The 1st Battalion of the Coldstream Guards being on the point of
embarkation to return to England, Lieut.-General Lord Combermere feels
he cannot in too strong terms, express his approbation of the good
conduct and discipline of this fine Battalion, during the time it has
been employed in this command. The Lieutenant-General could not but be
highly gratified in his recent inspection of the Battalion, by the
soldierlike appearance, steadiness, and extreme precision with which
the movements were executed. The Battalion has no less claim to merit
for the extreme order and regularity which prevail in the barracks,
affording ample proof of excellent interior arrangement, unremitting
attention on the part of all ranks, and of the zeal and ability with
which the command is conducted. In conveying his best thanks to the
Battalion generally, Lord Combermere feels desirous to express
particularly to Colonel Sir H. Bouverie, the sense he entertains of
his zeal and exertion in the performance of every point of duty, and
especially during the period he had the superintendence and command of
this Garrison.”
The Duke of York recorded his appreciation of the conduct of the
Battalion, by causing a letter, dated August 12th, to be addressed to
Colonel Woodford, which was published in Regimental Orders of the 14th:—
H.R.H. has learnt with great satisfaction from your letter, as well as
from the reports from Ireland, that the conduct of the 1st Battalion
of the Coldstream has received the unqualified approbation of the
Commander of the Forces, which would offer a confirmation, if any had
been necessary, of the favourable opinion he has always entertained of
the discipline, and meritorious discharge of every duty.
Alterations in the Regimental Hospital in Vincent Square, established in
1814, were completed in September, 1823, and the building was
re-occupied on the 9th; quarters were provided therein for a Medical
Officer, under whose care the recruits of the Regiment (then at the
Recruit House in London) were also placed.[141] About the same time,
1824, another Medical Officer took up his residence in barracks, and was
made specially responsible for the men, women, and children of the
Battalion stationed there. After an inspection made by the Duke of
Cambridge, the Colonel of the Regiment, an order was published, dated
August 10, 1825, expressing to Dr. Whymper and the Medical Officers His
Royal Highness' satisfaction and pleasure at the perfect state,
regularity, comfort, and cleanliness of the Regimental Hospital.[142]
-----
Footnote 141:
_Regimental Order, Aug. 16, 1824._
Footnote 142:
See Appendix No. VII.
-----
A boat-race against time was got up in 1824, the conditions being, that
“six Officers of the Guards belonging to aquatic clubs” should row in a
six-oared wherry from Oxford to Westminster Bridge in sixteen
consecutive hours, the crew to choose their own coxwain. The distance is
118 miles; there were no outriggers in those days, and many locks
intervene and obstruct the course to be rowed over, which, however, on
application to the Thames Commissioners, were kept in readiness to let
the boat through without delay. An attempt had previously been made to
perform the same feat in seventeen hours, by Lord Newry (the late Lord
Kilmorey), with a crew selected by himself from among his own people,
but it failed. The present match was looked forward to with considerable
interest, and large sums of money were laid upon the event. Captain
Short (Coldstream Guards) seems to have been captain of the boat, the
other oars being Captains Gordon-Douglas (afterwards Lord Penrhyn), and
H. S. Blane (Grenadier Guards), and Captains G. F. H. Hudson, G. D.
Standen, and Hon. J. C. Westenra (Third Guards). The wherry left Oxford
at 3 a.m. on the 14th of May, and, reaching Bolter’s Lock at 11.30,
Windsor Bridge at 1 p.m., Teddington Lock at 5.30, Putney Bridge at 6,
and Battersea Bridge at 6.30, arrived at Westminster Bridge, at 6.45,
“amidst the acclamations of thousands of spectators,” with just a
quarter of an hour to spare. “They were assisted out of the boat,
carried on shore, and put to bed.” The average rate was about seven and
a half miles an hour, counting stoppages for refreshment and those
occasioned by going through the locks, and the feat was remarkable,
considering the class of boat that existed at that time. We are told,
moreover, that all the crew were in a state of great exhaustion at the
conclusion of the race, and that one or two could not stand without
support.[143]
-----
Footnote 143:
_Annual Register_ , 1824, “Chronicle,” p. 59.
-----
On the 16th of July, 1825, Major-General Woodford, promoted to that rank
on May 27th, retired from the command of the Regiment, and was succeeded
by Colonel Macdonell, Sir H. Bouverie having also been appointed a
General Officer in May. Thereupon Colonel Hamilton became Senior Major
(commanding the 1st Battalion), and Colonel Raikes, Junior Major (2nd
Battalion).[144]
-----
Footnote 144:
The distinction between the First and Second Majors, which existed in
Regiments of Foot Guards, was abolished by authority, dated, September
11, 1821 (MacKinnon, _Origin and Services of the Coldstream Guards_ ,
ii. 503).
-----
[Illustration: N. R. Wilkinson del MUSKETEER 1669. Mintern
Bros. Chromo.]
In July, 1825, the Regiment contained the following Officers:—
_Colonel._—Field-Marshal H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, K.G., G.C.B.,
etc.
_Lieutenant-Colonel._—Colonel J. Macdonell, C.B.
_Majors._—Colonels J. Hamilton; and W. H. Raikes.
_Captains._—Lieut.-Colonels F. Milman; T. Barrow; D. MacKinnon; and H.
Dawkins; (_Mounted_).
Colonel Sir R. Arbuthnot, K.C.B.; Lieut.-Colonel Sir W. Gomm, K.C.B.;
Colonel Waters, C.B.; Lieut.-Colonels T. Steele; J. Fremantle, C.B.;
W. Walton; A. Wedderburn; C. Shawe; G. Bowles; C. Bentinck; G.
FitzClarence; F. Russell.
_Lieutenants._—Major J. S. Cowell; Captains J. Drummond; C. Girardot; T.
Chaplin; H. Salwey; Hon. J. Forbes; A. Cuyler; W. Kortright; H.
Armytage; H. Gooch; T. Powys; H. Bentinck (Adjutant); F. Shawe; F.
Buller; J. Montagu; H. Vane; R. Bowen; C. Short; J. Hall; Hon. H.
Dundas; W. Cornwall; Hon. W. Graves; H. Murray; B. Broadhead.
_Ensigns._—Lieutenants C. Hay; G. Bentinck; W. Northey (Adjutant); J. D.
Rawdon; Hon. T. Ashburnham; Hon. E. Erskine; W. J. Codrington; E. D.
Wigram; St. J. Dent; Hon. H. Fane; Hon. J. Hope; W. Cotton; Hon. A.
Upton; F. Paget; B. Manningham; E. B. Wilbraham; Lord M. W. Graham.
_Quartermasters._—T. Dwelly and B. Selway.
_Surgeon-Major._—J. Simpson. _Battalion Surgeons._—W. Whymper, M.D., and
T. Maynard. _Assistant Surgeons._—G. Smith and F. Gilder.
_Solicitor._—W. G. Carter, Esq.
The year 1826 was one of distress in England, which led to considerable
disorder, especially in the manufacturing parts of Lancashire. The
workmen, believing that the introduction of machinery, then beginning to
be used, was the cause of their sufferings, committed many acts of
outrage, and, during the last week of April, a large amount of property
was destroyed by riotous mobs in that county. In order to strengthen the
military force required to suppress these disturbances, the 2nd
Battalion Coldstream and the 1st Battalion Third Guards proceeded to
Manchester (by canal from Paddington) on the 1st and 2nd of May
respectively. The 2nd Battalion were stationed there until the end of
July, when they were sent to Dublin to relieve the 2nd Battalion
Grenadiers, which, on reaching Liverpool, were ordered to remain in the
Northern District.
On leaving this District, the following letter was addressed by the
Lieut.-General Commanding (Sir J. Byng) to the Commanding Officer, 2nd
Battalion Coldstream, dated July 23rd, and published in Regimental
Orders, August 8th:—
The Battalion of Coldstream Guards under your command, being on the
point of its departure for Ireland, Sir John Byng thinks it but due
to the Officers and men, to notice to them the very creditable
reports which have reached him of the orderly and soldierlike
conduct of the Battalion during the time it has been stationed at
Manchester—testimonials which, joined to what he has observed
himself when on the spot, are the more gratifying to the
Lieutenant-General, because, whilst they afford him an opportunity
of thanking them for their useful services in the District under his
orders, another occasion presents itself of recording his
unqualified approbation of a corps which so highly distinguished
itself under his command at the Battle of Waterloo; and for whose
welfare and high character he must ever feel sincerely interested.
In communicating the above to you, the Lieutenant-General requests
you will be so good to make it known to the Battalion in such manner
as you may judge proper.
Colonel Raikes having retired from the service, June 21, 1826, Colonel
MacKinnon became Junior Major, commanding the 2nd Battalion.
It was not until towards the end of the year that the two Battalions of
Guards quartered in Lancashire were brought back to London, and then a
fresh duty awaited the Brigade. There was trouble between Spain and
Portugal, and the Government determined to support the latter Power. The
resolution to do so, was hastily formed or tardily published, and on the
same day that it was announced in Parliament (December 11th), orders
were issued for six companies of the 1st Grenadiers and of the 2nd
Battalion Third Guards, made up to 84 rank and file each, to be held in
readiness for foreign service; the Brigade so formed, to be commanded by
Major-General Sir H. Bouverie (late of the Coldstream). The expedition,
numbering 5000 men, under Sir H. Clinton, started immediately
afterwards, and, before Christmas, the troops began to land at Lisbon.
As no portion of the Coldstream took part in this service, it is
unnecessary to make any further allusion to it in this volume, except to
note that it lasted more than a year, and that the two Battalions did
not return home until the spring of 1828.
The death of the Duke of York, January 5, 1827, brought to a close the
career of an able military administrator who, for twenty-one years of
his early life (1784-1805), had been Colonel of the Coldstream Guards.
His unremitting devotion to the best interests of the service, during a
period of thirty-two years (broken by a short interval only), in which
he served as Commander-in-Chief (1795-1827), earned for him an enduring
fame in the annals of the country. When he first was entrusted with this
high office, the British army was still afflicted by that inefficiency
which caused disaster in North America, and brought ruin and disgrace
upon our arms; but, at the end of his life, greatly owing to his vigour
and ability, this lamentable state of things was completely changed, and
victory and glory once more shone upon our banners.
“It is not on account of his early services,” wrote Sir Walter Scott,
“that we now venture to bring forward the late Duke of York’s claims
to the perpetual gratitude of his country. It is as the reformer and
regenerator of the British army, which he brought, from a state nearly
allied to general contempt, to such a pitch of excellence, that we
may, without much hesitation, claim for them an equality with, if not
a superiority over, any troops in Europe.”[145]
-----
Footnote 145:
_Annual Register_ , 1827, “History and Biography,” p. 460.
-----
At the funeral, which took place at Windsor, the Brigade was represented
by a force of about 1400 Officers and men, of whom the 1st Battalion
Coldstream furnished 12 Officers and 269 Non-commissioned officers and
men.
In the summer of this year, the 2nd Battalion returned from Ireland, and
was quartered in Portman Street, the 1st Battalion being stationed in
King’s Mews barracks (August 1st).
Next year, the 1st Battalion marched to Manchester (October 1st),[146]
and remained there for ten months, when they were sent to Dublin, by
Liverpool (July, 1829), for a year’s service in Ireland, returning to
London (Portman Street) in August, 1830. During this period, the
Battalion continued to receive the highest commendation for the
excellent discipline and good conduct that prevailed among all ranks,
and the following extract from Major-General Dalbiac’s confidential
report, dated May 6th, and sent by order of the Commander-in-Chief (Lord
Hill) to the Lieut.-Colonel, for the information of the Colonel of the
Regiment, Field-Marshal H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, will be read with
interest:—
“It is impossible to speak in terms too commendable of the good order,
the interior economy, and the general efficiency of the 1st Battalion
Coldstream Guards, which I consider to be a corps of the first value.
The body of men is particularly good; the Battalion thoroughly
instructed in its duties in garrison and in the field; the conduct of
the men very exemplary. The Commanding Officers have severally
afforded me much valuable assistance in upholding the discipline of
the Garrison.”[147]
-----
Footnote 146:
The following Regimental Order was published upon this occasion, dated
20th: “The Commanding Officer of the Regiment cannot withhold his
great satisfaction at the reports made to him of the exemplary conduct
of the 1st Battalion on the march from London to Manchester.”
Footnote 147:
Deputy Adjutant-General, Horse Guards, to Colonel Macdonell, July 5,
1830. It may be stated that the Regimental standard of height for
recruits, was fixed at 5 ft. 9 in. in the autumn of 1828, and was
raised to 5 ft. 10 in. three months later.
-----
In this connection, a Battalion Order of February 11th, published in
Dublin, may also be quoted:—
In consequence of the diminution in the list of defaulters,
Lieut.-Colonel Fremantle requests that Officers will set at liberty
the defaulters in their respective companies.
On May 16, 1829, Colonel Hamilton having retired, Colonel MacKinnon
became Senior Major (1st Battalion), and Colonel Sir W. Gomm was
promoted Junior Major (2nd Battalion).
It should be noted here, that, about this time, a mistake began to creep
in with respect to the title of the Regiment, which, being placed in the
Army List between the First, or Grenadier, and the Third Regiment of
Foot Guards, was occasionally described as the “Second Foot Guards.” In
December, 1829, the Lieut.-Colonel (Colonel Macdonell) protested against
this innovation; and, in reply, Sir H. Hardinge, then Secretary at War,
had it stopped, and regretted that a clerical error should have
accidentally been made.[148]
-----
Footnote 148:
There is evidence to show that when the standing army was in its
infancy, the designation “Second” instead of “Coldstream” Guards was,
upon a few occasions, used in official documents; but this happened
through inadvertence, and the Regiment invariably protested against
this name, basing the objection on the origin of the corps and its
services at the Restoration of King Charles II. The military
authorities acquiesced in this protest, and admitted the validity of
the objection. Hence the motto “Nulli Secundus” was used; and the
motto soon took a wider meaning than is merely expressed by Regimental
succession in the army roll. While on this subject, it will not be
amiss to note that the modern ungrammatical appellation of
“Coldstreams” is incorrect. The Regiment is the “Coldstream,” and the
men are called “Coldstreamers.” Soldiers who handle grenades or fusils
may be known as Grenadiers or Fusiliers; but those who are called
after one town (Coldstream), cannot be designated by the plural of
that town. One or two old documents, dated about 1689, contain the
word “Coldstreams.” The rest are invariably correct; but if language
was, in a very few instances, defective at that period, it might
surely be corrected in the present day.
-----
Some changes had been made in the uniform of the Officers of the Brigade
after 1815, especially in the beginning of the reign of George IV.; but
a more complete and permanent change began to be adopted in the year
1830, and was not finally effected until 1834. It may be sufficient to
state here, that blue trousers with gold lace, those of Oxford grey
mixture with the red stripe (for winter wear), and the present gold and
crimson sashes were then introduced. The gorget, the white pantaloons,
or breeches and stockings (worn in the evening), and the cap-lines and
tassels of Non-commissioned officers were discontinued; and the bearskin
cap became the head-dress of the whole Regiment instead of the Grenadier
company only, as was formerly the case. The Rose—one of the distinctive
badges of the Coldstream, which has now, unfortunately, entirely
disappeared from the uniform of Officers, though still happily to be
seen on that belonging to Non-commissioned officers and men—was then
retained on the epaulettes, and was not removed until a quarter of a
century later. Further, a braided great-coat was allotted to Officers of
the Brigade, of the same pattern for the three Regiments, to distinguish
them from the Line. Lastly, Field-Officers of the Guards were ordered by
the King (_Brigade Order_ , March 2, 1831) to wear the same sword belt,
as that of a General Officer. Uniform, at that time, seems to have been
worn in out-quarters more frequently than is customary at present; and
orders exist, which show that Officers stationed in Dublin, were not
allowed to appear in plain clothes, unless going to some distance in the
country, and remaining absent all night from their quarters. On the
other hand, there was no special mess-dress; but uniform at mess was
nevertheless the rule, and Officers did not dine in barracks in plain
clothes.
The death of George IV. occurred on June 26, 1830, and William IV.
ascended the Throne. The funeral of the late King took place at Windsor,
and was attended by the 2nd Coldstream (the 1st Battalion was in
Dublin). Upon this occasion an order was issued intimating that,
“Colonel Macdonell has been honoured by His Majesty’s commands to
communicate to the 2nd Battalion, in the strongest possible terms, his
approbation of their conduct during the ceremonial of the Funeral of His
late Majesty King George IV.,” adding that “the King has further
directed Colonel Macdonell to say that it affords him the greatest
pleasure thus to express his satisfaction, on the first opportunity he
has had of seeing them since his accession to the Throne.” An order
couched in similar terms was addressed to that part of the Brigade,
employed in the ceremonial just mentioned, viz. 1st Grenadiers,
quartered at Windsor, 100 men each from the 2nd and 3rd Grenadiers, the
2nd Coldstream, and the 1st Battalion Third Guards.
During the early years of his reign, William IV. frequently inspected
the Foot Guards. The 2nd Battalion Coldstream was the first reviewed
(July 19th), and on the same day, the King granted the Regiment the
privilege of receiving His Majesty with the Coldstream March instead of
the National Anthem. This was communicated by the following Regimental
Order:—
“Colonel Macdonell has received His Majesty’s commands to communicate
to the Officers, Non-commissioned officers and men, his entire
satisfaction with their appearance this morning. His Majesty has been
further pleased to command that hereafter, when he is received by
either Battalion of the Regiment, the band is to play the Coldstream
Regimental March instead of 'God save the King.'”[149]
-----
Footnote 149:
The Coldstream March is taken from Mozart’s _Nozze di Figaro_ (“_Non
piu Andrai_”), and it used to be called “The Duke of York’s March.”
About fifty years ago, “The Milanollo” was introduced as a Regimental
Quick March.
A like privilege to play their Regimental Marches instead of the
National Anthem, when receiving His Majesty, was also granted (July
19th) to the other two Regiments of Foot Guards. Two Battalions of the
Grenadiers were inspected by the King on July 22nd, when it was
ordered that the spears of their Colours should be surmounted by a
wreath of oak leaves, and that the whole of the Officers and men of
these Battalions, and of the detachments from the Brigade keeping the
ground, should wear laurel in their caps, in compliment to the Duke of
Wellington, it being the anniversary of the battle of Salamanca.
-----
On the same day, the King commanded that the Field-Officer in Brigade
Waiting, accompanied by the Adjutant in Waiting, and an Orderly Sergeant
from each Regiment of Foot Guards, should attend His Majesty’s carriage
on State occasions. The former practice was that the Field-Officer
attended the Sovereign, and had a place in a Royal carriage assigned to
him.
A few days later the members of the Nulli Secundus Club were honoured by
an invitation to dine with His Majesty (July 31st). Upon this occasion,
the King was pleased to express the attachment which he felt,
especially, for the Coldstream Guards, and the sincere interest he took
in the continued prosperity of the Nulli Secundus Club, and he intimated
it to be his intention to receive the members at dinner every year.[150]
-----
Footnote 150:
See Appendix No. VII.
-----
On the 22nd of July, Colonel Macdonell, having been promoted
Major-General, was succeeded in the command of the Regiment by Colonel
MacKinnon; thereupon Colonel Sir. W. Gomm became Senior Major (1st
Battalion), and Colonel Milman, Junior Major (2nd Battalion).
The period 1829-1832, will ever be memorable in English history as one
of great trouble, anxiety, and difficulty. There was considerable
distress among the working classes, especially in 1829,—due, according
to some writers, to the currency laws which then came into
operation.[151] But besides this, and far more important, a wave of
agitation swept over the face of the country with a terrific force,
unknown since the great Rebellion. Violent riots and great disorder were
of frequent occurrence; and civil war, though happily it never broke
out, was imminent, and was believed by some to be inevitable. During
this period, Catholic Emancipation was carried and Reform was passed;
the landmarks of the then existing British Constitution were
obliterated, and the political principles, which were held by many to be
the basis of national prosperity, were uprooted. The death of George IV.
at this critical juncture, contributed in no small degree to fan the
flames of discontent, and to produce the uncompromising changes in the
government of the country, which were effected in 1832. But events
abroad also served to shape the destinies of England; for, added to the
trouble at home, Europe, too, was convulsed by mighty disturbances,
which shook to their foundations some of the principal Continental
nations, and influenced the course of agitation in this country.
Belgium, at that time subject to the Crown of Holland, rebelled,
declared her independence, and succeeded in establishing herself as a
separate Monarchy under the rule of a Prince of Saxe-Coburg, who assumed
the title of King Leopold I.[152] In France the spirit of revolution,
vainly smothered in 1815, and ignorantly dealt with by the Bourbons,
again reared its head, and Charles X. was hurled from his throne. The
ancient Monarchy of France was finally and for ever extinguished, and a
Citizen-King, surrounded by Republican institutions, was invited to
reign by the favour of the Garde Nationale—the armed representatives of
the populace. The insurrection, that succeeded in vesting Louis-Philippe
with a semblance of Royal power, and that effectually tore to shreds the
constitution fixed by the Allies in 1815, began in Paris on the 26th of
July, 1830, just two days after the dissolution of Parliament in London.
The general election took place about a month later; and in the excited
state of men’s minds, when widespread sympathy was felt and expressed
for the aspirations of the Orleanist faction in France, the result could
not but reflect the movement that was carried on there, and give impetus
to an agitation which had already acquired considerable strength.
-----
Footnote 151:
Alison’s _History of Europe_ , 1815-52, iv. 214, etc.
Footnote 152:
King Leopold I. was a near relation of our Royal Family, being uncle
of Queen Victoria, brother of the Duchess of Kent. His first wife,
moreover, was Charlotte, only child of George IV., by his Queen,
Caroline. Had this Princess lived, she would have become Queen of
England, and her husband, like his nephew subsequently became, would
have been Prince Consort.
-----
Parliament opened on the 26th of October, and three weeks later, on the
fall of the administration of the Duke of Wellington, Lord Grey was
called to office. The winter passed gloomily, and a wild spirit of
revolt was abroad. The southern counties around London were “in a state
of open insurrection;” the agitators, frequently referring to events in
Belgium and France, inflamed the passions of the people; outrages and
excesses were committed, and so great was the consternation created by
the fear of disorder, that the King’s visit to the city (November 9th)
had to be given up. It is unnecessary to describe the various
vicissitudes which attended the great struggle for Reform. Suffice it to
say that the country continued to be the prey to an increasing
agitation, unparalleled in modern British history, and that the Bill was
finally passed into law by a large majority, June 7, 1832, because those
that opposed it were intimidated into silence, believing that further
resistance would end by plunging the nation into the abyss of civil war.
The army, taking no part in the effervescence that seethed around, was
occupied in the uncongenial duty of preserving the public peace,
wherever it was disturbed. In London, a system of Metropolitan Police
had just been organized (1829), to replace the watchmen, who up to that
time were responsible for good order and for the prevention of crime.
The new force had only come into existence, nor was it sufficiently
strong to cope with the serious emergency that had arisen. The Brigade,
therefore, was frequently held in readiness to aid the civil power, and
in November, 1830, all Officers were recalled from leave, while
Non-commissioned officers and men on furlough were ordered to rejoin
their corps without delay. A detachment of two Subalterns and
fifty-seven men were stationed at North Hyde, furnished by each
Battalion in turn, the reliefs being made fortnightly, until March 1,
1831, when it was found by the 1st Battalion Coldstream, who proceeded
to Windsor on that date.[153]
-----
Footnote 153:
On November 10th, an allowance of ninepence daily per man was made for
the purchase of refreshments to the troops assembled on piquet duty,
in and near the metropolis. It was ordered that this money should not
be spent on spirituous liquors. The following 1st Battalion Order,
dated June 7, 1831, was issued: “The Commanding Officer has much
satisfaction in making known to the Battalion a communication he has
received from the Mayor of Windsor, expressive of the obligation the
civil authorities feel themselves under, for the assistance afforded
by several soldiers in securing offenders against the public peace
during the past week, and particularly on Saturday last.”
-----
The Coronation of the King and Queen took place in Westminster Abbey,
September 8, 1831, the day after the Reform Bill had passed the
committee stage in the Commons. The ceremony was sufficiently
magnificent, but was shorn of much of its ancient splendour, and, in
accordance with the economy of the age, His Majesty was prevented from
giving the usual Coronation Banquet in Westminster Hall.[154] The
Brigade lined the streets in the vicinity, the 1st and 2nd Battalions
Grenadiers and the 1st Scots Fusilier Guards[155] occupying the west
side, the 1st and the 2nd Battalions Coldstream—a portion of which had
been brought from Windsor—and the 2nd Scots Fusiliers, the east side,
the left of the Coldstream being posted near the Abbey. Piquets were
also held in readiness in case of disorder, which happily did not occur.
The troops, in review order, wearing white trousers, and Officers in
gold sashes, were in position at 7 a.m. The _largesse_ of “Platform
money” was not distributed upon this occasion, but an allowance of one
shilling, to each Non-commissioned officer and private under arms, was
made for refreshments, half of which was spent, the remainder being
given to the men in the evening.[156]
-----
Footnote 154:
For a full description of this Coronation, see _Annual Register_ ,
1831, “Chronicle,” p. 140, etc.
Footnote 155:
The Third Guards were called by their new title, Scots
Fusilier-Guards, in Orders, dated, June 24, 1831.
Footnote 156:
Present at the Coronation, and drawing the shilling: 1st Battalion
Coldstream—27 sergeants, 19 drummers, and 526 rank and file; 2nd
Battalion Coldstream—14 sergeants, 12 drummers, 266 rank and file.
-----
The pleasures of political agitation were somewhat marred, and the
intensity of the strife was perhaps blunted, by the first appearance in
England of the plague of cholera, which occurred towards the end of
1831. This terrible disease, having broken out in Bengal in 1817, spread
to Persia in 1823, where it remained in a more or less dormant state,
until 1830, when it revived, and extended rapidly through Russia, into
Austria, and North Germany. In spite of severe quarantine regulations,
cases of this fatal illness were reported in Sunderland on October 26,
1831; and before the end of the year many persons were attacked, and
succumbed to its violence, in the north of England and in Scotland.
In February, it appeared in the port of London, and from thence it
spread through every part of the kingdom, and continued its ravages into
Ireland. The panic created by this unknown epidemic was great. Medical
men were naturally at a loss to understand, much more at a loss to treat
effectively, the new disorder; but, though severe, it was everywhere
less fatal than preconceived notions had anticipated, and, when it
gradually disappeared in the autumn, surprise seems to have been general
that so much apprehension had been entertained.[157]
-----
Footnote 157:
_Annual Register_ , 1831, “History of Europe,” p. 298; _ibid._, 1832,
p. 304.
-----
The results of cholera were not, however, unimportant, for the
visitation served to introduce more sanitary and cleanly habits among
the people, and to put an end to the billeting system and to
overcrowding in military barracks. Every precaution was naturally taken
to preserve the health of the troops, and to guard them against
infection. The 2nd Battalion, being at the Tower, in a dangerous
quarter, stringent orders were issued to secure this object. Frequent
medical inspections took place, certain districts were placed out of
bounds, drunken men were isolated until visited by the Surgeon, the
water supply was not neglected, and the men were “earnestly desired to
report themselves directly they felt unwell, as it is found when
remedies are applied in time fatal results seldom ensue.” The order
(dated March 21, 1832) added that—
the Commanding Officer has great pleasure in observing the orderly
behaviour of the men in general during the last week, and he trusts
that by abstaining from absence from barracks, drunkenness, and other
excesses, and a strict compliance with the above regulations, they
will continue to second his efforts as much as possible, to keep the
barracks free from disease.
