The following animating and soldier-like address was made by the gallant General on the occasion:— “Seventy-first!! “I am directed to perform the honourable duty of presenting your colours. “Brave Seventy-first, the world is well acquainted with your gallant conduct at the capture of Buenos Ayres in South America, under one of His Majesty’s bravest Generals. “It is well known that you defended your conquest with the utmost courage, good conduct, and discipline, to the last extremity. When diminished to a handful, hopeless of succour, and destitute of provisions, you were overwhelmed by multitudes, and reduced by the fortune of war to lose your liberty and your well-defended colours, but not your honour. Your honour, Seventy-first Regiment, remains unsullied. “Your last act in the field covered you with glory. Your generous despair, calling upon your General to suffer you to die with arms in your hands, proceeded from the genuine spirit of British soldiers. Your behaviour in prosperity—your sufferings in captivity—and your faithful discharge of your duty to your King and country, are appreciated by all. “You who now stand on this parade, in defiance of the allurements held out to base desertion, are endeared to the army and to the country, and your conduct will ensure you the esteem of all true soldiers—of all worthy men—and fill every one of you with honest martial pride. “It has been my good fortune to have witnessed, in a remote part of the world, the early glories and gallant conduct of the Seventy-first Regiment in the field; and it is with great satisfaction I meet you again with replenished ranks, with good arms in your hands, and with stout hearts in your bosoms. “Look forward, officers and soldiers, to the achievement of new honours and the acquirement of fresh fame!! “Officers! be the friends and guardians of these brave fellows committed to your charge!! “Soldiers! give your confidence to your officers. They have shared with you the chances of war; they have bravely bled along with you,—they will always do honour to themselves and you. Preserve your regiment’s reputation for valour in the field and regularity in quarters. “I have now the honour to present the “Royal Colour. “This is the King’s colour!! “I have now the honour to present your regimental colour. “This is the colour of the Seventy-first Regiment. “May victory for ever crown these colours!!!”