CHAPTER III

CAMPAIGN ON THE NILE--1884-1899

Troubles in the Western Soudan--Expedition to relieve Khartoum--19th ordered up the Nile--Korti--The Desert Column--Action at Abu Klea--Action at Abu Krou--Quartermaster Lima killed--The horses--Metemmeh--Fall of Khartoum--Return of the Column--The River Column--Action at Kirbekan--Return of the Column--Summer Quarters--Regiment returns to Cairo--Squadron sent to Suakin--Serious losses--Returns to Cairo--Designation granted of “Princess of Wales’ Own”--Death of Colonel Barrow--19th returns to England--Badge of “Mysore” granted--19th embarks for India--Bangalore--Secunderabad 246

APPENDIX A.

Yearly Lists of the Officers of the Nineteenth 271

APPENDIX B.

Casualties in the Nineteenth Hussars during the Egyptian Campaign of 1882 304

APPENDIX C.

Special Honours granted to Nineteenth Hussars for Egyptian Campaign of 1882 305

APPENDIX D.

Casualties in the Nineteenth Hussars during the Campaign near Suakin, 1884 306

APPENDIX E.

Special Honours granted to Nineteenth Hussars for Campaign near Suakin, 1884 307

APPENDIX F.

Addresses to Nineteenth Hussars by Major General G. Graham, C.B., V.C., and Brigadier General H. Stewart. Trinkitat, 5th March 1884 308

APPENDIX G.

Casualties in the Nineteenth Hussars during the Soudan Campaign of 1885 310

APPENDIX H.

Special Honours granted to Nineteenth Hussars for Soudan Campaign, 1885 311

APPENDIX I.

Address to Nineteenth Hussars by General Lord Wolseley, G.C.B. Korti, 23rd March 1885 312

APPENDIX K.

Report by Colonel Barrow on the Arab horses ridden by the Nineteenth Hussars during the Nile Campaign of 1885 313

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OF WALES-- _Photogravure--From a Photograph by Miss Alice Hughes_ _Frontispiece_

AN OLD NINETEENTH--_From an old Seal_ _On Title page_

GENERAL SIR JOHN FLOYD, BART.--_Photogravure_ _To face page_ 59

MYSORE CAMPAIGNS--_Map_ ” ” 69

AN OFFICER IN THE UNIFORM OF THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS, 1792--_Coloured Plate_ ” ” 99

THE MARCH OF THE ARMY IN PURSUIT OF DHOONDIA WAO IN JULY, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER 1800--_Map_ ” ” 117

BATTLE OF ASSAYE--_Map_ ” ” 139

MAJOR GENERAL R. R. GILLESPIE--_Photogravure--From a Miniature_ ” ” 168

GUIDONS OF THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS--_Coloured Plate_ ” ” 172

THE CANADIAN FRONTIER IN 1812--_Map_ ” ” 175

BATTLE OF LUNDY’S LANE, 9 P.M., 25TH JULY 1814--_Map_ ” ” 204

OFFICERS IN THE UNIFORM OF THE NINETEENTH LANCERS, 1817--_Coloured Plate_ ” ” 218

AN OFFICER IN THE UNIFORM OF THE NINETEENTH HUSSARS, 1882--_Coloured Plate_ ” ” 232

COLONEL PERCY BARROW--_From a Photograph, Half-tone_ ” ” 264

## PART I

THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS

DROGHEDA’S HORSE

1759-1763

State of affairs in Europe in 1756--Declaration of War against France--Increase of the Army--Early Years of the War--Invasion expected--Orders for raising the 19th Light Dragoons--Death of George II.--End of the Seven Years’ War--Reduction of Military Establishments--19th Light Dragoons become the 18th--Uniform of the Regiment.

