blow, which has fallen -on them from the British arm, has only been the -heavier for being long delayed.”</p> -</div> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Spence, Captain Garvock (Major of -Brigade), and Captain Lugard (Deputy Assistant -Adjutant-General) of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, were specially -mentioned in the above despatch.</p> - -<p>At the close of a despatch dated Camp, Lahore, -22nd of February, 1846, the Governor-General added -the following:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The soldiers of the army of the Sutlej have not -only proved their superior prowess in battle, but have -on every occasion, with subordination and patience, -endured the fatigues and privations inseparable from -a state of active operations in the field.</p> - -<p>“The Governor-General has repeatedly expressed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155"></a>[155]</span> -on his own part, and on that of the Government of -India, admiration and gratitude for the important -services which the army has rendered.</p> - -<p>“The Governor-General is now pleased to resolve, as -a testimony of the approbation of the Government -of India of the bravery, discipline, and soldierlike -bearing of the army of the Sutlej, that all the generals, -officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, shall -receive a gratuity of twelve months’ batta.”</p> -</div> - -<p>In writing the history of the part borne by a regiment -in the brilliant victories of this glorious campaign, -there are many traits of individual heroism which -should not pass unrecorded. The modesty of true -valour prevents officers, who have had an opportunity -of distinguishing themselves, from announcing their -own deeds, but the historian, who impartially records -the service of a corps, can have no such scruples. -No hesitation is therefore felt in giving a place in the -records of the service of this distinguished corps to the -following extract from the Calcutta Star, an Indian -newspaper, which described the recent battles of the -Sutlej:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Thirty-first Regiment.</span>—This gallant old corps -seems to have received more than its share of hard -knocks, in the last four glorious battles it was engaged -in. Lieut.-Colonel Spence who commanded in -all four actions, seems to have had a charmed life, -having escaped in a most astonishing way. He had -two horses killed under him; balls through his cap -and scabbard; his sword broken in his hand by -grape-shot; and at Sobraon, a Sikh, who was lying -apparently dead in the trenches, jumped up when -he saw the Colonel’s head turned, and rushed at him<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156"></a>[156]</span> -to cut him down, which was only prevented by a -private who called the Colonel’s attention to his -danger, and afterwards bayoneted the Sikh, the -Colonel’s sword having broken in the encounter.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The glorious <em>Victory of Sobraon</em> was decisive: the invaders -were repelled; their army, discomfited, retreated -sullenly from the field; the whole of their artillery, -their camp, warlike stores, and baggage fell into -the hands of the victors; the enemy retired over their -bridge, which, from the weight and pressure of the -immense mass of the defeated troops passing over it, -gave way; the Sikhs were precipitated into the water; -the whole river was filled with the confused bodies of -the flying enemy, the British artillery playing on them -with round and grape-shot; the stream was choked -up with the dead and dying: the carnage was -frightful!</p> - -<p>The enemy never attempted to rally. With the -loss of his artillery, on which all his confidence was -placed, his spirit was broken, and all his hopes of -successfully resisting the British troops vanished: his -pride was humbled: the last and final struggle was over; -the battle was ended, and the power of the haughty -and turbulent Sikhs received a blow on the sanguinary -field of <em>Sobraon</em> from which it could not recover: the -city of <em>Lahore</em> was at the mercy of the conquerors.</p> - -<p>Preparations were now made for the advance of the -British army into the Punjaub; the engineer department -constructed a pontoon-bridge, and the whole -British force, with its artillery, passed the Sutlej, and -encamped on the opposite side, in the territory of the -Sikhs: the enemy, disheartened and dismayed by their -late defeats offered no opposition, retiring as the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157"></a>[157]</span> -British army advanced. The distance from the river -Sutlej to the capital of the Sikhs is less than fifty miles; -the march to it was performed without opposition, and -without difficulty: the power of the Sikhs was prostrate; -their government sent chiefs of high rank as ambassadors -to the British camp, to offer terms of submission -to the Governor-General, suing for peace on whatever -terms the conquerors might please to dictate.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Tritton died of his wounds on the evening -of the battle, and early the next morning the regiment -marched towards the bridge of boats, which was in progress -at the nearest point on the Sutlej to Ferozepore; -on this march it was joined by a detachment of sixty -men under the command of Lieutenant M‘Kenzie, -along with Assistant-Surgeon Massey, who had just -arrived from Umballa, being part of an escort in -charge of heavy guns, and an immense train of ammunition -hackeries, which they had hoped to bring up in -time for the last great battle, and were sadly disappointed -to find it was all over;—such are the chances -of war!! On the 12th the regiment was turned out -at 10 o’clock <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span>, and marching all night, crossed the -river in native boats at sunrise, along with a large -force under Sir Henry Smith, the band in the first boat -playing “Garry-Owen,” and the men in high spirits -at the prospect of entering the Punjaub.</p> - -<p>This forced march was effected from a report having -been sent to the Commander-in-Chief, that the Sikhs -were about to oppose the crossing of the river, but no -such demonstration took place. After halting some -days at Kussoor, which is one march from the Sutlej, the -army moved towards Lahore, marching at daylight -every morning in order of battle, and every regiment in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158"></a>[158]</span> -brigade keeping its own place through fields and -jungles, forcing a way through every obstacle, and -ready to form line at any moment. It was indeed a -grand sight to see this splendid army on the morning -of the 20th of February approaching the city of -Lahore, over a boundless and perfectly open plain, -on which it encamped about two miles from the city. -On the 22nd the British Standard was hoisted on -the citadel, and the event was announced to the army -by the following General Orders of the Governor-General:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="smcap center">General Orders by the Right Honorable the -Governor-General of India.</p> - -<p class="fs80 right">“Camp, Lahore, 22nd February, 1846.</p> - -<p>“The British army has this day occupied the gateway -of the citadel of <em>Lahore</em>, the Badshahee Mosque, and -the Huzzooree Bagh.</p> - -<p>“The <em>Army of the Sutlej</em> has now brought its operations -in the field to a close, by the dispersion of the -Sikh army, and the military occupation of Lahore, -preceded by a series of the most triumphant successes -ever recorded in the military history of India.</p> - -<p>“Compelled suddenly to assume the offensive by the -unprovoked invasion of its territories, the British -Army, under the command of its distinguished leader, -has in sixty days defeated the Sikh forces in four -general actions, has captured 220 pieces of field-artillery, -and is now at the capital, dictating to the Lahore -durbar the terms of a treaty, the conditions of which -will tend to secure the British provinces from the -repetition of a similar outrage.”</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159"></a>[159]</span></p> - -<p>The decisive termination of the war in the Punjaub -enabled the Governor-General and the Supreme -Council to reduce the number of the Queen’s regular -regiments in India. An order was accordingly issued -for the return of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> to Europe, but as it -was desirable to retain all the efficient men who were -willing to continue their services in India, the soldiers -were permitted to volunteer into the other regiments -serving in the Bengal Presidency.</p> - -<p>A General Order was issued permitting the soldiers -of the sixteenth lancers and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -to volunteer into other corps; the volunteering of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> to commence on the 26th and to close on -the 28th of February.</p> - -<p>The regiment now mustered only 420 bayonets fit for -duty out of 844 which left Umballa, and during these -three days 103 men volunteered to other corps; at -Umballa, on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th of March, it again -volunteered 214 men; and at Chinsurah, on the 10th -of July, 12 men, in all 329, who remained in India. -Within the last few years, the regiment had gained -a considerable accession to its strength by volunteers -from corps leaving India: these men, whose object -in volunteering was to remain in India, again availed -themselves of the General Order granting them a -bounty, of thirty rupees, and volunteered into other -corps with which they had served during the late -campaign.</p> - -<p>After the authority for volunteering had taken effect -the strength of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was much -reduced: all the young soldiers who were desirous of -serving in India volunteered into other regiments. -Several of the officers exchanged into corps remaining<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160"></a>[160]</span> -in India: Lieut.-Colonel Byrne into the fifty-third -regiment; Major Young into the tenth; and Brevet Major -Lugard into the twenty-ninth.</p> - -<p>On the publication of the General Order for the -return of the regiment to Europe,—the following -Division Order was issued by Major-General Sir -Henry Smith, K.C.B., commanding the first division:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="fs80 right">“Camp, Lahore, 3rd March, 1846.</p> - -<p>“Comrades,—Officers and Soldiers of the gallant -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment,—you and I have been so associated -in the recent conflicts, where your services have -been distinguished, that I cannot lose you from under -my command without an expression of the deepest -regret; that regret is however mitigated, when I -know that you are about to return to your native -country, from which the regiment has been absent -twenty-one years,—much diminished in numbers,—caused -by your valiant conduct and recent glorious victories; -but the former renown of your distinguished -corps has acquired additional fame, by the valour of -Lieut.-Colonel Spence, the officers, and soldiers; and -the long list of triumphant victories now recorded on -your colours, has been much increased by your services -in India. Farewell, my gallant comrades, for -the present; may every success, happiness, honor, -and prosperity attend you, the gallant <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, in peace, as it has so gloriously done in -war! and, believe me, one of the most happy and -proud recollections of my life will be that I have -witnessed the indomitable valour of the corps.”</p> -</div> - -<p>On the same occasion the following Brigade Orders<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161"></a>[161]</span> -were issued by Brigadier Monteath, who commanded -the brigade in which the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -served in the Cabool campaign:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="smcap center">Brigade Orders by Brigadier Monteath, C.B.</p> - -<p class="fs80 right">“Camp, Lahore, 3rd March, 1846.</p> - -<p>“Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment being now -about to quit the army, Brigadier Monteath cannot -allow it to depart without expressing the deep regret -he feels at the approaching separation from those to -whom he has been bound by so many ties of friendly -feeling for their private good qualities, and high -admiration for their public services. On a former occasion, -when associated with them under the most difficult -and trying circumstances, he had the gratification of -recording, that the regiment had exhibited, in a high -degree, the best qualities of the best British soldiers; -and he has now the proud pleasure of telling them, -that by their gallant conduct during the late sanguinary -conflicts with the enemy, they have encircled -themselves with every honor, nobly maintained the -former character of the regiment, and placed its -number amongst the foremost of those whose military -achievements are most conspicuously engraved upon -the records of their country; and he sincerely prays, -on their arrival in England, that their beloved -Sovereign may be induced to confer such marks of -distinction upon the regiment as its gallant deeds -so eminently deserve.</p> - -<p>“Farewell, my gallant comrades; may every happiness -and prosperity attend you. Your old Commander -will ever remember you with pleasure, and watch<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162"></a>[162]</span> -your future progress with all the deep interest of -your firmest friends.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr6">“By order,</span><br /> -(Signed) “<span class="smcap">G. A. Tytler</span>, Brigade-Major.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The Commander-in-Chief in India, having deemed it -advisable to send home as many of the severely wounded -men of the army as possible, before the beginning of the -hot weather, gave orders for the boats to be prepared -on the Sutlej to convey them to Bombay, and the -command of this detachment was given by His Excellency -to Lieutenant Robertson, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment. It consisted of about 158 men of all the -European corps lately engaged, and an escort of 63 -duty men of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, making in all 221, -97 of which belonged to the regiment. The detachment -sailed from Ferozepore on the 14th of March, -1846, and arrived safely at Bombay on the 27th of -April, whence it embarked on board the ship ‘Herefordshire’ -on the 14th of May, and landed at Gravesend -on the 29th of September, 1846, being the first -portion of the regiment that arrived in England.</p> - -<p>On the 28th of February the officers of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment were specially invited to dinner by -Lieut.-General Lord Hardinge, the Governor-General, -and on the 3rd of March the same honor was conferred -on them by General Lord Gough, the Commander-in-Chief -in India.</p> - -<p>The volunteering being completed, the volunteers -were delivered over to their new corps. The regiment -separated from the army with which it had -gained such distinguished renown, and commenced -its march on the 4th of March towards Ghurmuktesir<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163"></a>[163]</span> -Ghât, on the river Ganges, where boats were prepared -for its conveyance to Calcutta. The regiment recrossed -the river Sutlej on the 7th of March, and on -the 20th reached Umballa.</p> - -<p>The women, children, and baggage of the regiment, -having been left at Umballa when the regiment proceeded -on service, a halt was required to enable the -officers to arrange their affairs and dispose of their -property, and that of the deceased officers and men; -the houses which the officers occupied being their -own property and built by themselves, as they were -the first to inhabit the station when it was formed into -a new cantonment in 1843.</p> - -<p>The regiment moved again on the 28th of March, -and, passing through the station of Meerut, arrived at -Ghurmuktesir Ghât, on the right bank of the Ganges, -on the 13th of April.</p> - -<p>The boats provided by the commissariat for the -conveyance of the regiment to Calcutta being in -readiness for the voyage, the wounded and sick men, -women, and children were embarked with as little -delay as possible. By the 16th of April the whole were -embarked, and the fleet of boats sailed for the Presidency -of Calcutta on the following day.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Spence, after having commanded -the regiment in every action during this brilliant -and glorious campaign,—at <em>Moodkee</em> on the 18th of -December, <em>Ferozeshah</em> on the 21st and 22nd of December, -1845, <em>Buddiwal</em> on the 21st of January, <em>Aliwal</em> on -the 28th, and on the 10th of February, 1846, at the -crowning victory at <em>Sobraon</em>,—had now the satisfaction -of embarking with it on board the boats appointed to -convey it to the port of Calcutta, where the ships lay<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164"></a>[164]</span> -at anchor, which were engaged to carry the war-worn -veterans of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment to their native -country.</p> - -<p>On the 3rd of April Her Majesty was pleased to appoint -Lieut.-Colonel Byrne and Lieut.-Colonel Spence, -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, to be Companions of the -Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath, for their -distinguished gallantry in the late actions on the -Sutlej.</p> - -<p>In consequence of the particularly gallant conduct -of Serjeant Bernard M‘Cabe, Major-General Sir Henry -Smith, in a letter dated 17th February, was pleased to -recommend him for a commission, in the following -terms:—“This intrepid non-commissioned officer, in -the midst of a hand-to-hand conflict with the enemy, -planted the colour of Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment upon one of the towers of the enemy’s -intrenchments,—one of the most bold and daring acts -of a gallant soldier I ever witnessed, and which, I now -deliberately consider, tended much to shorten the -struggle alluded to. This serjeant is a young man -of excellent character, and, if I may be permitted to -remind His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of -the promise made me almost in the heat of battle, it is,—‘<em>This -Serjeant shall be recommended for a commission</em>.’ -I can only add (which is unnecessary to the soldiers’ -friend, Sir Hugh Gough) that, if he receives a -commission, it will be as gratifying to me as was the -gallant conduct I witnessed at the moment the -colour-head was shot off, and the flag perforated with -balls, as he triumphantly waved it in the air in the -very midst of the enemy.”</p> - -<p>This highly honorable testimony of the bravery of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165"></a>[165]</span> -Serjeant M‘Cabe at the battle of Sobraon, was supported -by the strong recommendation of General Lord -Gough to His Grace the Commander-in-Chief, and -Serjeant Bernard M‘Cabe was appointed by Her -Majesty to an ensigncy in the Eighteenth, Royal Irish, -regiment of foot, on the 8th of May, 1846.</p> - -<p>The details of the campaign on the Sutlej afford -abundant proofs of the skill and bravery of the troops: -the highest praise is due, and has been rendered -by their admiring and grateful countrymen, to the -officers and soldiers by whose gallantry four battles -were fought, and victories obtained, in sixty days, -over an enemy who had most ample means of equipping -and supplying his corps with all the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">matériel</i> of -war, and of choosing his own time and opportunity of -commencing his perfidious attack.</p> - -<p>The army of the Sikhs, at the commencement of this -unprovoked aggression, is ascertained to have amounted -to 60,000 men, and their artillery to 108 pieces of -cannon, some of them being of large calibre.</p> - -<p>The Anglo-Indian forces, which had been hastily -collected to contend against this immense army, -amounted only to about 20,000 men, a great proportion -of which had marched one hundred and sixty miles, -in order to arrive at the seat of war.</p> - -<p>Under the most serious disadvantages, fatigues, and -privations, the British troops, with the aid of their -faithful allies, the Native corps, nobly contended with -their Sikh adversaries, “who, in spite of their exceeding -numbers and advantageous positions, were vanquished -in every battle.”</p> - -<p>In expressing admiration of the heroic conduct of -the British troops in this short but decisive war, it is -the duty of the nation to acknowledge, with gratitude,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166"></a>[166]</span> -the wonderful interference of a Supreme Power, -by whose all-wise decree the army of the Sikhs was -destroyed and dispersed; and, notwithstanding its -numbers, received a complete and signal overthrow, as -a just but severe punishment for its faithless conduct -and daring violation of every honorable and religious -feeling.</p> - -<p>When it is considered that with a disparity of -force of three to one, independent of artillery, the -Sikh army was discomfited, and the enemy was driven -back to his capital to seek for safety and peace, -the British Nation must be sensible that an over-ruling -Power aided their cause, and gave strength where -numbers were deficient; and that another signal instance -of Divine favour and protection has been added to the -numerous claims which demand the nation’s humble -acknowledgment and gratitude.</p> - -<p>The campaign on the Sutlej having terminated by -the destruction of the Sikh army and the capture of the -city of Lahore, a treaty of peace was entered into. The -Sikh government requested that a force of 10,000 -British troops might be left at their capital for the -protection of the city and the maintenance of good -order: this being complied with, arrangements were -made for the return of the British army to the territories -of the East India Company.</p> - -<p>The glorious news of the Battle of Sobraon was -received in London on the 1st of April, and was announced -to the British public by a royal salute from -the guns of the Tower and in St. James’s Park; and -the royal standard was displayed at Buckingham Palace -and at the Tower of London. The greatest sensation -pervaded all ranks of society: no military event, with -the exception of the Battle of Waterloo, excited such<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167"></a>[167]</span> -wonder and surprise, mingled with joy, that the cloud, -which had hung over the fate of the British Empire in -India, was completely dissipated by this last splendid -and decisive victory, which effected the final overthrow -of the power of the Sikhs, the destruction of their -army, and the capture of their artillery, on the sanguinary -field of <em>Sobraon</em>.</p> - -<p>On the 2nd of April the Thanks of the House of -Lords were proposed by the Earl of Ripon, and carried -unanimously.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="center"><em>Extracts from Minutes of Proceedings of the House of -Lords.—2nd April, 1846.</em></p> - -<p>“That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General -Sir Henry George Smith, Knight Commander -of the Most Honorable Military Order of -the Bath, for his skilful and meritorious conduct when -in command of the British troops employed against a -large portion of the Sikh army, of greatly superior -numbers, and for the signal valour and judgment displayed -by him in the battle of the 28th of January, -1846, when the enemy’s force was totally defeated, -and a new lustre added to the reputation of the -British arms.</p> - -<p>“That the Thanks of this House be given to the -several officers, European and Native, under the -command of Sir Henry Smith, for the distinguished -services rendered by them at the battle of Aliwal.</p> - -<p>“That this House doth highly approve of and -commend the intrepidity and exemplary discipline -displayed by the non-commissioned officers and -private soldiers, European and Native, on the 28th of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168"></a>[168]</span> -January, 1846, in their attack on the enemy’s position, -by which the Sikhs were completely routed and -driven in confusion across the Sutlej, with the loss -of all their artillery and military equipment; and -that the same be signified to them by the Commanders -of the several corps, who are desired to thank them -for their gallant behaviour.</p> - -<p>“That in requesting the Governor-General of India -to communicate these Resolutions to the several -Officers referred to therein, this House desires to -acknowledge the zeal and judgment evinced by the -Right Honorable Lieut.-General Sir Henry Hardinge, -Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, -Governor-General of India, and also by General Sir -Hugh Gough, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of the -Order of the Bath, Commander-in-Chief of the -Forces in India, in supplying Major-General Sir -Henry Smith with such reinforcements and military -means as enabled him, under Divine Providence, to -overcome all the obstacles thrown in his way by a -brave and determined enemy.</p> - -<p>“That the Thanks of this House be given to the -Right Honorable Lieut.-General Sir Henry Hardinge, -Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honorable -Military Order of the Bath, Governor-General of -India, for the judgment, energy, and ability with -which the resources of the British Empire in India -have been applied in repelling the unjust and unprovoked -invasion of the British Territory by the -Sikh Nation; and for the valour and indefatigable -exertions which he displayed on the 10th of February, -1846, at the battle of Sobraon, when, by the blessing -of Almighty God, which we desire most humbly to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169"></a>[169]</span> -acknowledge, this hostile and treacherous invasion -was successfully defeated.</p> - -<p>“That the Thanks of this House be given to General -Sir Hugh Gough, Baronet, Knight Grand Cross of -the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath, -Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in India, for the -signal ability and valour with which, upon the 10th -of February, 1846, he directed and led the attack, -when the enemy’s intrenchments were stormed, their -artillery captured, their army defeated and scattered, -and the Punjaub laid open to the advance of -our victorious troops.</p> - -<p>“That the Thanks of this House be given to Major-General -Sir Henry George Smith, Knight Commander -of the Most Honorable Military Order of -the Bath; Major-General Walter Raleigh Gilbert; -and Major-General Sir Joseph Thackwell, Knight -Commander of the Most Honorable Military Order -of the Bath; and to the other officers, European -and Native, for the distinguished services rendered -by them in the eminently successful operations at the -battle of Sobraon.</p> - -<p>“That this House doth highly approve of and commend -the invincible intrepidity, perseverance, and -steady discipline displayed by the non-commissioned -officers and private soldiers, European and Native, on -the 10th of February, 1846, by which the glory of -the British arms has been successfully maintained -against a determined and greatly superior force, -and that the same be signified to them by the Commanders -of the several corps, who are desired to -thank them for their gallant behaviour.</p> - -<p>“That the said Resolutions be transmitted by the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170"></a>[170]</span> -Lord Chancellor to the Governor-General of India, -and that he be requested to communicate the same -to the several officers referred to therein.”</p> -</div> - - -<p class="p1 smcap center">The House of Commons.</p> - -<p>Votes of Thanks to the same effect were proposed by -Sir Robert Peel in the House of Commons, and carried -without a dissenting voice.</p> - - -<p class="p1 smcap center">The East India Company.</p> - -<p>On the same day, a Special General Court of the -proprietors of stock was held at the East India House, -for the purpose of passing a Vote of Thanks to Major-General -Sir Henry Smith for his victory at Aliwal -over the Sikh army; to the Governor-General Sir -Henry Hardinge; to General Sir Hugh Gough, and to -the European and Native troops who were engaged in -the war on the Sutlej. The resolutions of the Court -were proposed by Sir Henry Willock, the chairman, -and were unanimously adopted.</p> - - -<p class="p1 smcap center">The Court of Common Council of London.</p> - -<p>At a Special Court of the Court of the Common -Council of the City of London, the Thanks and Congratulations -of the Court were awarded to Lieut.-General -Sir Henry Hardinge, G.C.B., General Sir -Hugh Gough, G.C.B., and Major-General Sir Henry -Smith, K.C.B., for the valour, judgment, and ability -displayed by them in the recent battles of Aliwal and -Sobraon; also the Thanks of the Court to the other -officers, European and Native, for the intrepidity, -perseverance, and discipline evinced by them upon -both these memorable occasions.</p> - - -<p>After a tedious voyage down the Ganges, owing to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171"></a>[171]</span> -shallowness of the river and the numerous sand-banks, -the regiment did not reach the station of Chinsurah -until the 6th of July, on which day it landed and -marched into barracks. Chinsurah, formerly a Dutch -settlement, was ceded by Holland to the British -Government in 1827; it is situated on the right bank -of the Ganges, about thirty miles from Calcutta: the -East India Company have built an excellent barrack -here for a regiment of infantry. The regiment was -halted here until the necessary preparations were made -for its embarkation for England.</p> - -<p>On the 30th of July the arms of the regiment, which -had been proudly borne and successfully used on many -occasions on the battle-field, were given over to the -ordnance department, and deposited in the arsenal of -Fort William.</p> - -<p>On the arrival of the regiment at Fort William, -the military officers of the Presidency invited the officers -of the sixteenth lancers and <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment to -a ball and supper at the Town-hall, to show their high -sense of the distinguished conduct of those regiments -in the field during the recent campaign on the Sutlej.</p> - -<p>The Lieut.-Governor, Sir Herbert Maddox, also -invited the officers to a splendid banquet at the Government -House on the 1st of August.</p> - -<p>The officers were also hospitably entertained by the -officers of the Bengal artillery stationed at Dum-Dum, -the head-quarters of that corps.</p> - -<p>The entertainment given by the military officers at -Calcutta to the officers of the sixteenth lancers and -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment is thus noticed in the public -paper called the “Star,” of the 1st of August, 1846:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172"></a>[172]</span></p><div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The ball given by the military to Her Majesty’s -sixteenth lancers and Her Majesty’s <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, came off with great brilliancy last night at -the Town Hall; there were probably from 400 to 500 -persons present. The hall was decorated with remarkable -taste, and the honored Peninsular colours -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment hung in tatters under -the principal canopy, blood-stained in the recent -engagements, in all of which the gallant regiment -was present. At the opposite end of the table was a -large transparency of the battle of Sobraon. Colonel -Warren presided at the supper-table; and Colonel -Burlton, in an excellent speech, reviewing the services -of the regiments from the commencement of the -present century, gave the toast of the evening, which -was acknowledged by Lieut.-Colonel MacDowell and -Lieut.-Colonel Spence.”</p> -</div> - -<p>Previous to the departure of the regiment from -India, the following General Order was issued by -General Lord Gough, the Commander-in-Chief:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="fs80 right">“Head-Quarters, Simla, 23rd May, 1846.<br /></p> - -<p>“Those distinguished regiments, the sixteenth -lancers and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> foot, are about to -return to their native country after a service in -India, the former of twenty-four, the latter of twenty-one -years; and although the Commander-in-Chief has -recently, and so frequently, had occasion to laud the -gallant conduct of these corps before an intrepid -enemy, he cannot permit them to embark without -again expressing his admiration of their continued -and conspicuous bravery in all the battles they have -been engaged in during the long and eventful period<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173"></a>[173]</span> -of their Indian service, whether in Affghanistan, or at -the more sanguinary conflicts of 1845 and 1846.</p> - -<p>“These brave regiments may be assured they will -be received in their native land with every demonstration -of that patriotic feeling which gallant -exploits ensure from their countrymen.</p> - -<p>“The sixteenth lancers have added to their standards -‘Bhurtpore, Affghanistan, Ghuznee, Maharajpore, -Aliwal, and Sobraon;’ and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -will have recorded on their already highly decorated -colours—‘Cabool, Moodkee, Ferozeshah, Aliwal, -and Sobraon.’</p> - -<p>“Again must Lord Gough express the gratification -it affords him thus to be able to record his opinion of -their merits; and both these corps are assured that -their correct conduct in quarters, and almost total -absence of crime for many years, have mainly conduced -to the gallant achievements in the field to which their -good fortune has afforded them the opportunity to -contribute.</p> - -<p>“That every happiness and welfare may hereafter -attend these regiments, is the Commander-in-Chief’s -ardent desire, for he must ever feel the warmest -interest in the career of such highly distinguished -regiments.</p> - -<p>“The Commander-in-Chief congratulates the two -officers, Lieut.-Colonel MacDowell, C.B., and Lieut.-Colonel -Spence, who accompanied their regiments to -India nearly a quarter of a century ago, upon now -having the honor and gratification of commanding -them, after such distinguished services, on their return -to their native land. Lieut.-Colonel MacDowell has -never left India since his first arrival.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174"></a>[174]</span></p> - -<p class="right"> -“By order of His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief.<br /> - -<span class="padr2">(Signed) “<span class="smcap">H. G. Smith</span>, Major-General,</span><br /> -“Adjutant-General to the Forces in India.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The regiment embarked for England, the left wing -under the command of Lieutenant Plaskett, on board -the ‘Plantagenet,’ on the 2nd of August, 1846, consisting -of 5 officers, 12 serjeants, 4 drummers, and 102 -rank and file, 10 women and 10 children. The head-quarters, -or right wing, embarked on board the -‘Madagascar’ on the 3rd of August, 1846, under -the command of Major Staunton, and consisted of 10 -officers, 19 serjeants, 7 drummers, and 194 rank and -file, 21 women, and 32 children. Unfortunately, as -the ‘Plantagenet’ was putting out to sea, she sprung -a leak, and was obliged to return to Calcutta with all -speed, the pumps being worked night and day by the -soldiers, without whose assistance she must have gone -down: they succeeded in bringing her safe into dock, -there being then above seven feet of water in the hold. -This detachment again embarked in the same ship on -the 29th of August, and arrived in England on the -13th of January, 1847, having lost on the passage seven -men. The ‘Madagascar,’ with head-quarters, arrived -in England on the 5th of December, and lost on the -passage Lieutenant Richard Sparrow and five soldiers.</p> - -<p>After a voyage of four months, the surviving veterans -of the regiment were gladdened with the sight of the -shores of their native land. The head-quarters of the -regiment reached Gravesend on the 4th of December, -1846; and on the 6th disembarked and marched to -Chatham. Nothing could exceed the enthusiasm of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175"></a>[175]</span> -the public to welcome the arrival of this distinguished -corps.</p> - -<p>The following description of the reception the -regiment met with on its arrival, is taken from the -‘Illustrated London News’ of December, 1846:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“<em>The Return of the</em> <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> <em>Regiment from -India</em>.—On the 4th instant the head-quarters of this -distinguished regiment arrived by the ship Madagascar -from Calcutta, from which place they embarked -on the 3rd of August last: they lost by deaths on the -voyage five men and one officer, Lieut. Richard -Sparrow. They brought home with them four captured -colours, which they took in the short but brilliant -campaign against the <span class="nowrap">Sikhs. * * *</span> On the evening -of the 6th the head-quarters marched into Chatham -garrison from Gravesend, by the Rochester and -Gravesend Railway, where they were met by the very -superior band of the royal marines. On the arrival at -the Rochester terminus, the band struck up, ‘God save -the Queen,’ and these heroes of the Sutlej were greeted -by hundreds of people with loud and repeated huzzas. -The soldiers, in return for this spirited welcome, waved -the four colours captured from the enemy, one at -Ferozeshah, one at Aliwal, and two taken at Sobraon. -These banners bear testimony of the severe engagements. -The Queen’s colour, and the regimental -colour, are complete fragments. The head-quarters -were also accompanied by the depôt band, which -played at intervals in passing with the regiment -through the streets of Rochester and Chatham, and -were greeted along the whole line by thousands of -people who assembled to witness their return.</p> - -<p>“Out of the 215 men landed from the Madagascar<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176"></a>[176]</span> -there are but 80 unwounded. Lieut.-Colonel Spence, -and Quarter-master Benison, are the only officers, -now with the regiment, who went out with it in the -‘Kent’ East Indiaman, which took fire and sank in -the Bay of Biscay.</p> - -<p>“The following officers have come home with the -head-quarters:—Major George Staunton, Brevet Major -D. F. G. Longworth, Lieut. G. Elmslie, Lieut. -T. Scarman, Lieut. R. Mackenzie, Lieut. and Adjutant -A. S. Bolton, Lieut. H. P. Hutton, Quarter-master -S. Benison, and Assistant-Surgeon H. C. Foss. -Total nine officers and 215 serjeants, drummers, -and rank and file.</p> - -<p>“Lieut.-Colonel Spence headed the troops. The -officers of this regiment, having been on the most -friendly terms with the royal marine corps, and being -members of the mess of the royal marines, they dined -at the royal marines’ mess-room with the officers, -who invited them on their arrival at the garrison to -a superb repast.</p> - -<p>“The officers of the regiment were invited to -dinner by Colonel Sir Frederick Smith and the -officers of the royal engineers in garrison at Chatham. -They also received invitations to dinner from the -officers of the 2nd battalion of the 60th rifles, and -also from the officers of the -provisional battalion -quartered in this garrison.”</p> -</div> - -<p>Shortly after its arrival in England, the following -complimentary letter was received by Lieut.-Colonel -Spence, commanding the regiment, from that distinguished -officer General Sir Colin Halkett, G.C.B., -the Colonel of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177"></a>[177]</span></p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="fs80 right">“United Service Club, London, 22nd Dec., 1846.</p> - -<p class="smcap noindent">“My Dear Colonel,</p> - -<p>“It is with the liveliest satisfaction that I avail -myself of the arrival in England of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, under your command, to offer you, and the -corps, my most sincere congratulations on your return -to your native land, after your arduous and distinguished -services in the East. Connected as I have the -honor to be with the regiment, it was natural for me -to take a deep interest in its welfare, and to follow its -fate and fortunes with all the attention in my power; -and as some professional experience enabled me to -appreciate the toils you had to encounter, and the -dangers you had to overcome, it was with highly -gratified pride and most heartfelt delight, that I heard -how nobly you had supported the first, and how gallantly -you had vanquished the latter.</p> - -<p>“At the very outset of the voyage from England, -the regiment was already called upon to give proofs -of that high state of discipline, which is the soldier’s -best shield in difficulties. On dark and distant seas, -amid the flames of the unfortunate East India ship -Kent, you remained firm and tranquil, obedient to -orders issued by that meritorious soldier, your then -commanding officer, Lieut.-Colonel Fearon (now -Major-General), and thus ensured the safety of all -when every semblance of hope seemed to have -vanished, and when confusion must have led to -inevitable destruction.