Chapter III: Part 3

After passing several months in quarters in Estremadura, the second battalion of the THIRTY-FOURTH advanced, in May, 1813, with the troops under Sir Rowland Hill, upon Salamanca, thus taking part in the comprehensive movements by which the enemy’s position on the Douro was turned, and the French divisions forced to retreat. The THIRTY-FOURTH followed the enemy in his retrograde movements, advancing upon Valladolid, and afterwards upon Burgos, and on the 12th of June the battalion took part in forcing a strong body of French troops from _Hormaza_; which was followed by the destruction of Burgos Castle, and the retreat of the enemy behind the Ebro river. The battalion took part in the movement through the wild and beautiful regions towards the source of the Ebro, and after traversing rocks, and mountains, and narrow defiles, it crossed the Ebro; when the enemy again fell back, and Joseph Bonaparte concentrated his force in the valley of _Vittoria_, to arrest the progress of the British arms.

After taking part in these brilliant operations, the THIRTY-FOURTH had the honor to contribute to the complete overthrow of the French army on the 21st of June. On this occasion the battalion formed part of the column under Lieutenant-General Sir Rowland Hill, which advanced at day-break, and seizing the bridge of Puebla, crossed the Zadora river; the Spaniards under General Morillo attacking the heights of La Puebla, and the British advancing along the Vittoria road. The French commander sent a strong body of troops to regain the heights, and two British battalions were detached to aid the Spaniards. Before the fighting at this point had ceased, Sir Rowland Hill’s column issued fiercely from the defiles of Puebla, and captured the village of Sabijana de Alava. The heights at this point, some thickly wooded ground, and the village, became the theatre of a severe contest, in which the THIRTY-FOURTH, under Lieutenant-Colonel Fenwick, were warmly engaged. The troops advanced under a heavy cannonade; but undismayed by the determined countenance of the foe, and regardless of a shower of bullets, the British infantry rushed forward, dislodged the enemy, and drove him back on his reserve. In vain the French endeavoured to recover the lost ground; columns of attack were formed, and repeated efforts made; but all without success. The other columns of the allied army were also victorious at their several points of attack, and the legions of Napoleon sustained a decisive overthrow; they were driven from the field with the loss of their artillery, baggage, and military chest, and were pursued until dark.

The THIRTY-FOURTH had ten rank and file killed; Lieutenants T. G. Ball, Edward Mogridge, and Alan B. Cairnes, four serjeants, and fifty-nine rank and file wounded.

Lieutenant-Colonel Fenwick received a clasp, in addition to his medal for the battle of Albuhera; and the royal authority was afterwards given for the word “VITTORIA” to be inscribed on the regimental colours, to commemorate the gallantry of the second battalion on this occasion.

The THIRTY-FOURTH followed the retreating enemy to the foot of the Pyrenean mountains, and were some time employed in the blockade of _Pampeluna_. While on the march for this place, the battalion was exposed, on the 24th of June, to a violent thunder-storm, when Lieutenant Masterman, an officer of approved gallantry and of great promise, was killed by lightning: his horse was also killed under him.

Notwithstanding the enemy had withdrawn his right and left into France, he maintained his centre in force in the rich valley of _Bastan_, which afforded numerous strong positions; and the troops, under Sir Rowland Hill, having been relieved from the blockade of Pampeluna, advanced to dislodge the enemy. On penetrating the mountains, in the early part of July, the left wing of the THIRTY-FOURTH was engaged in dislodging the enemy from one of the villages in the pass. The battalion also took part in forcing the French from the valley of Bastan, and being in advance, on the 7th of July, it drove the enemy’s piquets from the heights of Maya: it was afterwards attacked by a strong line of French troops; but the Thirty-ninth coming up, the two battalions repulsed the enemy by a few well-directed volleys.

One private soldier of the THIRTY-FOURTH was killed, and ten rank and file were wounded; Lieutenant Ball, who had recovered of the wounds received at Vittoria, was again severely wounded.

After taking part in forcing the enemy from the valley of Bastan, the THIRTY-FOURTH were employed in guarding the _Col-de-Maya_, one of the entrances to the valley; they were encamped in the Arestesque Pass, about two miles from the summit of the mountain, and furnished a piquet on the lofty rock of Arestesque.

Marshal Soult, having been appointed to the command of the troops on the Pyrenees frontier of France, assembled a numerous force to break through the mountains, and relieve Pampeluna and St. Sebastian. Captain Moyle Sherer, of the THIRTY-FOURTH Foot, commanded the piquet on the Arestesque rock, on the morning of the 25th of July, and a glimpse of cavalry and infantry advancing having been obtained at dawn, the light companies were ordered to support the piquet. These companies had just formed, with their left at the rock, when three French divisions ascended the rock and attacked the piquet, which defended its ground with great gallantry, against overwhelming numbers, until Captain Sherer was taken prisoner, and many men had fallen, when the survivors fell back on the light companies; and these troops sustained the assault of the enemy with difficulty. The din of war echoed through the valley, and the brigade, consisting of the Twenty-eighth, THIRTY-FOURTH, and Thirty-ninth, hurried to the scene of conflict. The THIRTY-FOURTH ascended the rock first, by companies, at a running pace, and arrived breathless from the length and ruggedness of the ascent. The grenadier company was in front, under Captain John Wyatt, who urged his men to make a desperate effort, and fell pierced with many bullets the instant he gained the summit; nearly every man of the leading section experienced the same fate. The other companies of the battalion rushed forward in the face of a storm of musketry, and a determined, but unavailing, effort was made. The commanding officer, the adjutant, and many other brave officers and soldiers, were struck by the tempest of balls. After fighting with great desperation some time, the THIRTY-FOURTH, the light companies, and the piquet were forced back by superior numbers, and the enemy established his columns on the ridge of the position. The British, however, retained possession of a rock, which was the key of the pass, and the progress of the enemy was arrested.

The THIRTY-FOURTH had five hundred and thirty officers and soldiers engaged on this occasion, and their loss was Captain John Wyatt, Ensign T. W. Phillips, one serjeant, and thirty-six rank and file killed; Adjutant John Day mortally wounded and prisoner; Lieutenant-Colonel Fenwick, Lieutenants P. S. Barron and M. Simmons, Ensign S. Pickett, four serjeants, and fifty-one rank and file wounded; Captain Moyle Sherer, Lieutenant F. Hovenden, Ensigns F. Russell and John Norman, one serjeant, one drummer, and seventy-seven rank and file prisoners: many of the prisoners were wounded. Total loss, one hundred and eighty-two.

Lieutenant-Colonel Fenwick had his right leg amputated above the knee; and the command of the battalion devolved on Major Henry Worsley.

The enemy’s attacks being developed, and other points of the position in the mountains forced, Sir Rowland Hill retired during the night fifteen miles, to a post in the rear of Irueta. The THIRTY-FOURTH halted on the heights of Irueta until the evening of the 27th, and marched during the night through the pass of Villate, upon the town of Lanz, and afterwards upon Lizasso: the British army went into position to cover the blockade of Pampeluna, and the troops under Sir Rowland Hill formed on the left of the line. Some severe fighting occurred on the 28th of July, and the resolute attacks of the enemy were repulsed with great gallantry.

The THIRTY-FOURTH were not engaged on this occasion. On the 30th of July Marshal Soult moved a strong force against the troops under Sir Rowland Hill, and a sharp combat took place, in which the THIRTY-FOURTH were engaged. During this contest Lord Wellington directed an attack to be made at another part of the enemy’s line, which proved decisive, and the French were forced to make a precipitate retreat through the mountains. Five rank and file of the THIRTY-FOURTH were killed on this occasion; Lieutenant A. Orrell, one serjeant, and fifteen rank and file wounded.

Lieutenant-General Sir Rowland Hill was directed to pursue the retreating enemy, on the road to Donna Maria, and about ten o’clock on the morning of the 31st of July, the French rear-guard was overtaken beyond Lizasso. The enemy gained a wood on the summit of the pass, and there facing about, and throwing out a number of skirmishers, offered formidable resistance; the first brigade of the British second division was repulsed, and Lieutenant-General the Honorable William Stewart wounded; when the second brigade, commanded by Colonel the Honorable R. W. O’Callaghan, was ordered forward, and the THIRTY-FOURTH took the lead on this occasion. Passing the retreating troops, and advancing steadily up the hill, the THIRTY-FOURTH soon gained the edge of the wood, when the soldiers raised a loud and confident shout, and rushed among the trees to decide the contest with cold steel; but when the French saw a line of British bayonets come sparkling through the foliage, they fled in confusion along a defile, followed by the THIRTY-FOURTH, who killed and wounded many of the fugitives, and took some prisoners. The pursuit was not continued above half a mile, in consequence of a thick fog rendering any further advance dangerous. The loss of the battalion was limited to two men killed, thirteen wounded, and two made prisoners.

Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Worsley received a honorary distinction for commanding the battalion in the several actions in the mountains, and the word “PYRENEES” on the regimental colours, commemorates the distinguished conduct of the officers and soldiers on this occasion.

The British troops resumed their positions in the Pyrenees, awaiting the capture of St. Sebastian, and Pampeluna, and the THIRTY-FOURTH were encamped in Roncesvalles, &c., until the end of October, when a heavy snow storm obliged the battalion to leave the mountains.

On the 10th of November, the troops descended from the Pyrenees by moon-light, to transfer to France the calamities of war, and the allied army drove the forces of Napoleon from a fortified position on the river _Nivelle_, capturing many guns and prisoners. The THIRTY-FOURTH did not sustain any loss on this occasion: they passed the night in the huts left by the enemy, and afterwards advanced towards the Nive; but operations were retarded by heavy rains, and the battalion went into cantonments.

The THIRTY-FOURTH were afterwards honored with the word “NIVELLE” on their regimental colours, as a mark of royal approbation of their conduct; and Lieutenant-Colonel Worsley received a second honorary distinction.

The passage of the _Nive_ river was effected on the 9th of December; the THIRTY-FOURTH were at their post two hours before daylight--the stream was nearly five feet deep, and rapid; a mill stream of equal depth also opposed the advance; and the mill, with the village beyond the river, were occupied by the enemy; but the soldiers moved forward in defiance of all opposition, forded the streams under a sharp fire of musketry, and after some fighting, in which the THIRTY-FOURTH had one man killed and seven wounded, the troops established themselves beyond the river; the French retreating into an intrenched camp in front of Bayonne.

On the following morning, the battalion took post on a ridge commanding the communication of the right wing with the river Nive; this wing was in position with its right towards the Adour river, and its left at Ville Franche, and it was not attacked by the enemy on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of December; but on the 13th a number of French corps assailed the troops under Sir Rowland Hill with great spirit; when the THIRTY-FOURTH maintained their important post during the day, with the loss of five men wounded. The enemy was repulsed with severe loss, and pursued to the camp in front of Bayonne: the brigade to which the THIRTY-FOURTH belonged, followed the French until it arrived within musket shot of the works, and took post in a ravine, where it remained until night, when it was relieved by the third division.

The battalion earned another honorary distinction for its colours on this occasion, and the word “NIVE” inscribed thereon by royal authority, commemorates its gallantry; Lieutenant-Colonel Worsley also received a third distinction.

[Sidenote: 1814]

Leaving their cantonments at the village of St. Pierre, near Bayonne, the THIRTY-FOURTH advanced, with the troops under Lieutenant-General Sir Rowland Hill, in the middle of February, 1814, when the French corps under General Harispe, were driven from Hellete, and afterwards forced from a position in front of Garris. The THIRTY-FOURTH continued to follow the retreating enemy, and their gallant bearing on the 27th of February, was afterwards rewarded with the royal authority to bear the word “ORTHES” on the regimental colours; Lieutenant-Colonel Worsley also received the usual honorary distinction conferred on commanding officers of battalions distinguishing themselves in action.

Pursuing the retreating enemy in the direction of Aire, the battalion took part in forcing the French to quit that town, where immense magazines were captured.

