Historical record of the Eighty-Sixth, or the Royal County Down Regiment of Foot / Containing an account of the formation of the regiment in 1793, and of its subsequent services to 1842.
Date: 2022-05-30T00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Great Britain. Army. Royal County Down Regiment -- History; Great Britain. Army. Regiment of Foot; 86th -- History

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Title: Historical record of the Eighty-Sixth, or the Royal County Down Regiment of Foot

Author: Richard Cannon

Release date: May 31, 2022 [eBook #68212]
Most recently updated: October 18, 2024

Language: English

Original publication: United Kingdom: John W. Parker, 1842

Credits: Brian Coe, John Campbell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE EIGHTY-SIXTH, OR THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT OF FOOT ***

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HISTORICAL RECORDS

OF

THE BRITISH ARMY.

GENERAL ORDERS.

HORSE-GUARDS,

1st January, 1836.

His Majesty has been pleased to command, that, with a view of doing the fullest justice to Regiments, as well as to Individuals who have distinguished themselves by their Bravery in Action with the Enemy, an Account of the Services of every Regiment in the British Army shall be published under the superintendence and direction of the Adjutant-General; and that this Account shall contain the following particulars, viz.,

—— The Period and Circumstances of the Original Formation of the Regiment; The Stations at which it has been from time to time employed; The Battles, Sieges, and other Military Operations, in which it has been engaged, particularly specifying any Achievement it may have performed, and the Colours, Trophies, &c., it may have captured from the Enemy.

—— The Names of the Officers and the number of Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, Killed or Wounded by the Enemy, specifying the Place and Date of the Action.

—— The Names of those Officers, who, in consideration of their Gallant Services and Meritorious Conduct in Engagements with the Enemy, have been distinguished with Titles, Medals, or other Marks of His Majesty’s gracious favour.

—— The Names of all such Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates as may have specially signalized themselves in Action.

And,

—— The Badges and Devices which the Regiment may have been permitted to bear, and the Causes on account of which such Badges or Devices, or any other Marks of Distinction, have been granted.

By Command of the Right Honourable

GENERAL LORD HILL,

Commanding-in-Chief.

John Macdonald,

Adjutant-General.

PREFACE.

The character and credit of the British Army must chiefly depend upon the zeal and ardour, by which all who enter into its service are animated, and consequently it is of the highest importance that any measure calculated to excite the spirit of emulation, by which alone great and gallant actions are achieved, should be adopted.

Nothing can more fully tend to the accomplishment of this desirable object, than a full display of the noble deeds with which the Military History of our country abounds. To hold forth these bright examples to the imitation of the youthful soldier, and thus to incite him to emulate the meritorious conduct of those who have preceded him in their honourable career, are among the motives that have given rise to the present publication.

The operations of the British Troops are, indeed, announced in the “London Gazette,” from whence they are transferred into the public prints: the achievements of our armies are thus made known at the time of their occurrence, and receive the tribute of praise and admiration to which they are entitled. On extraordinary occasions, the Houses of Parliament have been in the habit of conferring on the Commanders, and the Officers and Troops acting under their orders, expressions of approbation and of thanks for their skill and bravery, and these testimonials, confirmed by the high honour of their Sovereign’s Approbation, constitute the reward which the soldier most highly prizes.

It has not, however, until late years, been the practice (which appears to have long prevailed in some of the Continental armies) for British Regiments to keep regular records of their services and achievements. Hence some difficulty has been experienced in obtaining, particularly from the old Regiments, an authentic account of their origin and subsequent services.

This defect will now be remedied, in consequence of His Majesty having been pleased to command, that every Regiment shall in future keep a full and ample record of its services at home and abroad.

From the materials thus collected, the country will henceforth derive information as to the difficulties and privations which chequer the career of those who embrace the military profession. In Great Britain, where so large a number of persons are devoted to the active concerns of agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, and where these pursuits have, for so long a period, been undisturbed by the presence of war, which few other countries have escaped, comparatively little is known of the vicissitudes of active service, and of the casualties of climate, to which, even during peace, the British Troops are exposed in every part of the globe, with little or no interval of repose.

In their tranquil enjoyment of the blessings which the country derives from the industry and the enterprise of the agriculturist and the trader, its happy inhabitants may be supposed not often to reflect on the perilous duties of the soldier and the sailor,—on their sufferings,—and on the sacrifice of valuable life, by which so many national benefits are obtained and preserved.

The conduct of the British Troops, their valour, and endurance, have shone conspicuously under great and trying difficulties; and their character has been established in Continental warfare by the irresistible spirit with which they have effected debarkations in spite of the most formidable opposition, and by the gallantry and steadiness with which they have maintained their advantages against superior numbers.

In the official Reports made by the respective Commanders, ample justice has generally been done to the gallant exertions of the Corps employed; but the details of their services, and of acts of individual bravery, can only be fully given in the Annals of the various Regiments.

These Records are now preparing for publication, under His Majesty’s special authority, by Mr. Richard Cannon, Principal Clerk of the Adjutant-General’s Office; and while the perusal of them cannot fail to be useful and interesting to military men of every rank, it is considered that they will also afford entertainment and information to the general reader, particularly to those who may have served in the Army, or who have relatives in the Service.

There exists in the breasts of most of those who have served, or are serving, in the Army, an Esprit de Corps—an attachment to every thing belonging to their Regiment; to such persons a narrative of the services of their own Corps cannot fail to prove interesting. Authentic accounts of the actions of the great,—the valiant,—the loyal, have always been of paramount interest with a brave and civilized people. Great Britain has produced a race of heroes who, in moments of danger and terror, have stood, “firm as the rocks of their native shore;” and when half the World has been arrayed against them, they have fought the battles of their Country with unshaken fortitude. It is presumed that a record of achievements in war,—victories so complete and surprising, gained by our countrymen,—our brothers,—our fellow-citizens in arms,—a record which revives the memory of the brave, and brings their gallant deeds before us, will certainly prove acceptable to the public.

Biographical memoirs of the Colonels and other distinguished Officers, will be introduced in the Records of their respective Regiments, and the Honorary Distinctions which have, from time to time, been conferred upon each Regiment, as testifying the value and importance of its services, will be faithfully set forth.

As a convenient mode of Publication, the Record of each Regiment will be printed in a distinct number, so that when the whole shall be completed, the Parts may be bound up in numerical succession.

EIGHTY-SIXTH (THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN) REGIMENT OF FOOT.

HISTORICAL RECORD
OF THE
EIGHTY-SIXTH,
OR
THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT OF
FOOT:

CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF

THE FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT
IN 1793,

AND OF

ITS SUBSEQUENT SERVICES
TO 1842.

LONDON:

JOHN W. PARKER, WEST STRAND.

M.DCCC.XLII.

London:
Harrison and Co., Printers,
St. Martin’s Lane.

THE EIGHTY-SIXTH,

OR

THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT OF

FOOT,

BEARS ON ITS COLOURS AND APPOINTMENTS THE

“HARP AND CROWN”

WITH THE MOTTO

“QUIS SEPARABIT?”

ALSO THE

“SPHINX,” WITH THE WORDS “EGYPT,”
“INDIA,” “BOURBON;”

AND ON THE BUTTONS THE

“IRISH HARP AND CROWN.”

CONTENTS.

Year | | Page
1793 | The Regiment raised, and styled Cuyler’s Shropshire Volunteers | 9
1794 | Names of the Officers | 10
—— | Embarks for Ireland | 11
—— | Styled the Eighty-Sixth Regiment, or the Shropshire Volunteers | —
—— | Returns to England | —
1795 | Serves on board the fleet as Marines | 12
1796 | Embarks for the Cape of Good Hope | 13
1799 | Proceeds to India | —
1801 | Six Companies proceed to Egypt | 14
—— | Passage of the Desert | —
—— | Capture of Cairo and Alexandria | 18
1802 | Four Companies in India,—Capture of Kareah and Tarrapore | 20
—— | Six Companies return from Egypt to India | 21
—— | Capture of Barodara | 22
1803 | ———— Kirrella,—skirmish near Copperbund | 23
—— | ———— Keira | 24
—— | ———— Baroach | 25
—— | ———— Powanghur | 28
—— | Skirmish near Lunawarrah | 29
—— | Capture of Dhowd | 30
1804 | Advances to Indore | 31
—— | Disastrous Retreat to Ongein | —
—— | Capture of Inglehur | 32
1805 | Proceeds to Bhurtpore | 32
—— | Storms one of the out-works | 33
—— | Attacks a large bastion | 34
—— | Siege raised,—proceeds to Muttra | 35
—— | Pursues the forces of Holkar | —
1806 | Returns to Bombay | 36
—— | Stationed at Goa | —
—— | Obtains the title of the Eighty-Sixth, or Leinster Regiment of Foot | 37
1809 | Declaration of the Portuguese Viceroy, at Goa | —
1810 | Expedition against the Island of Bourbon | 38
—— | Services of a detachment on board the Africaine frigate | 44
1811 | Removed to the Isle of France | 45
1812 | Returns to India | —
—— | Styled the Eighty-Sixth, or the Royal County Down Regiment | 46
1814 | A second battalion added to the regiment | 47
—— | Ditto disbanded | —
1816 | } Serves against the Pindarees | 48
1817
1817 | Insurrection at Hyderabad | —
1818 | Serves against the Pindarees | 49
—— | Marches for Madras, in order to embark for England | —
—— | Flank Companies proceed to the Island of Ceylon | 50
—— | Services against the Kandians | —
1819 | Returns to Madras | 55
—— | General Orders on leaving India | 56
—— | Arrives in England | 57
1821 | Embarks for Ireland | —
1827 | Service Companies embark for the West Indies | 59
1837 | ——— ————   return to England | 62
1842 | The Conclusion | 63

SUCCESSION OF COLONELS.

Year | | Page
1793 | Cornelius Cuyler | 64
1794 | Russell Manners | 66
1795 | William Grinfield | 67
1804 | Sir James Henry Craig, K.B. | 68
1806 | Sir Charles Ross, Baronet | —
1810 | The Honorable Francis Needham | 69
1832 | William George Lord Harris | 71
1835 | The Honorable Sir Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, K.C.B., G.C.M.G., K.C.H. | —
1836 | James Watson | 72
1837 | Sir Arthur Brooke, K.C.B. | —

EIGHT-SIXTH (THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN) REGIMENT OF FOOT.

HISTORICAL RECORD

OF THE

EIGHTY-SIXTH,

OR

THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT

OF

FOOT.

1793

The last twelve years of the eighteenth century form a period, remarkable in the annals of Europe, for the efforts made to overthrow the governments of Christendom, and to establish the destructive domination of atheism and democracy, upon the ruins of institutions which had elevated the inhabitants of this quarter of the globe to an height of knowledge, refinement, wealth, and power, unknown in other parts of the earth. France was the great theatre of commotion: there the war of hostile principles produced the most sanguinary results;—the cry of “equality” was raised,—the blood of princes, nobles, and citizens was shed, and democracy appeared to triumph over the rights of society. In other countries, republican principles were spreading to an alarming extent; the sovereigns of Europe were forced to engage in war to oppose the progress of destruction, and to Great Britain pertains the honour of having persevered in this contest, for twenty years, when the overthrow of that tyrannical power which sprung out of the French revolution, was accomplished.

On the commencement of hostilities in 1793, the British army was augmented: upwards of fifty regiments of foot were raised, and one of the first corps embodied, on this occasion, was the regiment which now bears the title of the Eighty-sixth, or the Royal County Down Regiment.

This corps was raised by Major-General Cornelius Cuyler, who had served with reputation in North America, and also in the West Indies, where he had performed the duties of commander-in-chief; its general rendezvous was at Shrewsbury, and its designation was “General Cuyler’s Shropshire Volunteers;” but its ranks were completed with men, principally from Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire,—counties which have furnished many excellent soldiers. Major-General Cuyler’s appointment was dated the 30th of October, 1793, and the royal warrants for raising recruits were issued on the following day[1].

1794

In February, 1794, the following officers were holding commissions in the regiment:—

Colonel, Major-General C. Cuyler.
Lieut.-Colonel, George Sladden.
Major, R. M. Dickens.
Captains. | Lieutenants. | Ensigns.
T. C. Hardy | Thomas Neilson | Willm. Murray
W. H. Digby | Hugh Houstown | Thos. Thornhill
Charles Byne | W. S. Curry | Thomas Symes
Edward Robinson | Edward Barnes | W. C. Williams
Alexander Campbell | Thos. Pickering | James Burke
Rowland Hill[2] | Charles Dod | Danl. McNeill
Robert Bell. | Geo. Middlemore | Edward Fox
| Chas. E. Jolley | Wm. St. Clair.
Captain-Lieutenant. | Daniel Gavey |
George Cuyler. | Wm. Semple |
| J. C. Tuffnell. |
Chaplain, Chas. Austen; Adjutant, Daniel Coleman;
Quarter-Master, Richard Jackson; Surgeon, Hugh Dean.

From Shrewsbury, the regiment proceeded to Park-gate, where it embarked, in April, for Ireland, and after landing at Cork, marched to Kilkenny.

At this period the newly-raised corps were numbered, and this regiment received the designation of the Eighty-sixth, or Shropshire Volunteers.

On the 20th of June, 1794, Major-General Cuyler was appointed to the Sixty-ninth Regiment, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the Eighty-sixth, by Lieutenant-General Russell Manners.

After remaining in Ireland ten weeks, the regiment embarked at Cork, and was held in readiness for active service; but it landed at Frome, in Somersetshire, in September, and proceeded from thence to the Isle of Wight.

1795

The regiment having been brought into a state of discipline and efficiency, was selected to serve on board the fleet as marines; eight officers, and four hundred and fourteen non-commissioned officers and soldiers, embarked in January, 1795, on board the “Prince of Wales,” “Triumph,” “Brunswick,” and “Hector,” line-of-battle ships, and in February, seven officers, and two hundred and seventy-six non-commissioned officers and soldiers, embarked on board the “Prince,” “Saturn,” and “Boyne.” The “Boyne” caught fire at Spithead, and was destroyed, when the grenadier company of the regiment lost its arms, accoutrements, and baggage.

Lieut.-General Russell Manners was removed to the Twenty-sixth Light Dragoons, in March, 1795, and was succeeded by Major-General William Grinfield, from Lieut.-Colonel in the Third Foot Guards.

The head-quarters of the regiment were at Newport, in the Isle of Wight, where they were inspected by His Royal Highness the Duke of York, who expressed his approbation of their appearance; and in October the establishment was augmented to one hundred rank and file per company, its numbers being completed by drafts from the 118th and 121st Regiments; the men of the last-mentioned corps were then recently liberated from French prison. In December, the regiment was stationed at Portsmouth and Hilsea.

1796

In the beginning of 1796, the establishment was augmented to twelve companies,—the eleventh and twelfth being recruiting companies; and as the ships of war came into port, the officers and soldiers of the Eighty-sixth landed and joined the regiment; they had served in several engagements in which the ships they were embarked in had taken part, during that eventful period. In April, the regiment proceeded to Guildford, and in June it returned to the Isle of Wight.

Meanwhile, Flanders and Holland had embraced the republican principles of France, and the British government resolved to deprive the Dutch of the settlement of the Cape of Good Hope; the Eighty-sixth embarked for the Cape, where they landed on the 22nd of September, six days after the Dutch governor had surrendered the colony to the forces under General Sir Alured Clarke.

1797
1798
1799

The regiment was stationed at the Cape of Good Hope during the years 1797 and 1798, and received drafts from the 95th, and other corps. In February, 1799, it embarked for the East Indies, and landed, on the 10th of May, at Madras, upwards of thirteen hundred strong,—a splendid body of men, whose appearance excited much admiration.

The capture of Seringapatam had rendered the services of the regiment at this station unnecessary, and after a month’s repose at Madras, it embarked for Bombay, where it arrived on the 22nd of July, and sent detachments by sea, under Major Bell, and Captain James Richardson, to Tannah and Surat: these detachments returned to Bombay, in December following.

1800
1801

From Bombay, three companies sailed, towards the end of 1800, for Ceylon, in the expectation of taking part in the reduction of the Isle of France[3]; but orders had, in the meantime, arrived for an army from India, to co-operate with a body of troops from Europe, in the expulsion of the French “Army of the East” from Egypt, and the detachment returned, in January, 1801, to Bombay, where Major-General Baird assumed the command, and the expedition sailed for the Red Sea.

It was originally designed, that the army from India should land at Suez, a city of Egypt, situate at the head of the Red Sea, on the borders of Arabia; and a small squadron under Admiral Blanquett, having on board three companies of the Eighty-sixth (the grenadier, light, and colonel’s companies) under Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd, a detachment of Bombay artillery, a battalion of sepoys, with other detachments, sailed some time before the main body of the expedition, to attack Suez, and interrupt the formation of any establishment there by the French. This small force left Bombay in December 1800, arrived at Mocha in the middle of January 1801, where the fleet remained two days to procure provisions, when it sailed for Jedda, where one of the ships was lost on a bank. The navigation of the Red Sea, from Jedda to Suez, proved particularly difficult and tedious, on account of the want of a sufficient depth of water, the fleet having to anchor daily, and take advantage of the tides. On reaching Suez, the French had evacuated the place in consequence of the arrival of the army from Europe, under General Sir Ralph Abercromby, on the Mediterranean shores of Egypt, and the success of the British arms near Alexandria, where Sir Ralph Abercromby was killed.

The troops landed at Suez, and Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd, in reporting his arrival, solicited permission to cross the Desert and share in the dangers and honours of the army, which was advancing up the Nile, and approaching Cairo, the modern capital of Egypt, which it was expected the French would defend. Lieut.-General Hutchinson acquiesced in Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd’s wishes, and preparations were accordingly made to pass the Desert.

At six o’clock, on the evening of the 6th of June, the three companies of the Eighty-sixth commenced their march, with only three pints of water per man; the distance in a straight line, was only fifty-eight miles; but the Arab Sheiks, furnished for guides by the Vizier, and made responsible for the safe passage of the detachment, represented that a detour of ten or twelve miles would be necessary to prevent the French intercepting the detachment.

After marching two hours over a hard sandy country, Captain Cuyler, Lieutenant Morse, and Lieutenant Goodfellow, were taken so ill as to be unable to proceed. At eleven the troops halted for two hours, then resumed the march until seven in the morning, when they again halted, having performed twenty-six miles of the journey. The day became so intolerably hot, that Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd ordered the tents to be pitched to shelter the men from the sun; but at ten o’clock the guides stated it was necessary to march, as the camels would be so debilitated by the heat, if they rested on the sand, as to require water before they could move again; but if kept in motion they would not be affected in so fatal a degree; adding, if the soldiers slept, the camel drivers might steal the water, which they feared would be found scarcely sufficient. The guides being responsible for the safety of the detachment, Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd acceded to their wishes; the tents were struck at eleven, and the march resumed; the thermometer being at 109. Captain Cuyler soon fainted again, and fell from his horse, and a camel and two men were left to attend him and bring him forward. The men beginning to drop fast in the rear, Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd halted about one o’clock, cut his own baggage from the camels, which example was followed by all the officers, as many men as could be carried were then mounted on the camels, and the whole proceeded. At two o’clock a camseen, or south wind began to blow, the thermometer rose to 116, and afterwards much higher; the officers and soldiers were seized with dreadful sensations:—some were affected with giddiness and loss of sight, and others fell down gasping for breath, and calling for drink. At four o’clock, Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd was forced to halt. The skins had been cracked by the sun, and the water had become of a thick consistence; the men who drank it were seized with vomiting and violent pains. The officers had brought with them some Madeira wine, which they divided among the soldiers; a proportion of spirits were mixed with the remaining water, which was issued to the men, accompanied with the warning, that every drop was in their own possession, half the journey had not been performed, and on their own prudence, in reserving a portion in their canteens, must depend whether or not they should be enabled to accomplish the remainder of the distance.

Between six and seven o’clock the wind ceased; as the sun declined, the air became more temperate, and the detachment being a little refreshed, though still a languor pervaded the whole, the order for marching was given at seven o’clock. Seventeen men, unable to travel, were left on the ground, and camels were left to bring them forward as soon as they could be moved.

During the march several officers and soldiers experienced an extraordinary sensation of seeing horses, camels, and all kinds of animals, moving with rapid transition before them, which false perception their judgment could not correct. At eleven the detachment halted; the night was excessively dark, and the officers and soldiers were so exhausted, that unconquerable sleep seized upon all.

At four o’clock the guides awoke Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd, and the soldiers formed in order of march with difficulty, a heavy dew having fallen upon them, and their limbs being benumbed with cold. The march was, however, resumed; the south wind began to blow at the same hour as on the preceding day, but the men were not affected in the same severe degree; and by strenuous exertions the detachment arrived at the springs of Elhanka, between four and five o’clock in the evening of the same day, when the joy experienced by every one was very great. By eight o’clock all the camels had come up, and the men, who, from giddiness had fallen from their backs, joined during the night. Eight of the seventeen men left behind, joined on the 9th of June, and the other nine perished in the Desert.

No man had partaken of food after quitting Suez, as it would have increased the thirst, and the rations of salt pork were thrown away on the first morning. On arriving at the springs, the soldiers partook of the water with caution; but two officers’ horses having broke loose drank till they died on the spot. During the march of seventy miles, no vegetation, bird, or beast, had been seen.

After halting at the springs of Elhanka until the evening of the 9th of June, the detachment commenced its march in the dark, to prevent being discovered by the enemy, and at eleven o’clock on the following day, it joined the Turkish army, encamped at Chobra, under the Grand Vizier; the British, under Lieut.-General Hutchinson, being encamped on the other side of the river Nile. The Eighty-sixth pitched their tents with Colonel Stuart’s division, which was with the Vizier’s army; the soldiers had suffered the loss of their uniforms, which had been burnt in consequence of the plague, and they had been forced to abandon their knapsacks on the march; being very fine men, their appearance excited great interest. On the 16th, the three officers left behind on the march, joined; they had returned to Suez, and afterwards passed the Desert with a caravan.

Advancing towards the metropolis of modern Egypt, the army made preparations for investing that extensive fortress; but on the 22nd of June a flag of truce arrived from the French Commandant, General Belliard, who agreed to surrender Cairo, on condition of himself and garrison being sent back to France.

On the surrender of Cairo, the three companies of the Eighty-sixth marched into the citadel, which the French had evacuated a few hours previously. On the same day they took possession of Fort Ibrahim.

In the mean time, the other three companies of the regiment which had returned from Ceylon to join the expedition, had been delayed by the difficult navigation of the Red Sea, and had landed at Cosseir, from whence a march of above one hundred and twenty miles had to be performed across the Desert to Kenna on the Nile. This distance was divided into stages, stores were formed at several points, relays of camels were placed to convey water, wells were found, and others digged, and the march was performed by the army with much less suffering than was experienced by the three companies under Lieut.-Colonel Lloyd, in the passage of the Desert from Suez to the springs of Elhanka. At the third stage, called Moilah, some soldiers of the Eighty-sixth dug a well at the foot of a hill, under the direction of Captain Middlemore, and found an excellent spring, for which they received the thanks of the commander of the forces.

Arriving on the banks of the Nile, the troops embarked in boats and proceeded down the river to the island of Rhonda, where they encamped, while the forces from Europe were engaged in the siege of Alexandria. At Rhonda the six companies of the Eighty-sixth were united; four companies remaining in India.

In the beginning of September, Alexandria surrendered; Egypt was thus delivered from the power of the French “Army of the East,” and Europe saw the dawn of liberty in the horizon. The Eighty-sixth received, in common with the other corps which served in this enterprise, the approbation of their Sovereign, the thanks of Parliament, and the royal authority to bear on their colours the Sphynx, with the word “Egypt,” to commemorate the share taken by the regiment in this splendid achievement.

To perpetuate the remembrance of the services rendered to the Ottoman Empire, the Grand Seignor established an order of knighthood, which he named the order of the Crescent, of which the superior officers of the army and navy were constituted members. The officers of the Eighty-sixth, and other corps, had gold medals presented to them by the Grand Seignor, which they were permitted by King George III., to accept and wear.

The object of the expedition having been accomplished, the Eighty-sixth sailed up the Nile in boats, in order to return to India; they arrived at El Hamed on the 14th of October, and on the 30th proceeded to Gheeza, where they remained several months.

In April of this year, one of the four companies left in India, proceeded from Bombay to Surat, a town situate on the south bank of the river Taptee, in the province of Guzerat; and in November, two companies sailed for Dieu in the same province.

1802

The two companies at Dieu returned to Bombay in February, 1802, and in March they sailed to Cambay, under the command of Captain Richardson, and joined the company from Surat, which had arrived there a short time previously. They encamped at Cambay, with part of the Seventy-fifth, five companies of the Eighty-fourth, a battalion of native infantry, and some artillery, under Colonel Sir William Clarke.

The jealousy of the native chiefs at the accession of territory acquired by the British in India, often produced hostilities, and circumstances occurred which occasioned a detachment of the Eighty-sixth, under Lieutenant William Purcell Creagh, to take part in an attempt to surprise the hostile fortress of Kareah, one hundred and twenty miles from Cambay, on the night of the 17th of March. The soldiers were advancing to storm the place with the greatest gallantry, when their progress was arrested by a deep ditch, cut through the rock a short time previously, and the Arabs in garrison being numerous and prepared, opened a heavy fire. Lieutenant Creagh was killed by a cannon ball, while in the act of leading the soldiers to the attack; Lieutenant Lovell was also killed, and many officers and soldiers were wounded; soon after day-break the troops were obliged to retire.

In consequence of this repulse, the three companies of the Eighty-sixth, with the other detachments encamped at Cambay, were ordered to advance upon Kareah. The enemy having formed for battle a short distance from the fort, with a numerous force, were routed by the British on the 30th of April; and immediately afterwards the town was captured, also some out-works, in one of which an explosion took place, killing an officer and twenty-five soldiers.

The siege of the fort was commenced; but when the batteries opened their fire, the garrison surrendered. The chief, Mulhar Rao, was sent a prisoner to Bombay. After placing a garrison in the fort, the troops marched for Surat, (170 miles,) where they arrived on the 12th of June, having captured Tarrapore, and other small places, while on the march.

The six companies of the regiment in Egypt remained at Gheeza until May, when they traversed the Desert to Suez, and from thence to “Moses’ Well,” or the “Font of Moses,” on the Arabian side of the Gulf of Suez. While at Gheeza they received two hundred and seven volunteers from the Twentieth, Thirty-fifth, Forty-eighth, and Sixty-third Regiments; Major Henry Torrens joined at that station.

While at Moses’ Well, several soldiers died of the plague, when the men’s clothing, bedding, and tents were burnt, and the six companies embarked for India; no other cases of the plague occurring, the companies landed at Bombay on the 4th of July. In November, the three companies arrived from the province of Guzerat, and the regiment was once more united at Bombay.