</p> - -<p>“The promise, which such noble conduct gave, was -fully justified by your subsequent behaviour. Called -upon to aid in avenging disasters which the feebleness -of allies had brought upon your country’s arms, you<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178"></a>[178]</span> -forced your way through the most difficult part of -Central Asia, through mountain wildernesses unequalled -on the face of the globe, and never traversed -by disciplined troops since the days of the great Macedonian -conqueror. Even the gallantry, which you -displayed during this campaign, seems to be forgotten, -when we reflect on the steady discipline, and dauntless -energy, evinced in contending against the toils and -difficulties which had to be overcome at every step of -this memorable march, only eclipsed by the more -brilliant actions you were soon afterwards called upon -to perform.</p> - -<p>“An Army, composed of the most warlike tribes of -Asia, trained to arms by European officers, long -accustomed to victory under the sway of an able and -ambitious prince, assuming, on the death of Runjeet -Singh, the power of absolute control over its feeble -government, resolved to invade the British provinces; -which, protected by a disciplined army, ruled by a wise -and paternal government, had long prospered in -peace, and acquired a degree of wealth too well -calculated to tempt the rapacity of such lawless -bands.</p> - -<p>“To avoid every appearance of hostility, and preserve -peace to the last, the British authorities had kept -their forces at a distance from the frontier; and the -enemy thus emboldened by forbearance, which was -probably taken for timidity, crossed the Sutlej, and -attacked our possessions without even a declaration -of war. In this difficulty it was only by extraordinary -exertion on the part of the troops, by toil and -fortitude never surpassed, if ever equalled, that -your comrades posted along the frontier could be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179"></a>[179]</span> -saved from ruin, and an unprincipled foe checked in -time to avert the greatest calamities.</p> - -<p>“The march from Umballa must ever be memorable -in the annals of war. Under the burning sun of -India, you supported, at duty’s call, an excess of -toil and fatigue, which would have tried the hardiest -and the best, even in the bracing atmosphere of our -northern climate; and your victory of <em>Moodkee</em> was -actually achieved over bold, numerous, and well-prepared -foes, after a march of twenty miles, performed -under the rays of a vertical sun, through a -waste and parched country, not affording even a -drop of water to allay the scorching thirst occasioned -by the clouds of dust raised from the burning soil; -fought, and won in fact, after an excess of toil that -would have overcome all but the first and foremost -soldiers of their time.</p> - -<p>“A single defeat was not, however, to daunt the -fierce and numerous foes with whom you had -to contend; and hardly had you recovered from -the fatigues of your long march and first victory, -when you were called upon to storm an entrenched -camp, defended by vastly superior numbers, and by a -train of heavy and well-served artillery such as the -East had never beheld. To assail works, under such -circumstances, is one of the most trying and difficult -operations of war; and when the strength of the -position, and the fierce resolution with which it was -defended, are considered, your victory may safely be -termed an action of unsurpassed boldness, energy, -and perseverance.</p> - -<p>“Never will your country’s banner suffer a stain, -so long as its soldiers shall equal those who stormed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180"></a>[180]</span> -the Sikh camp of <em>Ferozeshah</em>: greater fortitude and -gallantry than those of which you had given proof -in these actions could not possibly be displayed. -But every species of high soldiership was to be called -for during the course of this brief campaign, and it -was your fortune to be present in the different actions, -all fought under different circumstances.</p> - -<p>“At <em>Aliwal</em> you had to execute on an open and -level plain, and under a heavy fire of artillery, the -skilful movements which ensured the success of that -brilliant day; and at <em>Sobraon</em> you were again called -upon to force entrenchments, constructed with European -science, and defended with all the fierce resolution -of Asiatic despair. But neither savage valour, -nor European art, could withstand your efforts,—could -compete with high and matchless gallantry, -regulated by discipline, and fired to noble exertion -by the consciousness of what was due to your -country’s name and fame!—The <em>Battle of Sobraon</em>, -which crushed the power of unprincipled adversaries, -terminated your exploits in the East, saved the -British provinces from devastation, and secured to -our youthful and beloved Sovereign the peaceful and -happy possession of India! Never indeed were nobler -objects attained by nobler conduct!</p> - -<p>“It is needless for me to tell you how greatly all -ranks of your countrymen sympathised with your -fortunes during these trying times; how much they -felt for your sufferings; how deeply they mourned -for the heavy losses you sustained; and how highly -they exulted in the gallantry you displayed. The admiration -your behaviour excited, must have reached -you even on the distant shores of India; and I feel<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181"></a>[181]</span> -confident that every step you take on British ground -will show how justly your conduct is appreciated by -all those whose good opinion can be of value. It -only remains for me, therefore, again to offer you my -most sincere congratulations on your return to your -native land, to wish you every success and happiness -in your future progress, and to assure you, that as -far as my sphere of action extends, no effort shall be -wanting to give effect to the sentiments I feel such -high satisfaction in now expressing.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr6">“Believe me,</span><br /> -<span class="padr2">“My dear Colonel, ever yours sincerely,</span><br /> -<span class="padr4">“<span class="smcap">Colin Halkett</span>,</span><br /> -“General, and Colonel Thirty-first Regt.</p> - -<p class="fs70">“Lieut.-Colonel Spence, C.B.,<br /> -“Commanding Thirty-first Regiment.”</p> -</div> - -<p>As an additional testimony of the consideration of -the services of the officers and men of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment who had returned from India, His Grace -the Commander-in-Chief was pleased to authorize the -following letter to be addressed to the officer commanding, -dated Horse Guards, 21st of December, 1846:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="noindent">“Sir,</p> - -<p>“In transmitting the enclosed Copy of the General -Order of the 30th of October last, granting leave of -absence to officers, and furloughs to non-commissioned -officers and men, to the 10th of March next, I -have it in command to intimate to you, that the -Commander-in-Chief, duly considering the glorious -and important services recently performed by the -regiment under your command, as well as its protracted -service abroad, has been pleased to direct<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182"></a>[182]</span> -that furloughs may be forthwith granted to such of -the non-commissioned officers and men recently returned -from India, without limitation as to numbers, -as may be desirous of availing themselves of that -indulgence, so as to enable them immediately to visit -their friends; and that leave of absence may, in like -manner, be extended to as large a portion of the -officers as can be spared from the duties of the -regiment.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr6">“I have, &c.</span><br /> -<span class="padr2">(<em>Signed</em>) “<span class="smcap">John Macdonald</span>,</span><br /> -“<em>Adjutant-General</em>.”<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<p>The usual directions were given by the Secretary -at War for reducing the establishment of the regiment, -in order to assimilate it to that of other regiments -on home duty, from the 6th of December, 1846.</p> - -<p>After transferring to the Invalid Depôt the men -selected for discharge on account of wounds and other -disabilities, and incorporating the depôt with the other -companies, the regiment was removed from Chatham -to Walmer, where it arrived on the 20th of December, -and was received at Deal and in the neighbouring -parts, with the same honors and marks of distinction -as had been evinced on its arrival in the garrison of -Chatham.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1847</div> - -<p>The remainder of the regiment, consisting of five -officers, viz., Lieutenants Plaskett, Law, Pilkington, -and Noel, Assistant-Surgeon Massey, and 111 men, -arrived at Gravesend on the 13th of January, 1847, -on board of the Plantagenet freight ship: the delay in -their arrival was occasioned by that vessel having -sprung a leak, which compelled her to put back to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183"></a>[183]</span> -Calcutta. This division proceeded from Chatham on -the 20th of January, to join the head-quarters of the -regiment at Walmer.</p> - -<p>On the 30th of June, 1847, the regiment was apprised -by the Adjutant-General, that her Majesty had -been pleased to approve of its bearing on the regimental -colour and appointments the words <span class="smcap">Moodkee</span>, -<span class="smcap">Ferozeshah</span>, <span class="smcap">Aliwal</span>, and <span class="smcap">Sobraon</span>, in commemoration -of the distinguished conduct evinced by the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> at those battles.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-General the Honorable Henry Otway Trevor -was appointed to the colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment on the 12th of July, 1847, in succession to -General Sir Colin Halkett, G.C.B., who was removed -to the forty-fifth regiment.</p> - -<p>On the 6th of September, 1847, Lieut.-General -Sir Henry Smith came to Walmer to see the regiment, -before he proceeded to the Cape of Good Hope, of -which colony he had been appointed Governor and -Commander-in-Chief. On the 7th of September he -reviewed the regiment, and expressed his satisfaction -at seeing its discipline so perfect, considering that only -a few months had elapsed since it returned home a -mere skeleton.</p> - -<p>The regiment was inspected by Major-General -Brown on the 4th of May, and on the 1st of October, -1847; it was inspected on the 10th of November, by -His Grace the Duke of Wellington, <ins class="corr" id="tn-183" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'who expressed hi '"> -who expressed his</ins> approbation in the highest terms. In November the -regiment was removed to Manchester by railway in -three divisions, where it was completed to its establishment -of 39 officers, 47 serjeants, 40 corporals, 17 -drummers, and 760 privates.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184"></a>[184]</span></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1848</div> - -<p>On the 7th of April, 1848, the regiment proceeded -to Ireland, and arrived at Dublin on the following day. -In July the regiment marched to Athlone.</p> - -<p>New Colours were presented to the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, on the 19th of May, 1848, by Major-General -His Royal Highness the Prince George of Cambridge, -K.G., and the following account of the ceremony was -given in “<cite>Saunders’ News-Letter</cite>” of the following -day:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The interesting military ceremonial of the presentation -of New Colours to this gallant and distinguished -corps took place yesterday, in the ornamental -grounds in front of that fine building, the Queen’s -Inns, Henrietta-street, Dublin. The regiment was -formed in full review order at three o’clock, shortly -after which His Royal Highness Prince George of -Cambridge, accompanied by his aide-de-camp Captain -the Honorable James Macdonald, Major-General -John M‘Donald, and several other officers of distinction, -came upon the ground.</p> - -<p>“In front of the line were four standards, captured -by the regiment from the Sikhs, one of them taken -at <em>Ferozeshah</em>, one at <em>Aliwal</em>, and two at <em>Sobraon</em>. -The Colours of the Corps, torn to pieces from the -grape-shot through which they were led to victory, -and stained with the blood of the Ensigns who were -killed carrying them to the muzzles of the Sikh guns, -were objects of great interest to the numerous citizens -who thronged the grounds. Lieut.-Colonel Spence, -C.B., who commanded the gallant regiment in all -these actions, except Sobraon (where he commanded -the first brigade of Sir Henry Smith’s Division), was in -command, and looked in admirable health and spirits.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185"></a>[185]</span></p> - -<p>“The survivors of the Indian campaigns were decorated -with their medals. After the usual routine of -parading the old colours, and giving them up, the -band playing ‘<em>Auld lang syne</em>,’ the Regiment formed -a hollow square, and the Garrison Chaplain repeated -the prescribed formula for the occasion. The New -Colours were then handed to Ensigns Christian and -Brown, when His Royal Highness the Prince George -of Cambridge briefly addressed the Regiment, stating -his gratification at having this pleasing duty to perform. -He had not seen service himself, and the -task would have fallen more appropriately upon one -who had. In encouraging the troops to the performance -of their duty, he related the anecdote of the -Serjeant who, when the Ensign bearing the old -colour had fallen mortally wounded, seized it,—carried -it onwards,—and victory resulted. The non-commissioned -officer was promoted to an ensigncy in the -Eighteenth, Royal Irish, regiment.<a id="FNanchor_36" href="#Footnote_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a></p> - -<p>“The corps then formed in line, and gave a Royal -salute, the band playing ‘<em>God save the Queen</em>.’ The -day was remarkably fine, and after the ceremony the -regiment marched into its quarters in the Linen-Hall -Barracks.”</p> -</div> - -<p>Certain of the distinguished officers of the garrison -of Dublin were entertained by the officers of the regiment -at dinner in the evening; but His Royal Highness -Prince George was prevented from attending by -an expected disturbance in the city.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1849</div> - -<p>On the 1st of February, 1849, the establishment of -the regiment was reduced from eight hundred to seven -hundred and fifty rank and file.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186"></a>[186]</span></p> - -<p>On the 20th of July, 1849, Lieut.-Colonel Spence -retired, after a lengthened service of forty-one years, -and Major George Staunton was promoted to the rank -of Lieut.-Colonel of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, in -succession to Lieut.-Colonel James Spence.<a id="FNanchor_37" href="#Footnote_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a></p> - -<p>During the year 1849 the regiment remained at -Athlone.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1850</div> - -<p>In April, 1850, the regiment proceeded from Athlone -to Dublin, where it continued to be stationed at the -conclusion of the Historical Record.</p> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a></p> - -<table class="autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Colonel Thomas Saunderson’s</td> -<td class="tdl">Marine Corps,</td> -<td class="tdl" colspan="2">now 30th Regiment.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Colonel George Villiers’s</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -<td class="tdl">now 31st</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Colonel Edward Fox’s</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -<td class="tdl">now 32nd</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Colonel Harry Mordaunt’s</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -<td class="tdl" colspan="2">disbanded in 1713.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Colonel Henry Holl’s</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Colonel Viscount Shannon’s.</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -<td class="tdc">do.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> Minorca, an island in the Mediterranean, on the eastern coast of -Spain, is about thirty miles in length and twelve in breadth, and is chiefly -valuable for the excellent harbour of Port Mahon. In September, 1708, -Minorca was taken by Admiral Leake and a land force under Lieut.-General -Stanhope, after a siege of about three weeks. The island was -ceded to Great Britain by the treaty of Utrecht, and remained in -its possession until 1756, when, in April of that year, it was besieged by -the French, under Marshal the Duke de Richelieu. After a brave defence -by the Governor, General Blakeney, the garrison, consisting of the -4th, 23rd, 24th, and 34th regiments, surrendered, and, in consideration -of their gallantry, were permitted to march out with all the honors of -war. At the peace of Fontainebleau, in 1763, Minorca was restored -to the English in exchange for Belle-Isle. In February, 1782, the -garrison, under the Governor, Lieut.-General the Honorable James -Murray, after suffering severely from sickness, surrendered to the Duke -de Crillon, the Commander-in-Chief of the combined French and -Spanish forces, and Minorca was retained by Spain at the peace of -1783. Minorca again surrendered to a British force under General the -Honorable Charles Stuart, on the 15th of November, 1798; and at the -peace of Amiens, in 1802, Minorca was restored to the Spaniards, under -whose sway it remains at the present period.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> The nature of the services on which the <em>Marine Corps</em> were employed -has since obtained for them the Royal authority to bear the motto, -“<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Per mare, per terram</i>.”</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> “On the morning of Sunday, the 10th of June, 1688, a day long kept -sacred by the too faithful adherents of a bad cause, was born James -Francis Edward Stuart, the most unfortunate of princes, destined to -seventy-seven years of exile and wandering,—of vain projects,—of honours -more galling than insults,—and of hopes such as make the heart -sick.”—‘History of England,’ by <em>Thomas Babington Macaulay</em>. Vol. ii. -page 363.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> <em>James Francis Edward</em>, “<em>The Pretender</em>,” son of <em>James II.</em>, and of -<em>Mary</em>, daughter of the Duke of Modena, his second wife; was born on -the 10th June, 1688. He married, in 1719, Mary Clementina, daughter -of Prince James Sobieski, and granddaughter of John Sobieski, King of -Poland. He died on the 1st June, 1766 (aged 78 years), leaving issue -two sons:—</p> - -<p>1. <em>Charles Edward Louis Cassimir</em>, termed in England “<em>The Young -Pretender</em>;” born on the 30th November, 1720, who married the Princess -Stohlberg of Germany, and died at Rome, without issue, on the 31st -January, 1788.</p> - -<p>2. <em>Henry Benedict</em>, called <em>The Cardinal York</em>; born on the 24th -March, 1725. When the last grand effort for the restoration of his family, -in 1745, proved abortive, he took holy orders, and was elevated to the -Purple by Pope Benedict XIV. in 1747, and died at Rome in 1807. The -Cardinal was the last male branch of the House of Stuart.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> From the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht, in April, 1718, until -1739, the only events that appeared at times to threaten the <em>general</em> -tranquillity of Europe which prevailed during the above period, arose -from the Rebellion in Scotland, in favour of the Pretender, in 1715, -which was suppressed by the Battle of <em>Sheriffmuir</em>, on the 13th of November -of that year. Charles XII., of Sweden, also espoused the cause -of the Pretender in 1717, but the death of King Charles, in the following -year, put an end to the projected expedition to Great Britain. In 1719 -Spain supported the Pretender with troops, which were, however, defeated -at <em>Glenshiel</em>, on the 10th of June, 1719. This was followed by the -British expedition against Spain, but in January, 1720, the Spanish -Monarch accepted the conditions of Peace. In 1726 Spain made an -unsuccessful attempt to recover <em>Gibraltar</em>, and in 1729 a treaty of Peace -was concluded at Seville, which remained unbroken for the ten following -years.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> The “<em>Pragmatic Sanction</em>” was published by the Emperor Charles -VI. on the 17th of April, 1713, whereby, in case of his having no male -issue, his daughters were to succeed to his hereditary dominions, in preference -to the sons of his late brother, Joseph I.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> See list of British regiments which served in Flanders and Germany -between 1742 and 1748, during the “<em>War of the Austrian Succession</em>.”—Appendix, -<a href="#Page_224">page 224</a>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[14]</a> The following tradition has been preserved in the regiment:—The -facings and breeches of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> being of the same colour as -those worn by the <em>Third “Buffs,”</em> King George II. mistook it for the -latter regiment, and called out “<em>Bravo, Buffs</em>,” with a view of animating -the men to further gallantry; and when reminded that it was the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, -and not the “Old Buffs,” His Majesty then rejoined, “<em>Bravo, -Young Buffs</em>;” and this name, valuable for the time and manner of its -being conferred, has been since retained by the Regiment.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[15]</a> Although the results of the <em>Battle of Dettingen</em>, fought on the 27th -of June, 1743, were not equal to those attending the victories gained -over the French by Edward the Third and Henry the Fifth, yet there are -circumstances which render the conflict at <em>Dettingen</em> similar to those of -<em>Creçy</em> and <em>Agincourt</em>. At <em>Creçy</em>, on the 26th of August, 1346, King -<em>Edward the Third</em> and his son <em>Edward the Black Prince</em> were present; -and at <em>Dettingen</em>, <em>King George the Second</em> was accompanied by his son the -<em>Duke of Cumberland</em>. It was the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">début</i> of both the Royal Princes on the -tented plain, and the chivalrous bearing of the <em>Black Prince</em>, particularly -his behaviour to the prisoners, finds a parallel in the conduct of the <em>Duke -of Cumberland</em>, who refused to have his wound attended to, until the -surgeons had examined that of a French officer, the Count De Fenelon, -who had been taken prisoner and conveyed to the Duke’s tent. “Begin,” -said His Royal Highness, “with the wound of the French officer; he is -more dangerously hurt than I am, and stands more in need of assistance.”</p> - -<p>The disadvantage under which the British fought at <em>Dettingen</em> was -equal to that at <em>Agincourt</em>, and the impetuosity of the enemy, in both -instances, prevented the English army perishing from want of provisions.</p> - -<p>All these battles are likewise noted for the number of the French -Royal family and nobility who were present; and the battle of Dettingen -is further remarkable as being the last action in which a British Monarch -commanded the army.</p> - -<p>The want of provisions and tents, unfortunately, compelled the victors -to abandon the field of battle, otherwise Dettingen might have rivalled -many of the achievements recorded in British History.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[16]</a> “The Dutch, in their flight, breaking in on the <em>English</em> ranks, were -fired upon by those troops, which did them considerable damage; a -<em>Highlander</em> in Lord Semphill’s (forty-second) regiment being asked -‘Why he fired upon them; they were his friends?’ replied, ‘I am sure -they are the greatest enemy we have seen this day.’”—<cite>Biggs’s Military -History of Europe from 1739 to 1748.</cite></p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[17]</a> <em>Vide</em> List of Battles, Sieges, &c., inserted in Appendix, <a href="#Page_223">page 223</a>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[18]</a> The regiments which returned to England from Flanders, on this -occasion, are specified in the List inserted in the Appendix, <a href="#Page_224">page 224</a>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[19]</a></p> - -<table class="autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr class="fs80"> -<td class="tdc">2nd Batt.</td> -<td class="tdc">Constituted</td> -<td class="tdc">2nd Batt.</td> -<td class="tdc">Constituted</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"> 3rd Foot,</td> -<td class="tdl">the 61st Regiment.</td> -<td class="tdl">24th Foot,</td> -<td class="tdl">the 69th Regiment.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"> 4th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 62nd Regiment.</td> -<td class="tdl">31st ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 70th Regiment.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"> 8th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 63rd Regiment.</td> -<td class="tdl">32nd ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 71st Regiment.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">11th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 64th Regiment.</td> -<td class="tdl">33rd ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 72nd Regiment.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">12th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 65th Regiment.</td> -<td class="tdl">34th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 73rd Regiment.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">19th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 66th Regiment.</td> -<td class="tdl">36th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 74th Regiment.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">20th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 67th Regiment.</td> -<td class="tdl">37th ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 75th Regiment.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">23rd ”</td> -<td class="tdl">the 68th Regiment.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p class="fs80">The 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, and 75th regiments were disbanded after -the peace of Fontainebleau in 1763.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[20]</a> Major-General John Burgoyne was promoted, to the rank of Lieut.-General -on the 20th of August, 1777.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[21]</a> <em>Martinique</em> was captured by the English in 1762, but was restored -to France at the Peace of Fontainebleau in 1763.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_22" href="#FNanchor_22" class="label">[22]</a> Promoted to the brevet rank of Lieut.-Colonel on the 1st of March, -1794.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_23" href="#FNanchor_23" class="label">[23]</a> Return of the Troops at <em>Guadaloupe</em> on the 1st of September, 1794.</p> - -<table class="autotable fs80" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="bt bl"></td> -<td class="bt bl"></td> -<td class="bt"></td> -<td class="bt br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br" colspan="3">Rank and File.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl"></td> -<td class="bt bl"></td> -<td class="bt bl"></td> -<td class="bt bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcbl">Corps.</td> -<td class="tdcbl">Fit for<br />Duty.</td> -<td class="tdc bl">Sick.</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">Total.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"></td> -<td class="bt bl"></td> -<td class="bt bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">Grenadier Battalion</td> -<td class="tdrbl">152</td> -<td class="tdrbl">208</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">360</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">Light Infantry Battalion</td> -<td class="tdrbl">33</td> -<td class="tdrbl">382</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">415</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">35 Regiment</td> -<td class="tdrbl">47</td> -<td class="tdrbl">116</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">163</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">39th Ditto</td> -<td class="tdrbl">24</td> -<td class="tdrbl">284</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">308</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">43rd Ditto</td> -<td class="tdrbl">23</td> -<td class="tdrbl">176</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">199</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">56th Ditto, three companies</td> -<td class="tdrbl">67</td> -<td class="tdrbl">..</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">67</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">65th Ditto</td> -<td class="tdrbl">43</td> -<td class="tdrbl">209</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">252</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl pad6">General Total</td> -<td class="tdrbl">389</td> -<td class="tdrbl">1375</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">1764</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bb bl"> </td> -<td class="bb bl"></td> -<td class="bb bl"></td> -<td class="bb bl br"></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p>The <em>Grenadier</em> and <em>Light Infantry</em> battalions were composed of the flank -companies of the 8th, 12th, 17th, 31st, 33rd, 34th, 38th, 40th, 44th, and -55th Regiments.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_24" href="#FNanchor_24" class="label">[24]</a> While stationed at Jersey, a soldier of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -displayed the following example of courage and presence of mind:—On -the 4th of June, 1804, a salute had been fired in honor of the anniversary -of the birthday of King George III. The bombardier, whose -duty it was to deposit the slow match in the magazine on the Town Hill -at St. Heliers, after the performance of the ceremony, neglected to observe -whether it was extinguished; it unfortunately was still alight, and set -fire to the building; there were within the place three hundred and -twenty-five barrels of powder, and, from its central situation, an explosion -would have destroyed the greater portion of the town. Private -William Pentenny, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, assisted by two -inhabitants of Jersey, broke open the magazine, when another moment’s -delay would probably have been too late, the fire having nearly reached -the spot where the powder was deposited, when he entered. With -infinite coolness and decision, he carried the nearest barrels away in his -arms, and continued so to act until the whole stock was removed out of -danger. This important service was highly appreciated. The Patriotic -Fund at Lloyd’s awarded Private William Pentenny a pension of 20<em>l.</em> -a year, while the states of Jersey conferred an additional 12<em>l.</em> upon this -deserving soldier, and presented to him a gold medal, struck on purpose -to commemorate the achievement, which he was permitted to wear. -The Governor, Major-General the Honorable William Stewart, ordered -a ring of silver lace to be worn round his arm as a further distinction.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_25" href="#FNanchor_25" class="label">[25]</a> This extract is from an excellent pamphlet published in Edinburgh -soon after the event, by a “<em>Passenger</em>.” It was written by Major -Duncan M‘Gregor of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, who was afterwards -the Lieutenant-Colonel of the ninety-third Highlanders.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_26" href="#FNanchor_26" class="label">[26]</a> General Avitabile, one of the military instructors of the Sikhs, was -a native of Italy, and at the conclusion of Napoleon’s bright, but -evanescent career, sought employment in the East. He was handsomely -rewarded by the Sovereign of the Punjaub, Runjeet Singh, together -with another Italian officer, named Ventura, and two Frenchmen, -Allard and Court, for introducing European tactics into the Sikh army. -Runjeet Singh also conferred the governorship of Peshawur upon -General Avitabile, and by his vigorous administration it was reduced -from a state of anarchy to one of comparative security. Peshawur signifies -“<em>advanced post</em>,” that name having been conferred upon it by its -founder, the Mogul Emperor Akbar, in consequence of its being the -frontier town of India towards Affghanistan.</p> - -<p>Runjeet Singh died in 1839, and his son and successor, Kurruck Singh, -being of weak intellect, was shortly afterwards deposed, when his son, -Noo Nehal Singh, assumed the reins of Government. His death, which -occurred in returning from his father’s funeral, caused the throne to be -again vacant, and the crown was bestowed on Prince Shere Singh, a twin-son -of Runjeet Singh. Shere Singh was a firm friend to the English, and -by his interference Major-General Pollock was permitted to proceed with -his army through the Punjaub to Cabool in 1842, although the Sikh -Sirdars were disposed to attack the British troops.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_27" href="#FNanchor_27" class="label">[27]</a> Vide Memoir of Lieut.-Colonel Skinner, Appendix, <a href="#Page_226">p. 226</a>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_28" href="#FNanchor_28" class="label">[28]</a> The Punjaub derives its name from two Persian words (<em>punj</em>, five, -and <em>aub</em> waters), signifying <em>five waters</em>. In fact there are <em>six</em> rivers -intersecting the country, namely the <em>Indus</em>, <em>Jhelum</em>, <em>Chenaub</em>, <em>Ravee</em>, -<em>Beas</em>, and <em>Sutlej</em>. The course of the <em>Beas</em> is much shorter than the -five other rivers, so that it appears to have been disregarded when the -name of the Punjaub was bestowed.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_29" href="#FNanchor_29" class="label">[29]</a> On the death of Assistant-Surgeon Gahan, Assistant-Surgeon Patrick -Gammie, of the 80th regiment, was appointed to take medical charge of -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_30" href="#FNanchor_30" class="label">[30]</a> Vide Memoir of Colonel Bolton, inserted in Appendix, <a href="#Page_225">page 225</a>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_31" href="#FNanchor_31" class="label">[31]</a> Vide Memoir of Major Baldwin, inserted in Appendix, <a href="#Page_230">page 230</a>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_32" href="#FNanchor_32" class="label">[32]</a> Shortly after the storming of the village of <em>Aliwal</em>, an European -officer in the Sikh service was given in charge to the regiment, having -surrendered himself as a prisoner to an officer of one of the cavalry -regiments in the Company’s service. He said his servant had galloped -off with his charger, and, being rather stout, preferred giving himself up -to the chance of running away; his name was John Potter, a native of -Maidstone in Kent; he had deserted from the Company’s Artillery -twenty years before, and was at this period a Colonel of Artillery -in the Sikh service, having a native wife and family at Lahore. At first -he was kept a very strict prisoner, but the severity of his confinement -was gradually relaxed, and when the army encamped before Lahore, -he was released altogether. The Governor-General afterwards permitted -him to hold an appointment in the Sikh service.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_33" href="#FNanchor_33" class="label">[33]</a> This officer was promoted from Quarter-master-Serjeant to Ensign -after the battle of Ferozeshah.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_34" href="#FNanchor_34" class="label">[34]</a> This part of the action is represented in the engraving of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment at the battle of Sobraon.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_35" href="#FNanchor_35" class="label">[35]</a> In some copies of this General Order it was erroneously stated that -Brigadier Hicks commanded the first brigade: he was not at the battle -of Sobraon.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_36" href="#FNanchor_36" class="label">[36]</a> Vide <a href="#Page_146">pages 146</a> and <a href="#Page_165">165</a> of Regimental Record.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_37" href="#FNanchor_37" class="label">[37]</a> A beautiful silver inkstand has been recently presented to Lieut.-Colonel -Spence, by the Officers of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment. It is an -elegant testimonial, and is tastefully embellished with military trophies, a -soldier of the regiment being introduced on the two extremities, in the -position to receive cavalry,—the whole surmounted by the British Lion. -The following inscription is engraved on the testimonial:— -</p> - -<p class="pfs70"> -Presented to<br /> -<span class="smcap">Lieutenant-Colonel Spence, C.B.</span>,<br /> -By Lieutenant-Colonel Staunton and Officers of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> Regiment,<br /> -As a token of their esteem and attachment,<br /> -On his leaving the Regiment, in which he had served for a period of forty-one years,<br /> -With high distinction to himself and honor to his Country.</p> - -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187"></a>[187]</span><br /></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs100 lsp2" id="HIST_RECORD">HISTORICAL RECORD<br /> - -<span class="fs60">OF THE</span><br /> - -<span class="fs135">SECOND BATTALION</span></h2> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">OF THE</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs120">THIRTY-FIRST, OR THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE</p> - -<p class="pfs150">REGIMENT OF FOOT.</p> - -<hr class="r30c" /> -<hr class="r30d" /> - -<div class="sidenote">1804</div> - -<p class="p1 noindent">Napoleon Bonaparte, upon being raised in May 1804 -to the dignity of Emperor of the French, increased -his immense preparations to carry into effect his project -for the invasion of England, that he might, by one -great effort, crush the power of the British people, who -appeared as a barrier to his ambitious designs. This -menace of invasion had aroused the spirit of the British -nation; patriotic enthusiasm pervaded all ranks; and -among the measures of defence<a id="FNanchor_38" href="#Footnote_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> adopted by the Government -was the introduction of the “<em>Additional Force -Act</em>” which was passed on the 14th of July 1804.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1805</div> - -<p>Under this Act of Parliament, a <em>second battalion</em> was -added to the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, which was to be -formed of men raised in the county of Chester for -limited service.</p> - -<p>The second battalion was embodied by July 1805, -and in October it proceeded from Chester to Winchester, -where the first battalion was stationed.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1806</div> - -<p>After the first battalion had embarked for Sicily in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188"></a>[188]</span> -April 1806, the second battalion continued at Winchester -until June following, when it proceeded to -Gosport.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1807</div> - -<p>On the 8th of January 1807, the second battalion -embarked at Gosport for Guernsey, where it arrived -on the 15th of that month. In May 1807, the battalion -proceeded to Ireland, and was stationed at Limerick.</p> - -<div class="sidenotex">1808</div> - -<p>In March 1808, the battalion was removed from -Limerick to Dublin.</p> - -<p>Important events had in the meantime occurred on -the Continent, which occasioned the second battalion -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment to be ordered on active -service. Napoleon, having reduced Germany to submission -to his will, and forced Russia to accede to his -decrees, next attempted the subjugation of Spain and -Portugal. The Spaniards and Portuguese rose in arms -to assert their national rights, the French Emperor -having conferred the crown of Spain on his brother -Joseph, who relinquished the throne of Naples in favor -of Marshal Murat.</p> - -<p>In the summer of 1808, Portugal was delivered by a -British army under Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley; -and in the autumn Lieut.-General Sir John -Moore received orders to advance with a body of British -troops from Portugal into the heart of Spain; at -the same time several regiments were embarked from -the United Kingdom to co-operate in the enterprise.</p> - -<p>The second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, which -had proceeded in August to Fermoy, marched on the -8th of September to Monkstown for embarkation, and -sailed in a few days afterwards to Falmouth, where a -fleet was assembling with a force for service, the command -of the troops being held by Lieut.