Historical Record of the First Regiment of Foot

Lieutenant (now Major) Bennett wrote an interesting narrative of the various scenes and incidents he met with, all of a novel and singular nature, and exhibiting traits and peculiarities of the Burman character, which his situation as a prisoner of war could alone develope. This narrative was published in the first and second volumes of the United Service Journal.

138

Copy of a letter from Major-General Sir Theophilus Pritzler to the Colonel of the Royal Regiment: —

"Bangalore, East Indies, 30th July, 1830.

"My Lord Duke,

"The 2nd battalion of the Royal Regiment having been under my command for nearly five years, I cannot allow it to march from Bangalore without conveying to your grace the high opinion I entertain of it both collectively and individually. Its zeal and good conduct as soldiers have been equally conspicuous as its anxiety to produce harmony and good fellowship in society; and it will leave a lasting impression upon the inhabitants of this place, which has been marked in a most flattering manner.

"This battalion has of late been commanded by a particular friend of mine (Lieut. – Colonel Wetherall), in a manner which has produced the goodwill of his officers and soldiers in an eminent degree, and placed the battalion in the highest state of discipline; and I only regret that your grace cannot see it in the state in which it leaves this station, which, after a service in India of 23 years, has, I believe, astonished our Commander-in-Chief, who is now here.

"The corps of officers is highly respectable, and amongst them are some of the finest young men in the army. I am, therefore, confident that, under your grace's protection, the 2nd battalion of the Royals will very soon rival our best regiments in England.

"I trust your grace will excuse this long intrusion; I sincerely hope that you enjoy your health; and I have the honour to be,

"My Lord Duke, "Your faithful and obedient servant,

"Theophilus Pritzler.

"To His Grace the Duke of Gordon."

139

Historians have fallen into several errors respecting this distinguished officer. Père Daniel states that he was esteemed by Henry IV. of France, whereas Henry IV. died in 1610, and young Hepburn did not leave school until 1614; Hamilton states that he was knighted on his return from the continent by James VI.; but this monarch died in 1625, and Colonel Hepburn did not return until 1632; and Harte, in his life of Gustavus Adolphus, states that Colonel Hepburn was killed in a duel in France; whereas there is abundant proof that he was killed at the siege of Saverne.

140

Colonel Monro, afterwards Lord Monro, speaks of Hepburn in the highest terms of praise; they were first schoolfellows at college – then companions in their travels – and afterwards associates in war, partaking of the same toils, dangers, and triumphs. – See Monro's Expedition part ii. p. 75.

141

Abrégé de la Vie de Frederic Duc de Schomberg, par M. de Luzaney.

142

Captain in the Royal Regiment in 1684. Vide Nathan Brooke's Army List, dated 1st October, 1684; also in 1687. Vide Bibl. Harl. 4847.

143

Vide Historical Record of the Royal Regiment, page 129.

144

David Hume, the historian, was secretary to General St. Clair during the expedition to the coast of France, and the embassy to Vienna and Turin.

145

When Prince Edward was ordered to storm Morne Tartisson and Fort Royal, on the 17th of March, 1794, he placed himself at the head of his brigade of grenadiers, and addressed them as follows: – "Grenadiers! This is St. Patrick's day; the English will do their duty in compliment to the Irish, and the Irish in compliment to the Saint!—Forward, Grenadiers!"

146

In commemoration of the important captures in the West Indies, at the period above stated, an anniversary dinner takes place at the United Service Club on the 17th of March (St. Patrick's day), as it was on that saint's day his late Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, at the head of his Grenadier brigade, carried Fort Royal by escalade, when both his aides-de-camp, General Sir Frederick Wetherall, and the late Major-General Vesey, were severely wounded close to His Royal Highness. The following officers attended on the 17th March, 1838: – The Marquis of Thomond, General Viscount Lorton, Admiral Lord Colville, General Sir Lowry Cole, G.C.B., General Lord Howden, G.C.B., General Sir Fitzroy Maclean, Bart., Lieutenant-General Sir H. S. Keating, K.C.B., Sir William Pym, K.C.H., and Major-General Reeves, C.B. All these officers, with the exception of the Admiral, served in the Grenadier brigade, under the orders of their illustrious commander, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent.