and Crump, to a bay near _Arnonville_, where they landed without
opposition; the enemy retiring to a very strong position behind the
river _Le Corn_. This post covered the whole country to Bay Mahaut,
where provisions were landed for the inhabitants from St. Eustatia,
and it was strengthened by every means the enemy could devise,
though its situation was such as to require little assistance from
art. The river, on account of a morass covered with mangroves,
was only accessible at two narrow passes, and those places were
occupied with a redoubt, and well-pallisaded entrenchments,
defended with cannon, and all the militia of that part of the
island.

The KING'S OWN, and a battalion of Highlanders, advanced to attack
this difficult post with coolness and resolution, and the intrepid
bearing of the two corps intimidated the enemy, who abandoned the
first entrenchment after a few vollies; the Highlanders and part of
the KING'S OWN rushed forward and chased their adversaries into
the redoubt, and the post was eventually carried.

The KING'S OWN, and Highlanders, afterwards advanced against
another fortified post at _Petit Bourg_; the enemy kept about
two hundred yards in front, and setting fire to the sugar canes,
obliged the troops occasionally to leave the road to avoid
accidents to their ammunition. Arriving at the river _Lezard_, the
enemy was found strongly entrenched behind the ford; but the troops
having procured two canoes, a body of men passed the river in the
night, and advanced at daybreak to attack the enemy in flank, while
the remainder prepared to attack the front, and the enemy instantly
fled in dismay.

Pursuing their adversaries to _Petit Bourg_, the KING'S OWN there
encountered fortified lines, and a redoubt filled with cannon; but
the regiment diverging to the right and left to gain the heights
round the lines, the enemy fled from the post.

Two days afterwards the lieut.-colonel of the KING'S OWN was
detached with seven hundred men against _Bay Mahaut_, and he took
the batteries and town, which he reduced to ashes, and rejoined the
division on the following day.

From Petit Bourg the KING'S OWN advanced with their division
against _St. Maries_, where the enemy had collected their whole
force, and had thrown up entrenchments and constructed barricades
on the road; but from these works the British troops forced their
opponents to retire, and also from the town; and the army entered
a part of the island said to be the most rich and beautiful of any
part of the West Indies.

The inhabitants, being convinced of the superior bravery and
discipline of the British troops, and seeing the best part of
their country on the point of being given up to fire and sword,
capitulated, and their possessions, with their civil and religious
privileges, were granted them.

Thus this valuable island came into the possession of the British
crown in May, 1759; and throughout these arduous and trying
services the KING'S OWN and other corps forming the expedition,
evinced all the qualities of good soldiers. The commanding officer
of the KING'S OWN signalized himself on various occasions, and was
appointed governor of the island; his conduct, which reflected
honour on his corps, is thus spoken of by Major-General Barrymore
in his public despatch.

"I have appointed Colonel Crump to the government, who, since
governor Haldane left us, I have made act as a brigadier; his merit
is very great, both as a soldier and a man of judgment; he is of
this part of the world; understands the trade, customs, and genius
of the people; and as he thinks nobly and disinterestedly, he would
not have accepted of the government, but in hopes of advancing
himself in the army by that means. I cannot express how very useful
he has proved, and how much our successes are owing to his good
conduct and great zeal."

[Sidenote: 1760]

[Sidenote: 1761]

After the reduction of Guadaloupe the regiment was stationed at
that island; and in 1761 a detachment was employed under Colonel
Lord Rollo in the capture of _Dominico_. The troops landed on the
6th of June on the beach near Roseau, under cover of the guns
of the fleet, and while part of the army took possession of the
town, the grenadier companies of the KING'S OWN and twenty-second
regiments seized a flanking battery and part of an adjoining
entrenchment. During the night the grenadiers, supported by the
battalion companies, stormed and carried with the bayonet the
entrenchments on the heights above the town, and took the governor
and several of the principal inhabitants prisoners. The whole
island immediately submitted; and Captain Robert Douglas of the
KING'S OWN was the bearer of the news of this conquest to England.
The detachment of this regiment afterwards returned to Guadaloupe.

