HISTORICAL RECORD (continued 2)

On this occasion the King's Own were left in garrison at Guadaloupe, excepting a detachment of two hundred and twenty-five men under the command of Captain Kennedy, which joined the expedition at Martinico, and formed part of Brigadier-General Grant's brigade. In the landing five leagues eastward of the Havannah on the 6th of June, in the advance upon the city, in the siege and capture of the Moro Fort, and in the other operations by which the final reduction of this wealthy settlement was accomplished, and twelve men-of-war captured in the harbour, the detachment of the King's Own had the honour to take part. The loss of the detachment on this service, including the killed and those who died from fatigue and the effects of climate, was two officers and twenty-four men.

1763

After the completion of this conquest, the detachment returned to Guadaloupe, and the regiment remained in the Leeward Islands until the peace of Fontainbleau, when these acquisitions were restored to the French and Spanish monarchs.

1764

In the spring of 1764 the regiment quitted the West Indies, arrived in England in July of that year, and commenced recruiting its diminished numbers.

1765 1768

After the decease of Lieut.-General Duroure, King George III. conferred, on the 23d of January, 1765, the colonelcy of the regiment on the Hon. Robert Brudenell, from the sixteenth foot; who was succeeded, on the 7th of November, 1768, by Lieut.-General Studholme Hodgson, from the fifth foot.

1773 1774

In 1768, the King's Own proceeded to Scotland, where they were stationed during the four succeeding years, but returned to England in the spring of 1773, and remained on home service until the following year, when they were again ordered to hold themselves in readiness to proceed abroad.

The war in which the regiment was about to engage was of a most important character, involving the destinies of millions, and was followed by the construction of a new and powerful state in the world. As the population of the British North American colonies increased, and the inhabitants beheld their own rising power and importance, the idea of their country eventually becoming a great and independent empire would doubtless frequently occur; and while contemplating such an event, men would naturally become impatient of their condition: hence the delight produced by the anticipation of future greatness would prepare the minds of men for a change. That these states should become independent so early as the eighteenth century could, however, scarcely have been expected; but this event was hastened by the system of policy pursued towards the colonies by the British government, which alienated the affections of the inhabitants from the mother country. The disputes which resulted from these proceedings, and the spirit which the colonists evinced to resist the acts of the British parliament for raising a revenue in their country, took a most serious turn in the years 1773 and 1774; a body of troops was in consequence sent to Boston, the place which had been the scene of the greatest outrages, and the King's Own, being one of the corps selected to proceed to North America, embarked for that service on the 17th of April, 1774.

After landing at Boston the King's Own were encamped for some time near the town; and the violent revolutionary spirit which many of the colonists displayed, occasioned a detachment of the regiment to be sent during the winter to Marshfield, for the protection of a number of the friends of the government in that town and neighbourhood.

1775

The hostile feelings to the British government previously evinced by the Americans appeared to increase during the winter and succeeding spring; and the preparations which they made for open resistance indicated a design to make a speedy appeal to arms. General Gage, who commanded the troops at Boston, sent the flank companies of the King's Own, and other regiments under his orders, up the country to Concord, to destroy a quantity of military stores which the inhabitants were collecting at that place. This circumstance occasioned the first blood to be shed in the contest.

The flank companies were placed under the orders of Lieut.-Colonel Francis Smith, of the tenth foot, and having embarked on the night of the 18th of April, in the boats of the men-of-war in the harbour, proceeded to the entrance of the Cambridge River, where they landed, and afterwards advanced up the country. While on the march, the troops heard the ringing of bells, firing of guns, and other sounds of alarm spreading over the country; and when the light companies, which were in advance, arrived at the village of Lexington, they descried a body of provincials formed upon the green. These men fired several shots at the soldiers, who immediately retaliated, and the Americans were dispersed with the loss of about ten men killed, and several wounded.

The troops continued their march to Concord, and while the search for military stores was taking place, the light companies of the King's Own and tenth regiment were posted on some heights in the vicinity of a bridge beyond the town. Meanwhile armed countrymen were assembling in crowds on the high grounds near the town, and a large body proceeding towards the bridge, the light companies of the King's Own and tenth regiment descended from the heights and joined the troops posted at the bridge. The provincials advanced in great numbers, and firing on the troops, killed three men, and wounded several others; the fire was returned, and the detached companies joined the main body in the town.

After destroying three pieces of ordnance, burning a number of carriage-wheels, and throwing a quantity of gunpowder and musket-balls into the river, the troops commenced their march back to Boston. On emerging from the town, the soldiers were fired upon from the walls, fences, trees, barns, &c., on both sides of the road; the country appeared swarming with armed men, and the troops were engaged fighting and retreating until they were exhausted, and had expended nearly all their ammunition; at the same time the numbers of their antagonists were constantly increasing. Fortunately, they were met at Lexington by the battalion companies of the King's Own, twenty-third and forty-ninth regiments, with a party of marines and two field-pieces, under the command of Colonel Earl Percy of the fifth foot. The fire of the field-pieces checked the Americans; Earl Percy formed his brigade into a square, with the exhausted flank companies in the centre, and after the men had rested a short time, commenced his march for Boston. The Americans hung upon his rear in crowds, and kept up a constant fire; but the troops continued their march in excellent order to Charlestown, from whence they crossed the river in boats to Boston, under the cover of the guns of a man-of-war stationed near the ferry. The loss of the King's Own on this occasion was Lieutenant Knight and seven private men killed; Lieutenant Gould wounded and taken prisoner; three serjeants, one drummer, and twenty-one private men wounded; and eight men missing.

This was the commencement of open hostilities; the whole country round Boston was in the utmost agitation, and multitudes of countrymen equipped for battle repaired to Cambridge and Roxburg, and there threw up entrenchments. All intercourse between the garrison of Boston and the adjacent country was cut off, and the town was completely blocked up on the land side.

Soon after this event the party of the King's Own stationed at Marshfield was withdrawn, and rejoined the regiment at Boston.

The rapid and judicious movements of the Americans appeared to be the result of a preconcerted plan, and having a very great superiority of numbers, they meditated driving the King's troops out of Boston. During the night of the 16th of June an immense body of provincials proceeded to the heights on the peninsula of Charlestown called Bunker's Hill, and commenced throwing up entrenchments with great diligence. General Gage resolved to dislodge the enemy from this post immediately, and a body of troops, of which the grenadier and light companies of the King's Own formed part, was embarked in boats for this purpose about mid-day on the 17th of June.

About three o'clock in the afternoon the attack commenced, and in this contest British valour and discipline were eminently displayed. The Americans were in great force, strongly posted, and entrenched up to the teeth. The King's troops had to advance in a hot summer's day, in the face of a sharp and well-directed fire, and to ascend a steep hill covered with grass reaching to their knees, and intersected with walls and fences of various enclosures: twice they were stopped, and twice they returned to the charge, and by their undaunted resolution and steady perseverance they eventually triumphed over thrice their own numbers, and carried the heights at the point of the bayonet. This proved one of the most sanguinary battles on record, and the superiority of the British troops was pre-eminently displayed. The two flank companies of the King's Own had one serjeant and thirteen rank and file killed; Captains Balfour and West, Lieutenants Baron and Brown, one serjeant, one drummer, and twenty-nine rank and file wounded.

1776

Although the valour and discipline of the small British force in North America were so conspicuous as to excite the admiration and applause of their country, yet the circumstances in which the army at Boston was eventually placed rendered it impossible for these excellent qualities to be exercised with the prospect of ultimate success. The immense superiority of numbers of the enemy, the great strength of the works thrown up on Phipp's farm, Dorchester heights, and other places, with the want of provisions, induced the commander of the troops, Lieut.-General Sir William Howe, to vacate the town, and proceed with the army to Halifax, in Nova Scotia. This resolution was carried into effect in the middle of March, 1776; and on their arrival at Halifax several regiments were landed.

A reinforcement being expected from England, and the general being anxious to commence operations against the revolted Americans as early as possible, the fleet sailed from Halifax on the 12th of June, arrived at Sandy Hook on the 29th of that month, and on the 3d of July landed on Staten Island, near New York. Here the troops were disposed in cantonments for refreshment, and the head-quarters were established at Richmond.

Additional troops having arrived, a landing was effected at Utrecht, on Long Island, on the 22d of August; and after dusk on the evening of the 26th, the King's Own, commanded by Major James Ogilvie, forming part of the first brigade under Major-General Pigot, moved across the country to seize a pass in the heights extending from east to west along the middle of the island, to turn the enemy's left flank at Flat Bush. This pass was taken possession of on the following morning; the main body of the army advanced, and the Americans were driven from their position with considerable loss. In this day's skirmish the battalion companies of the regiment did not sustain any loss; but the flank companies, being formed in grenadier and light infantry battalions, had several men killed and wounded.

The Americans retreated to their lines at Brooklyn; but, fearing the consequences of an attack, they quitted their post during the night of the 28th of August, and crossed the East River in boats to New York; thus the reduction of Long Island was effected in a few days with trifling loss.

After this success the army was embarked in flat-bottomed boats, and crossed the East River to York Island, and the King's Own were engaged in the movements by which General Washington was forced to abandon New York; which city was immediately taken possession of by the British.

General Washington having taken up a position in another part of the country, the British troops were again embarked in flat-bottomed boats and landed near West-Chester; thence re-embarking on the 18th of October, passed Frogs-neck and landed at Pell's-point, at the mouth of Hutchinson's river. Advancing from thence, the troops encountered a detachment of provincials; a sharp skirmish ensued, in which several men were killed and wounded; and the King's Own lost a most valuable and gallant officer, Captain W. Granville Evelyn, who was mortally wounded, and whose fall was much regretted.