-General Sir -David Baird. In a short time, the fleet sailed, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189"></a>[189]</span> -arrived in the Bay of Corunna on the 23rd of October. -The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> did not, however, land with the -army, the battalion being despatched to Lisbon, where -it arrived on the 5th of November.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-General Sir John Cradock, who commanded -in Portugal at this period, detached some regiments -towards the frontier, with a view of reinforcing Lieut.-General -Sir John Moore in Spain. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, -being one of the corps destined for this service, -marched with a force under the command of Brigadier-General -Richard Stewart from Lisbon, on the 18th of -December, upon Castello Branco, where the battalion -arrived in ten days.</p> - -<p>The communication with Lieut.-General Sir John -Moore being at this period suddenly interrupted, Brigadier-General -Stewart was ordered to halt, and unfavourable -intelligence being received from Spain, Lieut.-General -Sir John Cradock determined to concentrate -his army near Lisbon, and the further advance was, -therefore, countermanded.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1809</div> - -<p>The second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, and the -other corps of the division, commenced their march to -the rear on the 1st of January 1809. On arrival at -Santarem, the intelligence of Sir John Moore’s advance -upon Sahagun had reached head-quarters, and the anticipated -danger being thus drawn from the frontiers -of Portugal, Brigadier-General Stewart was again ordered -to halt. His head-quarters continued at Santarem, -and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> occupied cantonments in -the neighbourhood of Bucellas. A month’s march in -incessant rain had seriously damaged the appointments, -and the men being indifferently provided with shoes, -rendered a rest in this pleasant quarter of infinite -benefit.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190"></a>[190]</span></p> - -<p>In the meanwhile, the army under Lieut.-General -Sir John Moore had continued its retreat over two -hundred and fifty miles of mountainous country, constantly -repulsing the attacks of the enemy. The British -army arrived at Corunna on the 11th of January, -being closely followed by Marshal Soult, who occupied a -position on a height above the town, in order to make -an attack on the troops while proceeding to embark. -This operation commenced on the 16th of January, and -the French descending from the heights in three columns, -a sanguinary action ensued. Lieut.-General -Sir John Moore received a mortal wound from a cannon-ball, -and his country was deprived of an officer, -who, both in his professional and private character, had -acquired universal esteem and admiration. Lieut.-General -Sir David Baird lost an arm, and the command -devolved on Lieut.-General Sir John Hope, who -vigorously maintained the action, the British remaining -masters of the field. The embarkation for England -was effected on the following night, no further molestation -being offered by the enemy.</p> - -<p>No change was made in the disposition of the army -in Portugal until the middle of March, when Lieut.-General -Sherbrooke, and Major-General John Randoll -McKenzie, with their corps arrived. The army was -then drawn together between Lumiar and Sacavem, -in which position it encamped until toward the end of -April, when Lieut.-General Sir John Cradock commenced -his advance towards Spain on the 24th of that month; -and when Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley, who -had arrived at Lisbon with reinforcements, assumed the -command of the army, the force was assembled at -Leiria. The first object of Lieut.-General Sir Arthur -Wellesley was to dislodge Marshal Soult from Oporto,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191"></a>[191]</span> -and he accordingly marched towards that city at the -end of April.</p> - -<p>A corps of British and Portuguese was detached, -previous to Sir Arthur Wellesley’s march upon Oporto, -under Major-General McKenzie, to watch the right -bank of the Tagus in observation of Marshal Victor in -Estremadura. The second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -joined this army, and remained posted at Thomar -until after the famous passage of the Douro by the -British General, and the fall of Oporto, which compelled -Marshal Soult to retreat.</p> - -<p>In the month of June the second battalion of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> was at Cortiçada with Major-General -McKenzie’s head-quarters, and in that officer’s division -reached Placentia, whence on the 17th of July -it commenced its march to Oropesa, where it arrived -on the 20th. A junction with the Spanish army under -General Cuesta was effected here, and on the 22nd the -advanced guards, to which the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> belonged, -moved forward to the attack on the French posts at -<em>Talavera</em>. The enemy’s position was turned by the -British cavalry and infantry, while the Spanish General -drove the French on in front. On the 25th, in consequence -of General Cuesta having followed the enemy, -two divisions of infantry were sent across the Alberche -to Casa Legas. The second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -was in that commanded by Major-General -McKenzie, and was brigaded with the twenty-eighth -and forty-fifth regiments.</p> - -<p>On the 27th of July, when General Cuesta had retreated -from Alcabon under cover of Lieut.-General -Sherbrooke’s divisions, Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley -withdrew to the position of <em>Talavera</em>, leaving<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192"></a>[192]</span> -Major-General McKenzie on the Alberche to protect -the movement. When the French, on the 27th of July, -crossed this river, Major-General McKenzie’s division -was posted near the Casa des Salinas, his infantry in -the forest, and cavalry on the plain.</p> - -<p>The attach was somewhat sudden, and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -and eighty-seventh regiments, which were in the -wood on the right of the Alberche, sustained some loss. -As the enemy increased his numbers on the British -side of the river, Major-General McKenzie fell back -gradually, and entering the position by the left of the -combined army, took up his ground in a second line, -in rear of the foot guards. In the dusk of the evening -the enemy commenced his attack on the British left, but -failed; in the night the attack was repeated, and on -the morning of the 28th of July the French renewed -the attack on the height on the British left, and were -again repulsed with considerable loss. After a pause -of some hours the attacks were renewed upon the whole -British front, and the action became general. Brigadier-General -Alexander Campbell’s division, on the British -right, sustained the assault of the enemy’s fourth corps, -assisted by Major-General McKenzie’s brigade. “The -English regiments, putting the French skirmishers -aside, met the advancing columns with loud shouts, -and breaking in on their front, and lapping their -flanks with fire, and giving no respite, pushed them -back with a terrible carnage. Ten guns were taken; -but as General Campbell prudently forbore pursuit, -the French rallied on their supports, and made a show -of attacking again: vain attempt! The British artillery -and musketry played too vehemently upon -their masses, and a Spanish regiment of cavalry<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193"></a>[193]</span> -charging on their flank at the same time, the whole -retired in disorder, and the victory was secured in -that quarter.”<a id="FNanchor_39" href="#Footnote_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></p> - -<p>The ten captured guns remained in possession of the -British;—Major-General John Randoll McKenzie was -killed;—and the second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, under Major John Williams Watson, conducted -itself in such a manner as to merit notice in the -despatch, as well as approbation in General Orders. -Major Watson received a medal, and was afterwards -promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel for his -conduct on this occasion.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, in the actions of the 27th and 28th -of July, had Captain William Lodge, two serjeants, -and forty-two rank and file <em>killed</em>; Captains Nicolls and -Coleman,—Lieutenants George Beamish, Adderley -Beamish, and Girdlestone,—Ensigns Gamble and -Soden,—Assistant-Surgeon Edwards,—eight serjeants, -and one hundred and eighty-two rank and file, <em>wounded</em>. -Most of the wounded fell into the hands of the French, -on the abandonment of Talavera afterwards by the -Spanish General. Assistant-Surgeon Edwards, who was -left in charge of the wounded, died shortly afterwards.</p> - -<p>The news of the brilliant victory of <em>Talavera</em>, gained -over the French army commanded by Joseph Bonaparte -in person, excited great joy in England, and Lieut.-General -Sir Arthur Wellesley was raised to the peerage -by the title of Viscount Wellington. The Royal Authority -was afterwards given for the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> to -bear the word “<span class="smcap">Talavera</span>” on the Regimental Colour -and Appointments, to commemorate the distinguished -conduct of the second battalion on that memorable -occasion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194"></a>[194]</span></p> - -<p>After the battle of the 28th of July, the second -battalion was posted to Major-General Tilson’s brigade, -in the division commanded by Major-General Rowland -(afterwards Viscount) Hill; and on the 3rd of August -marched from Talavera, in order to oppose the French, -who had entered Estremadura by Placentia.</p> - -<p>On the 3rd of September, the head-quarters arrived -at Badajoz, and the army was distributed about Elvas, -Campo Mayor, and other places, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -being in the division cantoned at Montejo. The troops -had suffered greatly on the march from Talavera, generally -from dysentery, brought on by bad food, fatigue, -and exposure. When the second battalion had rested -awhile in its position, the sickness that had been kept -off in a great measure by the previous excitement, now -visited the men severely, and a considerable number died.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1810</div> - -<p>When Viscount Wellington broke up from the Guadiana -in the month of December, and crossed the Tagus, -he left Lieut.-General Hill, who had been appointed to -serve on the Staff in the Peninsula as a Lieut.-General, -after the battle of <em>Talavera</em>, with a force of ten thousand -men, British and Portuguese, at Abrantes. Among -the former was the second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>; -it continued at that place until February 1810, when -Lieut.-General Hill, on the approach of Marshal Mortier -on Badajoz, marched to Portalegre, and occupied -that strong position. He made a move on the 23rd of -April through the Sierra de St. Marmede, which had -the desired effect of relieving General O’Donnell at -Albuquerque, the enemy retiring to Merida. Lieut.-General -Hill was once more at Portalegre on the 26th -of April, and on the 15th of May he again quitted his -cantonment, by which movement he disengaged Badajoz -from the attention of the enemy, who had made a reconnoisance<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195"></a>[195]</span> -on the 12th of that place, and relieved -General Ballasteros, returning in a few days afterwards -to his old position.</p> - -<p>During the continuance of the division at Portalegre, -it was always on the alert, owing to General Regnier’s -movements in Estremadura. In the beginning of July, -Lieut.-General Hill concentrated his corps at Campo -Mayor, previously to an expedition into Estremadura -in conjunction with the Marquis de Romana. General -Regnier had, however, frustrated this plan, by quitting -Merida on the 10th of July, and marching upon Aleonete -and Almaraz, effected the passage of the Tagus on the -16th. Lieut.-General Hill made a parallel movement, -and crossing the river at Vilha Velha, was at Castello -Branco on the 21st; he encamped at Sarzedas, in front -of the Sobreira Formosa, remaining some time in observation -between the Estrella and the Tagus.</p> - -<p>Upon Marshal Massena concentrating his force for -the invasion of Portugal, Lieut.-General Hill fell back -from his position at Sarzedas, and on the 21 st of August, -arrived on the Alva. On the 26th, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -in Lieut.-General Hill’s corps, crossed the Mondego, -arrived on the <em>Sierra de Busaco</em>, and was posted on -the right, across the road leading over the mountain -ridge to Peña Cova, but the battalion was not engaged -in the action.</p> - -<p>When General Regnier attacked the position held -by the third and fifth divisions, Lieut.-General Hill -withdrew towards his left to support them; it was unnecessary -however, these divisions having repulsed the -enemy, and he therefore continued in his original -position.</p> - -<p>After the battle of Busaco, fought on the 27th of -September, the army withdrew from the Sierra, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196"></a>[196]</span> -Lieut.-General Hill’s division marched on Thomar, -arriving there on the 4th of October; whence continuing -its retreat by Santarem, it took up its ground, on the -8th, on the right of the Torres Vedras lines at Alhandra, -on the right of the Tagus, in which position the second -battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> had several skirmishes -with the enemy, without sustaining much loss. The -battalion remained at Alhandra, opposite which was -the second French corps under General Regnier.</p> - -<p>On the 17th of November, the second division crossed -the Tagus at Villada upon Abrantes, where the French -were in retreat. Upon Marshal Massena taking up a -position at Santarem, it halted at Chamako, where the -head-quarters were stationed; the troops being so distributed -as to have an eye to the enemy, and prevent -his crossing to the south of the Tagus. Lieut.-General -Hill returned to England on account of ill health in -December, and Marshal Sir William Carr (now Viscount) -Beresford succeeded him in the command of his -division, which amounted to fourteen thousand men, -British and Portuguese.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1811</div> - -<p>The hostile armies remained in the same positions -until the beginning of March, when Marshal Massena -broke up from Santarem, and Major-General the Honorable -William Stewart, with a body of troops, of which -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> formed part, crossed the Tagus at -Abrantes, and moved to Thomar, while Marshal Beresford -remained at Barla, and did not join in the pursuit -of Marshal Massena.</p> - -<p>Towards the end of March, Sir William Beresford -arrived at Portalegre with twenty thousand infantry, -two thousand cavalry, and eighteen guns, with orders -to relieve Campo Mayor, and besiege <em>Olivenza</em> and -<em>Badajoz</em>. The first object was effected on the 25th of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197"></a>[197]</span> -March; it was an affair of cavalry only. On the 6th -of April, the passage of the Guadiana took place at -Jurumenha, and the army occupied a position on a -strong range of hills. On the 9th of April, <em>Olivenza</em> -was summoned, and not surrendering the army encamped -round it. General Latour Maubourg having -retired to Llerena, Marshal Beresford leaving the fourth -division, with Colonel Madden’s cavalry, opposite -Olivenza, took post on the 11th at <em>Albuhera</em>, the infantry -being on the 16th drawn nearer to <em>Badajoz</em>, which place -was invested on the 8th of May.</p> - -<p>On the 8th and 10th of May, the French made two -sorties, but were driven back with considerable loss. -Marshal Soult’s approach to relieve Badajoz having -been ascertained, the siege was raised on the night of -the 12th, and moving to <em>Albuhera</em>, the British were in -position on the 15th of May.</p> - -<p>The second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> was on the -left of Lieut.-Colonel Colborne’s brigade, in the division -under Major-General the Honorable William Stewart, -which was drawn up, in one line, behind the village of -<em>Albuhera</em>; its right on a commanding hill, over which the -Valverde road passed; its left on the road to Badajoz.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the 16th of May, the grand attack -was made by the French on the right of the position, -and in a line at right angles to it: this point was contested -by the Spaniards without success,—they gave -way, and the French columns pushing on, seized the -crown of the hill, and bringing up their reserves, -established their batteries in position on it. At this -moment Major-General the Honorable William Stewart -brought forward Lieut.-Colonel Colborne’s brigade, -and arrived with it at the foot of the hill, while all was -in confusion above. The Major-General rushed on in -open column of companies, attempting to form his line<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198"></a>[198]</span> -in succession as the battalions arrived. The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, -the left of the brigade, was still in column, when -four regiments of hussars and lancers, which had been -concealed by the heavy rain falling at the time, passed -by the right flank to the rear of the line.</p> - -<p>“<em>One battalion only</em> (<em>the</em> <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>) <em>being still in -column, escaped the storm, and maintained its ground, -while the French horsemen, riding violently over everything -else, penetrated to all parts.</em>”<a id="FNanchor_40" href="#Footnote_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a></p> - -<p>Major-General the Honorable William Lumley sent -some squadrons of cavalry to take the attention of the -Lancers, but the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> continued to hold the -height, while the Spaniards would not advance, and -Marshal Soult still kept his columns together on the -point he had assailed. Major-General Hoghton’s -brigade coming up in good order, under Major-General -the Honorable William Stewart, and being soon afterwards -reinforced by a portion of the fourth division, -relieved the second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> from -the difficulty of its position.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> had two serjeants and twenty-six -rank and file <em>killed</em>; and Captains Fleming and Knox, -Lieutenants Butler, Gethen, and Bolton; Ensigns -Wilson and Nicholson; four serjeants, and one hundred -and sixteen rank and file, <em>wounded</em>.</p> - -<p>Major George Guy Carleton L’Estrange, who commanded -the battalion, at the battle of <em>Albuhera</em>, was promoted -to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel in the army for -his conduct on that day, and received a medal. Viscount -Wellington alluded to his gallantry in the following -terms:—</p> - -<p>“There is one officer, Major L’Estrange, of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, whom I must recommend, in the strongest<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199"></a>[199]</span> -manner, for promotion in some way or other. <em>After -the other parts of the same brigade were swept off by the -Cavalry, this little battalion alone held its ground against -all the ‘<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">colonnes en masse</span>.’</em>”</p> - -<p>Captain Peter Fearon, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, distinguished -himself on the same day in command of the -Lusitanian legion, and received a medal for his conduct.</p> - -<p>The Royal Authority was afterwards given for the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Albuhera</span>” on the -regimental colour and appointments, to commemorate -the distinguished conduct of the second battalion on -that memorable occasion.</p> - -<p>The army was again in position during the 17th of -May, the enemy appearing to meditate another attack; -the remainder of the fourth division, however, arrived -by forced marches from Jurumenha, and on the 18th -Marshal Soult retreated, followed by Marshal Beresford, -who left the Portuguese to make a show of investing -Badajoz. The infantry had no affair with the enemy -during his retreat; and when he assumed a position at -Llerena, the operations terminated.</p> - -<p>Major-General Hill at this period rejoined from -England, and the second siege of <em>Badajoz</em> commenced -on the 30th of May.</p> - -<p>The second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap"><ins class="corr" id="tn-199" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'THIRY-FIRST'"> -THIRTY-FIRST</ins></span> continued -under Lieut.-General Hill, to which rank he was promoted -on the 4th of June 1811, in the covering army, -which was posted between Merida and Albuhera. -Having been much reduced in the late action, it was -formed, with the sixty-sixth regiment, into a Provisional -Battalion, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Colborne.</p> - -<p>When Marshal Soult advanced, and the siege of -Badajoz was raised, the covering army was once more<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200"></a>[200]</span> -concentrated on the position of Albuhera. The French -Marshal did not, however, attack; on the 17th of June, -the British crossed the Guadiana, and prepared for the -probability of an engagement with the united corps of -Marshals Marmont and Soult. In July, the British -were relieved from their presence, and the Commander-in-Chief, -Viscount Wellington, leaving Lieut.-General -Hill to watch Estremadura, at Portalegre, Villa -Viciosa, and Estremos, with ten thousand men, put the -rest of the army into quarters near the Tagus.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> continued with Lieut.-General -Hill in the second division: this part of the army was -constantly on the alert, but nothing very important -occurred until October.</p> - -<p>On the 9th of October, Lieut.-General Hill’s force -was concentrated behind Campo Mayor, and on the 22nd -marched to drive Marshal Girard from Caçeres: at -daylight on the 28th of October, the British General -surprised the French Marshal at <em>Arroyo dos Molinos</em>, in -which brilliant affair the second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -was present.</p> - -<p>The army returned to its cantonments about Portalegre -immediately afterwards, and remained in them -until the 24th and 25th of December, when it moved -upon Merida, and arrived there on the 30th to surprise -General Dombrouski, and attack General Drouet. They -both retired, abandoning magazines of wheat, and Lieut.-General -Hill took up his cantonments at Merida on the -6th of January, 1812.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1812</div> - -<p>Immediately afterwards Lieut.-General Hill fell -back upon the frontiers of Portugal, while the grand -army was investing <em>Ciudad Rodrigo</em>, and occupied -Portalegre.</p> - -<p>In March, <em>Badajoz</em> was invested for the third time, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201"></a>[201]</span> -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s<a id="FNanchor_41" href="#Footnote_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> corps again formed -part of the covering army. He halted at Almendralejos, -while Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Graham (afterwards -Lord Lynedoch) took post at Zafra. Lieut.-General Sir -Rowland Hill’s division then moved forward, and took -post at Medellin. When the breaches at Badajoz were -nearly practicable, Marshal Soult, having effected a -junction with Generals Drouet and Daricau, advanced -to relieve it. Viscount Wellington thereupon determined -to fight him at Albuhera. Lieut.-General Sir -Thomas Graham then fell back towards that place, and -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill having destroyed the -bridge at Merida, marched from the Upper Guadiana -to Talavera Real. Marshal Soult did not however -advance in time, and <em>Badajoz</em> was taken on the 6th of -April.</p> - -<p>After the fall of Badajoz, when Viscount Wellington -marched towards Beira, two divisions of British infantry, -in one of which was the second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, -remained with Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill -in Estremadura, to cover Badajoz during the re-establishment -of its works. Nothing occurred in the army -until the 12th of May, when six thousand men, with -twelve field-pieces, crossed the Guadiana at Merida, -and joining the battering train and pontoons, formed -the force destined to surprise the French at <em>Almaraz</em>.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> remained in position on the -Guadiana, while the expedition proceeded to attack -the French works on the Bridge at <em>Almaraz</em>, on the -Tagus, which were captured on the 19th of May. The -bridge having been destroyed, and the communication -between the several divisions of the French army rendered<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202"></a>[202]</span> -more difficult, the British troops returned to the -south of the Guadiana.</p> - -<p>A great part of June was passed in operations against -General Drouet, until he was reinforced on the 18th of -that month with General Barrois’s division of infantry, -and two divisions of cavalry. Hereupon Lieut.-General -Sir Rowland Hill fell back gradually to Albuhera, and -took up a position on the former field, awaiting an -attack. The enemy did not advance, and on the 2nd -of July, Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill broke up -from Albuhera, and moved upon General Drouet, who -retired towards Cordova. At the end of July, Lieut.-General -Sir Rowland Hill was at Llerena, and the -second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, in -Brigadier-General Byng’s brigade, was detached to -Merida. General Drouet made a demonstration, but -no action of infantry ensued.</p> - -<p>After the victory gained by the army under Viscount -Wellington on the 22nd of July at Salamanca, the -troops under Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill penetrated -the Spanish provinces: during the month of -August they were engaged in the pursuit of General -Drouet, and in the beginning of October they were on -the Tagus, between Aranjuez and Toledo.</p> - -<p>While the army under the Marquis of Wellington, -which title was conferred upon him after the victory -of Salamanca, was engaged in the siege of the Castle -of <em>Burgos</em>, the second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment remained at Aranjuez. In consequence of the -necessity of raising the siege of Burgos, and retreating, -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill broke up from his -ground on the Tagus, to effect a junction with the grand -army, which commenced its retrograde movement from -Burgos on the 21st of October.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203"></a>[203]</span></p> - -<p>On the 30th of October, Lieut.-General Sir Rowland -Hill, having taken up a position of defence on the -Jarama, was pressed by the enemy, who attacked the -bridge of Aranjuez. The French were repulsed by -Colonel Skerrett, with the forty-seventh (of which he was -the Lieutenant-Colonel), and part of the ninety-fifth -regiment, now the Rifle Brigade. The retreat continued -without molestation; and on the 8th of November, the -troops under Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill were -at Alba, while the Marquis of Wellington occupied the -heights of San Christoval. The brigade of the second -division, in which the second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -was posted, being in the neighbourhood of the -fords of Encinas.</p> - -<p>On the 14th of November, the enemy passed the river -near that place, and the Marquis of Wellington moved -with the second division to attack him, while the -remainder of the troops were ordered towards the -Arapiles in the evening. No engagement occurred. -The enemy fortified himself at Mozarbes, on the ground -he had taken up the night before, and moved bodies of -cavalry and infantry to the communication with Ciudad -Rodrigo. The superiority of numbers on the part of -the French caused the British army to continue its -march to Ciudad Rodrigo, which it reached on the -19th of November. Thus ended the retreat from -Burgos. The men had suffered greatly on the march -and required rest; the enemy had pressed the retreat -closely with his cavalry, and made an attack upon the -rear upon the passage of the Huebra; the roads were -difficult, and in some parts impassable. The second -battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> did not share in the hardships -of the main retreat until it had crossed the -Tormes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204"></a>[204]</span></p> - -<p>Marshal Soult having retired to the Upper Tormes, -towards the pass of Banos, it was reported that he -intended to invade Portugal by the valley of the Tagus. -Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s division was therefore -moved to the right as far as Robledo, to cover the -pass of Perales. King Joseph, however, in December, -took up his position for the winter, and the allied -army was also distributed in quarters.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s division occupied -Coria and Placentia, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> being cantoned -in the latter place.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1813</div> - -<p>The allied army remained in cantonments until the -month of May 1813; on the 19th of that month the -second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, in the second -division, broke up from its winter-quarters, and, forming -a part of the right wing of the army, shared in the -operations during the advance upon Burgos and Vittoria; -in the plan for the action of the 21st of June, -before <em>Vittoria</em>, Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s corps, -composed of Morillo’s Spaniards, Sylveira’s Portuguese, -and the second British division, forming the right of -the allied army, was to attack the enemy’s left, and -forcing the passage of the lower Zadora, at Puebla, -assail the French on the heights beyond, entering the -plain of Vittoria, by the defile of La Puebla. The -river was passed about ten o’clock <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span>, and Morillo’s -Spaniards assailed the mountain with his first brigade; -but meeting with much resistance on the heights, called -up his second brigade, which, the French being also -reinforced, was supported by part of the second division, -while Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill, with the rest, -passed through the defile, and, seizing the village of -<em>Subijana de Alava</em>, held his ground: he thus connected -his own right with the troops on the mountain, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205"></a>[205]</span> -maintained this forward position, although the French -made great efforts to dislodge the allies from this -vantage-ground.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile the fourth division crossed by the bridge -of Nanclares. The action on the British right was severe, -and sustained with great gallantry. The French, being -driven from all their defences, retreated with such precipitation -towards Pampeluna as to abandon all their -baggage, artillery, ammunition, military chests, and the -court equipage of King Joseph, whose carriage being -seized, he had barely time to escape on horseback. -The defeat was the most complete that the French had -experienced in Spain.</p> - -<p>The bâton of Marshal Jourdan was taken, and the -Prince Regent, in the name and behalf of his Majesty, -appointed the Marquis of Wellington a Field-Marshal. -In a most flattering letter, the Prince Regent thus conferred -the honor:—“You have sent me among the -trophies of your unrivalled fame, the staff of a French -Marshal, and I send you in return that of England.”</p> - -<p>During part of the day, the second battalion of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> was stationed to cover a brigade of guns: -its loss was not very great, being one private killed, and -thirteen wounded. Captain Girdlestone was the only -officer of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> who was wounded.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Leith received a medal for his conduct -in command of the battalion, and the Royal Authority -was afterwards given for the word “<span class="smcap">Vittoria</span>” to be -inscribed on the Regimental Colour and Appointments -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, to commemorate the -gallantry of the second battalion in that battle.</p> - -<p>The second battalion of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -shared in the pursuit of the enemy after his defeat at -Vittoria, and, when the Marquis of Wellington marched<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206"></a>[206]</span> -on the 26th of June to intercept the French General -Clausel, it remained with the other corps of the second -division for the siege of <em>Pampeluna</em>.</p> - -<p>Although the enemy had withdrawn his right and -left into France, he maintained his centre in force in -the rich valley of <em>Bastan</em>, which afforded numerous -strong positions, and the troops under Lieut.-General -Sir Rowland Hill, having been relieved from the -blockade of Pampeluna, advanced to dislodge the -French. On the 4th of July, and the three following -days, General Gazan was driven from the valley of -Bastan by the troops under Lieut.-General Sir Rowland -Hill, and the positions abandoned by the enemy were -occupied by the British. Major-General Byng’s brigade, -of which the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> formed part, with some -Spanish corps under General Morillo, took possession of -the Pass of <em>Roncesvalles</em> on the 7th of July. In this celebrated -valley the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> remained for a few days.</p> - -<p>Marshal Soult having arrived at Bayonne on the -13th of July to command, as Lieutenant of the Emperor, -the united French army of Spain, amounting to above -seventy-eight thousand men, exclusive of garrisons, -collected more than sixty thousand of his own left, and -advanced on the 25th of July to force the Pass of -<em>Roncesvalles</em>. The brigade which had been ordered to -occupy the Pass, and of which the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> formed -a part, kept the French in check for several hours, but -was obliged to fall back, on perceiving that a strong -body had succeeded in turning the position.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> had two privates killed, and three -wounded, in the action on the 25th of July. On the -28th and 30th of July, the battalion was engaged in -the attack made upon the enemy on the heights in -front of <em>Pampeluna</em>, and had Captain Girdlestone,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207"></a>[207]</span> -Ensign Smith, and Quarter-Master McIntosh, together -with thirty-three rank and file, wounded:—two rank and -file were killed.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Leith received a clasp, in addition to -his former medal, for his conduct on these occasions.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment subsequently received the -Royal Authority to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Pyrenees</span>” on the -Regimental Colour and Appointments, to commemorate -the services of the second battalion in these several combats, -which have been designated the “<em>Battles of the -Pyrenees</em>.”</p> - -<p>On the 31st of July, Major-General Byng’s brigade -captured a large convoy near <em>Elizondo</em>, and made many -prisoners.</p> - -<p>The British troops resumed their position in the -Pyrenees, awaiting the capture of St. Sebastian and -Pampeluna. St. Sebastian was captured on the 31st of -August, and on the 31st of October the French -garrison of Pampeluna surrendered prisoners of war.</p> - -<p>Pampeluna being captured, the right of the allied -army, which had been employed in covering the blockade, -became disengaged, and the British Commander -looking down from the lofty Pyrenees on the well-guarded -territory of France, resolved to carry the war -into the heart of that country. The British army, -early on the morning of the 10th of November, -descended into the valleys on the French side; the -division of which the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> formed part -entered France by the Pass of <em>Maya</em>, having sustained -some loss in the capture of one of the enemy’s redoubts. -Only one man belonging to the battalion was killed, -but Captain Girdlestone and eleven rank and file were -wounded. Marshal Soult’s army was driven from his -fortified position on the river <em>Nivelle</em>, and several guns<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208"></a>[208]</span> -and prisoners were captured. The French being pursued -on the following day, retired to their fortified -camp near Bayonne.</p> - -<p>Captain Thomas Samuel Nicolls was promoted to -the rank of Major in the army for his conduct on this -day, and the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> afterwards received the -Royal Authority to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Nivelle</span>” on the -Regimental Colour and Appointments, in testimony of -the gallantry of the second battalion in that action.</p> - -<p>The passage of the river <em>Nive</em> was effected on the -9th of December: the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> passed over without -the loss of a man, one serjeant only being wounded.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Leith received an additional clasp -for his conduct on this occasion, and Captains Patrick -Dowdall and Peter Fearon were promoted to the rank -of Majors in the army.</p> - -<p>On the 13th of December, the second battalion of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment shared in the action at <em>St. -Pierre</em>, near Bayonne, when the enemy abandoned two -pieces of cannon, which were taken possession of by -Captain Hemsworth’s company.</p> - -<p>The Marquis of Wellington, in his despatch dated -<em>St. Jean de Luz</em>, 14th December 1813, thus alluded to -the conduct of the brigade under Major-General John -Byng,<a id="FNanchor_42" href="#Footnote_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> of which the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> formed part.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209"></a>[209]</span></p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“I had great satisfaction, also, in observing the conduct -of Major-General Byng’s brigade of British -infantry, supported by the fourth Portuguese brigade, -under the command of Brigadier-General -Buchan, in carrying an important height from the -enemy on the right of our position, and maintaining -it against all their efforts to regain it.</p> - -<p>“<em>Two guns and some prisoners</em> were taken from the -enemy, who being beaten at all points, and having -suffered considerable loss, were obliged to retire -upon their entrenchment.”</p> -</div> - -<p>In a very interesting life of the late Viscount Hill, -by the Reverend Edwin Sidney, A.M. is the following -account of the action at <em>St. Pierre</em>, near Bayonne.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“This great service was thus performed by Sir -Rowland Hill. The enemy, who had failed in all -their attempts with their whole force upon Lord -Wellington’s left, withdrew to their entrenchments -on the night of December 12th, and passed a large -body of troops through the town of Bayonne. With -these, on the morning of the 13th, they made a desperate -attack on Sir Rowland Hill. This, as has -appeared, was not unexpected; and Lord Wellington -had placed at his disposal not only the sixth division, -but the fourth division, and two brigades of the third. -Soult’s objects were to gain the bridge of <em>St. Pierre</em>, -to make himself master of the road to St. Jean Pied -de Port, and to break through the position of the -allies. For these purposes he put forth his whole -strength, and was completely vanquished. Even<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210"></a>[210]</span> -before the sixth division arrived, Sir Rowland Hill -had repulsed him with prodigious loss; and although -he skilfully availed himself of a high ground in -retreating, he could not stand against the famous -charge of General Byng, and was entirely defeated. -It was a battle fought and won by the corps of Sir -Rowland Hill alone and unaided. At the instant of -victory Lord Wellington came up, and in the ecstasy -of the moment of triumph, caught him by the hand, -and said, ‘Hill, the day is your own.’”</p> -</div> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> had seven rank and file <em>killed</em>, -and three serjeants, two drummers, and twenty-seven -rank and file <em>wounded</em>.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Leith, who received a cross for his -conduct, was slightly wounded. Ensign Hardy died -of his wounds.