_Names and Numbers of British Regiments_ (Vol. iv., p. 368.; Vol. vi, p.
37.).--I feel disappointed that none of your numerous and well-informed
readers have responded to my inquiries on this subject. Hoping, however,
that answers may still be obtained, I venture to repeat the questions for
the _third_ time, viz.:
1. What was the origin of giving British regiments the _name_ of a certain
officer, instead of _numbering_ them as at present?
2. If in honour of an officer commanding the corps, was the name changed
when that officer died or removed to another regiment; or what was the
rule?
3. _When_ did the present mode of _numbering_ regiments begin; and by whom
was it introduced?
4. What was the rule or principle laid down in giving any regiment a
certain _number_? Was it according to the length of time it had been
embodied?
5. What is the guide now, in identifying a _named_ with a _numbered_
regiment? For example, at the battle of Culloden, in 1746, "Wolfe's,"
"Barrell's," and "Howard's Foot" were engaged. Now, what is the rule for
ascertaining the _numbers_ of these, and other old regiments, in the
British army at the present day?