In February, moreover, Warley was converted into a Depôt for all Brigade
recruits, who were taken from the Recruit House in London; and the Royal
Waggon Train, being removed from Croydon, the barracks there, were
placed at the disposal of the Foot Guards for the occupation of those
convalescents or weakly men, who were unable to perform the usual
military duties in town. During the same month, married soldiers and
others were sent to Croydon, Chatham, and Brighton—at which latter place
there was then accommodation for 336 men. In March, also, certain houses
in Hanley Road, Hornsey, were hired for a year, fit to receive five
Officers and 463 men. New barracks were constructed, or the old ones
improved, and, in November, 1833, the King’s Mews were changed into St.
George’s barracks,[158] and the Recruit House into the present old wing
of Wellington barracks, called at that time, for a few months only,
Westminster barracks. On March 1, 1834, the Brigade occupied the
following quarters: Grenadier Guards—1st Battalion, Tower; 2nd
Battalion, Portman Street; 3rd Battalion, Wellington (Westminster)
barracks: Coldstream Guards—1st Battalion, Windsor; 2nd Battalion,
Knightsbridge, Kensington, and the Magazine barracks: Scots Fusilier
Guards—1st Battalion, St. George’s barracks; 2nd Battalion, Dublin.
-----
Footnote 158:
These barracks are now smaller than they were then, a portion having
been given up to increase the National Gallery.
-----
It may be stated here, that a company was also stationed in Buckingham
House, usually found by the Battalion occupying Knightsbridge, and that
the latter barracks were given up in May, 1836, and St. John’s Wood
substituted for them. The Brigade continued to occupy these West-end
quarters until the Crimean war broke out—that is, Portman Street, St.
George’s, and Wellington barracks accommodated one Battalion each, while
the fourth Battalion was divided into detachments, the head-quarters and
three or four companies being in St. John’s Wood, the remainder in
Kensington, the Magazine, Buckingham Palace, and St. George’s or
Wellington barracks.
In July, 1832, the 2nd Battalion proceeded to Dublin by Bristol,
returning to London in the following summer. Ireland was then passing
through one of the phases of popular discontent and resistance to law so
common in her history, and which have for so long troubled the
government of that island. The anti-tithe agitation was then in full
swing, and was accompanied by incidents very similar to those that
occurred during the recent anti-rent struggle, with which we are
familiar. As a means of pacifying the disturbed districts, troops were
quartered in them, just as was done in 1880. The 2nd Battalion furnished
three companies for this duty during the latter end of October, when it
appears that this force, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Hon. J.
Forbes, was stationed at Leighlin Bridge, in Carlow, and was quartered
there for a fortnight. The Battalion gained the approbation of the
military authorities in Dublin, shown by two orders (dated May 23 and
August 12, 1833), testifying to the high opinion entertained by them of
the “exemplary conduct,” and of the discipline of the corps whilst
serving in Ireland.
The next two years passed without much incident until 1836, when the
Regiment was put into mourning by the unexpected death of the
Lieut.-Colonel (Colonel MacKinnon), who, having served in the Coldstream
throughout the whole of his military career, from the early age of
fourteen to the day of his death, in every rank from Ensign to
Lieut.-Colonel, through the Peninsular war and at Waterloo, where he was
wounded, may be considered as an Officer peculiarly belonging to the
Regiment.[159] In spite of illness, he remained at his post until the
middle of June, when he obtained a year’s leave; but he was unable to
avail himself of it, for a few days later, on the 22nd, he died, only
forty-six years of age, respected alike by the Officers and the men. The
public exercises of the Regiment were immediately suspended till after
the interment of the Commanding Officer, and, on the 8th of July, the
following order was promulgated by Colonel Sir W. Gomm, who succeeded
him, on the occasion of an inspection of the two Battalions by Lord
Hill, the Commander-in-Chief:—
The Lieutenant-Colonel feels much pride in communicating to Colonel
Milman, Colonel Fremantle,[160] and the Officers and men of both
Battalions of the Coldstream, the marked satisfaction expressed by the
General Commanding-in-Chief at the high soldierlike appearance,
steadiness under arms, and precision of movement, which they both
displayed at the inspection—qualities pronounced by Lord Hill to be so
eminently characteristic at all times of the Corps to which they
belong. The Lieutenant-Colonel, while imparting these gratifying
sentiments of Lord Hill to the Regiment, would be greatly wanting in
what he feels to be due to his Lordship and to the Corps at large, to
the memory no less of its late distinguished Commanding Officer, did
he fail to communicate, at the same time, the strong expression of
condolence and regret with which Lord Hill adverted to the loss
freshly sustained by the Regiment, and the Army in general, in the
death of Colonel MacKinnon—a regret which Lord Hill felt assured was
so largely and so duly shared with him by all ranks and orders of the
Regiment.
-----
Footnote 159:
Colonel MacKinnon is the author of the _Origin and Services of the
Coldstream Guards_ , a work remarkable for its research in the early
history of the British army.
Footnote 160:
Upon the death of Colonel MacKinnon, Colonel Milman became Senior
Major (1st Battalion), and Colonel Fremantle was promoted Junior Major
(2nd Battalion).
-----
Sir W. Gomm did not long retain the command of the Regiment; but, as
will be seen, he returned to the Coldstream a quarter of a century after
he had left it, when he was appointed Colonel of the Regiment. Becoming
Major-General, the Lieut.-Colonelcy devolved upon Colonel Milman, and
Colonels Fremantle and Walton succeeded as Senior and Junior Majors
respectively (January 10, 1837).
The Coldstream now stood—
_Colonel._—Field-Marshal H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, K.G., etc.
_Lieut.-Colonel._—Colonel F. Milman.
_Majors._—Colonels J. Fremantle, C.B.; and W. Walton.
_Captains._—Lieut.-Colonels A. Wedderburn; C. Shawe; G. Bowles; and C.
Bentinck; (_Mounted_).
Lieut.-Colonels T. Chaplin; H. Armytage; H. Bentinck; C. Short;
W. Cornwall; B. Broadhead; C. Hay; H. Gooch; J. Rawdon; Hon. T.
Ashburnham; W. Codrington; E. Wigram.
_Lieutenants._—Captains W. Stewart; Hon. J. Hope (Adjutant); G. Knox;
Hon. A. Upton; F. Paget; Hon. E. Wilbraham; Lord M. W. Graham; J.
Pringle; J. Clitherow; Gordon Drummond; Lord F. Paulet; C. Horton
(Adjutant); J. Forbes; R. Vansittart; C. Windham; C. Wilbraham; W.
Tollemache; J. Elrington; H. Daniell; Hon. R. Boyle; F. Halkett; H.
Dent.
_Ensigns._—Lieutenants C. Dundas; R. Hulse; D. Chisholm; S. Conroy; Hon.
F. Villiers; H. Brand; G. Herbert; Viscount Alexander; Hon. R.
Lambart; G. Johnson; W. S. Newton; Hon. C. Grimston; G. Mundy; P.
Bathurst; E. Milman; Hon. L. Hope; Spencer Perceval.
_Quartermasters._—T. Dwelly; and W. Morse.
_Surgeon-Major._—G. Chenevix. _Battalion Surgeon._—W. Hunter, M.D.
_Assistant-Surgeons._—F. Gilder; and J. Wedderburn.
_Solicitor._—W. G. Carter, Esq.
The reign of William IV. was now drawing to a close, and a few months
only elapsed, when, by the death of the Sovereign, June 20, 1837, our
present Gracious Queen, then just eighteen years old, ascended the
Throne. The funeral obsequies took place as usual at Windsor, and were
fixed for the 8th of July. The 1st Grenadiers were stationed there at
the time; and the 1st Coldstream had gone to Dublin in 1836, whence they
did not return until August, 1837. About one hundred men from each of
the other Battalions of the former Regiment, as well as four companies
from each Battalion of the Scots Fusiliers, and the whole of the 2nd
Coldstream Guards proceeded to Windsor to take part in the ceremony.
Before closing this chapter, it may be well briefly to record one or two
points which affected the Regiment during the reign that has just come
to a conclusion. Towards the end of 1829, gratuities, in addition to the
pension, were granted, on discharge, to specially selected
Non-commissioned officers and men, who, by their length of service and
meritorious conduct, were recommended for reward; and on the 30th of
July of the following year, the silver medal for “Long service and good
conduct” was instituted, and presented to them. Later, in 1836, good
conduct badges—or “marks of distinction,” as they were then called—were
introduced, and worn on their uniform, by men whose character deserved
recognition. Each “mark” added a penny a day to the recipient’s pay;
and, if in uninterrupted possession of it for five years immediately
preceding discharge, the same amount was added to the pension.[161]
During this reign, moreover, a Commission inquired into military
discipline, more especially into the system of flogging, then in force
in the army. The final report, dated March 15, 1836, was in favour of
retaining corporal punishment, but recommended that “no pains may be
spared to endeavour to make its infliction less frequent.”[162]
Regimental numbers, identifying soldiers, appear to have been introduced
into the army about this time; they were at first applied only to the
men’s records, but gradually they were more generally adopted
(_Regimental Order_ , January 2, 1836).
-----
Footnote 161:
“November 14, 1829. With a view of rewarding meritorious soldiers when
discharged, and of encouraging good conduct in others whilst serving,
... a gratuity, in addition to the pension, may, in certain cases, be
given to one sergeant or corporal and one private annually in every
regiment of an establishment of 700 rank and file and upwards. The men
to be recommended, must have completed twenty-one years of actual
service in the infantry; they must never have been convicted by
court-martial, and must have borne an irreproachable character, or
have particularly distinguished themselves in the service. The
sergeants must have ten years' service and the corporals seven years'
in their respective ranks as Non-commission officers, and must have
been discharged as such.” The gratuities amounted to: Sergeants, £15;
Corporals, £7; Privates, £5.
“August 18, 1836. Whereas it has been represented that it would
materially tend to the encouragement of good conduct in the army, if a
reward to be attained only by a well-conducted soldier were
substituted for the additional pay, now granted to soldiers who have
completed certain periods of service, all soldiers who shall enlist on
or after September 1, 1836, shall have no claim to additional pay
after any period of service; but a reward of additional pay for good
conduct shall be granted to such soldiers, under the following rules—
“After seven years' service, 1_d._ a day, and to wear a 'ring of lace
round the right arm,' provided the man’s name does not appear in the
Regimental Defaulter book for at least two years immediately preceding
such claim. After fourteen years', an additional 1_d._ and two rings,
if the man has been in the enjoyment of the first 1_d._ for at least
two years immediately preceding such further claim. And similarly, a
third penny and three rings, under the same conditions, after
twenty-one years' service.”
Footnote 162:
_Annual Register_ , 1836, “Public Documents,” p. 315. Flogging was
finally abolished in the army in 1881; but it was done away with, in
1867, when troops were not engaged on active service.
-----
In the summer of 1836 it was ordered that the Battalions of the Foot
Guards, and not the light companies only, should be practised in light
infantry movements in extended order (_Brigade Order_ , July 11, 1836).
We have seen that the Brigade Depôt was transferred from London to
Warley early in 1832. It appears, that the recruits of the Coldstream
and of the Scots Fusiliers were ordered to Croydon in June, 1833, and
the rest followed to the same place next year. A Subaltern Officer was
placed in command of the station; but in January, 1837, a Regimental
Lieutenant (bearing rank of Captain) was ordered to perform this duty,
and he remained there for a fortnight at a time. An Assistant Surgeon,
relieved every two months, was also quartered at the Depôt.
The control exercised by the Lieutenant-Colonel over the two Battalions
of the Regiment was made somewhat more direct by the introduction of
weekly reports, which were furnished to him by Officers commanding
Battalions, and which stated what drills, exercises, etc., were
performed, and whether there had been ball practice or marching
(_Regimental Order_ , April 12, 1833). A scale of punishment was
instituted, to equalize, as far as possible, awards made for minor
offences (_1st Battalion Order_, May 24, 1831). On July 14, 1832, a
Regimental Order was issued, which gives some idea of the system then
pursued in the Regiment, as regards the discipline of the men:—
“Battalions will have evening parades. In London the Battalions will
always parade in Guard Order, when finding the public duties. No leave
is to be given from church parade, inspection of necessaries, or
Surgeon’s inspection, unless absolutely necessary. Men unfit for duty,
or parade, caused by liquor, to be punished as drunk. When a drunkard
appears in a suspicious state at evening parade, and that by leaving
barracks he would probably get intoxicated, he must be kept in, and on
no account be permitted to enter the canteen.... No soldier to have
leave all night, and only six men a company to have leave from parade,
or till twelve o’clock. To receive leave or other indulgence, the
soldier must have been clear of all defaulter’s list at least a month.
To get a pass or furlough, he must have a good general character, and
have been clear of the defaulter’s list two months. Soldiers must have
been two years in the Regiment, before they can apply for a pass.”
Lastly, it may be stated that His Majesty’s Commands for the part to be
taken by the Brigade, at investitures of the Order of the Bath, were
published in 1835 (_Brigade Order_ , August 19th), and were to be
considered as a Standing Order for the future, when the ceremony should
take place in St. George’s Hall, Windsor Castle. The Sergeant-Major and
fifteen Sergeants from the Windsor Battalion, and the Sergeants-Major
and forty-two Sergeants of the West-end Battalions, were stationed in
the Hall; the former at each of the doors right and left of the Throne,
the latter forming a line from the Throne to the entrance; the whole
under the Adjutant of the Windsor Battalion, whose place was near the
King. At the subsequent banquet in the Waterloo Chamber, the Colours of
the Battalion were crossed over the south fireplace, six Sergeants of
the same corps stood at the doors, and the remainder formed a line from
St. George’s to the Banqueting Hall, as the procession passed to and
from the Waterloo Chamber; the Band was placed in the latter room, the
Drums at the top of the grand staircase. Additional sentries were
mounted, eight in the Quadrangle, and one on Queen Elizabeth’s Gate.