The THIRTY-FOURTH were stationed at Aire several days, and afterwards took part in forcing the French back upon _Toulouse_. Two or three attempts to throw a bridge of boats across the Garonne were not attended with success; but the river was eventually passed, and the enemy driven from his positions on the 10th of April. On this occasion the troops under Sir Rowland Hill, in whose column the THIRTY-FOURTH served, drove the enemy from his exterior works in the suburb, on the left of the Garonne, within the ancient wall. The THIRTY-FOURTH, under Lieutenant-Colonel Worsley, took part in forcing the enemy from his redoubts, and from the houses which he occupied in force, and afterwards formed a lodgment in the ditch surrounding the suburb. The battalion had two men killed; Captain James H. Baker mortally wounded; one drummer, and ten rank and file wounded.

The enemy having quitted Toulouse, the THIRTY-FOURTH moved through the town, and followed the retiring army some distance; but hostilities were soon afterwards terminated. Napoleon Bonaparte was forced to abdicate the imperial throne, and the Bourbon dynasty was restored to France.

Thus the gallant soldiers of the THIRTY-FOURTH completed their career of victory and honor; and the British arms triumphed over the tyrannical power which had sprung out of the French revolution, and aimed at universal dominion.

The conquering arms of Britain had rescued nations from bondage, and restored to Europe the blessings of peace. The word “PENINSULA” on the colours of the THIRTY-FOURTH, commemorates the distinguished part the second battalion took in the achievement of these splendid results; and its commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Worsley, was afterwards honored with the dignity of Companion of the Order of the Bath.

The first battalion remained at Secunderabad until the 19th of June, 1814, when it commenced its march for the island and fortress of Seringapatam, where it arrived on the 10th of August, and relieved the first battalion of the Sixty-ninth Regiment.

After reposing in quarters a short time at the city of Toulouse, the second battalion marched to Bordeaux, where it embarked for Ireland, on the 17th of July, and landing at Cork, was stationed at Middleton, Fermoy, &c., until November, when it proceeded to Dublin, under the command of Major Barlow.

[Sidenote: 1815]

The climate of the garrison of Seringapatam not proving favourable to the health of the soldiers of the first battalion, they were moved out of that fortress a short time, and in August, 1815, commenced their march for Vellore, where they arrived on the 9th of October.

The second battalion remained in garrison at Dublin, until September of this year, when it was suddenly ordered to march into Tipperary, in consequence of the insurrectionary proceedings of the inhabitants of that part of Ireland.

[Sidenote: 1816]

In February, 1816, thirteen officers, and three hundred and thirty non-commissioned officers and soldiers, of the first battalion, proceeded from Vellore to the sea-coast, and were stationed at Cuddalore six months, for the benefit of their health.

General Sir Eyre Coote was succeeded in the colonelcy of the regiment by Lieutenant-General the Honorable Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole, G.C.B., from the Seventieth Foot, by commission, dated the 21st of May, 1816.

[Sidenote: 1817]

The incursions of the barbarous people called _Pindarees_, who infested the British territory in India at this period, and committed dreadful ravages wherever they appeared, occasioned the first battalion to take the field early in 1817, when it left a detachment at Vellore, under Lieutenant-Colonel Worsley, and joined the division commanded by Major-General Browne, assembled to guard the passes near Naggerry. In February the battalion returned to Vellore.

In the mean time, the peace of Europe appearing to be established upon sound and durable principles, the second battalion was ordered to be reduced, which took place in April, 1817, when the following brigade order was issued:--

“Major-General Doyle having received the warrant for the disbandment of the second battalion of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment, and carried the orders of the commander of the forces into effect, it now only remains for the major-general to express, in the most unqualified manner, his perfect approbation of the sober, orderly, and soldier-like conduct of the corps in quarters, for a period of upwards of one year and a half, during which it has been under his immediate command.

“Major-General Doyle feels it his duty as well as inclination to mark particularly the zeal and attention with which Major Barlow has conducted the discipline of the corps, and in which he has been ably supported by the officers under his command, and in case the service should be deprived of so valuable an officer, the major-general trusts it may be only for a short time.

“The major-general requests the commanding officer will convey to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, his best thanks, and his good wishes for their individual welfare. He is confident that the uniform good conduct, for which the THIRTY-FOURTH have always been conspicuous, both in the field and in quarters, will be the same, in whatever part of His Majesty’s dominions the service of the corps may be required.”

[Sidenote: 1818]

At this period a confederacy of the native princes in India was formed against the British authority, and extensive preparations for war were made by the coalesced Mahratta States. Their designs were partly discovered and disconcerted by the governor-general, the Marquis of Hastings; but hostilities could not be avoided, and the British took the field for the preservation of their territory from unjust aggression. On this occasion the flank companies of the THIRTY-FOURTH, mustering eight officers, eight serjeants, six drummers, and two hundred rank and file, under the command of Captain Tew, marched from Vellore, to the frontiers, and joining a division of the army assembling for field service at Adoni, were formed in a flank battalion, with the companies of the Sixty-ninth and Eighty-fourth Regiments. This battalion penetrated the southern Mahratta country, with the division under Brigadier-General Munro, to whom the fortresses of _Dummul_, _Kooshgúl_, and _Darwar_ surrendered in succession; and the division halted during the rainy season at Darwar, where the flank companies of the Fifty-third joined the flank battalion, which was commanded by Major Giles. Leaving Darwar in October, the division penetrated the Sundoor valley, and afterwards advanced into the interior of the southern Mahratta country, Brigadier-General Pritzler commanding. The division skirmished with the enemy at _Bejapoor_; and overtook the rear of the Peishwa’s army at the _Salpée Pass_, on the 8th of January, 1818, when the Mahratta troops fled in every direction, over a difficult country, which prevented any great loss being inflicted on them. The division pursued by forced marches, under a burning sun, until the Peishwa’s army separated, and passing the flanks, marched to the north.

The battalion companies were relieved from garrison duty at Vellore, and proceeding to Bangalore, joined a division of the field force, on the banks of the Toombudra, under Major-General Long, and remained at this station during part of the Mahratta and Pindaree war; but suffering severely from dysentery, they were removed into garrison at Bellary.

Meanwhile the flank companies had joined part of the Bombay army; but after the surrender of the hill-fort of _Sattarah_ they separated from that force, and again proceeded, with the division under Brigadier-General Pritzler, to the Salpée Pass, taking part in the siege and capture of the hill-fort of _Singhur_, the reduction of the fortified pagoda and village of _Sassoor_, the hill-forts of _Uizaghur_, and _Poorunder_, and afterwards returning through the pass, the operations of the division were followed by the surrender of a number of small fortified places. Then proceeding by Sattarah to the western ghauts and forests, the division captured the hill-fort of _Woossottah_, restored the family of Sevajée to its ancient dignity, and joining the division under Brigadier-General Munro, took part in the defeat of a body of hostile troops at _Sholapoor_, the capture of the enemy’s artillery, and the reduction of the fortress, which surrendered on the 15th of May. The flank companies of the THIRTY-FOURTH distinguished themselves on the 10th of May, and a gallant charge made by them greatly contributed to the capture of the enemy’s artillery.

After forcing the fortress of Nepaunee to capitulate, the division was cantoned, during the remainder of the year, at Hoobly, where the soldiers suffered from cholera.

In September the battalion companies left Bellary for Bangalore, and being attacked by cholera on the march, lost thirty-seven men in nine days.

[Sidenote: 1819]

Quitting Hoobly in the beginning of 1819, the flank companies proceeded to Belgaum, and after taking part in several movements, they were engaged in the siege of the hill-fort of _Copaul Droog_, which was invested on the 10th of May, and captured by assault three days afterwards, after an obstinate resistance from the enemy. The following paragraph appeared in general orders, dated Madras, 22nd June, 1819.

“The conduct of three troops of His Majesty’s Twenty-second Light Dragoons, with the Artillery troop under Captain Mills, and the flank battalion commanded by Captain TEW, of His Majesty’s THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment, employed during the siege of CAPAUL DROOG, was such as to draw from me, (Brigadier-General Pritzler), the highest encomiums, particularly that of the Artillery troops of the Twenty-second Dragoons, which served in the batteries, and the flank battalion which protected the batteries, and led the assault of the place, in which the services of Captains TEW, THIRTY-FOURTH; Cuppaidge, Fifty-third; Jenour and Jones, Sixty-ninth Regiment; and Lieutenant Silver, Fifty-third, were most conspicuous.”

The flank companies of the THIRTY-FOURTH were again stationed at Belgaum, until October, when they marched, with a small native force, against _Sanglee_, which place they forced to submit, and afterwards returned to Belgaum.

[Sidenote: 1820]

On the 25th of May, 1820, the head-quarters and battalion companies of the regiment marched from Bangalore, on route for Madras, where they arrived on the 2nd of July, and were joined by the flank companies from Belgaum on the 29th of December. These companies had been absent three years and eight months, and had lost one subaltern and eighty-one rank and file. On the breaking up of the flank battalion, it was stated in orders,--

“From the period of the battalion joining the force to the present Colonel Pritzler has, in no instance, had the slightest cause of complaint, and has never had occasion to bring a non-commissioned officer or private to a court-martial; but he has had frequent opportunities of bearing testimony of the excellent conduct of this corps, which has been equally conspicuous for its gallantry in the field, as for its order and regularity in camp, and which he attributes to the unwearied attention of Major Giles, and the officers under his command, and to the excellent disposition and discipline of the non-commissioned officers and soldiers. Colonel Pritzler cannot therefore, but regret the departure of the corps from under his command.

“It has frequently fallen to Captain TEW to command the battalion, in the absence of Major Giles on other duties, which gave him an opportunity of showing that he was, in every way, competent to fill the situation, with great credit to himself and advantage to His Majesty’s service.”

The conduct of the battalion was also commended in general orders, by Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Hislop, Bart., G.C.B.

[Sidenote: 1821]

On the departure of the regiment from Madras, for Wallajabad, in 1821, when arrangements were in progress for its return to England, it was stated in general orders,--

“The Honorable the Governor cannot permit His Majesty’s THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment to quit the garrison without expressing his entire approbation of the discipline and exemplary conduct manifested, on all occasions, by the officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of that corps, ever since its arrival at Fort St. George, now a period of nearly two years, and his Excellency requests Lieutenant-Colonel Dickens, and the officers under his command, to accept his best thanks for the very satisfactory manner in which they have performed their respective duties.”

[Sidenote: 1822]

[Sidenote: 1823]

During the year 1822 the regiment was stationed at Wallajabad; and in January, 1823, it returned to Madras, preparatory to its embarkation for England. The prompt and active exertions of the corps on the breaking out of a fire in the Company’s stores, on the 7th of January, preserved property to a considerable amount.

Five hundred and thirty-seven non-commissioned officers and soldiers having volunteered to remain in India, and transfer their services to other corps, the remainder of the regiment, amounting to one hundred and sixteen officers and soldiers, embarked on board the Company’s ship “Coldstream,” on the 9th of March, and sailed for England under Lieutenant-Colonel Dickens. The regiment called at St. Helena, where it remained about a week, and arrived in the river Thames, in the early part of July, after an absence from England of upwards of twenty-three years, landed at Gravesend, from whence it marched to Chatham, where the establishment was fixed at six hundred and fifty officers and soldiers.

The depôt joined from Portsmouth on the 19th of July; recruiting parties were sent to various towns in the United Kingdom: and in December the regiment marched to Windsor.

[Sidenote: 1824]

After remaining two months at Windsor the regiment proceeded to Portsmouth, where it embarked for Ireland in May, 1824, and landing at Dublin, marched to Enniskillen, sending detachments to Maguires-bridge, Cavan, Killishandra, Kings-court, and Bally James Duff.

