Although the field of glory may not be so wide as on that element for which your Royal Highness was destined from your youth, and where you are so well qualified to shine, still you have exhibited the brightest example to Englishmen, and by it alone, you have already rendered the most signal services. The deed, august Prince, will be reviewed by Posterity with all the generous feelings of Britons; and it must convince the collected hosts of a rapacious enemy, now arrayed for the avowed purpose of overturning our Religion, our Liberties, and our Laws, of the many serious dangers which they must encounter, ere they can subdue those Isles, where but one spirit pervades, and animates every rank, from the Palace to the Cottage. Were I allowed to penetrate into futurity, and were your energies to be ever called forth, I should then behold your Royal Highness emulating the recognized valour of your illustrious Ancestors, by deeds of heroic gallantry against the foes of your revered Father, and of his Throne; but I will forbear to dwell upon the issues of an after day. Whether it shall be your lot to wave your banner or your flag in combat against the enemies of our land, may victory and success ever follow in your train, and may your Royal Highness enjoy the honorary recompence of a Brave Nation, annexed to its habitual respect for your public virtue, and your private worth! Such, Most Gracious Prince, are the cordial wishes of one, who has the distinguished privilege of attesting that fidelity and devotion, with which he remains, Your Royal Highness's, Very attached, And most obedient humble Servant, ALEX. GILLESPIE, BIRMINGHAM, 15th NOV. 1803. INTRODUCTION. There is no Fame so liable to decay as that which has been acquired by the subordinate Soldier. The admiration and applause too, which follow military deeds, however brilliant, are but fickle passions, as they successively transfer their affections to every new conqueror, and all are too often buried in the same grave, after the trumpet of war has ceased to sound. To drag from the land of forgetfulness, actions, long lain in oblivion; to place the revolutions and the achievements of a corps, endeared to its Country by a train of loyalty and valour, in one connected and analysed point of view, were the leading motives which urged the Author to essay a history of its origin and progress. Whilst he laments that the undertaking has not been allotted to superior talents, at the same time he will venture to affirm that it could not have been prosecuted with a stronger zeal. Never was military prowess more loudly called for, than at the present crisis.--Ardour should be raised in every rank. It is a plant, which, by fostering attention flourishes and grows; but if neglected, soon droops and dies. Courage is the natural birth-right of an Englishman, and it needs only a directing hand, under Providence, to give it an invincible aim.