In the subsequent operations of the army, by which the Americans were forced to evacuate their lines on White Plains, the King's Own took part, but did not sustain any loss; they were also present at the siege and capture of Fort Washington, in which service they lost only one man: and they passed the succeeding winter in quarters in the city of New York.

1777

During the winter the Americans were engaged in collecting stores and forming magazines for the ensuing campaign, which they were careful to place as far as possible out of the reach of His Majesty's land and sea forces. Extensive depôts had been established at the town of Danbury, and other places on the borders of Connecticut, contiguous to Courland Manor; and the King's Own were withdrawn from the city of New York to form part of a detachment under the command of Major-General Tyron, for the destruction of these stores.

The detachment sailed from New York in transports, passed through the Sound, and on the evening of the 25th of April, 1777, arrived off Norwalk, a town in the province of Connecticut, about twenty miles south of Danbury. As the troops were quite unexpected, they landed without opposition, and by ten o'clock that night began their march for Danbury, where they arrived about two in the afternoon of the following day; on their approach the American troops fled, and gave the alarm to the country people, who took arms, and made preparations to cut off the retreat of the British detachment.

As no carriages could be procured to bring off any part of the magazines, Major-General Tyron was under the necessity of setting them on fire, and in the progress of the flames the town was unavoidably burnt. The magazines having been all destroyed, the detachment commenced its march back early on the morning of the 27th of April; a body of Americans under General Wooster hung upon its rear, and at every eminence a corps of militia was found ready to oppose its march; but the British troops attacked and routed their adversaries, and in one of these skirmishes General Wooster was killed.

Arriving at Ridgefield, a strong force under General Arnold was found posted at that place, and busily employed in throwing up entrenchments; these were instantly attacked by the artillery, and the British troops rushing forward to the charge with their native valour and intrepidity, the Americans were driven from their ground.

The British halted at Ridgefield during the night, and resumed their march on the following day. The enemy having collected additional forces and some field-pieces, harassed the detachment exceedingly during its march, which brought on several skirmishes. Arriving at the Hill of Compo, contiguous to the place of embarkation, the Americans renewed their attack with greater determination and spirit than ever; the British troops, facing about, fired a volley, and then charged with the bayonet with such impetuosity and courage, that the enemy, unable to withstand the shock, retreated. The detachment afterwards embarked without molestation, and returned to New York.

The King's Own lost two men in this enterprise; and had Captain Thorne, one serjeant, and fifteen rank and file wounded.

The regiment afterwards formed part of the army assembled in the Jerseys, and was engaged in the movements designed to bring on a general engagement; but the enemy keeping close in his strong position in the mountains, an expedition against the populous and wealthy city of Philadelphia was resolved upon. The King's Own were employed in this enterprise, and formed, with the twenty-third, twenty-eighth, and forty-ninth regiments, the first brigade of the army.

Having embarked from Sandy Hook, the troops sailed to Chesapeake Bay, and landed on the 25th of August on the northern shore of the Elk River; from whence they advanced on the 28th, in two columns, to Elk Head. The enemy having taken up a position at Brandywine, the royal army advanced on the 11th of September to give their opponents battle, and the King's Own formed part of the force selected to attack the American troops posted at Chad's Ford. After a sharp cannonade the troops advanced to the charge; the King's Own commanded by Lieut.-Colonel James Ogilvie, and supported by the fifth foot, led the attack in gallant style, and rushing through the stream with fixed bayonets, overpowered all opposition and captured three brass field-pieces, and a five and a half inch howitzer.[27] The regiment pressed upon the retiring enemy, but darkness coming on before the troops could reach the heights, the action ceased. The loss of the regiment on this occasion was two rank and file killed; and Captain Rawdon and twenty rank and file wounded.

The victory at Brandywine was followed by the flight of the American troops from Philadelphia, which city was taken possession of by a British force of which the grenadier company of the King's Own formed part. The remainder of the army took up a position at Germantown, and the King's Own were encamped on the right flank. The Americans attacked this post on the morning of the 4th of October, and drove in the piquets of the right wing. The Fourth were moved forward to support the light infantry, and the assault was sustained with such determined bravery, that the enemy could make no impression at this point of attack. After the Americans had been repulsed at other parts of the field, Major-General Grant moved the forty-ninth regiment, and four pieces of cannon, to the left of the King's Own, and then advancing with the right wing, forced the enemy's left to give way. The Americans were afterwards pursued four or five miles through a woody country of difficult access. The light company of the regiment, forming part of the first light infantry battalion, highly distinguished itself on this occasion, and had Lieutenant Champaigne wounded; also several private men killed and wounded. The battalion companies also acquired new laurels; and had one serjeant and eight rank and file killed; Captain Thorne, Lieutenants Arbuthnot and Kemble, Ensigns Dickson, Shoen, Hadden, and Blemen, with Adjutant Hunt, two serjeants, and forty-six rank and file wounded; also three rank and file missing. When the action commenced, the grenadier company marched, with the remainder of its battalion, out of Philadelphia with all possible expedition, and arrived at the scene of contest at the moment when the enemy was giving way, and consequently was not engaged. Lieut.-General Sir William Howe, speaking of these actions in his public despatch, observes,—"In the several engagements, the successes attending them are far better vouchers than any words can convey, of the good conduct of the general officers, and the bravery of the other officers and soldiers. The fatigues of a march exceeding one hundred miles, supported with the utmost cheerfulness by all ranks, without tents, and with very little baggage, will, I hope, be esteemed as convincing proofs of the noble spirit and emulation prevailing in the army to promote His Majesty's service."[28]

While the army commanded by Sir William Howe was victorious in Pennsylvania, another British force under the orders of Lieut.-General Burgoyne penetrated the United States from the frontiers of Canada; but the difficulties encountered by this army were so great, that its commander concluded a convention with the American General Gates, who was thus enabled to detach a body of troops to reinforce General Washington. On the arrival of these forces the American army advanced nearer Philadelphia, and encamped at White Marsh. The British general moved forward, and took post on the morning of the 5th of December on Chestnut Hill, with the view of inducing the enemy to offer battle, or of finding a vulnerable part in their fortified camp. A sharp skirmish occurred on the same day, between two British battalions and a thousand Americans, who were routed in a short time. On the 7th of December another action occurred on Edgehill, a mile from the enemy's left, on which occasion the native intrepidity and firmness of the British were conspicuous. Several other skirmishes also took place; and in every instance the Americans were defeated; but their position was found so strong with entrenchments, abbatis de bois, and other defences, that the army returned to Philadelphia on the 8th of December, without venturing to attack it. The King's Own lost in these skirmishes, two men killed; and Lieutenant West, three serjeants, and nine rank and file wounded.

1778

The regiment passed the winter in comfortable quarters in the city of Philadelphia, while the Americans lay in huts in the woods near Valley Forge. Immediately on the return of spring a succession of detachments ranged the country for many miles round Philadelphia and the province of Jersey, and opened communications for bringing in supplies of provision and forage.

Meanwhile the French monarch had acknowledged the independence of the revolted provinces, and had concluded a treaty with them; thus the nature of the contest was so completely changed, that Lieut.-General Sir Henry Clinton, who had succeeded to the command of the troops at Philadelphia, was ordered to vacate that city and retire to New York. The King's Own underwent with the remainder of the army the fatigues of this long and toilsome journey, crossing rivers, traversing a wild and woody country, overcoming numerous difficulties, and repulsing the enemy's attempts to interrupt the progress of the march, with signal gallantry, particularly on the 28th of June; and arrived at New York in the beginning of July.

The French monarch having sent a powerful armament to sea, some danger was apprehended to the West Indian colonies; a body of troops, of which the King's Own formed part, was sent from North America to the island of Barbadoes, under the command of Major-General Grant; and the land and sea commanders at that station being in a condition to act offensively, resolved to attack the French island of St. Lucie. The grenadiers of the King's Own, under the orders of Captain West, formed part of the grenadier battalion under the command of Major Harris of the fifth; and the light company under Captain Thorne was in the light infantry battalion commanded by Major Sir James Murray of the Fourth, and these battalions formed part of the reserve commanded by Brigadier-General Medows, which landed on the 13th of December, forced some heights with signal intrepidity, and captured a field-piece and a four-gun battery. The remainder of the troops having landed, the strong post of Morne Fortunè, with the governor's house, the hospital, barracks, stores and magazines were captured, and although the passes were remarkably strong and difficult of access, yet with such impetuosity did the troops advance, that the French governor was obliged to retire from post to post, after doing all in his power to defend them. Scarcely were the enemy's colours struck, and the British head-quarters established at the governor's house, when the approach of a powerful French fleet was descried. The soldiers, already fatigued with a hard day's service, immediately commenced strengthening the posts they had won, with cheerful alacrity; and the naval force was disposed in line of battle across the entrance of the Cul de Sac. The island of St. Lucie presents no regular face, but a succession of confused steep and abrupt hills scattered among greater mountains, everywhere intersected by narrow winding valleys, long defiles, and deep ravines; and by unremitting labour during one night the troops and shipping were placed in such admirable order as to be enabled to withstand the repeated attacks of a very superior force.

In a naval action fought on the 15th of December, which has been regarded as one of the most brilliant displays of British skill and valour on record, the enemy was twice repulsed with serious loss; and being unable to force the line of battle, nine thousand French troops, commanded by M. de Bouillé and Lavendahl, landed and attacked the post of La Vigie, where the grenadier and light companies of the King's Own were stationed. The attack was made with that impetuosity for which the French are distinguished; the British reserved their fire until their adversaries were mounting the trenches, when they threw in a volley, and instantly charging with the bayonet, the enemy was broken and driven back with a fearful slaughter. Three furious attacks having been repulsed, the enemy re-embarked and quitted the island, and the governor surrendered immediately afterwards.

