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-The Project Gutenberg eBook of Historical Record of the Eighty-Sixth,
-or the Royal County Down 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 Eighty-Sixth, or the Royal County Down
- Regiment of Foot
- Containing an Account of the Formation of the Regiment in 1793,
- and of its subsequent services to 1842.
-
-Author: Richard Cannon
-
-Release Date: May 31, 2022 [eBook #68212]
-
-Language: English
-
-Produced by: Brian Coe, John Campbell and the Online Distributed
- Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
- produced from images generously made available by The
- Internet Archive)
-
-*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE
-EIGHTY-SIXTH, OR THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN 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 the book.
-
- Some minor changes to the text are noted at the end of the book.
-
-
-
-
- HISTORICAL RECORDS
-
- OF
-
- THE BRITISH ARMY.
-
-
-
-
-GENERAL ORDERS.
-
-
- _HORSE-GUARDS_,
- _1st January, 1836_.
-
-His Majesty has been pleased to command, that, with a 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 Honourable
- 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 honourable 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 every
-thing 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.
-
-
-[Illustration: EIGHTY-SIXTH (THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN) REGIMENT OF
-FOOT.]
-
-
-
-
- HISTORICAL RECORD
-
- OF THE
-
- EIGHTY-SIXTH,
-
- OR
-
- THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT OF
-
- FOOT:
-
- CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF
-
- THE FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT
- IN 1793,
-
- AND OF
-
- ITS SUBSEQUENT SERVICES
- TO
- 1842.
-
-
- LONDON:
- JOHN W. PARKER, WEST STRAND.
-
- M.DCCC.XLII.
-
-
-
-
- LONDON:
- HARRISON AND CO., PRINTERS,
- ST. MARTIN’S LANE.
-
-
-
-
- [Illustration: (Harp and Crown. QUIS SEPARABIT?)]
-
- THE EIGHTY-SIXTH,
-
- OR
-
- THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT OF
-
- FOOT,
-
- BEARS ON ITS COLOURS AND APPOINTMENTS THE
-
- “HARP AND CROWN”
-
- WITH THE MOTTO
-
- “QUIS SEPARABIT?”
-
- ALSO THE
-
- “SPHINX,” WITH THE WORDS “EGYPT,”
- “INDIA,” “BOURBON;”
-
- AND ON THE BUTTONS THE
-
- “IRISH HARP AND CROWN.”
-
-
-
-
- CONTENTS.
-
-
- Year Page
-
- 1793 The Regiment raised, and styled _Cuyler’s
- Shropshire Volunteers_ 9
-
- 1794 Names of the Officers 10
-
- ---- Embarks for Ireland 11
-
- ---- Styled the _Eighty-Sixth Regiment, or the
- Shropshire Volunteers_ --
-
- ---- Returns to England --
-
- 1795 Serves on board the fleet as Marines 12
-
- 1796 Embarks for the Cape of Good Hope 13
-
- 1799 Proceeds to India --
-
- 1801 Six Companies proceed to Egypt 14
-
- ---- Passage of the Desert --
-
- ---- Capture of Cairo and Alexandria 18
-
- 1802 Four Companies in India,--Capture of Kareah
- and Tarrapore 20
-
- ---- Six Companies return from Egypt to India 21
-
- ---- Capture of Barodara 22
-
- 1803 ---------- Kirrella,--skirmish near Copperbund 23
-
- ---- ---------- Keira 24
-
- ---- ---------- Baroach 25
-
- ---- ---------- Powanghur 28
-
- ---- Skirmish near Lunawarrah 29
-
- ---- Capture of Dhowd 30
-
- 1804 Advances to Indore 31
-
- ---- Disastrous Retreat to Ongein --
-
- ---- Capture of Inglehur 32
-
- 1805 Proceeds to Bhurtpore 32
-
- ---- Storms one of the out-works 33
-
- ---- Attacks a large bastion 34
-
- ---- Siege raised,--proceeds to Muttra 35
-
- ---- Pursues the forces of Holkar --
-
- 1806 Returns to Bombay 36
-
- ---- Stationed at Goa --
-
- ---- Obtains the title of the _Eighty-Sixth, or Leinster
- Regiment of Foot_ 37
-
- 1809 Declaration of the Portuguese Viceroy, at Goa --
-
- 1810 Expedition against the Island of Bourbon 38
-
- ---- Services of a detachment on board the Africaine
- frigate 44
-
- 1811 Removed to the Isle of France 45
-
- 1812 Returns to India --
-
- ---- Styled the _Eighty-Sixth, or the Royal County Down
- Regiment_ 46
-
- 1814 A second battalion added to the regiment 47
-
- ---- Ditto disbanded --
-
- 1816 }
- 1817 } Serves against the Pindarees 48
-
- 1817 Insurrection at Hyderabad --
-
- 1818 Serves against the Pindarees 49
-
- ---- Marches for Madras, in order to embark for England --
-
- ---- Flank Companies proceed to the Island of Ceylon 50
-
- ---- Services against the Kandians --
-
- 1819 Returns to Madras 55
-
- ---- General Orders on leaving India 56
-
- ---- Arrives in England 57
-
- 1821 Embarks for Ireland --
-
- 1827 Service Companies embark for the West Indies 59
-
- 1837 ------ ------ return to England 62
-
- 1842 The Conclusion 63
-
-
-SUCCESSION OF COLONELS.
-
- Year Page
-
- 1793 Cornelius Cuyler 64
-
- 1794 Russell Manners 66
-
- 1795 William Grinfield 67
-
- 1804 Sir James Henry Craig, K.B. 68
-
- 1806 Sir Charles Ross, Baronet --
-
- 1810 The Honorable Francis Needham 69
-
- 1832 William George Lord Harris 71
-
- 1835 The Honorable Sir Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby,
- K.C.B., G.C.M.G., K.C.H. --
-
- 1836 James Watson 72
-
- 1837 Sir Arthur Brooke, K.C.B. --
-
-
-[Illustration: EIGHT-SIXTH (THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN) REGIMENT OF FOOT.]
-
-
-
-
-HISTORICAL RECORD
-
-OF THE
-
-EIGHTY-SIXTH,
-
-OR
-
-THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT
-
-OF
-
-FOOT.
-
-
-[Sidenote: 1793]
-
-The last twelve years of the eighteenth century form a period,
-remarkable in the annals of Europe, for the efforts made to overthrow
-the governments of Christendom, and to establish the destructive
-domination of atheism and democracy, upon the ruins of institutions
-which had elevated the inhabitants of this quarter of the globe to
-an height of knowledge, refinement, wealth, and power, unknown in
-other parts of the earth. France was the great theatre of commotion:
-there the war of hostile principles produced the most sanguinary
-results;--the cry of “equality” was raised,--the blood of princes,
-nobles, and citizens was shed, and democracy appeared to triumph over
-the rights of society. In other countries, republican principles were
-spreading to an alarming extent; the sovereigns of Europe were forced
-to engage in war to oppose the progress of destruction, and to Great
-Britain pertains the honour of having persevered in this contest,
-for twenty years, when the overthrow of that tyrannical power which
-sprung out of the French revolution, was accomplished.
-
-On the commencement of hostilities in 1793, the British army was
-augmented: upwards of fifty regiments of foot were raised, and one of
-the first corps embodied, on this occasion, was the regiment which
-now bears the title of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, OR THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN
-REGIMENT.
-
-This corps was raised by Major-General Cornelius Cuyler, who had
-served with reputation in North America, and also in the West Indies,
-where he had performed the duties of commander-in-chief; its general
-rendezvous was at Shrewsbury, and its designation was “GENERAL
-CUYLER’S SHROPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS;” but its ranks were completed with
-men, principally from Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire,--counties
-which have furnished many excellent soldiers. Major-General Cuyler’s
-appointment was dated the 30th of October, 1793, and the royal
-warrants for raising recruits were issued on the following day[1].
-
-[Sidenote: 1794]
-
-In February, 1794, the following officers were holding commissions in
-the regiment:--
-
- _Colonel_, MAJOR-GENERAL C. CUYLER.
- _Lieut.-Colonel_, GEORGE SLADDEN.
- _Major_, R. M. DICKENS.
-
- _Captains._
-
- T. C. Hardy
- W. H. Digby
- Charles Byne
- Edward Robinson
- Alexander Campbell
- Rowland Hill[2]
- Robert Bell.
-
- _Lieutenants._
-
- Thomas Neilson
- Hugh Houstown
- W. S. Curry
- Edward Barnes
- Thos. Pickering
- Charles Dod
- Geo. Middlemore
- Chas. E. Jolley
- Daniel Gavey
- Wm. Semple
- J. C. Tuffnell.
-
- _Ensigns._
-
- Willm. Murray
- Thos. Thornhill
- Thomas Symes
- W. C. Williams
- James Burke
- Danl. McNeill
- Edward Fox
- Wm. St. Clair.
-
- _Captain-Lieutenant._
- George Cuyler.
-
- _Chaplain_, Chas. Austen; _Adjutant_, Daniel Coleman;
- _Quarter-Master_, Richard Jackson; _Surgeon_, Hugh Dean.
-
-From Shrewsbury, the regiment proceeded to Park-gate, where it
-embarked, in April, for Ireland, and after landing at Cork, marched
-to Kilkenny.
-
-At this period the newly-raised corps were numbered, and this
-regiment received the designation of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, or SHROPSHIRE
-VOLUNTEERS.
-
-On the 20th of June, 1794, Major-General Cuyler was appointed to
-the Sixty-ninth Regiment, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH, by Lieutenant-General Russell Manners.
-
-After remaining in Ireland ten weeks, the regiment embarked at Cork,
-and was held in readiness for active service; but it landed at
-Frome, in Somersetshire, in September, and proceeded from thence to
-the Isle of Wight.
-
-[Sidenote: 1795]
-
-The regiment having been brought into a state of discipline and
-efficiency, was selected to serve on board the fleet as marines;
-eight officers, and four hundred and fourteen non-commissioned
-officers and soldiers, embarked in January, 1795, on board
-the “Prince of Wales,” “Triumph,” “Brunswick,” and “Hector,”
-line-of-battle ships, and in February, seven officers, and two
-hundred and seventy-six non-commissioned officers and soldiers,
-embarked on board the “Prince,” “Saturn,” and “Boyne.” The “Boyne”
-caught fire at Spithead, and was destroyed, when the grenadier
-company of the regiment lost its arms, accoutrements, and baggage.
-
-Lieut.-General Russell Manners was removed to the Twenty-sixth Light
-Dragoons, in March, 1795, and was succeeded by Major-General William
-Grinfield, from Lieut.-Colonel in the Third Foot Guards.
-
-The head-quarters of the regiment were at Newport, in the Isle of
-Wight, where they were inspected by His Royal Highness the Duke of
-York, who expressed his approbation of their appearance; and in
-October the establishment was augmented to one hundred rank and file
-per company, its numbers being completed by drafts from the 118th
-and 121st Regiments; the men of the last-mentioned corps were then
-recently liberated from French prison. In December, the regiment was
-stationed at Portsmouth and Hilsea.
-
-[Sidenote: 1796]
-
-In the beginning of 1796, the establishment was augmented to twelve
-companies,--the eleventh and twelfth being recruiting companies;
-and as the ships of war came into port, the officers and soldiers
-of the EIGHTY-SIXTH landed and joined the regiment; they had served
-in several engagements in which the ships they were embarked in had
-taken part, during that eventful period. In April, the regiment
-proceeded to Guildford, and in June it returned to the Isle of Wight.
-
-Meanwhile, Flanders and Holland had embraced the republican
-principles of France, and the British government resolved to
-deprive the Dutch of the settlement of the Cape of Good Hope; the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH embarked for the Cape, where they landed on the 22nd
-of September, six days after the Dutch governor had surrendered the
-colony to the forces under General Sir Alured Clarke.
-
-[Sidenote: 1797]
-
-[Sidenote: 1798]
-
-[Sidenote: 1799]
-
-The regiment was stationed at the Cape of Good Hope during the years
-1797 and 1798, and received drafts from the 95th, and other corps.
-In February, 1799, it embarked for the East Indies, and landed, on
-the 10th of May, at Madras, upwards of thirteen hundred strong,--a
-splendid body of men, whose appearance excited much admiration.
-
-The capture of Seringapatam had rendered the services of the regiment
-at this station unnecessary, and after a month’s repose at Madras, it
-embarked for Bombay, where it arrived on the 22nd of July, and sent
-detachments by sea, under Major Bell, and Captain James Richardson,
-to Tannah and Surat: these detachments returned to Bombay, in
-December following.
-
-[Sidenote: 1800]
-
-[Sidenote: 1801]
-
-From Bombay, three companies sailed, towards the end of 1800, for
-Ceylon, in the expectation of taking part in the reduction of the
-Isle of France[3]; but orders had, in the meantime, arrived for an
-army from India, to co-operate with a body of troops from Europe,
-in the expulsion of the French “ARMY OF THE EAST” from Egypt,
-and the detachment returned, in January, 1801, to Bombay, where
-Major-General Baird assumed the command, and the expedition sailed
-for the Red Sea.
-
-It was originally designed, that the army from India should land at
-_Suez_, a city of Egypt, situate at the head of the Red Sea, on the
-borders of Arabia; and a small squadron under Admiral Blanquett,
-having on board three companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH (the grenadier,
-light, and colonel’s companies) under Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd, a
-detachment of Bombay artillery, a battalion of sepoys, with other
-detachments, sailed some time before the main body of the expedition,
-to attack Suez, and interrupt the formation of any establishment
-there by the French. This small force left Bombay in December 1800,
-arrived at Mocha in the middle of January 1801, where the fleet
-remained two days to procure provisions, when it sailed for Jedda,
-where one of the ships was lost on a bank. The navigation of the Red
-Sea, from Jedda to Suez, proved particularly difficult and tedious,
-on account of the want of a sufficient depth of water, the fleet
-having to anchor daily, and take advantage of the tides. On reaching
-Suez, the French had evacuated the place in consequence of the
-arrival of the army from Europe, under General Sir Ralph Abercromby,
-on the Mediterranean shores of Egypt, and the success of the British
-arms near Alexandria, where Sir Ralph Abercromby was killed.
-
-The troops landed at Suez, and Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd, in reporting his
-arrival, solicited permission to cross the Desert and share in the
-dangers and honours of the army, which was advancing up the Nile, and
-approaching Cairo, the modern capital of Egypt, which it was expected
-the French would defend. Lieut.-General Hutchinson acquiesced in
-Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd’s wishes, and preparations were accordingly made
-to pass the Desert.