</p> - -<p>Brevet Major Peter Fearon, of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, who commanded the fifth Portuguese Caçadores, -received an additional distinction to the medal -which had been granted him for the battle of Albuhera.</p> - -<p>The <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> subsequently received the Royal -Authority to bear on the Regimental colour the word -“<span class="smcap">Nive</span>,” to commemorate the gallantry of the second -battalion in the actions which ensued on the passage of -that river.</p> - -<p>No further actions occurred during the few remaining -days of the year 1813; and the army occupied -winter-quarters.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1814</div> - -<p>Leaving their cantonments at the village of St. -Pierre, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> advanced with the troops -under Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill, in the middle -of February 1814, when the French corps, under -General Harispe, were driven from Hellete, and afterwards -forced from a position on the heights of <em>Garris</em><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211"></a>[211]</span> -on the 15th of February. The battalion had one -private killed, and six rank and file wounded. Brevet -Major Peter Fearon, who commanded the fifth Portuguese -Caçadores, died of his wounds. The other officer -wounded was Captain Knox, who was subsequently -promoted to the brevet rank of major.</p> - -<p>On the 27th of February, the second battalion of -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span>, in Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill’s -division, crossed the Adour, on the right of <em>Orthes</em>, -with the loss of only two rank and file wounded.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Leith gained another distinction, and -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> afterwards received the Royal Authority -to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Orthes</span>” on the Regimental -Colour and Appointments, in commemoration of the -conduct of the second battalion in that battle.</p> - -<p>Advancing rapidly against the enemy, Lieut.-General -Sir Rowland Hill engaged him at <em>Aire</em>, on -which occasion the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> had Ensign Hardcastle -(Captain in the third Portuguese Caçadores) one -serjeant, and two rank and file wounded.</p> - -<p>On the 10th of April, the second battalion of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was in action with the French -in the suburbs of <em>Toulouse</em>, and had one private -wounded.</p> - -<p>During the night of the 11th of April, the French -army evacuated Toulouse, and the white flag was -hoisted. On the day following, the Marquis of Wellington -entered the city amidst the acclamations of the -inhabitants. In the afternoon of this day intelligence -was received of the abdication of Napoleon; and had -not the express been delayed on the journey by the -French police, the sacrifice of many valuable lives -would have been prevented. A disbelief in the truth -of this intelligence occasioned much unnecessary bloodshed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212"></a>[212]</span> -at <em>Bayonne</em>, the garrison of which made a desperate -sortie on the 14th of April, and Lieut.-General Sir -John Hope (afterwards Earl of Hopetoun) was wounded -and taken prisoner. Major-General Andrew Hay was -killed, and Major-General Stopford was wounded. -This was the last action of the Peninsular war.</p> - -<p>The advance of the Allied troops into the heart of -France led to a Treaty of Peace, by which Louis XVIII. -was restored to the throne of that kingdom, and Napoleon -Bonaparte was permitted to reside at Elba, the -sovereignty of that Island having been conferred upon -him by the Allied Powers.</p> - -<p>The war being ended, the second battalion of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment was ordered to return to -England. It marched from Toulouse to Bourdeaux -on the 3rd of June, and on the 12th of July embarked -in the Rodney, disembarking on the 23rd at the Cove -of Cork, whence it immediately marched to Middleton.</p> - -<p>In commemoration of the services of the second -battalion, the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> subsequently received the -Royal Authority to bear the word “<span class="smcap">Peninsula</span>,” on the -Regimental Colour and Appointments, in addition to -the names of the several actions in which the second -battalion had taken a prominent part, during the war -in Spain from 1808 to 1814, namely, “<span class="smcap">Talavera</span>,” -“<span class="smcap">Albuhera</span>,” “<span class="smcap">Vittoria</span>,” “<span class="smcap">Pyrenees</span>,” “<span class="smcap">Nivelle</span>,” -“<span class="smcap">Nive</span>,” and “<span class="smcap">Orthes</span>.”</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Alexander Leith was nominated a -Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath for his -conduct in command of the second battalion during -the Peninsular war.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel George Guy Carleton L’Estrange, -who was promoted from major in the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel in the twenty-sixth<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213"></a>[213]</span> -regiment on the 15th of December 1812, was -nominated a Companion of the Order of the Bath for -his conduct while serving with the second battalion of -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment.</p> - -<p>On the 23rd of September, the <em>second battalion</em> proceeded -to Portsmouth, where it was disbanded on the -24th of October 1814, the officers and men, fit for service, -being transferred to the <em>first battalion</em> of the -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, at that period stationed in -Sicily.</p> - -<p class="p4"> </p> -<hr class="r30a" /> -<p class="pfs120">1814</p> -<hr class="r30b" /> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter illowp66" id="i_214" style="max-width: 35em;"> - <img class="p4 w100" src="images/i_214.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption">THE 31<sup>st</sup> REG<sup>t</sup> SUTLEJ TESTIMONIAL<br /> -ERECTED IN CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL<br /> -<em>For Cannon’s Military Records</em> -</div> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_38" href="#FNanchor_38" class="label">[38]</a> Vide <a href="#Page_64">page 64</a>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_39" href="#FNanchor_39" class="label">[39]</a> Major-General Sir William Napier’s History of the Peninsular War.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_40" href="#FNanchor_40" class="label">[40]</a> History of the Peninsular War by Major-General Sir William Napier.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_41" href="#FNanchor_41" class="label">[41]</a> Lieut.-General Rowland Hill was nominated a Knight of the Bath -on the 22nd of February, 1812.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_42" href="#FNanchor_42" class="label">[42]</a> Major-General Byng, the present General the Earl of Strafford, and -Colonel of the Coldstream Guards, in consideration of his gallantry in -the action of the 13th of December, 1813,—wherein he led his troops, -under a most galling fire, to the assault of a strong height occupied in -great force by the enemy, and having himself ascended the hill first with -the Colour of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment of foot in his hand, he planted -the Colour upon the summit, and drove the enemy (far superior in numbers) -down the ridge to the suburbs of <em>St. Pierre</em>,—received the Royal -Authority on the 7th of July, 1815, to bear the following honorable -augmentation, namely, “Over the arms of the family of Byng, in bend -sinister, a representation of the Colour of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment,” -and the following crest, namely, “Out of a mural crown an arm -embowed, grasping the Colour of the aforesaid <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, -and, pendent from the wrist by a riband, the Gold Cross presented to -him by His Majesty’s command, as a mark of his royal approbation of his -distinguished services,” and in an escrol above the word “<em>Mouguerre</em>,” -being the name of a height near the hamlet of <em>St. Pierre</em>.</p> - -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214"></a>[214]</span><br /> - <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215"></a>[215]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs120 lsp" id="SUCCESSION_OF_COLONELS">SUCCESSION OF COLONELS</h2> -</div> - -<p class="pfs70">OF</p> - -<p class="pfs135 lsp">THE THIRTY-FIRST,</p> - -<p class="pfs70">OR</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs90">THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT.</p> - -<hr class="r20" /> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">George Villiers,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 12th February 1702</em>.</p> - -<p>This officer did not long enjoy the colonelcy of the regiment, -as his decease occurred in December 1703, when he was unfortunately -drowned while in command of the regiment on -board the fleet.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Alexander Lutterell,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 6th December 1703</em>.</p> - -<p>Upon the decease of Colonel Villiers, Lieut.-Colonel Alexander -Lutterell was promoted to the colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, which he held but for a few years, his decease -occurring early in the year 1706.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Josiah Churchill,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 1st February 1706</em>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lieut.-Colonel Josiah Churchill</span> was promoted on the -1st of February 1706, to the colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment, at that period serving as <em>Marines</em>. In March 1711 -Colonel Churchill received permission from Her Majesty -Queen Anne to sell his commission.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216"></a>[216]</span></p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Sir Harry Goring, Bart.,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 1st March 1711</em>.</p> - -<p>Colonel Churchill having sold his commission, Lieut.-Colonel -Sir Harry Goring, Bart., was promoted to the -colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment on the 1st of March, -1711. Sir Harry Goring retired on the 8th of September, -1716.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Lord John Kerr,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 8th September 1716</em>.</p> - -<p>Colonel Sir Harry Goring having retired, His Majesty -King George the First conferred the colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment on Lord John Kerr, the commission being -dated 8th of September, 1716. His Lordship’s decease occurred -on the 1st of August 1728.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">The Honorable Charles Cathcart,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 13th August 1728</em>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">The Honorable Charles Cathcart</span>, son of Alan, seventh -Lord Cathcart, entered the army in the eighteenth year of -his age, and in 1704 he commanded a company in Colonel -Macartney’s regiment (since disbanded), serving on the frontiers -of Holland. In 1706 he commanded a troop in the -Scots Greys, which corps distinguished itself at the battle of -Ramilies in the same year: in 1707 he was brigade major to -the Earl of Stair. Continuing in active service with the -army under the Duke of Marlborough, he acquired the reputation -of a brave and zealous officer: in 1709 he was appointed -major of the Scots Greys, and was soon afterwards -promoted to the lieut.-colonelcy of the regiment. On the -accession of King George I., he was appointed one of the -grooms of His Majesty’s bedchamber. In the autumn of -1715 he joined the forces under the Duke of Argyle at Stirling, -and served against the rebels under the Earl of Mar. -On the 23rd of October, he was detached against a hundred -rebel horse and two hundred foot, whom he attacked with his -dragoons, killed many, and took seventeen prisoners. At the -battle of Sheriffmuir on the 13th of November, in the same -year, he charged the insurgents at the head of the Scots<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217"></a>[217]</span> -Greys, and contributed materially to the overthrow of the -left wing of the rebel army. His Majesty rewarded him with -the colonelcy of the ninth foot, in 1717; but he only retained -this appointment eleven months. In 1728 he obtained the -colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, and was removed, in -1731, to the eighth dragoons. In 1732 he succeeded to the -title of <span class="smcap">Lord Cathcart</span>; he was appointed lord of the bedchamber -to King George II. in the following year, and was -promoted to the colonelcy of the seventh horse, now sixth dragoon -guards. In 1739 he was advanced to the rank of major-general. -His Lordship was chosen one of the representatives -of the Scottish peerage in several parliaments; and was governor -of Duncannon fort, and of Londonderry. An attack -on the Spanish possessions in America having been resolved -upon, in the year 1739, Lord Cathcart was selected to command -the expedition: at the same time he was appointed commander-in-chief -in America; but he died on his passage in -December, 1740, and was buried on the beach of Prince -Rupert’s Bay, Dominica, where a monument was erected to -his memory.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">William Hargrave,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 1st January 1731</em>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">William Hargrave</span> was appointed ensign in a regiment of -foot in 1694, and he served in the wars of Queen Anne. He -proved a good and useful officer, but was not conspicuous for -any quality calculated to attract attention. After serving -twenty years he was appointed major of the thirty-sixth foot, -and subsequently lieut.-colonel of the seventh Royal Fusiliers. -In 1731 he was promoted to the colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -foot, and was appointed to the ninth in 1737. He was -removed to the seventh royal fusiliers, and promoted to the -rank of major-general in 1739, and was advanced to the rank -of lieut.-general in 1743. He died in 1751.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">William Handasyd,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 27th January 1737</em>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Colonel William Handasyd</span> was promoted <ins class="corr" id="tn-217" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'from th fifteenth'"> -from the fifteenth</ins> foot to the colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218"></a>[218]</span> -on the 27th of January 1737, in succession to Colonel William -Hargrave, who was removed to the ninth foot. Brigadier-General -Handasyd died near Hammersmith on the 27th of -February 1745.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Lord Henry Beauclerk,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 22nd April 1745</em>.</p> - -<p>King George II. appointed Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk -from the forty-eighth to the colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment on the 22nd of April 1745, in succession to Brigadier-General -Handasyd, deceased. Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk -retired from the service on the 8th of May, 1749.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Henry Holmes,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 8th May 1749</em>.</p> - -<p>Colonel Lord Henry Beauclerk having retired from the -service, Colonel Henry Holmes was appointed to the colonelcy -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment on the 8th of May 1749. -Colonel Holmes was promoted to the rank of Major-General -on the 2nd of February, 1756, and to that of Lieut.-General -on the 2nd of April, 1759. Lieut.-General Holmes died in -the year 1762.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Sir James Adolphus Oughton,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 20th August 1762</em>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Colonel Oughton</span> was removed by His Majesty King -George III. from the colonelcy of the fifty-fifth to that of -the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment on the 20th of August 1762, in succession -to Lieut.-General Holmes deceased. Colonel Oughton -was promoted to the rank of major-general on the 15th of -August 1761, and to that of lieut.-general on the 30th of -April 1770. His Majesty King George III. also constituted -him a Knight of the Order of the Bath. Lieut.-General Sir -James Adolphus Oughton, K.B., died in April 1780.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Thomas Clarke,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 3rd May 1780</em>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Major-General Thomas Clarke</span>, from the Coldstream -Guards, was appointed on the 3rd of May 1780 to the -colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment in succession to Lieut.-General<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219"></a>[219]</span> -Sir James Adolphus Oughton, deceased. Major-General -Clarke was promoted to the rank of lieut.-general on -the 20th of November 1782; and on the 8th of February 1792, -he was removed to the thirtieth regiment. On the 3rd of -May, 1796, he was advanced to the rank of general. His -decease occurred in the year 1799.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">James Stuart,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 8th February 1792</em>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Major-General James Stuart</span> was appointed from the -half-pay ninetieth regiment, which corps was disbanded at the -Peace of 1763, to the colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, -on the 8th of February 1792, in succession to Lieut.-General -Thomas Clarke, removed to the thirtieth foot. Major-General -Stuart’s decease occurred in the following year.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Henry Earl of Mulgrave, G.C.B.</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 8th February 1793.</em></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lord Mulgrave</span> entered the army on the 8th of June 1775, -as an ensign in the first foot guards, in which regiment he -was promoted lieutenant and captain on the 2nd of April 1778; -on the 30th of August 1779 he was promoted to the rank of -major in the eighty-fifth regiment, and to that of lieut.-colonel -of the eighty-eighth regiment on the 4th of October 1780. -He was removed to the forty-fifth regiment on the 9th of -January 1782, and was appointed captain and lieut.-colonel -in the first foot guards on the 6th of June 1783. He was -advanced to the rank of colonel in the army on the 18th of -November 1790. His Majesty King George III. conferred the -colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment upon Colonel Lord -Mulgrave on the 8th of February, 1793. Lord Mulgrave -was advanced to the rank of major-general on the 3rd -October 1794; to that of lieut.-general on the 1st of January -1801; and to that of general on the 25th of October 1809.</p> - -<p>Lord Mulgrave served in America from 1776 to the end -of 1778; in the West Indies in 1780:—he commanded -at Toulon in 1793; in Zealand in 1794; and in 1799 -his Lordship was employed on a military mission to the -Archduke Charles and Marshal Suvaroff. During the course -of his military career, Lord Mulgrave received the thanks, in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220"></a>[220]</span> -public orders, of the officers under whom he served. His -Lordship was appointed Master-General of the Ordnance on -the 5th of May 1810, and held that appointment until the -31st of December, 1818. On the 15th of August 1812, he -was created Earl of Mulgrave and Viscount Normanby. His -Lordship was also appointed Governor of Scarborough Castle. -On the 20th of May 1820, his Lordship was appointed a -Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. General the -Earl of Mulgrave died on the 12th of April 1831.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Sir Henry Warde, G.C.B.</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 13th April 1831.</em></p> - -<p>In March 1783, this officer was appointed ensign in the -first regiment of foot guards, and was promoted to the rank -of lieutenant and captain in 1792; in the following year he -landed in Holland with the first troops sent to that country, -and was wounded in storming the outworks at the siege of -Valenciennes. He came home, and when recovered, returned -early in July 1794, and acted as adjutant to the third battalion -of foot guards; he returned in November, on being promoted -to a company, with the rank of lieut.-colonel. He served -in the expedition to Ostend, as lieut.-colonel, with Lieut.-General -Sir Ralph Abercromby at the Helder, and was present -in all the actions. On the 1st of January 1801, His Majesty -King George III. conferred on him the brevet of colonel, -and in 1804 he was appointed brigadier-general; he served -under Lord Cathcart at Copenhagen in 1807, and his name -was included in the vote of thanks from Parliament for his -services on that expedition. He was appointed major-general -on the 25th of April 1808, and he commanded the first brigade -of guards, in the force under Lieut.-General Sir David Baird -sent to Corunna in 1808, and returned after that battle. For -his services at the battle of Corunna, he again received the -thanks of Parliament, and a medal. He proceeded to India -in 1809, and as second in command under Lieut.-General -Abercromby, to the Mauritius in 1810, where he remained in -command of the troops after the capture. For the conquest -of the Island of the Mauritius his name was included in the -vote of thanks from Parliament. He was afterwards acting -governor for three months, and was subsequently appointed to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221"></a>[221]</span> -the command of the forces at the Mauritius. On the 1st of -January 1813, Major-General Sir Henry Warde was appointed -colonel of the sixty-eighth foot, and was advanced to the rank -of lieut.-general on the 4th of June, 1813. In January 1815, -he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the -Bath, and was advanced to the dignity of a Knight Grand -Cross on the 13th of September, 1831. On the 22nd of July -1830, he was promoted to the rank of general.</p> - -<p>On the 13th of April 1831, General Sir Henry Warde was -removed from the sixty-eighth to the colonelcy of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment. His decease occurred on the 1st of October, -1834, at Alresford, in Hampshire.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Sir Edward Barnes, G.C.B.</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 10th October, 1831.</em></p> - -<p>This officer was appointed major in the ninety-ninth regiment -on the 16th of November, 1794, which corps was directed -to be raised early in that year, in consequence of the war with -France. In the year 1796 the ninety-ninth regiment was -reduced. Major Barnes was promoted to the brevet rank of -lieut.-colonel on the 1st of January, 1800, and on the 17th -of February following, was appointed from the half-pay of -the late ninety-ninth Foot to be major in the seventy-ninth -regiment, from which he was promoted to the rank of lieut.-colonel -of the forty-sixth regiment on the 23rd of April 1807. -He was promoted colonel in the army on the 25th of July -1810, and was advanced to the rank of major-general on the -4th of June 1813. He served on the staff in Spain and -Portugal, to which he was appointed on the 8th of August, -1812, and commanded a brigade at the battles of Vittoria, -Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, and Orthes. He also served with -the army in the campaign of 1815 in the Netherlands and -France, as adjutant-general, and was severely wounded in the -battle of Waterloo. For his services the major-general was -appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, -and had the honor to wear a cross and three clasps; was also -appointed a Knight of the Austrian Order of Maria Theresa, -and of the first class of St. Anne of Russia.</p> - -<p>Major-General Sir Edward Barnes was appointed colonel -of the late ninety-ninth regiment on the 24th of October<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222"></a>[222]</span> -1816, and on the 13th of January 1819, he was appointed -major-general on the staff at Ceylon, of which island he was -appointed governor, and lieut.-general on the staff, in March -1823, which he held until October 1831. On the 13th of -May 1820, he was appointed Colonel-Commandant of the -Rifle Brigade, and was removed to the seventy-eighth regiment -on the 25th of August, 1822. On the 27th of May 1825, -he was promoted to the rank of lieut.-general, and in the year -1832 was nominated a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of -the Bath. On the 10th of January, 1832, he was appointed -Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies with the local rank -of general, which he held until the 15th of October of the -following year. Lieut.-General Sir Edward Barnes was appointed -by His Majesty King William IV. to the colonelcy -of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment on the 10th of October 1834. -His decease occurred in London on the 19th of March 1838.</p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">Sir Colin Halkett, G.C.B.</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed, 28th March 1838.</em></p> - -<p><em>Removed to the forty-fifth regiment on the 12th July 1847.</em></p> - - -<p class="p2 smcap center">The Honorable Henry Otway Trevor, C.B.</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Appointed 12th July 1847.</em></p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223"></a>[223]</span><br /></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs120 lsp" id="APPENDIX">APPENDIX.</h2> -</div> - -<hr class="r10a" /> - -<p class="negin1 fs80"><em>Battles, Sieges, &c., which occurred in Germany and in the -Netherlands from 1743 to 1748, during the “War of the -Austrian Succession.”</em></p> - -<table class="p1 autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Battle of Dettingen (Germany)</td> -<td class="tdrt">27</td> -<td class="tdl">June,</td> -<td class="tdl">1743</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Menin invested by the French 18 May, and captured.</td> -<td class="tdrt">5</td> -<td class="tdl">June,</td> -<td class="tdl">1744</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Ypres invested by the French 7 June, and captured.</td> -<td class="tdrt">14</td> -<td class="tdl">June,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Fort Knocque surrendered to the French</td> -<td class="tdrt"></td> -<td class="tdl">June,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Furnes surrendered to the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">5</td> -<td class="tdl">July,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Friburg (Germany) invested by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">21</td> -<td class="tdl">Sept.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Citadel of Friburg captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">28</td> -<td class="tdl">Nov.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Tournay invested by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">23</td> -<td class="tdl">April,</td> -<td class="tdl">1745</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Battle of Fontenoy</td> -<td class="tdrt">11</td> -<td class="tdl">May,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Citadel of Tournay surrendered to the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">21</td> -<td class="tdl">June,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Skirmish near Ghent</td> -<td class="tdrt">9</td> -<td class="tdl">July,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Citadel of Ghent captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">15</td> -<td class="tdl">July,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Bruges captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt"></td> -<td class="tdl">July,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Oudenarde captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">21</td> -<td class="tdl">July,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Dendermond captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt"></td> -<td class="tdl">Aug.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Ostend invested by the French on 14 July, and captured</td> -<td class="tdrt">23</td> -<td class="tdl">Aug.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Nieuport captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">26</td> -<td class="tdl">Aug.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Aeth captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">28</td> -<td class="tdl">Sept.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Brussels invested by the French 24 Jan., and captured</td> -<td class="tdrt">20</td> -<td class="tdl">Feb.</td> -<td class="tdl">1746</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Mechlin captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt"></td> -<td class="tdl">May,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Antwerp captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">20</td> -<td class="tdl">May,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Citadel of Antwerp captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">31</td> -<td class="tdl">May,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Mons invested by the French on 7 June, and captured</td> -<td class="tdrt">11</td> -<td class="tdl">July,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Fort St. Ghislain captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">21</td> -<td class="tdl">July,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Charleroi invested by the French on 25 July, and captured</td> -<td class="tdrt">2</td> -<td class="tdl">Aug.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Huy captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt"></td> -<td class="tdl">Aug.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Namur invested by the French 26 Aug.; Citadel captured</td> -<td class="tdrt">19</td> -<td class="tdl">Sept.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Battle of Roucoux, near Liege</td> -<td class="tdrt">11</td> -<td class="tdl">Oct.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Sluys surrendered to the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">11</td> -<td class="tdl">April,</td> -<td class="tdl">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Fort Sandberg in Hulst, and Axel, surrendered to the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">28</td> -<td class="tdl">April,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Sandvliet captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt"></td> -<td class="tdl">June,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Battle of Val, or Laffeld, near Maestricht</td> -<td class="tdrt">2</td> -<td class="tdl">July,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Bergen op-Zoom invested by the French 13 July, and captured</td> -<td class="tdrt">16</td> -<td class="tdl">Sept.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Forts Lillo, Frederick Henry, and Croix</td> -<td class="tdrt">2</td> -<td class="tdl">Oct.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Limburg captured by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt"></td> -<td class="tdl">Mar.</td> -<td class="tdl">1748</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Maestricht invested by the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">3</td> -<td class="tdl">April,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Maestricht surrendered to the French</td> -<td class="tdrt">3</td> -<td class="tdl">May,</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle</td> -<td class="tdrt">7</td> -<td class="tdl">Oct.</td> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224"></a>[224]</span><br /></p> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p class="negin1 fs80"><span class="smcap">List</span> of the <span class="smcap">British Regiments</span> which served in <span class="smcap">Flanders</span> and <span class="smcap">Germany</span> -between 1742 and 1748, during the “<em>War of the Austrian Succession</em>.”</p> - -<table class="autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdrbl bt br" colspan="5">Rejoined the Army in Flanders, after<br /> -the suppression of the Rebellion.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrbl bt" colspan="4">Returned to Great Britain in consequence of<br /> -the Rebellion in favor of the Pretender.</td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrbl bt" colspan="3">Year in which embarked for Flanders.</td> -<td class="tdcbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcbl bt smcap tdhh">Regiments.</td> -<td class="tdcbl bt smcap">Colonels.</td> -<td class="bl"></td> -<td class="bl"></td> -<td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bt bl"> </td> -<td class="bt bl"></td> -<td class="bt bl"></td> -<td class="bt bl"></td> -<td class="bt bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl pad3 smcap">Cavalry.</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">3rd Troop Horse Guards</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Earl of Albemarle</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1746</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">4th ditto ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Earl of Effingham</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1746</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">2nd ditto Horse Grenadier Guards.</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Earl of Cranfurd</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1746</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">Royal Regiment Horse Guards</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Earl of Hertford</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1746</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">1st Horse (1st Dragoon Guards)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Earl of Pembroke</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1746</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">4th Irish Horse (7th Dragoon Guards)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Sir John Ligonier</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">1st Dragoons</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Hawley</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">2nd ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Campbell</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">RF</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">3rd ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Honeywood</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">4th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Rich</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1746</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">6th ditto (Inniskilling)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Lord Cadogan</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">RF</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">7th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Cope</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">RF</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl"> </td> -<td class="bl"></td> -<td class="bl"></td> -<td class="bl"></td> -<td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl pad3 smcap">Foot Guards.</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">1st Foot Guards 1st Battalion</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Duke of Cumberland</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">2nd ditto <span class="pad3">ditto</span></td> -<td class="tdlbl">Duke of Marlborough</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">3rd ditto <span class="pad3">ditto</span></td> -<td class="tdlbl">Earl of Dunmore</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl"> </td> -<td class="bl"></td> -<td class="bl"></td> -<td class="bl"></td> -<td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl pad3 smcap">Infantry.</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">1st Foot 1st Batt.</td> -<td class="tdlbl">St. Clair</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1744</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">3rd ditto (Buffs)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Howard</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">4th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Barrel</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1744</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">8th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Onslow</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1746</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">11th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Cornwallis</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">RF</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">12th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Duroure</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">13th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Pulteney</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1746</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">18th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Mordaunt</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1743</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">19th ditto (Green)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Howard</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1744</td> -<td class="tdcbl">RF</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">20th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Bligh</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1748</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">21st ditto, Royal Nth. British Fusiliers</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Campbell</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">23rd ditto, Royal Welsh Fusiliers</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Peers</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">25th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Earl of Rothes</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1744</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">28th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Bragg</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1744</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">31st ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Handasyd</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">32nd ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Skelton</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">RF</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">33rd ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Johnson</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">RF</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">34th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Cholmondeley</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1744</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">36th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Fleming</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1744</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">37th ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Ponsonby</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">42nd ditto</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Lord Semphill</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1744</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">..</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">48th ditto (orig. 59th)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Lord Harry Beauclerk</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1744</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">1747</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bb bl"></td> -<td class="bb bl"></td> -<td class="bb bl"></td> -<td class="bb bl"></td> -<td class="bb bl br"></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p class="right padr4 fs80"><span class="transnote">RF = Remained in Flanders</span></p> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225"></a>[225]</span></p> -<div class="chapter"></div> - - <div class="fs80"> - -<p class="p2 center"><em>Memoir of the Services of</em> <span class="smcap">Colonel Samuel Bolton, C.B.</span> -<em>of the</em> <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> <em>Regiment</em>.</p> - -<p class="noindent">This officer was appointed an ensign in the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment on the 5th of February 1807, in which regiment -he was promoted to be lieutenant on the 6th of April 1809. -Lieutenant Bolton served with the second battalion during -the Peninsular war from 1808 to 1814, and was present at the -battles of Talavera, Busaco, and Albuhera, in the last of which -he was wounded: took part in the capture of Marshal -Girard’s division at Arroyo dos Molinos on the 28th of -October 1811, and shared in the battle of Vittoria; also in -the actions in the Pyrenees, at the Nive, Garris, Orthes, -Aire, and Toulouse.