The Eighty-sixth were only permitted to enjoy a short repose at Bombay: the hostile demonstrations of some of the predatory states composing the Mahratta power, rendering it necessary for the British forces to be held in readiness for active operations, and assembled on the verge of the British territory. The Mahratta states were united by a sentiment of interest founded upon their common origin, civil and religious usages, and habits of conquest and depredation; the chiefs acted as independent sovereigns, but nominally acknowledged the supreme authority of the Peishwah. They, however, viewed with jealousy the treaties between the British and the Peishwah, as tending to restrain their predatory habits, and prevent their acquisition of power; and this acknowledged head of the Mahratta states found his independence controlled, and the existence of his government menaced by the violence and ambition of his feudatory chieftains; at the same time he was unable to fulfil his engagements with the British, the safety of whose possessions was endangered. In consequence of these events, connected with other causes, the Eighty-sixth left Bombay in the middle of November, for the province of Guzerat, and landed at Cambay, from whence they marched towards the hostile fortress of Baroda, in the vicinity of which place they encamped, with several other corps, on the 3rd of December. An enemy’s force was assembled to protect the fortress, and on the 18th of December the British advanced, leaving their tents standing, and engaged their opponents. During the fight the garrison made a sally; but the English proved victorious, routing their adversaries with great slaughter, and capturing a pair of Arab colours and many prisoners.

During the night the erection of batteries commenced; on the 21st of December the fire of the artillery was opened, and the flank companies of the Eighty-sixth stormed an outwork, defended by Arabs, who refused quarter, and were nearly all destroyed, very few escaping. In four days the breach was practicable, and the storming parties were ready; but the garrison surrendered. The Eighty-sixth had seven men killed, and twenty-three wounded in these services. Captain John Grant distinguished himself during the siege, and at the storming of the outwork.

Towards the end of this year, the usurpations of Jeswunt Rao Holkar, one of the Mahratta chiefs, forced the Peishwah to abandon his capital, and to seek British aid, when a treaty was concluded with him; and the refractory chiefs persisting in aggression, hostilities were commenced to reinstate the deposed chieftain.

1803

On the third of February, 1803, three companies of the Eighty-sixth, under Captain James Richardson, were detached, with other forces, the whole commanded by Major Holmes, of the Bombay army, in pursuit of the Mahratta chieftain, Canojee Rao Guickwar, who had taken the field with a considerable force.

While in quest of the enemy, the advance-guard of the Seventy-fifth Regiment was suddenly attacked, when emerging from a defile, on the 6th of February, and overpowered, with a loss of many men and a gun. The three companies of the Eighty-sixth, being at the head of the column of march, moved forward, encountered the enemy, and, by a determined charge, routed the hostile forces, chasing them across the bed of a river into the jungle, where they dispersed, leaving their tents, baggage, camels, horses, and the captured gun behind. The regiment lost very few men in this gallant exploit.

On the same day five companies of the regiment, under Captain Cuyler, marched from Baroda to reinforce Major Holmes’ detachment, leaving two companies behind under Captain Grant.

The Chief Canojee was at the head of a considerable force, but he avoided an engagement, which occasioned many harassing marches in endeavouring to come up with him. On the 25th of February, a party of the Eighty-sixth was detached against the fort of Kirrella, which was captured without experiencing serious opposition.

On the 1st of March, when near Copperbund, information was received that Canojee’s force was not far distant; and by extraordinary exertions, the detachment came up with the hostile bands, which were in full retreat. The Mahratta horse, attached to the British detachment, did not act with spirit; but the Eighty-sixth, though nearly exhausted with the march, made a gallant effort, and encountered the enemy, who was in the act of passing the bed of a river. The adverse bands being nearly all cavalry, and the British nearly all infantry, the enemy escaped with little loss. The Eighty-sixth had two men killed; Lieutenant Alexander Grant, and a few men wounded.

The forces of Canojee Rao Guickwar having been, in a great measure, dispersed, the Eighty-sixth were allowed a short period of repose; and these districts were annexed to the British possessions in India.

Operations having commenced for the restoration of the Peishwah, the Eighty-sixth were stationed a short time in Guzerat, where a force was detained to afford security to that valuable and important province, and also a reserve disposable for active operations. The regiment formed part of the disposable force stationed in front of Brodera, the residence of the Guickwar, and to the northward of the Nerbudda river.

In May, the regiment advanced and pitched its tents before the fortress of Keira, belonging to one of Doulat Rao Scindia’s chiefs, where some native infantry and battering guns also arrived; but the garrison surrendered without waiting for a breach having been made in the works.

From Keira the regiment marched to Nerriade, where it was joined by two companies left at Baroda under Captain Grant; but the rains setting in, the operations were suspended.

Information having been received that a body of the enemy was levying contributions about thirty miles from the quarters of the regiment, Captain Grant performed a forced march with four companies and some sepoys, and making a night attack with great success, killed and took prisoners many of the enemy, and captured some horses, &c. Lieutenant Procter and a few men of the regiment were wounded on this occasion.

A body of Canojee’s troops threatening to cross the river about fifteen miles above Baroach, and plunder the country, four hundred rank and file of the regiment, with a battalion of sepoys, and four guns, under Captain James Richardson, advanced, on the 14th of July, during the heavy rains, in search of the enemy. The gun-bullocks failed, and the country being inundated by the rains, the soldiers had to drag the guns, up to their waists in water; but by extraordinary efforts they arrived at the bank of the river on the 16th of July, and attacking a number of Canojee’s troops which had crossed the stream, routed them, and forced them into the water, where many lost their lives, the river being full and rapid.

The river having fallen considerably during the night, the soldiers passed the stream on the following day, under cover of the fire of the guns, and assaulting the breast-works of the main body of Canojee’s legions, carried them at the point of the bayonet, and pursued the routed enemy two miles with great slaughter. A body of Arabs disdaining to seek their safety in flight, fought with great desperation until overpowered.

Captain Richardson and Lieutenant Lanphier distinguished themselves on this occasion; and the enterprise being accomplished with the loss of a few men killed and wounded, the troops returned to Baroda.

In pursuance of the plan suggested to the Governor-General by Major-General Hon. Arthur Wellesley, five hundred men of the Eighty-sixth, a small detachment of the Sixty-fifth, a proportion of European artillery, and a battalion of Sepoys, advanced, under Lieut.-Colonel Woodington, to besiege the strong fortress of Baroach. On the 23rd of August, this small body of troops encamped on the bank of the river within a few miles of the fortress, expecting the arrival of the battering train in boats. The baggage of the regiment was this day attacked by a numerous body of the enemy’s horse, when nearly every soldier and follower was killed or wounded, and the baggage captured and plundered.

A schooner and gun-boat having arrived with cannon and ammunition, the troops advanced on the 25th of August, and arriving within two miles of the fortress, discovered a numerous body of hostile cavalry, infantry, and Arabs, in order of battle on the plain. These opponents were speedily routed with the loss of their flag and a number of killed and wounded; and the armament soon afterwards attacked, and carried, the pettah with great gallantry; Ensign D’Aguilar distinguished himself on this occasion.

The siege of the fort was commenced, and a breach was reported practicable; at one o’clock on the 29th of August, the storming parties assembled in the streets under the command of Major Cuyler; the bayonets were firmly fixed by the introduction of a piece of cotton cloth, to prevent the Arab swordsmen disengaging them, and the soldiers proceeded quietly to their post behind the battery. At three the signal to attack was fired, and the forlorn hope, consisting of Serjeant John Moore and twelve soldiers of the Eighty-sixth, sprang forward; a hundred soldiers of the Eighty-sixth, and a hundred Sepoy grenadiers, under Captain Richardson, rushed towards the breach, followed by three hundred men under Major Cuyler, and a reserve of two hundred under Captain Bethune.

Passing the ditch knee-deep in mud, and climbing the long steep and difficult ascent to the breach, the soldiers encountered the Arab and Scindian defenders, who made a desperate resistance. Hand to hand the combatants strove for mastery, and amidst the clash of steel and turmoil of deadly contest, many feats of valour were performed. Captain Maclaurin, who evinced great ardour, was wounded and made prisoner, but he was rescued from the Arabs, by Private John Brierly. Captain Richardson and Captain Grant signalized themselves, and Serjeant Bills was conspicuous for the heroic courage with which he fought. At length British valour proved triumphant, and the breach was won, when the Eighty-sixth crowned the rampart, the Scindian colours were pulled down, and the British standard planted in their place, by Serjeant Moore.

Having overpowered all resistance at the breach, Captain Richardson’s party swept the works to the Cuttoopore gate; Major Cuyler led his detachment at a running pace to the Jaraseer gate, and firing upon the Scindians and Arabs who were escaping by that avenue, wounded one of the elephants in the passage. The Arabs threw down their matchlocks, drew their creesis, and rushing upon their assailants with deadly fury, refused to give or receive quarter. The contest was of short duration; British discipline and prowess were again victorious; two hundred Arab horsemen and foot lay on the ground, and the Eighty-sixth stood triumphant on the scene of conflict. Among the trophies of the day, were fifteen stand of Scindian and Arab colours, which were sent to head-quarters, excepting two, retained by the Eighty-sixth regiment, as trophies of the valour displayed by the corps on this occasion.

Thus was captured a fortress of great importance to the commercial interests of Britain, with a territory yielding a considerable revenue, which were added to the British dominions. In his public despatch, Lieut.-Colonel Woodington highly commended the conduct of Major Cuyler and Captain Richardson, and added,—“The whole of the officers and men employed on this service have conducted themselves so much to my satisfaction, that I cannot express myself too strongly in their commendation.”

The Governor-General in Council, also, signified in general orders,—“his particular approbation of the valour and judgment manifested by Major Cuyler, of His Majesty’s Eighty-sixth regiment, throughout the service at Baroach, and in commanding the storm of the fort, and by Captain Richardson of the same corps, leading the assault. His Excellency in Council, also, observes with particular satisfaction the conduct of Captain Cliffe, of the Engineers of Bombay. To all the officers and troops, European and Native, employed on this honorable occasion, His Excellency in Council signifies his high commendation.”

Serjeant Bills was rewarded with the appointment of serjeant-major; Serjeant Moore received a donation of five hundred rupees from the Government for his gallantry, and Private Brierly was promoted corporal, and afterwards serjeant.

The loss of the regiment was Captain William Semple, killed in the breaching battery on the 25th of August—an excellent officer, whose fall was much regretted; also two serjeants and ten rank and file killed; Major Cuyler, Captain Richardson, Captain Maclaurin, and twenty-three rank and file wounded.

From Baroach the regiment proceeded to Baroda, from whence five hundred rank and file of the Eighty-sixth, a battalion of Sepoys, some irregular horse, and a battering train, marched to attack the fort of Powanghur, situated on a stupendous rock of extraordinary height and of difficult ascent. Arriving before this place on the 14th of September, and the garrison refusing to surrender, the walls were battered until the 17th, when orders were issued to prepare to attack the lower fort by storm. The garrison was intimidated by the knowledge of the fact, that if they defended the breach, their communication with the fort on the top of the mountain would be cut off, and their escape rendered impossible; they therefore surrendered. Thus a fort of great strength by nature and art fell into the hands of the British.

The district of Champaneer, the only territory remaining to Scindia, in the province of Guzerat, had thus been reduced, and annexed to the British dominions. Lieut.-Colonel Murray, of the Eighty-fourth regiment, assumed the command of the troops at Baroda, and advanced towards Scindia’s territories, in the province of Malwa, in quest of Holkar’s forces, but it was found impossible to bring the armed bands of that chieftain to action. On the 18th of October the city and fortress of Godera was taken possession of, the enemy retiring as the British approached. At this place information was received of the victory of Assaye, gained by the troops under Major-General the Hon. Arthur Wellesley, on the 23rd of September, which was followed by the submission of two of the hostile chiefs, Scindia and the Rajah of Berar, leaving Holkar, Canojee, and some minor chiefs in the field.

Leaving Godera, the troops took possession of Balinsanere in the beginning of November; and advanced towards Lunawarrah. On the march, the rearguard, consisting of five companies of Sepoys, and some native cavalry, was suddenly attacked, while passing through an extensive jungle, by a numerous body of the enemy in ambush.

The hostile bands did not venture to attack the Europeans of the advance-guard, nor the column, but rushed with great fury upon the native troops in the rear, occasioning the loss of many Sepoys and camp followers, with some baggage, before assistance could arrive from the column. The Eighty-sixth had several men killed and wounded on this occasion.

Lunawarrah was evacuated by the enemy, and Dhowd was taken, about six weeks afterwards, with little opposition.

In this part of the country, the Eighty-sixth, and other corps, with Lieut.-Colonel Murray, remained about two months[4], watching Holkar, who had power to concentrate an overwhelming force, which rendered vigilance particularly necessary.

1804

On the death of Lieut.-General Grinfield, King George III. conferred the colonelcy of the regiment on Lieut.-General Sir James Henry Craig, K.B., from the Forty-sixth Foot, by commission dated the 5th of January, 1804.

From Dhowd, the Eighty-sixth, and other corps under Lieut.-Colonel Murray, retired to Godera, and from thence to Jerode, in order to obtain supplies, and protect the province of Guzerat. At this period a dreadful famine raged in the Deccan, and other parts of the country hitherto the seat of war.

After three weeks’ repose at Jerode, the Eighty-sixth, Sixty-fifth, Sepoys and native cavalry, advanced once more into the province of Malwa, under Lieut.-Colonel Murray, and arrived at Dhowd on the 12th of June, having lost many men from the excessive heat. On the march Major Stuart, of the Sixty-fifth, died and was buried, (9th June,) under the colours of the Eighty-sixth, on which day twenty-one men of the Sixty-fifth, and eleven of the Eighty-sixth, died from the effects of the hot winds.