-
-At six o’clock, on the evening of the 6th of June, the three
-companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH commenced their march, with only three
-pints of water per man; the distance in a straight line, was only
-fifty-eight miles; but the Arab Sheiks, furnished for guides by the
-Vizier, and made responsible for the safe passage of the detachment,
-represented that a detour of ten or twelve miles would be necessary
-to prevent the French intercepting the detachment.
-
-After marching two hours over a hard sandy country, Captain Cuyler,
-Lieutenant Morse, and Lieutenant Goodfellow, were taken so ill as
-to be unable to proceed. At eleven the troops halted for two hours,
-then resumed the march until seven in the morning, when they again
-halted, having performed twenty-six miles of the journey. The day
-became so intolerably hot, that Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd ordered the
-tents to be pitched to shelter the men from the sun; but at ten
-o’clock the guides stated it was necessary to march, as the camels
-would be so debilitated by the heat, if they rested on the sand,
-as to require water before they could move again; but if kept in
-motion they would not be affected in so fatal a degree; adding, if
-the soldiers slept, the camel drivers might steal the water, which
-they feared would be found scarcely sufficient. The guides being
-responsible for the safety of the detachment, Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd
-acceded to their wishes; the tents were struck at eleven, and the
-march resumed; the thermometer being at 109. Captain Cuyler soon
-fainted again, and fell from his horse, and a camel and two men were
-left to attend him and bring him forward. The men beginning to drop
-fast in the rear, Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd halted about one o’clock, cut
-his own baggage from the camels, which example was followed by all
-the officers, as many men as could be carried were then mounted on
-the camels, and the whole proceeded. At two o’clock a camseen, or
-south wind began to blow, the thermometer rose to 116, and afterwards
-much higher; the officers and soldiers were seized with dreadful
-sensations:--some were affected with giddiness and loss of sight, and
-others fell down gasping for breath, and calling for drink. At four
-o’clock, Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd was forced to halt. The skins had been
-cracked by the sun, and the water had become of a thick consistence;
-the men who drank it were seized with vomiting and violent pains.
-The officers had brought with them some Madeira wine, which they
-divided among the soldiers; a proportion of spirits were mixed with
-the remaining water, which was issued to the men, accompanied with
-the warning, that every drop was in their own possession, half
-the journey had not been performed, and on their own prudence, in
-reserving a portion in their canteens, must depend whether or not
-they should be enabled to accomplish the remainder of the distance.
-
-Between six and seven o’clock the wind ceased; as the sun declined,
-the air became more temperate, and the detachment being a little
-refreshed, though still a languor pervaded the whole, the order for
-marching was given at seven o’clock. Seventeen men, unable to travel,
-were left on the ground, and camels were left to bring them forward
-as soon as they could be moved.
-
-During the march several officers and soldiers experienced an
-extraordinary sensation of seeing horses, camels, and all kinds
-of animals, moving with rapid transition before them, which false
-perception their judgment could not correct. At eleven the detachment
-halted; the night was excessively dark, and the officers and soldiers
-were so exhausted, that unconquerable sleep seized upon all.
-
-At four o’clock the guides awoke Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd, and the
-soldiers formed in order of march with difficulty, a heavy dew having
-fallen upon them, and their limbs being benumbed with cold. The march
-was, however, resumed; the south wind began to blow at the same hour
-as on the preceding day, but the men were not affected in the same
-severe degree; and by strenuous exertions the detachment arrived at
-the springs of Elhanka, between four and five o’clock in the evening
-of the same day, when the joy experienced by every one was very
-great. By eight o’clock all the camels had come up, and the men, who,
-from giddiness had fallen from their backs, joined during the night.
-Eight of the seventeen men left behind, joined on the 9th of June,
-and the other nine perished in the Desert.
-
-No man had partaken of food after quitting Suez, as it would have
-increased the thirst, and the rations of salt pork were thrown away
-on the first morning. On arriving at the springs, the soldiers
-partook of the water with caution; but two officers’ horses having
-broke loose drank till they died on the spot. During the march of
-seventy miles, no vegetation, bird, or beast, had been seen.
-
-After halting at the springs of Elhanka until the evening of the 9th
-of June, the detachment commenced its march in the dark, to prevent
-being discovered by the enemy, and at eleven o’clock on the following
-day, it joined the Turkish army, encamped at Chobra, under the Grand
-Vizier; the British, under Lieut.-General Hutchinson, being encamped
-on the other side of the river Nile. The EIGHTY-SIXTH pitched their
-tents with Colonel Stuart’s division, which was with the Vizier’s
-army; the soldiers had suffered the loss of their uniforms, which had
-been burnt in consequence of the plague, and they had been forced
-to abandon their knapsacks on the march; being very fine men, their
-appearance excited great interest. On the 16th, the three officers
-left behind on the march, joined; they had returned to Suez, and
-afterwards passed the Desert with a caravan.
-
-Advancing towards the metropolis of modern Egypt, the army made
-preparations for investing that extensive fortress; but on the 22nd
-of June a flag of truce arrived from the French Commandant, General
-Belliard, who agreed to surrender _Cairo_, on condition of himself
-and garrison being sent back to France.
-
-On the surrender of Cairo, the three companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH
-marched into the citadel, which the French had evacuated a few hours
-previously. On the same day they took possession of Fort Ibrahim.
-
-In the mean time, the other three companies of the regiment which
-had returned from Ceylon to join the expedition, had been delayed by
-the difficult navigation of the Red Sea, and had landed at Cosseir,
-from whence a march of above one hundred and twenty miles had to
-be performed across the Desert to Kenna on the Nile. This distance
-was divided into stages, stores were formed at several points,
-relays of camels were placed to convey water, wells were found, and
-others digged, and the march was performed by the army with much
-less suffering than was experienced by the three companies under
-Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd, in the passage of the Desert from Suez to the
-springs of Elhanka. At the third stage, called Moilah, some soldiers
-of the EIGHTY-SIXTH dug a well at the foot of a hill, under the
-direction of Captain Middlemore, and found an excellent spring, for
-which they received the thanks of the commander of the forces.
-
-Arriving on the banks of the Nile, the troops embarked in boats
-and proceeded down the river to the island of Rhonda, where they
-encamped, while the forces from Europe were engaged in the siege of
-_Alexandria_. At Rhonda the six companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH were
-united; four companies remaining in India.
-
-In the beginning of September, Alexandria surrendered; Egypt was thus
-delivered from the power of the French “ARMY OF THE EAST,” and Europe
-saw the dawn of liberty in the horizon. The EIGHTY-SIXTH received,
-in common with the other corps which served in this enterprise, the
-approbation of their Sovereign, the thanks of Parliament, and the
-royal authority to bear on their colours the SPHYNX, with the word
-“EGYPT,” to commemorate the share taken by the regiment in this
-splendid achievement.
-
-To perpetuate the remembrance of the services rendered to the Ottoman
-Empire, the Grand Seignor established an order of knighthood, which
-he named the order of the CRESCENT, of which the superior officers
-of the army and navy were constituted members. The officers of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH, and other corps, had gold medals presented to them by
-the Grand Seignor, which they were permitted by King George III., to
-accept and wear.
-
-The object of the expedition having been accomplished, the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH sailed up the Nile in boats, in order to return to
-India; they arrived at El Hamed on the 14th of October, and on the
-30th proceeded to Gheeza, where they remained several months.
-
-In April of this year, one of the four companies left in India,
-proceeded from Bombay to Surat, a town situate on the south bank of
-the river Taptee, in the province of Guzerat; and in November, two
-companies sailed for Dieu in the same province.
-
-[Sidenote: 1802]
-
-The two companies at Dieu returned to Bombay in February, 1802,
-and in March they sailed to Cambay, under the command of Captain
-Richardson, and joined the company from Surat, which had arrived
-there a short time previously. They encamped at Cambay, with part of
-the Seventy-fifth, five companies of the Eighty-fourth, a battalion
-of native infantry, and some artillery, under Colonel Sir William
-Clarke.
-
-The jealousy of the native chiefs at the accession of territory
-acquired by the British in India, often produced hostilities,
-and circumstances occurred which occasioned a detachment of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH, under Lieutenant William Purcell Creagh, to take
-part in an attempt to surprise the hostile fortress of _Kareah_,
-one hundred and twenty miles from Cambay, on the night of the 17th
-of March. The soldiers were advancing to storm the place with the
-greatest gallantry, when their progress was arrested by a deep ditch,
-cut through the rock a short time previously, and the Arabs in
-garrison being numerous and prepared, opened a heavy fire. Lieutenant
-Creagh was killed by a cannon ball, while in the act of leading the
-soldiers to the attack; Lieutenant Lovell was also killed, and many
-officers and soldiers were wounded; soon after day-break the troops
-were obliged to retire.
-
-In consequence of this repulse, the three companies of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH, with the other detachments encamped at Cambay, were
-ordered to advance upon _Kareah_. The enemy having formed for battle
-a short distance from the fort, with a numerous force, were routed by
-the British on the 30th of April; and immediately afterwards the town
-was captured, also some out-works, in one of which an explosion took
-place, killing an officer and twenty-five soldiers.
-
-The siege of the fort was commenced; but when the batteries opened
-their fire, the garrison surrendered. The chief, Mulhar Rao, was
-sent a prisoner to Bombay. After placing a garrison in the fort, the
-troops marched for Surat, (170 miles,) where they arrived on the 12th
-of June, having captured _Tarrapore_, and other small places, while
-on the march.
-
-The six companies of the regiment in Egypt remained at Gheeza until
-May, when they traversed the Desert to Suez, and from thence to
-“Moses’ Well,” or the “Font of Moses,” on the Arabian side of the
-Gulf of Suez. While at Gheeza they received two hundred and seven
-volunteers from the Twentieth, Thirty-fifth, Forty-eighth, and
-Sixty-third Regiments; Major Henry Torrens joined at that station.
-
-While at Moses’ Well, several soldiers died of the plague, when the
-men’s clothing, bedding, and tents were burnt, and the six companies
-embarked for India; no other cases of the plague occurring, the
-companies landed at Bombay on the 4th of July. In November, the three
-companies arrived from the province of Guzerat, and the regiment was
-once more united at Bombay.
-
-The EIGHTY-SIXTH were only permitted to enjoy a short repose
-at Bombay: the hostile demonstrations of some of the predatory
-states composing the Mahratta power, rendering it necessary for
-the British forces to be held in readiness for active operations,
-and assembled on the verge of the British territory. The Mahratta
-states were united by a sentiment of interest founded upon their
-common origin, civil and religious usages, and habits of conquest
-and depredation; the chiefs acted as independent sovereigns, but
-nominally acknowledged the supreme authority of the Peishwah. They,
-however, viewed with jealousy the treaties between the British and
-the Peishwah, as tending to restrain their predatory habits, and
-prevent their acquisition of power; and this acknowledged head of
-the Mahratta states found his independence controlled, and the
-existence of his government menaced by the violence and ambition of
-his feudatory chieftains; at the same time he was unable to fulfil
-his engagements with the British, the safety of whose possessions
-was endangered. In consequence of these events, connected with other
-causes, the EIGHTY-SIXTH left Bombay in the middle of November, for
-the province of Guzerat, and landed at Cambay, from whence they
-marched towards the hostile fortress of _Baroda_, in the vicinity of
-which place they encamped, with several other corps, on the 3rd of
-December. An enemy’s force was assembled to protect the fortress,
-and on the 18th of December the British advanced, leaving their
-tents standing, and engaged their opponents. During the fight the
-garrison made a sally; but the English proved victorious, routing
-their adversaries with great slaughter, and capturing a pair of Arab
-colours and many prisoners.
-
-During the night the erection of batteries commenced; on the 21st
-of December the fire of the artillery was opened, and the flank
-companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH stormed an outwork, defended by
-Arabs, who refused quarter, and were nearly all destroyed, very few
-escaping. In four days the breach was practicable, and the storming
-parties were ready; but the garrison surrendered. The EIGHTY-SIXTH
-had seven men killed, and twenty-three wounded in these services.
-Captain John Grant distinguished himself during the siege, and at the
-storming of the outwork.
-
-Towards the end of this year, the usurpations of Jeswunt Rao Holkar,
-one of the Mahratta chiefs, forced the Peishwah to abandon his
-capital, and to seek British aid, when a treaty was concluded with
-him; and the refractory chiefs persisting in aggression, hostilities
-were commenced to reinstate the deposed chieftain.
-
-[Sidenote: 1803]
-
-On the third of February, 1803, three companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH,
-under Captain James Richardson, were detached, with other forces, the
-whole commanded by Major Holmes, of the Bombay army, in pursuit of
-the Mahratta chieftain, _Canojee Rao Guickwar_, who had taken the
-field with a considerable force.
-
-While in quest of the enemy, the advance-guard of the Seventy-fifth
-Regiment was suddenly attacked, when emerging from a defile, on the
-6th of February, and overpowered, with a loss of many men and a gun.
-The three companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, being at the head of the
-column of march, moved forward, encountered the enemy, and, by a
-determined charge, routed the hostile forces, chasing them across the
-bed of a river into the jungle, where they dispersed, leaving their
-tents, baggage, camels, horses, and the captured gun behind. The
-regiment lost very few men in this gallant exploit.
-
-On the same day five companies of the regiment, under Captain Cuyler,
-marched from Baroda to reinforce Major Holmes’ detachment, leaving
-two companies behind under Captain Grant.
-
-The Chief Canojee was at the head of a considerable force, but he
-avoided an engagement, which occasioned many harassing marches in
-endeavouring to come up with him. On the 25th of February, a party of
-the EIGHTY-SIXTH was detached against the fort of _Kirrella_, which
-was captured without experiencing serious opposition.
-
-On the 1st of March, when near _Copperbund_, information was received
-that Canojee’s force was not far distant; and by extraordinary
-exertions, the detachment came up with the hostile bands, which
-were in full retreat. The Mahratta horse, attached to the British
-detachment, did not act with spirit; but the EIGHTY-SIXTH, though
-nearly exhausted with the march, made a gallant effort, and
-encountered the enemy, who was in the act of passing the bed of a
-river. The adverse bands being nearly all cavalry, and the British
-nearly all infantry, the enemy escaped with little loss. The
-EIGHTY-SIXTH had two men killed; Lieutenant Alexander Grant, and a
-few men wounded.
-
-The forces of Canojee Rao Guickwar having been, in a great measure,
-dispersed, the EIGHTY-SIXTH were allowed a short period of repose;
-and these districts were annexed to the British possessions in India.