From the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748), to the outbreak of the Seven Years’ War (1756), the peace, nominally existing between England and France, was continually broken, out of Europe, by both parties. In India, under the veil of alliance with opposing Native Princes, war was actively prosecuted, and it was with difficulty that British interests maintained a precarious footing in that country. In North America, the French claimed the whole continent, except the ill defined New England settlements along the coast, and denied the right of the English to trade in the interior. Keeping themselves in the background, they waged a bloody war against the English settlers, by means of the Indians, whom they subsidized, and whose disguise they often adopted. Both in the East and the West, French officials were acting with the support and countenance of the Court of Versailles, and the English officials on the spot were not slow to retaliate when occasion offered. It was evident that a crisis could not long be averted, but it was advantageous to the French to postpone an open rupture as long as possible, while the French navy was being strengthened. On the other hand, it was the interest of England to hasten the rupture, when war was seen to be inevitable, since the objects to be fought for were beyond the seas. The English navy was, at that time, greatly superior in strength to the French navy, while the French military forces were eight or ten times as strong as the English army, which had been greatly reduced since the conclusion of the late war. As time went on, less pains were taken to conceal the warlike measures undertaken on either side. In the beginning of 1755, Braddock’s ill-fated expedition was dispatched to New England, while a counter-expedition for Canada was sent out from Brest and Rochefort, a few weeks later. Neither side was acting in good faith: on both sides, secret instructions for active hostilities were given to the commanders. In June, two French ships, with troops on board, were captured by Boscawen off the coast of Newfoundland. Exactly a month later, Braddock’s force was cut to pieces by the French and Indians. Still the pretence of peace was preserved. In April 1756, a French expedition sailed from Toulon to attack Minorca, which for half a century had been a British possession. Byng’s well-known failure to relieve Minorca ensued, and the place fell on 27th June.

Meanwhile the absurdity of maintaining the semblance of peace under such circumstances had become patent to the British cabinet, and in May, war was formally declared. In August, the coalition of France and Austria, soon to be joined by Russia, was declared against Prussia, and Great Britain found herself engaged in hostilities in Germany, India and America at the same time.

The early years of the war were neither fortunate nor creditable to Great Britain. After the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, the Army within the three kingdoms had been reduced to about eighteen thousand men. In December 1755, an increase of fifteen thousand men had been voted. But armies are not made in a day, and the direction of affairs was in incompetent hands. Pitt, who alone commanded the confidence of the country, was regarded with disfavour by the King. In November 1756, Pitt was recalled to office, and a new spirit was infused into the management of affairs. A Militia Bill was introduced, the regular Army was increased to forty-five thousand men, and steps were taken for enlisting into the service of the State the Highland clans who had so recently been in arms against the Crown. In April 1757, Pitt was dismissed from office, and all again was confusion. For three months England was without a Government; at the end of that time, Pitt was again in office. But the ill effects of the political contest at home were reflected in the ill-success of our arms abroad, and two years were to elapse before the nation felt secure. The year 1757 was a gloomy one in England. A French invasion was believed to be imminent: an expedition, dispatched in May, against Louisbourg in America, failed, owing to the feebleness and tardiness of execution on the part of those to whom it was entrusted: Fort William Henry was taken by Montcalm, and its garrison massacred by the Indians. In Europe, an expedition, dispatched in September, against Rochefort, failed, through the disagreements of the naval and military officers in command. The Duke of Cumberland was forced to evacuate Hanover, and sign the convention of Kloster-Severn, and many months were to elapse before the triumph of Clive at Plassy became known in England. In 1758, matters improved somewhat. In July, Louisbourg was taken, but an attack on Ticonderago in the same month was defeated, and Lord Howe, described by Wolfe as “the noblest Englishman that has appeared in my time, and the best soldier in the British army,” was slain in a skirmish. In Germany, the British troops, under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, drove the French out of Hanover, while two successful raids were made on the French coast, in which Cherbourg and St. Servan were temporarily occupied, and a great quantity of warlike stores destroyed or captured.

Pitt’s genius was now beginning to be felt in every branch of the service, and, from this time, matters improved steadily, by land and sea. In May 1759, Guadaloupe was captured. In July, Rodney destroyed the French boats in Havre prepared for the invasion of England, while Hawke blockaded Brest. In August, Boscawen defeated a French fleet in the Bay of Lagos. In the same month, the French were decisively defeated at Minden by an inferior English and Hanoverian force: on the 13th September, Quebec was taken by Wolfe, who fell in the moment of victory, and French interests in America received their death blow. To complete the year’s triumphs, on 20th November, Hawke destroyed a French fleet under Conflans in Quiberon Bay, in an action fought in the midst of a tempest. The nation could breathe freely again; there was no more fear of invasion, and England was confident of ultimate success. But Pitt’s efforts were not relaxed, and many regiments of Cavalry and Infantry were added to the Army during the year.

