Chapter III: Part 3

In the spring of 1744, the regiment marched to Richmond, and other towns near Hounslow Heath, and was reviewed by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland. "The regiment gained great reputation by its discipline and good appearance, and had the pleasure of being assured of His Royal Highness' approbation."[29] After the review, the regiment marched to Fareham, and mounted guard over the French and Spanish prisoners at Portchester Castle.

[Sidenote: 1745]

At the battle of Fontenoy, the British troops, supporting the interests of the house of Austria against the power of France and Bavaria, were repulsed in their attempts to raise the siege of Tournay, and sustained severe loss; and the ROYAL IRISH regiment was ordered to join the British army in Flanders. The EIGHTEENTH embarked at Gravesend, with a detachment of foot guards and the fourteenth regiment, landed at Ostend, and, advancing up the country, joined the army, commanded by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, at the camp at Lessines, in May, 1745. The French, having a great superiority of numbers, captured several strong towns, and besieged _Ostend_, when the ROYAL IRISH were selected to reinforce the garrison of that fortress. The regiment accordingly marched to Antwerp, where it embarked on board of Dutch billanders, in which it sailed to Flushing, where it was removed on board of transports that conveyed it to Ostend, which town was found abandoned by the inhabitants, and besieged by a numerous French force. The garrison did not exceed three thousand men, a number very inadequate to the defence of the place; the fortifications had been neglected and were out of repair; and the Austrian governor permitted the enemy to gain possession of the sluices before he had inundated the country round the town. The means of a long defence were wanting, and, after holding out until the ammunition was nearly expended, and the guns of the fortress dismounted, the governor capitulated, on condition that the garrison should march to the quarters of the allied army. The writer of the continuation of General Stearne's journal complains of the treacherous conduct of the French on this occasion, in causing the garrison to make a considerable détour, employing agents to induce, by promises of reward, the soldiers to desert, and, after a march of twenty miles in one day, delivering the garrison up at a frontier village cantonment about seven in the evening, and having a numerous force ready to cut off the fatigued men at an early hour on the following morning. This was, however, defeated; the Duke of Cumberland sent a General officer to take charge of the troops on their arrival, and, instead of allowing the tired soldiers to go into quarters, he ordered them to load their muskets, fix their bayonets, and march for Mons. The writer, before alluded to, states, "As we every moment expected the enemy, we continued our march in the greatest order; not a whisper was to be heard: the officers who were present will always remember with pleasure the discipline and good disposition every regiment showed on that occasion." ... "So narrow was our escape, that the French got to their ground within an hour of our passing it, and we saw them in the morning encamped about two miles from Mons."

The EIGHTEENTH regiment, and other corps from Ostend, remained at Mons about three weeks, watched by a numerous French force; but on the approach of a detachment from the allied army, the enemy retired: the regiments then marched out at midnight, arrived at Charleroi on the following day, and afterwards joined the army near Brussels.

In the autumn of this year, Charles Edward, eldest son of the Pretender, raised the standard of his father in Scotland, and, being joined by a number of Highland clans, penetrated into England. On this occasion the ROYAL IRISH regiment marched to Williamstadt, where it embarked for England, and, arriving at Gravesend on the 5th of November, landed and joined the camp at Dartford, where it remained several weeks, and lost the surgeon and a number of men from diseases produced by being exposed to severe weather in a camp in the winter months.

[Sidenote: 1746]

The regiment returned to Gravesend in March, 1746, and embarked for Scotland, with the twelfth, sixteenth, and twenty-fourth foot. These corps arrived at Leith on the 19th of April, as the guns of Edinburgh castle were firing for the victory gained over the rebels at Culloden, and this terminated the rebellion.

The regiment waited at Leith until the return of an express from the army, when it received orders to sail northward; it landed at Nairn on the 1st of May, was cantoned in the neighbourhood of that place three weeks, and afterwards joined the army at Inverness, at which place the regiment was encamped until the autumn, when it marched into quarters at Nairn, Elgin, &c.

[Sidenote: 1747]

In the summer of 1747, the regiment marched to Fort Augustus, and encamped among the mountains near that place, under the orders of Major-General Blakeney, until October, when it marched to Edinburgh castle, and Stirling.

Major-General Sir John Mordaunt was removed to the twelfth dragoons in December of this year, and was succeeded in the colonelcy by Colonel John Folliott, from the sixty-first foot, a newly-raised corps, afterwards disbanded.

[Sidenote: 1748]

[Sidenote: 1749]

[Sidenote: 1750]

Returning to England in the spring of 1748, the regiment was stationed at Berwick, Newcastle, and Carlisle, where it remained until the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, when it marched to Glasgow, and embarked for Ireland on the 18th of February, 1749. It was stationed at Enniskillen and Ballyshannon twelve months, and was removed in 1750 to Kinsale, and in 1751 to Cork.

[Sidenote: 1751]

In the Royal warrant of the 1st of July, 1751, the uniform of the regiment is directed to be scarlet, faced with blue. The First, or King's colour, to be the great union; the Second, or regimental colour, to be of blue silk with the union in the upper canton; in the centre of the colour, the HARP in a blue field and the CROWN over it; and in the three corners of the colour, the LION OF NASSAU, the arms of King William III. On the grenadier caps, the HARP AND CROWN, as on the colours. The HARP AND CROWN to be painted in the same manner on the drums and bells of arms, with the rank of the regiment underneath.[30]

[Sidenote: 1752]

[Sidenote: 1753]

[Sidenote: 1754]

From Cork the regiment marched, in 1752, to Waterford; in 1753 it proceeded to Dublin, and in 1754 to Londonderry and Ballyshannon.

[Sidenote: 1755]

Disputes having arisen between Great Britain and France, respecting the extent of the British territories in North America, hostilities commenced, and the regiment was suddenly ordered to England in the spring of 1755. It landed at Liverpool on Easter Sunday, the 3rd of April, and marched to Berwick, where the establishment was augmented to seventy-eight men per company, and two companies were afterwards added: in October the regiment marched to Edinburgh, where it was stationed during the winter.