[Sidenote: 1825]

In the summer of 1825 the regiment proceeded to Boyle, and furnished nine detachments to stations in that part of the country; in August the head-quarters were removed to Longford, and in October to Athlone. At this period the establishment was augmented to eight hundred and thirty-six officers and soldiers, and the regiment was divided into six service and four depôt companies: but the service companies did not proceed abroad at this period.

[Sidenote: 1826]

From Athlone the regiment marched to Dublin, in May, 1826; and furnished a detachment of grenadiers to Hacketstown, to mount guard at the residence of the Lord-Lieutenant, during his stay in that part of the country.

Lieutenant-General the Honorable Sir G. Lowry Cole, G.C.B., was removed to the Twenty-seventh, or the Inniskilling Regiment, of Foot, and was succeeded in the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FOURTH, by Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, Bart, G.C.B., G.C.H., by commission, dated the 16th of December, 1826.

[Sidenote: 1827]

[Sidenote: 1828]

After remaining twelve months at Dublin, the head-quarters were removed to Templemore, in May, 1827, and in September to Galway, furnishing twelve detachments to military stations in that neighbourhood. In April, 1828, the regiment was removed to Buttevant; and in July to Cork.

[Sidenote: 1829]

During the six years which had elapsed from the date of the arrival of the regiment from India, it had recruited its ranks and attained a state of discipline and efficiency, and its turn to proceed abroad having arrived in August, 1829, the service companies embarked from Cork for North America; they sailed in two divisions, the first under Major the Honorable H. S. Fane, and the second under Captain Tew, and arriving at Nova Scotia in October, landed at Halifax, where they remained nine months.

[Sidenote: 1830]

In July, 1830, the head-quarters were removed from Halifax to Fort Charlotte, and detachments were sent to Prince Edward’s Island, Annapolis, Windsor, York Redoubt, Sydney, Cape Breton, and St. Andrews, New Brunswick.

[Sidenote: 1832]

The regiment remained detached until August, 1832, when the head-quarters, consisting of one field officer, two captains, five subalterns, two staff, twenty-three serjeants, nine drummers, and three hundred and sixty-seven rank and file, embarked on board His Majesty’s ship “Winchester” for New Brunswick, disembarked at St. John’s, and proceeded to Fredericton, having left at the former station one field officer, one captain, two subalterns, six serjeants, one drummer, and a hundred and seven rank and file, which followed them on the 1st of September, in His Majesty’s brig “Arachne,” and arrived at St. John’s, New Brunswick, on the 4th September, 1832.

[Sidenote: 1834]

In 1834, on retiring from the command of the regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Kelly presented to the officers’ mess, a handsome snuff-box.

Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly was succeeded in the command of the regiment by Lieutenant-Colonel the Honorable Henry Fane.

[Sidenote: 1835]

The regiment remained in New Brunswick until July, 1835, when it returned in two divisions to Halifax.

[Sidenote: 1836]

In May, 1836, detachments were sent to Cape Breton, Annapolis, York Redoubt, and Prince Edward’s Island.

In this year, the red and white tuft, which had been previously worn by the battalion companies, was allowed by the following letter to be resumed.

“_Horse Guards, 23rd May, 1836._

“SIR,

“I have the honor, by direction of the General Commanding in
Chief, to acquaint you, in reply to your letter, of the 4th of
March last, that the King has been graciously pleased to approve
of the battalion companies of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment resuming
the tuft worn by those companies, in commemoration of the action
at Arroyo de los Molinos, on the 28th of October, 1811.

“I have &c.,
“(Signed) JOHN MACDONALD, A. G.

“_Lieutenant-Colonel Honorable H. S. Fane_,
“_Commanding 34th Regiment_.”

[Sidenote: 1837]

The two flank companies, consisting of two captains, two subalterns, eight serjeants, two drummers, and one hundred and fifty rank and file, marched, under Captain Byron, for New Brunswick, 19th December, 1837.

On the 24th and 25th of December, they marched from St. John’s, New Brunswick, for Quebec, Lower Canada; they were conveyed on the ice of the St. John river, to the junction of the river Madawaska with the St. John, then up the river to the head of the Timiscouta Lake, in two-horse sleighs, each sleigh carrying eight men, with their arms and accoutrements: from the head of the Lake Timiscouta, they were conveyed in carioles, two men with their arms, &c., in each, across the Portage to the river St. Lawrence, and on reaching the village of St. André, they followed the course of the river to Point Levi, opposite Quebec, where they crossed in canoes, having suffered little from the severity of the weather, and the inhabitants aiding their progress in every way. The few men left at different places sick, were treated with every kindness, and were all sufficiently recovered to proceed with the head-quarters on their marching up, except two men left at Fredericton, but whose complaints were quite unconnected with the exposure of the march.

On the regiment being ordered to proceed to Canada, the following general order was issued by his Excellency Major-General Sir Colin Campbell, K.C.B., &c., Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.

“(General order.)
“_Head-Quarters_,
“_Halifax, N. S., 8th January, 1838._

“The Major-General commanding cannot allow the THIRTY-FOURTH
Regiment to quit the command, without expressing his perfect
satisfaction with the discipline and regularity with which the
corps has uniformly conducted itself; and his Excellency desires
that Major Ruxton will convey to the officers and soldiers, under
his command, his best wishes for their future welfare, assured as
he is, that in whatever service the corps may be employed, they
will continue to display those qualities which have secured to
them so high a character as soldiers.

“(Signed) J. S. SNODGRASS,
“_A. D. A. General_.”

This year the regiment lost a valuable officer, MAJOR MARK MCLEOD TEW, whose many excellent qualities occasioned him to be highly esteemed by the officers and soldiers of his corps. He entered the regiment as ensign in 1800, was promoted lieutenant in the same year, captain in 1809, major by brevet in 1830, and major in the regiment in 1837. His distinguished services with the flank battalion, during the Mahratta and Pindaree war, from 1817 to 1820, are set forth in the record of his regiment. The state of his health occasioned him to retire from the service in August, 1837; but his decease occurred in October, at Halifax, Nova Scotia, before he could embark for England.