1779 1780

Soon after the surrender of St. Lucie, the King's Own proceeded to the island of Antigua, where they remained during the succeeding year; and having become much reduced in numbers by their service in North America and the West Indies, they returned to England in 1780, and shortly afterwards proceeded to Ireland.

1782

General Hodgson having been removed in the summer of 1782 to the command of the fourth Irish horse, now seventh dragoon guards, the colonelcy of the King's Own was conferred on Lieut.-General John Burgoyne, his commission bearing date the 7th of June, 1782.

1787

The regiment remained in Ireland seven years, and on the 24th of May, 1787, embarked for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland; and served in various parts of these islands until the breaking out of the French revolutionary war.

1792

In 1792 General Burgoyne died, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the regiment on the 8th of August, 1792, by Lieut.-General Morrison.

1793

The violent spirit of republicanism which was exhibited in France at this period, having led to confusion, anarchy, and a dreadful catalogue of crimes of the most cruel and inhuman character, including the murder of the King, which was followed by that of the queen, war was declared against the regicide government of that country; and the capture of Miquelon and St. Pierre, two islands in the Atlantic Ocean near the south coast of Newfoundland, used by the French as stations for curing and drying fish, was resolved upon. A detachment of the royal artillery and three hundred and ten rank and file of the Fourth and sixty-fifth regiments, commanded by Brigadier-General Ogilvie, sailed on this enterprise on the 7th of May, 1793, from Newfoundland, and having landed on the 14th of that month in the Ance-à-Savoyard, advanced upon the principal town, when the governor immediately surrendered at discretion. Although no opportunity occurred for the troops to distinguish themselves in action, their conduct elicited the commendations of the commander of the expedition in his public despatch, and to their great credit not one act of depredation was committed on the inhabitants. Major Peregrine Francis Thorne of the King's Own was appointed commandant of the two islands, but the detachment of the regiment returned to its former stations.

1794 1795 1796 1797

From Nova Scotia and Newfoundland the regiment was removed in 1794 to Canada, and was stationed in garrison at Quebec; in the early part of 1796 it proceeded up the country and occupied St. John's, Chambly, and Isle-aux-Noix, and in November it was ordered to Montreal, in which garrison it passed the succeeding winter: in June, 1797, it proceeded down the river to Quebec. The regiments in Canada being very weak in numbers, the Fourth, fifth, and first battalion of the sixtieth, were ordered to transfer their serviceable men to the twenty-fourth, twenty-sixth, and second battalion of the sixtieth regiments. The men of the King's Own were transferred to the twenty-sixth; and the officers, serjeants, and drummers, embarked at Quebec on the 24th of September, and sailed on the following day for England. When near the land's end the transport having on board twelve officers, including the commanding officer, (Lieut.-Colonel Hodgson,) the staff, colours, serjeants, and drummers, was chased by a French privateer (La Vengeance); several officers and men were wounded in endeavouring to defend the ship, and when from the superior metal and power of the enemy, no hope of escape remained, the regimental colours were sunk in the sea, and the transport surrendered. This portion of the regiment was afterwards conveyed to France, and detained in that country above a year before it was exchanged.

1798

In May, 1798, such of the officers of the regiment as had arrived safe in England, received at Chatham barracks a draft of between three and four hundred Irish youths, and in July following proceeded to Botley; where they were joined in the beginning of the succeeding year by the officers, serjeants, and drummers from France.

1799

Leaving Botley in April, 1799, the regiment proceeded to Worcester, and from thence to Horsham barracks in July; in the following month it marched to the camp on Barham downs.

The militia being permitted this year to transfer their services to the regular regiments, two thousand seven hundred men volunteered to the King's Own, in consequence of which the regiment was formed into three battalions; Major-General the Earl of Chatham was appointed colonel commandant of the second battalion, and Major-General Lord Charles Somerset colonel commandant of the third battalion.

On the 3d of September the Prince of Wales was pleased to present a pair of new colours to the first battalion on Barham downs; the regiment was formed in a square, and His Royal Highness addressed the officers and men as follows:—

"It affords me the highest satisfaction to have the honour of presenting this gallant and distinguished corps with their colours. Nothing but a blameless accident could have deprived you of those you possessed before, and I now replace them, under the firmest conviction that there is not a regiment in His Majesty's service that will ever support and defend its colours with more valour and gallantry than the Fourth, or the King's Own. It considerably enhances the pleasure I feel on this occasion that the ceremony has happened on a day when every British heart must be filled with gladness at the tidings which have just been received of the heroic actions our brave countrymen have achieved in endeavouring to rescue Holland from the detestable tyranny of France, and I perceive with true pride that every countenance I now behold partakes of this noble ardour, and that every heart is panting to share in their laurels and glory."

In a few days after the presentation of the new colours the regiment was ordered to proceed on foreign service: it embarked at Deal, and after landing in Holland joined the Anglo-Russian army commanded by His Royal Highness the Duke of York: when the three battalions of the King's Own, and the thirty-first regiment, were formed in brigade under the orders of Major-General the Earl of Chatham.

This brigade formed part of the column under Lieut.-General Dundas, in the attack of the enemy's position near Bergen and Egmont-op-zee, on the 2d of October. The King's Own were engaged among the sand-hills, and evinced the same intrepidity and firmness for which the regiment had been distinguished on former occasions; the enemy was driven from his positions, and the troops received the thanks and approbation of the commander-in-chief. The regiment had three men killed; Ensign Carruthers, one serjeant, and eight private men wounded; one serjeant and six men missing.

In the attack of the enemy's position between Beverwyck, and Wyck-op-zee, on the 6th of October, the three battalions of the King's Own were sharply engaged; the action was most severe, and was continued with sanguinary obstinacy until night, when the enemy retreated leaving the allies masters of the field. The King's Own had Lieut.-Colonel Dickson, Lieutenant Forster, and twenty-five men killed; Major-General the Earl of Chatham, Lieut.-Colonel Hodgson, Captain Palmer, Ensigns Johnston, Carruthers, Nichols, Highmore, and Archibald, with four serjeants, and one hundred and eight rank and file wounded; Majors Wynch and Horndon, Captain Gillmour, Lieutenants Deare and Wilson, wounded and taken prisoners; Lieut.-Colonel Cholmondeley, Major Pringle, Captains Archdall, Brodie, and Chaplain, Lieutenants Gazeley and Wilbraham, Ensigns Browne, Ellis, Hill, Anderson, M'Pherson, and Tyron, with twelve serjeants, one drummer, and five hundred and two rank and file prisoners of war and missing.

Several circumstances having occurred to render further operations in Holland unadvisable, the army re-embarked and returned to England. The three battalions of the King's Own landed at Yarmouth and marched to Ipswich, where they passed the winter.

After the decease of General Morrison, the colonelcy of the regiment was conferred on Major-General the Earl of Chatham, by commission dated the 5th of December, 1799.

1800 1801

In the summer of 1800 the King's Own were encamped on Swinley downs, near Windsor, where they were reviewed by King George III. They passed the succeeding winter and summer at Winchester; in September, 1801, the first and second battalions proceeded to Horsham barracks, and the third battalion to Lewes. This year the cocked hats were replaced by caps.

In the mean time great alterations had taken place in the affairs of Europe; while several states which in former periods had nobly fought for their civil and religious liberties, were seen crouching beneath the iron rule of republican despotism, the British troops had triumphed in Egypt and the West Indies, and the conditions of a treaty of peace were taken into consideration. The men of the King's Own having been engaged to serve only during the war, they were offered a farther bounty to enlist for unlimited service, and upwards of nine hundred volunteered an extension of their services, and were constituted the first battalion.

1802

In April, 1802, the second and third battalions proceeded to Portsmouth, and in May the first was removed to Chatham. The treaty of Amiens having been concluded, the third battalion was disbanded at Portsmouth on the 24th of May, and the second at Winchester in October of that year. In November the regiment marched to Dover Castle.

1803

The short respite from the horrors of war ceded to Europe by the treaty of Amiens proved, like the calm which precedes a storm, the harbinger of a mighty struggle which shook the basis of the constitution of the states of Christendom. The ambitious designs of Bonaparte, first consul of France, were ripening for execution, and hostile preparations were secretly made under the deceptive cloak of pacific designs. The conditions of the peace were evaded, and, while Britain was reducing the numbers of her land and sea forces, and cultivating amicable relations, Bonaparte was preparing, under the pretence of colonial purposes, a gigantic naval and military power with which he designed to crush, by one mighty effort, the British people, who appeared as a barrier to his schemes of aggrandizement, and were ever ready to oppose his progress.

The formidable preparations carried on in the ports of France and Holland, pending the discussion of an important negociation, occasioned the British government to adopt means of preservation, and King George III., actuated by a concern for the security and welfare of his subjects, exercised the power vested in him by act of parliament, and issued on the 11th of March, 1803, warrants for calling out and embodying the MILITIA. The establishment of the regiments of the regular army was also augmented, the amount of levy money for recruits was increased, and vigorous measures were adopted for completing the numbers of the several corps. In May the negociations with France terminated, the King's ambassador was recalled from Paris, hostilities recommenced, and Bonaparte made public declaration of his intention to invade this kingdom, and assembled an army near Boulogne which was insultingly termed, L'armée d'Angleterre.

This proceeding was met by the British government with suitable measures; the SUPPLEMENTARY MILITIA was embodied; an Act was passed to enable his Majesty to assemble an additional military force, called the Army of Reserve; also an act for indemnifying persons who might suffer in their property from the measures it might be found necessary to adopt; and an Act to enable his Majesty more effectually and speedily to exercise his ancient and undoubted prerogative in requiring the military aid of his liege subjects in case of invasion of the realm, called the Levy-en-masse Act. The captain-general of the army, Field-Marshal His Royal Highness the Duke of York, was also active in making the necessary preparations. The country was divided into military districts; general and staff officers were appointed to each district, and arrangements were made, and regulations issued, for the conduct of all ranks in the event of an invasion taking place.

