At this moment a light breeze expanded the Colours, emblazoned with the names of the many battles in which the corps had borne a distinguished part, and a simultaneous burst of admiration and applause issued forth from the numerous spectators. The Ensigns then moved to their places in the line of Officers; as they advanced, the regiment presented arms, the band playing “God save the King.” The Major-General then stepped forward and addressed the regiment in the following terms:— “Colonel O’Malley, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Privates of the EIGHTY-EIGHTH regiment, I have witnessed the presentation of your Colours with peculiar interest and satisfaction. “To a regiment whose bravery in the field has ever been conspicuous, few words can be necessary on this occasion; but as your Colours are a sacred pledge which binds you to your duty and your country, I cannot pass over in silence a ceremony which calls forth every warm and honourable feeling that ought to animate a soldier’s breast. “This day, the anniversary of the battle of Orthes, reminds us of a period when the valour and discipline of the British arms rendered it everywhere triumphant, under that great commander who led it from victory to victory. “In those active and arduous campaigns, the EIGHTY-EIGHTH regiment, from first to last, bore a most distinguished part, under the command of that gallant officer who is now your Colonel[8]. “The records of its meritorious services in those hard fought battles, emblazoned on these colours which are now confided to your trust, will be to you a proud memorial of the past, and a stimulus for days to come. “There are other corps, too, in this command, who equally shared in those glorious successes, and in reverting to their own gallant conduct, they will attest, and they can well appreciate the ardour and gallantry of the EIGHTY-EIGHTH. “Nor can I pass over a fact not less honourable to the corps than even brilliant achievements in the field, I allude to the campaign in Canada, where the inducement to desertion was great, but where your men, without one single exception, spurned every attempt to seduce them from their colours and their duty; a memorable instance of their love of country, and of their fidelity to the service, which rendered them worthy of their native land, and an honour to the British army. “Colonel, Officers, and Soldiers, “The good spirit and discipline which pervade your ranks are the best presages of your future conduct, wherever you may be called. “In your hands, Sir, warmly supported as you are by the officers around you, with your vigilance, your perseverance, and your zeal for the welfare of the regiment, I feel persuaded that its reputation and high name will ever be nobly maintained.