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Bolton was appointed adjutant to the second -battalion on the 31st of March 1813, but returned to his -duty as lieutenant upon the reduction of the second battalion -on the 24th of October 1814. He was promoted to the rank -of captain on the 24th of October 1822; and on the 7th -of February 1825, embarked with the left wing of the regiment -for the East Indies. Captain Bolton was promoted to -the rank of major in the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment on the 14th -of June 1833, and to that of lieutenant-colonel on the 24th -of November 1835.</p> - -<p>Lieut.-Colonel Bolton served in the Affghanistan campaign -of 1842, and commanded the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment in the -action at Mazeena, in the Shinwaree valley, on the 26th of -July 1842; at Tezeen on the 13th of September 1842, and -at the occupation of Cabool by Major-General Pollock.</p> - -<p>For his services in Affghanistan, Lieut.-Colonel Bolton -received a medal, and was promoted to the rank of colonel -on the 23rd of December 1842; he was also appointed aide-de-camp -to Her Majesty, and was nominated a Companion -of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath.</p> - -<p>Colonel Bolton served with the army of the Sutlej in 1845, -as Brigadier to the first brigade under the command of -General Sir Hugh (now Viscount) Gough, Commander-in-Chief -in India at that period. Colonel Bolton received a -severe wound at the battle of <em>Moodkee</em> on the 18th of December -1845, from the effects of which he died on the 4th of -January 1846.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226"></a>[226]</span></p> - - -<p class="p2 center"><span class="smcap">Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Skinner, C.B.</span><a id="FNanchor_43" href="#Footnote_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Skinner</span>, the eldest son of Lieut.-General -John Skinner, while at Eton College, was on the -25th of January 1816, appointed to an ensigncy in the sixteenth -regiment of foot, to which regiment his father had been -attached for thirty-nine years, before he attained the rank of -Major-General; Ensign Skinner joined the sixteenth regiment -in Ireland in the year 1817, then commanded by the -late Major-General (then Colonel) Tolley. Major-General -Tolley, the best Greek scholar of his day at Westminster, -amused his leisure with classical literature, and invited the -young Etonian to share his studies; and thus making complete -his education, fortunately imbued him with that taste for -letters which secured to him through life a most agreeable -resource. In 1819, the regiment being ordered to Ceylon, -he obtained, by purchase, a lieutenancy on the 6th of August, -and proceeded to that colony. While there he was employed -to make the roads constructed by the late Lieut.-General Sir -Edward Barnes, afterwards Colonel of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment. Lieutenant Skinner was appointed adjutant to -the sixteenth regiment on the 20th of April 1820, and did -duty in that capacity until 1822, when his Commanding -Officer returned to England, and obtaining leave of absence -for his young friend, they travelled home together through -India and Egypt, visiting Malta and Sicily, and thence -through Italy and France to England. Lieutenant Skinner -was promoted to an unattached company on the 9th of October -1823, and on the 20th of March, 1824, was appointed Captain -in the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment. In February 1825, he -sailed with the left wing of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> in the <em>Scaleby -Castle</em> for Calcutta, the regiment being ordered to reinforce -the army at that time acting in Burmah; but owing to the -burning of her consort, the <i>Kent</i> East Indiaman, in the Bay -of Biscay, with the right wing, the regiment was inefficient,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227"></a>[227]</span> -and remained in garrison at Calcutta. In 1829, Captain -Skinner returned home on leave of absence in the <i>Cartha</i>, and -nearly suffered shipwreck on the coast of Wales. The vessel -being driven by storm when off Liverpool, was unable to -weather Bardsea Island, and fortunately passed safely through -the narrow channel between that rock, and the coast of Carnarvon -into Pwelli Bay. He did not lose his time in India; -for with his brother, Captain James Skinner, of the sixty-first -regiment of Bengal Native Infantry, he travelled to the -sources of the Ganges and the Jumna, an account of which -was published in 1833, from letters written at the time, in -two volumes, entitled “<cite>Excursions in India</cite>,” and the work -passed through two editions. During his leave of absence he -travelled over England and Scotland, and made himself as -well acquainted with those parts of his native land, as, in the -course of his professional duties, he had previously become -with Ireland. In December 1833, by permission of General -Lord Hill, Commanding in Chief, he travelled by the Holy -Land and Bagdad to India to rejoin the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment. -An account of these travels, in two volumes, was -published in 1836, under the title of “<cite>Adventures during -a Journey overland to India</cite>” which also passed through two -editions. On the 24th of November, 1835, he was promoted -Major in the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment. Emulous of his father’s -skill as an officer of Light Infantry, he diligently cultivated -that branch of the service, availing himself of the opportunity -of practising manœuvres in the field afforded to those serving -in India, by the collection of large bodies of men at the principal -stations. In 1840, his health being affected by the -climate, Lord Hill considerately forwarded to him, through -the General commanding in India, leave of absence, of which -he declined to avail himself, as he thought his services might -be useful in the then state of India. On the 23rd of November -1840, he was entrusted to take from Chinsurah a large -body of recruits, about twenty young officers, and about twenty-two -young women and as many children, to their destinations -where they arrived in health, and without complaint of any -sort against them in the districts through which they passed. -The Commander-in-Chief in India thus expressed his thanks -for this unprecedented success in such duty.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The Commander-in-Chief takes an early opportunity of conveying -his best thanks to Major Skinner, of Her Majesty’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228"></a>[228]</span> -<span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, for the forethought, caution, and -exertion shown by him in marching a body of 489 recruits -from Chinsurah to Cawnpore and Agra, without the loss of -a man, except one accidentally drowned while bathing in -the Soane. His Excellency requests that Major Skinner -will report to him in what degree the medical officers -contributed to this very desirable result, in order that -their skill and attention may be duly appreciated and -remembered.”</p> -</div> - -<p>Major Skinner, for this service, was rewarded with the -appointment of Commandant of the Convalescent Depôt at -Landour.</p> - -<p>Upon the march of the army under Major-General Pollock -to Affghanistan, where Captain James Skinner, of the sixty-first -Bengal Native Infantry, was reported to be a prisoner, -having been wounded on the retreat from Cabool, Major -Skinner resigned at once his lucrative and pleasant post, and by -forced journeys, joined the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment, in February -1842; his anxiety for his brother, whom he had hoped to -be in part the means of rescuing, only appeased by the distressing -certainty of his violent and untimely death. Major Skinner -rendered very important services at the battle of <em>Mazeena</em>, -for which he was particularly thanked by Brigadier Monteath; -Major Skinner’s account of the transaction was also included -in the despatches published in the “London Gazette.”</p> - -<p>From the fatigue and exposure in the action at <em>Mazeena</em> on -the 26th of July 1842, Major Skinner was seized with the -fever of that country, living, to avoid the heat and dust, in a -hole dug in the ground, the air being pestilent and the water -corrupt, from the mortality of animals. His life was, however, -spared for the service of his country. Though still -suffering from the malignant disease, which rest might then -have cured, he commenced his labours, being removed from -the sick list on the very day he marched with the second -division, under Major-General McCaskill, commanding, on -the 8th of September 1842, the advance guard to Soorkhab, -on the 9th to Jugdulluck; a running fight being kept up the -whole way; on the 10th to Kutta Sung; and on the 11th the -rear-guard to Tezeen. He was specially thanked in Major-General -McCaskill’s despatches for the manner in which he -performed these duties. In the afternoon of the 12th of -September he <ins class="corr" id="tn-228" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'was despached to'"> -was despatched to</ins> the heights of the Huft-Kotul,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229"></a>[229]</span> -and commenced at daylight of the 13th, by attacking the enemy -on the heights, those operations which ended in the <ins class="corr" id="tn-229" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'victory of Tezeeu'"> -victory of Tezeen</ins>. Major-general Pollock stated, “that the Major’s -duty was performed with great gallantry, and his operations -contributed much to frustrate the attempts of the enemy on -the right flank.” The Major-General enclosed in the despatches -the detailed account of Major Skinner’s movements, -which were published in the “London Gazette.”</p> - -<p>Proceeding from Tezeen to Cabool on the 10th of October, -<ins class="corr" id="tn-229a" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'he comanded five'"> -he commanded five</ins> companies of the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> regiment -at the destruction of the Great Bazaar, which, from the skilful -arrangement of the force, was effected almost without loss of -life. On the march from Cabool to India his conduct was -thought from time to time deserving of praise by those under -whom he acted. On his arrival at Ferozepore, he was chosen -for the imposing duty of commanding the Guard of Honor, -consisting of artillery, cavalry, and infantry, escorting the -embassy to Lahore.</p> - -<p>On the 23rd of December 1842, he was promoted to the -rank of lieut.-colonel in the army, was three days afterwards -made a Companion of the Most Honorable Military Order of -the Bath, and was presented by the government of India with -the silver medal of Cabool, bearing on one side “<em>Cabool</em> 1842,” -and on the other “<em>Victoria Vindex</em>.”</p> - -<p>Unfortunately Lieut.-Colonel Skinner did not live long to -enjoy the rewards of his useful services, for his decease -occurred on the 5th of May 1843, at Mussoorie, in the -Himalaya Mountains, from disease brought on by privation -and fatigue during the Affghan campaign. Lieut.-Colonel -Skinner was buried the next morning at Landour with military -honors, the arms of a native corps being borrowed for the -European invalids stationed there at their own request. They -formed the funeral procession and firing party, an honorable -mark of respect never before paid by them on any similar -occasion. The body was attended to the grave by every -European, civil or military, in the place, and by a very large -proportion of the native population, to whom he had been -previously known as commandant, and by whom he was -greatly loved and deeply lamented. His brother officers -erected over his remains a tomb of Delhi stone, and his death -was announced to the regiment by Colonel Bolton in a regimental -order, which did full justice to his merits “<em>as a good and gallant officer</em>,”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230"></a>[230]</span> -expressing at the same time, that “<i>he -was devotedly attached to his profession, and that he was the -warm advocate and steady friend of the well-deserving -soldier</i>.”</p> - - -<p class="p2 center"><span class="smcap">Major George Baldwin.</span></p> - -<p>This officer commenced his military career as ensign in the -thirty-sixth regiment, on the 2nd of June 1808. He served -in Holland during 1809 and 1810, and was present at the capture -of Walcheren and siege of Flushing. Ensign Baldwin -was removed from the thirty-sixth to the third Ceylon regiment -on the 4th of April 1811, and was promoted to the rank of -lieutenant in the fourteenth regiment of foot on the 9th of -November 1814. Lieutenant Baldwin was present at the -memorable battle of Waterloo, for which he received a medal, -and served at the storming of Cambray on the 24th of -June 1815. He exchanged from the half-pay of the seventy-fifth -regiment to the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> on the 14th of March 1822, -and embarked for India on the 7th of February 1825, with -the right wing of the regiment on board the ship <i>Kent</i>, which -was burnt at sea on the 1st of March following. Lieutenant -Baldwin received a severe injury when the ship was in flames, -by an iron spike running into his thigh. Lieutenant Baldwin -was promoted to the rank of Captain in the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment on the 14th of June 1833. He served in the campaign -of Affghanistan in 1842; was present in the action at -Mazeena on the 26th of July 1842; at Tezeen on the 13th of -September following; and at the occupation of Cabool by -Major-General Pollock. For his services in Affghanistan he -was rewarded with a medal, and received the brevet rank of -major on the 23rd of December 1842. On the 8th of October -1844 he was promoted to the rank of major in the <span class="allsmcap">THIRTY-FIRST</span> -regiment. Major Baldwin served with the army of the -Sutlej in 1845, was present at the battles of Moodkee and -Ferozeshah; in the latter he was mortally wounded. Major -Baldwin died on the 30th of December 1845.</p> - - </div> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_43" href="#FNanchor_43" class="label">[43]</a> This account of the services of Lieut.-Colonel Skinner has (with -permission) been abridged from a printed (but unpublished) “<cite>Sketch -of the Military Services of Lieut.-General Skinner and his Sons</cite>,” by -Allan Maclean Skinner, Esq., of Lincoln’s Inn, Barrister at Law, youngest -son of the late Lieut.-General Skinner.</p> - -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p class="p6">As the <em>Thirtieth</em>, <em>Thirty-first</em>, and <em>Thirty-second</em> -Regiments were originally raised, in 1702, as <em>Marine -Corps</em>, and served in that capacity until the year 1714, -when they were retained, as Regiments of regular -Infantry, on the Establishment of the Army, the following -account of the <em>Marine Corps</em> is appended,—it -being found impracticable to record the earlier services -of the <em>Thirtieth</em>, <em>Thirty-first</em> and <em>Thirty-second</em> Regiments -distinct from those of the <em>Marine Corps</em>, in consequence -of their being employed, from 1702 to 1714, -<em>by detachments</em> on board the Fleet, and engaged on -various services at Sea, as well as on land, according to -the purposes for which they were originally raised.</p> - - -<hr class="p4 chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<p class="p4 pfs120 lsp2">HISTORICAL RECORD</p> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">OF</p> - -<p class="pfs180">THE MARINE CORPS,</p> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">CONTAINING</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs80">AN ACCOUNT OF THEIR FORMATION AND SERVICES<br /> -FROM 1664 TO 1748;</p> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">AT WHICH PERIOD THOSE CORPS CEASED TO FORM PART OF THE<br /> -ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REGULAR ARMY.</p> - -<hr class="r30" /> -<p class="p1 pfs70">FROM THE YEAR 1755</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs60">THE PRESENT CORPS OF</p> - -<p class="pfs135 lsp2">ROYAL MARINES</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs60">HAVE BEEN UNDER THE CONTROL OF</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs70">THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF THE ADMIRALTY.</p> - -<hr class="r30" /> -<p class="p2 pfs60">COMPILED BY</p> - -<p class="pfs100">RICHARD CANNON, Esq.,</p> - -<p class="pfs60">ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE, HORSE-GUARDS.</p> - -<hr class="r30" /> -<p class="p1 pfs60">ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxva"></a>[xxv]</span><br /></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_MARINE_REGIMENTS">THE MARINE REGIMENTS.</h2> -</div> - - -<hr class="r20" /> - -<h3 class="fs135 lsp" id="CONTENTS3">CONTENTS</h3> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">OF THE</p> - -<p class="p1 pfs120">RECORDS OF THE MARINE CORPS.</p> - -<hr class="r20" /> - - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr class="fs70 smcap"> -<td class="tdl">Year</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr">Page</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Introduction.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1664</td> -<td class="tdl">Formation of a Corps for Sea-service on commencement of war with Holland</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1a">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Designated “<em>The Admiral’s Maritime Regiment</em>,” and commanded by the Duke of York, afterwards King James II.</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1672</td> -<td class="tdl">Formation of additional Corps of Marines on renewal of hostilities with Holland</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_2a">2</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1689</td> -<td class="tdl"><em>The Admiral’s Maritime Regiment</em> incorporated in the Second Foot Guards</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1702</td> -<td class="tdl">Formation of six Regiments of Marines</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Six other Regiments of Infantry selected for Sea-service</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Royal Warrant for forming the six Regiments of Marines, and for selecting six other Regiments for Sea-service</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3a">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Other Regiments embarked, at different periods during the war, to serve as Marines on board the Fleet</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Rules and Instructions for the duties, pay, and clothing of the Marine forces</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_4a">4</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1702<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxvia"></a>[xxvi]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Placed under the control of the Lord High Admiral, the Prince George of Denmark</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_4a">4</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Appointment of Brigadier-General W. Seymour, of the Fourth Foot, to superintend the details of the Marine Regiments</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5a">5</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Uniform prescribed for the Marine forces</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Independent Companies of Marines formed for the fleet in the West Indies</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Services of the Marines on board the fleet in the Mediterranean</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1704</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded in the fleet to Lisbon, to aid the cause of the Archduke Charles of Austria</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded against Barcelona, but afterwards withdrew, and re-embarked</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6a">6</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Attack and Capture of Gibraltar</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Engagement of the British and French fleets in the Mediterranean</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_7a">7</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Siege of Gibraltar by the Spaniards and French</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_8a">8</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1705</td> -<td class="tdl">The attempt to retake the fortress abandoned after a siege of seven months</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9a">9</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Marine Corps distributed in the several ships of war on the coast of Spain</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10a">10</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded against Barcelona with the troops under the Earl of Peterborough</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of Fort Montjuich by storm</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11a">11</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Surrender of the garrison of Barcelona</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_12a">12</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1706</td> -<td class="tdl">Siege of Barcelona by the French</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13a">13</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The French raised the siege and retreated</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of Carthagena</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of Alicant</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14a">14</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Surrender of Iviça</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Surrender of Majorca</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1707</td> -<td class="tdl">Attack and siege of Toulon</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15a">15</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The siege of Toulon raised</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1708</td> -<td class="tdl">Surrender of Sardinia</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1708<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxviia"></a>[xxvii]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of the Island of Minorca</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_16a">16</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of H. R. H. the Prince George of Denmark, Consort of Queen Anne, and Lord High Admiral of England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1709</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of <em>Anna-polis Royal</em>, in Nova Scotia</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17a">17</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Surrender of Alicant to the forces of Spain and France</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1710</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of the Isle of Cette</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_18a">18</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Isle of Cette recaptured</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1711</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded on an Expedition against Quebec, in Canada</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Failure of the expedition by storms and wreck in the River St. Lawrence</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19a">19</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of Joseph I., Emperor of Austria</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Election of Charles III. of Spain to be Emperor of Germany</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1712</td> -<td class="tdl">Negotiations for general peace</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1713</td> -<td class="tdl">Definitive treaty of peace at Utrecht on 31st March</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20a">20</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Gibraltar, Minorca, and Nova Scotia ceded to Great Britain by the treaty of peace</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The Corps of Marines disbanded</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1714</td> -<td class="tdl">Decease of Her Majesty Queen Anne on the 1st of August</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Accession of King George I.</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Attempts of the Son of the late King James II. to obtain the throne, defeated</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Augmentations made to the Army</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21a">21</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Three of the late regiments of Marines, now the 30th, 31st, and 32nd, retained, and placed on the establishment of the infantry of the Line</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1739</td> -<td class="tdl">War declared against Spain on the 23rd of October, 1739</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Augmentation of the Land forces</td> -<td class="tdr">22</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1739<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxviiia"></a>[xxviii]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Formation of six regiments of Marines</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_22a">22</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Fleet of five ships, with a detachment of Marines, under Admiral Vernon, proceeded against <em>Porto Bello</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1740</td> -<td class="tdl">An additional regiment of Marines, of four battalions, formed at New York in North America, and Colonel Spotswood appointed Colonel-Commandant</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23a">23</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The six regiments of Marines augmented from 700 to 1000 men each</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Augmentation of the four invalid companies of Marines</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Usefulness of Marine forces, as proved on former occasions, now generally admitted</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24a">24</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Formation of four additional regiments of Marines, of 1000 men each</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Attack and capture of Fort Chagre</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25a">25</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Fleet under Admiral Sir Chaloner Ogle, and troops, including the six Marine regiments under General Lord Cathcart, proceeded to the West Indies, for the purpose of attacking the Spanish possessions in South America</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Death of General Lord Cathcart at Dominica</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26a">26</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Brigadier-General Wentworth succeeded to the military command of the expedition</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1741</td> -<td class="tdl">The whole collected at Jamaica under Admiral Vernon</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded to the <em>Grande Playa</em>, to windward of the town of Carthagena</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of forts <em>St. Jago</em> and <em>St. Philip</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of the castle of <em>Bocca Chica</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27a">27</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of Fort <em>St. Joseph</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capture of the castle of <em>Grande Castello</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Attack of St. Lazar by escalade</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1741<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxixa"></a>[xxix]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Repulse of the troops, and abandonment of the enterprise</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28a">28</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The forts and castle of Carthagena demolished</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The expedition returned to Jamaica</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Another expedition proceeded to the island of Cuba</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29a">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to Jamaica after encountering much sickness and numerous casualties</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30a">30</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1742</td> -<td class="tdl">The island of <em>Rattan</em>, in the bay of Honduras, taken possession of, and placed in a state of defence</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31a">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">A detachment sent to the assistance of General Oglethorpe, in South Carolina, against the Spaniards</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_32a">32</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl"><ins class="corr" id="tnm-xxix" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'Recal of Admiral'"> -Recall of Admiral</ins> Vernon and General Wentworth</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The independent Companies at Jamaica (now the forty-ninth regiment) and the Marines on board of the fleet, completed with effective men; the remainder of the troops returned to England</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The command of the fleet in the West Indies devolved on Sir Chaloner Ogle</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1743</td> -<td class="tdl">Another expedition proceeded to South America, under the command of Commodore Knowles of the Navy, with 400 men of the thirty-eighth regiment and 600 Marines</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33a">33</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Sailed to Antigua, and proceeded to attack La Guira in Terra Firma</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded <ins class="corr" id="tnm-xxixa" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'to Curaçoa to'"> -to Curaçao to</ins> refit</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Sailed again for Porto Cavallo</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Attack of Ponta Brava</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to Jamaica</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34a">34</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Declaration of war against France on 31st March, 1743</td> -<td class="tdr">35</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1744<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxa"></a>[xxx]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Engagement of a party of Marines of the Essex ship-of-war in the Mediterranean</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_35a">35</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Active means adopted for completing the ten regiments of Marines</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1745</td> -<td class="tdl">Expedition against Cape Breton</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_36a">36</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Capitulation of Louisburg and of the Island of Cape Breton</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1746</td> -<td class="tdl">Complaints investigated respecting the settlement of accounts in the corps of Marines</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37a">37</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Contemplated expedition against Quebec</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38a">38</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Expedition proceeded against <em>Port L’Orient</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Disembarked in Quimperlay Bay, and advanced against Plymeur</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Re-embarked and sailed for Quiberon</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Returned to England</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39a">39</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1747</td> -<td class="tdl">Royal Warrant issued on the 28th February, 1747, for placing the Marine Forces under the control of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Renewed efforts of the King of France against the British possessions in North America, and in the East Indies</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_40a">40</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Victory over the French Fleet by Vice-Admiral Lord Anson and Rear-Admiral Sir Peter Warren, K.B., on the 3rd of May, 1747</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_41a">41</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Another victory over the French Fleet, by Commodore Fox, in June 1747</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42a">42</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">A further victory obtained on the 14th of October, 1747, by Admiral Sir Edward Hawke, over the French Fleet</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1748</td> -<td class="tdl">A fleet proceeded under Admiral Boscawen, with Marines and other troops, to attack the <em>Mauritius</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43a">43</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Proceeded thence to the coast of <em>Coromandel</em></td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Disembarked and marched towards <em>Pondicherry</em></td> -<td class="tdr">44</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1748<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxia"></a>[xxxi]</span></td> -<td class="tdl">Obtained possession of <em>Arian Coupan</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44a">44</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Re-embarked after having demolished the fort of Arian Coupan</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Another expedition, under Rear-Admiral Knowles, proceeded against St. Jago in Cuba</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_45a">45</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Squadron returned to Jamaica</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The King of France expressed a desire for Peace</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Definitive treaty of Peace concluded at Aix-la-Chapelle on 18th October, 1748</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_46a">46</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">The ten regiments of Marines disbanded in November, 1748</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1755</td> -<td class="tdl">Preparations for renewing war with France</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Re-formation of the present Corps of Marines</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Augmentations made in the Army and Navy</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">Fifty Companies of Marines, formed in Three Divisions, raised under the control of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">——</td> -<td class="tdl">An Act of Parliament for the regulation of the Marine Forces while doing duty on Shore</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1802</td> -<td class="tdl">The Royal Authority granted for the Marine Forces to be styled “<em>The Royal Marines</em>”</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_47a">47</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1805</td> -<td class="tdl">A <em>Fourth</em> Division formed at Woolwich by Order in Council dated 15th August 1805</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1827</td> -<td class="tdl">Presentation of Colours, on the part of His Majesty King George IV., by His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, then Lord High Admiral, and afterwards King William IV</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48a">48</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<hr class="r20" /> - -<h3>PLATES.</h3> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Costume of Marines in 1742</td> -<td class="tdc"><em>to face page</em></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#im_001">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Present Colours of the Royal Marines</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#im_048">48</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxiia"></a>[xxxii]</span><br /> - <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_xxxiiia"></a>[xxxiii]</span></p> - -<h3><span class="fs100 lsp2" id="CONTENTS4">CONTENTS</span><br /> - -<span class="fs60">OF THE</span><br /> - -<span class="fs90">APPENDIX TO THE MARINE CORPS.</span></h3> -</div> - -<hr class="r15" /> - - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr class="fs70 smcap"> -<td class="tdl">Year</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr">Page</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Authorities were granted by King William III. in 1694; by Queen Anne in 1713; and by King George I. in 1715, -for deciding the Rank and Precedence of the Regiments of Infantry, and for giving Numeral Titles to the several Regiments, -according to the dates of formation, or of being placed on the English establishment; as recommended by Boards of General Officers, -at the several periods stated:—These regulations were confirmed by the Warrants of King George II., dated 1st July, 1751, -and of King George III., dated 19th December, 1768</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_49a">49</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1660</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiments of Infantry, exclusive of the three regiments of Foot Guards, from the period of the Restoration of King Charles II., -in 1660, to 1684, consisted of—<br /> -The 1st, or the Royal Regiment.<br /> -The 2nd, or the Queen’s Royal (First Tangier) Regiment.<br /> -The 3rd, or the Holland Regiment.<br /> -The 4th, (the Second Tangier) Regiment.</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1685</td> -<td class="tdl">The 5th and 6th Regiments were formed in Holland, in the year 1674, and were brought to England on the requisition of King James II., -in 1685,—from which period they were authorized to take rank in the English Army</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1685</td> -<td class="tdl">The Regiments of Infantry formed during the reign of King James II., and placed on the establishment of the army, were:— -From 7th Royal Fusiliers to 17th Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_49a">49</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlm"> 1688<br /> and</td> -<td class="tdl">During the reign of King William III.:<br />From 18th Regiment to 27th Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1689</td> -<td class="tdl">The 18th Royal Irish Regiment was formed in Ireland in 1684; and the 21st Royal North British Fusiliers in Scotland in 1678: -They were placed on the English establishment, the 18th in 1688, and the 21st in 1689, from which periods their numerical rank took effect</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1702</td> -<td class="tdl">Formed during the reign of Queen Anne:<br />From 28th Regiment to 39th Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1717</td> -<td class="tdl">Formed during the reign of King George I.:<br />From 40th Regiment to 41st Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1739</td> -<td class="tdl">Formed during the reign of King George II.:<br />From 42nd Regiment to 70th Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_50a">50</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">And<br />The Marine Corps</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_52a">52</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1775</td> -<td class="tdl">Formed during the reign of King George III.:<br />From 71st. Regiment to 93rd Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_54a">54</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1793</td> -<td class="tdl">The Scots Brigade brought from Holland</td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_55a">55</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1800</td> -<td class="tdl">The Rifle Brigade originally formed</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">1824</td> -<td class="tdl">Formed during the reign of King George IV.: From 94th Regiment to 99th Regiment</td> -<td class="tdr">—</td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter illowp66" id="im_001" style="max-width: 35em;"> - <img class="p2 w100" src="images/im_001.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption">MARINES. 1742.</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1a"></a>[1]</span><br /></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak fs135 lsp" id="FORMATION_AND_SERVICES">FORMATION AND SERVICES</h2> -</div> - -<p class="p2 pfs60">OF THE</p> - -<p class="pfs150 lsp">MARINE CORPS.</p> - -<hr class="r30c" /> -<hr class="r30d" /> - - -<p class="noindent">The advantages arising from the services of corps -trained to the use of arms <em>on board of ship, as well as -on land</em>, were found when the British navy acquired a -superiority over that of other nations of Europe; and -as the safety of Great Britain, from its insular position, -chiefly depends on the efficiency and excellence of -her fleets, the importance and value of <em>Marine Forces</em> -have consequently been at all times acknowledged and -appreciated by the Sovereign, as well as by the Nation -at large.