From Dhowd, the troops advanced to Ongein, the capital of Scindia, from whence the Eighty-sixth, three battalions of Sepoys, a train of artillery, and a body of Scindia’s cavalry, were immediately pushed on to Indore, the capital of Holkar’s dominions, where they arrived on the 14th of August; the city having been evacuated on the previous evening.

From Indore, the flank companies of the regiment, and a battalion of Sepoys, advanced with scaling ladders, under Captain Richardson, twenty miles, to surprise a fort, which was reported to be full of troops and provisions; but when the soldiers scaled the walls, they found the place empty; the enemy having fled a few hours previously.

Having penetrated so far beyond the boundaries of Guzerat, the troops under Lieut.-Colonel Murray found their communication with that country cut off, and Holkar threatening to enter and lay waste the province; their supplies were nearly exhausted; they were in a territory devastated by famine and disease; the rainy season was approaching, and a small force, under Lieut.-Colonel Monson, sent by General Lord Lake to effect a junction with Lieut.-Col. Murray, was pursued by Holkar’s numerous legions, and forced to make a precipitate flight, abandoning its cannon and baggage. Under these circumstances, a sudden advance was made, of two marches, to deceive the enemy, and on the third march the troops faced about and retreated. The rain set in with such violence as to destroy the tents;—the artillery and baggage oxen and camels died in great numbers;—much of the baggage was abandoned;—the soldiers had to drag the guns through the cotton-grounds waist-deep in water;—no cover or shelter for officers or soldiers;—the inhabitants dying in great numbers from famine;—the European soldiers dying also from excessive fatigue, the inclemency of the weather and privation;—the native troops and followers also perishing in great numbers: such were the distressing circumstances under which this retrograde movement was executed, but, by the perseverance of the Europeans, the guns were preserved, and the troops arrived at Ongein, where the Sixty-fifth, Eighty-sixth, and artillery, were accommodated with a building in the fort. This force had been reduced by its sufferings, from six to three thousand men.

Exertions were made to re-equip this diminished force for the field, and orders being received to advance, it was again in motion in the middle of October, advancing in the direction of Kota and Rhampoorae, and capturing, on the route, the hill fort of Inglehur by escalade, also several other small forts.

The army of Holkar was routed and dispersed by the troops under General Lord Lake; but the war was protracted by the defection of the Rajah of Bhurtpore, and the Eighty-sixth were destined to transfer their services to the rajah’s dominions.

1805

Reinforcements having arrived from Bombay, Major-General Jones assumed the command, and marched towards the city of Bhurtpore, the capital of the hostile rajah’s territory[5]. After a long and harassing march, the troops approached that fortress on the 10th of February, 1805, when a large body of hostile horsemen surrounded the column and impeded its movements across a level country. Half the force was employed in protecting the baggage, and the guns were repeatedly unlimbered, to keep the adverse cavalry at a distance. On the following day, Major-General Jones’s division joined the army before Bhurtpore, and was inspected by Lord Lake, who expressed his satisfaction at the bearing of the troops. The soldiers of the Sixty-fifth and Eighty-sixth presented a motley appearance: their worn-out uniforms were patched with various colours, or replaced by red cotton jackets; many of the men wore sandals in the place of shoes, and turbans instead of hats; but beneath this outward war-worn appearance, the innate courage of Britons still glowed.

The siege of Bhurtpore had unfortunately been undertaken without a battering train of sufficient weight, and necessary to insure the reduction of so strong a fortress; the siege was, however, persevered in. At three o’clock, on the 20th of February, two hundred and fifty men of the Eighty-sixth, and two companies of Sepoys, commanded by Captain Grant, of the Eighty-sixth, stormed an out-work, covering one of the principal gates, with the bayonet, driving the Arabs, who fought with their usual determination, into the city, and capturing eleven brass guns; in which service Lieutenants Lanphier and D’Aguilar distinguished themselves, the former receiving a spear wound in the neck. As the Arabs fled to the gate, Captain Grant followed, in the hope of being able to enter with them, but he found it closed, and, after destroying the fugitives, who were shut out, he retired to the Pettah, to await the result of the other attacks, which did not succeed. While the soldiers of the Eighty-sixth and Sepoys were dragging the captured guns to the camp, they were attacked by a numerous body of the enemy, who issued from the fortress to retake the guns, but were repulsed by the steady valour of the soldiers. Captain Grant formed a square round the guns, and under a heavy fire from the Fort, succeeded in bringing them to camp; this was the only successful part of this attack. The enemy’s numerous cavalry also attacked the British camp, but were defeated by the troops not engaged in the trenches, or in the assault. Lord Lake commended the determined bravery of the storming party of the Eighty-sixth in orders, and directed the captured guns to be placed in front of the camp of the regiment,—a mark of distinction highly prized by the corps, and by the Bombay division of the army to which they belonged.

At three o’clock on the following day, the flank companies of the Sixty-fifth and Eighty-sixth, supported by the Seventy-fifth and Seventy-sixth regiments, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Monson, stormed a large and high bastion. After passing the ditch, the forlorn hope was destroyed in attempting to ascend the breach, which was extremely steep, and knee-deep in mud and loose stones. Every effort was made, the men climbing over the dead bodies of their comrades, and struggling to gain the rampart, but in vain. Some strove to climb by the shot holes made by the British guns, and others drove their bayonets into the mud walls to ascend by, while the enemy above hurled large stones, logs of timber, packs of flaming oiled cotton, and jars filled with combustibles, upon their heads, with a terrible destruction; the killed and wounded lay by hundreds, crushed beneath the falling timbers, or burning under the flaming oiled cloth, when Lieut.-Colonel Monson, seeing the impossibility of succeeding, ordered the survivors to return to the camp.

In the two attacks, the Eighty-sixth had two serjeants and twenty-three rank and file killed; Captain Moreton, Lieutenants Travers, Baird, Lanphier, D’Aguilar, one serjeant, one drummer, and seventy-three rank and file wounded. A great number of the wounded soldiers died. Lieutenant Baird received five wounds; Lieutenant Lanphier was wounded on each day; this officer and Lieutenant D’Aguilar distinguished themselves on both occasions. Serjeant George Ibertson was commended in regimental orders for his conduct at the breach, and Corporal Crawford was rewarded with the rank of serjeant, for his behaviour on this occasion.

The capture of Bhurtpore without additional means, being found impracticable, the British withdrew from before that fortress, and proceeded to Dhoolpore; negotiations for peace having been concluded, the army was broken up in May; the Bengal troops proceeding to Muttra, and the Bombay division to Tonk, where they remained during the monsoon in huts.

After the rainy season, the Bombay force commenced its march, proceeding through the territories of the Rajah of Jeypore, in pursuit of the forces of Holkar, who was still in the field. Having been chased to the banks of the Hyphasis river, on the borders of the great desert, the Mahratta chieftain was forced to submit, and the war was terminated by a treaty of peace[6].

In orders dated Riapoora Ghaut, on the left bank of the Hyphasis, 13th December, 1805, General Lord Lake returned thanks to Major-General Jones, the officers, and soldiers, of the division of the army from Bombay, for the important services rendered by them during the war; and, alluding to the period they had been under his immediate command, added, “His Lordship has been proud to witness, on every occasion on which they have been employed, the steady conduct and gallantry in action of all the troops composing the division.”

1806

From the banks of the Hyphasis, near the spot where Alexander the Great crossed that river when he invaded India, the regiment commenced its march for Bombay, where it arrived on the 29th of March, 1806, and embarking for Goa, landed on the rock of Aguada on the 3rd of April, after a most active and harassing service of more than five years, during which period it had sailed up the Red Sea, crossed the desert twice, served a campaign in Egypt, traversed the north and western provinces of India from Bombay to Bhurtpore, and received the thanks of Lord Lake on the banks of the Hyphasis; having sustained a loss of Lieut.-Colonel Robinson, Captains Maclaurin and Macquarrie, Lieutenants Harvey, Price, and Wilson, Ensigns Massey, Ellison, McKay, Leovick, and upwards of a thousand non-commissioned officers and soldiers.

In October of this year, Lieutenant-General Craig, K.B., was removed to the Twenty-second Foot, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the Eighty-sixth by Lieut.-General Sir Charles Ross, Baronet, from the Eighty-fifth regiment.

At Goa, the regiment was joined by a detachment, consisting of Lieutenant Michael Creagh, Ensigns Blackall, Hillhouse, Paymaster Cope, and thirty non-commissioned officers and soldiers. This detachment was employed under Major-General Sir David Baird, at the capture of the Cape of Good Hope, in January, 1806, when Lieutenant Creagh was wounded. The strength of the regiment was also augmented with two hundred and thirteen volunteers from the Seventy-seventh, on that corps embarking from England.

In this year, His Majesty was pleased to change the designation of the corps to the “Eighty-sixth, or Leinster Regiment of Foot.”

Lieut.-Colonel Hastings Fraser, having arrived in India, overland from Europe, assumed the command, and Major Cuyler embarked for England.

1808

In February, 1808, Captain John Grant obtained permission to return to England, when it was stated in general orders,—“The Honourable the Governor in Council cannot allow Captain Grant to depart, without being accompanied by this testimonial to the credit which that meritorious officer has done to the British arms, during his service in India, at the siege of Baroda, the capture of the important fortress of Baroach and Powanghur, and particularly in the arduous and successful attack of the column which Captain Grant commanded on the 20th of February, 1805, at the siege of Bhurtpore, on which occasion, he most gallantly carried the enemy’s post, and captured the whole of their guns, being eleven in number, &c., &c., &c.”

1809

Orders having been received for the removal of the Eighty-sixth, to form part of a field force to be assembled in the Presidency of Madras, the following declaration was issued by the Viceroy and Captain-General of the Portuguese possessions in Asia, dated Palace of Panjam, 16th August, 1809.

“On the departure of His Britannic Majesty’s Eighty-sixth regiment from Goa, His Excellency the Viceroy and Captain-General of the Portuguese possessions in Asia avails himself of the opportunity to express his sentiments of praise and admiration of the regular order and conduct which Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, the officers and soldiers of that corps, have so honourably observed during a period of three years, which they have been employed in the territories subject to his authority, so highly creditable to the discipline of that corps.

“His Excellency the Viceroy will never forget the invariable harmony which has always subsisted between the subjects of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent of Portugal and all ranks of His Britannic Majesty’s Eighty-sixth regiment, whose remembrance will be always grateful to him; and he doubts not they will continue to acquire, in whatever part of the world their services may be called for, glorious claims on the rewards of their Sovereign, and the admiration of their country.”

Leaving Goa, the regiment proceeded in boats up the river to Candiaparr, from whence it ascended the ghauts. The monsoon having set in, the men suffered much from the incessant rains and inundations, and after a long march through the Mahratta territories, arrived at Bellary, on the 15th of September. The second battalion of the First or the Royals, the Eighty-sixth, and two battalions of Sepoys formed the first brigade, under Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, to which Lieutenant Michael Creagh was appointed brigade-major. A large force assembled under Colonel Conran, of the Royals, but the native troops, against which it was prepared to act, returned to their duty; when the Eighty-sixth garrisoned Bellary and Gooty. Captain James Burke, and many non-commissioned officers and soldiers, died from the effects of the fatigues they had undergone. Soon afterwards, the regiment returned to Goa.

1810

After a few weeks’ repose, the regiment was selected to form part of an expedition against the French island of Bourbon; it embarked on the 5th of March, 1810, and sailed on the following day. On entering Cannonore harbour, one transport struck on a rock, and was lost. After calling at Quillon and Point de Galle, for water and provisions, the fleet sailed for Madras, where the regiment landed on the 13th of April, and encamped at St. Thomas’ Mount. From Madras, the expedition sailed under the command of Colonel Fraser, consisting of the Sixty-ninth and Eighty-sixth Regiments, Sixth and Twelfth Madras Native Infantry, &c., &c., &c., and on arrival at the Island of Roderiguez, Lieut.-Colonel Keating, of the Fifty-sixth Regiment, assumed the command, having with him a detachment of the Fifty-sixth, and some Bombay Sepoys. The land force was divided into three brigades; the first brigade was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hastings Fraser, of the Eighty-sixth, with Lieutenant Michael Creagh, brigade-major; and the second brigade was under Lieut.-Colonel Drummond, of the same corps, with Lieutenant Richardson, brigade-major.

The van of the expedition, consisting of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, one hundred and eighty rank and file of the Sixth Madras Native Infantry, a small detachment of artillery, and fifty pioneers, under Lieut.-Colonel Fraser, of the Eighty-sixth, with difficulty effected a landing at Grand Chaloupe, about one o’clock on the 7th of July. On gaining the shore, the light company of the Eighty-sixth, under Lieutenant Archibald McLean, supported by the grenadiers under Captain Lanphier, dashed forward to drive back parties of the enemy’s riflemen, who kept up a harassing fire, and to secure possession of the heights; which service was performed with great gallantry. The other part of the regiment having landed, pressed forward to the heights above St. Denis, and, as the sun was setting, approached to within range of the enemy’s batteries. The violence of the surf had become so great that the other divisions could not land, and the Eighty-sixth, in consequence, fell back to the heights, where they were joined during the night, by the Sepoys, pioneers, and artillery, with one 4½ inch howitzer.

At four o’clock on the morning of the 8th of July, the Eighty-sixth commenced descending the mountain, leaving the Sepoys on the summit to defend the rear; their advance-guard was soon discovered by the enemy’s post, and at day-light the regiment was assailed by a heavy fire of cannon, mortars, and musketry; at the same time some of the enemy’s riflemen attempted to gain the road on its right. The light company, supported by the grenadiers, and followed by the regiment, descended the mountain at a running pace. Two columns of the enemy, having each a field-piece, and being supported by the heavy guns of the redoubt, opened a sharp fire of grape and musketry; but, as the Eighty-sixth arrived on the plain, they closed on their adversaries with the bayonet. This spirited conduct decided the contest; the opposing ranks, unable to withstand the shock of steel, faced about and fled. Their commandant, M. de St. Luzanne, escaped with difficulty, and their second in command was wounded and taken prisoner by Captain Lanphier.

