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THE NINETEENTH AND THEIR TIMES
I ordained that the rights of the Warrior should not be
infringed; that the soldier who had grown old in the service
should not be deprived of his place or his pay; and that the
deeds of the soldier should not be concealed. For men who
exchange their comfort for perishable glory deserve to be
compensated, and are worthy of reward and encouragement.
--_Institutes of Timour._
[Illustration: Alexandra 1899. (signature of the Princess of Wales)
_Copyright by permission of Miss Alice Hughes._
Walker & Boutall ph. sc.]
THE NINETEENTH
AND THEIR TIMES
Being an Account of the Four Cavalry
Regiments in the British Army That
Have Borne the Number Nineteen and
of the Campaigns in Which They Served
by
COLONEL JOHN BIDDULPH
[Illustration: FROM AN OLD SEAL]
London
John Murray, Albemarle Street
1899
DEDICATED
BY PERMISSION TO
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS
THE PRINCESS OF WALES
PREFACE
Four cavalry regiments in the British Army have borne the number
Nineteen.
The first was raised in Ireland, in 1759, during the Seven Years’
War, and was known as Drogheda’s Horse. In 1763, its number was
changed to Eighteen, which number it bore till it was disbanded in
1821. The history of its achievements has been written by Captain H.
Malet.
The second regiment that bore the number was raised at a critical
period in our history, in 1779. It had but a brief and uneventful
existence, and was disbanded in 1783.
The third regiment was raised as the Twenty-Third Light Dragoons in
1781, for service in India, where it was immediately sent; the first
British cavalry regiment that went to India. On the disbandment of
the second regiment, in 1783, the Twenty-third was re-numbered the
Nineteenth, and, for fourteen years, it continued to be the only
British cavalry regiment in India. During the twenty-four years
of its sojourn in the East it bore a conspicuous share in every
important military undertaking of the time, with the exception of the
campaign against Holkar when it was too far distant from the scene of
action to take part. Those twenty-four years, from Warren Hastings
to Wellesley, mark the turning point of our power in India. When
the Nineteenth landed at Madras our very existence in Southern India
hung in the balance. The gallantry of our army was paralysed by the
feebleness of the administration that directed their efforts. When
the regiment re-embarked for England, the supremacy of our military
power had been fully established. Under their distinguished leader,
John Floyd, the Nineteenth played no small part in the campaigns
of 1790, ’91, and ’92, against Tippoo, attracting to themselves an
amount of interest in Southern India that no other regiment did. They
assisted at the capture of Pondicherry, and the crowning victory of
Seringapatam. It was their good fortune to serve under the Duke of
Wellington in the first independent commands he held in the field.
They took part in the destruction of the noted freebooter Dhoondia
Wao; a short but stirring campaign that deserves more notice than
it generally receives. At Assaye, the charge of the Nineteenth and
the native cavalry brigaded with them restored the fortunes of the
fight at a critical moment. They played their part at Argaum, and,
a few months before sailing from India, were actors with Gillespie
in his remarkable feat at Vellore. Soon after the declaration of
war by the United States against Great Britain, in 1812, they were
sent to Canada. The conditions of that war afforded little scope for
cavalry action, so that the share of the Nineteenth in the various
operations was a subordinate one. The campaigns on the Canadian
frontier have been so completely eclipsed by our struggles against
Napoleon in Europe, that the arduous nature of the lake and forest
warfare carried on by a mere handful of British troops and Canadian
militia is hardly known. A squadron of the Nineteenth, under an
officer whose whole career was identified with the regiment, formed
for eighteen months part of the small band that upheld the honour
of the British arms under Sir Gordon Drummond, at Lundy’s Lane and
other actions on the Niagara frontier. In the course of the wholesale
reductions that took place after Waterloo this fine regiment ceased
to exist, and its place in the Army List knew it no more.
The fourth regiment, the one that now bears the title of the
Nineteenth Princess of Wales’ Own Hussars, was originally raised
by the East India Company on the outbreak of the Mutiny of the
Bengal Army, and received its present number on the transfer of its
services to the Crown. In 1882, they formed part of the expedition
to Egypt under Lord Wolseley, to put down the rebellion of Arabi
Pasha. In 1884, they formed part of the expedition to Suakin under
Sir Gerald Graham, and fought at El-Teb and Tamai, suffering severe
losses in the first of the two actions. In 1885, they were selected
by Lord Wolseley to form part of the expedition to Khartoum; the
only horsemen that accompanied the force. The Head Quarters of the
regiment formed part of the Desert Column, under Sir Herbert Stewart,
and fought at Abu Klea and Abu Krou, while a squadron of the regiment
accompanied the River Column, under General Earle, and were present
at the action at Kirbekan. A third portion of the regiment was at the
same time employed at Suakin, where it experienced serious losses.
For its services in 1885 the regiment was granted the distinctive
title it now bears; a proof that it is no unworthy successor of the
regiment that helped to strengthen the foundations of our power in
India, under Cornwallis, Harris and Wellington, and whose honourable
badges it wears, in addition to those it has won for itself.
The history of a regiment of the British Army is part of the history
of the Empire at some of its most momentous epochs. To understand
it properly, requires a setting of general history that cannot be
dispensed with. In compiling these annals I have chiefly aimed at
providing a work that shall be of interest and use to those who have
served, or, in the future may serve, in the regiment. At the same
time there is much which will, I believe, be of interest to the
student of Indian Military History, and will not be unacceptable to
the general reader.
The bones of British soldiers lie scattered far and wide. In every
portion of the globe, their unmarked graves are strewed on mountain
and plain, by stream and forest, by swamp and desert; silent
witnesses of their devotion to their Sovereign and country. But they
have not died in vain, if the remembrance of their achievements
survives, to swell the hearts and nerve the arms of their successors,
and to remind their countrymen what they owe to their sufferings and
their valour.
In compiling these Annals I have received assistance from many
unexpected sources. To Mr W. C. L. Floyd I am indebted for much
assistance from the papers of his grandfather, under whom the 19th
Light Dragoons won their spurs in the Mysore campaigns; to Major
General Gillespie, who has kindly placed at my disposal the only
authentic portrait of his celebrated grandfather; and to Lieut.
General Sir Francis Norman, who collected notes of the career of
the old 19th Light Dragoons, many years ago. My thanks are also due
to Mr James Wilson and Major Ernest Cruikshank of the Lundy’s Lane
Historical Society, who have done so much to rescue from oblivion
the details of the war on the Niagara frontier, and to Mr Douglas
Brymner, the Dominion Government Archivist at Ottawa. I am also
indebted to Mr S. M. Milne for the kindly interest he has taken
in my work; to Lt. Colonel Frank Barrow who placed at my disposal
the letters written by his distinguished brother during the Soudan
campaigns of 1884 and 1885, to Colonel K. J. W. Coghill, C.B., who
commanded the regiment at Tel-el-Kebir, and to Colonel J. C. Hanford,
C.B. (formerly Hanford-Flood) who commanded the squadron with the
River Column, without whose encouragement and aid this work would not
have been undertaken. I refrain from adding more names, but the list
of those to whom my thanks are due is not exhausted.
CONTENTS
PART I
THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS
DROGHEDA’S HORSE--1759-1763
PAGE
State of affairs in Europe in 1756--Declaration of War against
France--Increase of the Army--Early Years of the War--Invasion
expected--Orders for raising the 19th Light Dragoons--Death of
George II.--End of the Seven Years’ War--Reduction of Military
Establishments--19th Light Dragoons become the 18th--Uniform of
the Regiment 1
PART II
THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS
1779-1783
War in America--Declaration of War by France--Increase
of the Army--Orders for raising the 19th Light
Dragoons--Uniform--Peace proclaimed--Reduction of Military
Establishments--Regiment disbanded 10
PART III
THE TWENTY-THIRD, AFTERWARDS THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS
(1781-1822)
CHAPTER I.--1781-1782
THE TWENTY-THIRD LIGHT DRAGOONS.