[Sidenote: 1762]

The British government having resolved to make a powerful attack
upon such of the West India islands as still remained subject to
the French monarch, four companies of the KING'S OWN were selected
to take part in the enterprise, and proceeded for this purpose
from Guadaloupe to the general rendezvous of the expedition at
Barbadoes; where the several corps were assembled under the orders
of Major-General Monckton. The armament sailed from Carlisle
bay on the 5th of January, 1762, and another attack was made on
_Martinico_, which place was settled by the French about the year
1635. This island is extremely mountainous in the centre, from
whence issue numerous streams of water, which, in the hurricane
months, are swelled to violent torrents; these have, in their way
to the sea, worn deep channels, so that the country is intersected
with a great number of deep ravines, with steep rocky sides,
having water running at the bottom; and these ravines are rendered
difficult to pass from the number of stones which the torrents
have rolled from the sides of the mountains. Thus, in attacking
the island, difficulties almost insurmountable are met with in
transporting cannon, ammunition, and stores across the country.
With these obstructions the army had to contend; but they were
overcome by British skill, discipline and valour.

After several attempts on other parts of the island, a landing was
effected on the 16th of January in Cas des Navieres bay, and the
troops pitched their tents on the heights above the landing place.
Advancing from thence through a country fortified by nature, an
attack was made on the heights of _Morne Tortenson_ on the 24th of
January, and the four companies of the KING'S OWN had the glory of
taking part in the capture of these formidable works; also in the
capture of _Morne Garnier_ on the 27th of that month; and in the
reduction of the citadel of _Fort Royal_, which surrendered on the
4th of February: these captures were followed by the surrender of
the opulent city of St. Pierre, and the submission of the whole
island to the British crown.

The capture of Martinico was succeeded by that of _Grenada_,
_St. Lucie_, and _St. Vincent_; and the acquisition of these
islands gave additional honour to the expedition of which the four
companies of the KING'S OWN formed part.

These achievements were followed by another enterprize of a most
important character, in which a detachment of the KING'S OWN had
the honour to share; namely, the reduction of the _Havannah_, a
wealthy and important city in the island of Cuba.

The island of Cuba was first discovered by the celebrated Columbus,
but was not conquered by the Spaniards until the early part of the
sixteenth century, from which period it had continued rising in
wealth and importance. St. Jago was the capital; but the city of
_Havannah_ held the first place in point of wealth and commerce.
During the early part of this war, Spain had continued neutral;
but in 1762 His Catholic Majesty united his interests with France,
and war was declared between Great Britain and Spain. This was
immediately followed by a resolution of the British government
to attack the important city of Havannah, and an expedition was
prepared for this purpose under the orders of General the Earl of
Albemarle.

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

[Sidenote: 1763]

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

[Sidenote: 1764]

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

[Sidenote: 1765]

[Sidenote: 1768]

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

[Sidenote: 1773]

[Sidenote: 1774]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: 1775]

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

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

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

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

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

Soon after this event the party of the KING'S OWN stationed at
Marshfield was withdrawn, and rejoined the regiment at Boston.

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

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

[Sidenote: 1776]

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the subsequent operations of the army, by which the Americans
were forced to evacuate their lines on _White Plains_, the KING'S
OWN took part, but did not sustain any loss; they were also present
at the siege and capture of _Fort Washington_, in which service
they lost only one man: and they passed the succeeding winter in
quarters in the city of New York.

[Sidenote: 1777]

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

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

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

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

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

The KING'S OWN lost two men in this enterprise; and had Captain
Thorne, one serjeant, and fifteen rank and file wounded.