The enemy attempted to re-form behind the parapet of the redoubt, but they were pressed so closely by the grenadiers, that they abandoned it, leaving a brass six-pounder behind, which was immediately turned against themselves. The haulyards of the flag-staff in the redoubt were shot away, but Corporal William Hall, of the Eighty-sixth, climbed the staff under an incessant fire of round-shot and musketry, and fixed the King’s colour of the regiment to it. The French soldiers viewed this daring feat with admiration, and as he descended the staff unhurt, they raised a loud shout; at the same time, the seamen of the fleet off the shore, who had witnessed the gallant charge, hailed the well-known flag of the regiment which waved on the redoubt by a loud huzza, which ran from ship to ship as they passed; at the same time the grenadiers of the regiment stormed two batteries, capturing nine twenty-four-pounders, a twelve-inch mortar, and a furnace of red-hot shot.

The position seized was held by the regiment, the guns of the captured redoubt answering the incessant fire of the enemy, until the arrival of additional troops. At four o’clock the enemy attempted to retake the redoubt, but were repulsed with the loss of their commanding officer, who was taken prisoner. About this time Lieut.-Colonel Drummond’s brigade arrived, and the enemy sent out a flag of truce; Lieut.-Colonel Keating having joined, the surrender of the island of Bourbon to the British arms was concluded by him.

Colonel Fraser stated in his despatch, “I cannot conclude without requesting permission to offer my humble tribute of praise to the noble spirit which animated every individual of my detachment; from Major Edwards,[7] who commanded the regiment, I received the greatest assistance; Captain Lanphier, Lieutenant Archibald McLean, and every officer and soldier of the corps, displayed the most ardent valour, which must have been conspicuous to the whole force off the coast, who witnessed their conduct.” “To Lieutenant Creagh, my brigade-major, I was highly indebted for his unremitted exertions and attention to the duties of his station, from the beginning of the service I was sent on, to the moment when he was struck by a cannon ball, while he was in the act of encouraging our artillerymen in the redoubt, which, I fear, will deprive his Sovereign and his country of the services of a most promising officer.”

The loss of the regiment on this occasion was Lieutenant John Graham Munro[8], of the grenadier company, killed during the charge; Major Edwards, (commanding the regiment,) Captain Lanphier, Lieutenants Michael Creagh, (brigade-major,) Archibald McLean, Blackhall, Webb, and White, wounded; also three serjeants, two drummers, and seventy-five rank and file killed and wounded.

The following statement appeared in regimental orders on the 9th of July:—“It affords Major Edwards great pleasure, in having received Lieut.-Colonel Fraser’s directions, to confirm the appointment of Captain Lanphier[9] to the grenadier company, a distinction to which that officer is well entitled for the gallant manner in which he led the brave grenadiers to the assault of the redoubt and batteries.

“The conduct of the light infantry under Lieutenant Archibald McLean, has on all occasions been equally distinguished, and Major Edwards sincerely laments the severe wound that gallant officer has received, but trusts he will soon be restored to the service.

“Major Edwards has great pleasure in confirming Lieutenant Blackhall’s appointment to the grenadiers; he regrets the wound received by that officer, but hopes it will not prevent his joining that company which he animated by his zeal and example.

“The conduct of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, is above all praise; they have fought the enemy with every species of disadvantage and deprivation; they have borne the latter without a murmur, and their determined valour has achieved victory. In spite of every obstacle, they have nobly sustained the character of their country, and it will be gratifying to their feelings to know that their gallant exertions have been witnessed and applauded by the whole of the British force off the shore.

“Major Edwards cannot conclude without expressing his regret for the loss of Lieutenant Munro, of the grenadiers, and the brave men who have fallen on this occasion; their memory, however, will long survive, and be held dear in the recollection of the regiment. Most sincerely does he regret the severe wound received by Lieutenant Michael Creagh; but which, he hopes, will not deprive the service of that valuable and gallant officer; and he trusts the wounds received by Lieutenant White, will not long prevent him joining the corps.

“Corporal William Hall, who hoisted the King’s colour on the redoubt, is appointed serjeant for his gallant conduct, in the room of Serjeant Millan, killed.

“Private John Moore, of the light infantry, is appointed corporal, for his gallant behaviour on the 8th instant.”

The conduct of the regiment was highly commended in detachment orders by Lieut.-Colonel Keating.

On the morning of the 9th of July, the flank companies of the regiment marched into St. Denis, and entering the principal battery, struck the tricoloured flag of France, and hoisted the King’s colour of the Eighty-sixth; they were followed by the regiment, when the French garrison grounded their arms and embarked for the Cape of Good Hope.

Representation having been made of the gallant behaviour of the Eighty-sixth at the reduction of this island, the royal authority was given for their bearing the word “Bourbon” on their colours and appointments, as a mark of their Sovereign’s approbation, and to commemorate their gallantry on this occasion.

Bourbon and the Isle of France had been blockaded some time; the capture of the former emboldening the British navy, a small fleet ventured within the Isle de Passe, on the south-west side of the Isle of France, where one British ship was burnt and sunk, and several disabled, which gave the enemy a superiority at sea, when their frigates menaced the batteries of Bourbon. The “Africaine” frigate arriving from England short of hands, Lieutenant W. Home, a serjeant, and twenty-five men of the Eighty-sixth went on board, and this frigate, and the “Boadicea,” having put to sea under Commodore Rowley, came up with, and engaged, two French frigates. The “Boadicea” was becalmed astern, the “Africaine” fought the two French ships until Captain Corbett and one hundred and sixty of his crew were killed and wounded, when the frigate being a complete wreck, she struck her colours, but Commodore Rowley coming up with the “Boadicea,” the enemy made sail, and the shattered frigate was towed into St. Paul’s. Only three of the soldiers of the Eighty-sixth escaped; six having been killed, and Lieutenant Home and seventeen wounded.

In September, the “Ceylon” frigate, having Major-General Abercromby and staff, also Lieutenant Clarke and twenty-five men of the Eighty-sixth, on board, was captured by the “La Venus” French frigate, after a severe action, in which both ships were dismasted; but Commodore Rowley appeared in the “Boadicea,” re-captured the “Ceylon,” and took the “La Venus.”

General Sir Charles Ross having been removed to the Thirty-seventh Foot, was succeeded in the colonelcy of the Eighty-sixth by Major-General the Honourable Francis Needham, from the Fifth Royal Veteran Battalion.

Lieut.-Colonel Hastings Fraser was rewarded for his conduct before St. Denis on the 8th of July, with the dignity of Companion of the Bath, the officers of the Eighty-sixth regiment presented him with a sword, and those of his brigade, in the Company’s service, with a valuable piece of plate.

1811

The Eighty-sixth were removed to the Isle of France in March, 1811, that island having also been captured, and were there joined by Ensigns J. Creagh and J. Grant, Assistant-Surgeon Bell, and a few recruits from Europe, being part of a detachment which had been sent to India.

1812

Orders having been received for the return of the regiment to India, it sailed from Port Louis on the 9th of January, 1812, and landing at Madras on the 21st of February, encamped on the South Beach until the departure of the Thirty-third regiment for England, when it occupied Fort St. George where Captain Impey and sixty-eight recruits were awaiting its arrival.

The gallant behaviour of the regiment during the Mahratta war, and at the reduction of the island of Bourbon, had been represented to their Royal Highnesses the Prince Regent, and the Duke of York, then Commander-in-Chief, who never failed to reward merit in individuals or corps, was brought to their notice, and in May, 1812, the royal authority was given for this corps being styled the “Eighty-sixth, or Royal County Down Regiment of Foot;” at the same time the facing was changed from yellow to blue, the lace from silver to gold; the Irish “Harp and Crown” was placed on the buttons, and the “Harp” was added to the distinctions displayed on the regimental colours.

1813

In January, 1813, the regiment commenced its march from Madras for Goa, but when ascending the Pada-naig-droog Ghauts, it received orders to proceed to Vellore, where Lieutenants Jacob and Kirkland, Ensigns Munro, McLean, McQuarrie, Kennedy, and McLoughlin, with two hundred and seventeen soldiers, joined from England.

Captain Impey, (brevet-major,) and Lieutenant White, died, in May, much regretted.

At the end of August the regiment left Vellore, and marched through the Calistry country, a distance of four hundred miles, to the fort of Masulipatam. It was overtaken by the monsoon when on the march, near the Kistna river, and for several days the soldiers had to wade through the cotton-grounds, which occasioned much illness in the regiment, and the loss of several men after arriving in garrison at Masulipatam in October.

1814

In the mean time the war with France was being prosecuted in Europe with the utmost vigour, and the strength of the Eighty-sixth being considerably above the establishment, in consequence of receiving volunteers from the militia, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent was pleased to order a second battalion to be added to the regiment, in February, 1814, and to bear date from the 25th of December, 1813.

The second battalion was formed at Hythe, under the superintendence of Major Baird; it consisted of four companies of fine soldiers, and in March they proceeded to Colchester, under orders to embark for Holland; but the abdication of Bonaparte, and the restoration of peace, precluded the necessity of their quitting England. The battalion returned to Hythe in October, and afterwards proceeded to Deal, where it was disbanded, two hundred and sixty officers and soldiers embarking for India to join the first battalion.

Previous to this date, a detachment consisting of Captain Michael Creagh, Lieutenants Home and Perry, Ensigns Goold, Bradford, Caddell, Henry, and Moreton, had joined at Masulipatam, bringing the new regimental colours.

1815

In January, 1815, the left wing marched, under the command of Captain Williams, for Hyderabad, to join the force subsidized by His Highness the Nizam, and arrived on the 2nd of February at the cantonment of Secunderabad.

On the 11th of September, Major Baird, Captain Edwards, Lieutenants McLaurin, Webb, Leche, and Hodson, Ensigns Stuart, Law, Russell, Holland and Home, with sixteen serjeants and two hundred and thirty rank and file, (the effectives of the late second battalion,) arrived at Masulipatam.

1816

In January, 1816, the head-quarters were removed to Hyderabad, where they remained nine mouths, and afterwards returned to Masulipatam, where Captain Chadwick had arrived, with forty-six recruits, from England, in the preceding August.

1817

During the period the regiment was stationed at Masulipatam and Hyderabad, it performed much severe duty in consequence of the numerous incursions into the British territories of the barbarous hordes of predatory horsemen, called Pindarees, whose plundering enterprises, executed on swift horses, were conducted so as to baffle the efforts of the troops sent to intercept them. In 1817, the right wing at Masulipatam furnished detachments in the field under Captains Williams, Morrice, and Creagh, in the Ganjam district, on the banks of the Kistna, and towards Vizagapatam; the left wing was also frequently called out; but the movements of the Pindarees were performed with so much celerity, that few of these plunderers were captured.

Two of the Nizam’s sons rebelled, put several of his adherents to death, and threatened to depose their father; when the left wing of the Eighty-sixth, a battalion of sepoys, and two guns, were ordered to enter the city of Hyderabad, preceded by two battalions of the Nizam’s regular infantry under European officers, with two six-pounders. The Nizam’s battalions were attacked by the insurgents in a narrow street, and overpowered, with the loss of fifty officers and soldiers and one gun. The light company of the Eighty-sixth, with sixty pioneers under Lieutenant James Creagh, being in advance recovered the gun, and covered the removal of the killed and wounded to a square, where the two native battalions had retreated and taken post. On the appearance of Europeans, the insurgents dispersed; the rebel Princes surrendered and were sent prisoners to the fort of Golconda, when order was restored.

The left wing marched for Masulipatam during the hot season, which occasioned several deaths. On one occasion, Lieutenant Taylor and two soldiers were interred with difficulty, from the decomposed state of their bodies, although they had been dead only a few hours. On another occasion the guides led the column by a wrong road, occasioning a long and harassing march, which proved fatal to several men.

1818

The flank companies marched from Masulipatam in January, 1818, under Captain Michael Creagh, and with two troops of native cavalry and a company of sepoy grenadiers, proceeded to Datchapilly, on the borders of the Nizam’s dominions, to protect the frontiers from the depredations of the Pindarees.

Orders for the return of the regiment to England were issued in 1816, but countermanded in consequence of the hostile conduct of the Pindarees: they were repeated in April, 1818, when the regiment commenced its march for Madras, and when within one stage of that place, the route was changed to Wallaghabad. Previous to embarking the regiment was inspected by Major-General Brown, commanding the centre division, who expressed in orders,—“To Colonel Hastings Fraser, his greatest approbation of the good conduct and discipline of the regiment since it had been under his command in the centre division, in the attainment of which he had been so ably supported by the officers of the corps.”

While the regiment was waiting to embark, the “Orlando” frigate arrived at Madras, from Ceylon, with an application from the governor, General Sir Robert Brownrigg, for immediate aid to suppress the hostile aggressions of the Kandians inhabiting the interior of the island; the mortality among the European troops, employed in the interior, being so great, as to render further aid indispensable. The flank companies of the Eighty-sixth were completed to one hundred rank and file each, and embarked on board the frigate to proceed on this service[10]; they landed at Trincomalee on the 12th of September, and made preparations for penetrating the interior, during which time Major Marston was taken ill.