In transmitting to his brother, Captain J. McLeod Tew, Twenty-second Regiment, an account of his effects, &c., Captain E. Broderick expressed himself in the following affectionate terms:--“One of the snuff-boxes found among his effects, has been retained by the officers, as a memento of him who had been so long the father of the regiment, and who was so deservedly loved and respected by us all: it is a wooden box, presented to him by Mr. Markham, which the officers intend to place in a case, with a suitable inscription.

“The officers intend to erect a monument to our respected friend, to be placed in one of the churches. The men of the regiment have also subscribed to the erection of this monument, and I can assure you, that every officer and soldier feels that in your late brother he has lost a friend.”

[Sidenote: 1838]

On the 8th January, 1838, the head-quarters, and remaining four companies, consisting of one field officer, three captains, four subalterns, three staff, twenty-two serjeants, eight drummers, and two hundred and eighty-one rank and file, under Major Ruxton, embarked in Her Majesty’s ship “Cornwallis,” and sailed the following day for St. John’s, New Brunswick, where they landed on the 14th of the same month.

The regiment marched from St. John’s for Quebec by companies, which were conveyed in the same manner as the flank companies had been, and were equally fortunate in escaping without casualties of any importance; they reached Quebec on the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th February.

The flank companies and Nos. 1 and 2, were detached to Three Rivers: they took part in various movements made in the disturbed districts, adjoining the river Richelieu; and were quartered in different villages in the neighbourhood.

The regiment next moved by detachments to Montreal. The head-quarters then proceeded to Kingston, but were not disembarked there, proceeding on to Toronto, where they arrived on the 4th of June. In July the head-quarters, under Lieutenant-Colonel Airey, proceeded to Amherstberg.

In December a company, consisting of one captain, two subalterns, three serjeants, and fifty rank and file, under Captain Broderick, proceeded to Sandwich, in expectation of that place being attacked by brigands from the state of Michigan, from whence it returned on the 25th of that month.

[Sidenote: 1840]

The regiment remained at Amherstburg until May, 1840, when it returned in three divisions to Toronto, detaching three companies to Kingston, at which station it remained until May, 1841, when the head-quarters moved to Montreal.

[Sidenote: 1841]

On the 31st May, 1841, orders having been received for the return of the regiment to England, four serjeants, nine corporals, two drummers, and two hundred and one privates, volunteered to serve permanently in North America.

At Montreal, the head-quarters were joined by the left wing on the 3rd June, 1841, and on the 20th of that month the regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Airey, sailed from Quebec in the “Cornwall” transport for England, where it arrived on the 22nd July, 1841, and landed at Gosport and occupied Forton Barracks. In September, the head-quarters moved over to Portsmouth, where they remained until August, 1842, during which time the efficiency of the regiment, which had been impaired, to a certain degree, by the number of recruits which had taken the place of those who had volunteered to remain in Canada, was completely restored.

[Sidenote: 1842]

On the 13th August, 1842, the regiment received a sudden order at half-past seven o’clock P.M., to proceed to London by an early train the following morning. Accordingly, on the 14th of August, the head-quarters, consisting of one lieutenant-colonel, one major, nine captains, ten subalterns, three staff, twenty-seven serjeants, eleven drummers, and five hundred and twenty-four rank and file, left Portsmouth at eight A.M., and proceeding by the South Western Railway to London, arrived at the Nine Elms Station, marched to the Birmingham Railway Station, and proceeded forthwith to Weedon, where it arrived at twelve at night; sudden disturbances in the manufacturing districts were the cause of this unexpected movement.

On the 16th August, three companies left Weedon for the disturbed districts, and on the 17th two more companies proceeded in the same direction. These were detached at Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wolverhampton, and Stafford; other companies were detached to Birmingham, and during the autumn of 1842, the head-quarters were moved to Northampton, all the ten companies being on detachment at Newcastle-under-Lyme, Burslem, Hanley, Stafford, Wolverhampton, Bilston, Birmingham, and Coventry.

The companies were subsequently withdrawn from Bilston and Stafford; but the others remained as above described until the 4th August, when the entire regiment was collected together at Weedon. At this period the strength of the regiment was as follows, viz:--One colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, two majors, ten captains, twelve lieutenants, eight ensigns, one paymaster, one adjutant, one quartermaster, one surgeon, one assistant-surgeon, forty-seven serjeants, fourteen drummers, and eight hundred and one rank and file.

[Sidenote: 1843]

During the year 1843, political agitation was carried to such an extent in Ireland, as to induce Her Majesty’s Government to take measures for putting down the demonstrations of physical force which had been made in that country.

For this purpose, additional corps were ordered from Great Britain to Ireland. The THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment, on this emergency, was ordered on the 4th of October to be removed by railroad to Liverpool. The regiment quitted its station at Weedon early in the morning of the 6th of October, and arrived at Liverpool on the same day. It was embarked on the afternoon of the 7th of October in steam-vessels for Dublin, where it arrived on the following morning, and being disembarked, it marched to Clontarf[16] (a village situated about two miles from the capital, on the Bay of Dublin), where a numerous public meeting had been advertised to be held, but which was prohibited by Government proclamation as illegal. A large body of troops had been concentrated in the neighbourhood in apprehension of a breach of the peace; but the assemblage having separated without disturbance, the troops returned to their quarters in the evening.

[Sidenote: 1844]

The regiment remains in Dublin at the period to which this record is brought.

The foregoing pages record the bravery, endurance, and uniformly good conduct of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment, both at home and abroad: its early services during the wars in Spain and Flanders in the reign of Queen Anne; its subsequent achievements on various expeditions in Europe, Africa, America, and the West Indies; its employment, for a period exceeding twenty years, in the East Indies; and its gallantry in Portugal, Spain, and France, to the conclusion of the Peninsular War in 1814, afford the best proofs of the zealous and honorable conduct of its officers and men, who, under severe trials, have evinced a steady adherence to the rules of discipline, and a gallant bearing whenever they have been brought into contact with the enemies of their country: nor has the conduct of the regiment been less conspicuous on home, than on foreign, service; but has been, at all times, such as to merit the approbation of the Sovereign, and the gratitude of the kingdom.