[Sidenote: 1756]

In February, 1756, the two additional companies were incorporated in the fifty-sixth regiment, then newly raised; and in May the EIGHTEENTH were reviewed by Lieut.-General Bland, commanding the forces in North Britain, and afterwards marched to Fort William, with numerous detachments at various posts in the Highlands.

[Sidenote: 1757]

Orders were received in February, 1757, for the regiment to proceed to Ireland, and it was stationed in that part of the United Kingdom during the remainder of the seven years' war.

[Sidenote: 1762]

Lieut.-General Folliott died in January, 1762, and in April King George III. conferred the colonelcy of the EIGHTEENTH regiment on Major-General Sir John Sebright, Bart., from the eighty-third foot, which corps was disbanded in 1763.

[Sidenote: 1767]

[Sidenote: 1775]

In 1767 the ROYAL IRISH regiment proceeded from Ireland to North America, where it was stationed when the unfortunate misunderstanding occurred between Great Britain and her North American colonies on the subject of taxation. The Americans manifested a disposition to violence, and three companies of the EIGHTEENTH were stationed at Boston, the capital of the state of Massachusetts, under the Governor of the province, General Gage.

General Gage, having ascertained that the Americans had collected a quantity of military stores at _Concord_, detached the grenadiers and light infantry, including the companies of the EIGHTEENTH, to effect the destruction of these stores. These companies embarked in boats, under Colonel Smith, of the tenth, on the evening of the 18th of April, 1775, and sailed up Charles river to the marshes of Cambridge, where they landed and marched towards Concord. At the village of _Lexington_ they were opposed by a party of American militia; some firing occurred, and several men were killed and wounded: thus the first blood was spilt, and open resistance followed. The King's troops continued their march to Concord, and effected the destruction of the stores. In the meantime the country had been alarmed for many miles, and, when the soldiers commenced their journey back to Boston, they were fired upon from behind the walls, trees, fences, barns, &c., on both sides of the road, and skirmish succeeded skirmish until they arrived at Lexington, where they were met by Earl Percy's brigade, with two field-pieces. The fire of the artillery checked the Americans, and the troops continued their march to Boston. The flank companies of the ROYAL IRISH regiment had two men killed and four wounded on this occasion.

This open resistance to legal authority was followed by the appearance of multitudes of armed Americans in the neighbourhood of Boston, and on the night of the 16th of June they commenced throwing up entrenchments on the peninsula of Charleston, on a height called _Bunker's Hill_; and on the following day General Gage detached a body of troops, of which the flank companies of the ROYAL IRISH regiment formed part, to drive the Americans from the hill. The attack was made about three o'clock in the afternoon, and British valour was conspicuously displayed; but the Americans had a great superiority of numbers and a strong post. The King's troops were twice arrested in their progress, but by a determined effort they carried the height at the point of the bayonet, and triumphed over thrice their own numbers. The loss of the EIGHTEENTH was limited to three rank and file killed, Lieutenant William Richardson and seven rank and file wounded.

[Sidenote: 1776]

Although the valour and discipline of the British corps in North America were so conspicuous as to excite the admiration of their country, yet the few corps at Boston were beset by such multitudes of opponents, that it became impossible for these excellent qualities to be exercised with any prospect of ultimate success; and in the middle of March, 1776, the town was abandoned, the British troops embarking for Nova Scotia.

[Sidenote: 1777]

Soon afterwards the regiment received orders to transfer its men fit for service to other corps, and return to Europe: it arrived in England in July, 1776, and was stationed at Dover Castle, where it remained during the year 1777.

[Sidenote: 1778]

From Dover, the regiment proceeded to Coxheath, where an encampment was formed of the Royal Dragoons, five regiments of infantry, and fifteen battalions of militia.

[Sidenote: 1779]

In the summer of 1779, the regiment was encamped at Warley, in the Essex district, with three other corps of regular infantry and ten battalions of militia, under Lieut.-General Parker.

[Sidenote: 1780]

[Sidenote: 1782]

The regiment was encamped at Finchley in 1780, and afterwards in Hyde Park; and in 1782 it proceeded to the island of Jersey, where its numbers were reduced to the peace establishment in consequence of the termination of the American war.

Leaving Jersey in February, 1782, the thanks of the Commander of the forces at that station were conveyed to the officers and soldiers of the EIGHTEENTH, for their conduct while under his command. The regiment was afterwards stationed at Guernsey, where an alarming mutiny occurred among the soldiers of the 104th regiment, who fired upon their officers, and took possession of the fort. They were invested by the ROYAL IRISH regiment, commanded by Major Mawby, and a battalion of militia, and were forced to submit. The lieut.-governor thanked the ROYAL IRISH regiment, in orders, for its loyal and spirited conduct on this occasion, in the strongest terms, and promised to take the earliest opportunity of bringing its meritorious conduct before the King. The States of the island also conveyed the expression of their thanks and approbation of the excellent behaviour of the EIGHTEENTH regiment, accompanied by a vote of 100 guineas, to be divided among the non-commissioned officers and soldiers.

[Sidenote: 1783]

In July, 1783, the regiment proceeded to Portsmouth, and in October it embarked for the fortress of Gibraltar.

[Sidenote: 1793]

While the ROYAL IRISH regiment was employed in protecting the important fortress of Gibraltar, a revolution occurred in France; Louis XVI. was beheaded by his subjects in 1793; and while anarchy and bloodshed prevailed in France, the republicans of that country sought to involve other nations in the same calamities. War was the result. A powerful party favourable to monarchy still existed in France, many patriots stood forward in the cause of royalty, and the inhabitants of _Toulon_ joined with Admiral Turgot in delivering up that port to the British, who took possession of the place in the name of Louis XVII. A numerous republican army advanced against Toulon, and the allies made exertions to procure troops for the defence of the town and harbour. Some corps of French loyalists were embodied; detachments of Spaniards, Neapolitans, and Sardinians were procured, and the ROYAL IRISH regiment was withdrawn from Gibraltar to aid in the protection of this important place.