[Illustration:
N. R. Wilkinson del OFFICER TEMP. JAMES II. Mintern Bros.
lith.
A. D. Innes & C^o. London
]
CHAPTER V.
SECOND PART OF THE LONG EUROPEAN PEACE.
Beginning of the reign of Queen Victoria—Troops during Parliamentary
elections—Coronation of the Queen—Fire at the Tower of London,
1841—Rebellion in Canada—Two Guards Battalions sent there, 1838, of
which one the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards—Return home,
1842—Visit of the Russian Tsar Nicholas I. to England—European
revolution—Bi-centenary celebration of the formation of the
Coldstream Guards, 1850—Death of the Colonel of the Regiment, H.R.H.
the Duke of Cambridge; succeeded by General the Earl of
Strafford—Exhibition in London—Death of the Duke of
Wellington—Changes and reforms up to 1854—Camp at Chobham.
The young Queen had only reigned a few months, when it became necessary
to send a military expedition to Canada, where for some time trouble had
been brewing, and where reinforcements were required to maintain the
authority of the Crown, and to settle the difficulties that had arisen.
The 2nd Battalion Coldstream formed part of this expedition, and left
London March 28, 1838; but before we refer to the events which occurred
in that colony, we propose to deal shortly with those that took place at
home, until the year 1842, when the Battalion returned to England.
During the General Election that followed immediately after Her
Majesty’s Accession, the troops quartered at Portman Street and in St.
John’s Wood, were ordered to march away from the borough of Marylebone.
The 2nd Coldstream being at the former station, proceeded, in
consequence, to “Hammersmith and adjacents,” July 22nd, until the 28th.
The system of removing soldiers from the place of an election seems
never to have been adopted in Westminster, nor does it appear to have
been a usual practice elsewhere in the Metropolis, except in the City,
where the Bank piquet was often suspended for two or three days; as a
general rule the troops were confined to barracks. On one other
occasion, however (June 28, 1841), the 1st Battalion Coldstream vacated
Portman Street, and marched to Fulham, Parson’s Green, and Walham Green,
while an election was taking place in Marylebone; and from thence, on
the 3rd of July, proceeded to Hounslow and Twickenham during an election
in the county of Middlesex; the Battalion returned to London on the 9th.
Upon the same occasion, the recruits at Croydon were marched to London,
July 5th, to their respective Regiments, until after the termination of
the East Surrey election, July 12th; during the interval, the Assistant
Surgeon, the Hospital establishment, and a corporal and an old soldier
from each Regiment, only remained in barracks.
On the retirement of Colonel Milman to half-pay, August 8, 1837, Colonel
Fremantle succeeded as Lieutenant-Colonel, and Lieut.-Colonel Shawe was
promoted Major. Colonel Walton took command of the 1st Battalion, and
Colonel Shawe of the 2nd.
The expedition to Canada put an end to the Dublin quarter, which was not
again renewed for nearly twenty years; and the 1st Battalion Scots
Fusiliers, who had proceeded there in the summer of 1837, returned to
London in the following March. Moreover, during the absence of two
Battalions of the Brigade in North America, the Tower was not occupied
by Guards in 1838, and duty was done in Windsor, 1839-1842, by a
regiment of the Line.
On May 6, 1838, the Royal Military Chapel in Wellington Barracks was
opened for the first time; and a year later (July, 1839), the three
Regiments took it in turn to send their Bands there to attend Divine
Service.
The Queen’s Coronation, June 28, 1838, was conducted on the abridged
model of that of William IV.; but in some respects it was more
magnificent and stately than the latter, and it included a public
procession to and from Westminster Abbey, which had been absent in
former ceremonies of the kind, since the reign of Charles II. As the
personality of Her Majesty, moreover, roused enthusiasm among all
classes to a far greater degree than had been the case with many of her
predecessors, the people, drawn in dense crowds to the splendour of the
spectacle, were not slow to display the feelings of genuine loyalty and
affection, with which they were filled towards their youthful Sovereign;
and the effect produced on the public mind, was even greater than if,
under ordinary circumstances, the older forms of mediæval pageantry had
been adopted. The streets were lined by troops from Buckingham Palace to
the Abbey, the infantry in single rank on either side of the road; the
Brigade occupied the distance from Westminster to Marlborough House, and
the five Battalions were present. The 1st Coldstream, having been
brought up from Windsor, were in Pall Mall, the Scots Fusiliers thence
to the Horse Guards, and the Grenadiers took up the remaining ground. On
the other side of the Coldstream, in St. James’s Street, Piccadilly, and
Constitution Hill, there were Marines, Rifles, and the 20th Regiment
(then at the Tower). In the Abbey a line was kept by a detachment of the
Queen’s company, Grenadier Guards, the Ensign of which carried the Royal
Standard, and men of the Grenadier companies of the 1st Coldstream and
of the 1st and 2nd Scots Fusiliers, under Subaltern Officers of their
own corps.[163]
-----
Footnote 163:
One interesting feature of the Coronation was the presence at it, as
French Ambassador Extraordinary, of Marshal Soult, the opponent of the
Duke of Wellington, in many fields of battle in the Spanish Peninsula,
and at Waterloo. It need scarcely be said that the reception of this
gallant old soldier, by the English people and by the Duke of
Wellington, was most cordial, and that all were glad to welcome warmly
a former hostile Commander, who had displayed skill and valour when he
fought against us.
-----
Her Majesty held her first review in Hyde Park on the 9th of July
following, at which the Coldstream was not present, being at Windsor,
but a detachment under Lieut.-Colonel Gooch went up to London and found
the public duties upon that occasion. It may be interesting to note that
each man of the force inspected, was supplied “with thirty rounds blank
cartridge, a good flint, and a spare one in his pouch.”
Colonel Fremantle having retired December 31, 1839, Colonel Walton
became Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel Bowles was promoted Major (2nd
Battalion), Colonel Shawe assuming command of the 1st Battalion. In the
Regimental Order of farewell, Colonel Fremantle, after referring to his
services of nearly thirty-five years in the Regiment, dwells on “his
proud satisfaction of participating in those fields of honour in which
the Coldstream acquired its noble perfection,” and continues:—
“Since the peace, I have served in it, with the approbation and
protection of our Royal Colonel, and in harmony and good fellowship
with my brother Officers. My earnest desire in thus taking leave, is a
continuation of the same honour and happiness. However much I may
personally regret resigning the command of the Coldstream Guards, I
avail myself of the painful occasion to perform a pleasing duty, to
express my thanks to Sergeant-Major Lundie, the Non-commissioned
officers and soldiers of the Regiment, and to congratulate them upon
that system of discipline which, of late years, has tended so much to
the diminution of crime and consequent punishment. I trust that the
same spirit of loyalty which has rendered the Coldstream Regiment
'Second to None,' will ever continue to be prominent in its duty to
Her Majesty.”
Among the miscellaneous duties performed by the Brigade in London, was
that relating to the extinguishing of metropolitan fires,—one even now
discharged, but which was of more importance in days when the Fire
Brigade was imperfectly organized. In October, 1834, when the Houses of
Parliament were destroyed, the exertions of the troops to arrest the
flames were warmly recognized by the Home Secretary; and again, in
January, 1836, the thanks of Lord Palmerston were published, with the
intimation that, but for the timely assistance of the Brigade, the
Foreign Office would have been burnt down. On the night of October 30,
1841, a conflagration took place in the Tower, which, having spread with
alarming rapidity, completely gutted the Armoury, and destroyed many of
the trophies of former wars which had been deposited there. Owing to the
exertions of the Battalion quartered in the Tower (1st Scots Fusiliers),
and other portions of the Brigade, that hurried to the disaster, the
Regalia was saved, and many interesting parts of that historic fortress
and prison were preserved.[164] On the 5th of November the following
Regimental Order was issued:—
“Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington, Constable of the Tower, having
brought to the notice of the General Commanding-in-Chief the
meritorious conduct of the troops, who assisted in checking the
conflagration which unfortunately took place in that fortress on the
night of Saturday last, the 30th ulto., I have Lord Hill’s command to
desire that you will be pleased to convey, to the portion of the
Brigade of Guards employed upon that occasion, the gratification which
his Lordship feels, at receiving this report of their exertions, and
of the great service which they rendered, not only in stopping the
progress of the flames, but in saving the public property thus
threatened with destruction. Lord Hill anticipates the additional
pleasure, which the Guards cannot but experience, from the
circumstance of this report of their conduct having emanated from the
Duke of Wellington.”
-----
Footnote 164:
See _Annual Register_ , 1841, “Chronicle,” p. 99, for a full
description of this well-remembered calamity.
-----
Officers who have so often seen the piece of plate, representing the
Sphinx, on the table of St. James’s Palace, may be interested in
knowing, that it was received at a general meeting of the Guards Club,
on May 5, 1842. The Duke of Bedford, executor of General Earl of Ludlow,
Scots Fusilier Guards, gave it, in accordance with the latter’s will, by
which he left “the Egyptian vase, presented to him by the Brigade of
Guards in the camp before Alexandria, to the Guards Club, with his
grateful thanks.”
It is now time to revert to the more serious affairs, which engaged the
attention of the 2nd Battalion in North America. Canada at that period
was divided into two distinct colonies—the Lower province, inhabited
almost entirely by old French settlers, and the Upper province, peopled
by immigrants of British nationality. In the former, a simmering of
discontent had prevailed for some years; the colonists resented the
system by which, under a semblance of constitutional government, their
popular representatives were excluded from all control and authority
over their own affairs. In the month of November, 1837, things came to a
head, and a rebellion broke out, led by one Papineau. Encouraged to
violence by this evil example, assisted by free-booters from the United
States, and having some grievances of their own to complain of, another
insurrection occurred almost simultaneously in Upper Canada. In both
cases, the disorder was instantly put down by Sir J. Colborne
(afterwards Lord Seaton), with a military force in Lower Canada, and by
the local militia in the other province. But the news reaching home,
that an actual outbreak had taken place, created the utmost sensation in
England. It was immediately determined to strengthen the troops in the
colony, and to send out Lord Durham as Governor-General and High
Commissioner, with large powers to deal with the difficulty.
On the 23rd of January, the 2nd Grenadiers and the 2nd Coldstream were
ordered to be held in readiness for embarkation for Quebec, each to be
made up to 800 rank and file; and the Brigade, so formed, was placed
under the command of Major-General Sir J. Macdonell, K.C.B. (late of the
Coldstream). Captain Arthur Torrens, Grenadier Guards, was appointed
Major of Brigade; and Captain J. Elrington, Coldstream Guards,
Aide-de-camp to the Major-General. On the 22nd of March this body of men
was inspected by Lord Hill, when a congratulatory order was issued upon
their appearance, expressing the Commander-in-Chief’s conviction that
they “would do honour to the high reputation of the Brigade of Guards,”
and concluding with his “best wishes for their welfare while employed
abroad in the service of the country.” After the Officers had attended a
Levée “to take leave,” and had been entertained at dinner by the
Colonel, the Duke of Cambridge, the 2nd Coldstream left London for
Winchester, in four divisions, on the 28th and 29th.
1st Division, Lieut.-Colonel Hon. T. Ashburnham, Commanding (Nos. 1 and
2 Companies); Captains W. Tollemache, Hon. R. Boyle; Lieutenants
Hon. L. Hope, G. Mundy.
2nd Division, Colonel G. Bowles, Commanding (Nos. 3 and 4 Companies);
Captains R. Vansittart, C. Wilbraham; Lieutenants M. Tierney, Hon.
A. Graves.
3rd Division, Lieut.-Colonel W. Stewart-Balfour, Commanding (Nos. 5 and
6 Companies); Captains C. Windham, R. Hulse; Lieutenants W. Clayton,
Lord Alexander.
4th Division, Lieut.-Colonel E. Wigram, Commanding (Nos. 7 and 8
Companies); Lieutenants S. Perceval, E. Milman, P. Bathurst.
Head-quarters, Colonel C. Shawe, Commanding the Battalion; Lieutenant D.
M. Chisholm, Adjutant; Quartermaster T. Lee; and Surgeon F. Gilder,
and Assistant-Surgeons E. Greatrex and W. Robinson.
The following Officers belonging to the Battalion were allowed to find
their own way out to Canada: Lieut.-Colonels W. Codrington, Hon. J.
Hope, and T. Chaplin; Captains H. Daniell, F. Halkett, and H. Dent.
Lieutenant Hon. F. Villiers was appointed Aide-de-camp to Lord Durham.
The Battalion embarked at Portsmouth on the 17th of April, in H.M.S.
_Edinburgh_ and _Athol_, and landed at Quebec on the 11th of May, a few
days before the arrival of the new Governor-General, who reached the
Colony towards the end of the month, and was received in state by the
newly arrived Guards Brigade.
The situation in Lower Canada was one of outward tranquillity, the
rebellion had been crushed, and order was restored; but serious
complications still remained to be adjusted. Numerous prisoners were in
custody awaiting trial, for their treason; and as it would have been
impossible to obtain a conviction by a local jury, Sir J. Colborne, the
temporary Governor, confined most of them in prison, 161 in number,
until the decision of the High Commissioner could be given. On the 28th
of June, Lord Durham issued an Ordinance, by which he granted a complete
amnesty to all, with the exception of eight of the principal
ringleaders; these men he transported to Bermuda. He also declared that
if these men, or if Papineau and other fifteen chiefs of the
insurrection—who had absconded and had fled for safety into the United
States, directly they were in danger of capture—were again found at
large without permission, they would suffer death as traitors. The
Ordinance, though humane and calculated to bring about peace without
further bloodshed, was adjudged to be illegal or unconstitutional. There
was no power to transport offenders nor to threaten, with the extreme
rigour of the law, those who had not been tried. It would have been
necessary to pass an Act of Parliament to make it valid, and the state
of parties at home rendered any such course impossible. Government was
weak, a strong Opposition was ready to oust the Ministers from office,
and Lord Durham had many personal enemies. Lord Melbourne, the Prime
Minister, disavowed the Ordinance, and threw over the High Commissioner,
and thereupon the latter resigned his post, and left Canada, November
1st.[165] But before quitting North America, he committed an act for
which he has been gravely censured; for, he announced to the rebels
(October 9th), that the general amnesty he granted had been ratified by
Her Majesty’s Proclamation, and that the exceptions to the amnesty had
been disallowed, and he told them that there was no further impediment
to prevent them from returning to the colony.[166] The exiles were not
slow to avail themselves of this welcome intelligence, and in the month
of October they came back, freed from the consequences of their former
guilt, and determined to light afresh the torch of civil war.[167]
-----
Footnote 165:
As upon the arrival of Lord Durham, so at his departure, the Guards
Battalions furnished Guards of Honour of 50 men each, with Regimental
Colour, under a Lieutenant and Captain and two Ensign-Lieutenants. The
streets were lined by the remainder of the Brigade.