The moment the enemy landed, all the regulations of civil government and restraint of forms were to cease in that part of the country, and everything was to give way to the supplying and strengthening of the army; the troops were directed to move in the lightest manner, and without baggage; the enemy was to be attacked at the moment of landing, and when his numbers became too great for any chance of success, the troops were to withdraw a short distance to give time for the forces of the country to assemble; correct intelligence was to be circulated; the inhabitants were to withdraw with their cattle, horses, and provision; and all provision tardy in its removal was to be destroyed; the roads were to be broken up, and the country driven and abandoned on the line of the enemy's route.

As soon as the invading army quitted the coast, the troops were to hover on its front, flanks, and rear; it was to be obliged to fight for every article of sustenance; advantage was to be taken of the intricate and enclosed nature of the country; every inch of ground, every field, was to be to a degree disputed even by inferior numbers; should the enemy enter the strong woodland countries, trees were to be felled on the roads for miles around to impede his progress; incessant attacks were to be kept up by night with corps of various description and strength; the men were never to fire but when they had a good mark and a decided aim, and to use the national weapon, the bayonet, as much as possible, while every individual with a pike or pitchfork in his hand was required to unite his efforts to overwhelm and extirpate the unprincipled invaders, who, spurning at those generous modes of warfare established between civilized and rival countries, openly avowed their design to be the utter destruction of Great Britain as a nation. Against such an enemy the people were called upon to become more ferocious than himself, and their indignation being raised to the highest pitch would hurl back upon him that terror which he had struck into weak and degraded nations which had not the same liberty, renown, and constitution to contend for as Great Britain.

The measures of the government were nobly seconded by the people; the British spirit was roused; a sudden burst of patriotic enthusiasm pervaded the country; it animated the nobility, gentry, yeomanry,—all orders and conditions of men,—all felt alike on this momentous occasion; the danger was great, and it was met with corresponding resolution and exertions; the whole country, from the throne to the cottage, was animated with a determination to crush the French army, if it should dare to invade the British territory;—the Act for the LEVY-EN-MASSE was rendered unnecessary by their spontaneous zeal; the designs of the government were anticipated; voluntary associations were formed; loyal meetings took place in the metropolis and in the principal towns throughout the country; and large subscriptions were raised to bear the expenses of the volunteer corps. The unanimity and harmony which pervaded all ranks were astonishing; every city, town, and village, from the Lands-end to the Orkney Islands, poured forth its volunteer legions in defence of their country, and of their king; it was difficult to say, whether the people were more liberal in offering their persons, or their property, in defence of a country and constitution so dear to their affections; and the British monarch stood in a situation glorious and unexampled on the surface of the earth: he was not defended by mercenaries always sparing of their blood, not supported by tributary states impatient of their yoke, not assisted by allies envious of his prosperity, (Europe stood aloof leaving Britain to her own resources at the time of her utmost need); but in the moment of danger, his Majesty saw himself protected by the united efforts of all his people, by the persons of those who were able to wield a weapon, by the prayers of the aged and of the sick, by the purses of the rich, and by the hearts of all: the people knew for whom, and for what, they were preparing to fight; they knew they were not conscripts driven in chains to be sacrificed on the altar of an ambitious leader, but loyal subjects voluntarily engaging to encounter danger for a beloved sovereign, for the preservation of that limited monarchy which they viewed as the primary source of all the blessings they enjoyed as members of civil society. They were not preparing to fight from the base motive of desire to plunder other men's property, but to defend their own; not to fight ingloriously to subvert the liberties of others, but to prevent the yoke of slavery being fastened round their own necks; not in contempt of national character, in despite of the civil order of the world, in derision of religion, or in mockery of heaven; but to preserve their happy land from atheism, despotism, and anarchy, from that moral contamination of principle and practice which outrages the very nature of mankind. Actuated by such sentiments the aged, who had become indifferent to professional emolument and to professional ambition, appeared with renewed vigour ready for active service; and the youth stood forward in crowds ready to shed their blood for the good of their country. Thus exertions unknown in the history of this country, and unprecedented in the most illustrious nations of antiquity, were made, and Britain exhibited to the world the glorious spectacle of a nation rising simultaneously to assert its freedom and independence.

While the din of hostile preparation resounded throughout the country, the regiment which forms the subject of this memoir had the honour of forming part of an advanced-corps to the forces selected to cover the coast opposite Boulogne where Bonaparte was expected to land; for this purpose it was encamped at Shorncliffe, and was brigaded with the fifty-second, fifty-ninth, and seventieth regiments and five companies of the rifle corps, under the command of that distinguished officer, Major-General (afterwards Sir John) Moore. This corps was conspicuous for a high state of discipline; and the officers and men felt a degree of honest pride at being selected to commence the attack of the invaders whenever they appeared.

The noble attitude which the nation assumed, the strength[29] and energy it evinced while breathing defiance to the gigantic military power by which it was menaced, caused the spirit even of Napoleon to quail, and his legions did not venture to cross the British channel.

Thus the daring project of subjugating Britain, a project suited to that spirit of enterprise and ambition which characterized the martial leader of the French nation, was defeated by the vigour and promptitude of the government, and of the people, at the only period when it was likely to prove successful. If Bonaparte could have assembled in the ports of France and Holland a naval armament for the transport of one hundred thousand men across the channel, before the British fleets had been manned, the militia called out, and the people arranged in military array, the mischief he might have effected is incalculable. The immense preparations which were made on the opposite side of the Channel, particularly at Boulogne, the assembling of a large army in that quarter, the construction of vessels calculated to cross the Channel and approach near the shore, and his utter disregard of the loss of men, so that he accomplished his designs, prove beyond doubt Bonaparte's determination of invading the British territory; but the unanimous and glorious resolution evinced by the people to preserve their country, their freedom, and their privileges from the contamination of republicanism, and to shed their blood in the defence of what they valued above life, deterred him from carrying the threats he had so often repeated into execution.

The King's Own remained encamped at Shorncliffe; Martello towers were constructed along the shore, and batteries were raised to command the important points; and the soldiers, imbibing the spirit of their distinguished commander, calmly awaited the arrival of their vaunting adversaries. The Right Honourable William Pitt, who was at this period warden of the Cinque Ports, raised two regiments of a thousand men each; he frequently rode over to Shorncliffe, and Major-General Moore explained to this great statesman all his plans. On one occasion Mr. Pitt observed,—"Well, Moore, but as on the very first alarm of the enemy's coming I shall join you with my Cinque Porte regiments, you have not told me where you will place us?" "Do you see," said Moore, "that hill? you and yours shall be drawn up on it, where you will make a most formidable appearance to the enemy, while I with the soldiers shall be fighting on the beach." Mr. Pitt was exceedingly amused with this reply. On the 28th of November, the King's Own proceeded into the newly-built barracks at Hythe.

1804

In 1804 the preparations for invasion were augmented; the King's Own were again encamped at Shorncliffe, and were brigaded with the forty-third, fifty-second, fifty-ninth, and five companies of the rifle corps, commanded by Major-General Moore. The nation preserved the attitude of defence and defiance to the power of Bonaparte; the several corps were regularly exercised, and inspected, and kept ready for active service; and the King's Own, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Brinley, attained so high a state of discipline and efficiency as to excite the special notice and approbation of his Royal Highness the Duke of York, who reviewed the regiment, with the remainder of its brigade, on the 24th of August.[30] Bonaparte's army remained inactive at Boulogne, consuming his resources; but he obtained from the French nation the dignity of Emperor. Another season passed away without an invasion; and on the 2d of November, the Fourth proceeded to the barracks at Hythe; a second battalion was added to its establishment, and the officers who had eminently distinguished themselves by their zeal and attention to the good of the service, were rewarded with promotion.

1805

The regiment left Hythe on the 9th of March, 1805, for Canterbury, and while stationed at this place Colonel Brinley was appointed quartermaster-general in the West Indies. On his leaving the regiment, the officers evinced their esteem for him by inviting him to an entertainment prepared for the occasion, and by presenting him with a sword valued at fifty guineas.[31]

During the summer of this year both battalions were encamped on Beachy Head, where they were reviewed in brigade, with the twenty-third regiment, commanded by Major-General the Honourable Edward Paget, by their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Duke of York.

Bonaparte, after having been crowned King of Italy, and having added Genoa to his empire, proceeded to Boulogne and reviewed his army; and immediately afterwards marched against the forces of Russia and Austria, to crush at once the coalition forming against his interests, in which the British cabinet was taking a decided part. At the same time the French troops were withdrawn from Hanover, which country they had seized on soon after the resuming of hostilities in 1803. On the 21st of October the glorious victory at Trafalgar was won by the fleet, which gave Great Britain the uncontrolled sovereignty of the sea: and on the 27th of that month the first battalion of the King's Own embarked at Ramsgate for Hanover. Having landed at Cuxhaven on the 19th of November, it marched up the country and was cantoned at Blumenthal, where it was formed in brigade with the twenty-third and twenty-eighth regiments under Major-General Honourable E. Paget; the British troops in Hanover designed to co-operate with the continental powers being under the orders of Lieut.-General Lord Cathcart. Meanwhile the Austrians had been overpowered by Bonaparte, who had taken possession of Vienna; and the united Austrian and Russian armies were defeated in the beginning of December at Austerlitz, which established the preponderance of French power. In a subsequent treaty concluded at Vienna, it was stipulated, that Hanover should be occupied by the Prussians, and the British troops under Lord Cathcart retreated to Bremen and embarked for England.