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1664</div> - -<p>The first corps raised for Sea-service, of which -history gives an account, is that which was formed by -King Charles II., in the year 1664, when the war -with Holland took place: this corps was commanded -by the Duke of York (afterwards King James II.), -then Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, and was -designated “<em>The Admiral’s Maritime Regiment</em>.”<a id="FNanchor_44" href="#Footnote_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2a"></a>[2]</span></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1672</div> - -<p>In the year 1672 a dispute on the subject of naval -precedence, and other causes, gave rise to another war -with the Dutch, and battalions for <em>Sea-service</em> were -formed, as the occasions of the State required, by -drafts from the land forces, which were embarked on -board the fleet; several companies of the Foot Guards -were employed on the Marine duty; these companies -were engaged in a sharp fight with the Dutch fleet -on the 28th of May, 1672, in which upwards of two -thousand men were killed; they were also engaged in -several other actions during the war which ended in -February, 1674.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1689</div> - -<p>In 1689 King William III. incorporated “<em>the -Admiral’s Regiment</em>” (which was then considered the -third regiment of Infantry) in the Second, now the -Coldstream, regiment of Foot Guards. Two Marine -regiments were, about the same time, established for -service on board the fleet, which were disbanded in 1698.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1702</div> - -<p>On the recommencement of hostilities, in 1702, with -France and Spain, both of which nations possessed -powerful fleets as well as numerous armies, the British -Parliament felt the expediency of enabling the Queen -to increase the efficiency of her navy, by forming <em>Corps -of Marines</em>, which could act at sea as well as on land.</p> - -<p>Six regiments were accordingly added in the year -1702 to the regular Army as <em>Marine corps</em>, and six other -of the regular regiments of Infantry were appointed -for <em>Sea-service</em>; as shown in the following list.</p> - -<p class="noindent">The six Regiments of Marines were:—</p> - -<p class="noindent pad3"> -Colonel Thomas Saunderson’s, now thirtieth foot.<br /> -Colonel George Villiers’s, now thirty-first foot.<br /> -Colonel Edward Fox’s, now thirty-second foot.<br /> -Colonel Harry Mordaunt’s; disbanded in 1713.<br /> -Colonel Henry Holl’s; disbanded in 1713.<br /> -Colonel Viscount Shannon’s; disbanded in 1713.<br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3a"></a>[3]</span></p> - -<p class="noindent">The six regiments of Foot for <em>Sea-service</em> were:—</p> - -<p class="noindent pad3"> -Colonel Ventris Columbine’s, now sixth foot.<br /> -Colonel Thomas Erle’s, now nineteenth foot.<br /> -Colonel Gustavus Hamilton’s, now twentieth foot.<br /> -Colonel Lord Lucas’s, now thirty-fourth foot.<br /> -Colonel Earl of Donegal’s, now thirty-fifth foot.<br /> -Colonel Lord Charlemont’s, now thirty-sixth foot.<br /> -</p> - -<p>Her Majesty’s Order for levying this body of men -was contained in the following Royal Warrant, dated -1st of June, 1702:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="noindent">“<span class="smcap">Anne R.</span></p> - -<p>“Our pleasure is, that this establishment of -<em>six regiments of Marines</em>, and six other regiments for -<em>Sea-Service</em>, do commence and take place from the -respective times of raising.</p> - -<p>“And our further pleasure is, that the order given -by our dearest brother the late King, deceased, and -such orders as are, or shall be, given by us, touching -the pay or entertainment of our said forces, or any of -them, or any charges thereunto belonging, shall be -duly complied with, and that no new charge be added -to this establishment without being communicated -to our High Treasurer, or Commissioners of our -Treasury for the time being.</p> - -<p>“Given at our Court at St. James’s, on the first day -of June in the first year of our reign.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr4">“<em>By Her Majesty’s Command.</em></span><br /> -“<span class="smcap">Godolphin.</span>”</p> -</div> - -<p>Other regiments were also embarked, at different -periods, during the war, on board the fleet to act as -Marines, and the efficiency and usefulness of these corps, -while so employed, were attested by the capture of -several fortresses in Spain; more especially that of -Gibraltar in 1704, the taking of which was effected -by the Navy and Marines.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4a"></a>[4]</span></p> - -<p>Rules and Instructions for the better government of -the Marine regiments were issued by authority of Her -Majesty Queen Anne, on the 1st of July, 1702, in -which it was directed, “That when on shore they were -to be quartered in the vicinity of the dock-yards, in -order to guard them from embezzlement, or from any -attempt that might be made on them by an enemy.”</p> - -<p>Full instructions were also given as to their pay, -subsistence, and clothing, which directed, “that the -same deductions should be made for clothing as was -usual in the land forces. Also that one day’s pay in -every year be deducted from officers and soldiers for -the Hospital.</p> - -<p>“When on board ship they were to have an equal -proportion of provisions with the seamen, without -any deductions from their pay, the soldiers receiving -short allowance money like the seamen.”</p> - -<p>In order to render such portions of the Marine -regiments as might be on shore, useful on all occasions -when their services might be required, Her Majesty -directed, that it should rest with herself, or with the -Lord High Admiral, the Prince George of Denmark, -to dispose of them at such places nearest to the several -dock-yards as might be judged most convenient; and -as there might be occasion for labourers to despatch -necessary public works, Her Majesty empowered the -High Admiral, or the Commissioners for executing that -office, to cause to be employed in the dock-yards so -many of the marine soldiers as might be judged fitting, -and to make them such daily allowance for their labour, -besides their ordinary pay, as should seem reasonable.</p> - -<p>The Marine forces being thus placed under the -control of the Lord High Admiral, His Royal Highness -was pleased in 1702, to nominate Colonel William<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5a"></a>[5]</span> -Seymour (of the fourth regiment of foot) to superintend -the whole, with the rank of Brigadier-General, whose -peculiar duties were to observe, that the men were comfortably -quartered, that the officers were attentive in -their respective departments, and that the marine -soldiers, when embarked on board of ship, were supplied -with proper sea-clothes and other suitable necessaries. -When the Marines were serving afloat, they -were to be under the command of the Naval Officers -of the ships.</p> - -<p>The Uniform of the Marine forces consisted of high-crowned -leather-caps, covered with cloth of the same -colour as the facings of the regiment, and ornamented -with devices, the same as the caps worn by the grenadiers; -scarlet frock-coat; buff waist-belt; black pouch -carried in front, with bayonet-belt attached; buff gaiters.</p> - -<p>During the reign of Queen Anne, certain Independent -Companies of Marines were raised for the purpose -of aiding in the defence of the British possessions in -the West Indies.</p> - -<p>The first important service on which the Marine -corps were employed in this reign, was on board the -fleet under Admiral Sir Cloudesly Shovel, then commanding -in the Mediterranean, who was instructed to -make every possible arrangement, by conciliation or by -conquest, among the dependencies of the French and -Spanish monarchies, in order to ensure a cordial reception -of the Archduke Charles of Austria, in opposition -to Philip, Duke of Anjou, of France, to the throne of -Spain.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1704</div> - -<p>After some delays, the Archduke arrived at Lisbon -under Admiral Sir George Rooke, on the 25th of -February, 1704, in order to concert a plan of future -operations with his ally the King of Portugal.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6a"></a>[6]</span></p> - -<p>Sir George Rooke, after cruising with the fleet on -the coast of Portugal, returned to Lisbon, and took the -Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt on board, with whom he -sailed on the 20th of April to Barcelona. On the arrival -of the fleet before Barcelona, the Prince of Hesse sent a -letter to Don Velasco, the governor, requiring him to -surrender the town, which he refused. Information, however, -being received that the city would declare for -Charles III. if a show of attack were made,—sixteen -hundred Marines were accordingly landed at the request, -and under the command, of Major-General the -Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, on the 19th of May, -1704: this force, being found to be inadequate for -the purpose, was re-embarked on the following day.</p> - -<p>The next object of attack was the Rock of <em>Gibraltar</em>, -where the Prince of Hesse landed in the afternoon of -the 21st of July, 1704, with 1800 British and Dutch -Marines. Acting upon the decision of a council of -war, His Highness proceeded to cut off all communication -with the mainland, to bombard the place, and to -reduce it to the obedience of Charles III., King of -Spain. The governor, on being summoned, refused to -surrender, alleging that all the garrison had taken an -oath of allegiance to King Philip V.</p> - -<p>Admiral Sir George Rooke having directed a -strong force to proceed against the South Mole, the -enemy was driven from his guns; several boats, -manned and armed, were then detached under the -command of Captain Whitaker, of the Navy, who soon -obtained possession of the great platform: about one -hundred of the besiegers, whose impetuous bravery -had carried them within the effects of a mine connected -with the fort, were killed or wounded by the explosion; -the rest, advancing rapidly, gained a redoubt half-way<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7a"></a>[7]</span> -between the mole and the town. The Governor, -at the urgent desire of the inhabitants, was induced to -capitulate, and the Prince of Hesse took possession of -the garrison on the evening of Sunday the 24th of July -1704. The loss in effecting the capture of this important -fortress was sixty-one killed, and two hundred and -six wounded. The attack of the seamen was one of -the boldest and most difficult ever made, being obliged to -climb up rocks and precipices. Thus was taken, in three -days, a fortress since made impregnable to all assaults.</p> - -<p>The loss of Gibraltar disconcerted the measures of -Philip V., and of his grandfather Louis XIV. Eight -thousand men, under the Marquis de Villadarias, were -immediately detached from the Spanish army to retake -the fortress; and the French Admiral received orders -to engage the British and Dutch fleets, and to co-operate -in the recapture of Gibraltar. The hostile fleets -engaged on the 24th of August, about eleven leagues -south of Malaga, and, after each had suffered severely, -they were separated in the night. The enemy retired -to Toulon, and Sir George Rooke sailed to Gibraltar. -Here, after having held a Council of War, it was determined -to return home; and the confederate fleet sailed -for England, arriving at Spithead on the 25th of -September. Sir John Leake and Admiral Vanderdussen -were left at Lisbon to protect the coast of -Portugal, and relieve Gibraltar, if it should be -besieged as was anticipated.</p> - -<p>The Marquis de Villadarias commenced the siege of -Gibraltar on the 22nd of October, and the garrison, -composed of Marines, under the command of the Prince -of Hesse, sustained a siege by seven thousand men. -The purpose of the enemy was to have stormed from -the South Mole, united with the desperate attempt of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8a"></a>[8]</span> -a Spanish forlorn-hope climbing the rock, and a general -attack from the mainland. The fortress was maintained -against very superior numbers; and the fire of the -enemy’s batteries having damaged the works, a body -of men was landed from the fleet to assist in the -defence. Brigadier Fox, and several other officers -and men, having been killed on the 5th of December, -1704, aid was solicited from the army in Portugal. -Admiral Sir John Leake accordingly sailed from -Lisbon on the 10th of December, with a fleet, having -on board a battalion of the first and second foot guards; -Barrymore’s regiment, now thirteenth foot; Donegal’s -regiment, now thirty-fifth foot; the Dutch regiment of -Waes; and a Portuguese regiment; amounting in all -to upwards of three thousand men. On their passage -they fell in with the enemy’s squadron under Monsieur -de Pointi, but they succeeded in arriving at Gibraltar, -although some of the transports had separated.</p> - -<p>These corps were safely landed on the 18th of -December, and the Prince, strengthened by this reinforcement, -made a sortie on the 23rd, and destroyed -the lines, that had been erected within a <ins class="corr" id="tnm-8" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'hundred and and sixty'"> -hundred and sixty</ins> paces of the palisade.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1705</div> - -<p>The Marquis de Villadarias, having received a -considerable reinforcement, evinced a disposition to -storm the place, and on the 2nd of February, 1705, -an attempt was made against the Round Tower, to -ascertain what might be effected by a larger force. On -the 7th the enemy attacked with five hundred chosen -grenadiers, French and Walloons, commanded by Lieut.-General -Thouy, and supported by one thousand -Spanish troops. They ascended the hill in perfect -silence at daybreak, and again attempted to storm the -Round Tower, which was defended by Colonel Borr,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9a"></a>[9]</span> -of the Marines, now thirty-second regiment. The assailants, -by throwing from above great stones and grenades -on his men, at last obliged him to retire into that -part of the works where the foot guards were posted. -Flushed with success, they advanced too far; when they -were gallantly charged by Colonel Moncall, of Barrymore’s -(thirteenth) regiment, and driven from the Round -Tower. Colonel Rivett, of the Coldstream foot guards, -having got up the rock on the right of the covered-way -with twenty grenadiers, favoured very much Colonel -Moncall’s success. The garrison by this time had -assembled, and kept up so destructive a fire that the -enemy was obliged to make a precipitate retreat, losing -seventy men killed on the spot; upwards of two hundred -wounded; and one captain, four lieutenants, and forty -men taken. The loss on the part of the garrison was -twenty-seven men killed, and one hundred and twenty -wounded.</p> - -<p>Marshal de Tessé arrived with additional troops -to carry on the siege; the garrison also received fresh -reinforcements from Portugal, besides supplies of every -description. Admiral Sir John Leake sailed from the -Tagus on the 6th of March, 1705, and his arrival in the -bay of Gibraltar on the 10th, was again so sudden, -that he completely surprised the Baron de Pointi, -together with the whole of his squadron, consisting of -live ships of the line, three of which were captured, and -two were driven on shore, and burnt by the enemy.</p> - -<p>After a siege of seven months the enemy retired, in -April, giving up all hopes of being able to make any -impression on the fortress: his efforts were then confined -to a very feeble blockade.</p> - -<p>The fortress of Gibraltar, seated upon the territory -of Spain, was thus rendered subject to the British<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10a"></a>[10]</span> -crown by the bravery of its Navy and Marines: its -possession was subsequently secured by the defence -made against the renewed efforts of the Spaniards in -1727, and by the glorious defence sustained by the -troops, under General Lord Heathfield, for three years, -from 1779 to 1782, when it exhibited to the nations of -Europe a brilliant instance of the combined exertions -of the British navy and army against the repeated, -but unsuccessful, attempts of Spain and France to -recover this important fortress.</p> - -<p>After the Spaniards and French had desisted from -further attempts to retake Gibraltar, the Marine corps -were distributed in the several ships of war which -were collected in the Tagus, in order to co-operate with -the land forces on the coast of Spain.</p> - -<p>Towards the end of May, the English fleet, with -about five thousand land forces on board, under the -joint command of Admiral Sir Cloudesly Shovel and -General the Earl of Peterborough, sailed from St. -Helen’s, and arrived at Lisbon on the 20th of June. -King Charles went on board the Ranelagh on the 23rd -of July, and the Dutch fleet having joined in the Tagus, -the confederate squadron sailed on the 28th, and -anchored at Gibraltar on the 11th of August. The -Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, with the battalion of foot guards, -and the thirteenth and thirty-fifth regiments, -embarked, and the fleet sailed for Altea Bay: form -thence it again proceeded on its voyage, and anchored -before Barcelona on the 22nd of August.</p> - -<p>The Earl of Peterborough commenced active operations -against <em>Barcelona</em> by an attack on the strong -fortress of <em>Montjuich</em>, situated on the opposite part of -the town, at which the disembarkation took place, the -troops having landed near the river Bassoz, about<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11a"></a>[11]</span> -three miles east of Barcelona, on the 23rd and 24th of -August. On the 28th, King Charles went on shore, -when the inhabitants of the neighbouring towns and -villages flocked to the camp, and many took arms to -act as guerilla-bands and miquelets. A difference of -opinion on the part of the Dutch General occasioned -some delay, but it was ultimately determined to attack -the fortress of <em>Montjuich</em> by storm.</p> - -<p>The storming party, consisting of four hundred -grenadiers, with a support of six hundred musketeers, -commanded by the Earl of Peterborough and the -Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, commenced their march -about ten o’clock on the night of Sunday the 13th of -September round the mountains, and were followed by -another detachment, and a party of dragoons. After -traversing many miles of rugged mountain scenery, by -different tracks, the storming party appeared about -break of day at the foot of the mountain. Colonel -Southwell of the sixth foot, which was then acting as -Marines, was ordered to head the attack, and he -succeeded in driving the enemy from the outworks -into the castle. Upon this success the Prince of Hesse, -advancing with great eagerness through all the fire, -was shot with a musket-ball in the thigh, and upon -being carried to an adjacent cottage, expired: this -accident somewhat damped the spirits of the soldiers;—at -the same time a large reinforcement was seen -advancing from the town to aid the garrison in the -Castle, and the troops received orders from some -inferior officer to retire. The Earl of Peterborough -rushed to the spot, countermanded the order, seized -the half-pike out of Lord Charlemont’s hand, and -rallied and led back the soldiers to the posts they had -so nobly won. The Spaniards, who were advancing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12a"></a>[12]</span> -from the town, turned back, and the outworks of the -Fortress of Montjuich were thus gained; batteries -were constructed, and the inner works were assailed -with cannon-balls, bombs, and grenades. On the 17th -of September the Fort surrendered, and thus facilitated -the siege of the <em>City of Barcelona</em>, which was -prosecuted with vigour. The Admirals even relinquished -for a time their natural element, and acted on -shore as General Officers;—they came daily from their -ships with a body of men formed into companies, -having captains and lieutenants of their own. Cannon -and mortars were dragged up steep precipices by the -men; and a breach being declared practicable, a body of -soldiers prepared to attack the town: further effusion -of blood was spared, however, by the surrender of the -garrison, which capitulated on the 9th of October.</p> - -<p>The capture of Barcelona gave additional reputation -to the arms of the allies, and this splendid achievement -was regarded with astonishment throughout Europe. -It was accompanied by the submission of nearly all -Catalonia; and Boyer, in his history of these wars, -observes, “all the generals, admirals, officers, private -soldiers, and seamen, engaged in this memorable expedition, -deserved each their share of the honour.”</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1706</div> - -<p>King Charles and his counsellors, instead of exerting -themselves to provide for the security of the towns -which had come into their possession, and collecting the -means for future conquests, spent their time and -money in balls and public diversions. The breaches -in <em>Barcelona</em>, and the fortress of <em>Montjuich</em>, were left -unrepaired, and the garrison unprovided for a siege. -Meanwhile King Philip was obtaining reinforcements -from the favourers of his cause in Portugal, Italy, -Provence, Flanders, and the Rhine, and he soon appeared<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13a"></a>[13]</span> -at the head of above twenty thousand men to -recapture the provinces he had lost. A powerful French -and Spanish force approached Barcelona by land; a -French fleet appeared before the town, and the garrison, -being weak in numbers, regiments were hurried -from other places, one English regiment travelling one -hundred and twenty miles on mules, in two days, to -take part in the defence of Barcelona. The siege was -commenced in the beginning of April, 1706, when the -soldiers repaired the breaches, and entered upon a -resolute and desperate defence. A severe conflict -took place on the 21st of April at <em>Montjuich</em>, in which -Lord Donegal, of the thirty-fifth regiment, lost his life, -and several prisoners were taken by the enemy; but -when the garrison was nearly exhausted, its numbers -decreased by deaths, wounds, sickness, and other causes, -to about a thousand effective men, and a practicable -breach was ready for the enemy to attack the place by -storm, the English and Dutch fleet arrived with five -regiments of foot; the French fleet hurried from before -the town; and the reinforcements were landed.</p> - -<p>The French, who had prepared to storm the place -on the 10th of May, relaxed in their efforts, and raised -the siege on the following day, making a precipitate -retreat.</p> - -<p>The important city of <em>Barcelona</em> being thus relieved, -the fleet sailed on the 12th of May, and landed the -forces of every description on the coast of Valencia. -This was preparatory to an attack on <em>Alicant</em>. The -capture of <em>Carthagena</em> was in the interim effected, and -a garrison of six hundred marines under Major Hedges -was established for its defence.</p> - -<p>The fleet arrived off <em>Alicant</em> on the 26th of June, -when the Governor-General Mahoni, was summoned to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14a"></a>[14]</span> -surrender: a refusal being made by the garrison, consisting -of one thousand soldiers, and many inhabitants -of the town who had volunteered in its defence, the -bombardment of the city was resolved upon.</p> - -<p>Brigadier Richard Gorges, who succeeded the Earl -of Donegal, as colonel of the thirty-fifth regiment, -then serving as marines, moved from Elcho on the 21st -of July to within a mile of Alicant, and all the marines -of the fleet, with eight hundred seamen, were landed -on that day, and on the following morning:—the bombardment -commenced on the evening of the 22nd. A -detachment of the navy, under Admiral Sir George -Byng, rendered very essential service by dismounting -many of the enemy’s guns on the coast. On the -24th of July the marines arrived from Carthagena, -and were immediately landed; after four days the -troops had gained possession of the suburbs, and all the -boats were manned, and armed, in order to attack the -town. On the 29th of July the ships having made a -practicable breach on the Round Tower, at the west -end of the place, and another at the middle of the -curtain, the soldiers advanced to storm them. General -Mahoni retired into the Castle, and was again summoned -by Brigadier Gorges, and was at length obliged -to surrender his charge on the 25th of August, after a -most gallant resistance, and a heavy loss.</p> - -<p>The fleet proceeded to <em>Iviça</em>, where it arrived on the -9th of September: the governor immediately saluted, -and tendered submission to King Charles III. It -was next resolved to attack <em>Majorca</em>, which surrendered -on the 14th of September: a garrison of one -captain, one lieutenant, and one hundred marines, -was placed in this island.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1707</div> - -<p>In June, 1707, an opportunity offered of co-operating<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15a"></a>[15]</span> -with the Duke of Savoy and Prince Eugene, in an -intended attack upon Toulon: the fleet proceeded for -the coast of Italy, where it anchored, on the 28th of June, -between Nice and Antibes, about a league from the -Var: after a conference between the commanders-in-chief, -it was decided that a joint attack should be made -upon a part of the enemy’s army then entrenched upon -that river: the positions, being evacuated by the enemy, -were immediately occupied by six hundred British seamen -and marines: the passage was thus secured for -the Duke of Savoy to prosecute his designs, and frigates -were stationed along different parts of the sea-coast: -every aid was afforded by the fleet both as to men and -cannon; but the enemy having daily augmented his -forces, and having made a successful sally, the siege -was raised on the 10th of August, 1707, after a loss of -more than a thousand men. The French, from a sudden -dread of consequences, sunk a number of their -largest ships of war, which were ever after unfit for -service.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1708</div> - -<p>King Charles having urged the reduction of Sardinia, -with a view to open a passage for his troops in -Naples to attack Sicily, as well as to secure a supply of -provisions for his armies, a body of marines was withdrawn -from <em>Tarragona</em>, a strong sea-port and garrison -in Catalonia, to assist in this enterprise. On the 12th -of August, 1708, the whole arrived before Cagliari, the -capital of Sardinia; and on receiving an equivocal answer -to the summons to surrender, the bombardment commenced -on that evening, and continued, without intermission, -until the next morning, when at the break of -day Major-General Wills (thirtieth regiment) and the -whole of the marines, with one Spanish regiment, were -landed. The place, in consequence, almost immediately -surrendered.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16a"></a>[16]</span></p> - -<p>The whole having been re-embarked, the fleet again -set sail on the 18th of August, 1708, for <em>Minorca</em>, and -arrived at Port Mahon on the 28th of that month.</p> - -<p>At this period <em>two</em> of the Marine regiments were -drafted, and the officers and men were incorporated -into the other <em>four</em>, now employed on this service: this -measure had become necessary in order to supply the -casualties which had occurred, and to render these -corps effective. For this purpose all the marines -capable of duty, were drawn from the fleet about to -return home, in order to assist in the reduction of an -island, which, it was expected, would make a spirited -and tedious defence.</p> - -<p>The first attack was against <em>Fort Fornede</em>, which was -cannonaded by two of the ships, and surrendered after -a contest of four hours; a detachment having been -pushed to <em>Citadella</em> the capital, it surrendered without -resistance:—the batteries were opened on the works -defending the town of <em>Port Mahon</em> on the 17th of -September, when, after a short but brisk fire, and the -loss of only six men, a lodgment was effected under -the walls of St. Philip’s Castle; and on the next day -the place surrendered.</p> - -<p>Thus was this strong fortress, and the important -<em>Island of Minorca</em>, gained by a force of only two thousand -four hundred men; the garrison consisted of one thousand -soldiers, with upwards of one hundred pieces of -cannon mounted.</p> - -<p>Admiral Sir George Byng arrived at Lisbon on the -14th of October, from Portsmouth, having Her Majesty -the Queen of Portugal on board; but although many -other objects of service were in contemplation, nothing -further was attempted during the remainder of the -year 1708.</p> - -<p>On the 28th of October, 1708, the decease of His Royal<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17a"></a>[17]</span> -Highness the Prince George of Denmark, Consort of -Her Majesty Queen Anne, and Lord High Admiral of -England, took place.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1709</div> - -<p>In the early part of the year 1709 a plan was formed -to attack <em>Port Royal</em> in the province of Nova Scotia, -at that time in possession of the French: for this -purpose a body of four hundred marines was embarked, -and the expedition was entrusted to the joint conduct -of Colonel Nicholson of the Marine forces, and Captain -Martin of the Navy. The squadron proceeded for -Boston, where they were reinforced by some ships, -and provincial auxiliaries: for this intended conquest -a council of war was held, and arrangements were -made for the debarkation of a body consisting of two -thousand five hundred men, which took place on the -24th of September. On the 1st of October the Governor -surrendered the fortress, and a garrison of -Marines took possession. The fortress was named -<em>Anna-polis Royal</em>, in honour of Queen Anne, in whose -reign it was conquered.</p> - -<p>At this period the prospects of King Charles III. in -obtaining the monarchy of Spain, had become very -gloomy and doubtful. The town of Alicant had sustained -along and obstinate siege, against very powerful -forces of Spain and France. The garrison, consisting -principally of Marines, exhibited the most heroic perseverance -in maintaining the place. The fleet under -Admiral Sir George Byng, and the troops on board, -under the command of General Stanhope, were to -have attempted its relief, and the squadron was at the -same time to have attacked the enemy’s lines along -the sea shore; but the weather continuing severe, and -heavy gales preventing communication with the town, -the Commander-in-Chief deemed it necessary to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18a"></a>[18]</span> -propose terms of surrender, and the remainder of -the brave troops were embarked on board of the fleet, -which now proceeded to Tarragona, Port Mahon, and -afterwards to Barcelona. During the remainder of -the year 1709, the fleets attempted nothing beyond -the protecting of the convoys of provisions, where they -were considered necessary, and in harassing the commerce -of the enemy.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1710</div> - -<p>On the 13th of March, 1710, Admiral Sir John -Norris arrived at Port Mahon, as Commander-in-Chief -of the Naval forces. After making arrangements -for disposing of the ships and troops in attacks upon -the enemy, he proceeded to Barcelona on the 18th of -June, in order to concert future operations with His -Majesty King Charles III.</p> - -<p>An expedition was planned against the <em>Isle of Cette</em> -in the province of Languedoc, where the troops and -Marines were landed on the 13th of July. The place -made a feeble resistance, and the Fort, upon which -were mounted eighteen pieces of cannon, surrendered -on the same day. The regiment of Stanhope, and three -hundred Marines, advanced against Adge, and the -town was delivered up without resistance.</p> - -<p>The Isle of Cette was shortly afterwards recovered -by the French army, under the Duke of Roquetaine; -but the British troops had previously re-embarked.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1711</div> - -<p>In the early part of the year 1711 it was resolved to -make an attack on the town of <em>Quebec</em>, the capital of -the French possessions in Canada, for which service -Admiral Sir Hovenden Walker and Major-General -John Hill were appointed Commanders-in-Chief; -a large fleet of ships of war formed part of the armament, -which was to be further strengthened by troops -from the American colonies; they were directed to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19a"></a>[19]</span> -proceed to Boston in New England, and to make -arrangements for this undertaking. They reached -Naerlaskel near Boston on the 24th of June, and -having collected the provincial corps, and withdrawn -the Marines from Anna-polis Royal, which had been -occupied by these corps since its surrender in 1709, -they sailed for the object of their destination, after -many delays, on the 30th of July.</p> - -<p>The expedition did not reach the River St. Lawrence -until the 21st of August, when it encountered -storms, and being furnished with pilots who were -unacquainted with the navigation of that river, eight -transports, a store ship, and a sloop were lost by -shipwreck, and upwards of eighty persons, including -officers, soldiers, and women, principally belonging to -Colonel Kane’s fourth regiment, and Colonel Clayton’s -thirty-seventh regiment, perished in this fatal service.</p> - -<p>A scarcity of provisions had arisen, and it was then determined -by a council of war that further operations -should be abandoned. Some of the corps proceeded -to Anna-polis Royal, and the squadron returned to -England in the month of October, 1711, after having -left the provincial auxiliaries upon their own coast.</p> - -<p>On the 17th of April, 1711, the decease of Joseph I., -Emperor of Germany, occurred, and Charles III., of -Spain, was elected Emperor of Germany at Frankfort, -by the name of Charles IV., on the 12th October -following. Further attempts on the part of the -British Government, in the cause of King Charles -were now unnecessary, as he was called upon to assume -the Imperial throne of his country. His Majesty -embarked at Barcelona, on the 27th of September, on -board of the confederate fleet, and sailed for Italy.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1712<br />1713</div> - -<p>In the year 1712 negotiations were entered into by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20a"></a>[20]</span> -Great Britain and France, and peace was restored by -the treaty of Utrecht on the 31st of March, 1713. By -this treaty it was settled, that Great Britain should -retain possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, and Nova -Scotia, which had been conquered during the late war, -and in effecting which, the Marine corps, which had -been formed during the reign of Queen Anne, greatly -contributed.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1714</div> - -<p>On the return of peace, as concluded by the treaty -of Utrecht, in 1713, the corps of Marines, which had -been formed in the reign of Queen Anne, were ordered -to be disbanded; they were considered to be part of a -war establishment, and a spirit of public economy, as -well as of jealousy against a standing army, particularly -in the early periods after the Revolution of 1688, -afforded to the leaders of parliamentary debates, and of -popular prejudices, grounds of objection to the maintaining -of such corps after the termination of hostilities.</p> - -<p>The arrangements consequent on the general peace -having been made, a great reduction in the forces -took place. These arrangements had scarcely been -decided, when the decease of Her Majesty Queen -Anne took place on the 1st of August, 1714, and King -George the First ascended the throne.</p> - -<p>Soon after His Majesty’s accession, the peace of the -kingdom was disturbed by the hostile designs of King -Louis XV. of France, who had supported and encouraged -James Francis Edward Stuart, son of His late -Majesty King James II., in his endeavours to obtain the -throne of Great Britain; but the loyalty of the people, -and the courage of the troops, defeated the attempts -for the restoration of the Stuart family.</p> - -<p>King George I., being supported by the parliament,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21a"></a>[21]</span> -adopted active measures for increasing his army, and -resisting the plans of his enemies. Six additional -regiments of cavalry, from ninth to fourteenth dragoons, -were raised. The establishments of the regiments of -infantry were increased, and in consideration of the -gallant and extensive services of the Marine corps -during the late war, Wills’s, now <em>thirtieth</em>, Goring’s, -now <em>thirty-first</em>, and Borr’s, now <em>thirty-second</em>, were -incorporated with the regiments of infantry of the line, -and ranked according to the dates of their original -formation in 1702.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1739</div> - -<p>From the year 1714 to 1739 no corps of Marines, -except four invalid companies, were kept on the establishment -of the army.</p> - -<p>For several years Spain had beheld with great -jealousy the growing commerce and increasing naval -consequence of Great Britain, particularly in the -neighbourhood of her possessions in South America, -where Spain had endeavoured to monopolize the whole -commerce and wealth of Mexico and Peru; the vessels -of foreign powers were forbidden, under severe penalties, -to approach within a certain distance of her -American possessions; and to enforce this, the American -seas were filled with Spanish cruisers, whose enormities -at length attracted the attention of the British -parliament. After fruitless representations to the -court of Madrid for redress, the British ministry at -length determined on hostilities; and, with the acclamations -of the nation, war was formally declared -against Spain on the 23rd of October, 1739.</p> - -<p>It was again considered necessary to form an efficient -maritime force in distinct regiments, by which means -the corps of the regular army could be embarked when -required for continental services, and the marine regiments<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22a"></a>[22]</span> -could be employed, either on board of ships of -war, or at the naval stations, as might be considered -best for the public service.</p> - -<p>Orders were issued for augmenting the land forces, -and also for forming <em>six regiments of marines</em>, each to -consist of ten companies of seventy privates in each -company, and to be commanded by</p> - -<p class="noindent pad3 fs90"> -1st, Colonel Edward Wolfe, from 3rd Foot Guards;<br /> -2nd, Colonel W. Robinson, from Handasyd’s 22nd regiment;<br /> -3rd, Colonel Andrew Lowther, from 2nd Foot Guards;<br /> -4th, Colonel John Wynyard, from Tyrrell’s regiment;<br /> -5th, Colonel Charles Douglas, from Howard’s regiment;<br /> -6th, Colonel Lucius Ducie Moreton, from 3rd Foot Guards.<br /> -</p> - -<p>In order to facilitate the speedy formation of these -corps, and to render them effective, five men from each -company of the regiments of foot guards were appointed -serjeants and corporals; and further, that they might -be rapidly completed, a bounty of thirty shillings per -man was allowed to 1800 men who volunteered from -the regiments of infantry to the marine corps: by -these energies, the whole of the marine regiments were -soon raised and disciplined.</p> - -<p>On the prospect of the commencement of hostilities -Admiral Vernon had sailed for Jamaica, where he -arrived in October, 1739, with a fleet of five ships, -having 200 marines on board, and proceeded from -thence to <em>Porto Bello</em>, the destined object of his attach, -which was at that time the great mart for the wealthy -commerce of Chili and Peru; the attempt was fraught -with many difficulties, but it was undertaken and -performed with spirit and promptitude.</p> - -<p>On the 21st of November, 1739, the attack was commenced -by the ships, in line of battle, against the Iron -Castle, a strong fort at the north point of the entrance<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23a"></a>[23]</span> -into the harbour. The Spaniards flying from several -parts of it, an instant debarkation of the seamen and -marines from on board the Burford, Norwich, and -Worcester took place under cover of those ships, and -the fort was carried. Upon the 22nd an attack was -intended against the whole, but the enemy displayed -the white flag as a signal of surrender. After destroying -the fortifications, which from their strength required -some time, the Admiral with his squadron sailed -for Jamaica on the 13th of December, 1739.