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: 1778]

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: 1779]

[Sidenote: 1780]

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

[Sidenote: 1782]

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

[Sidenote: 1787]

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

[Sidenote: 1792]

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

[Sidenote: 1793]

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

[Sidenote: 1794]

[Sidenote: 1795]

[Sidenote: 1796]

[Sidenote: 1797]

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

[Sidenote: 1798]

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

[Sidenote: 1799]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: 1800]

[Sidenote: 1801]

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

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

[Sidenote: 1802]

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

[Sidenote: 1803]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: 1804]

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

[Sidenote: 1805]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: 1806]

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

[Sidenote: 1807]

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

[Sidenote: 1808]

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

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

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

[Sidenote: 1809]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: 1810]

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

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

[Sidenote: 1811]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: 1812]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The KING'S OWN acquired by its gallantry on this occasion the
honour of the royal permission to bear the word BADAJOZ on its
colours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Sidenote: 1813]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  "_St. Sebastian, 5th September, 1813._

  "MY LORD,

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

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

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

  "I have, &c.
  "F. P. ROBINSON,
  "_Major-general, commanding second brigade,_
  _fifth division_.

  "_To General the Earl of Chatham, &c._"

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

By their gallantry on this occasion the KING'S OWN acquired the
honour of bearing the word ST. SEBASTIAN inscribed on their colours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

During the winter additional honours were conferred on the officers
who had commanded regiments in the late actions; and Lieut.-Colonel
BROOKE, of the KING'S OWN, obtained a cross inscribed BADAJOZ,
SALAMANCA, VITTORIA, and ST. SEBASTIAN. Brevet Lieut.-Colonel
PIPER, two clasps inscribed ST. SEBASTIAN and NIVE. Captain
KEPPING, who succeeded to the command of the regiment after
Lieut.-Colonel Piper was wounded, on the 11th of December, received
the brevet rank of MAJOR, and a medal inscribed NIVE.

[Sidenote: 1814]

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

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

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

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

  "_Lower Anglet, near Bayonne, 14th May, 1814._

  "SIR,

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

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

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

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

  "_To Major Faunce_,
  "_Fourth, or King's Own Regiment_."

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

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

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

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

The object of the expedition had thus been accomplished; but, as
the army had advanced within sixteen miles of Washington, and
the enemy's force was ascertained to be such as would authorize
an attempt to carry the capital, the troops moved forward on
the 23d of August. They had scarcely proceeded three miles when
the advance-guard encountered a party of American riflemen, who
maintained a sharp contest before they gave way; and arriving
at a point where two roads meet, the one leading to Washington
and the other to Alexandria, twelve hundred Americans and some
artillery appeared on the slope of a height opposite. The army
turned along the road leading towards Alexandria, and the Americans
fled before the detachment sent against them. Having deceived the
enemy respecting the real design of the expedition, the route was
changed, and the troops proceeded in the direction of Washington.

About noon on the 24th a heavy cloud of dust was seen to arise
at a distance, and the British troops turning a sudden angle in
the road and passing a small cluster of trees, discovered above
eight thousand American infantry, with a numerous artillery and
three hundred dragoons, commanded by General Winder, occupying a
formidable position beyond the village of _Bladensburg_, where they
were awaiting the advance of their opponents.

The British, though not half so numerous as their adversaries,
advanced boldly to the attack; on entering the village the enemy's
artillery opened a tremendous fire, and as the light brigade
traversed the bridge across the eastern branch of the Potomac
river, from whence a strait road ran through the enemy's position
to the capital, numbers fell before a heavy fire of musketry and
artillery. The survivors having gained the opposite side of the
stream, carried a fortified house which commanded the bridge, then
dashed into the thickets on the right and left of the road, and
drove back the American riflemen, who fled with such precipitation
that they threw their first line into disorder, and it fell back
in confusion, leaving two guns on the road. The British light
infantry, throwing off their knapsacks, pushed forward in extended
order to attack the enemy's second line; but a heavy fire of
musketry and artillery checked the assailants, and the Americans
advancing in force to recover the lost ground, drove the first
brigade back to the thickets on the brink of the river, where an
obstinate fight was maintained. Meanwhile the second brigade passed
the river; the forty-fourth moving to the right, turned the enemy's
left flank; and the FOURTH, emulating their gallant companions,
advanced in firm array, preceded by a flight of rockets, to charge
the enemy's right, which was broken and driven from the field: many
of the American sailors who acted as gunners were bayoneted, and
eight guns were captured. The American infantry fled in dismay, and
diving into the recesses of the forests, were quickly beyond the
reach of their pursuers; and their cavalry turned their horses'
heads and galloped off: thus in one hour the battle was won, and
the third brigade, which had formed the reserve, pushed forward at
a rapid rate for _Washington_.