Alarming state of Public Affairs--Want of Cavalry in
India--Orders for raising the 23rd Light Dragoons--Colonel
Sir John Burgoyne--Regiment embark for India--Arrive
in Madras--Desperate State of Affairs--Madras
Misgovernment--Horses for the Regiment 19
CHAPTER II
TROUBLES AT MADRAS--1783-1785
Sultan Tippoo Sahib of Mysore--Operations in Southern
India--Death of Sir Eyre Coote--Attack on Cuddalore--Peace
with France--Tippoo makes Peace--Strained relations between
civil and military in India--The E.I. Company’s military
establishment--The King’s troops in India--Misconduct of
Madras Government--Quarrel between Council and General
Stuart--Complaints of Council against Burgoyne--Arrest of
Stuart--Council appoint Lang to supersede Bourgoyne--Burgoyne
refuses to give over command of the King’s troops--Strange
delusions of the Council--Imminent Conflict between King’s
and Company’s troops--Unworkable arrangement--Fresh
quarrel--Burgoyne arrested--Mutiny of native cavalry--Court
Martial on Burgoyne--His acquittal--His death--End of the
quarrel--Burgoyne justified 35
CHAPTER III
CHANGE OF NUMBER--1786-1789
Regiment moved to Shevtamodoo--John Floyd--Number of regiment
changed to 19th--Uniform--Sir William Howe appointed
Colonel--Foundation of Indian native cavalry system laid by
Floyd and the 19th Light Dragoons 58
CHAPTER IV
WAR WITH TIPPOO--1790
War with Tippoo--19th take the field--Advance on
Coimbatore--Division under Floyd detached towards Guzzulhutti
Pass--Frequent skirmishes--Satyamunglum--Dispersion
of the Army--Advance of Tippoo--19th hotly
engaged--Tippoo’s Body-Guard destroyed--Retreat from
Satyamunglum--Casualties--March in pursuit of Tippoo--Private
Parkes--The Tapoor Pass--Tippoo eludes pursuit, and ravages the
Carnatic--Army returns to Madras 66
CHAPTER V
CORNWALLIS’ CAMPAIGNS--1791-1792
Cornwallis takes command of the Army--Advance on
Bangalore--Order of March--Floyd’s reconnoissance--Imprudent
advance--Floyd badly wounded--Casualties--Capture of
Bangalore--Advance on Seringapatam--Battle of Arikera--Army
in great straits--Forced to retreat--Junction of Mahratta
contingent--19th sent to Madras--Rejoin Cornwallis--Advance
on Seringapatam--Night attack--Floyd detached to meet
Abercromby--Seringapatam invested--Peace made--Tippoo’s
hostages--19th return to Shevtamodoo 81
CHAPTER VI
FALL OF MYSORE--1793-1799
France declares War--Expedition against Pondicherry--Surrender
of Pondicherry--Peace reigns in India--Lunkia Naik--Floyd’s
large allowances--French adventurers in India--Tippoo’s
growing hostility--Disarmament of Nizam’s force under
French officers--Army formed under General Harris--Tippoo’s
intrigues--Galloper Guns--Advance on Mysore--Battle of
Mallavelly--Seringapatam invested--The Bombay Army--The Rajah
of Coorg--Signal guns--Seringapatam taken--Tardy recognition in
England of services performed in India--Badge of “Seringapatam” 99
CHAPTER VII
DHOONDIA WAO--1800-1802
Floyd leaves 19th--Dhoondia Wao--Force formed under Colonel
Wellesley to capture him--Advance on Ranee Bednore--Capture
of Koondgul, Dummul, Gudduck--Division of Dhoondia’s force
destroyed at Manoli--Dhoondia doubles back--Again hemmed
in--Dhoondia crosses Malpurba river--Pursuit drawing to a
close--Dhoondia caught at Conaghul--Dhoondia killed, and
his force destroyed--19th return to Mysore--The Rajah of
Bullum--Regiment ordered to Arcot 114
CHAPTER VIII
INDIA IN 1803
State of affairs in India in 1803--The Mahratta
Confederacy--The Peishwa--Scindia--European Adventurers in
India--Scindia’s disciplined forces--Perron--Quarrels among
the Mahratta Chiefs--Peishwa takes refuge in Bombay--Places
himself under protection of the British--Scindia’s hostility
aroused--Mahratta combination against the British--Peishwa
restored to Poona--Preparations for hostilities--Summary of
campaign that followed 125
CHAPTER IX
ASSAYE AND ARGAUM--1803-1804
Capture of Ahmednuggur--Battle of Assaye--Death of Lieut.
Colonel Maxwell--Honorary Colour granted to 19th--Battle of
Argaum--Capture of Gawilghur--Berar Rajah makes peace--Scindia
makes peace--March against banditti--Their dispersal--Grant of
badges for Assaye 136
CHAPTER X
THE VELLORE MUTINY--1805-1807
Lieut. Colonel Gillespie--19th at Arcot--Mutiny of Vellore--A
military wonder--19th ordered to England--A quarter of a
century’s changes--The “Terrors of the East”--Farewell
orders--19th land in England 157
CHAPTER XI
WAR WITH UNITED STATES--1808-1813
19th in Ireland--United States declare War--19th
ordered to Canada--United States’ plans--Operations of
1812--Mackinaw--Detroit--Armistice--Battle of Queenston
Heights--General Brock killed--Montreal threatened--Operations
of 1813--Proctor’s victory at Frenchtown--Fort Meigs--United
States’ victory on Lake Erie--Battle of the Thames; Proctor’s
defeat--York captured--Fort George and Erie evacuated--Stoney
Creek: Harvey’s brilliant exploit--Fitzgibbon’s success
at Beaver Dam--Arrival of squadron of 19th on Niagara
frontier--Engagement on Lake Ontario--Fort George
re-occupied--Fort Niagara surprised--Black Rock and Buffalo
captured--Abortive attack on Sackett’s Harbour--United States’
operations against Montreal--Battle of Chateaugay--Battle of
Chrystler’s Farm--Importance of Kingston and Sackett’s Harbour 172
CHAPTER XII
THE NIAGARA FRONTIER--1814-1821
United States’ plans--Attempt on Mackinaw--La
Colle--State of affairs on Niagara frontier--Drummond’s
raid on Oswego-Dover--Advance of U.S. force--Capture
of Fort Erie--Battle of Chippewa--Critical position of
British force--Battle of Lundy’s Lane--Retreat of U.S.
forces--Fort Erie invested--Assault on Fort Erie--Sergeant
Powell--Conclusion of operations on Niagara frontier--Prevost’s
abortive attack on Plattsburgh--Defeat of British squadron
on Lake Champlain--Other operations--Bladensberg--Capture
of Washington--General Ross killed--Victory at
Baltimore--Expedition against New Orleans--Its defeat--Fort
Bowyer captured--Treaty of Ghent--Sir William Payne--Sir
John Vandeleur--Badge “Niagara” granted--Regiment returns to
England--Equipped as Lancers--Embark for Ireland--Disbanded 193
PART IV
THE NINETEENTH “PRINCESS OF WALES’ OWN” HUSSARS
1858-1899
CHAPTER I
RAISING OF THE REGIMENT--1858-1882
The East India Company raises European Cavalry regiments--Their
formation--The Bengal 1st European Light Cavalry--Services
transferred to the Crown--The “White Mutiny”--Made 19th Light
Dragoons, afterwards Hussars--General Pattle--Regiment at
Meerut--General Hall--Regiment ordered to England--Badges
of old 19th Light Dragoons granted--Regiment ordered to
Ireland--Guidons of old 19th Light Dragoons presented to the
regiment--Regiment returns to England--Ordered on active
service 220
CHAPTER II
TROUBLES IN EGYPT--1882-1884
Troubles in Egypt--Arabi’s rebellion--Capture of
Ismailia--Kassassin--Tel-el-Kebir--End of the War--19th at
Cairo--Badges granted--Troubles in Eastern Soudan--Osman
Digna--Regiment ordered to Suakin--Wreck of the _Neera_--Battle
of El Teb--Heavy losses of the 19th--Battle of Tamai--Osman
Digna’s camp burned--Regiment returns to Cairo--Badges granted 233
CHAPTER III
CAMPAIGN ON THE NILE--1884-1899
Troubles in the Western Soudan--Expedition to relieve
Khartoum--19th ordered up the Nile--Korti--The Desert
Column--Action at Abu Klea--Action at Abu Krou--Quartermaster
Lima killed--The horses--Metemmeh--Fall of Khartoum--Return
of the Column--The River Column--Action at Kirbekan--Return
of the Column--Summer Quarters--Regiment returns to
Cairo--Squadron sent to Suakin--Serious losses--Returns to
Cairo--Designation granted of “Princess of Wales’ Own”--Death
of Colonel Barrow--19th returns to England--Badge of “Mysore”
granted--19th embarks for India--Bangalore--Secunderabad 246
APPENDIX A.
Yearly Lists of the Officers of the Nineteenth 271
APPENDIX B.
Casualties in the Nineteenth Hussars during the Egyptian
Campaign of 1882 304
APPENDIX C.
Special Honours granted to Nineteenth Hussars for Egyptian
Campaign of 1882 305
APPENDIX D.
Casualties in the Nineteenth Hussars during the Campaign near
Suakin, 1884 306
APPENDIX E.
Special Honours granted to Nineteenth Hussars for Campaign near
Suakin, 1884 307
APPENDIX F.
Addresses to Nineteenth Hussars by Major General G. Graham,
C.B., V.C., and Brigadier General H. Stewart. Trinkitat, 5th
March 1884 308
APPENDIX G.