(Uniform of Private Soldiers in 1844)

(_To face page 78._)]

FOOTNOTES:

[6] “About nine o’clock in the morning, the enemy made an attack with a body of foot, supported by two bodies of horse, on the weakest and most westerly part of the outworks, and where were only one hundred English of HAMILTON’s (THIRTY-FOURTH) Regiment, who had that very morning come upon duty, from travelling forty leagues in the two foregoing days, upon mules; notwithstanding all which, they fairly repulsed the enemy.” _Journal of the Siege of Barcelona._

[7] BOYER’s _Annals of Queen Anne_.

[8] Afterwards colonel of the regiment.

[9] _History of Scotland_ by Sir WALTER SCOTT, Bart.

[10] Strength of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment at the battle of Culloden, 16th April, 1746:

2 field officers, 7 captains, 15 subalterns, 21 serjeants, 15 drummers, and 399 rank and file--459 total.

[11] On being appointed to the colonelcy of the regiment in 1760, Lord Frederick Cavendish presented to the officers’ mess two handsome silver vases, which still ornament the mess-table of the corps.

[12] BEATSON’s _Naval and Military Memoirs_.

[13] On the 22nd January, 1796, Private John Perry was promoted to serjeant for gallant conduct before the enemy.

[14] In this year Lieutenant-Colonel Cunyngham presented a handsome silver side dish to the officers’ mess, which is still in their possession.

[15] The brass drums and the drum-major’s staff of the FRENCH THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT were captured on this occasion, and are now used by the British THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT; and Serjeant Moses Simpson, the individual who actually took the staff from the drum-major of the French Thirty-fourth Regiment, is, at the period of completing this historical record, (September, 1843,) in the situation of barrack-serjeant at Northampton, and has been presented by the officers of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment with a handsome medal, in commemoration of his gallant conduct.

[16] The “Conquer Hill” of Clontarf is celebrated in Irish history as the scene of a victory gained by the Irish over the Danes.

SUCCESSION OF COLONELS

OF THE

THIRTY-FOURTH,

OR,

THE CUMBERLAND REGIMENT

OF

FOOT.

ROBERT LORD LUCAS.

_Appointed 12th February, 1702._

ROBERT LORD LUCAS was distinguished for his attachment to the interests of civil and religious liberty; and at the revolution in 1688, when King James II. had fled in disguise, and London was in great confusion, his Lordship was nominated, by a committee assembled for the preservation of tranquillity, to take the charge of the Tower. This appointment was confirmed to Lord Lucas by King William III., who gave his Lordship a commission of Governor of the Tower of London.

LORD LUCAS entered the army, and served under King William in Flanders; and he was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Thirteenth Regiment, commanded by Sir John Jacobs. On the breaking out of the war of the Spanish succession, his Lordship took great interest in raising a regiment of foot, now the THIRTY-FOURTH, of which he was appointed colonel by King William, in February, 1702.

Queen Anne superseded his Lordship’s commission as Governor of the Tower, and appointed the Earl of Abingdon to that dignity, with the title of Constable.

LORD LUCAS retained the colonelcy of his regiment until his decease, on the 31st of January, 1705; when the dignity of BARON LUCAS of Shenfield, in Essex, became extinct.

HANS HAMILTON.

_Appointed 1st February, 1705._

HANS HAMILTON served in the wars of King William III., and acquired the reputation of a brave and meritorious officer: he was afterwards nominated to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Earl of Derby’s Regiment, now Sixteenth Foot, with which corps he proceeded to the Netherlands in the summer of 1701. He served under the celebrated JOHN DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH, during the campaigns of 1702 and 1703, in the Netherlands, and also in Germany in 1704, when the victories at Schellenberg and Blenheim exalted the reputation of the British arms. In February, 1705, he was rewarded with the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FOURTH; and in the same year he was nominated quartermaster-general to the expedition to Spain, under General the Earl of Peterborough, and he served at the capture of Barcelona; also in other important transactions until 1706. He subsequently proceeded to Flanders, and having been promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in 1710, he commanded a brigade, under the Duke of Marlborough, during the campaign of 1711, when the enemy’s celebrated lines were passed at Arleux, and the fortress of Bouchain was besieged and captured. In 1713 he was removed to the Sixteenth Regiment, with which corps his early services were connected: and in 1715 he was succeeded by Richard Viscount Irwing. He died on the 24th of October, 1721.

THOMAS CHUDLEIGH.

_Appointed 30th November, 1712._

The early services of Colonel CHUDLEIGH were connected with the Sixteenth Regiment of Foot, with which corps he served with reputation, under the celebrated JOHN DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH, and his meritorious conduct was rewarded with the lieutenant-colonelcy of his regiment; from which he was promoted in 1712, to the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment, with which corps he proceeded to Ireland in 1717. In 1723, he retired from the service, selling his commission. He died on the 14th of April, 1726.

ROBERT HAYES.

_Appointed 18th February, 1723._

This officer served in the First Foot Guards, in which corps he rose to the rank of captain and lieutenant-colonel, and in February, 1723, he obtained the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment, by purchase. He proceeded with his regiment to the relief of Gibraltar, when that fortress was besieged by the Spaniards, in 1727: and subsequently sailed from Gibraltar in command of a body of troops, for Jamaica; where he died on the 7th of April, 1731.

STEPHEN CORNWALLIS.

_Appointed 8th January, 1732._

STEPHEN CORNWALLIS was appointed to a commission in the Second Foot Guards, in March, 1719; and in 1723, he was promoted captain in the Ninth Dragoons; he was afterwards nominated captain and lieutenant-colonel in the Third Foot Guards, and procured the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment in 1732: in 1738 he was removed to the Eleventh Foot. On the commencement of the war with Spain in 1739, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, and in 1742 he accompanied the army to Flanders, under Field-Marshal the Earl of Stair: in February, 1743, he was promoted to the rank of major-general. He died in Germany, in May, 1743; at which period he was a member of parliament for Eye.