1806

The first battalion of the King's Own landed at Yarmouth in February, 1806, and marched to Woodbridge barracks; from whence it proceeded in May to Colchester: the second battalion was quartered at Chelmsford.

1807

The influence of French councils at the court of Denmark, with the expectation that its navy would be employed by Bonaparte against Great Britain, occasioned the British court to resolve to obtain possession of the Danish fleet either by treaty or force, and to retain it until the conclusion of the war. An armament was fitted out for this service, and the first battalion of the King's Own embarked at Harwich on the 25th of July, to form part of the land force under the orders of Lieut.-General Lord Cathcart. The Danish government not acceding to the proposed conditions, the army landed on the island of Zealand, and took up a position before Copenhagen, the King's Own being formed in brigade with the twenty-third regiment, under the orders of Major-General Grosvenor. After a bombardment of three days the city surrendered, and the fleet was given up. The King's Own, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Wynch, occupied the citadel, where Lord Cathcart fixed his head-quarters. On the evacuation of Copenhagen, the King's Own re-embarked, and after landing at Deal on the 6th and 7th of November, marched to Colchester. The second battalion had, in the mean time, proceeded to Jersey.[32]

1808

Although the forces of Russia and Prussia had been defeated, and a most humiliating peace concluded at Tilsit, yet Sweden still resisted the power of Bonaparte; and the first battalion of the Fourth, or King's Own, after receiving the thanks of parliament for its conduct at Copenhagen, was selected to form part of a body of troops placed under the command of Lieut.-General Sir John Moore, to support the Swedish monarch. The King's Own, having embarked at Harwich on the 28th of April, 1808, arrived at Gottenburg; but, to the surprise of the troops, they were interdicted landing by the decree of the King of Sweden, who, though desirous of obtaining British aid (like his predecessor, the Great Gustavus Adolphus, who in 1632 had eighteen British regiments in his army), yet he proved so imbecile of mind, and purposed to employ his British auxiliaries in so absurd a manner, that the expedition returned to England.

Meanwhile important events had transpired in the Peninsula. Bonaparte, after reducing to submission to his inexorable will all Germany, and forcing Russia to accede to his decrees, was prompted by his restless ambition to attempt the subjugation of Spain and Portugal. Having resolved to commence with the latter, he compelled Spain to join in the enterprise; and when Portugal was subdued, he seized on the Spanish monarchy. The inhabitants revolted against his authority. A British force, commanded by Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley, proceeded to their aid: and on the return of the King's Own from Gottenburg, they were immediately ordered to proceed to the Peninsula. Having landed in Maceira Bay, in Portugal, on the 25th of August, they advanced on Lisbon, and after the French army capitulated and vacated Portugal, they encamped within two leagues of Lisbon.

When Lieut.-General Sir John Moore was appointed to the command of the British troops in Portugal, and directed to advance to the assistance of the Spaniards, the King's Own, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Wynch, were formed in brigade with the twenty-eighth and forty-second regiments, under the orders of Major-General Lord William Bentinck; the Fourth led the right column in the march through Portugal into Spain, and arrived at Salamanca on the 14th of November. Although the Spanish forces, which were to have co-operated with Sir John Moore, were defeated and dispersed, and Bonaparte had three hundred thousand men in Spain, yet the British general, with that intrepidity which marked his character, advanced with his army into the heart of Spain, braved the numerous legions of the enemy, and produced a diversion favourable to the Spanish cause. When Napoleon directed eighty thousand men and two hundred cannon against Sir John Moore, he marched towards the coast; and by superior skill escaped from the overwhelming numbers by which he was menaced. Great privation and suffering were endured by the troops during this retreat of two hundred and fifty miles, in the depth of winter, over mountains and rivers, exposed to snow-storms and heavy rains, and pursued by an enemy of superior numbers. During the retreat the King's Own preserved their efficiency, and their grenadier company, commanded by Captain Faunce, did not lose a man.

1809

At length the army arrived at Corunna, and the war-worn British soldiers obtained shelter, warm food, and a short repose, at the town and neighbouring villages, where their wasted strength was recruited, and their damaged arms were exchanged for new, while they awaited the arrival of shipping to transport them to England.

The shipping arrived, and while arrangements were making for the embarkation, the British troops, amounting to fourteen thousand five hundred men, were in position on an inferior range of heights in front of Corunna; and the Fourth were on the right of Lieut.-General Sir David Baird's division, behind the village of Elvina.

On the 16th of January, 1809, twenty thousand French troops assembled on the opposite hills; about two in the afternoon a heavy battery opened its fire; and three columns of the enemy, covered by clouds of skirmishers, descended the mountains, and drove in the British piquets. The first column carried the village of Elvina; then dividing, attempted to turn the right of Lieut.-General Sir David Baird's division by the valley, and to break its front; at the same time the second column advanced against the British centre; and the third attacked the left at the village of Palavia Abaxo. The brunt of the battle on the right was sustained by the Fourth, forty-second, and fiftieth regiments, commanded by Major-General Lord William Bentinck, and this brigade resisted the furious onset of the enemy with a firmness which proved the unconquerable spirit and excellent discipline of the troops. The enemy's attempt to turn the right flank by the valley occasioned the right wing of the Fourth to be thrown back, and the regiment opening a heavy flanking fire with terrible effect, it forced its opponents back in confusion; while the forty-second and fiftieth attacked those breaking through the village of Elvina. Sir John Moore watching this manœuvre with care, saw the noble exhibition of valour made by the King's Own, and the repulse of the enemy by the flanking fire, with feelings of exultation, and called out, "That is exactly what I wanted to be done. I am glad to see a regiment there in which I have so much confidence:" but in a short time afterwards this distinguished commander was mortally wounded by a cannon-ball, and died regretted by the army. Eventually the French were defeated on all sides, and they sought refuge on the high ridge of hills from which they had descended. Thus ended a conflict which was glorious to the British arms; the army having repulsed its adversaries, embarked during the night and succeeding day, and returned to England.

The King's Own had their commanding officer, Lieut.-Colonel Wynch, with Captain John Williamson, Lieutenant Vere Hunt, Ensigns J. P. Jameson and Reardon, wounded; Ensign Reardon died of his wounds. Lieut.-Colonel Wynch was rewarded with a medal; and the distinguished conduct of the regiment procured for it the honourable privilege of bearing the word Corunna on its colours.

Having landed at Portsmouth on the 31st of January, the King's Own marched to Colchester Barracks, where the second battalion, which had returned from Jersey, was also stationed. The militia being again allowed to extend their services to the line, upwards of seven hundred volunteered for the Fourth, and the establishment of the first battalion was raised to twelve hundred, and the second to a thousand men.

An attack on Holland by a body of troops commanded by General the Earl of Chatham having been resolved upon, both battalions of the King's Own,—the first commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Wynch, and the second by Lieut.-Colonel Espinasse, marched for Deal and embarked on the 16th of July; they were formed in brigade with the twenty-eighth regiment, under Major-General the Earl of Dalhousie. This brigade formed part of the reserve under Lieut.-General Sir John Hope, and landed on the 1st of August on the island of South Beveland, where it was stationed during the attack and capture of Flushing, on the island of Walcheren. Some delay taking place in the naval arrangements, the enemy had time to make preparations for a powerful resistance; at the same time a severe epidemic fever broke out among the English troops, and the attack on Antwerp was relinquished.

In September the regiment was withdrawn from South Beveland, and having landed at Harwich on the 16th of that month, returned to Colchester Barracks much reduced in numbers by the Walcheren fever.

1810

The second battalion left Colchester in January, 1810, embarked at Portsmouth for Gibraltar, and was subsequently stationed in garrison at Ceuta.

In the autumn the first battalion was again called upon to transfer its services to the Peninsula, where the war continued to rage, and Marshal Massena was advancing with a powerful army to complete the conquest of Portugal. Having embarked at Harwich on the 24th of October on board the Agincourt, of 64 guns, and Brune frigate, the King's Own, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Wynch, sailed for Portugal; they landed at Lisbon on the 4th of November, and advancing up the country to join the army commanded by Lord Wellington, then in the lines of Torres Vedras, were brigaded with the second battalions of the thirtieth and forty-fourth regiments, commanded by Major-General Dunlop, in the fifth division, under the orders of Major-General James Leith, and were stationed at Alcoentra, from whence they proceeded in December to Torres Vedras.

1811

Colonel Wynch was appointed to command a brigade in the light division; but, unfortunately for the service, and to the deep regret of all who knew him, this excellent and distinguished officer died at Lisbon on the 6th of January following, of a fever, caught in the discharge of his duty at the advanced-posts of the army. Lieut.-Colonel Bevan succeeded to the command of the first battalion, and Major Brooke was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and appointed to the second battalion.

The King's Own remained at Torres Vedras until the French army, having been reduced by sickness and other causes, retreated towards Spain;—the regiment then moved forward in pursuit, and the enemy's rear was harassed and attacked with varied success.

On the 2d of April the Fourth marched through Guarda; on the following day they passed the Coa with their division by the bridge of Sabugal; and the enemy, having been previously attacked by the light division, was forced to make a precipitate retreat, and he fell back upon Alfayates.

The French having retreated on Ciudad Rodrigo, the allied army stood triumphant on the confines of Portugal, from whence the King's Own advanced into Spain, and were cantoned at Aldea de Bispo from the 9th of April to the beginning of May.

When Marshal Massena advanced to the relief of Almeida, the allied army went into position to oppose his progress, and the fifth division taking post near Fort Conception, on the left of the line, was not attacked; the Fourth regiment was consequently not engaged in the action at Fuentes d'Onor.