Casualties in the Nineteenth Hussars during the Soudan Campaign
of 1885 310
APPENDIX H.
Special Honours granted to Nineteenth Hussars for Soudan
Campaign, 1885 311
APPENDIX I.
Address to Nineteenth Hussars by General Lord Wolseley, G.C.B.
Korti, 23rd March 1885 312
APPENDIX K.
Report by Colonel Barrow on the Arab horses ridden by the
Nineteenth Hussars during the Nile Campaign of 1885 313
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OF WALES--
_Photogravure--From a Photograph by Miss
Alice Hughes_ _Frontispiece_
AN OLD NINETEENTH--_From an old Seal_ _On Title page_
GENERAL SIR JOHN FLOYD, BART.--_Photogravure_ _To face page_ 59
MYSORE CAMPAIGNS--_Map_ ” ” 69
AN OFFICER IN THE UNIFORM OF THE NINETEENTH LIGHT
DRAGOONS, 1792--_Coloured Plate_ ” ” 99
THE MARCH OF THE ARMY IN PURSUIT OF DHOONDIA WAO
IN JULY, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER 1800--_Map_ ” ” 117
BATTLE OF ASSAYE--_Map_ ” ” 139
MAJOR GENERAL R. R. GILLESPIE--_Photogravure--From
a Miniature_ ” ” 168
GUIDONS OF THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS--_Coloured
Plate_ ” ” 172
THE CANADIAN FRONTIER IN 1812--_Map_ ” ” 175
BATTLE OF LUNDY’S LANE, 9 P.M., 25TH JULY 1814--_Map_ ” ” 204
OFFICERS IN THE UNIFORM OF THE NINETEENTH LANCERS,
1817--_Coloured Plate_ ” ” 218
AN OFFICER IN THE UNIFORM OF THE NINETEENTH HUSSARS,
1882--_Coloured Plate_ ” ” 232
COLONEL PERCY BARROW--_From a Photograph, Half-tone_ ” ” 264
PART I
THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS
DROGHEDA’S HORSE
1759-1763
State of affairs in Europe in 1756--Declaration of War against
France--Increase of the Army--Early Years of the War--Invasion
expected--Orders for raising the 19th Light Dragoons--Death of
George II.--End of the Seven Years’ War--Reduction of Military
Establishments--19th Light Dragoons become the 18th--Uniform of
the Regiment.
From the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748), to the
outbreak of the Seven Years’ War (1756), the peace, nominally
existing between England and France, was continually broken, out of
Europe, by both parties. In India, under the veil of alliance with
opposing Native Princes, war was actively prosecuted, and it was with
difficulty that British interests maintained a precarious footing
in that country. In North America, the French claimed the whole
continent, except the ill defined New England settlements along the
coast, and denied the right of the English to trade in the interior.
Keeping themselves in the background, they waged a bloody war against
the English settlers, by means of the Indians, whom they subsidized,
and whose disguise they often adopted. Both in the East and the West,
French officials were acting with the support and countenance of the
Court of Versailles, and the English officials on the spot were not
slow to retaliate when occasion offered. It was evident that a crisis
could not long be averted, but it was advantageous to the French to
postpone an open rupture as long as possible, while the French navy
was being strengthened. On the other hand, it was the interest of
England to hasten the rupture, when war was seen to be inevitable,
since the objects to be fought for were beyond the seas. The English
navy was, at that time, greatly superior in strength to the French
navy, while the French military forces were eight or ten times as
strong as the English army, which had been greatly reduced since the
conclusion of the late war. As time went on, less pains were taken
to conceal the warlike measures undertaken on either side. In the
beginning of 1755, Braddock’s ill-fated expedition was dispatched to
New England, while a counter-expedition for Canada was sent out from
Brest and Rochefort, a few weeks later. Neither side was acting in
good faith: on both sides, secret instructions for active hostilities
were given to the commanders. In June, two French ships, with troops
on board, were captured by Boscawen off the coast of Newfoundland.
Exactly a month later, Braddock’s force was cut to pieces by the
French and Indians. Still the pretence of peace was preserved. In
April 1756, a French expedition sailed from Toulon to attack Minorca,
which for half a century had been a British possession. Byng’s
well-known failure to relieve Minorca ensued, and the place fell on
27th June.
Meanwhile the absurdity of maintaining the semblance of peace under
such circumstances had become patent to the British cabinet, and in
May, war was formally declared. In August, the coalition of France
and Austria, soon to be joined by Russia, was declared against
Prussia, and Great Britain found herself engaged in hostilities in
Germany, India and America at the same time.
The early years of the war were neither fortunate nor creditable to
Great Britain. After the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, the Army within
the three kingdoms had been reduced to about eighteen thousand men.
In December 1755, an increase of fifteen thousand men had been voted.
But armies are not made in a day, and the direction of affairs was
in incompetent hands. Pitt, who alone commanded the confidence of
the country, was regarded with disfavour by the King. In November
1756, Pitt was recalled to office, and a new spirit was infused
into the management of affairs. A Militia Bill was introduced, the
regular Army was increased to forty-five thousand men, and steps
were taken for enlisting into the service of the State the Highland
clans who had so recently been in arms against the Crown. In April
1757, Pitt was dismissed from office, and all again was confusion.
For three months England was without a Government; at the end of that
time, Pitt was again in office. But the ill effects of the political
contest at home were reflected in the ill-success of our arms abroad,
and two years were to elapse before the nation felt secure. The year
1757 was a gloomy one in England. A French invasion was believed to
be imminent: an expedition, dispatched in May, against Louisbourg in
America, failed, owing to the feebleness and tardiness of execution
on the part of those to whom it was entrusted: Fort William Henry
was taken by Montcalm, and its garrison massacred by the Indians. In
Europe, an expedition, dispatched in September, against Rochefort,
failed, through the disagreements of the naval and military officers
in command. The Duke of Cumberland was forced to evacuate Hanover,
and sign the convention of Kloster-Severn, and many months were
to elapse before the triumph of Clive at Plassy became known in
England. In 1758, matters improved somewhat. In July, Louisbourg was
taken, but an attack on Ticonderago in the same month was defeated,
and Lord Howe, described by Wolfe as “the noblest Englishman that has
appeared in my time, and the best soldier in the British army,” was
slain in a skirmish. In Germany, the British troops, under Prince
Ferdinand of Brunswick, drove the French out of Hanover, while two
successful raids were made on the French coast, in which Cherbourg
and St. Servan were temporarily occupied, and a great quantity of
warlike stores destroyed or captured.
Pitt’s genius was now beginning to be felt in every branch of the
service, and, from this time, matters improved steadily, by land and
sea. In May 1759, Guadaloupe was captured. In July, Rodney destroyed
the French boats in Havre prepared for the invasion of England, while
Hawke blockaded Brest. In August, Boscawen defeated a French fleet
in the Bay of Lagos. In the same month, the French were decisively
defeated at Minden by an inferior English and Hanoverian force:
on the 13th September, Quebec was taken by Wolfe, who fell in the
moment of victory, and French interests in America received their
death blow. To complete the year’s triumphs, on 20th November, Hawke
destroyed a French fleet under Conflans in Quiberon Bay, in an action
fought in the midst of a tempest. The nation could breathe freely
again; there was no more fear of invasion, and England was confident
of ultimate success. But Pitt’s efforts were not relaxed, and many
regiments of Cavalry and Infantry were added to the Army during the
year.
By Royal Warrants, dated respectively 17th March, 4th August, 10th
October and 17th November 1759, the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th Light
Dragoons were raised for service abroad and at home. In December,
steps were taken to raise the 19th Regiment of Light Dragoons in
Ireland, and, in the following month, a Notification to that effect
was issued from Dublin Castle.
_By the Lord Lieutenant General and General Governor of Ireland._
[Sidenote: 1760.]