The three British regiments which had thus defeated about nine
thousand adversaries (three times their own number) halted a short
time on the field of battle to reform their ranks. The loss of the
KING'S OWN was Lieutenant Thomas Woodward, killed; Lieutenants
E. P. Hopkins, J. K. Mackenzie, John Staveley, Peter Bowlby, and
Frederick Field, with Ensigns J. A. Buchanan, and William Reddock,
wounded; also seventy-nine serjeants and rank and file killed and
wounded.

After a short halt, the KING'S OWN, with the remainder of the
first and second brigades, moved towards Washington, where the
third brigade had already arrived and had commenced destroying the
arsenal, docks, magazines, and other public property. The sun had
set, and as the two brigades approached the American capital, the
conflagration of buildings, ships, and stores illuminated the sky,
while the exploding of magazines shook the city, and threw down
houses in their vicinity, and the scene exhibited the awful reality
of the horrors of war, from which Great Britain has happily been
preserved by the enterprise and gallantry of her army and navy.

As it was not the intention of the British government to attempt
permanent conquests in this part of America, and as it was
impossible for this small body of troops to establish themselves
in the enemy's capital, the destruction of the public property,
which by the customs of war is the just spoil of the conqueror,
was completed; and the army marched back to St. Benedict, where it
re-embarked without molestation. The conduct of the KING'S OWN was
commended by Major-General Ross in his public despatches, and they
were rewarded with the honour of displaying the word BLADENSBURG on
their colours.

After remaining a few days in the Patuxent river, the fleet weighed
anchor; the coast was menaced at several points, and the shipping
approached so near the shore at Annapolis, that the inhabitants
were discovered flying from their houses, waggons loaded with
furniture were seen hurrying along the roads, alarm guns were
fired, beacons were blazing, and the people were apparently
oppressed with all the horrors of doubt and apprehension.
_Baltimore_ was, however, selected as the point of attack, and
towards the river upon which that town is built the fleet hastened
under a heavy press of sail. During the night of the 11th of
September the troops cooked three days' provision, and each man
received eighty rounds of ammunition; at three o'clock on the
following morning the boats were lowered; a landing was effected
at North Point, thirteen miles from Baltimore, and the army moving
forward, a division of Americans fled from an entrenched position
they were preparing across a neck of land towards which the troops
were advancing. About two miles beyond this post the country was
closely wooded, and the enemy's riflemen opening a sharp fire from
behind the trees, Major-General Ross rode forward to ascertain the
disposition and numbers of the opposing force, and mingling with
the skirmishers, he was mortally wounded. "Thus fell at an early
age one of the brightest ornaments of his profession; one who,
whether at the head of a regiment, a brigade, or a corps, had alike
displayed the talents of command; who was not less beloved in his
private, than enthusiastically admired in his public character;
and whose only fault, if it may be so deemed, was an excess of
gallantry, enterprise, and devotion to the service."