LORD JAMES CAVENDISH.

_Appointed 1st November, 1738._

LORD JAMES CAVENDISH, second son of William (second) Duke of Devonshire, was many years an officer in the Third Foot Guards, in which corps he rose to the rank of captain and lieutenant-colonel in 1730, and in 1738, he was promoted to the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment: he was a member of parliament for Molton. His decease occurred in November, 1741.

THE HONORABLE JAMES CHOLMONDELEY.

_Appointed 18th December, 1742._

THE HONORABLE JAMES CHOLMONDELEY, third son of George (second) Earl of Cholmondeley, obtained the commission of guidon and major in the Second Troop, now Second Regiment, of Life Guards, in 1725; in 1731, he was nominated lieutenant and lieutenant-colonel in the third troop of Life Guards; and in 1741 he was promoted to the colonelcy of the Forty-eighth, from which he was removed, in 1742, to the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment. Accompanying his regiment to Flanders in 1744, he served the campaign of that year, under Field-Marshal Wade. He was at the battle of Fontenoy in 1745; and was afterwards promoted to the rank of brigadier-general. On the breaking out of the rebellion in Scotland, he returned to England with a brigade of infantry, and afterwards took the charge of two battalions which had arrived from Ireland, with which he joined the army under Field-Marshal Wade. On the flight of the rebels from Derby, he was detached to Scotland; and he commanded a brigade of infantry at the battle of Falkirk, on the 17th of January, 1746, when he highly distinguished himself; but the excessive fatigue he underwent, with continued exposure to severe weather, deprived him of the use of his limbs for some time. In 1747, he was promoted to the rank of major-general; and he was removed in 1749, to the Twelfth Dragoons. He was again removed, in November of the same year, to the Third Irish Horse (now Sixth Dragoon Guards); and in 1750, to the Sixth Dragoons. In 1754, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general; and he was many years lieutenant-governor of Chester. He died in 1775.

THE HONORABLE HENRY SEYMOUR CONWAY.

_Appointed 24th July, 1749._

THE HONORABLE HENRY SEYMOUR CONWAY, second son of Lord Conway, and brother of Francis Earl of Hertford, was appointed lieutenant in the First Foot Guards in 1737, captain and lieutenant-colonel in 1741, and in 1746 he was appointed aide-de-camp to the Duke of Cumberland, and promoted to the colonelcy of the Fifty-ninth (now Forty-eighth) Foot. He was removed to the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment in 1749, to the Thirteenth Dragoons in 1751, and to the Fourth Horse (now Eighth Dragoon Guards) in 1754. In 1756 he was promoted to the rank of major-general, and in 1759 to that of lieutenant-general: he was removed to the Royal Dragoons in the same year. He commanded a division of the allied army in Germany, under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, in 1761; and the British forces in Germany were placed under his orders during the absence of the Marquis of Granby. He was also one of the grooms of the bedchamber to His Majesty, and a member of parliament; and having voted against ministers on the great question of military warrants, in 1764, he resigned his court appointment and military commands; but in 1768 he was appointed colonel of the Fourth Dragoons. In 1770 he was removed to the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards; in 1772, he was promoted to the rank of general; in 1782, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the army, and in 1793 he was promoted to the rank of field-marshal. He died in 1795; at which period he was eldest general officer and first field-marshal in the army.

CHARLES RUSSELL.

_Appointed 17th December, 1751._

CHARLES RUSSELL was many years an officer in the Foot Guards; he rose to the rank of captain and lieutenant-colonel in the First Regiment, and was promoted to major, with the rank of colonel, in the Second, or Coldstream, Regiment, in 1745; in 1751 he was nominated colonel of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment of Foot. He died on the 20th November, 1754.

THOMAS EARL OF EFFINGHAM.

_Appointed 2nd December, 1754._

LORD THOMAS HOWARD succeeded to the title of Earl of Effingham in February, 1743, and on the 11th of April following he was nominated lieutenant-colonel in the Second Troop, now Second Regiment, of Life Guards. In 1749 he was appointed one of His Majesty’s aides-de-camp, with the rank of colonel; and in 1754 he obtained the colonelcy of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment. His lordship was promoted to the rank of major-general in 1758; and was removed to the colonelcy of the First Troop of Horse Grenadier Guards in 1760. His decease occurred in November, 1763.

LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISH.

_Appointed 30th October, 1760._

LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISH, third son of William (third) Duke of Devonshire, was honored with having the Prince of Wales, (father of King George III.,) for his godfather. Choosing the profession of arms, he entered the army as ensign in the First Foot Guards, and was appointed lieutenant and captain in the Second Foot Guards in 1752; in 1755 he was nominated lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty-ninth Regiment; he was honored with the appointment of aide-de-camp to King George II., with the rank of colonel, in 1758, and in 1759 he obtained the colonelcy of the Sixty-seventh Regiment, from which he was removed in 1760 to the THIRTY-FOURTH. He was promoted to the rank of major-general in 1761,--to that of lieutenant-general in 1770,--general in 1782,--and field-marshal in 1796. In 1797 he resigned the colonelcy of his regiment. He died in October, 1803.

GEORGE FERDINAND LORD SOUTHAMPTON.

_Appointed 13th July, 1797._

THE HONORABLE GEORGE FERDINAND FITZROY, eldest son of Charles (first) Lord Southampton, son of the Duke of Grafton, was appointed captain in the Forty-first Regiment on the 25th of December, 1787, and was promoted to the majority of the Fifty-first Foot on the 25th of April, 1792; in February, 1793, he was advanced to the commission of captain and lieutenant-colonel in the Second Foot Guards, and he received the brevet rank of colonel in May, 1796. On the decease of his father in March, 1797, he succeeded to the title of LORD SOUTHAMPTON; and in July following he was nominated colonel of the THIRTY-FOURTH Regiment. His lordship obtained the rank of major-general in 1801, and of lieutenant-general in 1808. He died in June, 1810.

SIR EYRE COOTE, G.C.B.

_Appointed 25th June, 1810._