From Trincomalee the flank companies of the Eighty-sixth sailed, on the 18th of September, under Captain M. Creagh, and landing on the 21st, encamped near the fort of Batticoloe, where the sick men of the Nineteenth and Seventy-third Regiments, sent from the interior, were dying fast; a hundred had been buried close to the tents of the Eighty-sixth, and several deaths occurred daily.

On the 25th of September, the flank companies of the regiment again embarked in open boats, and proceeding during the night up the lake, landed on the following day at Mandoor, from whence they marched through thick jungle, thirteen miles up a gradual ascent, exposed to heavy rain, to the Mangalar river. On the 29th they traversed twelve miles of uncultivated ground, fording several streams, to the post of Chinna Kandy, commanded by Lieutenant Robinson, of the Nineteenth Regiment, whose detachment was suffering severely from ague and fever.

Fifteen miles of rugged country, covered with underwood destitute of roads, and infested with wild elephants, were traversed on the 1st of October, to the post of Kataboa, commanded by Captain Ritchie, of the Seventy-third Regiment, who had buried nearly a hundred men of his detachment at this place, and of the seventy Europeans left alive, the captain and assistant surgeon were the only persons free from fever. At this place the Eighty-sixth were joined by seventy rank and file of the Ceylon corps, under Lieutenant Noonan, who was to act as interpreter and guide.

The march was resumed on the 3rd of October, through a wild region, where elephants, buffaloes, hogs, and deer were seen in abundance, also pea and jungle fowl, but no human beings, and on the 6th the two companies arrived at Palwatee, together with Lieutenant Stuart, of the Ceylon corps, and a chieftain and his followers, who had joined on the preceding day.

Having arrived in the districts infested by the insurgent Kandians, parties of the Eighty-sixth, and Ceylon corps, were out day and night scouring the hills, and for three weeks the soldiers were actively employed in the mountains searching for the haunts of the rebel chiefs, and their followers,—pursuing them from place to place,—taking many prisoners,—also making seizures of muskets, bows, arrows, and other military stores. Private Stanton, of the light company, was seized by an elephant, which broke his musket, tore off his belts, and threw him some distance into the jungle, causing his death. During the absence of the parties, the camp was attacked, by a body of Kandians, in the night, but the skilful arrangements of the officers in charge preserved the soldiers from injury, and the fire of a cohorn put the insurgents to flight. Captain A. McLean died from fever, much regretted.

The health of the soldiers suffered from excessive fatigue, bad provisions, constant exposure to the sun, rain, and heavy dews, and their legs and feet were ulcerated with leech-bites,—every pool, stream, bush, and blade of grass being infested with leeches, which obliged the officers and soldiers to march barefoot, with their trousers cut off at the knee, that they might detect the leeches. Sickness increasing rapidly, and all the Coolies,—natives of India who accompanied the troops to carry provision, ammunition, &c.,—being attacked, Captain Creagh marched his men from the low country, to the hilly districts, taking post at Hotpeira, where Lieutenant Goold, with a small detachment, had erected a shed, and collected a supply of grain and cattle.

Lieutenant Goold proceeded with as many sick as means of conveyance could be procured for, to Badula, where the camp was frequently attacked in the night by the wild elephants, the tents, huts, and sheds destroyed, and several natives and followers killed; but the soldiers all escaped unhurt.

Detachments were constantly employed day and night searching out the haunts of the insurgent chiefs, and making many captures, including the crown, jewels, horse, and favourite elephant of the Kandian king.

Overthrown in every rencounter, and chased from place to place with diminished numbers, the Kandians lost all hope of success; the leaders in the insurrection tendered their submission, the lower orders followed their example, and tranquillity was at last restored.

In the mean time the eight battalion companies of the regiment had arrived at the island of Ceylon, but their services not being required, they returned to Madras, leaving one company at Trincomalee.

The services of the flank companies of the Eighty-sixth being no longer required, they were relieved by the Ceylon corps, and marched to Badula, where, in garrison orders, dated the 19th of November, the following order appeared:—“Colonel McDonell performs a pleasing duty in bearing his public testimony of his entire approbation of the good conduct and patience, which, (under so many trying difficulties,) have distinguished the detachment of the Eighty-sixth Regiment. He requests Captain Creagh will be pleased to convey to the officers and men, his unqualified thanks for their services, &c., &c.”

From Badula the two flank companies, reduced to five officers, two serjeants, two drummers, and sixty-six rank and file, commenced their march on the 20th of November; the periodical rains had set in, and the rivers were so full and rapid, that much difficulty was experienced. On arriving at Kataboa, Captain Ritchie’s detachment was found nearly annihilated. At this place an elephant was procured, to convey the stores and men across the rivers; and the march was continued to Chinna Kandy, where the military establishment was found in a state of ruin. Lieutenant Robinson had left the post sick,—the three serjeants had died,—the defences were destroyed by the wild elephants,—the building containing the provisions was washed away by the rains, and the few surviving men were unable to move: with much difficulty a small supply was recovered from the wreck, for the use of the detachment.

From these statements, some idea may be formed of the vicissitudes of actual service, the casualties of climate, the privations and sufferings which chequer the career of those who embrace the military profession, and the sacrifice of valuable life by which colonial possessions are acquired and retained, and many national benefits obtained and preserved[11].

After a march of ten days, exposed to almost incessant rain, the flank companies arrived at Mandoor, where they halted forty-eight hours to recover, and afterwards sailed down the lake to Batticoloe, from whence they were directed to march, through a low flat country almost covered with water, to Trincomalee, instead of proceeding thither by sea, as had been expected.

Two canoes and the elephant were sent forward; the men proceeded forty miles in boats along the coast, then landed and marched ten days, through a country almost covered with water, with scarcely sufficient ground to rest upon. The tents were destroyed by the wet, and abandoned; the elephant proceeded in advance, feeling for the rivers; the canoes, conveying the sick, were dragged by Coolies and soldiers wading in the water, and in this state the two companies reached Cottiar bay, on the 18th of December. Boats being in readiness, they embarked for Trincomalee, and with difficulty crossed the bar; soon afterwards the wind changed, the sea became rough, and it was found impracticable either to prosecute the voyage, or to return across the bar with leaky open boats. With much danger and difficulty they gained a rock in the bay, where the soldiers passed the night, huddled together, menaced with being swept off when the tide arose, and destitute of provisions and fresh water. The wind and rain abating, they again embarked on the following morning, and on arriving at the inner harbour, were met by the boats of the ships of war, which had been cruizing for them, but were unable, from the roughness of the weather, to rescue them from their perilous situation, on the preceding night. On passing the “Orlando” frigate, the seamen cheered, but the soldiers gave a feeble response. On landing, twelve men were sent to the hospital, four lieutenants, one serjeant, two drummers, and forty-seven rank and file, under Captain Creagh, in rags, their feet and legs bare, and ulcerated, emaciated and tottering from exhaustion and hunger, entered the fort; the pitiable remains of two hundred picked men, who marched out only three months before, forming two fine flank companies equal to any service.

On landing, Lieutenant William Home, found his brother, Ensign Home, dead in the hospital. Ensign Home belonged to a battalion company of the regiment, part of which was detached at Minnery,—a most unhealthy post, where nearly all the non-commissioned officers and soldiers had died.

Two days after the arrival of the flank companies of the Eighty-sixth, from the interior, a General Order was issued, in which the Commander of the Forces in Ceylon expressed his “acknowledgments to Major Marston, Captain Creagh, and to all the officers and soldiers of that distinguished corps, for the gallant and important services rendered by them in suppressing the Kandian rebellion, at the same time, he cannot conceal the deep regret he feels at the severe loss which has fallen on the detachment, and the death of a gallant officer, Captain Archibald McLean, and many brave soldiers.”

General Sir Robert Brownrigg also states, “Captain Creagh’s gallant and most useful services in the command of the flank companies of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, during the Kandian war, under very trying circumstances, was such, as to entitle him to the favourable notice of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, and to the best commendation I can bestow on him.”

1819

On the 15th of January, 1819, the detachment embarked, and, after putting to sea, was driven back by contrary winds, but landed at Madras, on the 5th of February, and joined the regiment at Poonamalee, on the same evening. The health of the party was not re-established, and Lieutenant Caddell, Assistant-Surgeon Bell, and several soldiers, died after their arrival at Madras.

The period for the return of the regiment to Europe, having arrived, the following statement appeared in General Orders, dated Madras, 6th March, 1819,—“The Lieut.-General has traced with gratification, the well-earned tributes of applause, bestowed by successive governments, and commanders, in commendation of the numerous instances of gallantry and efficiency displayed during the active and varied service in which His Majesty’s Eighty-sixth, or Royal County Down Regiment of Foot, has been engaged since its arrival in the East Indies; and Colonel Fraser, the officers, and men, are requested to accept His Excellency’s thanks for the correct and orderly conduct of the corps.”

In general orders by government, dated the 20th of March, 1819, it was stated,—

“The meritorious conduct of His Majesty’s Twenty-fifth Light Dragoons, and Eighty-sixth Regiment of Foot, in every situation where they have been employed during the long period of their services in India, has been brought under the notice of government, in a particular manner, by His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, as establishing for them strong claims to its consideration; and the honourable mention which has been made by his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, has been coupled with the expression of his Excellency’s wish, that their services may meet with the same acknowledgment, on their approaching departure, as, in general orders, dated 27th August, 1805, and 11th October, 1806, marked the close of the distinguished career of His Majesty’s Seventy-fourth Regiment, and Nineteenth Light Dragoons, then returning to England; concurring entirely in the commendations which His Majesty’s Twenty-fifth Light Dragoons, and Eighty-sixth Foot, have received from the Commander-in-Chief, and entertaining the same high sense of their merits and services, the Governor in Council is pleased to extend, to the officers of those corps, the indulgence recommended by his Excellency, and, accordingly, directs that a donation of three months’ full batta be passed to them on the occasion of their embarkation for Europe.”

Five hundred and sixty non-commissioned officers and soldiers having volunteered to remain in India, transferring their services to other corps, the remainder of the regiment sailed for England in April, and in October anchored off the Nore, where the ship was placed under quarantine, Lieutenant John Campbell and several soldiers having died during the voyage.

On the 23rd of October, the regiment landed at Gravesend, after an absence from England of twenty-three years and four months, bringing back only two individuals, Major D. Marston and Quarter-Master R. Gill, who embarked with it in June, 1796, the latter as a private.

The regiment joined the depôt companies at Canterbury, where Lieut.-Colonel John Johnson succeeded to the lieut.-colonelcy, on the promotion of Colonel Fraser, C.B., to the rank of major-general.

1820

During the winter, the regiment marched to Chichester, sending two companies to Brighton, and in April, 1820, it was removed to Weedon and Northampton, where two hundred and fifty recruits joined from Ireland.

1821
1822

In February, 1821, the regiment proceeded to Chatham; in October it embarked at Bristol, for Ireland, and, after landing at Waterford, occupied quarters at that place, having nine detached parties, until April, 1822, when the head-quarters were removed to Naas, and in July, the regiment occupied Richmond barracks, Dublin.

1823

From Dublin, the regiment proceeded, in May, 1823, to Athlone, and in October to Armagh, where the authority of His Majesty, King George IV., was received for bearing the word “India” on the colours and appointments, “in consideration of the distinguished conduct of the regiment during the period of its service in India, from the year 1799, to the year 1819.”

1824
1825
1826

In March, 1824, the head-quarters were removed to Newry; in January, 1825, the regiment proceeded to Naas; in June it was removed to Clonmel[12], and in the spring of 1826, it marched to Buttevant,—furnishing numerous detached parties. On quitting the south-west district, Major-General Sir Charles Doyle expressed, in a letter to the commanding officer, his “entire satisfaction” at the conduct of the regiment, while under his orders.

Lieut.-Colonel Johnson retired on half-pay, and was succeeded as commanding officer, by Lieut.-Colonel Mallett, C.B., from the Eighty-ninth regiment.

In the autumn, the regiment was formed into six service, and four depôt companies, preparatory to its embarkation for the West Indies[13]. In October, the service companies proceeded to Cork, leaving the depôt under Captain Stuart, at Buttevant, and embarking on board the “Princess Royal,” “Waterloo,” and “Thetis,” transports, sailed for Barbadoes, from whence they were ordered to Trinidad and Tobago, to relieve the Ninth Regiment, which was about to return home. The retirement of Major Baird occasioned Major Michael Creagh to return from the West Indies, to take command of the depôt.

1827

At Trinidad, the regiment occupied the Orange-Grove Barracks, until the completion of the new barracks at St. James’s. During the year 1827, Ensign Selway died at Tobago, and the loss by deaths, at the two islands of Trinidad and Tobago, amounted to three serjeants, forty rank and file, and eleven soldiers’ wives.

1828

In January, 1828, the regiment was relieved by the first battalion of the Royal Regiment, and proceeded to the island of Barbadoes, where Adjutant Dolman, three serjeants, and fifty-six rank and file, died of fevers contracted at Trinidad and Tobago.

1829
1830

The regiment remained at Barbadoes during the year 1829; in January, 1830, it was removed to Antigua, St. Kitts, and Montserrat.

On the 2nd of December, Major W. Richardson died at Antigua, universally regretted by the officers and soldiers of the regiment, who testified their regard for his merits, by erecting a monument to his memory in the church of Newry, County Down. He was the last of the three brothers who served with distinction in the corps.

1831

In March, 1831, the slaves of Antigua, being opposed to the abolition of the Sunday market, set fire to several plantations, when a strong detachment was sent to protect the town of St. John’s, where it remained until tranquillity was restored.

1832

Colonel Mallet, C.B., after having assumed charge of the civil government at St. Lucia, died at that island, very much regretted by the regiment; and was succeeded, in February, 1832, by Lieut.-Colonel Michael Creagh, from the half-pay, whose services are recorded in the preceding pages.