Bedford,
His Majesty having been pleased to Order a Regiment of Light
Dragoons to be forthwith raised in this Kingdom, under the
Command of the Earl of Drogheda,[1] to consist of one Lieutenant
Colonel Commandant, one Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, three
Captains, six Lieutenants, six Cornets, one Chaplain, one
Surgeon, one Surgeon’s Mate, one Adjutant, six Quartermasters,
eighteen Serjeants, eighteen Corporals, twelve Drummers, six
Hautboys, and six Troops of seventy Men per Troop: and His
Majesty’s Letter being shortly expected for placing the said
Regiment upon the Military Establishment of this Kingdom from the
seventh day of December last past inclusive, to be paid at such
times and in such manner as other Regiments of Dragoons in this
Kingdom are paid, the pay of such Commission and Staff Officers
and the Subsistance of the Non Commission Officers to commence
from the date of their respective Commission, Warrants, and
Appointments, and the Subsistance of the private Men, approved
by the Officer who shall be appointed to review them from the
Days of their being severally attested inclusive. And whereas We
have authorized and required the said Earl of Drogheda by Beat
of Drum or otherwise, forthwith to raise such number of able
bodied Protestants in this Kingdom, as shall be willing to enlist
themselves and may be wanting to compleat the said Regiment to
the Establishment before mentioned, in the Execution of which
Service the said Earl of Drogheda or one of the Field Officers
of the said Regiment is to make the like returns to your Office
as are usually made upon raising Regiments: We do hereby give
you Notice thereof and do direct you upon Receipt of the Returns
aforesaid to allow the names of all such Recruits on the Muster
Rolls of the said Regiment in Order to their being entered for
Pay, pursuant to His Majesty’s Letter aforesaid. Given at His
Majesty’s Castle of Dublin the 15th Day of January 1760.
By His Grace’s Command
RICHARD RIGBY.
To the Muster Master General of this Kingdom or his Deputy.
A month later followed the Royal Warrant.
[Sidenote: 1760.]
_George R._--Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin and
Councillor. We greet you well. Whereas the Commissioners of our
Treasury have laid before us your Letter of the 29th of December
last transmitting unto them the following Establishment of a
Regiment of Light Dragoons to be raised according to a Proposal
from Charles Earl of Drogheda which had been laid before and
approved by Us and also an Estimate of the Expence of each
particular to be provided and defrayed by Us for the use of the
said Regiment which said Establishment for One Year commencing
from the seventeenth day of December last will amount to the
sum of seventeen thousand four hundred and thirteen pounds ten
shillings and tenpence according to the following particulars
thereof that is to say--
Per day. Per annum.
For one Lieutenant Colonel
Commandant £0 7 0 £127 15 0
One Lieutenant Colonel 0 7 0 127 15 0
One Major 0 5 0 91 5 0
One Chaplain 0 6 8 121 13 4
One Surgeon 0 4 0 73 0 0
One Mate 0 2 6 45 12 6
One Adjutant 0 4 0 73 0 0
For One Troop
Captain 10 sh. and two
servants at 1/2 each £0 12 4 £225 1 8
Lieutenant 6 sh. and one
Servant at 1/2 0 7 2 130 15 10
Cornet 5 sh. and one Servant
at 1/2 0 6 2 112 10 10
Quarter Master 0 4 0 73 0 0
Three Sergeants at 2/8 each 0 8 0 146 0 0
Three Corporals at 1/10 each 0 5 6 100 7 6
Two Drummers at 1/8 each 0 3 4 60 16 8
One Hautboy at 1/6 0 1 6 27 7 6
Seventy Men at 1/6 each 5 5 0 1,916 5 0
-------- -------------
7 13 0 2,792 5 0
For five Troops more 38 5 0 13,961 5 0
-------- -------------
General Total £47 14 2 £17,413 10 10
-------- -------------
And We being graciously pleased to approve thereof and also of
the several Particulars by you proposed in your said Letter
Our Will and Pleasure is and we do hereby direct authorize and
require that you give the necessary orders and Directions for
placing the said Regiment on the Military Establishment of that
our Kingdom from the seventh day of December last past inclusive
for the several allowances of Pay in the said Establishment
specified as aforesaid to be paid at such times and in such
manner as other Regiments in that Kingdom are paid the Pay of
each Commissioned and Staff Officers and the subsistence of
the Non Commissioned Officers to commence from the date of
their respective Commissions Warrants and Appointments and the
subsistence of the private Men approved by the Officer who
shall be appointed to review them from the days of their being
severally attested inclusive as also for issuing out of our
Revenues at Large in that Kingdom to the said Charles Earl of
Drogheda or his Agent the sum of seventeen hundred and seventy
pounds five shillings clear of all Fees and Deductions for four
hundred and seventy four Cloaks at the rate of one pound twelve
shillings and sixpence for each Cloak as also for issuing out
of our said Revenues at large in that our Kingdom to the said
Charles Earl of Drogheda or his Agent the sum Six Thousand Seven
hundred and Fifty pounds clear of all Fees and Deductions for
Four hundred and Fifty horses at the rate of Fifteen pounds for
each Horse and likewise for issuing out of our said Revenues at
large there to the Master and Principal Officers of the Ordnance
the sum of Seven hundred and Sixty Six pounds clear of all
Fees and Deductions for defraying the expense of four hundred
and thirty two Firelocks and Bayonets at the rate of one pound
fifteen shillings for each Firelock and Bayonet for the use of
the said Regiment and for so doing this shall be as well to you
as to our Lieutenant Deputy or other Chief Governor or Governors
of that our Kingdom as to all other our Officers and Ministers
who shall or may be concerned herein a Sufficient Warrant and
so we bid you very heartily farewell. Given at our Court of St.
James the 12th day of February 1760 in the 33rd Year of our reign.
By His Majesty’s Command,
HOLLES NEWCASTLE.
H. B. LEGGE.
JAMES OSWALD.
Entered at the Signet office
the 25th February 1760
GEO. BROWN, _Dy._
To Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin and
Councillor John Duke of Bedford Lieutenant General and General
Governor of our Kingdom of Ireland and to Our Lieutenant Deputy
or other Chief Governor or Governors of that Our Kingdom for the
time being.
On the 24th March, the Muster Master General was again addressed,
and instructed that, in consequence of an application from the Earl
of Drogheda, “the orders relating to the Magistrates attesting the
men raised to be Protestants and to making returns of the several
places where the recruits were enlisted may be dispensed with, proper
certificates that the men are Protestants having been obtained from
the Clergymen of the Parishes where such men were severally enlisted,
and all other requisites in the Earl of Rothes’ said instructions
having been complied with.”
On 25th October 1760, George II. died; in February 1763, the Peace of
Paris was concluded, and the Seven Years’ War came to an end. During
the whole of this time, the Regiment, which was generally known as
“Drogheda’s Horse,” remained in Ireland; but little or nothing can
be learned concerning it. Considerable reductions of establishment
were made directly peace was assured. The 17th (Aberdour’s Horse),
which had never been able to complete its strength, ceased to exist,
and the 18th Light Dragoons became the 17th. The 19th in the same way
became the 18th, under which number it gained much distinction in
the West Indies, Holland, the Peninsula, and Waterloo, being finally
disbanded in 1821. Lord Drogheda, who had raised the regiment,
continued to be its Colonel Commandant till its disbandment, nearly
sixty two years afterwards, an unbroken term of service with one
regiment probably unparalleled.
It is impossible at this date to ascertain what was the uniform of
the regiment, before its number was changed. It certainly wore the
red light dragoon coat of the period, and the facings were probably
white, with red and white lace, similar to what it wore after its
number was changed, until blue was substituted for red in all the
Light Dragoon regiments.
PART II
THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS
1779-1783
War in America--Declaration of War by France--Increase of the
Army--Orders for raising the 19th Light Dragoons--Uniform--Peace
proclaimed--Reduction of Military Establishments--Regiment
disbanded.
“The year of which we treat, presented the most aweful appearance
of public affairs, which this country had perhaps beheld for many
ages.”[2] The condition of affairs in England, in 1779, was truly
alarming. Since the spring of 1775, Great Britain had been striving
to subdue her rebellious colonies in America. The war was mismanaged,
the Ministry was incapable: the successes gained were barren of
results, while serious disasters had been experienced. In March 1778,
France, which had long been secretly aiding the rebellious colonies,
threw off the mask, and openly espoused their cause. The warlike
spirit of the country was roused, and those who would have conceded
peace on almost any terms to American demands, refused to consider
it at the intervention of France. The French forces however effected
nothing of importance during the year; towards the end of it, the
probability of Spain joining the coalition against England became
known, though the actual declaration of war was delayed till June
1779. The national spirit was now thoroughly roused, but there was
great apprehension of invasion. Supplies were freely voted, great
additions were made to the naval and military establishments, camps
were formed in many places in the south of England, the militia were
embodied, and militia camps formed at Cox Heath, Warley, Portsmouth,
Plymouth, Chatham, and Aldborough. The most strenuous efforts were
made to place the defences of the country on an efficient footing.
In April, the following Letter of Service was addressed to Major
General Russell Manners, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 2nd Dragoon Guards.
_Warrant._
_George R._ Whereas we have thought fit to order a Regiment of
Light Dragoons to be forthwith formed under your Command which
is to consist of six troops with four Sergeants four Corporals
one Trumpeter one Hautboy and fifty-four private men and horses
in each Troop beside the usual number of Commissioned Officers:
These are to authorize you by beat of drum or otherwise to raise
so many men in any County or part of our Kingdom of Great Britain
as shall be wanted to complete the said Regiment to the numbers
above mentioned. And all Magistrates Justices of the Peace
Constables and other our Civil Officers whom it may concern are
hereby required to be assisting unto you in providing Quarters
impressing carriages and otherwise as there shall be occasion.
Given this 25th day of April 1779 in the 19th year of our Reign.
By His Majesty’s Command
C. JENKINSON.
To Our Trusty and Wellbeloved Russell Manners Esq.
&c. &c. &c.
On the same day, similar Warrants were issued for raising the 20th
and 21st Light Dragoons.
In July, a small Corps of Light Dragoons, known as Lister’s Corps,
was raised, and in August, the 22nd Light Dragoons was formed. At the
same time, all out pensioners of Chelsea were inspected to see which
of them “were fit for garrison or other duty.”
The 19th Light Dragoons were formed by drafts from the 1st and
2nd Dragoon Guards, and the 4th and 10th Dragoons, and encamped
at Salisbury; where also were the 11th Light Dragoons. The 15th,
20th, and 21st Light Dragoons were encamped on Lexden Heath near
Colchester. On the 9th October 1779, the 19th were inspected by
Lieutenant-General James Johnston, when the effective strength was
355 Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, and 347 horses. The
Inspecting Officer reported that the Officers wore scarlet, with
silver button holes and green lappels, and “were mostly young genteel
men with a good air, and great attention, and tolerable horsemen.”
The Non-Commissioned Officers were said to be too tall for Light
Dragoons, few of them being under 5 ft. 10 in.
Further orders for recruiting were issued in February 1780, and
again in February 1781. Regimental clothing accounts were formidable
things in those days, and two years after the Regiment was raised
it was found that the clothing money of the men drafted to the 19th
Light Dragoons from other Regiments had been paid, for two years, to
the wrong person; so the following warrant, directing Major-General
Manners to refund, was issued.
_“Warrant to make good a deficiency in the Offreckonings of the
several Regiments of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons within specified
from 25th April 1779 to 5th July 1781 out of ye Offreckonings of
ye 19th 20th and 21st Regiments of Light Dragoons which were
formed by sundry Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men turned
over from the said Regiments of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons.”_
_George R._
[Sidenote: 1781.]
Whereas we were pleased to direct that our several Regiments of
Dragoon Guards and Dragoons should be augmented from the 25th
March 1778 and also further augmented from 25th August following
and Whereas on the 25th April 1779 We were pleased to order three
Regts. of Light Dragoons to be formed (out of a proper number
of Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men turned over to
them from the several Regiments of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons
as specified in the State hereunto annexed), and whereas in
Consequence of this We were pleased to direct that each Troop of
our said Regiments of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons should from the
25th April 1779, be reduced so as to consist of Two Sergeants,
Two Corporals, One Trumpeter, One Hautbois and thirty seven
Private Men, and no more besides the usual Commissioned and other
Officers, whereby a Deficiency hath arisen in the Assignment of
the Offreckoning of each of our said Corps between 25th April
1779 and 5th July 1781 and We having been most humbly besought to
grant Our Warrants to make good the said deficiency It appearing
that the several Colonels above mentioned did turn over the Non
Commissioned Officers and Private Men (Specified against each of
their names in the State annexed) fully clothed and appointed
according to our Regulations, Our Will and Pleasure therefore
is that out of the Offreckonings arising on the Establishment
of each of the new Corps specified in the annexed State and
directed by our Warrant of the 29th March 1781, to be retained
in your hands, you do pay from time to time to the said several
Colonels or their Assigns the Amount (as the same hath or shall
become payable according to the custom of the Service) of the
Offreckonings of the Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men
turned over to the New Corps that have accrued from 25th April
1779 to 5th July following as also that shall accrue from 6th
July 1779 to 5th July 1781, in full satisfaction of the Claims of
the said several Colonels of Our said Regiments of Dragoon Guards
and Dragoons for the deficiency on their respective Assignments
already passed by them up to 5th July 1779 and 5th July 1781, And
for so doing &c. Given &c. this 20th day of June 1781 in the 21st
Year of our Reign.
By His Majesty’s Command
C. JENKINSON.
_“State of the numbers of Non Commissioned Officers and Privates
the amount of whose Offreckonings, from 25th April 1779 to 5th
July following, as also from 6th July 1779 to 5th July 1781 are
to be paid over from the three new Regiments of Light Dragoons.”_
From Major General Russell Manners’ 19th Regiment of Light
Dragoons as follows Viz:
Serjts. Corpls. Ptes.
To the 1st Regt: of Dragoon Guards Assignees
of late Gen. John Mostyn 6 6 78
2nd Dragoon Guards Lord Viscount Townshend’s 6 6 84
4th Dragoons Lieut: Gen: Carpenter’s 6 6 84
10th Dragoons Assignees of late Sir John
Mordaunt 6 6 60
-------------------
Total to be paid out of Major Gen: Manners’
Offreckonings 24 24 306
===================
From Salisbury the 19th Light Dragoons were moved to Shropshire, and
were quartered at Ludlow and Bridgenorth during the summer of 1780,
with three troops at each place. The declaration of war by Holland,
in January 1781, caused their transfer to Norwich, and, during
the summer of that year, they were distributed between Saxmundham,
Bungay, Beccles, Yarmouth, Halesworth, and Woodbridge, with a troop
at each place. In October, the Regiment was inspected at Yarmouth by
Major-General Tryon, who reported “This Regiment is a good corps, and
fitt for any Service.” Each Dragoon was armed with a sword, a pair of
pistols, carbine and bayonet.
In the following spring, the Regiment was at Bury St. Edmunds and
Sudbury, three troops at each place. Soon afterwards they were moved
to the neighbourhood of London, for employment on revenue duties,
and, in August, we find the Head quarters of the Regiment with three
Troops at Epsom; the other three troops being quartered at Croydon,
Mitcham, and Horsham. Soon afterwards, a Troop was sent to Bromley,
and another to Ewell, one Troop being withdrawn from Epsom.
But the Regiment was not destined to see active service. In November
1782, the preliminary articles of peace had been signed, by which
England recognised the independence of the United States, and the
usual reduction of military establishments took place. In June 1783,
the Regiment was disbanded under the following order--
_Orders and Instructions for Disbanding the 19th Regiment of Light
Dragoons._
[Sidenote: 1783.]
Whereas We have thought fit to Order that Our 19th Regiment of
(Light) Dragoons, under your Command be forthwith disbanded,
Our Will and Pleasure is, that you, or such person or persons
as you shall appoint for this Service, do immediately repair to
the respective Quarters of the Troops of Our Said Regiment, and
disband them accordingly and that in the disbanding of them the
following Rules be observed--
[Sidenote: 1st.]
Before such disbanding You are to cause an exact Muster to be
taken of the several Troops of the said Regiment, which You may
draw together at some convenient place and You are to transmit
to Our Secretary at War, for Our Information, an Account of their
Condition and Numbers at the time of Disbanding, together with an
exact List of the Names and Rank of the Officers, specifying also
if any of them holds their Commissions to which Pay is annexed.
[Sidenote: 2nd.]
It being Our Intention only to pay off at present, and clear the
Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men of Our Said Regiments,
(and give an allowance of Half Pay to the Commissioned Officers
entitled thereto, from the time of their Disbanding), You are
to take care before their Disbanding, that the Quarters of each
Troop be duly satisfied, that the Accounts between the Non
Commissioned Officers and Private Men hereby disbanded, and their
Officers, be made up, and that they be fully satisfied, and paid
their Arrears, Grass Money, and all other just pretentions, to
the day of their being disbanded, whereof the said Officers, are
to take Acquittances, and Discharges from them respectively,
distinguishing each head of Payment.
[Sidenote: 3rd.]
That care be taken, that the Arms delivered out of Our Stores
of Ordnance, and indented for, be returned into Our said Stores
again, and Acquittances taken for the same, from such persons as
shall be appointed to receive them.
[Sidenote: 4th.]
That care be taken that each Non Commissioned Officer and Private
Man hereby to be disbanded be permitted to carry away with him
his Cloak and Clothes which he now wears, and that their Horses
be disposed of according to the regulation following.
[Sidenote: 5th.]
Where any Dragoon who shall be discharged in pursuance hereof,
hath served Us, One whole year, He shall be entitled to Three
Pounds in lieu of His Horse, and all the Horses of the disbanded
Men are to be Sold, and an account kept, in order to the disposal
of the Surplus Money in such Manner as We shall direct.
[Sidenote: 6th.]
That the Dragoons who in pursuance of the above Regulation are
entitled to £3 as aforesaid, be paid six days full pay, and
those who are not so entitled, be paid Eighteen days full pay,
from the day of Disbanding, exclusive; which We are pleased to
give them, as of Our Royal Bounty, to carry them to the places
of their former Residence: You are therefore to cause payment
thereof to be made to each of them respectively and to take
Receipts for the same from each Non Commissioned Officer, and
Private Dragoon, And all such Acquittances, Discharges, and
Receipts, are to be transmitted to the Agent of the Regiment, to
be produced to Our Secretary at War, as Vouchers for the several
Payments herein directed, and for which You are to draw Bills on
the said Agent.
[Sidenote: 7th.]
You are also to send to Our Secretary at War, an Authentic List,
attested in the best manner by Yourself, or Officer performing
this Service; of the names of the Non Commissioned Officers and
Private Men, so disbanded, and to give them passes in case they
shall desire the same, to the places of their former Residence,
allowing them a convenient time to repair thither, and giving
them a strict charge that they do not presume to travel with
Arms, nor more than three in Company together, upon pain of
the severest punishment, And to the end that the said Non
Commissioned Officers and Private Dragoons may be sensible of
the care We have taken of them upon their dismission, You are to
cause these Our directions to be read at the head of each Troop,
for a more ready compliance with Our Pleasure hereby signified,
and see the same put into Execution--Given at Our Court at St.
James’s, this 12th day of June, 1783, in the twenty third Year of
Our Reign.
By His Majesty’s Command,
R. FITZ PATRICK.
To Our Trusty and Welbeloved Russell Manners Esq. Lt. Gen.
Commandant of our 19th Regt, of (Light) Dragoons or to the
Officer Commanding in Chief of our said Regt.
In a “Report of the Lt. Generals Johnston, Mocher and Sloper,
relative to the appointments of the 19th, 20th and 21st Regts. of
Light Dragoons &c.,” it is stated that the appointments are little
better than lumber. The following paragraph refers to the 19th Light
Dragoons--
“In regard to the seventh regiment, no report having been sent
us with your letter, and no officer having appeared before us to
give us any insight into the transaction between the Colonels of
that and the 19th Regiment of Light Dragoons, we can only say,
that as the 19th light Regt. was raised at the same time, and has
had pretty near the same duty, we imagine the same objections
will lay against the appointments of that regiment, as to the
others.
To Lt. Gen. FAWCETT,
Adjt. Gen. &c.”
PART III
THE TWENTY-THIRD, AFTERWARDS THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS
(1781-1822)
CHAPTER I.--1781-1782.
THE TWENTY-THIRD LIGHT DRAGOONS.
Alarming state of Public Affairs--Want of Cavalry in
India--Orders for raising the 23rd Light Dragoons--Colonel
Sir John Burgoyne--Regiment embark for India--Arrive in
Madras--Desperate State of Affairs--Madras Misgovernment--Horses
for the Regiment.
Alarming as was the state of our affairs in 1779, it was much worse
in 1781. In January, a rupture occurred with Holland, so that Great
Britain found herself simultaneously at war with France, Spain and
Holland, while engaged at the same time with her revolted Colonies
in America. The navy was overtaxed and inadequate to the demands
made on it, and the command of the sea had passed into the hands of
our enemies. Gibraltar had been besieged since July 1779, the siege
continuing till February 1783, the only assistance that could be
given being in the shape of stores and reinforcements at uncertain
intervals. In America, things had gone from bad to worse. On 19th
October 1781, Cornwallis was forced to capitulate at Yorktown with
the whole of his army, a disaster which practically brought the
war in America to a close, though it lingered on for nearly a year
and a half longer. In India, affairs were nearly as bad. The three
most important of the native powers at that time were Hyder Ali of
Mysore, the Mahrattas, and the Nizam of Hyderabad, and matters had so
turned out that we were at war with them all three. On the outbreak
of war between England and France, the French settlements quickly
fell into our hands. Hyder Ali was much under French influence, and
the fall of the French Settlement at Mahé, which was detrimental to
his interests, aroused his resentment. He was an able soldier and
administrator, and his army was, at that time, the best organised
among the native powers. Collecting his forces, he fell like an
avalanche on the Carnatic which he desolated. Some troops sent
against him, under Colonel Baillie, were literally annihilated;
another force, under Sir Hector Munro, was obliged to retreat, so
that at the end of 1780, the Company’s authority in the South of
India extended little beyond the precincts of the town of Madras.
Reinforcements were sent from Bengal under Sir Eyre Coote. The
results of the campaign of 1781 were, however, indecisive, in spite
of a victory gained by Sir Eyre Coote, at Porto Novo (1st July), and
some minor successes. It was estimated that one-third of the British
forces were lost in the campaign. In Western India, the Bombay
Government had engaged in hostilities against the Mahrattas, and met
with disaster. On the coast a powerful French fleet had appeared
under Suffren, one of the ablest seamen France ever produced. The
European forces of the East India Company were at that time in a
miserable state. Public recruiting in England was forbidden, and the
ranks were filled with the refuse of society. Felons with fetters
on them were shipped as soldiers; foreigners and adventurers of all
ranks were received; many of whom only wanted a passage to India, in
order that they might desert, as soon as possible, after they landed
in the country; invalids, vagrants, and men under the proper size
for military service. The whole were “in a most wretched condition,
almost indeed without subordination.” The only reliable European
troops in the country were the King’s troops, and the Company’s
Artillery into which the best of their recruits were drafted. Lord
Cornwallis, writing six years later of some troops he had recently
inspected, says:
“What shall I say of the Company’s Europeans? I did not think
Britain could have furnished such a set of wretched objects--I
would infinitely rather take the 73rd regiment upon service with
me, than the whole six Company’s battalions--Indeed I have great
doubts whether by drafting the whole six, I could complete one
serviceable battalion to the present establishment.”
It is only by appreciating the condition and circumstances of our
military services in India at this time, and the jealousy existing in
the highest quarters in England of the exercise of the authority of
a Government by the East India Company, that the almost independent
position held by the King’s troops in India can be understood. The
chief want was in Cavalry, and it is a proof of the ill-judged
parsimony or poverty of the Company that, in a country so well
adapted for that arm, where the cavalry of the enemy were counted by
tens of thousands, they should have failed, till the time treated of,
to produce an efficient mounted Corps. M. le Maitre de la Tour, a
French officer in the service of Hyder Ali, writing about the events
then occurring, says:
“ ... The English have never yet succeeded in the attempt to form
a good troop of European horse in India. As they have sent a
regiment of dragoons[3] from England, it is probable that their
arrival may place the affair on another footing. Though it may
not immediately be conceived, the reason of the want of success
in forming their intended troop of horse, consisted in the good
discipline to which they were desirous of subjecting them.
“The excellence of the English cavalry is sufficiently
acknowledged in Europe: and its advantages consist less in the
goodness of the horse, than in the choice of the horsemen. The
pay of a horseman in England is such as renders his situation
very eligible; so that the sons of rich farmers and tradesmen are
very desirous of entering into the service. This being the case,
it is in the power of the officers to select handsome well-formed
men of good character, and to keep them in good discipline merely
by the fear of being dismissed. The officers who were first
entrusted with the formation of a body of cavalry in India,
thought to establish and preserve the same discipline among them,
without attending to the great difference of time, place, and
persons. The recruits sent from England to India are in general
libertines, and people of bad character: and, as the Company will
not dismiss a soldier, all the punishment inflicted on a horseman
is, to reduce him to serve in the infantry; so that a man is no
sooner put among the cavalry, than he is sent back to his former
station. The French have succeeded in forming very good cavalry
in India, by attending more to their horsemanship, and less to
their discipline and manners.”
Hyder Ali’s cavalry numbered at that time about twenty-five thousand
horsemen, among which was a body of French dragoons and hussars. The
Company maintained no Cavalry establishment, beyond a small European
troop formed, as related by M. le Maitre de la Tour. When at war,
they borrowed a few hundreds of horsemen from the Nawab of Arcot,
unpaid, undrilled, and undisciplined.
Sir Eyre Coote, the Commander-in-chief in India, was loud in his
demands for Cavalry. In his dispatch on his victory at Porto Novo he
wrote:
“From the want of a corps of cavalry on our side equal in
number to the service required, we were, with victory decidedly
declared, obliged to halt just beyond the enemy’s grounds, not
being able to take advantage of so distinguished a day; for with
a corps of cavalry, the enemy’s guns, stores, &c., would, to a
certainty have fallen into our hands.”
Again, after the battle of Arnee, (2nd June 1782) he wrote:
“There was nothing wanting to have enabled me on this occasion
to ruin and disperse Hyder’s army, but a respectable body of
cavalry. One thing is certain, that had I such a corps we should
have captured the greatest part, if not the whole of his cannon.”