The regiment arrived at Toulon in November, and was actively employed in the defence of the place upwards of a month, during which period it was frequently engaged with the republican troops of France.

A battery having been erected by the enemy on the heights of _Arenes_, which much annoyed one of the principal outposts, a party of the EIGHTEENTH joined the troops under Major-General David Dundas, which issued from Toulon on the morning of the 30th of November, crossed the river, traversed olive-grounds, intersected with stone walls, ascended a height cut into vine-terraces, and, surprising the French on their post, drove them from the battery with signal gallantry. The object in view was thus accomplished, but the impetuosity of the soldiers could not be restrained; they pursued the enemy too far, and, encountering fresh adversaries, were forced to retire with loss. The ROYAL IRISH regiment had seven men killed on this occasion, twenty-four wounded, four serjeants, one drummer, and twenty-nine rank and file missing.

Much difficulty was experienced in defending Toulon with twelve thousand men, of five different nations, against thirty to forty thousand French troops; a circumference of fifteen miles having to be occupied by a number of posts which required nine thousand men for their protection, so that three-fourths of the men were constantly on duty. On the 17th of December, the French attacked the British quarter under Captain William Conolly of the EIGHTEENTH, who defended his post with great gallantry until the enemy had forced the Spanish side, when he fell back fighting to another position. The regiment lost Ensign George Minchin and two rank and file on this occasion. The enemy afterwards attacked the posts on the mountain of Pharou, where another party of the EIGHTEENTH was engaged, and lost one serjeant and five rank and file.

The line of posts being forced, it was found impossible to preserve the town and harbour, and the French shipping, arsenal, and magazines were set on fire, and the troops of the several nations embarked on board of the fleet on the 19th of December.

[Sidenote: 1794]

After the evacuation of Toulon, the fleet proceeded to the bay of Hières, and arrangements were made for attacking the island of _Corsica_: the fleet weighed anchor on the 24th of January, 1794; but was dispersed by a gale of wind. Early in February a landing was effected in the gulf of Fiorenzo in the island of Corsica, and a series of operations were commenced by which the greater part of the island was speedily reduced, and an assembly of Deputies afterwards agreed to unite Corsica to the British dominions.

The fortified town of _Calvi_, situate on a tongue of land which forms a beautiful harbour thirty-three miles from _Bastia_, the capital of Corsica, still held out in the French interest, and the EIGHTEENTH regiment, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel David Douglas Wemyss, was selected to join the troops, under Lieut.-General C. Stuart, appointed for the reduction of this fortress. The regiment accordingly sailed from Bastia, and, having landed near Calvi on the 19th of June, took post on a ridge of mountains three miles from the town. Owing to the numerous rocky heights and steep acclivities before the town, the soldiers and seamen had to make roads along difficult precipices, to drag guns up the mountains, and to carry up materials for erecting the batteries, which they performed with cheerfulness. A practical breach having been made in the west side of the Mozello, on the 18th of July the light infantry (including the light company of the EIGHTEENTH) and the second battalion of the Royals, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Moore, "proceeded with a cool steady confidence, and unloaded arms, towards the enemy, forced their way through a smart fire of musketry, and, regardless of live shells flung into the breach, or the additional defence of pikes, stormed the Mozello; while Lieut.-Colonel Wemyss, with the ROYAL IRISH regiment, and two pieces of cannon under the direction of Lieutenant Lemoine of the royal artillery, equally regardless of opposition, carried the enemy's battery on the left, and forced the trenches without firing a shot."[31]

After the capture of these important posts, the siege of Calvi was prosecuted with vigour, and on the 10th of August the garrison surrendered.

The loss of the ROYAL IRISH regiment was limited to six rank and file killed; Lieutenant William Johnston, one serjeant, and ten rank and file wounded.

In the early part of this year, General Sir John Sebright, Bart., died; and the colonelcy of the regiment was conferred on Major-General Sir James Murray, Bart., who afterwards took the surname of Pulteney.

[Sidenote: 1795]

[Sidenote: 1796]

The ROYAL IRISH regiment was stationed in the island of Corsica during the year 1795, and nine months of 1796. In the mean time the success of the French arms, particularly the brilliant career of General Bonaparte in Italy, had produced a change of sentiment among the inhabitants of Corsica. Bonaparte was a native of the island; the Corsicans gloried in him as a man who reflected honour on their country, and they regretted that the island had become annexed to Great Britain, as this event placed them in hostility to their victorious countryman, and they began to plot measures to effect its separation. It appearing evident that the expense of the defence would exceed the advantage derived from the possession of the island, the British troops were withdrawn in October, and the EIGHTEENTH proceeded to the island of Elba.

[Sidenote: 1797]

[Sidenote: 1798]

[Sidenote: 1799]

Soon afterwards the regiment was detached, with a small force under Colonel Wemyss, to the coast of Italy; the troops landed on the 7th of November, and, having driven the French from the principality of Piombino, occupied the towns of Campiglia, Castiglione, and Piombino, with some advanced posts in the Tuscan states. The ROYAL IRISH were commanded by Lieut.-Colonel H. T. Montresor, and distinguished themselves on several occasions. They waded through an inundation of near three miles, to attack the town of _Campiglia_, and made the French garrison prisoners. The enemy receiving considerable reinforcements, and advancing in force against those towns, the British troops were withdrawn from Italy, and returned to Elba. During the winter, the EIGHTEENTH regiment sailed for Gibraltar, where it arrived in the beginning of 1797, and was stationed at that fortress during the two following years.

[Sidenote: 1800]

In the spring of 1800, the regiment was withdrawn from Gibraltar, to join the armament preparing for active service in the Mediterranean: it proceeded to Minorca, where the land-forces were assembled, and in the summer sailed under the orders of Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby for Genoa, to co-operate with the Austrians; but the victories gained by the French in Italy occasioned this enterprise to be abandoned, and the EIGHTEENTH returned to Minorca.

The regiment afterwards sailed with the expedition against _Cadiz_, and it had entered the boats of the fleet for the purpose of effecting a landing and attacking Cadiz, when orders were received to return on board the shipping; the attack of this place having been relinquished in consequence of an infectious disease of a fatal character ravaging the city; and the armament sailed to Gibraltar.

After some delay, the EIGHTEENTH regiment again proceeded to Minorca.

In the meantime a powerful French army had taken possession of Egypt, with the view of colonizing that country, and making it the base of future conquests in the east, and the ROYAL IRISH regiment was called from Minorca to take part in the expulsion of the boasted invincible legions of France from Egypt. The regiment accordingly quitted Minorca without landing, and sailed to Malta, where it joined the armament under Lieut.-General Sir Ralph Abercromby, and was formed in brigade with the thirtieth, forty-fourth, and eighty-ninth, under the orders of Brigadier-General Doyle. The troops were soon restored and reanimated, after having been so long at sea, by the abundance of fresh provisions which the island of Malta afforded, and the comforts of the beautiful city of Valetta, and on the 20th of December the fleet sailed for the bay of Marmorice, in Asiatic Turkey, where it arrived in nine days.

[Sidenote: 1801]

In this bay, environed by mountains covered with the foliage of trees, the troops remained several weeks, while preparations were being completed, and a plan of co-operation was arranged with the Turks, whose tardy proceedings detained the expedition some time. On the 23rd of February, 1801, the fleet again put to sea, presenting a splendid sight; the magnitude of the armament, and the gaiety of the brave men on board, being calculated to excite emotions of an interesting character. On the 1st of March, the armament arrived off the celebrated city of Alexandria, and anchored in the bay of _Aboukir_.

Early on the morning of the 8th of March, five thousand British troops entered the boats to effect a landing in the face of an adverse army, and the ROYAL IRISH regiment, having joined the second brigade under Major-General Cradock, entered some small Greek ships to be in readiness to support the gallant men who should first land on the shores of Egypt. A rocket gave the expected signal, and the clear silence of the morning was instantly broken by the deep murmur of a thousand oars urging forward the flower of a brave army, whose polished arms gleamed in the rays of the morning sun. Suddenly the thunder of artillery shook the ground, and a tempest of balls cut the surface of the water; but the British soldiers speedily gained the shore in the face of this tempest of war, and, rushing forward to close upon their enemies with the bayonet, soon decided the contest and forced the French to retreat with loss. The EIGHTEENTH regiment, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Montresor, was one of the first corps which landed to support the leading division, and to participate in this splendid triumph of British valour.

Advancing towards Alexandria, the British troops encamped near Mandora Tower, and on the 13th of March they proceeded through a wood of date-trees to attack the French forces posted on a ridge of heights in front. The ROYAL IRISH deployed under a heavy fire, with the other corps of their brigade, and executed the manœuvre with admirable order and precision; and, advancing upon their adversaries, compelled the French to retire from their position. A strong body of French cavalry charged the leading corps of the British right column, but was repulsed. Under the cover of some sand-hills, a body of French dragoons rode towards the British second brigade, and attempted to penetrate the interval between the EIGHTEENTH and the regiment on their left: the French troopers were checked by a prompt and well-directed fire from the light company of the EIGHTEENTH, which was followed by a rapid platoon fire from the regiment, and the French horsemen made a precipitate retreat. They belonged to the eighteenth French dragoons, and had been mistaken, by one British battalion, for a foreign corps in the English service.

The French, having been driven from their post, fell back to an entrenched position before Alexandria; and the British, after reconnoitring the ground, encamped in front of the enemy's lines. Speaking of the conduct of the army, on this occasion, in general orders, Sir Ralph Abercromby stated that he felt it "incumbent on him particularly to express his most perfect satisfaction with the steady and gallant conduct of Major-General Cradock's brigade." The conduct of the brigade was also commended in the General's public despatch.

The loss of the ROYAL IRISH regiment was Captain George Jones, killed; three officers, one serjeant, and forty-five rank and file wounded.

On the morning of the 21st of March, the French issued from their position, and attacked the British line; but they encountered an opposition which they were unable to overcome, and the English army was once more triumphant over the numerous veteran troops of France. This action afforded the ROYAL IRISH regiment another opportunity of gaining honour on the distant shores of Egypt; and its gallant bearing throughout the day was conspicuous. This victory was however clouded with the fall of the brave SIR RALPH ABERCROMBY, who died of wounds received in action. He was succeeded in the command of the army by Major-General (afterwards Lord) Hutchinson.

Soon afterwards a body of British troops traversed the country to _Rosetta_, where a small force of British, Turks, and Greeks was assembled, and took post at Hamed. The EIGHTEENTH regiment, and two other corps, followed on the 13th of April, and, after the surrender of Fort St. Julian, a strong division of the army advanced up the banks of the Nile, to attack the French troops in Upper Egypt.

The ROYAL IRISH regiment took part in the operations by which the French were driven from _El Aft_, and from the fortified post of _Rahmanie_, and forced to retire upon Cairo.

Following the retreating enemy up the country, the EIGHTEENTH arrived, with the army, at the vicinity of the celebrated pyramids of Egypt, in the early part of June; and after a halt of several days they advanced upon the city of _Cairo_, which was besieged by the united British and Turkish forces, and in a few days the garrison surrendered, on condition of being sent back to France.

The capture of the capital of Egypt added fresh laurels to the British arms; and the troops which had acquired these honours retired down the Nile to the vicinity of _Alexandria_, and, having driven in the French outposts, commenced the siege of that place with vigour. In the beginning of September, the garrison surrendered, on condition of being sent back to France.

Thus was Egypt delivered from the power of France; and the British troops, which overcame the boasted _invincible_ legions of Bonaparte, and forced the _Army of the East_ to surrender its conquests, were rewarded with the thanks of Parliament, the approbation of their Sovereign, and the royal authority to bear on their colours the "SPHINX," with the word "EGYPT;" and the officers were permitted to receive gold medals from the Grand Seignior.

Immediately after the conquest of Egypt, the British generals and admirals endeavoured to promote still further the interests of their country by preparing to make additional acquisitions, and the ROYAL IRISH regiment was one of the corps selected to proceed on another expedition. Several corps sailed on the 12th of September; but were met at sea by a ship of war bringing information that the preliminaries of a treaty of peace were signed; the troops proceeded to Malta, where the ROYAL IRISH regiment arrived in October.

After performing garrison duty at Valetta for six weeks, the regiment proceeded to the island of Elba, and occupied the fortress of Porto Ferrajo, the French being in possession of other parts of the island.

[Sidenote: 1802]

The treaty of Amiens being concluded, the regiment sailed for Ireland in the summer of 1802, and after landing at Cork proceeded to Armagh.

[Sidenote: 1803]

War was resumed in 1803, and in the summer of that year the regiment marched to Newry, where it was augmented to _two battalions_, from the army of reserve. Both battalions were completed to 1100 men each in less than two months, and in October the first battalion embarked from Ireland for Scotland; it landed at Greenock, and proceeded from thence to Edinburgh. It was followed to Scotland by the second battalion, which was stationed a short time at Stirling castle; but on the removal of the first battalion from Edinburgh to Haddington, the second battalion proceeded to Dunbar.

[Sidenote: 1804]

The threat of invading England made by Napoleon Bonaparte, with the progress of the naval preparations on the coast of France, and the presence of a numerous French army at Boulogne, occasioned the regiment to be withdrawn from Scotland in the summer of 1804, and to proceed to the south of England, to be in readiness to repel the invaders, should they venture to land. On quitting Haddington, Lieut.-Colonel Montresor received a highly gratifying letter from the magistrates and clergy of that place, expressing their admiration of the peaceable and regular behaviour of the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the first battalion during their stay at Haddington, and a tribute of public respect to the officers for their gentlemanly deportment towards the respectable inhabitants in the neighbourhood.

Both battalions landed at Ramsgate, and joined the troops encamped on Barham Downs. On the breaking up of the camp, the second battalion embarked for the island of Jersey.

[Sidenote: 1805]

Towards the end of January, the first battalion embarked for the island of Jamaica, where it arrived in May.

[Sidenote: 1807]

In 1807 the second battalion proceeded to the West Indies, and was stationed at the island of Curaçao.

[Sidenote: 1808]

[Sidenote: 1809]

The ROYAL IRISH regiment being employed in guarding the colonial possessions of Great Britain, its services were valuable to the Crown and to the kingdom, and the exemplary conduct of both battalions was commended by the general officers under whom the regiment served; but the performance of this duty precluded the EIGHTEENTH sharing in the brilliant campaigns of the British army in the Peninsula, where several corps acquired numerous honorary inscriptions for their regimental colours.

The first battalion sailed from Jamaica on the 7th of June, 1809, with the troops under Major-General Sir Hugh Lyle Carmichael, to aid the Spaniards in their attempt to reduce the city of _St. Domingo_. The British troops landed about thirty miles from the place, and, advancing to the besieged fortress, found the Spanish army greatly reduced by sickness. Prompt measures were adopted for an attack on the place by storm by the British troops, and the EIGHTEENTH were under arms to take part in this service, when hostilities were suddenly terminated by the surrender of the French garrison.

After the deliverance of the city of St. Domingo from the power of France, the ROYAL IRISH returned to Jamaica.

[Sidenote: 1810]

Very severe losses having been sustained by the second battalion from the climate of the West Indies, it was directed to transfer its men fit for service to the first battalion, and embark for England to recruit. It arrived at Ottery barracks, in Devonshire, in October 1810, and was joined by the regimental depôt, amounting to upwards of five hundred men.

[Sidenote: 1811]

In the spring of 1811 the second battalion proceeded to the island of Jersey.

On the decease of General Sir James Pulteney, Bart., His Royal Highness the Prince Regent conferred the colonelcy of the ROYAL IRISH regiment on Lieut.-General John Lord Hutchinson, K.B., afterwards Earl of Donoughmore, from the fifty-seventh regiment, by commission dated the 27th of April, 1811.

[Sidenote: 1814]

The second battalion was employed on garrison duty in the island of Jersey until the power of Napoleon Bonaparte was overthrown by the armies of the allies, and the Bourbon family was restored to the throne of France, which was accompanied by the restoration of peace to Europe. A reduction was, in consequence, made in the strength of the British army, and the second battalion of the ROYAL IRISH regiment was disbanded at Jersey on the 24th of October 1814, transferring its non-commissioned officers and private soldiers fit for duty to the first battalion.

[Sidenote: 1817]

After twelve years' service in Jamaica, during which time it had suffered severely from the effects of climate, and had lost upwards of fifty officers and nearly three thousand non-commissioned officers and soldiers, the ROYAL IRISH regiment received orders to return to England. It landed at Portsmouth in March, 1817, in so complete a state of discipline and efficiency, that it was ordered to proceed to Brighton, where it had the honour of furnishing the usual guard for the Prince Regent during His Royal Highness' stay at the Pavilion. The regiment was afterwards removed to Chatham and Sheerness, and in August it proceeded to Hilsea barracks.