After the repulse of the French army, the garrison of Almeida lost all hope of assistance, and the commandant made preparations for destroying the works, and for vacating the place. At midnight, on the 10th of May, he exploded the mines, and sallying forth in a compact column, broke through the blockading force; but was followed by a few men collected on the instant, and by the thirty-sixth regiment. Early on the following morning, as the King's Own were on the march to Barba del Puerco, they heard the firing of musketry at a distance, and hastened towards the scene of conflict. The enemy was on the march; but the British soldiers, throwing off their knapsacks, followed at such a pace, that they overtook the rear of the column in the act of descending the deep chasm of Barba del Puerco. Many were killed and wounded, and three hundred were taken; but the remainder escaped. The King's Own had two rank and file killed, and one lieutenant and ten rank and file wounded.

On the 15th of June the regiment was stationed at Nava de Aver, in Portugal, where it remained three weeks, forming part of the four divisions of infantry left behind the Agueda to observe the movements of the French army under Marshal Marmont during the time the second siege of Badajoz was undertaken. When the enemy moved southwards, the regiment directed its march by Castello Branco for the Alentejo; and went into position on the Caya, being hutted near the wood and town of Aronches until the 2d of July, when it proceeded to Portalegre.

While at this station the Fourth had the misfortune to lose their commanding officer, Lieut.-Colonel Bevan, who died on the 8th of July, and was buried with military honours in the castle-yard, all the officers of the division attending. He was succeeded by Lieut.-Colonel Brooke, and brevet Lieut.-Colonel Faunce was appointed lieutenant-colonel in the regiment and placed at the head of the second battalion.

The regiment left its quarters in Portalegre on the 21st of July, and was hutted near that town seven days, when it proceeded into cantonments at Castel de Vide. When Lord Wellington moved towards the Agueda with the view of rescuing Ciudad Rodrigo from the power of the enemy, the Fourth crossed the Tagus by the bridge of boats, and proceeding by Castello Branco, entered Spain on the 11th of August at Navas Frias. After passing seven days in huts near St. Payo, they proceeded into cantonments at Pena Parda; but returned to their huts on the 26th of August, and back to quarters on the 2d of September, where they remained until the 26th of that month: meanwhile Ciudad Rodrigo was blockaded, and Lord Wellington's head-quarters were at Fuentes Guinaldo. When Marshal Marmont advanced to relieve this fortress, the Fourth remained with their division at St. Payo, watching the passes from Estremadura. In the subsequent manœuvres they were not brought into action with the enemy; and after the retreat of the French army, they were stationed at Guarda, in Portugal.

1812

The enemy being deceived by the seemingly careless winter attitude of the allied army, left Ciudad Rodrigo to the protection of its garrison; and the British commander, profiting by this omission, commenced the siege of this important fortress in the early part of January, 1812 with four divisions; the King's Own remained in quarters at Bobadela, where they had proceeded on the 7th of December. On the receipt of intelligence that Marshal Marmont was collecting his forces to succour the place, the whole army was brought forward and posted in the villages on the Coa, ready to cross the Agueda and give battle. Ciudad Rodrigo was captured by storm during the night of the 19th of January; and the Fourth were cantoned in the suburbs of that fortress from the 20th of January to the 23d of February.

In consequence of the great difficulty experienced in procuring land carriage for the supplies of the army, many of the regiments had to proceed a considerable distance for their clothing, and the King's Own marched for that purpose from Ciudad Rodrigo to Penacova, where the clothing arrived by water from Coimbra; that in use having been in wear during two years of hard service.

Meanwhile the fifth division was proceeding towards the Alentejo to engage in the siege of Badajoz, and the regiment joined its brigade at Campo Mayor on the 24th of March. On the 30th of that month it proceeded to Elvas; on the 4th of April it bivouacked near the city of Badajoz, and three breaches, which were deemed practicable, having been made, the regiment was formed on the evening of the 6th ready to take part in the storming of this strong fortress. On this occasion the fifth division was directed to make a false attack on the Pardaleras, and a real assault on the bastion of San Vincente; the King's Own, headed by Lieut.-Colonel Brooke, led the assault of the bastion.

The division advanced in silence from its bivouac-ground towards the remote side of the town; the sky was clouded and the air thick with watery exhalations, and as the troops approached the lofty fortress, a low murmur was heard in the trenches, lights were seen passing to and fro along the ramparts, and the loud voices of the French sentinels proclaimed that all was well in Badajoz. The garrison watching from its lofty station the approach of its adversaries, stood prepared with every means of destruction which art could devise, and each soldier had three loaded muskets beside him, that the first fire might be quick and fatal. As the British soldiers approached the fortress with ladders and weapons, the sight of the formidable works and towering walls awakened in their resolute hearts an eagerness for the assault, and they advanced with audacity to meet that fiery destruction which their adversaries were prepared to pour down upon them. Major-General Walker's brigade, led by the King's Own, having gained the bank of the Guadiana, advanced along the margin of the river, and the sound of their footsteps being rendered inaudible by the rippling of the waters, they reached the French guard-house at the barrier-gate of the Olivença road undiscovered; but at that moment an explosion took place at the breach, and the moon emerging from behind the clouds, the French discovered the column and gave the alarm. The glacis was mined, the ditch deep, the scarp thirty feet high, and the parapet lined with bold troops; yet the British soldiers springing forward under a sharp fire commenced hewing down the wooden barrier at the covered way. The Portuguese, being panic-stricken, threw down the scaling-ladders, but others snatched them up again, and having forced the barrier, jumped into the ditch. The guiding engineer was killed, and the ladders were found too short, for the walls were generally above thirty feet high; at the same time a mine was sprung beneath the soldiers' feet, beams of wood and live shells were rolled over on their heads, showers of grape swept the ditch, and man after man dropped dead from the ladders. At length three ladders were reared against a corner of the bastion, where the scarp was only twenty feet high, and one man climbing an embrasure which had no gun, and was only stopped by a gabion, was pushed to the top by his comrades; he drew others after him until many had gained the summit; and although the French opened a sharp fire against them from both flanks, and from a house in front, yet their numbers increased and they could not be driven back. Half the King's Own regiment entered the town to dislodge the enemy from the houses, while the others pushed along the ramparts, and, by hard fighting, won three bastions. Major-General Walker, leading the attack of the last bastion, fell covered with wounds; and several of the soldiers observing a lighted match on the ground, cried out, "A mine." The troops retiring hastily for fear of an explosion, were at that moment attacked by a French reserve, and driven back with great loss as far as the San Vincente, where the pursuing enemy was destroyed by the fire of a battalion of the thirty-eighth, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Nugent, posted in reserve. The storming party rallied, and, returning to the attack, once more charged along the breaches, and were engaged with the enemy.

In the meantime, the men of the King's Own who had entered the town, finding the streets empty, the houses illuminated with lamps, and no appearance of opposition, excepting a few shots fired by the Spaniards from underneath the doors, they advanced with bugles sounding towards the great square of the town, capturing in their progress several mules laden with ammunition proceeding towards the breaches. Arriving at the square, it was found empty as the streets, the houses decorated with lamps; a low whispering was heard, and the lattices were occasionally opened and shut, but no troops appeared to be in the buildings. The castle had been won by the British troops; but at the breaches the fight was still raging, and dreadful sounds like the deep tones of distant thunder echoed through the town; the King's Own rushed to the scene of conflict to attack the garrison in reverse, but were assailed by a heavy fire of musketry and forced back by superior numbers. At length the garrison was forced from the breaches, partial actions afterwards took place in various quarters, and eventually the governor, finding all lost, escaped with part of his garrison to the fort of St. Christoval, on the opposite side of the river, where he surrendered.

In the storming of Badajoz the Fourth had Captain H. T. Bellingham and Lieutenant Francis Staveley killed; Lieutenants William Sheppard and Martin Dane died of their wounds; Major Alured W. Faunce, Captains John Williamson, G. W. Wilson, Robert Anwyl, and Thomas Burke, with Lieutenants W. S. L. Alley, J. Salvin, Patrick Conroy, John Browne, John Craster, Hygat Boyd, and Ensigns Robert Arnold and Edward Rawlings, wounded: the regiment also sustained a loss of two hundred and thirteen serjeants, drummers, and rank and file, killed and wounded.

The excellent conduct of the brigade was mentioned in Lord Wellington's despatch; and Lieut.-Colonel Brooke, who commanded the regiment, was also spoken of in terms of commendation.

During the assault, Private George Hatton, of the light company of the King's Own, bayonetted the officer who carried the colours of the regiment of Hesse d'Armstadt, in the French service, and captured the colours, which he had the honour of presenting on the following day to Lord Wellington, who rewarded him with a present of money, and desired that he might be promoted.

The King's Own acquired by its gallantry on this occasion the honour of the royal permission to bear the word Badajoz on its colours.

Shortly after the capture of Badajoz the Fourth marched with the army towards the Agueda; on the 14th of May, the second battalion joined from Ceuta; and the brigade, consisting of the two battalions of the King's Own, and second battalions of the thirtieth and forty-fourth regiments, was commanded by Major-General Pringle; Major-General Walker having returned to England in consequence of his wounds received at the storming of Badajoz.

The Fourth advanced with the army to Salamanca, and this city being rescued from the power of the enemy, exhibited a scene of tumultuous joy and rejoicing; the houses were illuminated, and the people, shouting and singing, welcomed their deliverers; while the army took up a position on the mountain of St. Christoval a few miles in advance; but the Fourth remained behind the Tormes, and the forts which the enemy occupied at Salamanca were besieged. Marshal Marmont advancing on the 20th of June, to succour the forts, the regiment crossed the Tormes and was formed with the army in order of battle on the top of the mountain. After the capture of the forts, the enemy retired towards the Douro, and the regiment descended the heights and followed the French army, which took up a new position near Tordesillas.