In the spring of this year, His Majesty, King William IV., was graciously pleased to approve of the regiment bearing on its colours and appointments the Irish “Harp and Crown” and the motto “Quis Separabit?”. The harp and crown only was assumed when the corps obtained the title of Royal County Down Regiment.

During this year, detachments were employed in controlling the disposition to violence evinced by the slave-population at Tortola, Barbuda, and other places.

On the decease of General the Earl of Kilmorey, the colonelcy of the regiment was conferred on Major-General William George Lord Harris, K.C.B. by commission, dated 3rd December, 1832.

1833

In February, 1833, the regiment was removed to Demerara and Berbice, with detached companies at Fort Wellington, Mahaica, and Fort D’Urban.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Michael Creagh, K.H., arrived from England, on the 1st of March, bringing with him the new colours, presented to the regiment by the late Earl of Kilmorey, bearing the “Harp and Crown” with the motto “Quis Separabit?” also the “Sphinx,” and the words “Egypt,” “Bourbon,” “India;”—distinctions reflecting honour on the corps, and calculated to stimulate the youthful soldiers of the regiment to emulate the noble example of their predecessors.

1834

The regiment remained at Demerara and Berbice during the years 1834 and 1835.

1835
1836

In December, 1835, Major-General Lord Harris was appointed to the Seventy-third Regiment, and Major-General the Honourable Sir Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, K.C.B., was appointed to the colonelcy of the Eighty-sixth Regiment. This officer was removed to the Royal Dragoons, in March, 1836, and was succeeded by Major-General James Watson, C.B.

From Demerara and Berbice, the regiment was removed in May, 1836, to Barbadoes.

1837

On the 20th of February, 1837, the regiment was inspected, preparatory to its return to England, by Lieut.-General Sir Samford Whittingham, who stated in a letter to Lieut.-Colonel Sir Michael Creagh, that he had “reported the Eighty-sixth, as about to embark for England, after ten years’ service in the West Indies, in a state of hardy, soldier-like efficiency, fit, if necessary, for immediate service in the field: a circumstance alike creditable to the commanding officer and to the corps.” On the embarkation of the regiment, on the 21st of March, the following appeared in general orders:—“The Lieutenant-General Commanding the Forces, having in person witnessed the embarkation of the Eighty-sixth Regiment this morning, it gives him sincere satisfaction to express in general orders his acknowledgements of the soldier-like and orderly manner in which it was conducted. The arrangements were perfect, and the whole proceeding reflects the highest credit on Lieut.-Colonel Sir Michael Creagh, the officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers, of the Royal County Down Regiment. They carry with them the Lieut.-General’s best wishes for their future honour and welfare.”

In May the service companies arrived at Chatham, having sustained a loss of five officers, and two hundred and ninety-nine soldiers, during the period they had been absent from Great Britain, and bringing back four hundred and twenty-four effective men. The depôt companies arrived at Chatham from Ireland, on the following day[14].

On the 24th of May, Lieut.-General Watson was removed to the Fourteenth Foot, and was succeeded by Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Brooke, K.C.B.

In June the regiment marched to Weedon, where it was inspected on the 8th of August by General Lord Hill, Commanding-in-Chief, who expressed to Lieut.-Colonel Sir Michael Creagh, in front of the regiment, his approbation of the highly efficient state of the corps, after so long a service in the West Indies.

After the inspection, the regiment marched into Lancashire, and occupied Salford-barracks, Manchester, detaching one company to the Isle of Man. During the Chartist disturbances, the Eighty-sixth were much employed, and frequently received the thanks of Major-General Sir Charles Napier, and Colonel Wemyss.

1838
1839
1840

In April, 1838, the head-quarters and flank companies were removed to Stockport, in Cheshire; but returned to Manchester, in June, 1839; and in June, 1840, the regiment embarked at Liverpool for Ireland, and landed at Belfast; in September it was removed to Dublin.

1841

The regiment was employed in the summer of 1841, at Templemore, Clonmel, Cork, and other places, aiding the civil power in the preservation of the public peace, during the election of members of parliament, and were particularly thanked for their conduct and forbearance.

The regiment received orders to form their depôt companies preparatory to proceeding on service.

1842

The Gazette of January 7, 1842, announced the exchange of Lieut.-Colonel Sir Michael Creagh, K.H., with Lieut.-Colonel Derinzy, K.H., of the Eleventh regiment.

At the period of the conclusion of this record, the Eighty-sixth, or the Royal County Down Regiment, is under orders again to proceed to India. Although comparatively a young corps, it has performed much valuable service to the country in all quarters of the globe; it had not the good fortune to serve in the Peninsular War, in which so many corps acquired honorary inscriptions; but it has earned distinctions for its colours, which furnish a powerful incentive to perseverance in the path of duty and honor to all who may have their names recorded in the books of this distinguished regiment.

1842.

SUCCESSION OF COLONELS

OF

THE EIGHTY-SIXTH,

OR

THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT OF

FOOT.

Cornelius Cuyler.

Appointed 30th October, 1793.

Cornelius Cuyler was appointed ensign in the fifty-fifth foot, on the 31st of May, 1759, and, immediately proceeding to North America, joined his regiment before the fort of Ticonderoga, on the west shore of Lake Champlain, in July of the same year, in time to take part in the reduction of that post. In 1760 he served at the reduction of Isle-aux-Noix and at the capture of Montreal, which completed the conquest of Canada. In 1764 he was appointed captain in the forty-sixth foot, with which corps he served two years on the frontiers of North America, one year at New York, and eight in Ireland. On the breaking out of the American war in 1775, he was appointed first aide-de-camp to Lieutenant-General Sir William Howe, who proceeded to Boston with reinforcements. In 1776, he was promoted to major in the fifty-fifth, but continued to perform the duty of first aide-de-camp to Sir William Howe, then commanding-in-chief in North America, and served at the reduction of Long Island, the capture of New York, and the battle of White Plains. He also accompanied the expedition to Pennsylvania in 1777, and served at the battles of Brandywine, and Germantown, and in November of that year he succeeded Colonel Meadows, who was removed to the fifth foot, in the lieutenant-colonelcy of the fifty-fifth, which corps he commanded in the retreat from Philadelphia to New York in 1778, and was at the battle of Freehold, under Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Clinton. In November of that year he proceeded with his regiment to the West Indies, and was engaged in the capture of St. Lucie. He performed the duties of adjutant-general to the troops in the West Indies, under Major-General Christie, in 1781; he afterwards performed the duties of quarter-master-general in the West Indies until 1784 when he returned to England, and took the command of his regiment, then in Ireland. In 1787 he was appointed to the situation of quarter-master-general in the West Indies, which he held until 1792, when he succeeded to the command of the forces in the Windward and Leeward Islands. He commanded an expedition against Tobago, and, having captured the principal fort by storm, on the morning of the 15th of April, 1793, the island submitted. Returning to England soon afterwards, he was promoted to the rank of major-general, and appointed colonel of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, then first raised, and styled “Cuyler’s Shropshire Volunteers.” He was also placed on the staff of Great Britain, and in April, 1794, he obtained the appointment of lieutenant-governor of Portsmouth: in June of that year he was removed from the Eighty-sixth to the sixty-ninth regiment. In June, 1796, he was appointed commander-in-chief in the West Indies, with the local rank of lieutenant-general; in January, 1798, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general in the army, and returned to England in May following. In June he was appointed to the command of the Sussex district; and in January, 1799, he was nominated commander-in-chief in Portugal,—the government of that country having refused to ratify a treaty of peace with France, and agreed to receive British troops into the ports: he returned to England in November, the greater part of the troops being sent to the Mediterranean. The rank of general was conferred on this distinguished officer in 1803; he was also appointed governor of Kinsale, and, in July, 1814, he was further rewarded with the dignity of Baronet.

General Sir Cornelius Cuyler, Baronet, died at St. John’s Lodge, Herts, on the 8th of March, 1819, after an honourable service of sixty years.

Russell Manners.

Appointed 20th June, 1794.

This officer was appointed cornet in the royal regiment of horse-guards, in May, 1755; captain in the seventh dragoons, in February, 1758, and in April, 1760, he was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the twenty-first dragoons, or royal foresters. He served in Germany under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, and, at the peace in 1763, when the royal foresters were disbanded, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the second dragoon guards. On the breaking out of the American war, in 1775, he was appointed colonel of the nineteenth light dragoons,—then newly raised; in 1777, he was promoted to the rank of major-general, and, in 1782, to that of lieutenant-general; in 1783 his regiment was disbanded. The colonelcy of the Eighty-sixth foot was conferred on Lieutenant-General Manners in 1794; in 1795 he was removed to the twenty-sixth light dragoons, and in 1799 he was promoted to the rank of general.

On the 23rd of May, 1800, as General Manners was riding, accompanied by two other gentlemen, in a post-chaise, to Cambridge, he was stopped by two highwaymen, who demanded his money, when he shot one dead on the spot, and the other rode off. In September of the same year, he was residing at Southend, for the benefit of his health, and, having a presentiment of his approaching death, he set off for London, alone, to obtain medical advice, but he was taken ill on the road, and died at an inn, at Billericay, in Essex, on the 11th September, 1800.

William Grinfield.

Appointed 25th March, 1795.

William Grinfield was appointed ensign in the third foot guards, in 1760; he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and captain in 1767, to that of captain and lieutenant-colonel in 1776, and in 1782 he was promoted to the rank of colonel in the army. In 1786 he obtained the commission of second major in his regiment. He commanded the first battalion of the third foot guards, under His Royal Highness the Duke of York, in Flanders, and evinced great personal bravery and ability on several occasions, particularly at the siege of Valenciennes, and at the re-capture of the post of Lincelles on the 18th of August, 1793, for which he received the thanks of the Duke of York in general orders. He had been appointed lieutenant-colonel of the third foot guards a few days before this action occurred, and in October of the same year he was promoted to the rank of major-general. In 1795 he was rewarded with the colonelcy of the Eighty-sixth foot; in 1798 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general, and at that eventful period he was called upon to transfer his services to the West Indies, with the important appointment of commander of the forces in the Windward and Leeward islands. On the renewal of hostilities with France in 1803, he commanded an expedition against St. Lucie, and, having captured the fort of Morne Fortuné by storm on the 22nd of June, the island submitted. He landed on the island of Tobago on the 30th of June, and, by a spirited advance upon Scarborough, forced the French General, Berthier, to surrender. He captured the islands of Demerara and Essequibo, from the Dutch, on the 19th of September, and Berbice, in a few days afterwards. On the 25th of September he was promoted to the rank of general. He died at Barbadoes on the 19th of October, 1803, of the yellow fever, surviving his lady only three days. It is recorded, that a short time before he left England for the West Indies, Mrs. Grinfield’s brother died, leaving them £20,000; the general, finding two cousins of the deceased were left unprovided for, observed to his lady, that, as themselves possessed an ample fortune, he purposed making provision for the unfortunate relatives; she readily assenting, he sent for them, and divided the whole legacy between them.

Sir James Henry Craig, KB.

Appointed 5th January, 1804.

James Henry Craig obtained a commission of ensign in the thirtieth foot on the 1st of June, 1763, and he served with his regiment several years at the fortress of Gibraltar. In March, 1771, he was promoted captain in the forty-seventh foot, with which corps he served in the American war. The forty-seventh were at Boston when hostilities commenced; they took part in the actions at Concord and Bunker’s Hill in 1775, and in 1776 they served in Canada. In December, 1777, Captain Craig was promoted major in the eighty-second regiment, then serving in America, and in 1781 he obtained the lieutenant-colonelcy of that corps, from which he was removed, in 1783, to the sixteenth foot. In 1790 he was promoted to the rank of colonel, in 1794 to that of major-general, and in 1795 his services were rewarded with the colonelcy of the forty-sixth foot. In 1801 he was advanced to the rank of lieutenant-general, and was removed to the Eighty-sixth regiment in 1804. On the 25th of March, 1805, he was appointed commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean, with the local rank of general; he was also honoured with the dignity of a Knight of the Bath, and nominated governor of Blackness Castle; in 1806 he was removed to the twenty-second regiment. The services of General Sir James Craig were afterwards transferred to British North America, of which country he was appointed governor, with the local rank of general in Upper and Lower Canada, dated the 21st of August, 1807. In 1809 he was removed to the colonelcy of the seventy-eighth highland regiment, or Ross-shire buffs. On the 1st of January, 1812, he was promoted to the rank of general in the army, which he only held a few days, his decease occurring on the 12th of the same month.

Sir Charles Ross, Bart.

Appointed 30th October, 1806.

Charles Ross, son of Admiral Sir Lockhart Ross, of Balnagown, Bart., who signalized himself during the seven years’ war, obtained a commission of cornet in the seventh dragoons, in January, 1780, and in May, 1784, he was promoted captain in the third Irish horse, now sixth dragoon guards, in which corps he remained three years, when he was advanced to the commission of major in the thirty-seventh foot. On the 16th of March, 1791, he was promoted to the lieut.-colonelcy of his regiment, and he performed the duty of commanding officer several years with reputation to himself and advantage to the service. He afterwards took an active part in raising the hundred and sixteenth regiment, but this corps was disbanded in 1796. On the 18th of June, 1798, he was promoted to the rank of major-general, and to that of lieut.-general, in October, 1805. In December of the same year, he was appointed colonel of the eighty-fifth foot, from which he was removed, in October, 1806, to the Eighty-sixth, and in June, 1810, he was appointed to the thirty-seventh regiment. He was endowed with many amiable qualities, which rendered him an ornament to his country; he was eminently useful in every relation which connected him with society, particularly courteous in public life, and affectionate and valuable as a friend. He died at Balnagown Castle, in the county of Ross, on the 8th of February, 1814.