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1740</div> - -<p>In the year 1740 an additional regiment, of four -battalions, was authorised to be raised in America, -and the royal standard was erected at New York, as -the signal-post to which every volunteer marine was -to repair. The field officers and subalterns were appointed -by the King, and the captains of companies -were nominated by the American provinces. Colonel -Spotswood, of Virginia, was appointed colonel-commandant -of the whole. It was supposed that, from -climate, the natives of that continent were better calculated -for the service to which they were destined, -than Europeans. Their uniform was camblet coats, -brown linen waistcoats, and canvas trousers. This -regiment, which was afterwards commanded by Colonel -Gooche, was considered as the <span class="allsmcap">FORTY-THIRD</span> regiment -of infantry of the line.</p> - -<p>In January, 1740, an augmentation of 340 men, and -of one lieutenant in each company, was made in each -of the six regiments of marines, and twenty men were -added to each of the four companies of invalids, and -a similar number to the retired marine establishment.</p> - -<p>The utility of the corps of marines was now universally -admitted, and in a letter addressed to the Duke -of Newcastle, then first lord of the treasury and prime<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24a"></a>[24]</span> -minister, by Admiral Vernon, previously to his sailing -with an expedition to the West Indies, he thus expressed -himself on the subject of marine soldiers:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“I could wish that we” (alluding to ships of war) -“had each a company of regular troops on board, -which would strengthen us in numbers, and their -expertness in handling their arms would incite our -seamen to the imitation of them. If we should come -to a general war with France as well as Spain, I believe -your Grace will have already perceived, from -the difficulty of manning our ships, the necessity of -converting most of our marching regiments into -marines.</p> - -<p>“I have always looked upon our fleet as what must -not only protect our trade, but secure to us the -blessings of a Protestant succession, being strongly -convinced in my own judgment, that preserving a -superiority at sea is the best security of His Majesty’s -government, as well as the trade and prosperity -of this kingdom.”</p> -</div> - -<p>The sentiments expressed by Admiral Vernon, in -favour of the marines, were drawn from the acknowledged -usefulness of the corps so employed in the -naval expeditions during the reign of Queen Anne.</p> - -<p>In the year 1740 <em>four</em> additional regiments of marines -were raised, viz.:—</p> - -<p class="noindent pad3 fs90"> -7th, Colonel W. Cornwall; 9th, Colonel C. Powlett;<br /> -8th, Colonel W. Hanmore; 10th, Colonel J. Jeffreys. -</p> - -<p class="noindent">Each regiment consisted of ten companies of 100 -men in each company, which, with officers included, -amounted to 1155 in each regiment. The <em>six</em> regiments -raised in 1739 were increased to the same numbers -of officers and men.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25a"></a>[25]</span></p> - -<p>In February, 1740, the town of <em>Carthagena</em>, the -capital of an extensive and wealthy province in Terra -Firma in South America, was bombarded, and an -attack was made upon Chagre, a fort situate upon -the mouth of a river of that name a little to the north-west -of the Gulf of Darien. The latter surrendered, -after a sharp contest, on the 24th of March, when the -castle, situated on a rock, and the custom house under -its protection, were demolished and burnt.</p> - -<p>These were all that could be performed until the -arrival of reinforcements and supplies from England. -The fleet afterwards returned to Porto Bello, and from -thence to Jamaica.</p> - -<p>Considerable exertions were made in England during -the year 1740 with the view of attacking, more effectually, -the Spanish possessions in South America.</p> - -<p>A large number of ships of war was assembled at -Spithead under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir -Chaloner Ogle, and a land force, consisting of Harrison’s -(15th) regiment, Wentworth’s (24th) regiment, -and part of Cavendish’s (34th) regiment, was collected -in the Isle of Wight, and held in readiness, with the six -regiments of marines, to be embarked for service under -the orders of General Lord Cathcart, a nobleman of -approved courage and experience in war.</p> - -<p>The fleet, with the British armament, consisting of -one hundred and seventy ships, sailed from St. Helen’s -in October, 1740; but being overtaken by a tempest -in the Bay of Biscay, it was dispersed. The greater -part of the vessels, being re-collected, the Admiral -prosecuted his voyage, and anchored at the neutral -island of Dominica, in order to obtain a supply of wood -and water.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately for the service, General Lord Cathcart<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26a"></a>[26]</span> -fell an early victim to the disease of the climate, -and the command of the expedition devolved upon -Brigadier-General Thomas Wentworth, of the 24th -regiment.</p> - -<p>The sixth regiment of foot, under the command of -Colonel John Guise, who was appointed brigadier-general, -was subsequently ordered to proceed to the -West Indies to reinforce the troops employed in this -enterprise.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1741</div> - -<p>The fleet, under the charge of Rear-Admiral Sir -Chaloner Ogle, arrived at Jamaica in January, 1741, -and joined the force under Vice-Admiral Vernon, who -was thus placed at the head of the most formidable -fleet and army which were ever employed in those seas. -The conjoined squadrons consisted of twenty-nine ships -of the line, with nearly an equal number of frigates, fire-ships, -and bomb-ketches, well manned, and plentifully -supplied with provisions, stores, and necessaries. The -number of seamen amounted to 15,000; that of the -land forces, including the American regiment of four -battalions (Colonel Spotswood’s) and a body of negroes -enlisted at Jamaica, did not fall short of 12,000.</p> - -<p>The whole force sailed from Irish Bay in Hispaniola, -and anchored on the evening of the 4th of March in the -<em>Grande Playa</em>, to windward of the town of <em>Carthagena</em>, -the intended object of the attack.</p> - -<p>The necessary arrangements having been made, the -fleet moved forward in two divisions on the 8th of -March, in order to silence the different forts, preparatory -to the landing of the troops.</p> - -<p>After about one hour’s cannonade, the forts of <em>St. Jago</em> -and <em>St. Philip</em> were deserted by the enemy, and were -taken possession of by the troops; and by the 15th all -the soldiers, with their tents, tools, artillery, and stores,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27a"></a>[27]</span> -were landed, the ground cleared, and an encampment -formed.</p> - -<p>The reduction of the Castle of <em>Bocca Chica</em> next took -place, which, on a practicable breach being made, it -was determined to storm; but, in consequence of a well-judged -diversion of the navy, the Spaniards retired -without firing a shot, and when the grenadiers advanced -to storm at the hour appointed, they met no resistance.</p> - -<p>A panic had seized the enemy, who set fire to one -of their ships; taking advantage of this state, the -boats resolved to attempt the fort of <em>St. Joseph</em>, which -was immediately evacuated. The Spaniards appearing -to be determined to sink their vessels, the British -crews proceeded to board the ship Galicia, which carried -the flag of the Spanish Admiral.</p> - -<p>After various services the castle of <em>Grande Castello</em> -was gained, and the enemy had sunk all their ships of -war; preparations were made for landing the troops -near the town, in order to cut off all communication -with the main land.</p> - -<p>Two channels having been made through the sunk -vessels, with which the Spaniards had blocked up the -entrance of the harbour, the troops and artillery were -re-embarked, and commenced landing on the 5th of -April near the city; and, after a spirited contest, the -British bivouacked within a mile of the castle of <em>St. -Lazar</em>, which commanded the town. The men passed -three nights in the open air for want of tents and tools, -which could not be landed sooner, and the health of -the troops became seriously injured.</p> - -<p>As affairs were now drawing to extremities, and the -men were fast diminishing in numbers from hard duty -and the effects of climate, Brigadier-General Wentworth -resolved to attack <em>St. Lazar</em> by escalade, it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28a"></a>[28]</span> -being judged necessary to forego the ceremonies of a -regular siege, and, however hazardous, to rest the issue -upon a storm.</p> - -<p>Accordingly before daybreak on the 9th of April, -a force under the command of Brigadier-General Guise, -of the sixth foot, consisting of five hundred grenadiers, -supported by a thousand Marines, and some American -and Jamaican levies, advanced against the enemy’s -lines in front of the fort; these were followed by a -body of Americans, with woolpacks, scaling-ladders -and hand-grenades.</p> - -<p>The grenadiers, led by Colonel Grant, of the fifth -Marines, rushed forward with astonishing bravery, and, -leaping into the entrenchments, carried the works in -gallant style, driving the Spaniards into the fort over -a drawbridge which communicated with the lines. -Colonel Grant fell mortally wounded, and the troops, -after sustaining a most destructive fire for several -hours with intrepidity and perseverance, were ordered -to retreat, having lost many officers, and 600 men in -killed and wounded.</p> - -<p>This repulse was succeeded by the violent periodical -rains; the country was deluged with water; and the -change of atmosphere, which is always attended with -epidemical diseases, produced the most fatal effects. -The troops were so drenched with rain, and their health -so seriously impaired, that all hope of further success -vanished; they were accordingly re-embarked, and the -forts and castle of the harbour of <em>Carthagena</em> having -been demolished, the fleet sailed for Jamaica on the -6th of May, where it arrived on the 9th of that month. -After re-embarking, the distempers, peculiar to the -climate, produced numerous casualties among the troops.</p> - -<p>Thus terminated, for the time, the expedition to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29a"></a>[29]</span> -Spanish South America, during which the persevering -and undaunted bravery of British Seamen, Soldiers, -and Marines, and their patient endurance under the -most trying difficulties, were never displayed in a -greater degree.</p> - -<p>In consequence of the heavy losses sustained at -<em>Carthagena</em>, and the mortality which continued to -prevail after the troops returned to Jamaica, it was -not until the beginning of July, 1741, that the fleet -and army were in a condition to renew their operations. -It was then resolved to proceed against the <em>Island of -Cuba</em>, where they anchored on the 18th of July in -Waltenham Bay, about eighteen leagues to windward -of <em>St. Jago</em>, the first object of their intended attack. -The troops were landed on the 24th, consisting of -nearly 4,000 men, including 1000, negroes raised by -the Island of Jamaica, with a view to sustain the -peculiar duties of fatigue, naturally expected to arise -on this service.</p> - -<p>After establishing a position on the side of the river, -nearly three leagues from the mouth of the harbour, -the General pushed some detachments into the country, -which beat back the outposts of the enemy, and in a -few days returned to the camp with plentiful supplies -of provisions.</p> - -<p>It was originally intended by the Commanders-in-Chief -to have made a joint attack upon <em>St. Jago</em>, but -the want of unanimity ruined every purpose, and contentious -debates and dilatory measures, instead of cordial -co-operation and daring enterprise, took place; while -the interests of the country, and the lives of the troops, -were sacrificed to the prejudices and bad judgment of -the officers entrusted with so important a command.</p> - -<p>After an interval of several months, during which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30a"></a>[30]</span> -nothing was attempted towards effecting the conquest -of the island, and when sickness, the never-failing -result of inactivity, particularly in those climes, began -its ravages, it was determined to evacuate the island, -which took place on the 20th of November, 1741, when -the regimental Returns were as follow:—</p> - - -<table class="p1 autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcbl">Regiment.</td> -<td class="tdc"></td> -<td class="tdcbl">Colonels.</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">Serjeants,<br />Drummers, and<br />Rank and File.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">15th regiment</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdlbl">Harrison</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">225</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">24th regiment</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdlbl">Wentworth</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">219</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl" rowspan="4">43rd regiment<br />American<br />Marines</td> -<td class="tdl">{ 1st Battalion</td> -<td class="tdlbl" rowspan="4">Spotswood’s, afterwards<br />Gooche’s, Marines</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">159</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">{ 2nd ”</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">110</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">{ 3rd ”</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">99</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">{ 4th ”</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">121</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">1st Marines</td> -<td class="tdl">(aft<sup>ds</sup> 44th Rt.)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Wolfe</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">181</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">2nd do.</td> -<td class="tdl">( ” 45th Rt.)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Fraser</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">158</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">3rd do.</td> -<td class="tdl">( ” 46th Rt.)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Lowther</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">237</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">4th do.</td> -<td class="tdl">( ” 47th Rt.)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Wynyard</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">177</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">5th do.</td> -<td class="tdl">( ” 48th Rt.)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Cochrane</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">191</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl">6th do.</td> -<td class="tdl">( ” 49th Rt.)</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Cotterell</td> -<td class="tdrbl br">211</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdrbl bt br">2088</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl pad6" colspan="2">Sick in all</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdrbl br">566</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdlbl pad6" colspan="2">Total</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdrbl bt br">2654</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl bb"></td> -<td class="bb"></td> -<td class="bb"></td> -<td class="bl bb br"></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>The total loss of officers at the close of 1741 amounted -to one Commander-in-Chief, five colonels, ten lieut.-colonels, -seven majors, fifty-five captains, one hundred -and sixteen subalterns, and fourteen staff officers.</p> - -<p>The heavy casualties in the Marine regiments are -shown when it is stated that these six regiments consisted -of more than one thousand men each, and that, only -2654 men returned.</p> - -<p>The foregoing statement affords a sad record of the -ill-judged plans relating to the expedition to South -America, both as to the season of the year at which it -was undertaken, and the deficiency of means and -arrangements with which it was attempted to be carried -into execution. Great disappointment and dissatisfaction<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31a"></a>[31]</span> -were consequently created in the feelings of the -British public.</p> - -<p>The transports returned to Jamaica on the 29th of -November, 1741, and the squadron continued at sea to -meet the reinforcements which were anxiously expected -from England.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1742</div> - -<p>In January 1742, nearly 3000 men, including 2000 -Marines, arrived at Jamaica. Another expedition -was now meditated, which put to sea early in March; -but adverse winds, the separation of the transports -having on board the working negroes, and the expectation -of the periodical rains being then about to -set in, suggested to a Council of War, held at Porto -Bello, at the close of that month, the immediate -return of the whole armament to the port they had -left: the fleet arrived at Jamaica upon the 15th of May.</p> - -<p>It was now considered desirable to detach a force -to take possession of <em>Rattan</em>, an island in the Bay of -Honduras, and a situation proper for maintaining a -commercial intercourse with South America, as well -as the trade in logwood. An establishment having -been formed there in the early part of the year, it -was determined in a Council of War to send a force -of 50 marines and 200 Americans, under Major Caulfield, -in order to place the island in a state of military -defence.</p> - -<p>On the 23rd of August the troops reached <em>Port -Royal</em>, on the south side of the island, where they formed -a camp and erected <em>Fort George</em> to defend the harbour, -as well as <em>Fort Frederick</em> on the western part of it. -A proportion of the Americans, who were papists, -formed a plot to render the settlement abortive, and -to rise upon the Marines. Her Majesty’s ship, the -Litchfield, then in the harbour, hearing the alarm-guns, -instantly landed her party of Marines, who,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32a"></a>[32]</span> -with those on shore, soon checked the daring mutiny, -secured the delinquents, and preserved the settlement -to the British Crown.</p> - -<p>At this period it was necessary to detach 500 men -to the assistance of <em>General Oglethorpe</em>, in <em>South Carolina</em>, -and to repel the menaces of the Spaniards -against the infant colony of <em>Georgia</em>.<a id="FNanchor_45" href="#Footnote_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a></p> - -<p>On the 23rd of September orders arrived at Jamaica -for <ins class="corr" id="tnm-32" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'the recal of'"> -the recall of</ins> Admiral Vernon and of General -Wentworth; for providing the fleet with a number -of men from the Marines, sufficient to supply its -wants; and also to fill up the vacancies in the eight -Independent Companies raised for the defence of -Jamaica (now the 49th Regiment):—These services -absorbed all the men who were considered fit for -duty, and the remainder were embarked for England.</p> - -<p>After the departure of Admiral Vernon, the Naval -Command devolved on Sir Chaloner Ogle, who bore -his testimony to the zeal and bravery of the troops, -whose gallant efforts and patient endurance, under -great privations, had been conspicuous throughout a -series of misfortunes. Upwards of 7000 Marines and -nearly 4000 other troops were the lamentable victims -to pestilence and disease, but not to defeat; and the -objects which had been effected, although not adequate -to the hopes and expectations of the British Nation,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33a"></a>[33]</span> -were distressing to the enemy, and embarrassing to -the Spanish Government.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1743</div> - -<p>In the early part of 1743 it was resolved to make -another attempt upon the continent of South America, -and the conduct of the operations was entrusted to -Captain Knowles, of the Navy, who had on board of -his squadron 400 of <em>Dalzell’s</em> (thirty-eighth) <em>regiment</em> -and about <em>six hundred Marines</em>. They were first -ordered to rendezvous at Antigua, from which island -they sailed on the 12th of February with a view to an -attack upon La Guira, a town in the district of the -Caraccas in Terra Firma. The attack was commenced -on the 18th, but, owing to a heavy swell, the ships -could not approach the shore, and the troops were consequently -not landed. After a heavy cannonade, which -was ended only by the night, the ships withdrew from -the combat: the town suffered extremely, many breaches -being made in the fortifications; and the enemy -sustained a loss of more than 700 men. The British -squadron suffered considerable damage, and had -nearly 400 men killed and wounded.</p> - -<p>The fleet proceeded <ins class="corr" id="tnm-33" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'to Curaçoa to'"> -to Curaçao to</ins> refit, where preparations -were made for another attempt upon the -sea-coast of Terra Firma. Having been reinforced by -some Dutch volunteers, Commodore Knowles sailed -from this island on the 20th of March, and steered for -<em>Porto Cavallo</em>, a town having a respectable force, and -being in a good state of defence.</p> - -<p>On the 15th of April the ships anchored to the eastward -of the town, and on the 16th two vessels commenced -a flanking fire against <em>Ponta Brava</em>; and after -the batteries were silenced, it was decided to land the -troops in order to take possession, and to turn the guns -against the castle, their retreat being secured by a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34a"></a>[34]</span> -ship of war within pistol-shot, of the shore: by sunset -the ships had accomplished their object, and by dusk -a force of 1200 sailors, soldiers, and Dutch volunteers, -was disembarked under the command of Major -Lucas.</p> - -<p>About eleven at night the van had gained one of -the fascine batteries upon Ponta Brava, but the -garrison having been alarmed, and being prepared -for resistance, this mixed detachment acted under the -influence of a panic, and retreated with precipitation -to the ships. On the 21st it was resolved to make -another attack of the squadron and forces against the -castle and fascine batteries: four ships were destined -to batter the former on the 24th, while three others -were placed against the latter. The cannonading -began at eleven on the noon of that day, and was -maintained with mutual obstinacy till night, when, -some of the ships having expended their ammunition, -and others being damaged, they were ordered to -anchor beyond reach of the enemy’s shot. This attack -being fruitless, and the troops being prevented from -landing, it was deemed impracticable to push the -enterprise any further: it was accordingly resolved -on the 28th of April to return to Jamaica.</p> - -<p>From the period of the commencement of hostilities -against Spain in 1739, the conduct of the Court of -Versailles had been equivocal, and in the beginning -of the year 1743 the projects of Louis XV. were -developed by the equipment of powerful naval armaments -in the ports of France, and by the assembling -of armies on the sea-coasts, the avowed aim of which -was against the Crown and liberties of the British -Empire.</p> - -<p>Being no longer able to restrain her views, France<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35a"></a>[35]</span> -declared war on the 20th of March, 1743, which was -answered by a proclamation on the part of Great -Britain on the 31st of that month.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1744</div> - -<p>A force of 11,550 Marines was granted by Parliament -as a part of the establishment for the year 1744, -at which period fleets were detached to every quarter -of the globe. A partial affair occurred in the Mediterranean -in May of this year, in which a party of -Marines disembarked from the Essex ship-of-war, and -signalized themselves: that ship being on a cruise -gained sight of twenty-six xebeques and settees, -bound to Antibes, from whence they were to carry -troops to Italy: the former were a convoy to the latter, -which were laden with powder, cannon, ordnance stores, -and provisions: thirteen having taken refuge in the -Creek of Casse, the Marines were landed in order to -co-operate with the boats, and to repel any enemy that -might appear to retard their progress: they were -attacked by a body of Spaniards, whom they beat -back, and thus effected the object on which they were -employed: eleven vessels were burnt and two captured.</p> - -<p>The most active measures were adopted, by order -of the Secretary at War, for again completing the ten -regiments of Marines, in order to render them effective -as speedily as possible.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1745</div> - -<p>Attacks having been made during the last year by -the French upon <em>Canso</em> and <em>Anna-polis</em> in <em>Nova Scotia</em>, -the former of which they burnt, the Northern Colonies -of British America became alarmed for their safety: -an expedition was consequently commenced against -<em>Louisburg</em>; considerable levies were raised in the -American provinces, and a co-operating naval force, -under Commodore Warren, then commanding on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36a"></a>[36]</span> -West India station, was ordered to repair to Canso; -the arrangements made for conducting this expedition -were carried into effect with that confidence and -secrecy which are always essential towards securing -the success of a military enterprise, and the exertions -of the Americans were fully equal to the important -interests which they had at stake.</p> - -<p>On the 4th of April the levies from New England, -having reached <em>Canso</em>, were encamped and brought -into military order and discipline preparatory to the -arrival of other corps from the several provinces, -while the ships of war upon the coast, and some stout -privateers, continued off the harbour of <em>Louisburg</em>, in -order to cut off all intelligence of the projected enterprise. -On the 23rd of April Commodore Warren -arrived at <em>Canso</em>, and by the 29th all the land forces -were embarked, and proceeded to <em>Gabaras Bay</em>, about -four miles from the capital of <em>Cape Breton</em>.</p> - -<p>On the 30th of April 2000 men were landed at noon, -who beat back a detachment of troops which was sent -to prevent their disembarkation. On that and the -following day three hundred seamen and <em>five hundred -Marines</em> were disembarked under cover of the vessels -ranged along the coast. The troops were under the -command of Brigadier-General William Pepperell, a -native of Piccataway, and Colonel of American Militia.</p> - -<p>The French, conscious of the strength of their -positions, maintained possession of the city until their -means of defence were overpowered by the forces -brought against them.</p> - -<p>By indefatigable labour, the British Marines, and -the American provincials, succeeded in effecting an -entrance into the harbour on the 1st of June, 1745; -<em>Louisburg</em> capitulated, and with it the whole dependency<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37a"></a>[37]</span> -of <em>Cape Breton</em>; the object was attained with a -loss little exceeding 100 men.<a id="FNanchor_46" href="#Footnote_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a></p> - -<p>Two regiments were formed for service at Cape -Breton, by Colonel William Shirley and Sir William -Pepperell, each consisting of ten companies of 100 -men per company: these were numbered the 50th and -51st regiments of infantry of the line.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1746</div> - -<p>In the year 1746 very serious complaints were -made of the neglect and delay which had occurred in -the settlement of the accounts of the Marine Corps, -and a committee was appointed to investigate the -grievances which had been represented. The cause -of the delay was alleged to arise, in the first instance, -from the absence of regular and periodical muster-rolls, -according to the practice in regiments of the -regular army. This system, it was stated, could -not easily be acted upon in the corps of Marines, -who were employed by detachments in the several -ships of war. The investigation produced, however, -the effect of a large balance in the hands of the Paymaster-General -being repaid into the Bank of England, -for the benefit of those who were justly entitled to it.</p> - -<p>The privations and inconveniences, which this meritorious -body of troops had continued to endure for -several years, did not affect their loyalty and steady -allegiance, and they still remained the useful corps, -in periods of emergency, they had always proved in -former years.</p> - -<p>For the service of this year (1746) nearly 12,000 -Marines were included in the parliamentary vote of -the military establishment. An expedition against<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38a"></a>[38]</span> -Quebec was contemplated at this period, and a considerable -force was assembled at Spithead with that intent, -but delays took place until the season for such an attempt -became too late. Of this force Colonel Powlett’s -(the ninth) regiment of Marines formed a part.</p> - -<p>The troops were afterwards destined against <em>Port -L’Orient</em>, under the directions of Admiral Lestock -and Lieut.-General Sinclair. Sixteen sail of the line -and eight frigates, with 5000 troops, exclusive of -Marines, were the number employed on this occasion. -The long detention of so respectable a force until the -period of the equinox, endangered its progress along a -hostile coast at so critical a season, and gave time for -the enemy to ascertain the object of the expedition.</p> - -<p>The fleet sailed from Plymouth on the 14th of -September for the coast of Brittany, and a debarkation -of the troops was effected on the 20th of that -month, in <em>Quimperlay Bay</em>: on the 21st the troops -advanced in two columns against <em>Plymeur</em>, which -surrendered, and on the following day the whole -moved on to a rising ground within a mile of <em>Port -L’Orient</em>, the ultimate object of their views. Some -affairs took place between the 21st and 26th of September, -when after a cannonade, which did considerable -damage to the town, a retreat was commenced -under cover of the night. The French were -pouring in from all quarters, and the situation of the -British troops became critical.</p> - -<p>After a loss of 150 men killed, wounded, and -missing, a re-embarkation was effected, and the fleet -sailed on the 1st of October for the Bay of Borneuff, -off Quiberon, to the south of Quimperlay: a detachment -of Marines was entrenched at Quimperlay to -guard the landing-place; the remainder, under Colonel -Holmes, was united with the army: some troops were<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39a"></a>[39]</span> -landed on the 4th of October on the peninsula of -Quiberon, and, after remaining ashore some days, -the whole returned to England.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1747</div> - -<p>The number of Marines for the year 1747 was -eleven thousand one hundred and fifty, as included in -the parliamentary vote of that year.</p> - -<p>On the 28th of February, 1747, His Majesty King -George II. directed, that the several regiments of -Marines, which were then existing, or might hereafter -be raised, should be placed under the entire command -of the Lords Commissioners for executing the office of -High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland.</p> - -<p>The following Royal Warrant was issued on this -subject:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="negin2">“<em>To Our Commissioners for executing the office of High -Admiral of Our Kingdom of Great Britain and -Ireland; and to Our Commissioners for executing -the office of our High Admiral for the time being.</em>”</p> - -<p>(Copy)</p> - -<p>“Whereas We have thought it necessary for the -good of Our Service to put under your immediate -and entire command all our Marine regiments now -raised, or hereafter to be raised; Our Will and -Pleasure therefore is, that you do lake upon you -the immediate and entire command of the said -Marine forces accordingly; and for the better government -of our said Marine regiments, we have -thought fit to empower and authorise you to prepare -and publish such rules and ordinances as are fit to -be observed by our said Marine forces under your -command, hereby strictly charging and requiring the -several colonels and other officers, who shall from time -to time be employed in the said regiments, to take -notice thereof, and in all respects to conform themselves -to such directions accordingly, and to cause -exact musters to be taken of them, as well at sea as -on shore, and that the same be transmitted to our<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40a"></a>[40]</span> -Commissary-General of Marines, in order to the more -speedy clearing of the accounts of our said Marine -regiments. And whereas, by the establishment, -provision is made for such contingent charges as may -arise in this service, and to the use of our said forces, -you are hereby further authorized to direct the -payment of the said money, in such proportions as -you shall, in your discretion, think necessary, for the -purpose aforesaid.</p> - -<p>“And for executing the several powers and authorities -herein expressed this shall be your warrant. -And so we bid you heartily farewell.</p> - -<p class="pad8 negin2"> -“Given at our Court at St. James’s, this 28th -February, <span class="nowrap">1746–7,</span> in the 20th year of -our reign.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr2">“By His Majesty’s Command.</span><br /> -(Signed) “<span class="smcap">Chesterfield</span>.”</p> -</div> - -<p>Notwithstanding the disasters which had attended -the expeditions of the French in North America in the -preceding year (1746), when Louis XV. had equipped -an extensive armament, under the command of the -Duke d’Anville for the recapture of Cape Breton, -which was rendered ineffectual by storms and other -casualties, and by the death of its commander, the -French Monarch was not discouraged by these disasters; -but was resolved to renew his efforts against -the British colonies in North America, and also the -settlements in the East Indies. For these purposes -two squadrons were prepared at Brest, one commanded -by Commodore de la Jonquière, and the other, destined -for India, by Monsieur de St. George.</p> - -<p>Intelligence had been received by the British Government -of these preparations, and measures were -adopted in order to counteract the views of the enemy. -The occasion afforded a renewed display of the zeal -and intrepidity of Vice-Admiral Anson and Rear-Admiral<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41a"></a>[41]</span> -Warren, who sailed from Plymouth on the -9th of April, in order to intercept both squadrons, -which were to set sail together. The Vice-Admiral, on -board of the “Prince George” of ninety guns, with the -Rear-Admiral, on board the “Devonshire,” and twelve -ships more under his command, received directions <ins class="corr" id="tnm-41" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'to cruize between'"> -to cruise between</ins> Ushant and Cape Finisterre on the -coast of Galicia.</p> - -<p>On the 3rd of May, 1747, they fell in with the French -squadrons, consisting of six large ships of war, as many -frigates, and four armed vessels equipped by the French -East India Company, having under their convoy about -thirty ships laden with merchandize: those prepared -for war immediately shortened sail, and formed in line -of battle, while the rest, under the protection of the six -frigates, proceeded on their voyage with all the sail they -could carry. The British squadron was likewise drawn -up in line of battle, and the engagement began with -great fury about four o’clock in the afternoon. The -enemy’s ships sustained the battle with equal conduct -and valour, until they were overpowered by numbers, -and they then struck their colours. About seven -hundred of the French were killed and wounded in -this action; the English lost about five hundred; and -among them Captain Grenville, Commander of the ship -“Defiance,” nephew to Lord Viscount Cobham, an -officer of the most promising genius, and animated with -the noblest sentiments of honour and patriotism. Two -of these prizes were the “<i>Invincible</i>” and the “<i>Glory</i>,” -which induced the Captain of the former to say to the -Admiral, on giving up his sword, “Sir, you have conquered -the <em>Invincible</em>, and <em>Glory</em> follows you.” This -blow was severely felt by France, who had vainly flattered -herself, that by means of this armament she should<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42a"></a>[42]</span> -render herself mistress of the Indian seas, and by that -superiority be enabled to wrest from the British their -most valuable possessions in that part of the world.</p> - -<p>A considerable quantity of money, intended to answer -the contingencies of these expeditions, was found on -board of the French ships, which were brought to -Spithead, and the treasure, being landed, was conveyed -in twenty waggons to the Bank of England, escorted -by a party of Marines, amidst the acclamations of the -populace.</p> - -<p>For this achievement Vice-Admiral George Anson -was created a Peer of Great Britain, and Rear-Admiral -Peter Warren was invested with the Order of the Bath. -The whole fleet received the thanks of the Sovereign, -through their Commander, Admiral Lord Anson.</p> - -<p>The year 1747 was remarkable for other naval successes; -about the middle of June, <span class="smcap">Commodore Fox</span>, -with six ships of war, <ins class="corr" id="tnm-42" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'cruizing in the'"> -cruising in the</ins> latitude of Cape -Ortegal, in Galicia, took about forty French ships, -richly laden from St. Domingo, after they had been -abandoned by their convoy.</p> - -<p>The fourteenth of October, 1747, was rendered -memorable as another day of triumph for the British -Navy. <span class="smcap">Rear-Admiral Edward Hawke</span> sailed from -Plymouth in the beginning of August, with fourteen -ships of the line, with instructions to intercept a -fleet of French merchant-ships bound for the West -Indies: the British fleet <ins class="corr" id="tnm-42a" title="Transcriber’s Note—Original text: 'cruized for some'"> -cruised for some</ins> time on the coast of Bretagne, and the French ships sailed -from the isle of Aix under convoy of nine ships -of the line, besides frigates, commanded by M. de -l’Etendiere. The two squadrons came in sight of -each other in the latitude of Belle Isle. The battle -commenced about eleven in the forenoon, and lasted<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43a"></a>[43]</span> -until night, when all the French squadron, except two -ships, the “Intrepide” and “Tonnant,” which escaped -in the dark, had struck to the English flag. After -despatching a sloop to Commodore Legge, commanding -a squadron in the Leeward Islands, to take proper -measures to intercept the French ships in the passage -to Martinique, and other French islands, <span class="smcap">Admiral -Hawke</span> conducted his prizes to Spithead, and was -rewarded with the Order of the Bath; and the thanks -of a grateful country were rendered to all the officers, -seamen, and Marines of the squadron.</p> - -<p>In the latter part of 1747, <em>Admiral Boscawen</em> had -sailed from England with a fleet of ships, and a number -of Marines, and other forces, in order to reinforce the -British fleet in the East Indies, with instructions to -make an attack upon the <em>Island of Mauritius</em>, and subsequently -to effect the conquest of <em>Pondicherry</em>, which -was the chief object of the expedition.</p> - -<p>After having reconnoitred the coast of the Mauritius, -it was ascertained that the powerful means of defence -everywhere presented, and the dangers in many -places of approaching the land, would involve a great -sacrifice of men, and render success ultimately doubtful; -the coming on of the autumnal monsoons had -also an influence in the decision of a council, which -was to relinquish the attempt, and to proceed without -delay for the <em>Coast of Coromandel</em>, according to the -prescribed plan of operations.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1748</div> - -<p>About the end of June, 1748, the Admiral quitted -the Coasts of the Mauritius, and proceeded to <em>Fort St. -David</em>, where the troops were landed, and encamped -with all the necessary stores; the Marines from four -ships sent to Europe under Admiral Griffin, were -added to the battalion employed on this service. The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44a"></a>[44]</span> -forces employed amounted to six thousand British -and Native Auxiliary troops, and upwards of one -thousand sailors, trained to the use of small arms, -who were to form the besieging army. The battering -cannon, mortars, and every implement were conveyed -by the squadron within two miles of the town, -while the land forces marched on the 8th of August -towards <em>Pondicherry</em>, about thirty miles distant.</p> - -<p>After several unsuccessful attempts, the troops -crossed the river of <em>Arian Coupan</em>, and obtained possession -of a strong situation within a mile of that Fort; -a communication was maintained from thence with the -fleet; and all the implements necessary for the siege -were landed.