The King's Own bivouacked in front of Tordesillas from the 2d to the 9th of July, and at Nava del Rey until the 16th; the weather being fine, the country rich, rations regularly supplied, and wine abundant, the soldiers fared luxuriously; but the enemy having passed the Douro and the Trabancos, turned the left of the allies, and marched on the 18th of July towards the Guarena, when the British retired. The two armies directing their march towards the Guarena as to one common goal, and important results depending on which should first pass the stream, a strife of speed arose. Several of the hostile columns, proceeding in parallel lines a distance of ten miles, within musket-shot of each other, marched impetuously towards the stream in perfect order, while clouds of dust arose, and a most interesting spectacle presented itself; for the officers on each side, being strangers alike to malice and to fear, were seen pointing with their swords, touching their caps, or waving their hands in courtesy as they urged their course towards the river. The British gained the stream first; the soldiers being tormented with thirst, many of them drank as they marched, and others halting in the river a few moments, were saluted with a shower of bullets; but they passed on, and the French marshal's designs were frustrated. He, however, passed the river on the 20th of July higher up, turned the right flank of the allied army, and gained a new range of hills; when Lord Wellington made a corresponding movement, and an evolution similar to that on the 18th was repeated, and it ended in the British resuming their position on the heights of St. Christoval. The King's Own forded the Tormes on the following day, and were posted in position with the army near Salamanca.

These bold manœuvres of the enemy were watched by the British commander, who waited patiently for an opportunity to strike a decisive blow, and this occurring on the 22d of July, a sanguinary battle was fought. In the early part of the day the King's Own were posted on the slope of one of the heights, called the Arapiles, where they remained until the afternoon, when they moved to the rear of the village of Arapiles; Lord Wellington having detected a fault in his adversaries' movements, ordered his divisions forward, and the battle commenced. In this action the fifth division, commanded by Major-General Sir James Leith, attacking the enemy in front, distinguished itself; and the King's Own,—the first battalion being commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Brooke, and the second by Major David Williamson—had their share in the glories of the day. During the action the first battalion made a brilliant charge on a considerable body of the enemy, and nobly sustained its reputation. The skill of the British commander was bravely seconded by the resolute valour and discipline of the troops; the action lasted until dark, a decisive victory was gained over the enemy, and eleven pieces of cannon, two eagles, and six colours were captured. The gallantry evinced by the King's Own was afterwards rewarded by the privilege of bearing the word Salamanca on their colours; the commanding officers of both battalions were rewarded with medals; Major David Williamson was also promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel on the occasion. Major Piper, who succeeded to the command of the first battalion during the action in consequence of Lieut.-Colonel Brooke[33] being called upon to take the command of the brigade, was likewise rewarded with a medal and the rank of lieutenant-colonel; and Major Alured Faunce, who commanded the light infantry companies of the brigade, also received a medal. The regiment had Major O'Halloran wounded, and forty-eight serjeants and rank and file killed and wounded.

The troops pursued the flying enemy on the following day, and after numerous marches and evolutions, the first battalion of the King's Own proceeded with the army to Madrid, where the British were received with acclamations of joy. Meanwhile the second battalion was in cantonments at Cuellar, with the sixth division under Lieut.-General Sir Henry Clinton; but in September the two battalions were united in front of Burgos during the siege of the castle.

When the concentration of the enemy's forces and the failure of the attack on Burgos rendered a retrograde movement necessary, the army withdrew in the night, and the French following in full career, several skirmishes occurred. On the 24th of October the army was in position behind the Carion, and the King's Own were bivouacked near Villa Muriel. The position was attacked on the following day, and a French column having passed the river, took some prisoners at the village and lined the bed of a canal; the brigade under Major-General Pringle's orders was directed to clear the canal, and the Fourth advanced against their adversaries. The French troops were driven back, the village was re-occupied in force, and the canal was lined by the allied troops; but the army withdrew before day-break on the 26th and the retreat was resumed.

The army took up positions from time to time to retard the advance of the enemy; and having crossed the Douro and the Tormes, it was posted behind the latter river until the middle of November; when a further retreat to Ciudad Rodrigo took place. The King's Own having entered Portugal went into winter quarters at the villages of Valdigeen and Saude, in the vicinity of Lamego.

Both battalions having sustained considerable loss during this campaign, the second transferred its private men fit for duty to the first battalion on the 24th of December, and, proceeding to England, was stationed in Colchester barracks, where it was shortly afterwards recruited in numbers by volunteers from the militia.

The second battalions of the thirtieth and forty-fourth regiments being also reduced in numbers were sent to England, and the first battalion of the King's Own remaining in cantonments on the northern frontiers of Portugal, was united in brigade with the second battalions of the forty-seventh and fifty-ninth regiments, under the orders of Major-General F. P. Robinson.

1813

The campaign of 1813 was opened in May, when the army, entering Spain, advanced against the enemy; the Fourth formed part of the force which traversed the mountainous country of Tras-os-Montes, turned the enemy's position on the Douro, and forced him to retreat; the rear of the retiring army was closely followed in its retrograde movement; and the enemy, having blown up the castle of Burgos, took a position on the Ebro, from which he was forced by a flank movement.

The King's Own, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Brooke, shared in the privations and fatigues consequent upon a march of several hundred miles, sometimes traversing romantic mountain scenery, ascending rugged precipices, or crossing rivers; on the 20th of June, they were bivouacked at Margina, from whence they advanced on the following day to attack the French army commanded by Joseph Bonaparte in its position in front of Vittoria.

The regiment formed part of the force under Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Graham, which advanced against the right of the French army by the Bilboa road, and having taken possession of Gamara Minor, the Fourth, forty-seventh, and fifty-ninth regiments were sent forward in columns of battalions, with the heroic Major-General Robinson at their head, to storm the village of Gamara Major, which was occupied as a tête-de-pont to the bridge across the Zadora. Supported by two guns of Major Lawson's brigade of artillery, the three regiments advanced with a determined countenance; the French artillery opened a destructive fire, and volleys of musquetry assailed the brigade in front; yet, undismayed by the storm of bullets which rent chasms in the ranks, the British regiments bore down upon their adversaries with fixed bayonets, drove the enemy from the village with great slaughter, and captured three guns.

This success was followed by an attack on the village of Abechuco, by the first division. Meanwhile the French made great efforts to repossess themselves of Gamara Major; but were repulsed, and Abechuco was carried.

The possession of these villages enabled the troops to attack the bridges across the Zadora; but these bridges were commanded by a division of the enemy posted on the heights beyond the river. Here the King's Own, led by the gallant Lieut.-Colonel Brooke, had another opportunity of displaying their native valour; they charged three times across the bridge of Gamara Major; and when the centre columns of the British army had penetrated to the vicinity of Vittoria, the enemy vacated the heights, the river was passed, and the retreat of the French army by the high road to France was intercepted. Finally the French army was thrown into confusion, and driven from the field with the loss of its artillery, ammunition-waggons, and all its baggage and equipages.

The Fourth had Lieutenant George Thorne, and Lieutenant and Adjutant Thomas Barker killed; with Captains John Williamson, John E. Kipping, James Ward, Charles James Edgell, and Ensign John M'Crohon, wounded; also seventy-five non-commissioned officers and soldiers killed and wounded. Their gallant conduct was afterwards rewarded with the honour of bearing the word Vittoria inscribed on their colours.

After this victory the King's Own were detached, with the remainder of the left column, towards Bilboa, with the view of intercepting a body of French under General Foy, who retreated on Bayonne. After the enemy was driven beyond the frontiers of Spain, the regiment was engaged in the siege of the strong and important fortress of St. Sebastian, and supported the unsuccessful assault of the works on the 25th of July: it also had the honour of taking a conspicuous and important part in storming the breach on the 31st of August.

When the assaulting party, led by the King's Own, filed out of the trenches, it was saluted with a tempest of shells and grape-shot which blazed in the air, tore up the ground, and menaced the brigade with instant destruction; yet, urged forward by their native ardour and thirst for glory, the soldiers rushed through this dreadful storm of bullets towards the breach, where they encountered difficulties almost insuperable. Many of the King's Own, evincing their inborn valour and contempt of danger, rushed up the breach and perished; others following, shared the same fate. Every exertion and device which the most determined bravery could inspire were repeatedly tried in vain, no man outliving the attempt to gain the ridge. Lieutenant Le Blanc of the Fourth, who led the light infantry company of the regiment immediately after the forlorn hope, particularly distinguished himself, and was the only surviving officer of the advance. At length the British heavy guns were turned against the curtain, and the bullets, which passed a few feet only above the heads of the soldiers at the breach, having produced some effect, another strenuous effort was made to gain the high ridge. The officers and soldiers rushing forward with enthusiastic gallantry, were favoured by the explosion of a mine, and the breach was forced. The town was immediately captured, and the citadel surrendered a few days afterwards.

The gallant behaviour of the King's Own on this occasion is set forth in the following copy of a letter from Major-General Robinson to the colonel of the regiment.

"St. Sebastian, 5th September, 1813.

"My Lord,

"I feel it my duty to inform your lordship of the gallant conduct of the first battalion of the King's Own at the attack of the breach of these works on the 31st August. The first attack was the exclusive duty of the second brigade, consisting of the Fourth, forty-seventh, and fifty-ninth, with a company of Brunswick Oels sharp-shooters; or rather of a thousand men of the brigade; the remainder, to the amount of two hundred and fifty, were in the trenches and waited further orders.

"The Fourth led, and perhaps in the whole history of war there cannot be found a stronger instance of courage and obedience to orders, for the instructions were to make a lodgement on the breach only; there to wait support. The lodgement was effected under the most tremendous fire of grape and musquetry that can be imagined, and our loss was dreadful, that of the Fourth only is twelve officers, nineteen serjeants, and two hundred and thirty rank and file killed and wounded. The other regiments emulated the Fourth, and called forth the acclamations of the generals, and thousands who were looking on. It was not until after three hours hard fighting that the lodgement was certain, after which, by the premature springing of one of the enemy's mines, the town was soon carried.