The command devolved on Colonel Brooke; and the army moving
forward, found itself in a few moments in front of a strong
position, near Nip Church in _Godly wood_, occupied by six
thousand adversaries, with six pieces of artillery and a corps of
cavalry. The light brigade immediately extended, and driving in
the American skirmishers, menaced the whole front of their army;
the forty-fourth, a party of seamen, and the marines of the fleet
formed line behind the light infantry; the twenty-first, and the
second battalion of marines formed column in reserve; and the
soldiers rested themselves on the ground, while the KING'S OWN,
led by Major Faunce, moved to the right along some hollow ways
and woodlands, and gained, unperceived, a thicket on the enemy's
left flank. Meanwhile the deep tones of the artillery echoed in
the woods; and the instant the FOURTH gained the thicket, the
charge was sounded and repeated by every bugle in the army; the
soldiers started from the ground, and moving forward with a firm
and resolute tread, in the face of a shower of grape and canister
shot, approached their adversaries, who raised a loud shout, and
afterwards opened a heavy fire of musketry. This was answered
with a British huzza,--a volley of small arms, and a rush forward
at double-quick time with the bayonet; and when the Americans
saw the ranks of gleaming steel draw near, they faced about and
fled in dismay into the thick woods, leaving two pieces of cannon
behind them. Fifteen minutes had sufficed to decide the fortune of
the day; several hundreds of killed and wounded adversaries lay
scattered over the field, a number of fugitives was intercepted and
made prisoners, and many of the American riflemen being discovered
in the trees, which they had climbed, to be enabled to take sure
aim and escape danger, the British soldiers called this _unfair_,
and shot them on their perches. The KING'S OWN had twenty-one men
killed and wounded in this action.

Halting on the field of battle, the bivouac fires were lighted,
and the victorious army reposed a short time under the canopy of
heaven. Two hours after midnight the soldiers were again under
arms; as the first glimmering of dawn appeared, they resumed their
march, and arrived in the evening at the foot of the range of hills
in front of Baltimore, where the grand American army of upwards
of fifteen thousand men appeared occupying a chain of pallisaded
redoubts connected by a breast-work, and defended by a numerous
train of artillery. Trusting to the innate valour and excellent
discipline of his little army, which did not amount to one-third of
the number of the opposing host, Colonel Brooke made arrangements
for storming the hills after dark; but having received intimation
from the commander of the naval forces that the entrance of the
harbour was closed up by vessels sunk for that purpose, and that
a naval co-operation against the town and camp was impracticable,
the enterprise was abandoned. The troops retreated three miles on
the 14th of September, and then halted to see if the Americans
would venture to descend from the hills; but though so superior
in numbers, they had no disposition to quit their entrenchments,
and the British forces retired leisurely to their shipping and
re-embarked.

The KING'S OWN were commended in the public despatches for their
excellent conduct and discipline; and their commanding officer.
Major Faunce, was included among the officers who distinguished
themselves.

The armament remained a short time on the American coast, and
information having been received of the formation of an American
camp a few miles from the Potomac river, the KING'S OWN, with the
remainder of the second and third brigades, landed on the night of
the 4th of October, and pushed forward to attack the enemy, who,
however, had notice of the movement and fled. The regiment returned
on the 5th, and the season having arrived when active operations
could no longer be continued in the Chesapeake, the fleet sailed
for the West Indies, and anchored in Port Royal harbour, Jamaica,
on the 31st of October, the troops remaining on board, while the
vessels took in a supply of provisions, &c.

While in the West Indies, reinforcements arrived; Major-General
John Keane joined and took the command of the expedition; and
Lieut.-Colonel Brooke of the KING'S OWN arrived from England, where
he had been absent on account of ill health.

The next enterprise undertaken was of a most difficult character,
namely, an attempt on _New Orleans_, a town of some note, standing
on the eastern bank of the great river Mississippi, one hundred
and ten miles from the gulph of Mexico, and so situated that the
approach of an hostile force was almost impossible. The fleet
having put to sea, anchored on the 10th of December off the coast
of Louisiana, opposite the Chandeleur Islands, where the troops
were removed into light vessels, and entering Lake Borgne on the
13th, five of the enemy's large cutters, mounting eleven guns
each, were captured by a flotilla of launches and ships' barges.
Having proceeded a short distance along the lake, all the vessels
ran aground; the soldiers were then conveyed twenty miles in open
boats, during a heavy rain, to a barren spot called Pine Island,
which consisted of a swamp with a piece of firm ground at one
end. Here the regiments remained without tents or huts, exposed
to heavy rains by day, and to frost by night, until the 22d of
December, when the KING'S OWN, eighty-fifth, and five companies of
the ninety-fifth, embarked in open boats, and proceeding up the
lake a distance of more than fifty miles, were so cramped up in
the boats, drenched with a heavy rain during the day, and exposed
to a sharp frost in the night, that the men were almost deprived
of the use of their limbs. On the following morning they landed,
unobserved by the enemy, on a desert spot on the verge of a large
morass about eight miles from New Orleans, and when the men had
regained the use of their benumbed limbs, they advanced along an
indistinct path on the bank of a ditch or canal, their movements
being concealed by the tall reeds of the morass. After passing
several streams by bridges constructed at the moment, the troops
entered a cultivated region where the fields were found covered
with the stubble of the sugar-cane, and groves of orange trees were
numerous. About noon the regiments entered a green field on the
banks of the Mississippi, where they halted to await the arrival of
the remainder of the army.

Late in the evening, while many of the men were cooking, and others
were asleep, a large vessel was seen stealing quietly up the river
until she arrived opposite the bivouac fires, and before it was
ascertained whether she was British or American a broadside of
grape-shot swept down many soldiers in the camp. Having no means
of attacking this formidable adversary, the soldiers took shelter
behind a bank: the night was dark, and the only light to be seen
was the flashes of the enemy's guns, as he continued to pour
showers of shot into the camp. At length a firing was heard from
the advance posts, and before the import of this was known a loud
shout, followed by a semicircular blaze of musketry, proved that
the piquets were surrounded by a very superior enemy. The KING'S
OWN were instantly ordered to form in column behind the camp, while
the eighty-fifth, and five companies of the ninety-fifth, flew to
the support of the piquets. The enemy had brought forward about
five thousand men, thinking to overwhelm this solitary brigade in
the dark; but the British, regardless of the superior numbers of
their antagonists, rushed upon the opposing legions and fought,
bayonet to bayonet, and sword to sword, with a degree of energy and
resolution impossible to describe. Some of the soldiers having lost
their bayonets in the strife, laid about them with the butt-ends
of their firelocks; numerous feats of individual gallantry were
performed, and the Americans eventually gave way before this
furious and desperate charge, and fled with the loss of many men
killed, wounded, and prisoners. The KING'S OWN had Captain Francis
Johnston and Lieutenant John Sutherland killed; also Lieutenant
Thomas Moody severely wounded; and a number of private men killed
and wounded.

Notwithstanding this victory, the troops were unable to return
to their camp, as it was completely commanded by the fire of the
American schooner, and no provision could be procured. Meanwhile
the other brigades arrived from Pine Island, and the whole were in
position before dark on the 24th of December. Major-General the
Hon. Sir Edward Pakenham also joined to take the command, and he
was accompanied by Major-General Gibbs.

[Sidenote: 1815]

During the night a battery was constructed, and opening a fire of
red-hot shot, it destroyed the American schooner; but when the
troops proceeded towards the town, they encountered so many local
difficulties, were opposed by such immense bodies of Americans,
with extensive fortified lines and batteries, and armed vessels
on the river, that the advance was checked and considerable loss
sustained. Attempts were made to overcome these difficulties; the
canal from Bayo de Catiline was cleared out, widened, and opened to
the river, to admit the boats from the lake; and while the soldiers
were labouring at this work Major-General Lambert joined with two
additional regiments. Arrangements were made for attacking the
enemy's fortified lines at day-break on the morning of the 8th
of January, 1815. The boats were to be brought along the canal
in the night, part of the army was to embark, and proceeding up
the river with muffled oars, to gain the flank and rear of the
works unperceived; and simultaneous attacks were to be made on
different parts of the enemy's fortified position. This plan was,
however, partly disconcerted by the tardy arrival of the boats;
and at the moment of attack the scaling ladders and fascines had
to be sent for. Day-light arriving, the troops were visible to
the enemy, who opened a tremendous fire, with dreadful execution.
Under these disadvantages, the British rushed forward to storm the
position in front. A detachment of the KING'S OWN, twenty-first,
and ninety-fifth, captured a three-gun battery, and advanced to
attack a body of Americans who were forming for its recovery; but
having to pass a deep ditch by a single plank, they were repulsed;
and the enemy forcing his way into the battery, re-captured it with
immense slaughter. Meanwhile the remainder of the KING'S OWN were
exposed to a dreadful fire, and the regiment was nearly annihilated
by the tempest of bullets by which it was assailed. Major-General
Pakenham having galloped to the front to encourage the men, was
shot on the top of the glacis. Major-Generals Gibbs and Keane were
borne from the field dangerously wounded; and success being found
impracticable, the troops withdrew from the unequal contest. The
KING'S OWN had upwards of four hundred men killed and wounded in
this desperate service: also, Lieutenant Edward Field, and Ensign
William Crowe, killed; and Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Brooke,
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonels Alured D. Faunce, and Timothy Jones,
Brevet Major John Williamson, Captains John Wynne Fletcher, Robert
Erskine, and David S. Craig, Lieutenants J. P. Hopkins, Jeffrey
Salvin, W. H. Brooke, Benjamin Martin, George Richardson, Peter
Bowlby, George H. Hearne, William Squires, C. H. Farrington, James
Marshall, Henry Andrews, and Adjutant William Richardson, with
Ensigns Arthur Gerard, Thomas Benwell, J. L. Fernandez, and Edward
Newton, wounded.

The capture of New Orleans appearing impracticable, a temporary
road was constructed through the morass, and the regiments having
reached the lake by a night march, embarked in boats and returned
to the fleet.

An attack on Mobile was afterwards resolved on, and the KING'S
OWN were engaged in the siege of _Fort Bowyer_, which commanded
the entrance to the harbour; this place surrendered on the 12th
of February, and the second American regiment of the line having
marched out with the honours of war, delivered its arms and colours
to the KING'S OWN.

Further hostilities against the Americans were, however, prevented
by a treaty of peace, and the FOURTH being ordered to return to
England, arrived on the 16th of May at Portsmouth, from whence they
sailed to the Downs; and having landed on the 18th, were stationed
in Deal barracks.

On the extension of the Order of the Bath, in the beginning of this
year, Lieut.-Colonel FRANCIS BROOKE and Brevet Lieut.-Colonels
JOHN PIPER and ALURED DODSWORTH FAUNCE, of the KING'S OWN, were
nominated Companions of that Order.

On the arrival in England of the surviving officers and men of
the KING'S OWN from these difficult enterprises in America, they
found Europe involved in another war. Bonaparte had violated the
treaty of 1814; he had quitted Elba; had invaded France with a few
guards; had been received with acclamations by the French army; and
while Louis XVIII. fled to Flanders, Napoleon had re-ascended the
throne of France. The nations of Europe declared war against the
usurper; and the KING'S OWN were immediately ordered to proceed to
Flanders to engage in the approaching contest. The effective men of
the second battalion were added to the first battalion, which again
embarked for foreign service on the 10th of June, and having landed
at Ostend on the 12th, proceeded up the country. Bonaparte attacked
the advanced-posts of the army commanded by Field-Marshal His Grace
the Duke of Wellington in the middle of June; and the KING'S OWN,
by forced marches, arrived at the position in front of the village
of _Waterloo_ on the morning of the 18th of June, about an hour
before the battle commenced.

The regiment was commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Brooke, and being
formed in brigade with the twenty-seventh and fortieth regiments,
under the orders of Major-General Lambert, took part in the
gigantic contest which followed. On this occasion the stern valour
and undaunted character of the British troops were pre-eminently
displayed; whether assailed by the thunder of artillery, volleys
of musketry, the bayonets of infantry, or the furious charges of
the French cavalry, the British regiments stood firm, and repulsed
with sanguinary perseverance the legions of Bonaparte, and drove
them back in confusion. After resisting the attacks of the superior
numbers of the enemy for many hours, the Prussians arrived to
co-operate; when the allied army assumed the offensive, and by a
general charge of the whole line, overthrew the French host, and
drove it from the field with dreadful slaughter, and the loss of
its artillery, ammunition waggons, &c.

The KING'S OWN had one hundred and thirty-four men killed and