Under the urgent demands made on them, the Court of Directors applied
to the Crown for the loan of a Cavalry Regiment, and, in accordance
with the usual practice at that date, it was determined to raise a
Regiment for service in India. On the 24th Sept. 1781, the following
Warrant was issued to Colonel Sir John Burgoyne Bart., of the 14th
Light Dragoons, a cousin of General Burgoyne who surrendered at
Saratoga in 1777.
_Warrant for forming a Regiment of (Light) Dragoons under the
Command of Colonel Sir John Burgoyne Bart._
[Sidenote: 1781.]
George R.
Whereas We have thought fit to Order a Regiment of Light Dragoons
to be forthwith formed under your Command which is to consist of
Six Troops with Four Serjeants, Four Corporals, One Trumpeter,
One Hautboy, and Fifty four Private Men in each Troop, beside the
usual Number of Commissioned Officers; These are to Authorize you
by beat of Drum or otherwise to raise so many men in any County
or part of Our Kingdom of Great Britain, as shall be wanted to
complete the said Regiment, to the Numbers above mentioned. And
all Magistrates, &c., Given &c. this 24th day of September 1781,
in the Twenty first Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty’s Command,
C. JENKINSON.
To Our Trusty and Well-beloved Sir John Burgoyne Bart. Colonel
of Our 23rd Regiment of (Light) Dragoons, or to the Officer
appointed by Him to raise Men, for Our said Regiment.
In the London Gazette, for the same date, the following appointments
are made.
_23rd Light Dragoons._
Colonel Sir John Burgoyne, Bart. of 14th Dragoons is appointed to
be Colonel.
Major John Floyd of 21st Dragoons to be Lieutenant Colonel.
Captain Thomas Nash of 16th Dragoons to be Major.
_To be Captains of Troops._
Captain Jonathan Thomas of 15th Dragoons.
Captain Lieutenant Lewis Majendie of 15th Dragoons.
Captain Lieutenant John Campbell of 20th Dragoons.
Lieutenant John Beckwith of 15th Dragoons to be Captain
Lieutenant.
_To be Lieutenants._
Lieutenant William Gilbert Child of 21st Dragoons.
Lieutenant William Walton of 21st Dragoons.
Cornet John Fullerton of 21st Dragoons.
Cornet Guy Henry Crawford of 21st Dragoons.
Cornet T. J. Venables Hinde of 16th Dragoons.
The roll of officers was completed in subsequent Gazettes, but
several changes took place before the embarkation of the Regiment.
Colonel Sir John Burgoyne, Bart, of Sutton Park in Bedfordshire,
was an officer who had served in several Regiments, the 7th
Royal Fusiliers, the 52nd Foot, the 58th Foot, and was Lieutenant
Colonel of the 14th Light Dragoons at the time of his appointment
as Colonel of the 23rd Light Dragoons. He also held the offices of
Comptroller of the Port of Chester, and Muster Master of foreign
troops serving in North America. On being appointed to serve in
India, he was granted local rank as Major General in the East Indies
from 1st June 1781, and was subsequently made Major General in the
Army, 20th November 1782.[4] It is probable that the regiment was
largely composed of drafts from the regiments that furnished it with
officers, viz.: the 8th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 20th, and 21st Light
Dragoons. The Regiment was first brought together in the vicinity
of his home, and, under order dated 28th December, marched from
Bedford to Portsmouth to embark for India. The following orders and
instructions had previously been issued, and subsequent events were
to show how much the admonition as to disputes with the officers of
the East India Company were needed.
_Orders and Instructions to Sir John Burgoyne Colonel of the 23rd
Regiment of (Light) Dragoons for the Conduct of his Regiment on
their passage to the East Indies dated 29th November 1781._
George R.
You will before embarking call together the Officers of the
Regiment under Your Command, and recommend to them in a
particular manner the avoiding all manner of disputes with the
Officers of the East India Company, and that they use their
utmost Endeavours to live with them in the greatest harmony, as
the contrary behaviour will be very displeasing unto Us, as well
as detrimental to the Service they are jointly to be employed
in;--the respective Officers of Companies are to recommend the
same to the Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers under their
Command; The Officers of the East India Company having the same
orders, as to their behaviour to Our Land Forces.
You will give the strictest orders for keeping up good discipline
and regularity both whilst the Troops are on board the East India
Companie’s Ships, and on Shore, and if any Commissioned, Non
Commissioned Officer or Soldier shall be guilty of any Crime or
disorder whilst on board the said Ships, he shall be immediately
confined, and you will order Courts Martial to be held and the
delinquent to be punished there.
The Officers of our said Forces on board the said Ships, shall
give the necessary orders for the Men under their Command,
consulting with the Commanders of the said Ships, in every
thing relating to their Service on board, dividing the Men into
Watches, with a proportionable Number of Commissioned and Non
Commissioned Officers.
The necessary Orders shall likewise be given for airing the
bedding daily, for keeping the births (_sic_) clean and sweet,
for preventing gaming, and selling Drams or spirituous liquors
and putting out the Lights between Decks with all which
Commissioned Officers shall be chargeable.
No Officers or Soldiers shall go on Shore out of any of the said
Ships, without the Consent of the Captain of the Ship as well
as ye Commanding Officer of the Land Forces, and whenever any
men are allowed to go on Shore, Commissioned or Non Commissioned
Officers are to be sent with them, who are to be answerable for
their Conduct whilst on Shore, and are to make a report thereof
upon their return on board.
Weekly returns of the Officers and Men of Our said Forces, on
board each Ship, shall be constantly made out, and sent to You,
as often as opportunity offers, and Monthly returns of Our said
Forces under your Command shall be transmitted by You for Us,
to Our Secretary at War, as also a Report of every thing that
happens when you have an opportunity of sending them.
You will transmit with as much expedition as the opportunity of
time, distance and place can admit, the original proceedings and
Sentences of every General Court Martial, to the Commander in
Chief in the East Indies who is to send the same to the Judge
Advocate General in London.
In every thing you will consider the honour of Our Forces,
the good of Our Service, and the Interest of the East India
Company whose Territories and Commerce You are sent to protect
and establish, You will therefore chearfully (_sic_) concur
in all things which the principal Officers of the East India
Company shall judge conducive thereto, and for that purpose you
will use your utmost endeavours to preserve a good harmony and
understanding betwixt Our Land Forces and those of the East India
Company.
Given at Our Court at St James’s this 29th day of November 1781,
in the Twenty first Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty’s Command
BARRINGTON.
In a letter, dated London 25th January 1782, from the East India
Directors to the President and Council at Fort St. George, the Madras
authorities were thus advised of the dispatch of the Regiment to
India--
“His Majesty having been graciously pleased to order a Regiment
of Light Dragoons, dismounted, and two Regiments of Foot[5] to
proceed to the East Indies for the protection and defence of the
Company’s possessions, we hereby inform you that they embark on
board the ships now under dispatch for India. Instructions have
been given by our Chairman and Depy. Chairman to provide horses
to be in readiness for the Dragoons, in order to render them fit
for immediate service upon their arrival: and we rely upon these
instructions having been duly complied with. The strength of the
Regiments and Lists of the Officers are as follows--
_Establishment of a Regiment of Light Dragoons commanded by
Colonel Sir John Burgoyne, Bart._
1 Colonel and Captain.
1 Lt.-Colonel and Captain.
1 Major and Captain.
3 Captains more.
6 Lieutenants.
6 Cornets.
6 Quarter Masters.
1 Chaplain.
1 Adjutant.
1 Surgeon.
1 Surgeon’s Mate.
24 Serjeants.
24 Corporals.
6 Trumpeters.
6 Hautbois.
324 Private men.
---
412
===
_List of the Officers of the Twenty Third Regiment of Light
Dragoons._
Regiment. Army.
_Colonel_ _Sir_ John 24 Sept. 1781. 29 Aug. ’77.
Burgoyne, Bt. Maj.-Gen.
E. Indies,
1st June ’81.
_Lt. Colonel_ John Floyd do.
_Major_ Thomas Nash do.
_Captains_ Jonathan Thomas do. 28 June 1779.
John Beckwith 27th.
Thomas Crewe Dodd 28th.
_Capt.-Lieut._ John Petley 29th.
_Lieutenants_ Wm. Gilbert Child 24th. 26 Feb. 1780.
William Walton 25th. 23 March ’81.
Guy Henry Crawford 27th.
T. S. Venables Hinde 28th.
William Sage 3rd Dec. 9 Oct. ’78.
_Cornets_ George Williams 24th Sept.
John Campbell 25th do.
Thomas Eyre 26th.
John Horsefall 27th.
John Jaffrey 28th.
Robert Anstey 29th.
_Adjutant_ Robert Hilton 24th Sept. ’81.
_Surgeon_ John M‘Cullock 24th Sept. ’81.”