"This action, so soon after that of Vittoria, requires that I should report the conduct of the regiment in the warmest manner to your lordship, and I feel it but justice to a few individuals, who from accidental causes had opportunities of doing more than others, to mention their names. Captain Williamson commanded the regiment, and was twice wounded after he had reached the top of the breach. Captain Jones succeeded, not only to the command of the regiment, but on my being obliged to quit the field, to that of the brigade, and acquitted himself most admirably. My acting aide-de-camp, Captain Wood, left me at my request, and by his judgment and example contributed materially to the success of the daring attempt. The three are excellent officers, and will ere long, I hope, prove themselves equal to the duties of a higher station.

"I have, &c. "F. P. Robinson, "Major-general, commanding second brigade, fifth division.

"To General the Earl of Chatham, &c."

This brilliant display of British valour and heroism by the second brigade, was attended with the loss of two majors, eight captains, twenty-six lieutenants, twelve ensigns, forty-seven serjeants, six drummers, and five hundred and eighty-nine rank and file killed and wounded; among whom were the following officers of the King's Own:—Lieutenants Francis Maguire, Jonas Fawson, W. S. A. Carrol, J. P. Jameson, and Ensign Charles Montford killed; with Brevet Lieut.-Colonel John Piper, Captains John Williamson, John Wynne Fletcher, Lieutenants Francis Le Blanc, George Heywood, William Clarke, and Frederick Hyde, wounded.

By their gallantry on this occasion the King's Own acquired the honour of bearing the word St. Sebastian inscribed on their colours.

The regiment advanced from St. Sebastian to the frontiers of France; and on the 7th of October forded the Bidassoa at low water for the purpose of driving the enemy from the mountain of La Rhune. A body of Spaniards and Portuguese co-operated on this occasion with the first and fifth divisions; and the French had scarcely formed in line before they were driven from their works, with the loss of several guns.

Thus, after chasing the boasted invincible legions of Bonaparte from the gates of Lisbon to the utmost limits of the Spanish boundary; after rescuing millions from the grasp of the oppressor, and after restoring the affrighted inhabitants of the Peninsula to their homes in peace and safety, the British soldiers had burst the barriers of the Pyrenees and planted their triumphant ensigns in France; where additional laurels awaited them.

On the 10th of November the battle of the Nivelle was fought; the fifth division being on the left, was not seriously engaged, and the King's Own had no opportunity of signalizing themselves in action: they had Lieutenant Salvin and several men wounded.

After its retreat from Nivelle, the French army occupied an entrenched position in front of Bayonne; the allies passed the Nive on the 9th of December, and the enemy having been dislodged from a post at Ville Franque, withdrew his out-posts to Bayonne. But issuing from thence on the following day, he attacked a Portuguese brigade stationed on the high road from Bayonne to St. Jean de Luz. The King's Own, and other regiments of the second brigade of the fifth division, advancing to the assistance of the Portuguese, were sharply engaged, and evinced great bravery and steadiness in action. Major-General Robinson was wounded, and the French gained some advantage; but they were eventually driven back and suffered severely. The attempt was renewed, but the attacking columns were repulsed, and night closed on the combatants.

The enemy again attacked the division on the 11th of December, but was repulsed; in the afternoon of the 12th there was also some sharp skirmishing; and the King's Own acquired, by their intrepid bearing and gallantry in action, the honour of bearing the word Nive on their colours.

At the passage of the Nive, on the 9th of December, the regiment had one man killed; Brevet Major Robert Anwyl, Lieutenant Fraser, and nine rank and file wounded: Lieutenant Fraser died of his wounds. On the 10th of December one serjeant and five rank and file were killed; Brevet Major Timothy Jones, Lieutenants Edward Guichard and Frederick Hyde, with five serjeants, one drummer, and thirty-nine rank and file wounded; and twenty-two rank and file missing. On the 11th of December the King's Own had six rank and file killed; Brevet Lieut.-Colonel John Piper, Lieutenants John Staveley, C. H. Farrington, William Clarke, Edward Rawlins, John Sutherland, James Marshal, and Ensign James Gardner, with eight serjeants, and ninety rank and file wounded.

During the winter additional honours were conferred on the officers who had commanded regiments in the late actions; and Lieut.-Colonel Brooke, of the King's Own, obtained a cross inscribed Badajoz, Salamanca, Vittoria, and St. Sebastian. Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Piper, two clasps inscribed St. Sebastian and Nive. Captain Kepping, who succeeded to the command of the regiment after Lieut.-Colonel Piper was wounded, on the 11th of December, received the brevet rank of MAJOR, and a medal inscribed Nive.

1814

Severe weather obliged the allied army to keep in its cantonments during the month of January and part of February, 1814; and operations having recommenced in the middle of February, after several movements the King's Own were employed in the blockade of Bayonne, in which service they were engaged upwards of six weeks.

Meanwhile important events had taken place in other parts of Europe, and the officers and soldiers of the British army, who had received the blessings of the unoffending nations whom they had delivered from the power of their enemies, and had transferred to France the calamities of domestic war, had the delight of witnessing the conflicts, toils, and sufferings they had endured for the good of Europe, followed by the enjoyments of peace.

The King's Own were afterwards rewarded with the word Peninsula, as an additional honorary inscription for their colours; but, although tranquillity was restored to Europe, they were allowed only a few days of repose before they were called upon to transfer their services to another scene of conflict, and were destined to fight the battles of their country beyond the Atlantic ocean.

During the Peninsular War, the decrees of Bonaparte to destroy the commerce of Great Britain were followed by regulations designed to counteract the enemy's plans. These regulations, with the pressing of British seamen on board of American ships, brought on a war between Great Britain and the United States. When the King's Own were separated from the second brigade of the fifth division, in order to embark for America, Major-General Robinson addressed the following letter to Major Faunce, who then commanded the regiment:—

"Lower Anglet, near Bayonne, 14th May, 1814.

"Sir,

"The event of the King's Own being about to be separated from the second brigade, brings strongly to my recollection the many and great obligations I am under to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, for repeated instances of such gallant conduct in the field, as never failed to draw forth the unqualified approbation of the higher ranks of this army.

"The excellent system of discipline maintained in the regiment, and the attention paid by each individual to its reputation, is also a source of real satisfaction.

"Impressed deeply with these sentiments, let me request you will do me the honour to make my most sincere thanks acceptable to all, with assurances of my warmest wishes for their future welfare and prosperity; and may I add, I shall feel myself peculiarly fortunate if I should ever again be united with them on service.

(Signed) "F. P. Robinson, "Major-General commanding second brigade "fifth division.

"To Major Faunce, "Fourth, or King's Own Regiment."

Marching through Bayonne on the 15th of May, the regiment proceeded to Bourdeaux, embarked on the 29th at Pauillac on the river Garonne, under the command of Major Alured D. Faunce, and quitted the coast of France in the early part of June. The expedition consisted of the fourth and forty-fourth, about eight hundred bayonets each; the eighty-fifth, about six hundred bayonets; with a brigade of artillery and a detachment of sappers and miners: the whole under the command of that very gallant and experienced leader, Major-General Patrick Ross: the navy, consisting of one seventy-four, two sixty-fours, five frigates, and two bomb-vessels, was under the orders of Rear-Admiral Malcomb.

After twenty days' sailing, the fleet approached the Azores, and the high land of St. Michael's appeared like a blue cloud rising out of the water: as the shipping drew near, the troops were delighted with the view of the numerous villages, seats, and convents which ornamented the beach, and the lofty mountains adorned with groves of orange trees and green pasturage rising behind. After remaining a short time at this pleasant island to take in provisions, the fleet again put to sea, and anchored on the evening of the 24th of July opposite the tanks in the island of Bermuda in the West Indies, where the expedition was joined by the twenty-first fusiliers, mustering nine hundred bayonets.

The fleet remained at Bermuda, taking in stores, and establishing a magazine for the future supply of the expedition, until the 3d of August, when it once more put to sea, and directing its course towards North America, entered the bay of Chesapeake, where reinforcements joined, and Rear-Admiral Cockburn took charge of the navy. On the arrival of this squadron, a powerful American flotilla fled for refuge up the Patuxent river, and was followed by the British fleet. In order to insure the destruction of the enemy's vessels, the troops were directed to land: on the 19th of August the stream was suddenly covered with boats crowded with soldiers, and by three o'clock in the afternoon the army was in position about two miles above the village of St. Benedict, on the right bank of the Patuxent. The troops were divided into three brigades; the first, consisting of the eighty-fifth regiment, with the light companies of the Fourth, twenty-first, and forty-fourth, a company of marines, and a party of disciplined negroes, was commanded by Colonel Thornton; the second, consisting of the Fourth and forty-fourth regiments, was commanded by Colonel Brooke; and the third, consisting of the twenty-first fusiliers, and a battalion of marines, was commanded by Colonel Patterson; for want of horses only one six-pounder, and two small three-pounders were brought on shore.

The army remained in position near St. Benedict until four o'clock on the afternoon of the following day, when the bugles sounded, the regiments turned out in marching order, and proceeded in the direction of Nottingham, a town on the banks of the Patuxent, which was found deserted, while the appearance of the furniture, and in some places the bread left in the ovens, showed it had been abandoned in haste. On the 22d the army proceeded to the delightful village of Upper Marlborough, situate in a well-cultivated valley about two miles broad; and during the march loud explosions were heard, which proved to be the enemy destroying his flotilla to prevent its falling into the hands of British seamen.