[Sidenote: 1818]

Early in 1818 the ROYAL IRISH regiment marched to Haslar barracks and Gosport; in December it embarked for Ireland, and, after landing at Cork, proceeded to Fermoy.

[Sidenote: 1819]

From Fermoy the regiment marched, in January, 1819, to Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Duncannon-fort, and Kilkenny; and the excellent conduct of the men, during their stay in these quarters, elicited the admiration and gratitude of the public authorities of the several places, which was communicated to the corps in the strongest terms.

[Sidenote: 1820]

In July, 1820, the regiment marched to Cork.

[Sidenote: 1821]

Orders having been received for the regiment to transfer its services to Malta, it embarked from Cork in February, 1821, and after its arrival on that island the head-quarters were established in the Cottonera district, with one company detached to the small island of Gozo.

[Sidenote: 1822]

In November, 1822, the regiment was removed to St. Elmo barracks and Valetta, where the detached company joined from the island of Gozo.

[Sidenote: 1823]

After remaining twelve months at St. Elmo barracks, the regiment was removed to Floriana barracks in November, 1823, detaching two companies to Fort Manuel and Tignie.

[Sidenote: 1824]

On the 8th of May, 1824, the first division of the regiment embarked from Malta for the Ionian Islands, and was followed by the head-quarters in June, on which occasion the following general order, dated Malta, 18th of June, 1824, was issued:--

"The Marquis of Hastings, having been long acquainted with the high character of the ROYAL IRISH regiment of infantry, cannot suffer that distinguished corps to quit this island without expressing his regret at losing its services. The report made to him, by Major-General Sir Manley Power, of the uniformly excellent conduct maintained by the officers and men of the regiment, during their residence here, authorizes the Marquis of Hastings to request that they will accept his applause, and his sincere wishes for their future welfare.

"_By command of His Excellency_,
"C. BAYLEY, A.M.S."

The last division of the regiment arrived at Corfu on the 24th of June, and occupied quarters in the citadel.

[Sidenote: 1825]

In July, 1825, four companies and the head-quarters proceeded to Fort Neuf, leaving the remaining companies in the citadel. In August the regiment was formed into six service and four depôt companies.

The head-quarters and flank companies returned to the citadel on the 14th of November, and on the same day four battalion companies embarked for Santa Maura, furnishing detachments at Calamas, Magnassia, Fort Alexandria, San Nicolo, Fort Constantine, Scorpio, San Nichola, and Vassaliki.

[Sidenote: 1832]

The regiment remained at the Ionian Islands until February, 1832, when it embarked from Corfu for England, and landed at Portsmouth on the 7th of March.

The decease of General the Earl of Donoughmore occurred in the summer of 1832, when King William IV. appointed Lieut.-General Matthew Lord Aylmer, K.C.B., from the fifty-sixth foot, to the colonelcy of the ROYAL IRISH regiment, by commission dated 23rd of July, 1832.

[Sidenote: 1834]

[Sidenote: 1835]

[Sidenote: 1836]

The regiment remained in England until May, 1834, when it embarked from Liverpool, and, landing at Dublin, was stationed in Ireland nearly three years, during which period it preserved its high character.

[Sidenote: 1837]

Having received orders to transfer its services to the British possessions in Asia, the ROYAL IRISH regiment was divided into six service and four depôt companies, and on the 10th of January, 1837, the service companies embarked for Ceylon, under the orders of Colonel George Burrell: they landed at Colombo on the 1st of June, and were stationed at that place and at Galle.

[Sidenote: 1838]

In the autumn of 1838 the depôt companies embarked from Dublin, and, landing at Portsmouth, were stationed in South Britain.

[Sidenote: 1839]

The service companies remained at Colombo and Galle until February, 1839, when a change of quarters took place, and they were stationed at Trincomalee and Galle, where they continued until March of the following year.

[Sidenote: 1840]

In the mean time a course of violence and spoliation had been commenced by the Chinese government against the persons and property of the British merchants trading with that empire, in consequence of the introduction of opium into China, which was prohibited by the Chinese laws, but was tacitly admitted by the local authorities, who did not enforce the law. At length, however, the Chinese authorities commenced summary measures without sufficient previous notice, and the British superintendents of trade found it necessary to apply to the Governor-General of India for a number of ships of war and armed vessels for the protection of life and property. The violence of the Chinese, however, could not be restrained by reason or menace, but the thunder of British artillery was necessary to enforce forbearance.

The British government found it necessary to send an expedition to the Chinese seas, to compel the government of the "Celestial empire" to acknowledge the principles of international law, as adopted by civilized nations, and the ROYAL IRISH regiment was one of the corps selected for this service. Three companies from the depôt embarked from Portsmouth in October, 1839, and arrived at Bombay in March, 1840, and they afterwards sailed for China: three companies embarked from Trincomalee in May, and three from Galle in June, and sailed for the Chinese seas.

Hostilities having been found unavoidable, it became important to gain possession of a portion of the Chinese territory, and the governor of _Chusan_, an island lying off the coast, and comprising in its jurisdiction a small group of islands, was summoned to surrender in the beginning of July. He, however, made dispositions to defend the place, and on the morning of the 5th of July the shore was crowded with Chinese troops, and the landing place, wharf, and adjoining hill displayed an array of military power. The British shipping silenced the enemy's war-junks and batteries; and the right wing of the ROYAL IRISH regiment, commanded by Major Henry William Adams, with the Royal Marines of the fleet, forming the advance, landed. They were followed by other corps, and the British troops, commanded by Brigadier-General George Burrell, Lieut.-Colonel of the EIGHTEENTH, took up a position in front of the fortified city of _Ting-hae-hien_, from whence a sharp fire was kept up for some time; but before the following day the Chinese soldiers fled in a panic. The city was taken possession of, and this success gave presage of future conquests; but the climate proved injurious to the health of the troops, and many soldiers died.