</p> - -<p>On the 25th of September the batteries were completed, -and began to play; but, notwithstanding a -combined cannonade on the part of the squadron against -the town, it was found that the enemy’s fire gained an -ascendency over the besiegers. The fatigues endured -by the troops, sickness becoming prevalent, and the -rainy season being daily expected, which would inundate -the country, and render retreat impracticable, -afforded strong grounds, on which a Council of War, -held on the 30th of September, determined to abandon -the siege, to re-embark the men and stores, and to -destroy the batteries. The troops fortunately reached -Fort St. David on the evening of the 7th of October, -after having demolished the fort of <em>Arian Coupan</em> on -their way; the heavy rains which fell on the same -evening had nearly rendered the rivers impassable.</p> - -<p>On the 13th of February, 1748, the British squadron -in the West Indies sailed from Jamaica under the -command of Rear-Admiral Knowles, on an expedition -against St. Jago, in Cuba, for which purpose some<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45a"></a>[45]</span> -land forces were embarked at Jamaica, and being joined -with the Marines of the squadron, the whole put to -sea; but after persevering for some time against strong -northerly winds, which prevented their approaching -that coast, the design was given up, and the force was -directed against <em>Port Louis</em>, on the south side of Hispaniola, -before which place it arrived on the 8th of -March. The service was performed by the ships in -line of battle, which, after three hours’ heavy cannonade, -compelled the governor, M. de Chaleaunoye, -to surrender, when Major Scott, with a detachment of -Colonel Trelawny’s, the forty-ninth regiment, and the -Marines, were landed, and took possession of the Fort -in the name of His Majesty. After having shipped -or destroyed upwards of eighty heavy cannon, and -blown up the works, the whole were re-embarked; and -Rear-Admiral Knowles resumed his former design -against St. Jago, where he arrived on the 5th of April. -The Plymouth and Cornwall were ordered to enter -the harbour, but after firing a few broadsides at the -castle, it was considered prudent to desist, and the -squadron returned to Jamaica.</p> - -<p>The distresses of France arising from the destruction -of her Navy, and the annihilation of her commerce, -compelled King Louis XV. to express a desire for -peace. Accordingly, a congress was held at <em>Aix-la-Chapelle</em>, -in order to negotiate the terms on which peace -could be restored. The desire expressed by the King -of France, as well as of Spain, did not, however, induce -the British Government to relax in its efforts to reduce -the means which those powers never failed to use, -when opportunities offered, of thwarting the measures -of Great Britain.</p> - -<p>The negotiations, commenced at Aix-la-Chapelle in -June, 1748, produced a Definitive Treaty of Peace,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46a"></a>[46]</span> -which was concluded on the 18th of October of that -year, and was proclaimed on the 2nd of February, 1749.</p> - -<p>Among the many reductions which took place during -1748, consequent on the General Peace, the Ten regiments -of Marines were disbanded in November of that -year, the officers of which were placed on half-pay.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1755</div> - -<p>The conditions of the Peace concluded with France -in 1748, were broken as soon as that Power had recovered -from the effects of the former war: the interval -of six years had been devoted to extending her Naval -preparations, and to negotiations with other States, in -order to reduce, or destroy, the power of Great Britain.</p> - -<p>After enduring many insults, and witnessing the -hostile measures which were preparing in the ports -of France, the energies of the British nation were -again aroused, and in the spring of 1755 considerable -augmentations were made in the Army and Navy, and -fifty companies of Marines were directed to be raised -and placed under the control of the Lords Commissioners -of the Admiralty. These companies were -formed into three Divisions, and stationed at Chatham, -Portsmouth, and Plymouth, and an Act of Parliament -was passed for the “Regulation of the Marine forces -while on shore.”<a id="FNanchor_47" href="#Footnote_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a></p> - -<p>From the 5th of April, 1755, the Marine corps have -constituted a branch of the permanent national force, -and have been provided for in the annual votes of the -House of Commons, on distinct estimates produced -at each session, of the Navy, Army, and Marines.</p> - - -<p class="p2">War was declared against France on the 18th May -in the following year (1756).</p> - - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47a"></a>[47]</span></p> - -<p>The foregoing pages contain accounts of the services -of the <em>Corps of Marines</em> from the earliest period of -their formation, to the year 1748, when they ceased to -form a portion of the establishment of the Army. -These historical details afford numerous instances -in which the gallant exertions of the Marines have -materially contributed to the successes obtained by the -Navy and Army, and to the honours and advantages -which have resulted from their combined operations.</p> - -<p>The services of the present Marine forces have -been, as in former years, highly useful and efficient, -and by their uniformly good conduct they have obtained -the approbation of the Sovereign, and the -confidence of the Country.</p> - -<div class="sidenote">1802</div> - -<p>As a lasting mark of approbation, His Majesty King -George III. was pleased, in 1802, to direct that they -should be styled “<em>The Royal Marines</em>,” as announced -in the following Order, issued by the Lords Commissioners -of the Admiralty, and inserted in the London -Gazette, dated</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="right">“<em>Admiralty Office, 29th April, 1802.</em></p> - -<p>“His Majesty has been graciously pleased to signify -His Commands, that, in consideration of the very meritorious -services of the Marines during the late War, -the Corps shall in future be styled ‘<span class="smcap">The Royal -Marines</span>.’</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr4">“By Command of their Lordships.</span><br /> -(Signed) “<span class="smcap">Evan Nepean</span>.”</p> -</div> - -<p>On acquiring the title of <em>Royal</em>, the facings of the -Marines, which had been <em>White</em>, were changed to <em>Blue</em>, -as in other Royal corps of Infantry.<a id="FNanchor_48" href="#Footnote_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48a"></a>[48]</span></p> - -<div class="sidenote">1827</div> - -<p>On the 26th of September, 1827, New Colours were -presented to the Division of Royal Marines at Chatham, -on the part of His Majesty King George IV., -by His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, then -Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, and General of -Marines, afterwards King William IV.</p> - -<p>After alluding to the services of Marine regiments -from the period of their formation to the present time, -His Royal Highness caused the New Colours to be -unfurled, and concluded his address in the following -terms:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“His Majesty has selected for the Royal Marines a -<em>Device</em>, to which their achievements have entitled -them, and which, by his permission, I this day present -to you;—a <em>Badge</em> which you have so hardly -and honorably earned:—From the difficulty of -selecting any particular places to inscribe on these -Standards, your Sovereign has been pleased to adopt -‘<em>The Great Globe itself</em>,’ as the most proper and -distinctive badge. He has also directed, that -his own name (<em>George IV.</em>) shall be added to that -peculiar badge, <span class="smcap">The Anchor</span>, which is your distinctive -bearing, in order that it may be known hereafter, -that <span class="smcap">George the Fourth</span> had conferred on you the -honorable and well-earned badge this day presented -to you.</p> - -<p>“The motto, peculiarly your own, ‘<i lang="la" xml:lang="la">Per Mare; Per -Terram</i>,’ has been allowed to remain; and surmounting -the entire is the word <span class="smcap">Gibraltar</span>, in commemoration -of the important national services you performed -there. In presenting these Colours, the gift -of your Sovereign, into your hands, I trust,—I am -confident,—you will defend them with the same intrepidity, -loyalty, and regard for the interests of the -country, that have marked your preservation of your -old ones; and if you do, your Sovereign, and your -Country, will have equal reason to be satisfied.”</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="figcenter illowp94" id="im_048" style="max-width: 40.625em;"> -<p class="center">THE ROYAL MARINES</p> - <img class="w100" src="images/im_048.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"><em>For Cannon’s Military Records</em> -</div> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_44" href="#FNanchor_44" class="label">[44]</a> By Order in Council, dated 26th October, 1604, it was directed, -that twelve hundred land-soldiers should be raised, in order to be in -readiness for distribution in His Majesty’s fleets; the whole to form -one regiment, of six companies, under a Colonel, with a Lieutenant-Colonel, -and Serjeant-Major; each company consisted of two hundred -soldiers, with a captain, lieutenant, ensign, drummer, four serjeants, -and four corporals. The regiment was armed with firelocks.</p> - -<p>A subsequent Order in Council, dated 1st April, 1668, authorised the -drawing of such numbers of soldiers from the Foot Guards, for His -Majesty’s service at sea, during the summer, as the Lord High Admiral -might require.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_45" href="#FNanchor_45" class="label">[45]</a> In 1732 trustees were appointed by charter to superintend a new -settlement in <em>Georgia</em>, situated to the southward of <em>Carolina</em> in America, -and <em>Mr. James Oglethorpe</em>, General and Governor of the Province, -embarked at Gravesend with a number of poor families to plant that -Colony. In 1737, when the King of Spain claimed as part of his territories, -the Colony of Georgia, which was considered to belong to Great -Britain, General Oglethorpe was authorised to raise a regiment of six companies -of 100 men each, for the defence of the settlement. The colonies -of Georgia and Carolina had been named from King George II., and -his consort Queen Caroline.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_46" href="#FNanchor_46" class="label">[46]</a> Cape Breton was restored to the French after the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle -in 1748. It was retaken in 1758 by Admiral Boscawen -and General Sir Jeffery Amherst, and finally ceded to Great -Britain at the peace of 1763.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_47" href="#FNanchor_47" class="label">[47]</a> A <em>Fourth</em> Division was added to the Establishment of the Royal -Marines, by Order in Council dated 15th August, 1805, and stationed -at Woolwich.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_48" href="#FNanchor_48" class="label">[48]</a> The <span class="smcap">Laurel</span> was authorised to be borne as a testimony of the -gallantry of the Marines at the siege of Belle-Isle in the year 1761, and -is encircled about the figure of the <span class="smcap">Globe</span> on the Colours.</p> - -</div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49a"></a>[49]</span><br /></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="APPENDIX_TO_THE_MARINE_CORPS">APPENDIX TO THE MARINE CORPS.</h2> -</div> - -<hr class="r20" /> - - <div class="fs80"> - -<p class="noindent">The following memoranda are appended to this narrative of -the services of the Royal Marines, in order to show the relative -positions in which the Marine regiments were placed, in -respect to <em>rank and precedence</em>, with the regiments of Infantry, -during the period the Marine regiments were borne on the -establishment of the regular army, and the ground on which -the present corps of Royal Marines have been authorised, -when acting with the infantry of the line, to take their station -next to the <em>Forty-ninth</em> regiment, according to the date -of their formation in the year 1755, as shown in the following -pages.</p> - -<p>The rank of the several regiments of the British army was -first regulated by a Board of General Officers assembled in -the Netherlands, by command of King William III., on the -10th June, 1694.</p> - -<p>Another Board of General Officers was assembled by order -of Queen Anne, in 1713, to decide on the rank and precedence -of regiments raised subsequently to 1694.</p> - -<p>A third Board was assembled, by command of King -George I., in 1715, for the same purpose.</p> - -<p>These Boards recommended that English regiments raised -in England, should take rank from the dates of their formation, -and that English, Scots, and Irish regiments, raised for -the service of a foreign power, should take rank from the dates -of their being placed on the English establishment.</p> - -<p>The <em>Numerical Titles</em> of regiments, as fixed on the principle -laid down in the reports of the Boards of General -Officers, above alluded to, were confirmed by the warrant -issued by authority of King George II., dated 1st July, 1751,—and -also by the warrant of King George III., dated 19th -December, 1768, previously to which periods regiments were -generally designated by the names of their Colonels.</p> - -<p>1. The principle on which the Numerical Titles of regiments -were fixed, having been thus established by Royal -authority, the regiments of infantry which had been formed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50a"></a>[50]</span> -by King Charles II., on his Restoration to the Throne in 1660, -and those which had been subsequently raised in the reigns of -King James II. and of William III., were numbered according -to the dates of being placed on the English establishment,—from -the <em>First</em>, or <em>Royal</em>, regiment to the <em>Twenty-seventh</em> -regiment.</p> - -<p>2. The regiments of infantry, which had been added to the -army in the reign of Queen Anne from the year 1702, and -retained on the establishment after the Peace of Utrecht in -1713, commenced with the <em>Twenty-eighth</em>, and ended with the -<em>Thirty-ninth</em> regiment.</p> - -<p>3. The <em>Fortieth</em> regiment was formed in the year 1717, -from independent companies in North America and the -West Indies:—the command was conferred on Colonel -Richard Philips.</p> - -<p>4. The <em>Forty-first</em> regiment was formed from Invalids in -1719:—the command was conferred on Colonel Edmund -Fielding.</p> - -<p>5. The other regiments of infantry, raised by King George I. -on the augmentation of the army in the year 1715, were disbanded -in 1718, after the Monarchy, in the line of the House -of Brunswick, had been established, and the Peace of the -Kingdom restored.</p> - -<p>6. The <em>Forty-second Highland</em> regiment was formed in the -reign of King George II. from independent companies in -Scotland, in the year 1739. It was originally termed “<em>The -Black Watch</em>” and was placed on the establishment on the -25th October, 1739:—the command was conferred on Colonel -James Earl of Crawford.<a id="FNanchor_49" href="#Footnote_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a></p> - -<p>7. The <em>Forty-third</em> regiment was raised for service in -America, in the year 1740, by Colonel Andrew Spotswood, -and afterwards commanded by Colonel W. Gooche. It was -disbanded in 1743.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51a"></a>[51]</span></p> - -<p>8. The Ten regiments of Marines raised in 1739 and 1740, -were numbered from the 44th to the 53rd regiments, as shown -in the following list, viz.:—</p> - - - -<table class="p1 autotable fs80" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdcbl" colspan="2">Marine<br />Regiments.</td> -<td class="tdcbl">Names of the Colonels.</td> -<td class="tdcbl">Periods of<br />Formation,<br />&c.</td> -<td class="tdcbl">Colour of<br />the Facing.</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">Precedence in<br />the Regiments<br />of Infantry<br />of the Line.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt"></td> -<td class="bl bt br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">1st</td> -<td class="tdlm">Regiment</td> -<td class="tdlbl">E. Wolfe</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1739</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Deep Yellow</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">44th Foot.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">G. Keightley</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">G. Churchill</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl tdh"> </td><td></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">2nd</td> -<td class="tdlm">Regiment</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Wm. Robinson</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1739</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Green</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">45th Foot.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Rt. Frazer</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1741</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl tdh"> </td><td></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">3rd</td> -<td class="tdlm">Regiment</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Anthony Lowther</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1739</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Light Yellow</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">46th Foot.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">R. Sowle</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1745</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">H. Holmes</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1746</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl tdh"> </td><td></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">4th</td> -<td class="tdlm">Regiment</td> -<td class="tdlbl">J. Wynyard</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1739</td> -<td class="tdlbl">White</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">47th Foot.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Jas. Long</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Byng, afterwards <em>Visct.</em> Torrington</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1744</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl tdh"> </td><td></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">5th</td> -<td class="tdlm">Regiment</td> -<td class="tdlbl">C. Douglas</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1739</td> -<td class="tdlbl" rowspan="2">Primrose<br />Yellow</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">48th Foot.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">J. Grant</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1741</td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">S. Daniel</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1741</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Jas. Cochrane</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1741</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl tdh"> </td><td></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">6th</td> -<td class="tdlm">Regiment</td> -<td class="tdlbl"><em>Honble.</em> Lucius Ducie Moreton</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1739</td> -<td class="tdlbl" rowspan="3">Green Cuffs<br />Collar, and<br />Cap</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">49th Foot.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">J. Cotterell</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1741</td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl"><em>Honble.</em> W. Herbert</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1747</td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Jas. Laforey</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1747</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl tdh"> </td><td></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">7th</td> -<td class="tdlm">Regiment</td> -<td class="tdlbl">H. Cornwall</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1740</td> -<td class="tdlbl">White</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">50th Foot.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl tdh"> </td><td></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">8th</td> -<td class="tdlm">Regiment</td> -<td class="tdlbl">W. Hanmore</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1740</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Light Yellow</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">51st Foot.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">J. Duncombe</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1742</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl"><em>Lord</em> G. Beauclerk</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1747</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Jas. Jordan</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1748</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl tdh"> </td><td></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">9th</td> -<td class="tdlm">Regiment</td> -<td class="tdlbl">C. Powlett</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1740</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Buff</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">52nd Foot.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl tdh"> </td><td></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl"></td><td class="bl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">10th</td> -<td class="tdlm">Regiment</td> -<td class="tdlbl">J. Jeffreys</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1740</td> -<td class="tdlbl">Deep Yellow</td> -<td class="tdcbl br">53rd Foot.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr bl">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdlbl"><em>Sir</em> Andrew Agnew</td> -<td class="tdcbl">1746</td> -<td class="tdlbl"></td> -<td class="tdcbl br"></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="bl bb"></td> -<td class="bb"></td> -<td class="bl bb"></td> -<td class="bl bb"></td> -<td class="bl bb"></td> -<td class="bl bb br"></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>The above ten regiments were disbanded in November, -1748.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52a"></a>[52]</span></p> - -<p>9. The following seven regiments were raised, and added -to the establishment of the army, in January, 1741; and in -consequence of the disbandment of Colonel Spotswood’s, -afterwards Gooche’s, American Provincials, and also of the -ten regiments of Marines, the <em>numerical</em> titles of six of -these regiments were changed, after the peace of 1748, as -specified in the following list; viz.:—</p> - -<table class="autotable" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">54th</td> -<td class="tdc">Regt.,</td> -<td class="tdc">com. by Colonel</td> -<td class="tdl">Thomas Fowke,</td> -<td class="tdc">now the</td> -<td class="tdl">43rd Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">55th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">James Long,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">44th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">56th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">D. Houghton,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">45th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">57th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">James Price,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">46th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">58th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">J. Mordaunt,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">47th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">59th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">J. Cholmondeley,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">48th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">60th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl" colspan="3">H. De Grangue, disbanded in 1748.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>10. The <em>Forty-ninth</em> regiment was formed in the year 1743, -of two companies of one of the regiments raised in the reign -of Queen Anne, which had remained at Jamaica, and of six -other companies formed in that colony. The command was -given to Colonel Edward Trelawny, then Governor of -Jamaica. It was retained on the establishment after the -peace of 1748, and numbered the 49th regiment.</p> - -<p>11. On the recommencement of hostilities with France in -1755, fifty companies of Marines were raised, under the -direction and control of the Lords Commissioners of the -Admiralty. These companies were formed into <em>three divisions</em>, -at the principal naval stations, Portsmouth, Plymouth, -and Chatham.<a id="FNanchor_50" href="#Footnote_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> The <em>Corps of Marines</em> having been raised in -1755, and since that period retained on the establishment, as -a branch of the permanent national force of Navy, Army, -and Marines, have been authorised to rank, when acting with -infantry of the line, <em>next to the forty-ninth Regiment</em>, as -directed by His Majesty King George IV. in the following -General Order, dated</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="right">“<em>Horse-Guards, 30th March, 1820.</em></p> - -<p>“In reference to the <em>Regulations regarding Precedence -of Regiments</em> (as contained in page 10 of the General -Regulations and Orders of the Army), His Majesty has been -graciously pleased to command, that the <em>Royal Marines</em>, -when acting with the Troops of the Line, shall take their -station next to the forty-ninth Regiment.</p> - -<p class="right"> -<span class="padr2">“By Command of H. R. H. the Commander-in-Chief.</span><br /> -“<span class="smcap">Henry Torrens</span>, <em>Adjutant-General</em>.”</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53a"></a>[53]</span></p> - -<p>12. In the year 1745 two regiments were raised for service -in North America, by Colonel William Shirley and Colonel -Sir William Pepperell. In 1754 they were numbered the -50th and 51st Regiments.</p> - -<p>13. In December, 1755, eleven regiments were raised and -added to the establishment of the army; and in consequence -of the disbandment of Colonel Shirley’s and Sir William -Pepperell’s regiments in 1757, the eleven regiments, above -alluded to, were ranked two numbers higher in the list of -regiments of infantry, as shown in the following list; viz.:—</p> - -<table class="autotable" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">52nd</td> -<td class="tdc">Regt.,</td> -<td class="tdc">com. by Colonel</td> -<td class="tdl">James Abercromby</td> -<td class="tdc">now the</td> -<td class="tdl">50th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">53rd</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Robt. Napier</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">51st Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">54th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">H. Lambton</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">52nd Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">55th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">W. Whitmore</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">53rd Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">56th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">John Campbell</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">54th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">57th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">G. Perry</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">55th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">58th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Lord C. Manners</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">56th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">59th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">John Arabin</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">57th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">60th</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Robt. Anstruther</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">58th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">61st</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">Charles Montagu</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">59th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad2" colspan="3"> 62nd Royal American, Col. <br />of <em>four</em> battalions,</td> -<td class="tdl">The Earl of Loudon.</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">60th Regt.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>14. In April, 1758, the <em>Second Battalions</em> of the fifteen -regiments, undermentioned, were formed into distinct regiments, -and numbered as shown in the following list; viz.:—</p> - -<table class="autotable" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"> 3rd Foot,</td> -<td class="tdc">2d Batt.,</td> -<td class="tdc">const<sup>d</sup></td> -<td class="tdl">61st Regt.</td> -<td class="tdl bl">19th Foot,</td> -<td class="tdc">2d Batt.,</td> -<td class="tdc">const<sup>d</sup></td> -<td class="tdl">66th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"> 4th Foot,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">62nd Regt.</td> -<td class="tdlbl">20th Foot,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">67th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"> 8th Foot,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">63rd Regt.</td> -<td class="tdlbl">23rd Foot,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">68th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">11th Foot,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">64th Regt.</td> -<td class="tdlbl">24th Foot,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">69th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">12th Foot,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">65th Regt.</td> -<td class="tdlbl">31st Foot,</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdl">70th Regt.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<table class="p1 autotable" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">The</td> -<td class="tdc">Second</td> -<td class="tdc">Battalion of the</td> -<td class="tdr">32nd</td> -<td class="tdc">was constituted the</td> -<td class="tdl">71st Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr"></td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdr">33rd</td> -<td class="tdc">” <span class="pad3">”</span></td> -<td class="tdl">72nd Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr"></td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdr">34th</td> -<td class="tdc">” <span class="pad3">”</span></td> -<td class="tdl">73rd Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr"></td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdr">36th</td> -<td class="tdc">” <span class="pad3">”</span></td> -<td class="tdl">74th Regt.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr"></td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdc">”</td> -<td class="tdr">37th</td> -<td class="tdc">” <span class="pad3">”</span></td> -<td class="tdl">75th Regt.</td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p>After the peace of Fontainebleau, in 1763, reductions were -made in the regular army, and the number of regiments of -infantry was limited to <span class="smcap">Seventy</span>. The above 71st, 72nd, -73rd, 74th, and 75th Regiments were consequently disbanded -in that year.</p> - -<p>15. The number of regiments of infantry continued at -<em>Seventy</em>, until the commencement of the American War in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54a"></a>[54]</span> -1775, and the renewal of hostilities with France and Spain in -1779, when it was increased to <em>One hundred and Five</em> regiments, -exclusive of <em>Eleven</em> unnumbered regiments, and thirty-six -independent companies of Invalids.</p> - -<p>16. After the General Peace in 1782 the number of regiments -of infantry was again reduced.</p> - -<p>17. In consequence of an increase of possessions in India, -and of additional troops being necessary for the suppression -of certain native powers, which were hostile to the British -Government, additional corps were raised and embarked for -the East Indies in 1779, and in subsequent years.</p> - -<p>18. The present <em>Seventy-first</em> regiment was raised in December, -1777, and embarked for India in 1779. Its number -was changed from 73rd to 71st regiment in 1786.</p> - -<p>19. The present <em>Seventy-second</em> regiment was raised in -December, 1777, and embarked for India in 1781. Its number -was changed from 78th to 72nd regiment in 1786.</p> - -<p>20. The <em>Seventy-third</em> regiment was raised as the second -battalion of the forty-second (Highland) regiment, in 1777, -and embarked for India in 1781. It was formed into a distinct -regiment, and numbered the 73rd (Highland) in 1786.</p> - -<p>21. The 74th (Highland), 75th (Highland), 76th, and -77th regiments were raised for service in India in October, -1787, and embarked for India in 1788.</p> - -<p>22. The 78th (Highland), 79th (Highland), 80th, 81st, -82nd, 83rd, 84th, 85th, 86th, 87th, 88th, 89th, 90th, and -91st (Highland) regiments were raised in 1793, immediately -after the commencement of the war with France, occasioned -by the revolutionary and violent proceedings in that country -in 1793.</p> - -<p>23. The 92nd (Highland) and 93rd (Highland) regiments -were raised and placed on the establishment of the army, the -former on the 3rd May, 1796, and the latter on the 25th -August, 1800.</p> - -<p>24. The <em>Scots Brigade</em> was numbered the <em>Ninety-fourth</em> -regiment on the 25th December, 1802. This corps had been -formed in the year 1568, for service in Holland against the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55a"></a>[55]</span> -oppression of Spain. Being a British corps, its services were -demanded from the United Provinces by King James II. on -the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth in 1685, after the -suppression of which it returned to Holland. It again embarked -for England with the Prince of Orange at the Revolution -in 1688. It remained in Great Britain until the Protestant -cause had been established, and it re-embarked for -Flanders in 1691, and served in the campaigns of King -William III. It remained in the service of Holland until -1793, when it was decided by King George III., upon the -application of the British officers remaining in it, to require -the corps to return to Great Britain. It was taken on the -British Establishment on the 5th July, 1793. It then consisted -of <em>Three</em> battalions; in 1795 it was reduced to <em>Two</em> -battalions, and embarked for Gibraltar. In 1796 it was -formed into <em>One</em> battalion, and proceeded to the Cape of Good -Hope. It embarked, in 1798, for the East Indies, from -whence, after much distinguished service, it returned to England -in 1808. It, embarked for Cadiz and Lisbon, and served -with great credit in the Peninsular War, from January, 1810, -to July, 1814. It was disbanded at Belfast on the 24th -December, 1818.</p> - -<p>25. The <em>Rifle Corps</em>, commanded by Colonel Coote Manningham, -was formed and added to the establishment of the -Army on the 25th August, 1800. On 25th December, 1802, -it was directed to be numbered the <em>Ninety-fifth</em> regiment, -but was taken out of the list of <em>numbered</em> regiments of infantry -on the 6th February, 1816, and directed to be styled -“<em>The Rifle Brigade</em>.” It then consisted of three battalions, -which were distributed at the following stations, viz.:—</p> - -<p class="negin7"> -1st Battalion.—6 Companies with the Army of Occupation in France, -and 4 Companies at Shorncliffe.</p> - -<p class="negin7"> -2nd Battalion.—6 Companies with the Army of Occupation in France, -and 4 Companies at Shorncliffe.</p> - -<p class="negin7"> -3rd Battalion.—10 Companies at Dover. This Battalion embarked for -Ireland in March, 1816. It was disbanded at Birr on -the 24th of November, 1818.</p> - -<p>26. The present 94th, 95th, 96th, 97th, 98th, and 99th regiments -were added to the establishment of the Army in the -early part of the year 1824, in consequence of the increased -number of the colonial possessions of the British Empire.</p> - - </div> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<div class="footnotes"> -<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_49" href="#FNanchor_49" class="label">[49]</a> The Corps, which had been formed in 1737 by Colonel James Oglethorpe -for service in Georgia and South Carolina, was disbanded in 1749. -It had not been ranked in the number of regiments of infantry in the -Official Records of the Army, although in some publications of that -period it was numbered the <em>Forty-second</em>, regiment, according to its -seniority and the date of its formation.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_50" href="#FNanchor_50" class="label">[50]</a> A <em>Fourth Division</em> was formed at Woolwich by Order in Council -dated 15th August, 1805.</p> - -</div> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56a"></a>[56]</span><br /></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Note.</span>—The Compiler of these Records feels it a duty to -acknowledge, that he has derived a principal portion of the -means of drawing up the details of the services of the Marines -from “<em>An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps</em>,” -<em>published in 1803</em>, “<em>by Captain Alexander Gillespie, who -served as an Officer in that Corps upwards of twenty-four -years</em>;” a work of considerable merit and research, which -reflects great honor on its author, as an excellent scholar and a -most zealous officer.</p> - - -<div class="chapter"></div> - -<div class="transnote"> -<a name="TN" id="TN"></a> -<p><strong>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE</strong></p> - -<p>The second part of the book, the ‘Historical Record of the Marine -Corps’, used its own page numbering. This has not been changed.</p> - -<p>The column headers for the Table on <a href="#Page_224">page 224</a> have been adjusted -to be more readable, with no loss or change of text.</p> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been -corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within -the text and consultation of external sources.</p> - -<p>Some hyphens in words have been silently removed, some added, -when a predominant preference was found in the original book.</p> - -<p>Except for those changes noted below, all other misspellings in -the text, and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained.</p> - -<p> -<a href="#tn-54">Pg 54</a>: ‘Lord Malmsbury’ replaced by ‘Lord Malmesbury’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-80">Pg 80</a>: ‘Saugor Point’ replaced by ‘Sangor Point’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-81">Pg 81</a>: ‘could befal a’ replaced by ‘could befall a’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-96">Pg 96</a>: ‘which befel your’ replaced by ‘which befell your’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-128">Pg 128</a>: Illustration caption: ‘BATTLE OF FEROZSHAH.’ replaced by -‘BATTLE OF FEROZESHAH.’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-131">Pg 131</a>: A new paragraph was started after ‘the action states:—’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-149">Pg 149</a>: missing anchor for Footnote [34] inserted after ‘was shot.’<br /> -<a href="#tn-183">Pg 183</a>: ‘who expressed hi ’ replaced by ‘who expressed his’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-199">Pg 199</a>: ‘THIRY-FIRST’ replaced by ‘THIRTY-FIRST’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-217">Pg 217</a>: ‘from th fifteenth’ replaced by ‘from the fifteenth’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-228">Pg 228</a>: ‘was despached to’ replaced by ‘was despatched to’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-229">Pg 229</a>: ‘victory of Tezeeu’ replaced by ‘victory of Tezeen’.<br /> -<a href="#tn-229a">Pg 229</a>: ‘he comanded five’ replaced by ‘he commanded five’.<br /> -<br /> -Historical Record of the Marine Corps.<br /> -<a href="#tnm-xxix">Pg xxix</a>: ‘Recal of Admiral’ replaced by ‘Recall of Admiral’.<br /> -<a href="#tnm-xxixa">Pg xxix</a>: ‘to Curaçoa to’ replaced by ‘to Curaçao to’.<br /> -<a href="#tnm-8">Pg 8</a>: ‘hundred and and sixty’ replaced by ‘hundred and sixty’.<br /> -<a href="#tnm-32">Pg 32</a>: ‘the recal of’ replaced by ‘the recall of’.<br /> -<a href="#tnm-33">Pg 33</a>: ‘to Curaçoa to’ replaced by ‘to Curaçao to’.<br /> -<a href="#tnm-41">Pg 41</a>: ‘to cruize between’ replaced by ‘to cruise between’.<br /> -<a href="#tnm-42">Pg 42</a>: ‘cruizing in the’ replaced by ‘cruising in the’.<br /> -<a href="#tnm-42a">Pg 42</a>: ‘cruized for some’ replaced by ‘cruised for some’.<br /> -</p> -</div> - - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE THIRTY-FIRST, OR, THE HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIMENT OF FOOT; ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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