-
-Operations having commenced for the restoration of the Peishwah,
-the EIGHTY-SIXTH were stationed a short time in Guzerat, where a
-force was detained to afford security to that valuable and important
-province, and also a reserve disposable for active operations. The
-regiment formed part of the disposable force stationed in front of
-Brodera, the residence of the Guickwar, and to the northward of the
-Nerbudda river.
-
-In May, the regiment advanced and pitched its tents before the
-fortress of _Keira_, belonging to one of Doulat Rao Scindia’s chiefs,
-where some native infantry and battering guns also arrived; but the
-garrison surrendered without waiting for a breach having been made in
-the works.
-
-From Keira the regiment marched to Nerriade, where it was joined
-by two companies left at Baroda under Captain Grant; but the rains
-setting in, the operations were suspended.
-
-Information having been received that a body of the enemy was levying
-contributions about thirty miles from the quarters of the regiment,
-Captain Grant performed a forced march with four companies and some
-sepoys, and making a night attack with great success, killed and took
-prisoners many of the enemy, and captured some horses, &c. Lieutenant
-Procter and a few men of the regiment were wounded on this occasion.
-
-A body of Canojee’s troops threatening to cross the river about
-fifteen miles above Baroach, and plunder the country, four hundred
-rank and file of the regiment, with a battalion of sepoys, and
-four guns, under Captain James Richardson, advanced, on the 14th
-of July, during the heavy rains, in search of the enemy. The
-gun-bullocks failed, and the country being inundated by the rains,
-the soldiers had to drag the guns, up to their waists in water; but
-by extraordinary efforts they arrived at the bank of the river on
-the 16th of July, and attacking a number of Canojee’s troops which
-had crossed the stream, routed them, and forced them into the water,
-where many lost their lives, the river being full and rapid.
-
-The river having fallen considerably during the night, the soldiers
-passed the stream on the following day, under cover of the fire
-of the guns, and assaulting the breast-works of the main body of
-Canojee’s legions, carried them at the point of the bayonet, and
-pursued the routed enemy two miles with great slaughter. A body of
-Arabs disdaining to seek their safety in flight, fought with great
-desperation until overpowered.
-
-Captain Richardson and Lieutenant Lanphier distinguished themselves
-on this occasion; and the enterprise being accomplished with the loss
-of a few men killed and wounded, the troops returned to Baroda.
-
-In pursuance of the plan suggested to the Governor-General by
-Major-General Hon. Arthur Wellesley, five hundred men of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH, a small detachment of the Sixty-fifth, a proportion
-of European artillery, and a battalion of Sepoys, advanced, under
-Lieut.-Colonel Woodington, to besiege the strong fortress of
-_Baroach_. On the 23rd of August, this small body of troops encamped
-on the bank of the river within a few miles of the fortress,
-expecting the arrival of the battering train in boats. The baggage of
-the regiment was this day attacked by a numerous body of the enemy’s
-horse, when nearly every soldier and follower was killed or wounded,
-and the baggage captured and plundered.
-
-A schooner and gun-boat having arrived with cannon and ammunition,
-the troops advanced on the 25th of August, and arriving within two
-miles of the fortress, discovered a numerous body of hostile cavalry,
-infantry, and Arabs, in order of battle on the plain. These opponents
-were speedily routed with the loss of their flag and a number of
-killed and wounded; and the armament soon afterwards attacked,
-and carried, the pettah with great gallantry; Ensign D’Aguilar
-distinguished himself on this occasion.
-
-The siege of the fort was commenced, and a breach was reported
-practicable; at one o’clock on the 29th of August, the storming
-parties assembled in the streets under the command of Major Cuyler;
-the bayonets were firmly fixed by the introduction of a piece of
-cotton cloth, to prevent the Arab swordsmen disengaging them, and the
-soldiers proceeded quietly to their post behind the battery. At three
-the signal to attack was fired, and the forlorn hope, consisting of
-Serjeant John Moore and twelve soldiers of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, sprang
-forward; a hundred soldiers of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, and a hundred Sepoy
-grenadiers, under Captain Richardson, rushed towards the breach,
-followed by three hundred men under Major Cuyler, and a reserve of
-two hundred under Captain Bethune.
-
-Passing the ditch knee-deep in mud, and climbing the long steep and
-difficult ascent to the breach, the soldiers encountered the Arab and
-Scindian defenders, who made a desperate resistance. Hand to hand
-the combatants strove for mastery, and amidst the clash of steel
-and turmoil of deadly contest, many feats of valour were performed.
-Captain Maclaurin, who evinced great ardour, was wounded and made
-prisoner, but he was rescued from the Arabs, by Private John Brierly.
-Captain Richardson and Captain Grant signalized themselves, and
-Serjeant Bills was conspicuous for the heroic courage with which he
-fought. At length British valour proved triumphant, and the breach
-was won, when the EIGHTY-SIXTH crowned the rampart, the Scindian
-colours were pulled down, and the British standard planted in their
-place, by Serjeant Moore.
-
-Having overpowered all resistance at the breach, Captain Richardson’s
-party swept the works to the Cuttoopore gate; Major Cuyler led his
-detachment at a running pace to the Jaraseer gate, and firing upon
-the Scindians and Arabs who were escaping by that avenue, wounded
-one of the elephants in the passage. The Arabs threw down their
-matchlocks, drew their creeses, and rushing upon their assailants
-with deadly fury, refused to give or receive quarter. The contest
-was of short duration; British discipline and prowess were again
-victorious; two hundred Arab horsemen and foot lay on the ground, and
-the EIGHTY-SIXTH stood triumphant on the scene of conflict. Among the
-trophies of the day, were fifteen stand of Scindian and Arab colours,
-which were sent to head-quarters, excepting two, retained by the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH regiment, as trophies of the valour displayed by the
-corps on this occasion.
-
-Thus was captured a fortress of great importance to the commercial
-interests of Britain, with a territory yielding a considerable
-revenue, which were added to the British dominions. In his public
-despatch, Lieut.-Colonel Woodington highly commended the conduct of
-Major Cuyler and Captain Richardson, and added,--“The whole of the
-officers and men employed on this service have conducted themselves
-so much to my satisfaction, that I cannot express myself too strongly
-in their commendation.”
-
-The Governor-General in Council, also, signified in general
-orders,--“his particular approbation of the valour and judgment
-manifested by Major Cuyler, of His Majesty’s EIGHTY-SIXTH regiment,
-throughout the service at Baroach, and in commanding the storm of
-the fort, and by Captain Richardson of the same corps, leading the
-assault. His Excellency in Council, also, observes with particular
-satisfaction the conduct of Captain Cliffe, of the Engineers of
-Bombay. To all the officers and troops, European and Native, employed
-on this honorable occasion, His Excellency in Council signifies his
-high commendation.”
-
-Serjeant Bills was rewarded with the appointment of serjeant-major;
-Serjeant Moore received a donation of five hundred rupees from the
-Government for his gallantry, and Private Brierly was promoted
-corporal, and afterwards serjeant.
-
-The loss of the regiment was Captain William Semple, killed in the
-breaching battery on the 25th of August--an excellent officer, whose
-fall was much regretted; also two serjeants and ten rank and file
-killed; Major Cuyler, Captain Richardson, Captain Maclaurin, and
-twenty-three rank and file wounded.
-
-From Baroach the regiment proceeded to Baroda, from whence five
-hundred rank and file of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, a battalion of Sepoys,
-some irregular horse, and a battering train, marched to attack the
-fort of _Powanghur_, situated on a stupendous rock of extraordinary
-height and of difficult ascent. Arriving before this place on the
-14th of September, and the garrison refusing to surrender, the walls
-were battered until the 17th, when orders were issued to prepare
-to attack the lower fort by storm. The garrison was intimidated
-by the knowledge of the fact, that if they defended the breach,
-their communication with the fort on the top of the mountain would
-be cut off, and their escape rendered impossible; they therefore
-surrendered. Thus a fort of great strength by nature and art fell
-into the hands of the British.
-
-The district of Champaneer, the only territory remaining to Scindia,
-in the province of Guzerat, had thus been reduced, and annexed to
-the British dominions. Lieut.-Colonel Murray, of the Eighty-fourth
-regiment, assumed the command of the troops at Baroda, and advanced
-towards Scindia’s territories, in the province of Malwa, in quest
-of Holkar’s forces, but it was found impossible to bring the armed
-bands of that chieftain to action. On the 18th of October the city
-and fortress of Godera was taken possession of, the enemy retiring as
-the British approached. At this place information was received of the
-victory of Assaye, gained by the troops under Major-General the Hon.
-Arthur Wellesley, on the 23rd of September, which was followed by the
-submission of two of the hostile chiefs, Scindia and the Rajah of
-Berar, leaving Holkar, Canojee, and some minor chiefs in the field.
-
-Leaving Godera, the troops took possession of Balinsanere in the
-beginning of November; and advanced towards _Lunawarrah_. On the
-march, the rearguard, consisting of five companies of Sepoys, and
-some native cavalry, was suddenly attacked, while passing through an
-extensive jungle, by a numerous body of the enemy in ambush.
-
-The hostile bands did not venture to attack the Europeans of the
-advance-guard, nor the column, but rushed with great fury upon the
-native troops in the rear, occasioning the loss of many Sepoys and
-camp followers, with some baggage, before assistance could arrive
-from the column. The EIGHTY-SIXTH had several men killed and wounded
-on this occasion.
-
-Lunawarrah was evacuated by the enemy, and _Dhowd_ was taken, about
-six weeks afterwards, with little opposition.
-
-In this part of the country, the EIGHTY-SIXTH, and other corps,
-with Lieut.-Colonel Murray, remained about two months[4], watching
-Holkar, who had power to concentrate an overwhelming force, which
-rendered vigilance particularly necessary.
-
-[Sidenote: 1804]
-
-On the death of Lieut.-General Grinfield, King George III. conferred
-the colonelcy of the regiment on Lieut.-General Sir James Henry
-Craig, K.B., from the Forty-sixth Foot, by commission dated the 5th
-of January, 1804.
-
-From Dhowd, the EIGHTY-SIXTH, and other corps under Lieut.-Colonel
-Murray, retired to Godera, and from thence to Jerode, in order to
-obtain supplies, and protect the province of Guzerat. At this period
-a dreadful famine raged in the Deccan, and other parts of the country
-hitherto the seat of war.
-
-After three weeks’ repose at Jerode, the EIGHTY-SIXTH, Sixty-fifth,
-Sepoys and native cavalry, advanced once more into the province of
-Malwa, under Lieut.-Colonel Murray, and arrived at Dhowd on the 12th
-of June, having lost many men from the excessive heat. On the march
-Major Stuart, of the Sixty-fifth, died and was buried, (9th June,)
-under the colours of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, on which day twenty-one men
-of the Sixty-fifth, and eleven of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, died from the
-effects of the hot winds.
-
-From Dhowd, the troops advanced to Ongein, the capital of Scindia,
-from whence the EIGHTY-SIXTH, three battalions of Sepoys, a train of
-artillery, and a body of Scindia’s cavalry, were immediately pushed
-on to Indore, the capital of Holkar’s dominions, where they arrived
-on the 14th of August; the city having been evacuated on the previous
-evening.
-
-From Indore, the flank companies of the regiment, and a battalion
-of Sepoys, advanced with scaling ladders, under Captain Richardson,
-twenty miles, to surprise a fort, which was reported to be full of
-troops and provisions; but when the soldiers scaled the walls, they
-found the place empty; the enemy having fled a few hours previously.
-
-Having penetrated so far beyond the boundaries of Guzerat, the
-troops under Lieut.-Colonel Murray found their communication with
-that country cut off, and Holkar threatening to enter and lay waste
-the province; their supplies were nearly exhausted; they were in
-a territory devastated by famine and disease; the rainy season
-was approaching, and a small force, under Lieut.-Colonel Monson,
-sent by General Lord Lake to effect a junction with Lieut.-Col.
-Murray, was pursued by Holkar’s numerous legions, and forced to
-make a precipitate flight, abandoning its cannon and baggage. Under
-these circumstances, a sudden advance was made, of two marches, to
-deceive the enemy, and on the third march the troops faced about
-and retreated. The rain set in with such violence as to destroy the
-tents;--the artillery and baggage oxen and camels died in great
-numbers;--much of the baggage was abandoned;--the soldiers had to
-drag the guns through the cotton-grounds waist-deep in water;--no
-cover or shelter for officers or soldiers;--the inhabitants dying in
-great numbers from famine;--the European soldiers dying also from
-excessive fatigue, the inclemency of the weather and privation;--the
-native troops and followers also perishing in great numbers: such
-were the distressing circumstances under which this retrograde
-movement was executed, but, by the perseverance of the Europeans,
-the guns were preserved, and the troops arrived at Ongein, where the
-Sixty-fifth, EIGHTY-SIXTH, and artillery, were accommodated with a
-building in the fort. This force had been reduced by its sufferings,
-from six to three thousand men.
-
-Exertions were made to re-equip this diminished force for the field,
-and orders being received to advance, it was again in motion in the
-middle of October, advancing in the direction of Kota and Rhampoorae,
-and capturing, on the route, the hill fort of _Inglehur_ by escalade,
-also several other small forts.
-
-The army of Holkar was routed and dispersed by the troops under
-General Lord Lake; but the war was protracted by the defection of the
-Rajah of Bhurtpore, and the EIGHTY-SIXTH were destined to transfer
-their services to the rajah’s dominions.
-
-[Sidenote: 1805]
-
-Reinforcements having arrived from Bombay, Major-General Jones
-assumed the command, and marched towards the city of _Bhurtpore_,
-the capital of the hostile rajah’s territory[5]. After a long and
-harassing march, the troops approached that fortress on the 10th of
-February, 1805, when a large body of hostile horsemen surrounded
-the column and impeded its movements across a level country. Half
-the force was employed in protecting the baggage, and the guns were
-repeatedly unlimbered, to keep the adverse cavalry at a distance. On
-the following day, Major-General Jones’s division joined the army
-before Bhurtpore, and was inspected by Lord Lake, who expressed
-his satisfaction at the bearing of the troops. The soldiers of the
-Sixty-fifth and EIGHTY-SIXTH presented a motley appearance: their
-worn-out uniforms were patched with various colours, or replaced by
-red cotton jackets; many of the men wore sandals in the place of
-shoes, and turbans instead of hats; but beneath this outward war-worn
-appearance, the innate courage of Britons still glowed.
-
-The siege of Bhurtpore had unfortunately been undertaken without a
-battering train of sufficient weight, and necessary to insure the
-reduction of so strong a fortress; the siege was, however, persevered
-in. At three o’clock, on the 20th of February, two hundred and fifty
-men of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, and two companies of Sepoys, commanded by
-Captain Grant, of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, stormed an out-work, covering
-one of the principal gates, with the bayonet, driving the Arabs,
-who fought with their usual determination, into the city, and
-capturing eleven brass guns; in which service Lieutenants Lanphier
-and D’Aguilar distinguished themselves, the former receiving a
-spear wound in the neck. As the Arabs fled to the gate, Captain
-Grant followed, in the hope of being able to enter with them, but
-he found it closed, and, after destroying the fugitives, who were
-shut out, he retired to the Pettah, to await the result of the
-other attacks, which did not succeed. While the soldiers of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH and Sepoys were dragging the captured guns to the camp,
-they were attacked by a numerous body of the enemy, who issued from
-the fortress to retake the guns, but were repulsed by the steady
-valour of the soldiers. Captain Grant formed a square round the guns,
-and under a heavy fire from the Fort, succeeded in bringing them to
-camp; this was the only successful part of this attack. The enemy’s
-numerous cavalry also attacked the British camp, but were defeated
-by the troops not engaged in the trenches, or in the assault. Lord
-Lake commended the determined bravery of the storming party of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH in orders, and directed the captured guns to be placed
-in front of the camp of the regiment,--a mark of distinction highly
-prized by the corps, and by the Bombay division of the army to which
-they belonged.
-
-At three o’clock on the following day, the flank companies of the
-Sixty-fifth and EIGHTY-SIXTH, supported by the Seventy-fifth and
-Seventy-sixth regiments, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Monson, stormed
-a large and high bastion. After passing the ditch, the forlorn hope
-was destroyed in attempting to ascend the breach, which was extremely
-steep, and knee-deep in mud and loose stones. Every effort was
-made, the men climbing over the dead bodies of their comrades, and
-struggling to gain the rampart, but in vain. Some strove to climb
-by the shot holes made by the British guns, and others drove their
-bayonets into the mud walls to ascend by, while the enemy above
-hurled large stones, logs of timber, packs of flaming oiled cotton,
-and jars filled with combustibles, upon their heads, with a terrible
-destruction; the killed and wounded lay by hundreds, crushed beneath
-the falling timbers, or burning under the flaming oiled cloth, when
-Lieut.-Colonel Monson, seeing the impossibility of succeeding,
-ordered the survivors to return to the camp.
-
-In the two attacks, the EIGHTY-SIXTH had two serjeants and
-twenty-three rank and file killed; Captain Moreton, Lieutenants
-Travers, Baird, Lanphier, D’Aguilar, one serjeant, one drummer, and
-seventy-three rank and file wounded. A great number of the wounded
-soldiers died. Lieutenant Baird received five wounds; Lieutenant
-Lanphier was wounded on each day; this officer and Lieutenant
-D’Aguilar distinguished themselves on both occasions. Serjeant
-George Ibertson was commended in regimental orders for his conduct
-at the breach, and Corporal Crawford was rewarded with the rank of
-serjeant, for his behaviour on this occasion.
-
-The capture of Bhurtpore without additional means, being found
-impracticable, the British withdrew from before that fortress, and
-proceeded to Dhoolpore; negotiations for peace having been concluded,
-the army was broken up in May; the Bengal troops proceeding to
-Muttra, and the Bombay division to Tonk, where they remained during
-the monsoon in huts.
-
-After the rainy season, the Bombay force commenced its march,
-proceeding through the territories of the Rajah of Jeypore, in
-pursuit of the forces of Holkar, who was still in the field. Having
-been chased to the banks of the Hyphasis river, on the borders of the
-great desert, the Mahratta chieftain was forced to submit, and the
-war was terminated by a treaty of peace[6].
-
-In orders dated Riapoora Ghaut, on the left bank of the Hyphasis,
-13th December, 1805, General Lord Lake returned thanks to
-Major-General Jones, the officers, and soldiers, of the division of
-the army from Bombay, for the important services rendered by them
-during the war; and, alluding to the period they had been under his
-immediate command, added, “His Lordship has been proud to witness, on
-every occasion on which they have been employed, the steady conduct
-and gallantry in action of all the troops composing the division.”
-
-[Sidenote: 1806]
-
-From the banks of the Hyphasis, near the spot where Alexander
-the Great crossed that river when he invaded India, the regiment
-commenced its march for Bombay, where it arrived on the 29th of
-March, 1806, and embarking for Goa, landed on the rock of Aguada on
-the 3rd of April, after a most active and harassing service of more
-than five years, during which period it had sailed up the Red Sea,
-crossed the desert twice, served a campaign in Egypt, traversed the
-north and western provinces of India from Bombay to Bhurtpore, and
-received the thanks of Lord Lake on the banks of the Hyphasis; having
-sustained a loss of Lieut.-Colonel Robinson, Captains Maclaurin and
-Macquarrie, Lieutenants Harvey, Price, and Wilson, Ensigns Massey,
-Ellison, McKay, Leovick, and upwards of a thousand non-commissioned
-officers and soldiers.
-
-In October of this year, Lieutenant-General Craig, K.B., was removed
-to the Twenty-second Foot, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the
-_Eighty-sixth_ by Lieut.-General Sir Charles Ross, Baronet, from the
-Eighty-fifth regiment.
-
-At Goa, the regiment was joined by a detachment, consisting of
-Lieutenant Michael Creagh, Ensigns Blackall, Hillhouse, Paymaster
-Cope, and thirty non-commissioned officers and soldiers. This
-detachment was employed under Major-General Sir David Baird, at the
-capture of the Cape of Good Hope, in January, 1806, when Lieutenant
-Creagh was wounded. The strength of the regiment was also augmented
-with two hundred and thirteen volunteers from the Seventy-seventh, on
-that corps embarking from England.
-
-In this year, His Majesty was pleased to change the designation of
-the corps to the “EIGHTY-SIXTH, OR LEINSTER REGIMENT OF FOOT.”
-
-Lieut.-Colonel Hastings Fraser, having arrived in India, overland
-from Europe, assumed the command, and Major Cuyler embarked for
-England.
-
-[Sidenote: 1808]
-
-In February, 1808, Captain John Grant obtained permission to return
-to England, when it was stated in general orders,--“The Honourable
-the Governor in Council cannot allow Captain Grant to depart, without
-being accompanied by this testimonial to the credit which that
-meritorious officer has done to the British arms, during his service
-in India, at the siege of Baroda, the capture of the important
-fortress of Baroach and Powanghur, and particularly in the arduous
-and successful attack of the column which Captain Grant commanded
-on the 20th of February, 1805, at the siege of Bhurtpore, on which
-occasion, he most gallantly carried the enemy’s post, and captured
-the whole of their guns, being eleven in number, &c., &c., &c.”
-
-[Sidenote: 1809]
-
-Orders having been received for the removal of the EIGHTY-SIXTH,
-to form part of a field force to be assembled in the Presidency of
-Madras, the following declaration was issued by the Viceroy and
-Captain-General of the Portuguese possessions in Asia, dated Palace
-of Panjam, 16th August, 1809.
-
-“On the departure of His Britannic Majesty’s EIGHTY-SIXTH regiment
-from Goa, His Excellency the Viceroy and Captain-General of the
-Portuguese possessions in Asia avails himself of the opportunity to
-express his sentiments of praise and admiration of the regular order
-and conduct which Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, the officers and soldiers
-of that corps, have so honourably observed during a period of three
-years, which they have been employed in the territories subject to
-his authority, so highly creditable to the discipline of that corps.
-
-“His Excellency the Viceroy will never forget the invariable
-harmony which has always subsisted between the subjects of His Royal
-Highness the Prince Regent of Portugal and all ranks of His Britannic
-Majesty’s EIGHTY-SIXTH regiment, whose remembrance will be always
-grateful to him; and he doubts not they will continue to acquire, in
-whatever part of the world their services may be called for, glorious
-claims on the rewards of their Sovereign, and the admiration of their
-country.”
-
-Leaving Goa, the regiment proceeded in boats up the river to
-Candiaparr, from whence it ascended the ghauts. The monsoon
-having set in, the men suffered much from the incessant rains and
-inundations, and after a long march through the Mahratta territories,
-arrived at Bellary, on the 15th of September. The second battalion
-of the First or the Royals, the EIGHTY-SIXTH, and two battalions of
-Sepoys formed the first brigade, under Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, to
-which Lieutenant Michael Creagh was appointed brigade-major. A large
-force assembled under Colonel Conran, of the Royals, but the native
-troops, against which it was prepared to act, returned to their duty;
-when the EIGHTY-SIXTH garrisoned Bellary and Gooty. Captain James
-Burke, and many non-commissioned officers and soldiers, died from
-the effects of the fatigues they had undergone. Soon afterwards, the
-regiment returned to Goa.
-
-[Sidenote: 1810]
-
-After a few weeks’ repose, the regiment was selected to form part of
-an expedition against the French island of _Bourbon_; it embarked
-on the 5th of March, 1810, and sailed on the following day. On
-entering Cannonore harbour, one transport struck on a rock, and
-was lost. After calling at Quillon and Point de Galle, for water
-and provisions, the fleet sailed for Madras, where the regiment
-landed on the 13th of April, and encamped at St. Thomas’ Mount.
-From Madras, the expedition sailed under the command of Colonel
-Fraser, consisting of the Sixty-ninth and EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiments,
-Sixth and Twelfth Madras Native Infantry, &c., &c., &c., and on
-arrival at the Island of Roderiguez, Lieut.-Colonel Keating, of
-the Fifty-sixth Regiment, assumed the command, having with him a
-detachment of the Fifty-sixth, and some Bombay Sepoys. The land force
-was divided into three brigades; the first brigade was commanded
-by Lieutenant-Colonel Hastings Fraser, of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, with
-Lieutenant Michael Creagh, brigade-major; and the second brigade was
-under Lieut.-Colonel Drummond, of the same corps, with Lieutenant
-Richardson, brigade-major.
-
-The van of the expedition, consisting of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment,
-one hundred and eighty rank and file of the Sixth Madras Native
-Infantry, a small detachment of artillery, and fifty pioneers, under
-Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, with difficulty effected
-a landing at Grand Chaloupe, about one o’clock on the 7th of July.
-On gaining the shore, the light company of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, under
-Lieutenant Archibald McLean, supported by the grenadiers under
-Captain Lanphier, dashed forward to drive back parties of the enemy’s
-riflemen, who kept up a harassing fire, and to secure possession of
-the heights; which service was performed with great gallantry. The
-other part of the regiment having landed, pressed forward to the
-heights above _St. Denis_, and, as the sun was setting, approached
-to within range of the enemy’s batteries. The violence of the surf
-had become so great that the other divisions could not land, and the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH, in consequence, fell back to the heights, where they
-were joined during the night, by the Sepoys, pioneers, and artillery,
-with one 4½ inch howitzer.
-
-At four o’clock on the morning of the 8th of July, the EIGHTY-SIXTH
-commenced descending the mountain, leaving the Sepoys on the summit
-to defend the rear; their advance-guard was soon discovered by the
-enemy’s post, and at day-light the regiment was assailed by a heavy
-fire of cannon, mortars, and musketry; at the same time some of the
-enemy’s riflemen attempted to gain the road on its right. The light
-company, supported by the grenadiers, and followed by the regiment,
-descended the mountain at a running pace. Two columns of the enemy,
-having each a field-piece, and being supported by the heavy guns
-of the redoubt, opened a sharp fire of grape and musketry; but,
-as the EIGHTY-SIXTH arrived on the plain, they closed on their
-adversaries with the bayonet. This spirited conduct decided the
-contest; the opposing ranks, unable to withstand the shock of steel,
-faced about and fled. Their commandant, M. de St. Luzanne, escaped
-with difficulty, and their second in command was wounded and taken
-prisoner by Captain Lanphier.
-
-The enemy attempted to re-form behind the parapet of the redoubt, but
-they were pressed so closely by the grenadiers, that they abandoned
-it, leaving a brass six-pounder behind, which was immediately turned
-against themselves. The haulyards of the flag-staff in the redoubt
-were shot away, but Corporal William Hall, of the EIGHTY-SIXTH,
-climbed the staff under an incessant fire of round-shot and musketry,
-and fixed the King’s colour of the regiment to it. The French
-soldiers viewed this daring feat with admiration, and as he descended
-the staff unhurt, they raised a loud shout; at the same time, the
-seamen of the fleet off the shore, who had witnessed the gallant
-charge, hailed the well-known flag of the regiment which waved on
-the redoubt by a loud huzza, which ran from ship to ship as they
-passed; at the same time the grenadiers of the regiment stormed two
-batteries, capturing nine twenty-four-pounders, a twelve-inch mortar,
-and a furnace of red-hot shot.
-
-The position seized was held by the regiment, the guns of the
-captured redoubt answering the incessant fire of the enemy, until
-the arrival of additional troops. At four o’clock the enemy
-attempted to retake the redoubt, but were repulsed with the loss of
-their commanding officer, who was taken prisoner. About this time
-Lieut.-Colonel Drummond’s brigade arrived, and the enemy sent out a
-flag of truce; Lieut.-Colonel Keating having joined, the surrender of
-the island of Bourbon to the British arms was concluded by him.
-
-Colonel Fraser stated in his despatch, “I cannot conclude without
-requesting permission to offer my humble tribute of praise to the
-noble spirit which animated every individual of my detachment; from
-Major Edwards,[7] who commanded the regiment, I received the greatest
-assistance; Captain Lanphier, Lieutenant Archibald McLean, and
-every officer and soldier of the corps, displayed the most ardent
-valour, which must have been conspicuous to the whole force off
-the coast, who witnessed their conduct.” “To Lieutenant Creagh, my
-brigade-major, I was highly indebted for his unremitted exertions and
-attention to the duties of his station, from the beginning of the
-service I was sent on, to the moment when he was struck by a cannon
-ball, while he was in the act of encouraging our artillerymen in the
-redoubt, which, I fear, will deprive his Sovereign and his country of
-the services of a most promising officer.”
-
-The loss of the regiment on this occasion was Lieutenant John Graham
-Munro[8], of the grenadier company, killed during the charge; Major
-Edwards, (commanding the regiment,) Captain Lanphier, Lieutenants
-Michael Creagh, (brigade-major,) Archibald McLean, Blackhall,
-Webb, and White, wounded; also three serjeants, two drummers, and
-seventy-five rank and file killed and wounded.
-
-The following statement appeared in regimental orders on the 9th of
-July:--“It affords Major Edwards great pleasure, in having received
-Lieut.-Colonel Fraser’s directions, to confirm the appointment of
-Captain Lanphier[9] to the grenadier company, a distinction to which
-that officer is well entitled for the gallant manner in which he led
-the brave grenadiers to the assault of the redoubt and batteries.
-
-“The conduct of the light infantry under Lieutenant Archibald McLean,
-has on all occasions been equally distinguished, and Major Edwards
-sincerely laments the severe wound that gallant officer has received,
-but trusts he will soon be restored to the service.
-
-“Major Edwards has great pleasure in confirming Lieutenant
-Blackhall’s appointment to the grenadiers; he regrets the wound
-received by that officer, but hopes it will not prevent his joining
-that company which he animated by his zeal and example.
-
-“The conduct of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers
-of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment, is above all praise; they have fought
-the enemy with every species of disadvantage and deprivation; they
-have borne the latter without a murmur, and their determined valour
-has achieved victory. In spite of every obstacle, they have nobly
-sustained the character of their country, and it will be gratifying
-to their feelings to know that their gallant exertions have been
-witnessed and applauded by the whole of the British force off the
-shore.
-
-“Major Edwards cannot conclude without expressing his regret for
-the loss of Lieutenant Munro, of the grenadiers, and the brave men
-who have fallen on this occasion; their memory, however, will long
-survive, and be held dear in the recollection of the regiment. Most
-sincerely does he regret the severe wound received by Lieutenant
-Michael Creagh; but which, he hopes, will not deprive the service of
-that valuable and gallant officer; and he trusts the wounds received
-by Lieutenant White, will not long prevent him joining the corps.
-
-“Corporal William Hall, who hoisted the King’s colour on the redoubt,
-is appointed serjeant for his gallant conduct, in the room of
-Serjeant Millan, killed.
-
-“Private John Moore, of the light infantry, is appointed corporal,
-for his gallant behaviour on the 8th instant.”
-
-The conduct of the regiment was highly commended in detachment orders
-by Lieut.-Colonel Keating.
-
-On the morning of the 9th of July, the flank companies of the
-regiment marched into St. Denis, and entering the principal battery,
-struck the tricoloured flag of France, and hoisted the King’s colour
-of the EIGHTY-SIXTH; they were followed by the regiment, when the
-French garrison grounded their arms and embarked for the Cape of Good
-Hope.
-
-Representation having been made of the gallant behaviour of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH at the reduction of this island, the royal authority
-was given for their bearing the word “BOURBON” on their colours and
-appointments, as a mark of their Sovereign’s approbation, and to
-commemorate their gallantry on this occasion.
-
-Bourbon and the Isle of France had been blockaded some time; the
-capture of the former emboldening the British navy, a small fleet
-ventured within the Isle de Passe, on the south-west side of the
-Isle of France, where one British ship was burnt and sunk, and
-several disabled, which gave the enemy a superiority at sea, when
-their frigates menaced the batteries of Bourbon. The “Africaine”
-frigate arriving from England short of hands, Lieutenant W. Home,
-a serjeant, and twenty-five men of the EIGHTY-SIXTH went on board,
-and this frigate, and the “Boadicea,” having put to sea under
-Commodore Rowley, came up with, and engaged, two French frigates.
-The “Boadicea” was becalmed astern, the “Africaine” fought the two
-French ships until Captain Corbett and one hundred and sixty of
-his crew were killed and wounded, when the frigate being a complete
-wreck, she struck her colours, but Commodore Rowley coming up with
-the “Boadicea,” the enemy made sail, and the shattered frigate was
-towed into St. Paul’s. Only three of the soldiers of the EIGHTY-SIXTH
-escaped; six having been killed, and Lieutenant Home and seventeen
-wounded.
-
-In September, the “Ceylon” frigate, having Major-General Abercromby
-and staff, also Lieutenant Clarke and twenty-five men of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH, on board, was captured by the “La Venus” French
-frigate, after a severe action, in which both ships were dismasted;
-but Commodore Rowley appeared in the “Boadicea,” re-captured the
-“Ceylon,” and took the “La Venus.”
-
-General Sir Charles Ross having been removed to the Thirty-seventh
-Foot, was succeeded in the colonelcy of the EIGHTY-SIXTH by
-Major-General the Honourable Francis Needham, from the Fifth Royal
-Veteran Battalion.
-
-Lieut.-Colonel Hastings Fraser was rewarded for his conduct before
-St. Denis on the 8th of July, with the dignity of Companion of the
-Bath, the officers of the EIGHTY-SIXTH regiment presented him with
-a sword, and those of his brigade, in the Company’s service, with a
-valuable piece of plate.
-
-[Sidenote: 1811]
-
-The EIGHTY-SIXTH were removed to the Isle of France in March, 1811,
-that island having also been captured, and were there joined by
-Ensigns J. Creagh and J. Grant, Assistant-Surgeon Bell, and a few
-recruits from Europe, being part of a detachment which had been sent
-to India.
-
-[Sidenote: 1812]
-
-Orders having been received for the return of the regiment to India,
-it sailed from Port Louis on the 9th of January, 1812, and landing
-at Madras on the 21st of February, encamped on the South Beach until
-the departure of the Thirty-third regiment for England, when it
-occupied Fort St. George where Captain Impey and sixty-eight recruits
-were awaiting its arrival.
-
-The gallant behaviour of the regiment during the Mahratta war, and
-at the reduction of the island of Bourbon, had been represented to
-their Royal Highnesses the Prince Regent, and the Duke of York, then
-Commander-in-Chief, who never failed to reward merit in individuals
-or corps, was brought to their notice, and in May, 1812, the royal
-authority was given for this corps being styled the “EIGHTY-SIXTH, OR
-ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT OF FOOT;” at the same time the facing was
-changed from yellow to blue, the lace from silver to gold; the Irish
-“HARP AND CROWN” was placed on the buttons, and the “HARP” was added
-to the distinctions displayed on the regimental colours.
-
-[Sidenote: 1813]
-
-In January, 1813, the regiment commenced its march from Madras for
-Goa, but when ascending the Pada-naig-droog Ghauts, it received
-orders to proceed to Vellore, where Lieutenants Jacob and Kirkland,
-Ensigns Munro, McLean, McQuarrie, Kennedy, and McLoughlin, with two
-hundred and seventeen soldiers, joined from England.
-
-Captain Impey, (brevet-major,) and Lieutenant White, died, in May,
-much regretted.
-
-At the end of August the regiment left Vellore, and marched through
-the Calistry country, a distance of four hundred miles, to the fort
-of Masulipatam. It was overtaken by the monsoon when on the march,
-near the Kistna river, and for several days the soldiers had to wade
-through the cotton-grounds, which occasioned much illness in the
-regiment, and the loss of several men after arriving in garrison at
-Masulipatam in October.
-
-[Sidenote: 1814]
-
-In the mean time the war with France was being prosecuted in Europe
-with the utmost vigour, and the strength of the EIGHTY-SIXTH being
-considerably above the establishment, in consequence of receiving
-volunteers from the militia, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent was
-pleased to order a _second battalion_ to be added to the regiment, in
-February, 1814, and to bear date from the 25th of December, 1813.
-
-The second battalion was formed at Hythe, under the superintendence
-of Major Baird; it consisted of four companies of fine soldiers,
-and in March they proceeded to Colchester, under orders to embark
-for Holland; but the abdication of Bonaparte, and the restoration
-of peace, precluded the necessity of their quitting England. The
-battalion returned to Hythe in October, and afterwards proceeded to
-Deal, where it was disbanded, two hundred and sixty officers and
-soldiers embarking for India to join the first battalion.
-
-Previous to this date, a detachment consisting of Captain Michael
-Creagh, Lieutenants Home and Perry, Ensigns Goold, Bradford, Caddell,
-Henry, and Moreton, had joined at Masulipatam, bringing the new
-regimental colours.
-
-[Sidenote: 1815]
-
-In January, 1815, the left wing marched, under the command of Captain
-Williams, for Hyderabad, to join the force subsidized by His Highness
-the Nizam, and arrived on the 2nd of February at the cantonment of
-Secunderabad.
-
-On the 11th of September, Major Baird, Captain Edwards, Lieutenants
-McLaurin, Webb, Leche, and Hodson, Ensigns Stuart, Law, Russell,
-Holland and Home, with sixteen serjeants and two hundred and thirty
-rank and file, (the effectives of the late second battalion,) arrived
-at Masulipatam.
-
-[Sidenote: 1816]
-
-In January, 1816, the head-quarters were removed to Hyderabad, where
-they remained nine mouths, and afterwards returned to Masulipatam,
-where Captain Chadwick had arrived, with forty-six recruits, from
-England, in the preceding August.
-
-[Sidenote: 1817]
-
-During the period the regiment was stationed at Masulipatam and
-Hyderabad, it performed much severe duty in consequence of the
-numerous incursions into the British territories of the barbarous
-hordes of predatory horsemen, called _Pindarees_, whose plundering
-enterprises, executed on swift horses, were conducted so as to baffle
-the efforts of the troops sent to intercept them. In 1817, the
-right wing at Masulipatam furnished detachments in the field under
-Captains Williams, Morrice, and Creagh, in the Ganjam district, on
-the banks of the Kistna, and towards Vizagapatam; the left wing was
-also frequently called out; but the movements of the _Pindarees_ were
-performed with so much celerity, that few of these plunderers were
-captured.
-
-Two of the Nizam’s sons rebelled, put several of his adherents to
-death, and threatened to depose their father; when the left wing
-of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, a battalion of sepoys, and two guns, were
-ordered to enter the city of Hyderabad, preceded by two battalions
-of the Nizam’s regular infantry under European officers, with two
-six-pounders. The Nizam’s battalions were attacked by the insurgents
-in a narrow street, and overpowered, with the loss of fifty officers
-and soldiers and one gun. The light company of the EIGHTY-SIXTH,
-with sixty pioneers under Lieutenant James Creagh, being in advance
-recovered the gun, and covered the removal of the killed and wounded
-to a square, where the two native battalions had retreated and taken
-post. On the appearance of Europeans, the insurgents dispersed; the
-rebel Princes surrendered and were sent prisoners to the fort of
-Golconda, when order was restored.
-
-The left wing marched for Masulipatam during the hot season, which
-occasioned several deaths. On one occasion, Lieutenant Taylor and
-two soldiers were interred with difficulty, from the decomposed
-state of their bodies, although they had been dead only a few hours.
-On another occasion the guides led the column by a wrong road,
-occasioning a long and harassing march, which proved fatal to several
-men.
-
-[Sidenote: 1818]
-
-The flank companies marched from Masulipatam in January, 1818, under
-Captain Michael Creagh, and with two troops of native cavalry and
-a company of sepoy grenadiers, proceeded to Datchapilly, on the
-borders of the Nizam’s dominions, to protect the frontiers from the
-depredations of the Pindarees.
-
-Orders for the return of the regiment to England were issued in
-1816, but countermanded in consequence of the hostile conduct of
-the Pindarees: they were repeated in April, 1818, when the regiment
-commenced its march for Madras, and when within one stage of that
-place, the route was changed to Wallaghabad. Previous to embarking
-the regiment was inspected by Major-General Brown, commanding the
-centre division, who expressed in orders,--“To Colonel Hastings
-Fraser, his greatest approbation of the good conduct and discipline
-of the regiment since it had been under his command in the centre
-division, in the attainment of which he had been so ably supported by
-the officers of the corps.”
-
-While the regiment was waiting to embark, the “Orlando” frigate
-arrived at Madras, from _Ceylon_, with an application from the
-governor, General Sir Robert Brownrigg, for immediate aid to suppress
-the hostile aggressions of the Kandians inhabiting the interior of
-the island; the mortality among the European troops, employed in the
-interior, being so great, as to render further aid indispensable. The
-flank companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH were completed to one hundred
-rank and file each, and embarked on board the frigate to proceed
-on this service[10]; they landed at Trincomalee on the 12th of
-September, and made preparations for penetrating the interior, during
-which time Major Marston was taken ill.
-
-From Trincomalee the flank companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH sailed, on
-the 18th of September, under Captain M. Creagh, and landing on the
-21st, encamped near the fort of Batticoloe, where the sick men of
-the Nineteenth and Seventy-third Regiments, sent from the interior,
-were dying fast; a hundred had been buried close to the tents of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH, and several deaths occurred daily.
-
-On the 25th of September, the flank companies of the regiment again
-embarked in open boats, and proceeding during the night up the lake,
-landed on the following day at Mandoor, from whence they marched
-through thick jungle, thirteen miles up a gradual ascent, exposed to
-heavy rain, to the Mangalar river. On the 29th they traversed twelve
-miles of uncultivated ground, fording several streams, to the post
-of Chinna Kandy, commanded by Lieutenant Robinson, of the Nineteenth
-Regiment, whose detachment was suffering severely from ague and fever.
-
-Fifteen miles of rugged country, covered with underwood destitute of
-roads, and infested with wild elephants, were traversed on the 1st of
-October, to the post of Kataboa, commanded by Captain Ritchie, of the
-Seventy-third Regiment, who had buried nearly a hundred men of his
-detachment at this place, and of the seventy Europeans left alive,
-the captain and assistant surgeon were the only persons free from
-fever. At this place the EIGHTY-SIXTH were joined by seventy rank and
-file of the Ceylon corps, under Lieutenant Noonan, who was to act as
-interpreter and guide.
-
-The march was resumed on the 3rd of October, through a wild region,
-where elephants, buffaloes, hogs, and deer were seen in abundance,
-also pea and jungle fowl, but no human beings, and on the 6th the two
-companies arrived at Palwatee, together with Lieutenant Stuart, of
-the Ceylon corps, and a chieftain and his followers, who had joined
-on the preceding day.
-
-Having arrived in the districts infested by the insurgent Kandians,
-parties of the EIGHTY-SIXTH, and Ceylon corps, were out day and
-night scouring the hills, and for three weeks the soldiers were
-actively employed in the mountains searching for the haunts of the
-rebel chiefs, and their followers,--pursuing them from place to
-place,--taking many prisoners,--also making seizures of muskets,
-bows, arrows, and other military stores. Private Stanton, of the
-light company, was seized by an elephant, which broke his musket,
-tore off his belts, and threw him some distance into the jungle,
-causing his death. During the absence of the parties, the camp was
-attacked, by a body of Kandians, in the night, but the skilful
-arrangements of the officers in charge preserved the soldiers from
-injury, and the fire of a cohorn put the insurgents to flight.
-Captain A. McLean died from fever, much regretted.
-
-The health of the soldiers suffered from excessive fatigue, bad
-provisions, constant exposure to the sun, rain, and heavy dews, and
-their legs and feet were ulcerated with leech-bites,--every pool,
-stream, bush, and blade of grass being infested with leeches, which
-obliged the officers and soldiers to march barefoot, with their
-trousers cut off at the knee, that they might detect the leeches.
-Sickness increasing rapidly, and all the Coolies,--natives of
-India who accompanied the troops to carry provision, ammunition,
-&c.,--being attacked, Captain Creagh marched his men from the low
-country, to the hilly districts, taking post at Hotpeira, where
-Lieutenant Goold, with a small detachment, had erected a shed, and
-collected a supply of grain and cattle.
-
-Lieutenant Goold proceeded with as many sick as means of conveyance
-could be procured for, to Badula, where the camp was frequently
-attacked in the night by the wild elephants, the tents, huts, and
-sheds destroyed, and several natives and followers killed; but the
-soldiers all escaped unhurt.
-
-Detachments were constantly employed day and night searching out the
-haunts of the insurgent chiefs, and making many captures, including
-the crown, jewels, horse, and favourite elephant of the Kandian king.
-
-Overthrown in every rencounter, and chased from place to place with
-diminished numbers, the Kandians lost all hope of success; the
-leaders in the insurrection tendered their submission, the lower
-orders followed their example, and tranquillity was at last restored.
-
-In the mean time the eight battalion companies of the regiment
-had arrived at the island of Ceylon, but their services not being
-required, they returned to Madras, leaving one company at Trincomalee.
-
-The services of the flank companies of the EIGHTY-SIXTH being no
-longer required, they were relieved by the Ceylon corps, and marched
-to Badula, where, in garrison orders, dated the 19th of November, the
-following order appeared:--“Colonel McDonell performs a pleasing duty
-in bearing his public testimony of his entire approbation of the good
-conduct and patience, which, (under so many trying difficulties,)
-have distinguished the detachment of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment. He
-requests Captain Creagh will be pleased to convey to the officers and
-men, his unqualified thanks for their services, &c., &c.”
-
-From Badula the two flank companies, reduced to five officers, two
-serjeants, two drummers, and sixty-six rank and file, commenced
-their march on the 20th of November; the periodical rains had set
-in, and the rivers were so full and rapid, that much difficulty was
-experienced. On arriving at Kataboa, Captain Ritchie’s detachment was
-found nearly annihilated. At this place an elephant was procured,
-to convey the stores and men across the rivers; and the march was
-continued to Chinna Kandy, where the military establishment was found
-in a state of ruin. Lieutenant Robinson had left the post sick,--the
-three serjeants had died,--the defences were destroyed by the wild
-elephants,--the building containing the provisions was washed away by
-the rains, and the few surviving men were unable to move: with much
-difficulty a small supply was recovered from the wreck, for the use
-of the detachment.
-
-From these statements, some idea may be formed of the vicissitudes
-of actual service, the casualties of climate, the privations and
-sufferings which chequer the career of those who embrace the military
-profession, and the sacrifice of valuable life by which colonial
-possessions are acquired and retained, and many national benefits
-obtained and preserved[11].
-
-After a march of ten days, exposed to almost incessant rain, the
-flank companies arrived at Mandoor, where they halted forty-eight
-hours to recover, and afterwards sailed down the lake to Batticoloe,
-from whence they were directed to march, through a low flat country
-almost covered with water, to Trincomalee, instead of proceeding
-thither by sea, as had been expected.
-
-Two canoes and the elephant were sent forward; the men proceeded
-forty miles in boats along the coast, then landed and marched ten
-days, through a country almost covered with water, with scarcely
-sufficient ground to rest upon. The tents were destroyed by the wet,
-and abandoned; the elephant proceeded in advance, feeling for the
-rivers; the canoes, conveying the sick, were dragged by Coolies and
-soldiers wading in the water, and in this state the two companies
-reached Cottiar bay, on the 18th of December. Boats being in
-readiness, they embarked for Trincomalee, and with difficulty crossed
-the bar; soon afterwards the wind changed, the sea became rough, and
-it was found impracticable either to prosecute the voyage, or to
-return across the bar with leaky open boats. With much danger and
-difficulty they gained a rock in the bay, where the soldiers passed
-the night, huddled together, menaced with being swept off when the
-tide arose, and destitute of provisions and fresh water. The wind
-and rain abating, they again embarked on the following morning, and
-on arriving at the inner harbour, were met by the boats of the ships
-of war, which had been cruizing for them, but were unable, from
-the roughness of the weather, to rescue them from their perilous
-situation, on the preceding night. On passing the “Orlando” frigate,
-the seamen cheered, but the soldiers gave a feeble response. On
-landing, twelve men were sent to the hospital, four lieutenants, one
-serjeant, two drummers, and forty-seven rank and file, under Captain
-Creagh, in rags, their feet and legs bare, and ulcerated, emaciated
-and tottering from exhaustion and hunger, entered the fort; the
-pitiable remains of two hundred picked men, who marched out only
-three months before, forming two fine flank companies equal to any
-service.
-
-On landing, Lieutenant William Home, found his brother, Ensign Home,
-dead in the hospital. Ensign Home belonged to a battalion company
-of the regiment, part of which was detached at Minnery,--a most
-unhealthy post, where nearly all the non-commissioned officers and
-soldiers had died.
-
-Two days after the arrival of the flank companies of the
-EIGHTY-SIXTH, from the interior, a General Order was issued, in which
-the Commander of the Forces in Ceylon expressed his “acknowledgments
-to Major Marston, Captain Creagh, and to all the officers and
-soldiers of that distinguished corps, for the gallant and important
-services rendered by them in suppressing the Kandian rebellion, at
-the same time, he cannot conceal the deep regret he feels at the
-severe loss which has fallen on the detachment, and the death of a
-gallant officer, Captain Archibald McLean, and many brave soldiers.”
-
-General Sir Robert Brownrigg also states, “Captain Creagh’s gallant
-and most useful services in the command of the flank companies
-of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment, during the Kandian war, under very
-trying circumstances, was such, as to entitle him to the favourable
-notice of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, and to the best
-commendation I can bestow on him.”
-
-[Sidenote: 1819]
-
-On the 15th of January, 1819, the detachment embarked, and, after
-putting to sea, was driven back by contrary winds, but landed
-at Madras, on the 5th of February, and joined the regiment at
-Poonamalee, on the same evening. The health of the party was not
-re-established, and Lieutenant Caddell, Assistant-Surgeon Bell, and
-several soldiers, died after their arrival at Madras.
-
-The period for the return of the regiment to Europe, having arrived,
-the following statement appeared in General Orders, dated Madras, 6th
-March, 1819,--“The Lieut.-General has traced with gratification, the
-well-earned tributes of applause, bestowed by successive governments,
-and commanders, in commendation of the numerous instances of
-gallantry and efficiency displayed during the active and varied
-service in which His Majesty’s EIGHTY-SIXTH, or ROYAL COUNTY DOWN
-Regiment of Foot, has been engaged since its arrival in the East
-Indies; and Colonel Fraser, the officers, and men, are requested to
-accept His Excellency’s thanks for the correct and orderly conduct of
-the corps.”
-
-In general orders by government, dated the 20th of March, 1819, it
-was stated,--
-
-“The meritorious conduct of His Majesty’s Twenty-fifth Light
-Dragoons, and EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment of Foot, in every situation
-where they have been employed during the long period of their
-services in India, has been brought under the notice of government,
-in a particular manner, by His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief,
-as establishing for them strong claims to its consideration; and
-the honourable mention which has been made by his Excellency the
-Commander-in-Chief, has been coupled with the expression of his
-Excellency’s wish, that their services may meet with the same
-acknowledgment, on their approaching departure, as, in general
-orders, dated 27th August, 1805, and 11th October, 1806, marked the
-close of the distinguished career of His Majesty’s Seventy-fourth
-Regiment, and Nineteenth Light Dragoons, then returning to England;
-concurring entirely in the commendations which His Majesty’s
-Twenty-fifth Light Dragoons, and EIGHTY-SIXTH Foot, have received
-from the Commander-in-Chief, and entertaining the same high sense
-of their merits and services, the Governor in Council is pleased to
-extend, to the officers of those corps, the indulgence recommended
-by his Excellency, and, accordingly, directs that a donation of
-three months’ full batta be passed to them on the occasion of their
-embarkation for Europe.”
-
-Five hundred and sixty non-commissioned officers and soldiers having
-volunteered to remain in India, transferring their services to other
-corps, the remainder of the regiment sailed for England in April, and
-in October anchored off the Nore, where the ship was placed under
-quarantine, Lieutenant John Campbell and several soldiers having died
-during the voyage.
-
-On the 23rd of October, the regiment landed at Gravesend, after
-an _absence from England of twenty-three years and four months_,
-bringing back only _two individuals_, MAJOR D. MARSTON and
-QUARTER-MASTER R. GILL, who embarked with it in June, 1796, the
-latter as a private.
-
-The regiment joined the depôt companies at Canterbury, where
-Lieut.-Colonel John Johnson succeeded to the lieut.-colonelcy, on the
-promotion of Colonel Fraser, C.B., to the rank of major-general.
-
-[Sidenote: 1820]
-
-During the winter, the regiment marched to Chichester, sending two
-companies to Brighton, and in April, 1820, it was removed to Weedon
-and Northampton, where two hundred and fifty recruits joined from
-Ireland.
-
-[Sidenote: 1821]
-
-[Sidenote: 1822]
-
-In February, 1821, the regiment proceeded to Chatham; in October it
-embarked at Bristol, for Ireland, and, after landing at Waterford,
-occupied quarters at that place, having nine detached parties, until
-April, 1822, when the head-quarters were removed to Naas, and in
-July, the regiment occupied Richmond barracks, Dublin.
-
-[Sidenote: 1823]
-
-From Dublin, the regiment proceeded, in May, 1823, to Athlone, and
-in October to Armagh, where the authority of His Majesty, King George
-IV., was received for bearing the word “INDIA” on the colours and
-appointments, “in consideration of the distinguished conduct of the
-regiment during the period of its service in India, from the year
-1799, to the year 1819.”
-
-[Sidenote: 1824]
-
-[Sidenote: 1825]
-
-[Sidenote: 1826]
-
-In March, 1824, the head-quarters were removed to Newry; in
-January, 1825, the regiment proceeded to Naas; in June it was
-removed to Clonmel[12], and in the spring of 1826, it marched to
-Buttevant,--furnishing numerous detached parties. On quitting the
-south-west district, Major-General Sir Charles Doyle expressed, in a
-letter to the commanding officer, his “entire satisfaction” at the
-conduct of the regiment, while under his orders.
-
-Lieut.-Colonel Johnson retired on half-pay, and was succeeded as
-commanding officer, by Lieut.-Colonel Mallett, C.B., from the
-Eighty-ninth regiment.
-
-In the autumn, the regiment was formed into six _service_, and four
-_depôt_ companies, preparatory to its embarkation for the West
-Indies[13]. In October, the service companies proceeded to Cork,
-leaving the depôt under Captain Stuart, at Buttevant, and embarking
-on board the “Princess Royal,” “Waterloo,” and “Thetis,” transports,
-sailed for Barbadoes, from whence they were ordered to Trinidad and
-Tobago, to relieve the Ninth Regiment, which was about to return
-home. The retirement of Major Baird occasioned Major Michael Creagh
-to return from the West Indies, to take command of the depôt.
-
-[Sidenote: 1827]
-
-At Trinidad, the regiment occupied the Orange-Grove Barracks, until
-the completion of the new barracks at St. James’s. During the year
-1827, Ensign Selway died at Tobago, and the loss by deaths, at the
-two islands of Trinidad and Tobago, amounted to three serjeants,
-forty rank and file, and eleven soldiers’ wives.
-
-[Sidenote: 1828]
-
-In January, 1828, the regiment was relieved by the first battalion of
-the Royal Regiment, and proceeded to the island of Barbadoes, where
-Adjutant Dolman, three serjeants, and fifty-six rank and file, died
-of fevers contracted at Trinidad and Tobago.
-
-[Sidenote: 1829]
-
-[Sidenote: 1830]
-
-The regiment remained at Barbadoes during the year 1829; in January,
-1830, it was removed to Antigua, St. Kitts, and Montserrat.
-
-On the 2nd of December, Major W. Richardson died at Antigua,
-universally regretted by the officers and soldiers of the regiment,
-who testified their regard for his merits, by erecting a monument to
-his memory in the church of Newry, County Down. He was the last of
-the three brothers who served with distinction in the corps.
-
-[Sidenote: 1831]
-
-In March, 1831, the slaves of Antigua, being opposed to the abolition
-of the Sunday market, set fire to several plantations, when a strong
-detachment was sent to protect the town of St. John’s, where it
-remained until tranquillity was restored.
-
-[Sidenote: 1832]
-
-Colonel Mallet, C.B., after having assumed charge of the civil
-government at St. Lucia, died at that island, very much regretted by
-the regiment; and was succeeded, in February, 1832, by Lieut.-Colonel
-MICHAEL CREAGH, from the half-pay, whose services are recorded in the
-preceding pages.
-
-In the spring of this year, His Majesty, King William IV., was
-graciously pleased to approve of the regiment bearing on its colours
-and appointments the Irish “HARP AND CROWN” and the motto “QUIS
-SEPARABIT?”. The harp and crown only was assumed when the corps
-obtained the title of ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT.
-
-During this year, detachments were employed in controlling the
-disposition to violence evinced by the slave-population at Tortola,
-Barbuda, and other places.
-
-On the decease of General the Earl of Kilmorey, the colonelcy of the
-regiment was conferred on Major-General William George Lord Harris,
-K.C.B. by commission, dated 3rd December, 1832.
-
-[Sidenote: 1833]
-
-In February, 1833, the regiment was removed to Demerara and Berbice,
-with detached companies at Fort Wellington, Mahaica, and Fort D’Urban.
-
-Lieut.-Colonel Sir Michael Creagh, K.H., arrived from England, on
-the 1st of March, bringing with him the new colours, presented to
-the regiment by the late Earl of Kilmorey, bearing the “HARP AND
-CROWN” with the motto “_Quis Separabit?_” also the “SPHINX,” and the
-words “EGYPT,” “BOURBON,” “INDIA;”--distinctions reflecting honour on
-the corps, and calculated to stimulate the youthful soldiers of the
-regiment to emulate the noble example of their predecessors.
-
-[Sidenote: 1834]
-
-The regiment remained at Demerara and Berbice during the years 1834
-and 1835.
-
-[Sidenote: 1835]
-
-[Sidenote: 1836]
-
-In December, 1835, Major-General Lord Harris was appointed to the
-Seventy-third Regiment, and Major-General the Honourable Sir
-Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, K.C.B., was appointed to the colonelcy
-of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment. This officer was removed to the Royal
-Dragoons, in March, 1836, and was succeeded by Major-General James
-Watson, C.B.
-
-From Demerara and Berbice, the regiment was removed in May, 1836, to
-Barbadoes.
-
-[Sidenote: 1837]
-
-On the 20th of February, 1837, the regiment was inspected,
-preparatory to its return to England, by Lieut.-General Sir Samford
-Whittingham, who stated in a letter to Lieut.-Colonel Sir Michael
-Creagh, that he had “reported the EIGHTY-SIXTH, as about to embark
-for England, after ten years’ service in the West Indies, in a
-state of hardy, soldier-like efficiency, fit, if necessary, for
-immediate service in the field: a circumstance alike creditable to
-the commanding officer and to the corps.” On the embarkation of the
-regiment, on the 21st of March, the following appeared in general
-orders:--“The Lieutenant-General Commanding the Forces, having in
-person witnessed the embarkation of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment this
-morning, it gives him sincere satisfaction to express in general
-orders his acknowledgements of the soldier-like and orderly manner in
-which it was conducted. The arrangements were perfect, and the whole
-proceeding reflects the highest credit on Lieut.-Colonel Sir Michael
-Creagh, the officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers, of the
-Royal County Down Regiment. They carry with them the Lieut.-General’s
-best wishes for their future honour and welfare.”
-
-In May the service companies arrived at Chatham, having sustained
-a loss of five officers, and two hundred and ninety-nine soldiers,
-during the period they had been absent from Great Britain, and
-bringing back four hundred and twenty-four effective men. The depôt
-companies arrived at Chatham from Ireland, on the following day[14].
-
-On the 24th of May, Lieut.-General Watson was removed to the
-Fourteenth Foot, and was succeeded by Lieut.-General Sir Arthur
-Brooke, K.C.B.
-
-In June the regiment marched to Weedon, where it was inspected on
-the 8th of August by General Lord Hill, Commanding-in-Chief, who
-expressed to Lieut.-Colonel Sir Michael Creagh, in front of the
-regiment, his approbation of the highly efficient state of the corps,
-after so long a service in the West Indies.
-
-After the inspection, the regiment marched into Lancashire, and
-occupied Salford-barracks, Manchester, detaching one company to the
-Isle of Man. During the Chartist disturbances, the EIGHTY-SIXTH were
-much employed, and frequently received the thanks of Major-General
-Sir Charles Napier, and Colonel Wemyss.
-
-[Sidenote: 1838]
-
-[Sidenote: 1839]
-
-[Sidenote: 1840]
-
-In April, 1838, the head-quarters and flank companies were removed to
-Stockport, in Cheshire; but returned to Manchester, in June, 1839;
-and in June, 1840, the regiment embarked at Liverpool for Ireland,
-and landed at Belfast; in September it was removed to Dublin.
-
-[Sidenote: 1841]
-
-The regiment was employed in the summer of 1841, at Templemore,
-Clonmel, Cork, and other places, aiding the civil power in the
-preservation of the public peace, during the election of members
-of parliament, and were particularly thanked for their conduct and
-forbearance.
-
-The regiment received orders to form their depôt companies
-preparatory to proceeding on service.
-
-[Sidenote: 1842]
-
-The Gazette of January 7, 1842, announced the exchange of
-Lieut.-Colonel Sir Michael Creagh, K.H., with Lieut.-Colonel Derinzy,
-K.H., of the Eleventh regiment.
-
-At the period of the conclusion of this record, the EIGHTY-SIXTH,
-or the ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT, is under orders again to proceed
-to India. Although comparatively a young corps, it has performed much
-valuable service to the country in all quarters of the globe; it had
-not the good fortune to serve in the Peninsular War, in which so many
-corps acquired honorary inscriptions; but it has earned distinctions
-for its colours, which furnish a powerful incentive to perseverance
-in the path of duty and honor to all who may have their names
-recorded in the books of this distinguished regiment.
-
-
-1842.
-
-
-
-
-SUCCESSION OF COLONELS
-
-OF
-
-THE EIGHTY-SIXTH,
-
-OR
-
-THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT OF
-
-FOOT.
-
-
-CORNELIUS CUYLER.
-
-_Appointed 30th October, 1793._
-
-CORNELIUS CUYLER was appointed ensign in the fifty-fifth foot,
-on the 31st of May, 1759, and, immediately proceeding to North
-America, joined his regiment before the fort of Ticonderoga, on the
-west shore of Lake Champlain, in July of the same year, in time to
-take part in the reduction of that post. In 1760 he served at the
-reduction of Isle-aux-Noix and at the capture of Montreal, which
-completed the conquest of Canada. In 1764 he was appointed captain
-in the forty-sixth foot, with which corps he served two years on
-the frontiers of North America, one year at New York, and eight in
-Ireland. On the breaking out of the American war in 1775, he was
-appointed first aide-de-camp to Lieutenant-General Sir William Howe,
-who proceeded to Boston with reinforcements. In 1776, he was promoted
-to major in the fifty-fifth, but continued to perform the duty of
-first aide-de-camp to Sir William Howe, then commanding-in-chief
-in North America, and served at the reduction of Long Island,
-the capture of New York, and the battle of White Plains. He also
-accompanied the expedition to Pennsylvania in 1777, and served at
-the battles of Brandywine, and Germantown, and in November of that
-year he succeeded Colonel Meadows, who was removed to the fifth
-foot, in the lieutenant-colonelcy of the fifty-fifth, which corps he
-commanded in the retreat from Philadelphia to New York in 1778, and
-was at the battle of Freehold, under Lieutenant-General Sir Henry
-Clinton. In November of that year he proceeded with his regiment
-to the West Indies, and was engaged in the capture of St. Lucie.
-He performed the duties of adjutant-general to the troops in the
-West Indies, under Major-General Christie, in 1781; he afterwards
-performed the duties of quarter-master-general in the West Indies
-until 1784 when he returned to England, and took the command of his
-regiment, then in Ireland. In 1787 he was appointed to the situation
-of quarter-master-general in the West Indies, which he held until
-1792, when he succeeded to the command of the forces in the Windward
-and Leeward Islands. He commanded an expedition against Tobago,
-and, having captured the principal fort by storm, on the morning of
-the 15th of April, 1793, the island submitted. Returning to England
-soon afterwards, he was promoted to the rank of major-general, and
-appointed colonel of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment, then first raised,
-and styled “Cuyler’s Shropshire Volunteers.” He was also placed
-on the staff of Great Britain, and in April, 1794, he obtained
-the appointment of lieutenant-governor of Portsmouth: in June of
-that year he was removed from the EIGHTY-SIXTH to the sixty-ninth
-regiment. In June, 1796, he was appointed commander-in-chief in the
-West Indies, with the local rank of lieutenant-general; in January,
-1798, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general in the army,
-and returned to England in May following. In June he was appointed
-to the command of the Sussex district; and in January, 1799, he was
-nominated commander-in-chief in Portugal,--the government of that
-country having refused to ratify a treaty of peace with France,
-and agreed to receive British troops into the ports: he returned
-to England in November, the greater part of the troops being sent
-to the Mediterranean. The rank of general was conferred on this
-distinguished officer in 1803; he was also appointed governor of
-Kinsale, and, in July, 1814, he was further rewarded with the dignity
-of BARONET.
-
-General Sir Cornelius Cuyler, Baronet, died at St. John’s Lodge,
-Herts, on the 8th of March, 1819, after an honourable service of
-sixty years.
-
-
-RUSSELL MANNERS.
-
-_Appointed 20th June, 1794._
-
-This officer was appointed cornet in the royal regiment of
-horse-guards, in May, 1755; captain in the seventh dragoons,
-in February, 1758, and in April, 1760, he was promoted to the
-lieutenant-colonelcy of the twenty-first dragoons, or royal
-foresters. He served in Germany under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick,
-and, at the peace in 1763, when the royal foresters were disbanded,
-he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the second dragoon guards.
-On the breaking out of the American war, in 1775, he was appointed
-colonel of the nineteenth light dragoons,--then newly raised;
-in 1777, he was promoted to the rank of major-general, and, in
-1782, to that of lieutenant-general; in 1783 his regiment was
-disbanded. The colonelcy of the EIGHTY-SIXTH foot was conferred on
-Lieutenant-General Manners in 1794; in 1795 he was removed to the
-twenty-sixth light dragoons, and in 1799 he was promoted to the rank
-of general.
-
-On the 23rd of May, 1800, as General Manners was riding, accompanied
-by two other gentlemen, in a post-chaise, to Cambridge, he was
-stopped by two highwaymen, who demanded his money, when he shot one
-dead on the spot, and the other rode off. In September of the same
-year, he was residing at Southend, for the benefit of his health,
-and, having a presentiment of his approaching death, he set off for
-London, alone, to obtain medical advice, but he was taken ill on
-the road, and died at an inn, at Billericay, in Essex, on the 11th
-September, 1800.
-
-
-WILLIAM GRINFIELD.
-
-_Appointed 25th March, 1795._
-
-WILLIAM GRINFIELD was appointed ensign in the third foot guards, in
-1760; he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and captain in 1767,
-to that of captain and lieutenant-colonel in 1776, and in 1782 he was
-promoted to the rank of colonel in the army. In 1786 he obtained the
-commission of second major in his regiment. He commanded the first
-battalion of the third foot guards, under His Royal Highness the Duke
-of York, in Flanders, and evinced great personal bravery and ability
-on several occasions, particularly at the siege of Valenciennes, and
-at the re-capture of the post of Lincelles on the 18th of August,
-1793, for which he received the thanks of the Duke of York in general
-orders. He had been appointed lieutenant-colonel of the third foot
-guards a few days before this action occurred, and in October of the
-same year he was promoted to the rank of major-general. In 1795 he
-was rewarded with the colonelcy of the EIGHTY-SIXTH foot; in 1798 he
-was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general, and at that eventful
-period he was called upon to transfer his services to the West
-Indies, with the important appointment of commander of the forces
-in the Windward and Leeward islands. On the renewal of hostilities
-with France in 1803, he commanded an expedition against St. Lucie,
-and, having captured the fort of Morne Fortuné by storm on the 22nd
-of June, the island submitted. He landed on the island of Tobago on
-the 30th of June, and, by a spirited advance upon Scarborough, forced
-the French General, Berthier, to surrender. He captured the islands
-of Demerara and Essequibo, from the Dutch, on the 19th of September,
-and Berbice, in a few days afterwards. On the 25th of September he
-was promoted to the rank of general. He died at Barbadoes on the 19th
-of October, 1803, of the yellow fever, surviving his lady only three
-days. It is recorded, that a short time before he left England for
-the West Indies, Mrs. Grinfield’s brother died, leaving them £20,000;
-the general, finding two cousins of the deceased were left unprovided
-for, observed to his lady, that, as themselves possessed an ample
-fortune, he purposed making provision for the unfortunate relatives;
-she readily assenting, he sent for them, and divided the whole legacy
-between them.
-
-
-SIR JAMES HENRY CRAIG, KB.
-
-_Appointed 5th January, 1804._
-
-JAMES HENRY CRAIG obtained a commission of ensign in the thirtieth
-foot on the 1st of June, 1763, and he served with his regiment
-several years at the fortress of Gibraltar. In March, 1771, he was
-promoted captain in the forty-seventh foot, with which corps he
-served in the American war. The forty-seventh were at Boston when
-hostilities commenced; they took part in the actions at Concord
-and Bunker’s Hill in 1775, and in 1776 they served in Canada. In
-December, 1777, Captain Craig was promoted major in the eighty-second
-regiment, then serving in America, and in 1781 he obtained the
-lieutenant-colonelcy of that corps, from which he was removed, in
-1783, to the sixteenth foot. In 1790 he was promoted to the rank of
-colonel, in 1794 to that of major-general, and in 1795 his services
-were rewarded with the colonelcy of the forty-sixth foot. In 1801 he
-was advanced to the rank of lieutenant-general, and was removed to
-the EIGHTY-SIXTH regiment in 1804. On the 25th of March, 1805, he was
-appointed commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean, with the local
-rank of general; he was also honoured with the dignity of a Knight
-of the Bath, and nominated governor of Blackness Castle; in 1806 he
-was removed to the twenty-second regiment. The services of General
-Sir James Craig were afterwards transferred to British North America,
-of which country he was appointed governor, with the local rank of
-general in Upper and Lower Canada, dated the 21st of August, 1807. In
-1809 he was removed to the colonelcy of the seventy-eighth highland
-regiment, or Ross-shire buffs. On the 1st of January, 1812, he was
-promoted to the rank of general in the army, which he only held a few
-days, his decease occurring on the 12th of the same month.
-
-
-SIR CHARLES ROSS, BART.
-
-_Appointed 30th October, 1806._
-
-CHARLES ROSS, son of Admiral Sir Lockhart Ross, of Balnagown, Bart.,
-who signalized himself during the seven years’ war, obtained a
-commission of cornet in the seventh dragoons, in January, 1780, and
-in May, 1784, he was promoted captain in the third Irish horse, now
-sixth dragoon guards, in which corps he remained three years, when he
-was advanced to the commission of major in the thirty-seventh foot.
-On the 16th of March, 1791, he was promoted to the lieut.-colonelcy
-of his regiment, and he performed the duty of commanding officer
-several years with reputation to himself and advantage to the
-service. He afterwards took an active part in raising the hundred
-and sixteenth regiment, but this corps was disbanded in 1796. On the
-18th of June, 1798, he was promoted to the rank of major-general, and
-to that of lieut.-general, in October, 1805. In December of the same
-year, he was appointed colonel of the eighty-fifth foot, from which
-he was removed, in October, 1806, to the EIGHTY-SIXTH, and in June,
-1810, he was appointed to the thirty-seventh regiment. He was endowed
-with many amiable qualities, which rendered him an ornament to his
-country; he was eminently useful in every relation which connected
-him with society, particularly courteous in public life, and
-affectionate and valuable as a friend. He died at Balnagown Castle,
-in the county of Ross, on the 8th of February, 1814.
-
-
-THE HONORABLE FRANCIS NEEDHAM.
-
-_Appointed 25th June, 1810._
-
-THE HONORABLE FRANCIS JACK NEEDHAM, third son of John, tenth Viscount
-of Kilmorey, choosing the profession of arms, procured a commission
-of cornet in the eighteenth dragoons, on the 17th of December, 1762;
-in February, 1765, he was removed to the first dragoons, in which
-corps he obtained a lieutenancy in 1771, and in May, 1774, he was
-promoted captain in the seventeenth dragoons. He accompanied his
-regiment to North America, in the spring of 1775, and served at
-Boston under Lieut.-General Gage; he also served at the capture of
-Long Island under General Sir William Howe, and received, with his
-regiment, the thanks of the Commander-in-Chief, for his conduct at
-the battle of Brooklyn. He also served in the actions at White
-Plains, and in the Jerseys; afterwards proceeded to Philadelphia,
-took part in several skirmishes in Pennsylvania, and in covering
-the retreat to New York, in the performance of which service he was
-engaged at Freehold. He was subsequently stationed in the lines in
-front of New York, where he was taken prisoner by the Americans. In
-August, 1780, he was promoted major in the seventy-sixth Highland
-regiment, then serving in America, with which corps he shared in the
-contest until the peace. In February, 1783, he was promoted to the
-lieut.-colonelcy of the hundred and fourth regiment, and six weeks
-afterwards he was appointed captain and lieut.-colonel in the first
-foot guards; he was nominated aide-de-camp to the King in 1793,
-with the rank of colonel. In 1794 he was appointed adjutant-general
-of the expedition to the coast of France, under Lieut.-General the
-Earl of Moira; and in 1795 he was appointed third major in the first
-foot guards, promoted to the rank of major-general, and placed on
-the home staff. He was subsequently detached, second in command to
-Major-General Doyle, with Monsieur Compte D’ Artois and his suite,
-to take possession of Isle Dieu, which place the troops maintained
-so long as the navy could afford them protection. An appointment on
-the staff of Ireland was next conferred on him, and he commanded a
-body of troops during the rebellion in 1798; he was at the battle
-of Arklow, on the 9th of June, and commanded a division at Vinegar
-Hill, on the 21st of June. He continued on the staff of Ireland until
-April, 1802, when he was promoted to the rank of lieut.-general.
-He had previously been appointed lieut.-colonel in the first foot
-guards (21st of August, 1801,) and in April, 1804, he obtained the
-colonelcy of the fifth veteran battalion. In 1806, he was elected
-member of parliament for Newry, and he sat for that borough in four
-parliaments. He was appointed colonel of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment
-in 1810, and took great interest in the reputation and welfare of
-his corps: in 1812 he was promoted to the rank of general. On the
-decease of his brother Robert, in 1818, he succeeded to the dignity
-of VISCOUNT KILMOREY. Large and influential estates in Ireland were
-bequeathed to him by a distant relation; and in January, 1822, he
-was advanced to the dignity of EARL OF KILMOREY and Viscount Newry
-and Morne, in the County Down, Ireland. This excellent and patriotic
-nobleman died at his seat of Shavington, in Shropshire, on the 21st
-of November, 1832, much regretted, particularly by his numerous
-tenants in Ireland, to whom he had evinced great kindness.
-
-
-WILLIAM GEORGE LORD HARRIS.
-
-_Appointed 3rd December, 1832._
-
-Removed to the seventy-third regiment of foot, 4th December, 1835.
-
-
-THE HONORABLE SIR FREDERICK CAVENDISH PONSONBY, KCB., GCMG., KCH.
-
-_Appointed 4th December, 1835._
-
-HONORABLE FREDERICK CAVENDISH PONSONBY, third son of Frederick, third
-Earl of Besborough, was appointed cornet in the tenth dragoons,
-in 1800, and rose, in 1803, to the commission of captain in the
-same corps, from which he exchanged to the sixtieth regiment, in
-1806. In 1807, he was appointed major in the twenty-third light
-dragoons, at the head of which corps he distinguished himself at
-the battle of Talavera, in 1809, and was promoted, in 1810, to
-the lieutenant-colonelcy of the regiment. In 1811 he served under
-Lieut.-General Graham, at Cadiz: and at the battle of Barossa,
-in March of that year, he attacked, with a squadron of German
-dragoons, the French cavalry covering the retreat, overthrew
-them, took two guns, and even attempted, though vainly, to sabre
-Rousseau’s battalions. On the 11th of June, 1811, he was appointed
-lieut.-colonel of the twelfth light dragoons; at the head of which
-corps he served under Lord Wellington, and distinguished himself,
-in April, 1812, at Llerena, in one of the most brilliant cavalry
-actions during the war. At the battle of Salamanca he charged the
-French infantry, broke his sword in the fight, and his horse received
-several bayonet wounds. He repeatedly evinced great judgment,
-penetration, and resolution in the out-post duty, and was wounded
-in the retreat from Burgos, on the 13th of October, 1812. At the
-battle of Vittoria he again distinguished himself: his services at
-Tolosa, St. Sebastian, and Nive were also conspicuous; and, on the
-king’s birth-day, in 1814, he was promoted to the rank of colonel
-in the army. He commanded the twelfth light dragoons at the battle
-of Waterloo, where he led his regiment to the charge with signal
-intrepidity,--received sabre cuts on both arms,--was brought to
-the ground by a blow on the head,--pierced through the back by a
-lancer,--plundered by a tirailleur,--ridden over by two squadrons
-of cavalry,--and plundered a second time by a Prussian soldier;
-but afterwards recovered of his wounds. His services were rewarded
-with the following marks of royal favour:--Knight Companion of the
-order of the Bath,--Knight Grand Cross of the order of St. Michael
-and St. George,--Knight Commander of the Hanoverian Guelphic
-order,--a cross,--a Waterloo medal,--Knight of the Tower and Sword of
-Portugal,--and Knight of Maria Theresa of Austria. In January, 1824,
-he was nominated inspecting field officer in the Ionian Islands;
-he was promoted brigadier-general on the staff of those islands,
-in March, 1824; and in June, 1825, he was advanced to the rank of
-major-general. He was removed to the staff of Malta, and retained the
-command of the troops in that island until May, 1835. In December,
-1835, he obtained the colonelcy of the EIGHTY-SIXTH Regiment, from
-which he was removed to the royal dragoons in the following year.
-He was an ornament to his profession. In him, military talent was
-united with the most chivalrous bravery,--calm judgment,--cool
-decision,--resolute action, and modest deportment. He died on the
-10th of January, 1837.
-
-
-JAMES WATSON.
-
-_Appointed 31st March, 1836._
-
-Removed to the fourteenth foot, 24th May, 1837.
-
-
-SIR ARTHUR BROOKE, KCB.
-
-_Appointed 24th May, 1837._
-
-
-LONDON: HARRISON AND CO., PRINTERS, ST. MARTIN’S LANE.
-
-
-FOOTNOTES:
-
-[1] “GEORGE R.,
-
-“Whereas we have thought fit to order a regiment of foot to
-be forthwith raised, under your command, which is to consist
-of ten companies, with three serjeants, three corporals, two
-drummers, and fifty-seven private men in each company, with
-two fifers to the grenadier company, besides a serjeant-major
-and quarter-master-serjeant, together with the usual number of
-commissioned officers; these are to authorise you, by beat of drum,
-or otherwise, to raise so many men in any county or part of our
-kingdom of Great Britain, as shall be wanted to complete the said
-regiment to the above-mentioned numbers.
-
-“And all magistrates, justices of the peace, constables, and other
-our civil officers, whom it may concern, are hereby required to be
-assisting unto you, in providing quarters, impressing carriages, and
-otherwise, as there shall be occasion.
-
-“GIVEN at Our Court, at St. James’s, this 1st day of November, 1793,
-in the thirty-fourth year of Our reign.
-
- “By His Majesty’s command,
- “(Signed) GEORGE YONGE.”
-
- “_To Our trusty and well-beloved C. Cuyler, Esq., Major-General in
- our Army, and Colonel of a Regiment of Foot to be forthwith raised,
- &c., &c., &c._”
-
-
-[2] Now General Commanding-in-Chief.
-
-[3] The troops designed for this service consisted of the tenth,
-eightieth, and eighty-eighth regiments, seven companies of the
-nineteenth, three of eighty-sixth, a battalion of native infantry,
-and a proportion of artillery, under Colonel the Honourable Arthur
-Wellesley.
-
-[4] OFFICERS PRESENT,--_Majors_ Henry Torrens, (commanding,) George
-Cuyler; _Captains_ James Richardson, John Grant, ---- Maclaurin;
-_Lieutenants_ W. Martin, J. H. Wilson, Peter Drummond, John Harvey,
-Alexander Grant, R. Travers, William Bourd, S. G. McKay, Thomas
-Lanphier, J. Wilson, David Morrice, Edmund Carter, G. D’Aigular;
-_Ensign_ Neill Maclaurin; _Adjutant_ W. Moreton; _Quarter-Master_ J.
-Coor; _Surgeon_ P. W. Deane; _Assistant-Surgeons_ Bellars and Liddle:
-53 serjeants, 22 drummers, 668 rank and file.
-
-[5] OFFICERS PRESENT, 1st January, 1805:--_Major_ George Cuyler,
-(commanding); _Captains_ James Grant, William Moreton; _Lieutenants_
-R. Travers, W. Baird, Thomas Lanphier, J. Wilson, D. Morrice,
-George D’Aguilar, N. Maclaurin, H. Steele; _Surgeon_ P. W. Deane;
-_Assistant-Surgeons_ Bellars and Liddle:--51 serjeants, 22 drummers,
-511 rank and file.
-
-[6] OFFICERS PRESENT, 1st December, 1805. _Major_ George Cuyler
-(commanding a brigade); _Captains_ John Grant, (commanding the
-regiment), William Baird; _Lieutenants_ D. Morrice, N. Maclaurin,
-H. Steele, Thomas Lanphier, George D’Aguilar, (brigade-major);
-_Quarter-Master_ J. Smith; _Surgeon_, P. Deane; _Assistant-Surgeon_
-R. Bellars: 48 serjeants, 19 drummers, 354 rank and file.
-
-[7] Major Edwards was killed at the storming of Bhurtpore, under Lord
-Cumbermere, while in command of the Fourteenth Foot.
-
-[8] The Regiment erected a handsome Monument where this officer fell,
-with the following inscription:--
-
- “Lieut. John Graham Munro fell near this spot on the 8th of July,
- 1810, while charging the enemy, at the head of His Britannic
- Majesty’s 86th Grenadiers. The Officers of the Regiment have
- erected this Monument as a mark of their respect for his memory.”
-
-This monument having, some years back, suffered by a hurricane, the
-French officers stationed on the island, (to their honour be it
-known,) had it put in a thorough state of repair at their own expense.
-
-[9] A division of the regiment on marching through Tipperary,
-in 1823, halted at the village of Middleton: in the evening the
-commanding officer observed the soldiers assembled round a tomb in
-the burial ground, with their caps off; on enquiring the cause, a
-soldier of the grenadiers replied, “Your honour, we are come up to
-see our old captain.” On joining the group, he observed the tomb
-of his old and respected comrade, Lieut.-Colonel Lanphier, and the
-following words, which had been scratched by the soldiers beneath
-the inscription on the tomb-stone, “A BRAVE SOLDIER!” “Please your
-honour,” (the soldier continued) “the Boys of the company would like
-to fire three rounds over the grave, and would be glad to pay for the
-powder if your honour will let them fire.” On the following morning
-the grenadier company, which the deceased had gallantly commanded
-for a number of years, paid the last tribute of respect to their
-late captain’s remains which was duly appreciated by his surviving
-relatives, and also by the villagers. Lieut.-Colonel Lanphier entered
-the army as Ensign in the 10th Foot, in 1798, and was promoted to be
-Lieutenant in the 86th Regiment in 1800, to be Captain in 1806, to
-the rank of Brevet-Major in 1810, and of Brevet Lieut.-Colonel in
-1819; he retired from the service by the sale of his Commission on
-the 30th of January, 1823, being then the Senior Captain of the 86th
-Regiment.
-
-[10] List of officers who served against the Kandians.
-
-Major Marston commanding.
-
-_Grenadier Company_, Captain, Michael Creagh; Lieutenants, William
-Home, David Bradford, Andrew Russell.
-
-_Light Company_, Captain, Archibald McLean; Lieutenants, James
-Creagh, P. P. Goold, and Edward Caddell; Assistant-Surgeon, R. H.
-Bell.
-
-[11] See Preface.
-
-[12] At Clonmel, the regiment lost a fine young officer, Lieutenant
-Frederick Close, whose body was found in the river Suir, together
-with the body of a young lady named Grubb. The cause of their
-melancholy fate was never ascertained.
-
-[13] NAMES OF THE OFFICERS who proceeded to the West Indies, in
-1826:--
-
-In the “Princess Royal,”--_Lieut.-Colonel_ J. W. Mallet; _Captains_
-Robert Crawford, James Creagh; _Lieutenants_ Francis Kearney,
-Lewis Halliday; _Ensign_ Robert Mayne; _Adjutant_ John Dolman; and
-_Surgeon_ A. Cunningham.
-
-In the “Waterloo,”--_Captain_ R. B. Usher; _Lieutenants_ P. North,
-F. H. Dalgety, Lewis Grant; _Ensigns_ James Galwey, J. B. Selway, E.
-Davis, and W. Johnson.
-
-In the “Thetis,”--_Major_ Michael Creagh: _Captains_ Alexander
-McLean, R. B. Wolseley; _Lieutenants_ J. Grant, J. McIntyre; and
-_Quarter-Master_ J. Jerome.
-
-[14] STATE OF LOSS:--
-
- Trinidad and Tobago 42
- Barbadoes 71
- Antigua, St. Kitts, Montserrat, and Tortola 72
- British Guiana 114
- ----
- 299
-
-
-
-
-
- TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE
-
- 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 misspellings in the text,
- and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained.
-
- Pg 16: ‘a langour pervaded’ replaced by ‘a languor pervaded’.
- Pg 22: ‘Rao Holkur, one’ replaced by ‘Rao Holkar, one’.
- Pg 24: ‘above Bareach’ replaced by ‘above Baroach’.
- Pg 38: ‘The moonson having set’ replaced by ‘The monsoon having set’.
- Pg 46: ‘Sidenote: 1814’ replaced by ‘Sidenote: 1813’.
- Pg 60: ‘SEPARABIT?” the harp’ replaced by ‘SEPARABIT?”. The harp’.
- Pg 60: ‘removed to Demarara’ replaced by ‘removed to Demerara’.
- Pg 61: ‘Frederic Cavendish’ replaced by ‘Frederick Cavendish’.
- Pg 61: ‘his acknowlgements’ replaced by ‘his acknowledgements’.
- Pg 64: ‘fort of Ticonderago’ replaced by ‘fort of Ticonderoga’.
-
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