On the 5th January 1782, the Regiment embarked at Portsmouth, on
board the ships _Ceres_ and _Royal Henry_ forming part of the
East India fleet sailing under convoy of Vice Admiral Sir Richard
Bickerton. In the same fleet sailed the two newly raised Infantry
Regiments, a Hanoverian regiment raised to serve the East India
Company for seven years, drafts for four King’s regiments then
serving in India, and some recruits, raised in Ireland, for the
Company’s service. Lieutenant Colonel Floyd, with the greater part
of the Regiment, was on board the _Ceres_. Sir John Burgoyne, with
the rest of the Regiment, sailed in the _Royal Henry_. Floyd was
in command of the Regiment: Sir John Burgoyne being apparently in
command of the whole of the Troops. The voyage was an uneventful
one, though not without some apprehension of meeting a French
fleet. It was known that a French fleet was fitting out in Brest,
under the Comte de Guiche, to intercept them. On the 27th February,
intelligence was received of a combined French and Spanish fleet of
41 sail of the line and 18 frigates, that was cruising to intercept
the convoy. The frigate that brought the intelligence had also passed
close to a French squadron of 14 sail, that had only just missed the
convoy: probably the squadron from Brest. But no enemy was seen, and
on 28th April, the fleet was safely anchored in Rio, where it lay
till 3rd June. In those days it was the custom to carry beer for
troops at sea, as a protection against scurvy. The log of the _Ceres_
records that on 3rd March the beer had come to an end, and spirits
were served to the troops. On the 15th March, the log records that
there was “delivered to Lieut. Colonel Floyd, Commanding Officer of
the troops on board, 1 Chest of Tea belonging to the Honble Company,
for the use of the military.” Later on again the issue of spruce
beer to the troops is recorded. It is evident that much attention,
according to the medical lights of that day, was paid to the health
of the troops, with a view to landing them in India in as healthy
a condition as possible. On the 31st March, they crossed the line
with all the ceremonies observed on those occasions, now long since
obsolete. The log records that at P.M. the Captain “mustered the
ship’s Company to know who had crossed the Line before, when we found
81 who had not, who all agreed to pay the usual forfeit except one
Seaman and two Boys who were accordingly ducked three times from ye
Lee Main Yard Arm.” We may be sure that all on board relieved the
monotony of the voyage by taking part in the rough festivities of the
day. Lt. Colonel Floyd says in a private letter, “Our dragoons are
divided into two watches, and relieve each other every four hours, so
the half of them are always on deck, chiefly for the sake of their
health, and to assist the seamen in the operations of the ship,
at which they now begin to be very handy.” On the 15th July, when
nearing the Cape, a Danish ship “fresh from the Cape” was spoken,
and gave news that, on the 13th, 4 French sail of the line and 9
transports were to have sailed for the Mauritius: also, that on 26th
June, a French frigate and 12 transports with troops had sailed from
the Cape. But nothing more eventful occurred, and on 6th Sept., the
whole fleet anchored in Bombay. There the convoy was broken up, and,
on 15th, the _Ceres_ and _Royal Henry_ sailed for Madras, where they
cast anchor on 19th and 20th October. Hardly had they done so, when
bad weather set in; the ships were blown from their anchorage, and,
it was not till 26th and 27th October, that the Regiment disembarked;
the first British Cavalry Regiment to land in India. Three deaths
occurred among the men during the voyage, Private Jonas Bateman on
23rd April, Private Joseph Gardner on 4th June, and Private Simon
Kemp on 23rd September.
The reinforcements were sorely needed. So badly had the East India
Company’s affairs prospered that, in October, there appeared a
probability of the whole of the British establishments in southern
India being destroyed. Every where was discord, and disaster. The
relations of the Madras Council, both with the naval and military
commanders, were greatly strained. Sir Eyre Coote had been obliged
to return to Bengal for a time on account of his health, and Sir
Hector Munro, Commander-in-Chief in Madras, had resigned his command,
while the pay of the Native Army was many months in arrears. So
great had been the losses among the European officers, that, in
spite of the stringent orders of the Court of Directors, the Madras
Government had granted Commissions to anybody they could lay their
hands on. Four naval actions had taken place off the coast during
the year, between the French fleet under Suffren and the English
fleet under Hughes, without any decisive result, though the balance
of advantage was with the French. Trincomalee had been captured by
the French, and the shattered English ships had no place nearer than
Bombay where they could refit. By land, operations had been equally
unsuccessful. In February, a British detachment consisting of about
100 Europeans, 1500 sepoys, 360 Cavalry, and 9 field pieces under
Colonel Brathwaite, was forced to surrender to a combined Mysore and
French force, and, in April, Cuddalore yielded to the same enemy.
The operations of Sir Eyre Coote, who was at that time Commander in
Chief in India had not been successful. In an attempt on Arnee he was
outmanœuvred by Hyder, several small reverses were experienced, and,
finally, he had fallen so seriously ill that he was forced to resign
his command, and sail for Bengal. Negapatam was attacked by Suffren
and Hyder in July, and was only saved by the timely appearance of the
British fleet. To make matters worse, famine was raging in Madras.
The country had been abandoned to the undisturbed possession of
the enemy; great numbers of natives had flocked into the town for
protection from Hyder’s Cavalry, and the ill success of our arms,
together with scarcity of funds and bad management, prevented the
collection of adequate supplies. “Hundreds perished daily.”[6]
In the beginning of October, there were only 30,000 bags of rice in
the place, the monthly consumption being 50,000. A large quantity of
rice was afloat in the roads but could not be landed, owing to all
the harbour boats being taken up for the service of the fleet.[7] On
15th October, a terrible storm arose: the fleet was blown off the
coast, the flag ship being so much damaged that she was kept afloat
with difficulty; several merchant ships were stranded or foundered
at their anchors, and all the rice afloat was lost. “The shore for
several miles was covered with wrecks and with the bodies of the
dead and dying.”[8] Before the storm, the Admiral had declared his
intention of carrying his ships round to Bombay, and had positively
refused to stop on the coast, though the absence of the fleet
imperilled the safety of Madras. Some relief had been gained by the
establishment of peace with the Mahrattas, in May (treaty of Salbye),
though the final ratifications were not exchanged till February 1783:
so that even in this quarter peace was not definitely secured.
It was under these depressing circumstances that the 23rd Light
Dragoons landed in India, not to leave it again until the British
arms were triumphant everywhere; a result to which the Regiment
contributed in no small degree. Their arrival gave promise that
future successes in the field should not be so barren in results
as had frequently been the case in the past. In their dispatch of
31st October 1782, the Madras Government, showing their satisfaction
at the arrival of the 23rd Light Dragoons, quote Sir Eyre Coote’s
opinion that “a body of cavalry would have procured him the most
solid and decisive advantages over the enemy” in the earlier
operations.
The regiment landed with a strength of 360 privates fit for duty,
and, by all accounts, appears to have been a splendid lot of men.
Madras letters described the troops landed as “remarkably healthy,
and as fine a body of men as ever came to India ... particularly
Burgoyne’s men, who, when mounted, will be as fine a body of men
as ever went into the field.” A contemporary writer mentions them
as “this sightly corps,” and Burgoyne himself, in the midst of his
troubles two years later, writes, “the men are now the finest you
can imagine.” Immediately after landing, firelocks were served out
to the men, and a party of them were exercised in heavy gun drill.
In the course of the general mismanagement that distinguished the
Madras administration at that day, the regiment was first quartered
in Fort St. George, in what has been described as “a suffocating
bombproof, from which three or four hundred French prisoners,
afflicted with various pestilential diseases had been recently
removed. The consequences were such as might have been expected. A
fatal mortality so much prevailed that no less than two or three
of the men were daily sent to their graves.” In consequence of the
scarcity of provisions, biscuit was issued to all the European troops
instead of rice. After a time, the regiment was moved to San Thomé,
four or five miles from Madras. The four hundred horses ordered to
be in readiness for the regiment, were not forthcoming, the few
horses available in Madras not being large enough to carry European
dragoons. An application for horses had been made to Bengal, but
received a discouraging reply. An allowance of Rs. 600 per horse was
therefore made to Sir John Burgoyne, to do his best with in mounting
the regiment. The Bengal government were ready to send horses but
could not find means of transport. In the Calcutta _Gazette_ for
21st December an advertisement appears, asking owners and freighters
of ships to quote rates, and state what number of horses they would
convey to Madras for government. A week later, the _Gazette_ mentions
that “Lt. Colonel Eyre’s regiment of (native) cavalry is arrived at
Cowgatchy from Monghyr. It is reported that this regiment is to be
dismounted, and the horses sent to Madras for the European cavalry
lately arrived there.” But freight for the horses was not obtained.
Bengal had been denuded of troops, and it was impossible to send
the horses by land without a strong escort. It was not till June
following that four hundred horses arrived from Bengal, by land, and
the regiment was at last complete.