[13] In the midst of the engagement, Serjeant Patrick Masterson seized and kept possession of the Eagle of the eighth French regiment of light infantry (which was the first taken in action since the commencement of the Peninsular war), and for which His Royal Highness the Prince Regent promoted the serjeant to an ensigncy in the Royal York Light Infantry Volunteers; he was subsequently removed to the EIGHTY-SEVENTH regiment. Volunteer de Courcy Ireland, and Serjeant-Major McKeldon, were also promoted to be ensigns for their conduct in this action. [14] In a letter, dated the 21st of January 1812, from General Viscount Wellington, K.B., to the Earl of Liverpool, Secretary of State, appeared the following tribute from that illustrious commander to the conduct of the troops at _Tarifa_:—“_I cannot refrain from expressing my admiration of the conduct of Colonel Skerrett, and the brave troops under his command, nor from recommending them to the protection of your Lordship._” [15] History of the War in the Peninsular and in the South of France, by Lieut.-General Sir William Napier, K.C.B. [16] Major-General John Randoll McKenzie, who fell at Talavera on the 28th of July 1809. [17] Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Picton, G.C.B., who was killed at Waterloo on the 18th of June 1815. SUCCESSION OF COLONELS OF THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, OR THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS. SIR JOHN DOYLE, BART., G.C.B. AND K.C. _Appointed 3rd May 1796._ This officer was descended from an ancient Irish family, and was born at Dublin in the year 1756. He was at first intended for the law, which, on the death of his father, he relinquished for the military profession, and was appointed Ensign in the Forty-eighth regiment on the 21st of March 1771, in which he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on the 17th of September 1773, and was wounded while on duty in Ireland. Lieutenant Doyle exchanged to the Fortieth regiment on the 1st of March 1775, and embarked with that corps for North America in the same year. During the War of Independence in that country he served with his regiment in the descent on Long Island in August 1776, and was present at the actions of Brooklyn, White Plains (28th of October), Fort Washington, Haerlem Creek, Springfield, and Iron Hills. In the action at Brooklyn, on the 27th of August, Lieutenant Doyle was brought into notice by conduct which combined the best feelings with the most animated courage. He was Adjutant of the Fortieth, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Grant, who was regarded as a father by the younger portion of the corps. The Lieut.-Colonel was desperately wounded early in the action, which becoming very hot where he lay, Lieutenant Doyle, fearing he might be trampled to death, rushed with a few followers into the midst of the enemy, and dragged away the body of his friend; but it was too late, for he had expired. This act made a strong impression on all who witnessed it, and produced a handsome compliment from the