By Royal Warrants, dated respectively 17th March, 4th August, 10th October and 17th November 1759, the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th Light Dragoons were raised for service abroad and at home. In December, steps were taken to raise the 19th Regiment of Light Dragoons in Ireland, and, in the following month, a Notification to that effect was issued from Dublin Castle.

_By the Lord Lieutenant General and General Governor of Ireland._

[Sidenote: 1760.]

Bedford,

His Majesty having been pleased to Order a Regiment of Light Dragoons to be forthwith raised in this Kingdom, under the Command of the Earl of Drogheda,[1] to consist of one Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, one Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, three Captains, six Lieutenants, six Cornets, one Chaplain, one Surgeon, one Surgeon’s Mate, one Adjutant, six Quartermasters, eighteen Serjeants, eighteen Corporals, twelve Drummers, six Hautboys, and six Troops of seventy Men per Troop: and His Majesty’s Letter being shortly expected for placing the said Regiment upon the Military Establishment of this Kingdom from the seventh day of December last past inclusive, to be paid at such times and in such manner as other Regiments of Dragoons in this Kingdom are paid, the pay of such Commission and Staff Officers and the Subsistance of the Non Commission Officers to commence from the date of their respective Commission, Warrants, and Appointments, and the Subsistance of the private Men, approved by the Officer who shall be appointed to review them from the Days of their being severally attested inclusive. And whereas We have authorized and required the said Earl of Drogheda by Beat of Drum or otherwise, forthwith to raise such number of able bodied Protestants in this Kingdom, as shall be willing to enlist themselves and may be wanting to compleat the said Regiment to the Establishment before mentioned, in the Execution of which Service the said Earl of Drogheda or one of the Field Officers of the said Regiment is to make the like returns to your Office as are usually made upon raising Regiments: We do hereby give you Notice thereof and do direct you upon Receipt of the Returns aforesaid to allow the names of all such Recruits on the Muster Rolls of the said Regiment in Order to their being entered for Pay, pursuant to His Majesty’s Letter aforesaid. Given at His Majesty’s Castle of Dublin the 15th Day of January 1760.

By His Grace’s Command

RICHARD RIGBY.

To the Muster Master General of this Kingdom or his Deputy.

A month later followed the Royal Warrant.

[Sidenote: 1760.]

_George R._--Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin and Councillor. We greet you well. Whereas the Commissioners of our Treasury have laid before us your Letter of the 29th of December last transmitting unto them the following Establishment of a Regiment of Light Dragoons to be raised according to a Proposal from Charles Earl of Drogheda which had been laid before and approved by Us and also an Estimate of the Expence of each

## particular to be provided and defrayed by Us for the use of the

said Regiment which said Establishment for One Year commencing from the seventeenth day of December last will amount to the sum of seventeen thousand four hundred and thirteen pounds ten shillings and tenpence according to the following particulars thereof that is to say--

Per day. Per annum. For one Lieutenant Colonel Commandant £0 7 0 £127 15 0 One Lieutenant Colonel 0 7 0 127 15 0 One Major 0 5 0 91 5 0 One Chaplain 0 6 8 121 13 4 One Surgeon 0 4 0 73 0 0 One Mate 0 2 6 45 12 6 One Adjutant 0 4 0 73 0 0

For One Troop

Captain 10 sh. and two servants at 1/2 each £0 12 4 £225 1 8 Lieutenant 6 sh. and one Servant at 1/2 0 7 2 130 15 10 Cornet 5 sh. and one Servant at 1/2 0 6 2 112 10 10 Quarter Master 0 4 0 73 0 0 Three Sergeants at 2/8 each 0 8 0 146 0 0 Three Corporals at 1/10 each 0 5 6 100 7 6 Two Drummers at 1/8 each 0 3 4 60 16 8 One Hautboy at 1/6 0 1 6 27 7 6 Seventy Men at 1/6 each 5 5 0 1,916 5 0 -------- ------------- 7 13 0 2,792 5 0 For five Troops more 38 5 0 13,961 5 0 -------- ------------- General Total £47 14 2 £17,413 10 10 -------- -------------

And We being graciously pleased to approve thereof and also of the several Particulars by you proposed in your said Letter Our Will and Pleasure is and we do hereby direct authorize and require that you give the necessary orders and Directions for placing the said Regiment on the Military Establishment of that our Kingdom from the seventh day of December last past inclusive for the several allowances of Pay in the said Establishment specified as aforesaid to be paid at such times and in such manner as other Regiments in that Kingdom are paid the Pay of each Commissioned and Staff Officers and the subsistence of the Non Commissioned Officers to commence from the date of their respective Commissions Warrants and Appointments and the subsistence of the private Men approved by the Officer who shall be appointed to review them from the days of their being severally attested inclusive as also for issuing out of our Revenues at Large in that Kingdom to the said Charles Earl of Drogheda or his Agent the sum of seventeen hundred and seventy pounds five shillings clear of all Fees and Deductions for four hundred and seventy four Cloaks at the rate of one pound twelve shillings and sixpence for each Cloak as also for issuing out of our said Revenues at large in that our Kingdom to the said Charles Earl of Drogheda or his Agent the sum Six Thousand Seven hundred and Fifty pounds clear of all Fees and Deductions for Four hundred and Fifty horses at the rate of Fifteen pounds for each Horse and likewise for issuing out of our said Revenues at large there to the Master and Principal Officers of the Ordnance the sum of Seven hundred and Sixty Six pounds clear of all Fees and Deductions for defraying the expense of four hundred and thirty two Firelocks and Bayonets at the rate of one pound fifteen shillings for each Firelock and Bayonet for the use of the said Regiment and for so doing this shall be as well to you as to our Lieutenant Deputy or other Chief Governor or Governors of that our Kingdom as to all other our Officers and Ministers who shall or may be concerned herein a Sufficient Warrant and so we bid you very heartily farewell. Given at our Court of St. James the 12th day of February 1760 in the 33rd Year of our reign.

By His Majesty’s Command,

HOLLES NEWCASTLE. H. B. LEGGE. JAMES OSWALD.

Entered at the Signet office the 25th February 1760

GEO. BROWN, _Dy._

To Our Right Trusty and Right Entirely Beloved Cousin and Councillor John Duke of Bedford Lieutenant General and General Governor of our Kingdom of Ireland and to Our Lieutenant Deputy or other Chief Governor or Governors of that Our Kingdom for the time being.

On the 24th March, the Muster Master General was again addressed, and instructed that, in consequence of an application from the Earl of Drogheda, “the orders relating to the Magistrates attesting the men raised to be Protestants and to making returns of the several places where the recruits were enlisted may be dispensed with, proper certificates that the men are Protestants having been obtained from the Clergymen of the Parishes where such men were severally enlisted, and all other requisites in the Earl of Rothes’ said instructions having been complied with.”

On 25th October 1760, George II. died; in February 1763, the Peace of Paris was concluded, and the Seven Years’ War came to an end. During the whole of this time, the Regiment, which was generally known as “Drogheda’s Horse,” remained in Ireland; but little or nothing can be learned concerning it. Considerable reductions of establishment were made directly peace was assured. The 17th (Aberdour’s Horse), which had never been able to complete its strength, ceased to exist, and the 18th Light Dragoons became the 17th. The 19th in the same way became the 18th, under which number it gained much distinction in the West Indies, Holland, the Peninsula, and Waterloo, being finally disbanded in 1821. Lord Drogheda, who had raised the regiment, continued to be its Colonel Commandant till its disbandment, nearly sixty two years afterwards, an unbroken term of service with one regiment probably unparalleled.

It is impossible at this date to ascertain what was the uniform of the regiment, before its number was changed. It certainly wore the red light dragoon coat of the period, and the facings were probably white, with red and white lace, similar to what it wore after its number was changed, until blue was substituted for red in all the Light Dragoon regiments.

## PART II

THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS

1779-1783

War in America--Declaration of War by France--Increase of the Army--Orders for raising the 19th Light Dragoons--Uniform--Peace proclaimed--Reduction of Military Establishments--Regiment disbanded.

“The year of which we treat, presented the most aweful appearance of public affairs, which this country had perhaps beheld for many ages.”[2] The condition of affairs in England, in 1779, was truly alarming. Since the spring of 1775, Great Britain had been striving to subdue her rebellious colonies in America. The war was mismanaged, the Ministry was incapable: the successes gained were barren of results, while serious disasters had been experienced. In March 1778, France, which had long been secretly aiding the rebellious colonies, threw off the mask, and openly espoused their cause. The warlike spirit of the country was roused, and those who would have conceded peace on almost any terms to American demands, refused to consider it at the intervention of France. The French forces however effected nothing of importance during the year; towards the end of it, the probability of Spain joining the coalition against England became known, though the actual declaration of war was delayed till June 1779. The national spirit was now thoroughly roused, but there was great apprehension of invasion. Supplies were freely voted, great additions were made to the naval and military establishments, camps were formed in many places in the south of England, the militia were embodied, and militia camps formed at Cox Heath, Warley, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Chatham, and Aldborough. The most strenuous efforts were made to place the defences of the country on an efficient footing.

In April, the following Letter of Service was addressed to Major General Russell Manners, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 2nd Dragoon Guards.

_Warrant._

_George R._ Whereas we have thought fit to order a Regiment of Light Dragoons to be forthwith formed under your Command which is to consist of six troops with four Sergeants four Corporals one Trumpeter one Hautboy and fifty-four private men and horses in each Troop beside the usual number of Commissioned Officers: These are to authorize you by beat of drum or otherwise to raise so many men in any County or part of our Kingdom of Great Britain as shall be wanted to complete the said Regiment to the numbers above mentioned. And all Magistrates Justices of the Peace Constables and other our Civil Officers whom it may concern are hereby required to be assisting unto you in providing Quarters impressing carriages and otherwise as there shall be occasion.

Given this 25th day of April 1779 in the 19th year of our Reign.

By His Majesty’s Command C. JENKINSON.

To Our Trusty and Wellbeloved Russell Manners Esq. &c. &c. &c.

On the same day, similar Warrants were issued for raising the 20th and 21st Light Dragoons.

In July, a small Corps of Light Dragoons, known as Lister’s Corps, was raised, and in August, the 22nd Light Dragoons was formed. At the same time, all out pensioners of Chelsea were inspected to see which of them “were fit for garrison or other duty.”

The 19th Light Dragoons were formed by drafts from the 1st and 2nd Dragoon Guards, and the 4th and 10th Dragoons, and encamped at Salisbury; where also were the 11th Light Dragoons. The 15th, 20th, and 21st Light Dragoons were encamped on Lexden Heath near Colchester. On the 9th October 1779, the 19th were inspected by Lieutenant-General James Johnston, when the effective strength was 355 Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, and 347 horses. The Inspecting Officer reported that the Officers wore scarlet, with silver button holes and green lappels, and “were mostly young genteel men with a good air, and great attention, and tolerable horsemen.” The Non-Commissioned Officers were said to be too tall for Light Dragoons, few of them being under 5 ft. 10 in.

Further orders for recruiting were issued in February 1780, and again in February 1781. Regimental clothing accounts were formidable things in those days, and two years after the Regiment was raised it was found that the clothing money of the men drafted to the 19th Light Dragoons from other Regiments had been paid, for two years, to the wrong person; so the following warrant, directing Major-General Manners to refund, was issued.

_“Warrant to make good a deficiency in the Offreckonings of the several Regiments of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons within specified from 25th April 1779 to 5th July 1781 out of ye Offreckonings of ye 19th 20th and 21st Regiments of Light Dragoons which were formed by sundry Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men turned over from the said Regiments of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons.”_

_George R._

[Sidenote: 1781.]

Whereas we were pleased to direct that our several Regiments of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons should be augmented from the 25th March 1778 and also further augmented from 25th August following and Whereas on the 25th April 1779 We were pleased to order three Regts. of Light Dragoons to be formed (out of a proper number of Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men turned over to them from the several Regiments of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons as specified in the State hereunto annexed), and whereas in Consequence of this We were pleased to direct that each Troop of our said Regiments of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons should from the 25th April 1779, be reduced so as to consist of Two Sergeants, Two Corporals, One Trumpeter, One Hautbois and thirty seven Private Men, and no more besides the usual Commissioned and other Officers, whereby a Deficiency hath arisen in the Assignment of the Offreckoning of each of our said Corps between 25th April 1779 and 5th July 1781 and We having been most humbly besought to grant Our Warrants to make good the said deficiency It appearing that the several Colonels above mentioned did turn over the Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men (Specified against each of their names in the State annexed) fully clothed and appointed according to our Regulations, Our Will and Pleasure therefore is that out of the Offreckonings arising on the Establishment of each of the new Corps specified in the annexed State and directed by our Warrant of the 29th March 1781, to be retained in your hands, you do pay from time to time to the said several Colonels or their Assigns the Amount (as the same hath or shall become payable according to the custom of the Service) of the Offreckonings of the Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men turned over to the New Corps that have accrued from 25th April 1779 to 5th July following as also that shall accrue from 6th July 1779 to 5th July 1781, in full satisfaction of the Claims of the said several Colonels of Our said Regiments of Dragoon Guards and Dragoons for the deficiency on their respective Assignments already passed by them up to 5th July 1779 and 5th July 1781, And for so doing &c. Given &c. this 20th day of June 1781 in the 21st Year of our Reign.

By His Majesty’s Command

C. JENKINSON.

_“State of the numbers of Non Commissioned Officers and Privates the amount of whose Offreckonings, from 25th April 1779 to 5th July following, as also from 6th July 1779 to 5th July 1781 are to be paid over from the three new Regiments of Light Dragoons.”_

From Major General Russell Manners’ 19th Regiment of Light Dragoons as follows Viz:

Serjts. Corpls. Ptes. To the 1st Regt: of Dragoon Guards Assignees of late Gen. John Mostyn 6 6 78 2nd Dragoon Guards Lord Viscount Townshend’s 6 6 84 4th Dragoons Lieut: Gen: Carpenter’s 6 6 84 10th Dragoons Assignees of late Sir John Mordaunt 6 6 60 ------------------- Total to be paid out of Major Gen: Manners’ Offreckonings 24 24 306 ===================

From Salisbury the 19th Light Dragoons were moved to Shropshire, and were quartered at Ludlow and Bridgenorth during the summer of 1780, with three troops at each place. The declaration of war by Holland, in January 1781, caused their transfer to Norwich, and, during the summer of that year, they were distributed between Saxmundham, Bungay, Beccles, Yarmouth, Halesworth, and Woodbridge, with a troop at each place. In October, the Regiment was inspected at Yarmouth by Major-General Tryon, who reported “This Regiment is a good corps, and fitt for any Service.” Each Dragoon was armed with a sword, a pair of pistols, carbine and bayonet.

In the following spring, the Regiment was at Bury St. Edmunds and Sudbury, three troops at each place. Soon afterwards they were moved to the neighbourhood of London, for employment on revenue duties, and, in August, we find the Head quarters of the Regiment with three Troops at Epsom; the other three troops being quartered at Croydon, Mitcham, and Horsham. Soon afterwards, a Troop was sent to Bromley, and another to Ewell, one Troop being withdrawn from Epsom.

But the Regiment was not destined to see active service. In November 1782, the preliminary articles of peace had been signed, by which England recognised the independence of the United States, and the usual reduction of military establishments took place. In June 1783, the Regiment was disbanded under the following order--

_Orders and Instructions for Disbanding the 19th Regiment of Light Dragoons._

[Sidenote: 1783.]

Whereas We have thought fit to Order that Our 19th Regiment of (Light) Dragoons, under your Command be forthwith disbanded, Our Will and Pleasure is, that you, or such person or persons as you shall appoint for this Service, do immediately repair to the respective Quarters of the Troops of Our Said Regiment, and disband them accordingly and that in the disbanding of them the following Rules be observed--

[Sidenote: 1st.]

Before such disbanding You are to cause an exact Muster to be taken of the several Troops of the said Regiment, which You may draw together at some convenient place and You are to transmit to Our Secretary at War, for Our Information, an Account of their Condition and Numbers at the time of Disbanding, together with an exact List of the Names and Rank of the Officers, specifying also if any of them holds their Commissions to which Pay is annexed.

[Sidenote: 2nd.]

It being Our Intention only to pay off at present, and clear the Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men of Our Said Regiments, (and give an allowance of Half Pay to the Commissioned Officers entitled thereto, from the time of their Disbanding), You are to take care before their Disbanding, that the Quarters of each Troop be duly satisfied, that the Accounts between the Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men hereby disbanded, and their Officers, be made up, and that they be fully satisfied, and paid their Arrears, Grass Money, and all other just pretentions, to the day of their being disbanded, whereof the said Officers, are to take Acquittances, and Discharges from them respectively, distinguishing each head of Payment.

[Sidenote: 3rd.]

That care be taken, that the Arms delivered out of Our Stores of Ordnance, and indented for, be returned into Our said Stores again, and Acquittances taken for the same, from such persons as shall be appointed to receive them.

[Sidenote: 4th.]

That care be taken that each Non Commissioned Officer and Private Man hereby to be disbanded be permitted to carry away with him his Cloak and Clothes which he now wears, and that their Horses be disposed of according to the regulation following.

[Sidenote: 5th.]

Where any Dragoon who shall be discharged in pursuance hereof, hath served Us, One whole year, He shall be entitled to Three Pounds in lieu of His Horse, and all the Horses of the disbanded Men are to be Sold, and an account kept, in order to the disposal of the Surplus Money in such Manner as We shall direct.

[Sidenote: 6th.]

That the Dragoons who in pursuance of the above Regulation are entitled to £3 as aforesaid, be paid six days full pay, and those who are not so entitled, be paid Eighteen days full pay, from the day of Disbanding, exclusive; which We are pleased to give them, as of Our Royal Bounty, to carry them to the places of their former Residence: You are therefore to cause payment thereof to be made to each of them respectively and to take Receipts for the same from each Non Commissioned Officer, and Private Dragoon, And all such Acquittances, Discharges, and Receipts, are to be transmitted to the Agent of the Regiment, to be produced to Our Secretary at War, as Vouchers for the several Payments herein directed, and for which You are to draw Bills on the said Agent.

[Sidenote: 7th.]

You are also to send to Our Secretary at War, an Authentic List, attested in the best manner by Yourself, or Officer performing this Service; of the names of the Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men, so disbanded, and to give them passes in case they shall desire the same, to the places of their former Residence, allowing them a convenient time to repair thither, and giving them a strict charge that they do not presume to travel with Arms, nor more than three in Company together, upon pain of the severest punishment, And to the end that the said Non Commissioned Officers and Private Dragoons may be sensible of the care We have taken of them upon their dismission, You are to cause these Our directions to be read at the head of each Troop, for a more ready compliance with Our Pleasure hereby signified, and see the same put into Execution--Given at Our Court at St. James’s, this 12th day of June, 1783, in the twenty third Year of Our Reign.

By His Majesty’s Command, R. FITZ PATRICK.

To Our Trusty and Welbeloved Russell Manners Esq. Lt. Gen. Commandant of our 19th Regt, of (Light) Dragoons or to the Officer Commanding in Chief of our said Regt.

In a “Report of the Lt. Generals Johnston, Mocher and Sloper, relative to the appointments of the 19th, 20th and 21st Regts. of Light Dragoons &c.,” it is stated that the appointments are little better than lumber. The following paragraph refers to the 19th Light Dragoons--

“In regard to the seventh regiment, no report having been sent us with your letter, and no officer having appeared before us to give us any insight into the transaction between the Colonels of that and the 19th Regiment of Light Dragoons, we can only say, that as the 19th light Regt. was raised at the same time, and has had pretty near the same duty, we imagine the same objections will lay against the appointments of that regiment, as to the others.

To Lt. Gen. FAWCETT, Adjt. Gen. &c.”

## PART III

THE TWENTY-THIRD, AFTERWARDS THE NINETEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS

(1781-1822)

##