Footnote 166:
“The Proclamation contained an entire amnesty, qualified only by the
exceptions specified in the Ordinance. The Ordinance has been
disallowed, and the Proclamation is confirmed. Her Majesty having been
advised to refuse her assent to the exceptions, the amnesty exists
without qualification. No impediment therefore exists to the return of
the persons who have made the most distinct admission of guilt, or who
have been excluded by me from the province, on account of the danger
to which its tranquillity would be exposed by their presence. And none
can now be enacted, without the adoption of measures alike repugnant
to my sense of justice and of policy” (Lord Durham’s Proclamation,
October 9, 1838: _Annual Register_ , 1838, “History,” p. 322; “Public
Documents,” p. 311).
Footnote 167:
Alison, _History of Europe_ , 1815-1852, vi. 328, etc.
-----
During the first six months, the troops had little to do beyond their
ordinary duties,[168] and in the summer leave was freely given to many
of the Officers to see the country, on the understanding, however, that
none were to enter the United States. But, in spite of the appearance of
outward tranquillity, there was a spirit of disaffection abroad, the
authorities were resisted, the jury system had broken down, and the
population of one nationality were bitterly divided from that of
another. The execution of the law was difficult, as a Battalion Order of
the 11th of July may perhaps exemplify—publishing the good conduct of
several privates of the Coldstream for assisting the Superintendent of
Police in the execution of his duty; “but for them, two prisoners would
have escaped, and he would have received a severe beating from the
crowd.”
-----
Footnote 168:
On the day fixed for the Coronation of the Queen, June 28, 1838, the
Coldstream fired a _feu-de-joie_ in the citadel of Quebec, where they
were quartered, at 9.30 in the evening.
-----
Feeling ran high among the loyal inhabitants, at the weakness and
timidity of the Home Government, and at the ungenerous treatment their
Commissioner had received at their hands. Addresses poured in upon him
from all quarters, expressing sorrow at his departure. A farewell dinner
was also given to him by the Officers of the Guards Brigade, at which
Sir J. Macdonell spoke of him and his policy in eulogistic terms—an
incident which raised some comment, as it was supposed by some to be an
interference by a military Officer in a political question; though
undoubtedly it testified to the sentiments that prevailed among the
well-disposed. It was universally felt in the province, that the welfare
of the colony had been sacrificed to the evils of party exigencies.
Already, before the departure of Lord Durham, a rising had been
prepared, under the leadership of the returned exiles, and it broke out
on the 3rd of November, 1838, in the neighbourhood of Beauharnois, a
place on the right bank of the St. Lawrence river, not very far distant
from Montreal.
Troops were at once despatched to quell the disturbance. The Grenadiers
joined the expedition, and did not return to Quebec till the end of
April, 1840; but the Coldstream Battalion being ordered to remain in
that town to secure its tranquillity during the crisis, did not form
part of the column sent forward to disperse the rebels.[169] The
outbreak was sudden, and caused considerable alarm while it lasted; but
the operations were of short duration, nor were they of much importance
from a military point of view. Volunteer forces also lent their aid to
put down the rebellion, and on the 17th of November they were cordially
thanked by the Commander of the Forces (Sir J. Colborne, who, since Lord
Durham’s departure, was also Governor), “for defeating the traitors and
invaders” by “their heroic perseverance and devotion to the service of
their country, which they have displayed from the first moment of this
second revolt.” The disaffected made little or no resistance, and,
unable to maintain themselves in the field, they soon dispersed or
surrendered. The insurrection thus came to an end almost immediately,
and many of the prisoners were taken to Montreal, where a Court-Martial
sat continuously for six months to try them. The Coldstream, still at
Quebec, did not furnish Officers for these trials.
-----
Footnote 169:
On November 6, 1838, the following 2nd Battalion Order was issued:
“The Piquet Officer is to go round the walls of the citadel (at
Quebec) twice at night, and he is not to do so at the same time as the
Officer of the citadel guard. He is always to be properly dressed
during the night, and to be ready to turn out at the shortest notice.
The Captain of the day will go his rounds twice during the night, the
second time just before daybreak.”
-----
After the suppression of the insurrection, there was still cause for the
presence of troops in the colony. First, to protect the loyal portion of
the population from the evil influence of agitators, who continued to
lurk in the country; and secondly, to maintain order, while reforms were
being introduced, calculated to put an end to discontent for the future.
Volunteer corps were raised, and Officers appointed to command and
organize them. Lieut.-Colonel Hon. James Hope (Coldstream Guards) was
placed in command of the “Queen’s Volunteers,” and reported, Dec. 10,
1839, that this corps was then composed of 2 staff-sergeants, 24
sergeants, 6 drummers, and 432 rank and file, of whom 381 were taking
their share of garrison duty.[170] Captain Halkett (Coldstream Guards),
appointed Assistant Military Secretary in Upper Canada, also
superintended the formation of another corps.[171] About the same time,
the Royal Canadian Regiment was raised, and some Non-commissioned
officers and men from the Guards were allowed to volunteer for service
therein. As it appears to have offered special advantages to married
men, the latter readily endeavoured to be allowed to obtain a transfer
to its ranks.
-----
Footnote 170:
_District Order_ , Quebec, April 14, 1840: “The Queen’s Volunteers
having nearly closed the period of their engagement, the Major-General
cannot allow that body to separate without recording his perfect
satisfaction at the efficient manner in which they have performed
their duties. Lieut.-Colonel Hon. J. Hope, in discharge of the
important trust confided to him as Commanding Officer, has fully met
the expectation naturally formed in his ability and judgment. The
Lieut.-Colonel has been ably and zealously seconded by Major Irvine,
and well supported by the Officers in general, to all of whom the
Major-General makes his acknowledgments; and he begs that
Lieut.-Colonel Hope will convey to the Non-commissioned officers and
privates his thanks, and the conviction he entertains, that, should
emergency arise, Her Majesty’s Government may depend on a renewal of
their valuable services.”
Footnote 171:
This Officer died before rejoining the Coldstream. The following order
appeared on the occasion of his death: “Toronto, October 26, 1840. It
is with the most sincere and poignant regret that His Excellency the
Lieut.-Governor and Major-General Commanding has to announce the death
of Captain Halkett, Coldstream Guards, Assistant Military Secretary
and Colonel in the Militia of Upper Canada. The demise of this
lamented and promising Officer took place yesterday. The zeal with
which Captain Halkett devoted himself to the duties of his office, and
the ability with which he discharged them, could not fail to ensure
the high consideration and the most perfect confidence with which he
was regarded by the Lieut.-Governor and Major-General Commanding. His
soldierlike qualifications and most gentlemanlike character were
highly appreciated by his brother Officers, and the kindly spirit with
which he conducted business, often of a perplexing nature, and the
amiable disposition which he displayed in private life, secured for
him the esteem of the community at large.”
-----
Although Lord Durham’s action in Canada was repudiated by the Government
in England, the efforts he made to reconcile the people to British rule
were in the end very successful. Before he left North America, he made a
masterly and comprehensive report upon the position of affairs in the
colony, and he recommended remedies to redress the grievances, which he
perceived kept the people in a state of ferment. “As Mr. Mill has said,
these recommendations laid the foundation of political success and
social prosperity, not only of Canada, but of all the other important
colonies.... In brief, Lord Durham proposed to make the Canadas
self-governing as regards their internal affairs, and the germ of a
federal union.”[172] His report was accepted, and it became the basis of
the policy which Government now adopted. Mr. Paulet Thompson, created
shortly afterwards Lord Sydenham, was sent to North America at the end
of 1839, in the capacity of Governor-General of the two Canadas, to
carry out the recommendations which he proposed. At the same time, Sir
J. Colborne returned to England, being relieved as Commander of the
Forces by Lieut.-General Sir Richard Jackson (late of the Coldstream
Guards). Early in 1841, the legislative union of the two provinces was
carried into execution, and from this act the new system of colonial
life, as now understood in the British Empire, may be said to date.
-----
Footnote 172:
Justin McCarthy, M.P., _A History of our Own Times_ , i. 77; John
MacMullen, _History of Canada_ , p. 426 (London, 1868).
-----
The Coldstream continued all this time to remain at Quebec, nor were
they moved therefrom until they left North America in 1842. During these
years small drafts were annually sent out to keep up the Battalion to
its proper strength, and upon almost every occasion they were inspected
previous to departure by the Colonel of the Regiment, H.R.H. the Duke of
Cambridge. Arrangements for winter clothing were made by the Commanding
Officer, who authorized a coat and cap to be worn by the Officers, in
cold weather, the former to replace the ordinary red coatee, then used
instead of the present tunic. An allowance was made by the Treasury,
calculated at £1 10_s._ for every effective soldier serving in Canada
for the first winter, and at 5_s._ for subsequent winters. This money
formed a fund, from which a supply of winter clothing was provided for
Non-commissioned officers and men. These articles were to be considered
public property, and could, if necessary, be transferred from one man to
another.
In the winter, parties were sent out into the woods when snow lay deep
on the ground, to be practised in “camping, etc.,” or rather, in
constructing log huts. The public duties in Quebec appear to have
averaged two Subalterns (on guard at the Castle and at the citadel), 10
sergeants, 15 corporals, 2 drummers, and from 110 to 180 men,—besides
ten to fourteen men of the Royal Artillery. It may here be mentioned
that the stuffed goose’s head, adorned with a gorget (to be seen in the
Regimental Orderly Room), records an incident which took place at this
time. The goose, having attached itself to the Battalion, became the
constant companion of one of the sentries in the citadel, and a humble,
though faithful friend and follower of the Regiment. While it lived it
wore the gorget that now is to be found round its neck; and a picture,
also in the Orderly Room, testifies to its never varying attendance on
the beat of the sentry it had chosen to follow.
On March 27, 1841, Officers were posted to companies as under:—
Compy. Lieutenant-Colonels. Captains. Lieutenants.
No. 1. Hon. James Hope. J. Forbes. Hon. L. Hope.
Hon. C. Grimston.
No. 2. Hon. T. Ashburnham. J. Elrington. Hon. A. Graves.
No. 3. C. Hay. R. Hulse. M. Tierney.
S. Perceval.
No. 4. H. Bentinck. P. Bathurst. W. Clayton.
No. 5. T. Chaplin. H. Daniell. J. Kirkland.
W. Verner.
No. 6. W. Codrington. R. Vansittart. P. Somerset.
No. 7. W. Stewart-Balfour. Earl of Caledon. G. Whyte-Melville.
No. 8. E. Wigram. C. Windham. T. Wigram.
E. Milman.
Sir James Macdonell left Canada (June, 1842), having been promoted
Lieut.-General some time before; thereupon, Colonel Bowles, commanding
the 2nd Coldstream, assumed the command, as Guards Brigadier, of the two
Battalions, until they left for England. Also on the promotion of
Captain Torrens (September, 1840), Captain Lord Frederick Paulet,
Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion, was appointed to succeed him as Major of
the Brigade in Canada, when Captain Forbes became Acting Adjutant.
The reforms introduced by Lord Sydenham produced a speedy and salutary
effect in Canada, and the recollection of the period of rebellion soon
passed away. Tranquillity, order, and stable government were restored by
the new policy, and the improvement effected, appeared to be of a
permanent character. The Guards might have gone back to England in 1841,
for, as far as affairs in the colony were concerned, their presence was
no longer required. But we had still a question with Washington, and, as
the two Battalions happened to be in North America, it was naturally
deemed advisable to keep them there until this matter should be
adjusted. Previous treaties had not properly defined the north-eastern
frontier of the United States, nor traced a clear line of demarcation
between the State of Maine and the British possessions which lay to the
north of it. Both Governments desired to come to an amicable conclusion
on the subject, and, early in 1842, Lord Ashburton was sent out to
settle it. A Treaty was agreed to and approved at Washington on the 9th
of August. Our American cousins were not displeased with the result, for
it gave them advantages, which perhaps, in strict right, they had little
reason to expect. But in a sense, it was also satisfactory to the
British Government, as at least it put an end to a dispute, or to a
cause of future trouble, of long standing. The arrangement was therefore
ratified without demur, and we were content to abide by it.[173]
-----
Footnote 173:
The text of the Treaty is to be found in the _Annual Register_ , 1842,
“Public Documents,” p. 498.
-----
The Brigade had now been for more than four years in North America, and
the time had been passed pleasantly and profitably by all ranks. Seldom
have the Guards had an opportunity of observing for themselves the life
of a thriving British colony, and the development of our national energy
across the ocean. The experience was a useful and a novel one, and was
very different to that which they are wont to feel, when sent to a
foreign country to maintain the interests of the Empire in times of war,
or of disturbance. In Canada, at least, we were among our own people,
among settlers loyal to the British Crown, who form a part of our own
commonwealth. Difficulties did exist among them, but these were capable
of easy adjustment by the light which the British Constitution will
always afford in such cases; and guided by this light, it was not long
before statesmen found a remedy for the evils that were complained of.
If the troops were necessary to put down the disorder of the few, and to
guard the introduction of reforms from the impatience of popular
agitation, so is it also true, that the intelligence of the whole colony
ranged itself on the side of the authorities and of the soldiers, who
saved the Canadian communities from the tyranny, and the rapacity of
revolutionary leaders.
Thus did a cordial feeling of respect and of mutual good will spring up
between the Guards and the colonists; and the former, adhering closely
to their Regimental traditions, that have formed their character, and
guided them in every position in which they have been placed, maintained
their discipline unimpaired in the midst of surrounding
temptations.[174] Some of our men acquired a taste for colonial life,
and wished to settle in the country. For this purpose, it was necessary
to obtain their discharge in Canada, and an application was accordingly
made to that effect. The order for the return of the Brigade to Europe,
was dated August 18, 1842, and, two days later, Sir H. Hardinge, the
Secretary at War, agreed that a certain number of men might be allowed
to receive their discharge with a modified pension. He specially desired
that it should be known “that this extensive indulgence had been
assented to, in consequence of the very exemplary manner in which the
Guards have conducted themselves, during the time they have performed
Colonial service in North America.”
-----
Footnote 174:
The facility with which British soldiers could desert by crossing the
border to the United States, and the efforts made by many from the
States to induce our men to do so, formed no small a temptation to
many young soldiers. It will be seen presently how few of the
Coldstream were guilty of this serious military crime.
-----
The movement towards home took place in the autumn of 1842, the bulk of
the Grenadier Guards leaving a few days before the Coldstream. Six
companies of the latter, having embarked at Quebec on the 5th of
October, on board H.M.S. _Calcutta_, sailed therefrom on the 6th, and
reached Spithead on October 31st, whence they proceeded by train in two
detachments to Winchester. After an inspection by Major-General Sir H.
Pakenham, on the 1st of November, the Officer Commanding, in
communicating the Major-General’s “high approbation of the steadiness
and appearance” of the men, expressed his own “sense of their
soldier-like conduct during the late voyage and up to the present
moment, which he will take the earliest opportunity of bringing to the
notice of the Officer Commanding the Regiment.” The remaining two
companies followed from Canada, together with two companies of the
Grenadiers, in H.M.S. _Pique_, and left on the 19th of October, arriving
at Spithead on the 12th of November. The Battalion, reunited at
Winchester, remained there until the 22nd of November, when they were
sent to London (St. George’s barracks).[175] On the 30th of November,
the Lieutenant-Colonel issued the following Regimental Order:—
Colonel Walton has much pleasure in congratulating the 2nd Battalion
on their highly soldierlike appearance and steadiness under arms at
the inspection this morning. In welcoming the return of this fine
Battalion to England, the Lieutenant-Colonel takes the opportunity of
expressing to Colonel Bowles and the Officers and Non-commissioned
officers and privates, the feelings of pride and satisfaction he has
experienced, in hearing the good accounts, which have from time to
time been received of the conduct and soldierlike feeling exhibited by
the Battalion, from the commencement of its period of service in
America, so fully borne testimony to by every Officer under whom it
served. It is worthy of remark, that, during a period of nearly five
years, so few cases of desertion have taken place in a Battalion 800
strong; nine only of which have occurred among the duty men, and this
in a country where temptations to the commission of this crime were
particularly strong. The Lieutenant-Colonel feels assured that such
old soldiers who, for the purpose of equalizing the two Battalions,
may shortly be transferred from one to the other, will by their
example, impress upon their younger comrades the necessity of a ready
submission to discipline, and due subordination to those placed over
them, by which the individual comfort of the soldier is so much
advanced, and the credit of his corps firmly established.
-----
Footnote 175:
The 2nd Battalion, returning home from British North America,
contained 41 sergeants, 18 corporals, and 688 men. The Officers who
were present were: Colonel Bowles, Commanding Battalion; Captain Lord
F. Paulet, Adjutant; Quartermaster Lee; Assistant Surgeon Robinson;
Colonel H. Bentinck; Lieut.-Colonels Codrington and Wigram; Captains
Vansittart, Daniell, Hulse, and Earl of Caledon; Lieutenants Kirkland,
Somerset, Whyte-Melville, and Verner (with the six companies); and
Colonel Chaplin, Captain Bathurst, Lieutenant Ellice, and Assistant
Surgeon Munro (with the two companies).
-----
On the return of the Brigade from Canada, Windsor was again occupied by
the Foot Guards, and Winchester remained an out-quarter until June 24,
1847, when Chichester was substituted for it. A Battalion was stationed
at this latter place up to 1854.
Colonel Bowles, who had joined the Regiment in December, 1804, having
retired upon half-pay, after nearly thirty-nine years service, on May
30, 1843, Colonel C. Bentinck was promoted Major, and commanded the 2nd
Battalion.
As far back as January, 1832, a sergeant and corporal from each of the
three Regiments were sent to the Fencing Rooms of Mr. Angelo (at that
time in Old Bond Street), to learn a system of bayonet exercise which he
had invented, and were inspected the following month by Lord Hill. The
latter appears not to have considered the results satisfactory, and
nothing more was done in the matter.[176] But later, in February, 1843,
Mr. Angelo’s services were again requisitioned, and several
Non-commissioned officers were sent to his School of Arms, in St.
James’s Street, to be instructed in the sword exercise, and with a view
to their drilling the men of their Battalions in the use of the bayonet.
Mr. Angelo, moreover, held periodical inspections of the Officers and
men of every Battalion of the Brigade. He commenced this duty in
December, 1843, and continued to perform it until the spring of 1852.
The bayonet exercise thus begun in the Brigade, was not extended
generally to the rest of the army, until after the Crimean war.
-----
Footnote 176:
General Sir J. Hamilton, K.C.B., _History of the Grenadier Guards_ ,
iii. 108.
-----
A review took place at Windsor on June 5, 1844, before the Emperor of
Russia, attended by the 2nd Scots Fusiliers, then stationed there, and
by the 2nd Grenadiers and 2nd Coldstream, who proceeded from London for
the purpose. Lord Saltoun commanded the Brigade; the whole, including
infantry of the Line, cavalry, and artillery, being under Lord
Combermere. It is perhaps of interest to remark that His Majesty the
Tsar, who within ten short years, was engaged in a serious war with this
country, conveyed his approbation and thanks to the troops, and desired
that they should be spoken of as “his comrades in arms.” Three years
later, another review on a large scale, but of infantry only, was held
in Hyde Park, June 17, 1847, before H.I.H. the Grand-Duke Constantine of
Russia, and was attended by the Duke of Wellington. Five Battalions of
the Brigade were present (1st and 2nd Grenadiers, 1st and 2nd
Coldstream, and the 2nd Scots Fusiliers), divided into two brigades—the
Coldstream in one, under Colonel C. Bentinck,—and a brigade of the Line.
The whole under the command of H.R.H. Prince George of Cambridge, who
expressed the pleasure it afforded him to command a body of the Brigade
of Guards for the first time.
On the retirement of Colonel Walton (May 8, 1846), Colonel Shawe became
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel Chaplin was promoted Major (2nd
Battalion). A few months later (November 9th), Colonel Shawe being
appointed Major-General, Colonel C. Bentinck succeeded to the
Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the Regiment, and his brother, Colonel H.
Bentinck, became Junior Major. Thereupon Colonel Chaplin commanded the
1st, and Colonel H. Bentinck the 2nd Battalion. It will be remembered
that Colonel C. Bentinck had served as Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General
at Waterloo; and that Colonel Walton, then Acting Adjutant of the 2nd
Battalion, had been appointed Brigade-Major of the 2nd Guards Brigade,
June 20, 1815, until the corps was dissolved, after the treaty of Paris,
November 20, 1815. Again, in 1848 (April 25), there was another change
in the command of the Regiment, when, on the retirement of Colonel C.
Bentinck, Colonel Chaplin was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel
Hay became Major. According to the rule then prevailing, the latter
commanded the 2nd Battalion, and Colonel H. Bentinck was transferred to
the 1st Battalion.
In May, 1848, the Regiment stood as follows:—
_Colonel._—Field-Marshal H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, K.G., etc.
_Lieutenant-Colonel._—Colonel T. Chaplin.
_Majors._—Colonels H. Bentinck; C. Hay.
_Captains._—Colonels W. Cornwall; W. Codrington: Lieut.-Colonels Hon. A.
Upton; F. Paget; (_Mounted_).
Lieut.-Colonels Hon. G. Upton; J. Clitherow; Gordon Drummond;
Lord F. Paulet; J. Forbes; R. Vansittart; C. Windham; H. Daniell;
Hon. R. Boyle; W. S. Newton; E. Milman; G. A. Vernon.
_Lieutenants._—Captains G. Johnson; Spencer Perceval; M. Tierney; Hon.
V. Dawson; H. Cumming; T. Steele; W. M. Wood; W. Eccles; C. White;
W. Baring; C. Cocks; P. Somerset (Adjutant); J. Cowell; J. Halkett
(Adjutant); Sir J. Harington, Bart.; D. Carleton; Lord A. C.
FitzRoy; C. Burdett; F. Newdigate; L. MacKinnon; Sir G. Walker,
Bart.; G. Warrender; W. Dawkins.
_Ensigns._—Lieutenants H. Jolliffe; Lord Dunkellin; F. Burton; Hon. P.
Feilding; E. Dering; W. Reeve; Hon. G. Eliot; C. Baring; H.
Bouverie; H. Armytage; Hon. H. Byng; C. Morgan; A. Thellusson; T.
Rolt; R. Sulivan; H. Cust; D. Williamson.
_Quartermasters._—W. Morse; T. Lee.
_Surgeon-Major._—E. Greatrex. _Battalion Surgeon._—W. Robinson.
_Assistant-Surgeons._—J. Munro; J. Skelton.
_Solicitor._—W. G. Carter, Esq.
The fever of revolution again attacked the continent of Europe, and the
year 1848 was one of confusion and disturbance. Insurrections of a
violent character were the order of the day, and convulsed every
country. France more especially was affected, where Louis-Philippe, the
Citizen-King, was swept away, and a Republic erected. England alone was
preserved free from rebellion, in spite of the efforts of a body of
malcontents, called Chartists, who sought to involve the country in
serious trouble. For some time this body had been at work to undermine
the British Constitution by every means in their power. They selected
the 10th of April upon which to give a great display of their strength
and numbers, and so to “overawe Government into a concession of their
demands, as the only means of averting a violent revolution.”[177] But
these efforts entirely failed; for the people, firm in their love of
order, had no sympathy with agitators, whose sole desire was to disturb
the public peace. Preparations on an extensive scale, were made by the
Duke of Wellington to resist any unlawful attempts that might be made to
coerce the constituted authorities. But the troops, as far as possible,
were kept out of sight, as a reserve, to come to the aid of the numerous
special constables, who, drawn from every class of society, eagerly
enrolled themselves for the occasion. Early in March, when the trouble
was brewing, the Guards were confined to barracks, and piquets were held
in readiness to assist the civil power; these arrangements continued
intermittently during the month. On the 10th of April, however, more
elaborate precautions were taken: the 1st Coldstream, then at the Tower,
having left detachments in the Mint and Bank, were stationed for the day
in Blackfriars; the 2nd Grenadiers, brought up from Chichester, occupied
Somerset House; the West-end Battalions being placed at Wellington
barracks, at Buckingham Palace, in the Magazine (Hyde Park), in the
Royal Mews (Pimlico), and at St. George’s and Portman Street
barracks.[178] The day passed without riot or disturbance; after which,
the effervescence gradually cooled down, and the normal state of public
tranquillity soon prevailed again.
-----
Footnote 177:
_Annual Register_ , 1848, “History,” p. 124.
Footnote 178:
Hamilton, _History of the Grenadier Guards_ , iii. 146.
-----
The year 1850 was the two hundredth anniversary of the formation of the
Regiment, and it was celebrated, with due solemnity and much enthusiasm,
on the 22nd of May. The 1st Battalion was quartered in Portman Street,
the 2nd in St. George’s barracks. In the forenoon, the Regiment paraded
in Hyde Park, and the men of the two Battalions were formed into one
corps of eight companies, those belonging to a company of one Battalion
being mixed up with those of the corresponding company of the other. In
this order the Regiment, 1400 strong, were marched to Portman Street,
under Colonel H. Bentinck. A substantial dinner was then provided for
Non-commissioned officers and men in the barrack yard, which had been
completely covered with canvas, and suitably decorated with emblems,
flags, and banners; and conspicuous among them were the tattered
Waterloo Colours wreathed in laurel, presented to the Regiment the day
before, by Lieut.-General Sir Alexander Woodford, who had commanded the
2nd Battalion at that battle. Sergeant-Major Hurle presided, and the
Colonel and all the Officers were present, H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge
occupying a seat among the privates. After some time spent together,
during which the warm relations existing between the various ranks of
the Regiment were manifested, the Officers left at four in the
afternoon, and dancing and other amusements terminated the day. In the
evening, the bicentenary festival was also celebrated by a dinner held
in the Banqueting Hall, St. James’s Palace, and attended by all the
Officers past and present, together with a few guests, among whom was
the Duke of Wellington, Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and then
Commander-in-Chief. Altogether 140 persons sat down to table; Colonel
Chaplin presided. In the course of the entertainment, many toasts were
proposed and honoured, among them “the Marquis of Huntly, the oldest
Coldstreamer present,” who, as Lord Strathavon, had left the Regiment in
1792, and was now nearly ninety years of age. The Duke of Wellington
also made a speech, from which, on account of his great military
position and authority, it may be interesting to give the following
extract:—
I may well be gratified and flattered at the honour you have done me
in inviting me to attend your festival on this occasion. Long before I
had the honour of holding a commission in the corps of Guards, I had
every reason to respect that corps on account of their display of
every military quality as soldiers, in every situation in which they
could be placed. I have had the good fortune to see them in the
presence of the enemy—in situations of difficulty under every possible
circumstance, and on every such occasion they have conducted
themselves with distinction, and have displayed every quality which
could be expected from the best class of soldiers. Among these, the
least distinguished have not been the Coldstream Guards. I see many
around me whose conduct I have had occasion to applaud under every
variety of circumstance—in the field, in cantonments, and in quarters.
Gentlemen, I know also it is impossible to see troops equal to the
efficiency of the Guards.
The recollections of the bicentenary celebration were still vividly in
the minds of the Coldstream, when the Regiment was plunged into mourning
by the death of their veteran Colonel (July 8, 1850), who, appointed in
September, 1805, was the oldest soldier in the corps, and “the Father of
the Coldstreamers,” as he himself delighted to be called. H.R.H. Prince
Adolphus Frederick, Duke of Cambridge, was born in 1774, and was the
seventh and youngest surviving son of George III. He saw active service
in Flanders,—where he was twice wounded—in 1793, under his brother the
Duke of York and Marshal Freytag, and again in the two subsequent years.
Later, he was given appointments in Hanover, and was Governor there
until the death of William IV., when the Duke of Cumberland became
Sovereign of that State, and when the kingdom was finally separated from
the Crown of England.
The funeral took place at Kew on the 16th, and it was attended by both
Battalions, each of which furnished a Guard of Honour, the 2nd Battalion
at Cambridge House, Piccadilly, and the 1st Battalion at Kew. On the
25th the following Regimental Order was issued:—
The Commanding Officer is desired by H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge to
express to the Officers, Non-commissioned officers, and privates, his
thanks, and those of the Duchess of Cambridge and family, for the
feeling manner in which they conducted themselves at Kew, on the
occasion of the funeral of His late Royal Highness.
Shortly afterwards (August 15th), the Colonelcy of the Regiment was
bestowed by Her Majesty upon General the Earl of Strafford, G.C.B. (late
of the Third Guards), and better known in the Coldstream as Sir John
Byng, the gallant commander of the 2nd Guards Brigade during the
campaign of 1815, and (when Sir G. Cooke was wounded) of the Guards
Division at Waterloo.
London, in the summer of 1851, was the scene of the first great
Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations—a scheme to promote the
peaceable development of commerce, which was conceived, initiated, and
organized by the enlightened energy of the late Prince Consort. This
splendid display of the arts and sciences created extraordinary interest
among all classes, both at home and abroad. The Brigade took its part in
this undertaking by guarding the building, and by furnishing a piquet of
one Officer and 50 men in case of emergency. The latter were quartered
in the disused Knightsbridge barracks, and the usual autumn change of
quarters was put off until the end of October.
On the 22nd of August, Colonel H. Bentinck was promoted
Lieutenant-Colonel on the retirement of Colonel Chaplin, when Colonel
Hon. A. Upton became Junior Major (2nd Battalion).
The year 1852 (September 14th) saw the death of the now aged Duke of
Wellington—the great Commander who broke the power of Napoleon, and who,
above all other Generals, raised the military prestige of England to
that high standard of fame and glory, that made the British nation
invincible in the field, and enabled her to stand single-handed against
the conqueror of Europe. It is quite impossible in a work of this kind,
to attempt to recapitulate a tithe even of the services which this great
man rendered to his country. They stand recorded in history, and in the
annals of the Coldstream they are partially described in the events
which occurred up to 1818, when his active military career, as a General
in the field, came to an end. Suffice it here to reproduce the touching
General Order which Her Majesty caused to be published to the Army as
soon as she learnt that her faithful soldier and servant had breathed
his last:—
“The Queen feels assured that the Army will participate in the deep
grief with which Her Majesty has received the intelligence of the
irreparable loss sustained by herself, and by the country, in the
sudden death of Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington. In him Her
Majesty has to deplore a firm supporter of her Throne; a faithful,
wise, and devoted councillor; and a valued and honoured friend. In him
the Army will lament the loss of a Commander-in-Chief unequalled for
the brilliancy, the magnitude, and the success of his military
achievements; but hardly less distinguished for the indefatigable and
earnest zeal with which, in time of peace, he laboured to maintain the
efficiency and promote the interests of that Army, which he had often
led to victory. The discipline which he exacted from others, as the
main foundation of the military character, he sternly imposed upon
himself; and the Queen desires to impress upon the Army, that the
greatest Commander whom England ever saw, has left an example for the
imitation of every soldier, in taking as his guiding principle, in
every relation of life, an energetic and unhesitating obedience to the
call of duty.”[179]
-----
Footnote 179:
_Annual Register_ , 1852, “Chronicle,” p. 144.
-----
The remains of the illustrious dead having been removed from Walmer to
London (November 10th), the lying-in-state lasted some days in Chelsea
Hospital, when Guards of Honour were furnished daily by the Battalion
finding the public duties; and thousands flocked to the scene to pay a
last tribute to the memory of the greatest Englishman of the century.
The funeral was fixed for the 18th, and the ceremony was on as imposing
and magnificent a scale as a grateful country could devise upon so
solemn an occasion of universal mourning and public sorrow. The
procession started from the Horse Guards Parade, under an escort of six
battalions, eight squadrons, and nineteen guns, together with
representatives of every available regiment of the British Army,[180]
the whole under the command of Major-General H.R.H. the Duke of
Cambridge.
-----
Footnote 180:
“The Queen, having been graciously pleased to command that every
regiment in Her Majesty’s Service shall, as far as practicable, be
represented in the funeral procession of Field-Marshal the Duke of
Wellington, by a detachment, consisting of one Field-Officer, Captain,
Subaltern, Sergeant, Corporal, and six privates, the General
Commanding-in-Chief requests you will be pleased to issue the
necessary orders for selecting these detachments from the several
Battalions of the Foot Guards enumerated in the margin, [viz. from
each of the seven Battalions of the Brigade, transmitting the names of
the Officers to this Department for Viscount Hardinge’s information.
In selecting the men for this honourable duty, His Lordship desires a
preference may be given to length of service, when combined with good
conduct and general orderly habits. The Officers and men to be fully
armed and equipped” (_Adjutant-General to the Field-Officer in Brigade
Waiting_ , Nov. 4, 1852).
-----
The infantry consisted of two brigades, one of which, under
Major-General Shawe (late of the Coldstream), was composed of the 1st
Battalions of the Grenadiers, Coldstream, and Scots Fusilier Guards. The
2nd Coldstream, then at the Tower, was posted near St. Paul’s, where the
interment took place, while the flank companies of the 2nd and 3rd
Grenadiers, the late Duke’s Regiment, took up a position within the iron
railings there.[181]
-----
Footnote 181:
A full account of the funeral of the Duke of Wellington is given in
the _Annual Register_ , 1852, “Appendix to Chronicle,” p. 483.
-----
Eighteen months had barely elapsed, after the disappearance of the chief
actor in the glories of the great wars that disturbed the beginning of
the century, when the long European peace came to an end, and again
there was a call to arms, and the nation was involved in the harassing
anxieties of a sanguinary struggle in the East with Russia. The Crimean
war opens up a new era in the military history of the country, and as
the Coldstream participated largely in it, it will be described in the
subsequent chapters. Meanwhile, it may be convenient to mention, as
briefly as possible, some few of the changes and reforms that affected
the army at large, and the Regiment in particular, during the period
(1837-54), with which we are now more immediately concerned.
It may be stated that, during the reign of William IV., there was only a
sergeant’s guard at Buckingham Palace; but in July, 1837, when Her
Majesty took up her residence there, it was increased to one Subaltern
and forty-four Non-commissioned officers and men. Again, before the
Queen’s Accession, guard-mounting, attended by the flank companies of
the Brigade, seems often to have been held more than once during the
year; but since that time, it took place more regularly as a Birthday
ceremonial. Moreover, prior to 1841, the public duties mounted, as a
rule, all the year round from the Horse Guards Parade; from that date,
however, they appear to have paraded there during the summer months only
(May 1st-October 1st), when white trousers were worn by the troops. The
practice of mounting the public duties from the battalion parades during
the whole year, except for about a month, as at present, began about
1849.
As early as 1829, efforts were made to increase the comfort of the men
on guard, by providing them with means to cook, or at least to warm,
their dinners, which, prior to that date, had been served up to them in
a very unsatisfactory manner. Later, other improvements were introduced
into barracks. Suitable washing and cooking arrangements began to be
organized (1838 and 1843), and fuel and light were authorized for a room
to serve as a “library” for the use of men (1839). These changes,
however, were not finally complete until 1849, in which year also, the
new barracks at the Tower (Waterloo barracks) were finished and ready
for occupation. It may be interesting to note that, in 1850, by an order
from the Horse Guards, all bagatelle tables in barracks were forbidden;
and this was interpreted to entail the removal of a billiard table which
had been set up at Chichester, as the Field-Officer in Brigade Waiting
considered it “in the same light as the bagatelle boards which have been
so recently done away with by the Commander-in-Chief” (_Brigade Order_ ,
July 24, 1850).
Regimental Savings Banks were established in the end of 1843, and were
brought into operation in the Coldstream by a Regimental Order, dated
January 22, 1844.
Considerable attention was paid to the well-being of the Recruit Depôt
at Croydon, and it is satisfactory to record a Regimental Order of the
20th of June, 1843, showing that the system then adopted, met the
requirements which it was intended to supply.
The Commanding Officer has not failed to observe the state of
efficiency in which the recruits from Croydon have been sent up to
join their respective Battalions, so highly creditable to Sergeant
Trew and the Non-commissioned officers under his command in the
superintendence of that establishment.
In 1849 new school arrangements were introduced there, and a routine of
duty, both for the winter and summer, was fixed to enable the recruits
to attend the classes regularly.
On the 19th of December, 1845, a medal for “Meritorious Service” was
introduced into the army, to be presented, in addition to an annuity not
exceeding _£_20, to sergeants recommended for distinguished service, and
to be held while doing duty or together with pension. A yearly sum of
_£_2000 was set apart for this purpose.[182]
-----
Footnote 182:
About the same time, the conditions under which the “distinguishing
marks for good conduct” were granted, were made more easy. We have not
attempted in this work, to give all the many changes which have been
made to better the soldier’s lot and to encourage good behaviour in
the ranks, being content to indicate only some of the first steps
taken to secure these results. It should, however, be understood, that
when a reform of this nature was introduced, it very naturally grew to
the advantage of the men, until it expanded into the system now in
force.
-----
It may be remarked that in April, 1850, a modification was made in the
manner of keeping the men’s accounts, and Officers were held
responsible, as heretofore, to inspect and sign the pay and soldiers'
settling books, as well as to see that any balances deposited in the
Savings Bank were duly entered. A certificate to this effect was signed
once a month.
Events contributed to cause the country generally, to bestow some
greater attention on military matters than had been the case for many a
long year. The fear that we might become involved in a serious dispute
with the French, owing to affairs in Syria in 1841; the increasing
hostility displayed by that people; and the revolution that disturbed
Europe in 1848-49, induced us to make some augmentations to the regular
forces, to reform the system of army service, and to reconstitute the
militia.[183] But the value of these changes would not have been
complete unless other means had also been taken to improve the state of
the army. It is known, and recognised with gratitude, that H.R.H. the
Prince Consort devoted his great talents, with the earnestness that
marked his character so strongly, to the well-being of the army, and
laboured indefatigably to secure reforms and to increase
efficiency.[184] Lord Hardinge, the new Commander-in-Chief, successor to
the Duke of Wellington, also took immense interest in the subject, with
the result that the soldier’s firearm was improved, and that some system
of practical training was at last provided for both Officers and men.
-----
Footnote 183:
_The Army Book for the British Empire_ ; Lieut.-General W. H.
Goodenough, C.B., R.A., and Lieut.-Colonel J. C. Dalton (H.P.), R.A.,
aided by various contributors, pp. 27, 42 (London, 1893).
Non-commissioned officers and men of the Coldstream were lent to
militia regiments for the purpose of drilling them. On November 20,
1852, a Regimental Order expresses the gratification felt by the
Lieutenant-Colonel at the reports which he received of their good
conduct, and of the manner in which they conveyed the instruction
required.
Footnote 184:
It must be noted here, that the Prince Consort was an advocate of a
system by which men might be allowed to leave the Colours, on
furlough, before their army service expired, and so form reserve
battalions in case of emergency (Theodore Martin, _Life of H.R.H. the
Prince Consort_ , ii. 436; 4th edit.: London, 1877).
-----
[Illustration: REGULATION MUSKET 1830.]
[Illustration: ENFIELD. 1853-1865.]
[Illustration: SNIDER. 1865-1871.]
[Illustration: MARTINI HENRY. 1871.]
[Illustration: LEE METFORD. 1890.]
[Illustration: N.R. Wilkinson del. A.D. Innes & C^o.
London Mintern Bros. lith.]
The armament of the Brigade underwent a change during the first sixteen
years of Her Majesty’s reign. As far back as 1836, the Quartermasters of
the 1st Coldstream and of the 3rd Grenadiers received “percussion
muskets intended for trial;” but the old flintlock was still retained,
until about the year 1843, when percussion caps were introduced, and the
“pickers and brushes,” worn by the corporals and privates, were
discontinued in the Regiment. The Minié musket-rifle was produced in
1851, and Brigade Orders, dated February 26th, and April 1, 1852,
directed the seven Battalions of the Foot Guards to send two intelligent
Non-commissioned officers to Woolwich, for the purpose of being
instructed in its use. Early the following year, a few of these firearms
were served out, when each Battalion of the Regiment received 200. A
general distribution of the new musket-rifle, however, was not by any
means complete when hostilities broke out in 1854, nor had the
authorities apparently quite made up their minds upon its value; but,
fortunately, sufficient progress had been made in its construction, and
the Guards and the greater portion of the British Army, that took the
field, were all armed with it before they met the Russians. It may
therefore be stated at once, that the weapon which we had in the Crimea,
was much superior to that used by the majority of the enemy’s troops.
Another pattern was adopted in 1853, but it was not issued till later.
Prior to the introduction of the Minié rifle, musketry was imperfectly
and irregularly practised. Battalions in out-quarters (Chichester and
Dublin) contrived to do so, but in London it was not attempted. Officers
took much interest in teaching the men the use of their firelock, and
encouraged them to shoot by offering prizes for which they competed. The
ranges were, of course, short—100 yards,—the results inferior, and only
five or ten rounds per man were fired. The target, some 6 feet by 2 feet
broad, was often embellished with a figure of a French Grenadier, to
give the men zest in their efforts to hit it. In 1853, a range was
procured near Kilburn, and on the 25th of August, the four Battalions in
London were ordered to commence ball practice there as soon as possible.
The year following, it was but natural that “incessant” musketry should
be ordered, and in March a party was sent to the school of Hythe, which
appears to have been opened about that time. In May, a return was called
for on the musketry as practised at Kilburn, and Captain Le Couteur
(Coldstream Guards), “having made himself acquainted with the method of
instruction as carried on at Hythe,” was ordered to superintend all
target practice of the 2nd Battalion which was then at home. It may be
added, that drafts going out to the Crimea, were also ordered to
practise musketry during the voyage out, and ammunition was provided for
that special purpose. The present system of musketry now adopted in the
army, appears to have grown out of these beginnings.
In 1852, several detachments, consisting of one Officer and 20 to 25 men
of the 1st Battalion, were sent to Chatham for the purpose of being
instructed in siege operations, and in the construction of field-works.
The next year was one of considerable military activity, brought about
by the efforts of the Prince Consort, and by the fact that other
nations, more especially Prussia, were devoting much attention to the
training of their troops. A camp of instruction was formed at Chobham,
under the command of Lieut.-General Lord Seaton, which lasted for two
months, commencing from the middle of June. The Foot Guards proceeded
there for their training in two Brigades, each remaining for a
month,—the first consisting of the 1st and 3rd Grenadiers, 1st
Coldstream, and 1st Scots Fusiliers, under Colonel H. Bentinck; the
second, of the 2nd Grenadiers, 2nd Coldstream, and 2nd Scots Fusiliers,
under Colonel Godfrey Thornton (Grenadier Guards). Captain Frederick
Stephenson (Scots Fusilier Guards) was appointed Major of Brigade of
both Brigades.
The instruction was of a practical character, and the troops acquired a
knowledge of their duties in the field, which could in no other way be
imparted to them. Some 16,000 were altogether present. Being the first
peace manœuvres held in England (we should perhaps, in the present
day, call them only summer drills), the camp at Chobham evoked much
interest among all classes; and as the Queen, accompanied by the Prince
Consort, frequently inspected the troops or was present when military
exercises were performed, it became a centre of attraction to thousands
of spectators, who flocked to see those unwonted displays of mimic
warfare.
Thus ended the year 1853, the forerunner of the great war with Russia,
which was so soon to try the value of the British army under the cruel
test of hardships, difficulties, and privations. The army at that time
had passed through a long period of peace; it had little theoretical
knowledge of its profession, and was imperfectly served by those
departments that are indispensable to its efficiency in the field. But
it was a thoroughly disciplined army, one that knew its duty, that
respected and obeyed authority, and that bore unflinchingly and
without murmur, all the sufferings which it was called upon to endure.
This was the army with which England again engaged in a serious
European war. Nor was the country disappointed with the work that was
performed. For, in spite of many shortcomings in administration and
organization, and notwithstanding innumerable trials and difficulties,
the troops maintained unsullied the honour of their Sovereign, by the
conspicuous display of those pre-eminent and fundamental military
virtues,—discipline and fortitude.
CHAPTER VI.
BEGINNING OF THE WAR IN THE EAST.
Position of Russia in Europe—State of the Continent in 1853—British
alliance with France—The Tsar’s quarrel with Turkey—Commencement of
hostilities on the Danube—The affair of Sinope—How it drew England
and France into the war—Three Battalions of the Brigade of Guards
ordered on foreign service—Concentration of the Allies in the
Mediterranean—Guards Brigade at Malta—Thence to Scutari—Want of
transport—The Allies moved to Varna—Good feeling between the British
and French troops—Course of the war on the Danube—Siege of
Silistria—Retreat of the Russians into Bessarabia—Intervention of
Austria—The Allies in Bulgaria—Sickness among the troops—Return to
Varna—Preparations for the invasion of the Crimea—The organization
and strength of the Allies.
The Empire of Russia—except for the great expansion in Central Asia
which has taken place during the last forty years, and which has now
brought its frontiers close to India—was scarcely less vast and
formidable in 1853 than it is at present. Stretching from Germany on the
west, to the Pacific Ocean on the east, bordering the Black Sea, and
pressing on Turkey, Persia, and China, it occupies an immense and
continuous territory, both in Europe and in Asia, and exercises many and
important influences over the civilization of the world. Inhabited
generally, by a docile agricultural population who live in the plains,
and whose liberties and property are at the mercy of a strong executive
power, it is ruled by an Autocrat both in name and in reality, and is
governed by a trained army of ubiquitous administrators and officials,
who enforce his decrees, and coerce the whole people to spend their
existence in the service of the Tsar. The organization of Russia, less
adapted, perhaps, to secure the welfare of her subjects than to
accomplish the will of her rulers, is skilfully constructed; and the
sagacity she displays in the conduct of her affairs, is as conspicuous
in the manner she brings fresh conquests within her grasp, as in that by
which she controls and assimilates the numerous and heterogeneous
nationalities, that are to be found within her borders. But here her
advantages end. Russia has no seaboard, and her foreign commerce,
incommensurate to her size and importance, is not sufficient to enable
her to develop her vast resources, or to consolidate the stupendous
forces with which her disciplined intelligence, large possessions, and
teeming population should endow her. A glance at the map reveals the
disability under which she labours. Fettered in the north by an
ice-bound ocean, she has but two outlets through which to reveal her
strength, and these are blocked by the narrow channels of the Sound and
the Bosphorus.
That Russia is ambitious and greedy of power, few will deny; but her
encroachments are not altogether due to the mere love of extending her
territories. Her existence, as a nation of the first rank, is menaced by
her maritime weakness, and until she frees herself from the shackles
that cripple her commercial activity on the sea, she is the ready and
easy victim of the Power that holds, and has strength to use, the keys
of her house. But, added to this, her statesmen have long perceived
that, as soon as they shall have gained the Bosphorus, they will win a
commanding supremacy over the destinies of the world. While, therefore,
they are impelled to a system of aggrandisement, in order to force their
way to the sea and to preserve the life of their Imperial structure,
they by no means despise the glorious goal of wide dominion, to which
the success of this policy must infallibly conduct them. This, then, is,
and has been for many generations, ever since their genius conceived the
design, the reason which has urged them relentlessly to enlarge their
possessions in Poland, Persia, and in Central Asia, and to exhibit
undying hostility towards the Turkish Empire.
The Western Powers have not failed to recognise the danger to which they
are exposed by this active and aggressive policy, and Great Britain,
having vital interests of her own in the far East, has never been able
to view with unconcern the absorption of Turkey by her Northern rival.
Hence, it has come about that, when the Sultan has been threatened, many
nations of the West have endeavoured to go to his assistance, and to
ward off the disaster that seemed to be imminent. But their efforts have
been badly directed; for, divided among themselves, pursuing divergent
interests, interfering without wisdom, or led away by false conceptions
of the real situation, they too often manacled the defensive power of
Turkey, and gave victory to the Russians, when the latter had not won it
by their own strength. In this way Russia advanced and prospered,—by the
ascendency that organized intelligence will ever command over a policy
of mere sentimental or unreflective expediency,—until 1853, when another
crisis was impending in the East, which produced a great European war,
and terminated the long peace that had existed since 1815.
It is not necessary to dwell upon the origin of the war. It arose from a
trivial incident—the possession of the keys of the Holy Places in
Palestine. The Emperor Nicholas I. reigned at St. Petersburg at that
time, and he claimed these emblems of superiority as head of the Greek
Church; so also did the French, in virtue of an old Treaty made in the
sixteenth century, which, they affirmed, constituted them protectors of
the Latin Church in the East. The Sultan adjusted the petty cause of
dispute, and thereupon the Tsar made fresh demands, which the Porte
resisted. These will be adverted to presently, but a word will be
necessary here to describe briefly the position of affairs, that existed
on the continent of Europe.
France did not long maintain the Republic set up by the Revolution of
1848. Louis Napoleon, nephew and political heir of the first great
Napoleon—in spite of the old decree banishing the family of the late
Emperor,—was elected President for four years by a large majority
(December 20th). Strengthening his position with the army, by appeals to
past glory, and with the people generally, by the maintenance of order
in troublous times, he resolved to revive the Empire, and succeeded in
December, 1851, in constituting himself President for ten years, with
largely increased powers, and with the title of Prince. Twelve months
later (December 2, 1852), he was proclaimed Emperor under the name of
Napoleon III., and was so acknowledged by Europe. The new Sovereign was
not blind to the advantages which a friendship with England would confer
upon him; he was even anxious to conciliate a people he had known and
respected in the days of his exile. The defect in his title, moreover,
was best obliterated by the adoption of a policy of adventure. The
appearance of the Eastern cloud furnished him with an opportunity he was
glad to seize; and, as it became darker, so did he, the more readily,
co-operate with the British Cabinet, in their attempt to disperse it.
When it was determined that peace could no longer be maintained, an
alliance was cemented between the two countries, and England and France,
so often in the past unhappily opposed in war, were at length found side
by side in the strife, combating the same foe and loyally supporting
each other in the field of battle—rivals only in the honour and glory to
be derived therefrom. And yet this union was not without serious
drawbacks. Seldom can a confederacy of independent States be
satisfactory; for each has different interests to serve, and conflicting
opinions too frequently weaken the efforts of those who have banded
themselves together to accomplish an object avowedly dear to all. In
1854 the alliance was definitely established; it became _l’entente
cordiale_, as it was felicitously termed, and, when the war was in
progress, harmony and mutual respect and confidence reigned between the
armies engaged. But, as a price, to please Napoleon, England gave up
some of her most cherished customs of naval warfare—a sacrifice which
the armed forces of Europe had in vain sought to wring from her,—and
hostilities assumed a direction which, as will be seen, did the least
damage to the enemy, and effected injury to the cause which the British
nation had most at heart.
The popular explosion in France in 1848, affected not only that country,
but produced widespread results, and its consequences were felt, like
the Revolution of 1830, all over the continent of Europe. In Austria the
crisis had been peculiarly acute, and the Hungarians and Italians rose
in rebellion against the authority of their Sovereign. The latter was
able to re-assert his power in Lombardy by his own resources; but in
Hungary the resistance was so strong that, when the Tsar offered the
assistance of his troops, the proposal was accepted, and Russian
bayonets reduced the Magyars to obedience, and placed them once more
under the Austrian Emperor (1849). In Prussia and in the petty States of
Germany less difficulties had been experienced; but the temper of the
people had been aroused, and they clamoured for reform and a greater
control over their own affairs. The German Princes were alarmed; they
distrusted their subjects, and relied for counsel and aid upon
Russia—the only Power whose government, like theirs, was despotic, but
who, unlike them, had no fear of a popular ebullition. In truth, the
credit of the Tsar was in the ascendent in Central Europe: he ostensibly
saved Austria from disaster, if not from dissolution; he intervened in
the question of the Danish Duchies,[185] which then agitated the whole
of Germany; and he mediated successfully between Austria and Prussia,
when they became rivals and jealous of each other, on account of the
efforts of the latter to restore in her own favour the Imperial
Constitution of Germany, which had come to an end in 1806. In short, the
Emperor Nicholas controlled the German nations; he arbitrated in their
differences; and could involve them in serious trouble should they see
fit to dispute his pleasure.
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Footnote 185:
Schleswig and Holstein, torn from Denmark in 1864.
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When Russia, therefore, not content with the settlement effected with
respect to the Holy Places, determined still to provoke a quarrel with
Turkey, the Western Powers were not united upon the problem that invited
their attention. England and France alone resolved to resist her
pretensions, while the others—Austria, Prussia, and the minor States of
Germany—practically ranged themselves on her side. The demands made upon
the Porte are of little importance; any pretext is good, where an object
is to be gained. The Sultan was required to accept the protection of
Russia over his Christian subjects, and he refused to submit (May 23,
1853). In this determination England agreed; indeed, it is clear that it
would have been impossible for him to deliver over a very considerable
section of his people into the hands of his hereditary enemy. Thereupon
a Russian force, under Prince Michael Gortchakoff, crossed the Pruth
(July 2nd), occupied the Principalities (now the kingdom of Roumania),
and established itself upon the Danube. The Turks immediately made great
efforts to meet the emergency, by collecting troops and despatching them
both into Asia Minor, and into Bulgaria. But no declaration of war took
place, for the Western Powers persuaded the aggrieved party to have
patience, while they sent representatives to Vienna to try to avert
hostilities by the arts of diplomacy.
These endeavours failed entirely, not to say ridiculously. An Instrument
was drafted, called the Vienna Note, to which both the Tsar and the
Sultan were to consent, as a basis for a future arrangement. The former
did so readily, but the latter peremptorily refused his adhesion to it.
That he was right, is shown by the fact that the Note was so loosely
drawn, as to be capable of an interpretation, whereby the full demands
of Russia would have been agreed to by Turkey; and in the negotiations
which followed, it became apparent that this was the only interpretation
which the Emperor Nicholas had adopted! So the intervention projected at
this centre of Russian intrigue, came to an end with the full
concurrence of the British and French Governments, who were obliged to
recognize that they had been duped. In October, the Porte formally
called upon General Gortchakoff to evacuate the Danubian Principalities,
and ordered Omar Pasha, the Turkish Commander-in-chief in Bulgaria, “to
commence hostilities if, after fifteen days from the arrival of his
despatch at the Russian head-quarters, an answer in the negative should
be returned.” After the stated interval, towards the end of the month,
the war commenced, not only on the Danube, but also on the Armenian
frontier in Asia.