This display of British prowess was followed by negotiations; and in August the other three companies of the regiment landed on the island of Chusan, a detachment taking post at Tsin-Kong.

[Sidenote: 1841]

The tardy councils of the Chinese were expedited by the activity of the British naval force, and in the early part of 1841 they agreed to give up the island of Hong-Kong, pay an indemnity of six million dollars, and open a direct intercourse for trading upon an equal footing. The detachment of the ROYAL IRISH stationed at Tsin-Kong joined the head-quarters, and on the 17th of February the regiment embarked for Hong-Kong, where it arrived in seven days, and the island was taken possession of; but the Chinese authorities appeared by their conduct to have no intention of fulfilling the other stipulations of the treaty. Hostilities were in consequence resumed, and the ROYAL IRISH regiment sailed with the expedition up the Canton river. The fleet silenced the batteries of _Wantong_, and a body of troops landing, the island was captured without the loss of a man, thirteen hundred Chinese soldiers surrendering prisoners of war. Continuing the voyage up the river, the fleet arrived at the bar, destroyed the enemy's war-junks, and the works were stormed and captured by the Marines, &c. As the expedition pursued its voyage up the river, the Chinese abandoned several batteries and armed rafts, and solicited terms of peace; but procrastination appeared to be their only object, and the British fleet advanced. The forts in front of _Canton_ soon fell under the fire of British artillery, the Chinese flotilla was destroyed, and terms of peace were again solicited by the authorities of the "Celestial empire." While negotiations were pending, bodies of Tartar troops were arriving at _Canton_, which exposed the object of the enemy; and on the 24th of May the ROYAL IRISH regiment and other British troops landed. On the following day they advanced against the fortified heights on the north of the city, and dispositions were made for the attack, when the EIGHTEENTH, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Adams, supported by the Royal Marines, the whole under Major-General Burrell, were directed to carry a hill in their front.

Major-General Sir Hugh Gough stated in his public despatch,--"About half past nine o'clock the advance was sounded, and it has seldom fallen to my lot to witness a more soldierlike and steady advance, or a more animated attack. Every individual, native as well as European, steadily and gallantly did his duty. The EIGHTEENTH and forty-ninth were emulous which should first reach their appointed goals; but under this impulse, they did not lose sight of that discipline which could alone ensure success."

The heights were carried by a spirited effort, the British colours waved triumphantly on the captured forts, and the soldiers looked down on Canton within a hundred paces of its walls.

A fortified Chinese camp had been established on the high ground on the north-east of the city, and from this camp bodies of the enemy advanced against the British troops. The EIGHTEENTH, forty-ninth, and a company of Marines, met and repulsed the principal attack, and, following the fugitives along a causeway, stormed and captured the entrenched camp in gallant style. Major-General Sir Hugh Gough stated in his despatch,--"I have to record my approval of the spirited conduct of Captain JOHN GRATTAN, who commanded the two leading companies of the EIGHTEENTH across the causeway." The camp was burnt, and the magazines were destroyed.

On the following morning a flag of truce was seen on the walls, and hostilities were suspended; but procrastination still appearing to be the object of the Chinese, preparations were made to attack the city by storm, and the ROYAL IRISH were under arms waiting for the signal to rush forward and achieve the conquest of the celebrated city of Canton, when an agreement to terms suddenly prevented further hostilities, the Chinese paying six millions of dollars for the redemption of Canton, and opening the port for trade.

The ROYAL IRISH regiment, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Henry William Adams, had two men killed; Captain John James Sargent, Lieutenants George Hilliard and David Edwards, and sixteen men wounded.

On the 2nd of June, the regiment embarked for the ceded island of HONG-KONG, where it arrived in a few days; and this station proving healthy and convenient, works were constructed for its protection.

The Emperor of China disregarded the stipulations of treaties, and issued a mandate for the extermination of the English who dared thus to insult his coasts and capture his towns, offering, at the same time, immense rewards for the heads of the British commanders, and even a large sum for the head of a private soldier. His decrees were responded to by depriving him of a greater extent of territory; and on the 22nd of August the ROYAL IRISH sailed on an expedition against the island and city of _Amoy_, situate in a fine gulf in the province of Fokien, the great tea district of China. On the 25th of August the fleet arrived before Amoy, which was defended by five hundred pieces of cannon and a numerous force; but nothing could withstand the combined efforts of the British naval and land force. On the following day the works were bombarded two hours. The ROYAL IRISH landed about three o'clock, with little opposition, and escaladed a castellated wall with great gallantry. They were speedily within the works, and afterwards charged up a precipitous gorge in the face of two posts of defence, and rushing forward with great gallantry, the Chinese and Tartar soldiers fled in dismay, after firing a few shots. The regiment remained on the heights above the city during the night; and on the following morning the troops advanced towards the wall. No resistance was made, the advance of the EIGHTEENTH escaladed the walls,--opened the gates,--and the city was taken possession of. The small island of _Koolangsoo_ was captured on the preceding day. The loss of the regiment was limited to two men wounded.

On the 5th of September, the regiment sailed with the expedition for the recapture of _Chusan_, which island had been given up in consequence of the stipulations of the first treaty. The place was found more strongly fortified than before, and a resolute stand was made by the Chinese; but British skill and valour prevailed. The EIGHTEENTH landed on the 1st of October, stormed the enemy's works with great gallantry, under Lieut.-Colonel Adams, and occupied the Joss-house hill, Captain Francis Wigston particularly distinguishing himself at the head of the grenadier company of the regiment. The ROYAL IRISH afterwards entered the city of Ting-hae-hien at the western gate, and the British colours were speedily planted in triumph on the walls. The regiment had one serjeant and six rank and file wounded on this occasion.

On the following day the regiment traversed the island to Tsin-kong, and afterwards proceeded to Sahoo; but returned to Ting-hae-hien on the 4th of October, and on the 6th embarked with the expedition against the city of _Chinhae_, the military depôt of the province, situate on the mainland opposite Chusan, and surrounded by a wall of extraordinary height and thickness. The troops landed on the 10th of October, advanced through a difficult country towards the city, and stormed the works covering the approach to the place, overthrowing all opposition. "The EIGHTEENTH charged up a deep gorge to the left, and broke through the central encampment, carrying everything before them."[32] The city was captured, and in it was an extensive arsenal, and cannon foundry, with military stores. The EIGHTEENTH crossed the river and entered the city on the same evening: their loss was one man killed and three wounded.

From Chinhae the ROYAL IRISH proceeded up the river on the 13th of October, against the fortified city of _Ningpo_, where no resistance was met with. The troops landed and formed on the ramparts, the band of the EIGHTEENTH playing "God save the Queen," and they took possession of the second city in the province of Che-Keang, containing a population of three hundred thousand souls. The regiment was afterwards stationed in the city of Ningpo some time; and the Chinese having garrisoned several forts up the river, the flank companies embarked on the 27th of December, with an expedition to dislodge the Chinese and Tartar soldiers from their posts, but the enemy fled without waiting to be attacked, and the companies returned to Ningpo.

[Sidenote: 1842]

The flank companies proceeded to You-You on the 10th of January, 1842, and were engaged in routing the enemy, and destroying their encampment the day following.

During the first three months of the year 1842, four companies of the regiment were stationed at the city of Ningpo, under Major Nicholas R. Tomlinson, and five companies at Koolangsoo, under Major Jeremiah Cowper.

On the 10th of March a numerous army of Tartars and Chinese made a sudden attack upon _Ningpo_, escalading the walls, and forcing some of the gates, with great spirit, and the few British forces in garrison were enveloped by crowds of assailants; but the bravery of the British was conspicuous, and they triumphed over their numerous opponents. A guard of the regiment, consisting of Lieutenant Anthony W. S. F. Armstrong, one serjeant, and twenty-three rank and file, stationed at the West-gate, being attacked by large numbers, behaved steadily, and gallantly drove the enemy back, capturing two banners, the bearers of which had been shot at the gate: the spirited behaviour of Lieutenant Armstrong was commended in the public despatches.

Five days afterwards, the EIGHTEENTH embarked from Ningpo, and sailed up the river to attack the enemy's posts. On the 15th of March they were engaged at _Tsekee_, and the heights of _Segaon_, which were captured; and the ROYAL IRISH also took part in forcing the _Chankee-pass_: they returned to Ningpo on the 17th of March.

Three companies of the EIGHTEENTH were withdrawn from Koolangsoo at the end of March, and proceeded in a steam-vessel to Ningpo, to reinforce the garrison: in April two companies proceeded from Ningpo to Chinhae. One company was afterwards withdrawn from Chinhae and five from Ningpo, to take part in the expedition against the fortified city of _Chapoo_, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Tomlinson. A landing was effected on the 18th of May; British prowess was again conspicuous, and the EIGHTEENTH were distinguished for their heroic bearing at the attack and capture of this place, on which occasion Lieut.-Colonel NICHOLAS R. TOMLINSON fell at the head of the regiment, "in full career of renown, honoured by the corps, and lamented by all."[33]

The loss of the regiment at the capture of this place was Lieut.-Colonel Tomlinson, one serjeant, and three rank and file killed; Lieutenants Edward Jodrell and Alexander Murray, one serjeant, one drummer, and twenty-seven rank and file wounded. Major Jeremiah Cowper was promoted to the rank of Lieut.-Colonel on the 19th May, 1842, in succession to Lieut.-Colonel Tomlinson; and Brevet Major John Grattan received the Majority. These brilliant successes had taught the Chinese the true character of British skill, spirit of enterprise, and valour, yet, with unaccountable infatuation, the authorities of the "Celestial empire" still looked for success, and their resistance gave the EIGHTEENTH opportunities of gaining additional honours. In June six companies of the regiment were employed in an expedition up the Yangtse-Keang river, and took part in the capture of the fortified post of _Woosung_, and also in the capture of _Poonshau_; they afterwards advanced against the city of _Shanghae_, which was taken possession of without opposition.

The company of the regiment stationed at Chinhae was withdrawn to take part in active operations, and seven companies sailed with the expedition to carry on operations against _Chin-Keang-foo_, one of the strongest and most important cities of China. To proceed on this enterprise the fleet left Woosung on the 6th of July, the Chinese troops were driven from _Suyshan_, and on the 20th of July the armament approached Chin-Keang-foo. A landing was effected, and the EIGHTEENTH evinced the same intrepidity and valour in the attack of the enemy's entrenched camp, and at the capture of the city by storm, on the 21st of July, for which they had previously been distinguished. On passing through the city and suburbs, the troops witnessed the painful spectacle of hundreds of the dead bodies of men, women, and children, lying in the houses, numerous families having destroyed themselves sooner than outlive the disgrace of their city being captured by foreigners.

The ROYAL IRISH regiment had Captain Charles J. Russell Collinson and two soldiers killed; Lieutenant Scroope Bernard, one serjeant, and fifteen rank and file wounded.

This brilliant success of the British arms filled the Chinese empire with consternation and dismay, and the English General prepared to carry his victorious troops into the heart of the empire, and attack _Nankin_, the ancient capital of China, to which place the fugitives from Chin-Keang-foo had fled for refuge. Embarking on the 29th of July to carry out this important object, the armament proceeded against the celebrated city of Nankin, where the ROYAL IRISH and other corps arrived on the 9th of August, when a great portion of the troops landed, and the ancient capital of China was environed by the British naval and land forces. This decisive step produced the desired results; the court of China could no longer hope that its legions would eventually arrest the victorious career of the British arms, and conditions of peace were acceded to; the Chinese paying an indemnity, and ceding a portion of territory to the British crown.