The Honorable Francis Needham.

Appointed 25th June, 1810.

The Honorable Francis Jack Needham, third son of John, tenth Viscount of Kilmorey, choosing the profession of arms, procured a commission of cornet in the eighteenth dragoons, on the 17th of December, 1762; in February, 1765, he was removed to the first dragoons, in which corps he obtained a lieutenancy in 1771, and in May, 1774, he was promoted captain in the seventeenth dragoons. He accompanied his regiment to North America, in the spring of 1775, and served at Boston under Lieut.-General Gage; he also served at the capture of Long Island under General Sir William Howe, and received, with his regiment, the thanks of the Commander-in-Chief, for his conduct at the battle of Brooklyn. He also served in the actions at White Plains, and in the Jerseys; afterwards proceeded to Philadelphia, took part in several skirmishes in Pennsylvania, and in covering the retreat to New York, in the performance of which service he was engaged at Freehold. He was subsequently stationed in the lines in front of New York, where he was taken prisoner by the Americans. In August, 1780, he was promoted major in the seventy-sixth Highland regiment, then serving in America, with which corps he shared in the contest until the peace. In February, 1783, he was promoted to the lieut.-colonelcy of the hundred and fourth regiment, and six weeks afterwards he was appointed captain and lieut.-colonel in the first foot guards; he was nominated aide-de-camp to the King in 1793, with the rank of colonel. In 1794 he was appointed adjutant-general of the expedition to the coast of France, under Lieut.-General the Earl of Moira; and in 1795 he was appointed third major in the first foot guards, promoted to the rank of major-general, and placed on the home staff. He was subsequently detached, second in command to Major-General Doyle, with Monsieur Compte D’ Artois and his suite, to take possession of Isle Dieu, which place the troops maintained so long as the navy could afford them protection. An appointment on the staff of Ireland was next conferred on him, and he commanded a body of troops during the rebellion in 1798; he was at the battle of Arklow, on the 9th of June, and commanded a division at Vinegar Hill, on the 21st of June. He continued on the staff of Ireland until April, 1802, when he was promoted to the rank of lieut.-general. He had previously been appointed lieut.-colonel in the first foot guards (21st of August, 1801,) and in April, 1804, he obtained the colonelcy of the fifth veteran battalion. In 1806, he was elected member of parliament for Newry, and he sat for that borough in four parliaments. He was appointed colonel of the Eighty-sixth Regiment in 1810, and took great interest in the reputation and welfare of his corps: in 1812 he was promoted to the rank of general. On the decease of his brother Robert, in 1818, he succeeded to the dignity of Viscount Kilmorey. Large and influential estates in Ireland were bequeathed to him by a distant relation; and in January, 1822, he was advanced to the dignity of Earl of Kilmorey and Viscount Newry and Morne, in the County Down, Ireland. This excellent and patriotic nobleman died at his seat of Shavington, in Shropshire, on the 21st of November, 1832, much regretted, particularly by his numerous tenants in Ireland, to whom he had evinced great kindness.

William George Lord Harris.

Appointed 3rd December, 1832.

Removed to the seventy-third regiment of foot, 4th December, 1835.

The Honorable Sir Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, KCB., GCMG., KCH.

Appointed 4th December, 1835.

Honorable Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, third son of Frederick, third Earl of Besborough, was appointed cornet in the tenth dragoons, in 1800, and rose, in 1803, to the commission of captain in the same corps, from which he exchanged to the sixtieth regiment, in 1806. In 1807, he was appointed major in the twenty-third light dragoons, at the head of which corps he distinguished himself at the battle of Talavera, in 1809, and was promoted, in 1810, to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the regiment. In 1811 he served under Lieut.-General Graham, at Cadiz: and at the battle of Barossa, in March of that year, he attacked, with a squadron of German dragoons, the French cavalry covering the retreat, overthrew them, took two guns, and even attempted, though vainly, to sabre Rousseau’s battalions. On the 11th of June, 1811, he was appointed lieut.-colonel of the twelfth light dragoons; at the head of which corps he served under Lord Wellington, and distinguished himself, in April, 1812, at Llerena, in one of the most brilliant cavalry actions during the war. At the battle of Salamanca he charged the French infantry, broke his sword in the fight, and his horse received several bayonet wounds. He repeatedly evinced great judgment, penetration, and resolution in the out-post duty, and was wounded in the retreat from Burgos, on the 13th of October, 1812. At the battle of Vittoria he again distinguished himself: his services at Tolosa, St. Sebastian, and Nive were also conspicuous; and, on the king’s birth-day, in 1814, he was promoted to the rank of colonel in the army. He commanded the twelfth light dragoons at the battle of Waterloo, where he led his regiment to the charge with signal intrepidity,—received sabre cuts on both arms,—was brought to the ground by a blow on the head,—pierced through the back by a lancer,—plundered by a tirailleur,—ridden over by two squadrons of cavalry,—and plundered a second time by a Prussian soldier; but afterwards recovered of his wounds. His services were rewarded with the following marks of royal favour:—Knight Companion of the order of the Bath,—Knight Grand Cross of the order of St. Michael and St. George,—Knight Commander of the Hanoverian Guelphic order,—a cross,—a Waterloo medal,—Knight of the Tower and Sword of Portugal,—and Knight of Maria Theresa of Austria. In January, 1824, he was nominated inspecting field officer in the Ionian Islands; he was promoted brigadier-general on the staff of those islands, in March, 1824; and in June, 1825, he was advanced to the rank of major-general. He was removed to the staff of Malta, and retained the command of the troops in that island until May, 1835. In December, 1835, he obtained the colonelcy of the Eighty-sixth Regiment, from which he was removed to the royal dragoons in the following year. He was an ornament to his profession. In him, military talent was united with the most chivalrous bravery,—calm judgment,—cool decision,—resolute action, and modest deportment. He died on the 10th of January, 1837.

James Watson.

Appointed 31st March, 1836.

Removed to the fourteenth foot, 24th May, 1837.

Sir Arthur Brooke, KCB.

Appointed 24th May, 1837.

London: Harrison and Co., Printers, St. Martin’s Lane.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] “GEORGE R.,

“Whereas we have thought fit to order a regiment of foot to be forthwith raised, under your command, which is to consist of ten companies, with three serjeants, three corporals, two drummers, and fifty-seven private men in each company, with two fifers to the grenadier company, besides a serjeant-major and quarter-master-serjeant, together with the usual number of commissioned officers; these are to authorise you, by beat of drum, or otherwise, to raise so many men in any county or part of our kingdom of Great Britain, as shall be wanted to complete the said regiment to the above-mentioned numbers.

“And all magistrates, justices of the peace, constables, and other our civil officers, whom it may concern, are hereby required to be assisting unto you, in providing quarters, impressing carriages, and otherwise, as there shall be occasion.

“Given at Our Court, at St. James’s, this 1st day of November, 1793, in the thirty-fourth year of Our reign.

“By His Majesty’s command,
“(Signed)     George Yonge.”

“To Our trusty and well-beloved C. Cuyler, Esq., Major-General in our Army, and Colonel of a Regiment of Foot to be forthwith raised, &c., &c., &c.”

[2] Now General Commanding-in-Chief.

[3] The troops designed for this service consisted of the tenth, eightieth, and eighty-eighth regiments, seven companies of the nineteenth, three of eighty-sixth, a battalion of native infantry, and a proportion of artillery, under Colonel the Honourable Arthur Wellesley.

[4] Officers Present,—Majors Henry Torrens, (commanding,) George Cuyler; Captains James Richardson, John Grant, —— Maclaurin; Lieutenants W. Martin, J. H. Wilson, Peter Drummond, John Harvey, Alexander Grant, R. Travers, William Bourd, S. G. McKay, Thomas Lanphier, J. Wilson, David Morrice, Edmund Carter, G. D’Aigular; Ensign Neill Maclaurin; Adjutant W. Moreton; Quarter-Master J. Coor; Surgeon P. W. Deane; Assistant-Surgeons Bellars and Liddle: 53 serjeants, 22 drummers, 668 rank and file.

[5] Officers present, 1st January, 1805:—Major George Cuyler, (commanding); Captains James Grant, William Moreton; Lieutenants R. Travers, W. Baird, Thomas Lanphier, J. Wilson, D. Morrice, George D’Aguilar, N. Maclaurin, H. Steele; Surgeon P. W. Deane; Assistant-Surgeons Bellars and Liddle:—51 serjeants, 22 drummers, 511 rank and file.

[6] Officers present, 1st December, 1805. Major George Cuyler (commanding a brigade); Captains John Grant, (commanding the regiment), William Baird; Lieutenants D. Morrice, N. Maclaurin, H. Steele, Thomas Lanphier, George D’Aguilar, (brigade-major); Quarter-Master J. Smith; Surgeon, P. Deane; Assistant-Surgeon R. Bellars: 48 serjeants, 19 drummers, 354 rank and file.

[7] Major Edwards was killed at the storming of Bhurtpore, under Lord Cumbermere, while in command of the Fourteenth Foot.

[8] The Regiment erected a handsome Monument where this officer fell, with the following inscription:—

“Lieut. John Graham Munro fell near this spot on the 8th of July, 1810, while charging the enemy, at the head of His Britannic Majesty’s 86th Grenadiers. The Officers of the Regiment have erected this Monument as a mark of their respect for his memory.”

This monument having, some years back, suffered by a hurricane, the French officers stationed on the island, (to their honour be it known,) had it put in a thorough state of repair at their own expense.

[9] A division of the regiment on marching through Tipperary, in 1823, halted at the village of Middleton: in the evening the commanding officer observed the soldiers assembled round a tomb in the burial ground, with their caps off; on enquiring the cause, a soldier of the grenadiers replied, “Your honour, we are come up to see our old captain.” On joining the group, he observed the tomb of his old and respected comrade, Lieut.-Colonel Lanphier, and the following words, which had been scratched by the soldiers beneath the inscription on the tomb-stone, “A Brave Soldier!” “Please your honour,” (the soldier continued) “the Boys of the company would like to fire three rounds over the grave, and would be glad to pay for the powder if your honour will let them fire.” On the following morning the grenadier company, which the deceased had gallantly commanded for a number of years, paid the last tribute of respect to their late captain’s remains which was duly appreciated by his surviving relatives, and also by the villagers. Lieut.-Colonel Lanphier entered the army as Ensign in the 10th Foot, in 1798, and was promoted to be Lieutenant in the 86th Regiment in 1800, to be Captain in 1806, to the rank of Brevet-Major in 1810, and of Brevet Lieut.-Colonel in 1819; he retired from the service by the sale of his Commission on the 30th of January, 1823, being then the Senior Captain of the 86th Regiment.

[10] List of officers who served against the Kandians.

Major Marston commanding.

Grenadier Company, Captain, Michael Creagh; Lieutenants, William Home, David Bradford, Andrew Russell.

Light Company, Captain, Archibald McLean; Lieutenants, James Creagh, P. P. Goold, and Edward Caddell; Assistant-Surgeon, R. H. Bell.

[11] See Preface.

[12] At Clonmel, the regiment lost a fine young officer, Lieutenant Frederick Close, whose body was found in the river Suir, together with the body of a young lady named Grubb. The cause of their melancholy fate was never ascertained.

[13] Names of the Officers who proceeded to the West Indies, in 1826:—

In the “Princess Royal,”—Lieut.-Colonel J. W. Mallet; Captains Robert Crawford, James Creagh; Lieutenants Francis Kearney, Lewis Halliday; Ensign Robert Mayne; Adjutant John Dolman; and Surgeon A. Cunningham.

In the “Waterloo,”—Captain R. B. Usher; Lieutenants P. North, F. H. Dalgety, Lewis Grant; Ensigns James Galwey, J. B. Selway, E. Davis, and W. Johnson.

In the “Thetis,”—Major Michael Creagh: Captains Alexander McLean, R. B. Wolseley; Lieutenants J. Grant, J. McIntyre; and Quarter-Master J. Jerome.

[14] State of Loss:—

Trinidad and Tobago | 42
Barbadoes | 71
Antigua, St. Kitts, Montserrat, and Tortola | 72
British Guiana | 114
| ——
| 299

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE

Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within the text and consultation of external sources.

Some hyphens in words have been silently removed, some added, when a predominant preference was found in the original book.

Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text, and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained.

Pg 16: ‘a langour pervaded’ replaced by ‘a languor pervaded’.
Pg 22: ‘Rao Holkur, one’ replaced by ‘Rao Holkar, one’.
Pg 24: ‘above Bareach’ replaced by ‘above Baroach’.
Pg 38: ‘The moonson having set’ replaced by ‘The monsoon having set’.
Pg 46: Sidenote: ‘1814’ replaced by Sidenote: ‘1813’.
Pg 60: ‘SEPARABIT?” the harp’ replaced by ‘SEPARABIT?”. The harp’.
Pg 60: ‘removed to Demarara’ replaced by ‘removed to Demerara’.
Pg 61: ‘Frederic Cavendish’ replaced by ‘Frederick Cavendish’.
Pg 61: ‘his acknowlgements’ replaced by ‘his acknowledgements’.
Pg 64: ‘fort of Ticonderago’ replaced by ‘fort of Ticonderoga’.

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE EIGHTY-SIXTH, OR THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT OF FOOT ***

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Table of Contents

- HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE EIGHTY-SIXTH, OR THE ROYAL COUNTY DOWN REGIMENT OF FOOT:

- CONTENTS.
- HISTORICAL RECORD
- SUCCESSION OF COLONELS
- FOOTNOTES:
- THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE