Towards the end of 1781, a detachment was employed at the mouth of the Shannon, in protecting a foreign vessel, stranded on the coast, from plunder by the natives. The regiment was afterwards quartered at Kilkenny, where its conduct was such that, on its being ordered to a different part of the country, the inhabitants petitioned the Government successfully for its return; at Limerick also, and several other places, its soldier-like and orderly behaviour received the official thanks of the civil authorities. With the volunteers of Ireland, at that time in the height of their popularity and the heyday of their zeal, the FIFTH was on the best footing; whenever it marched through any town, the volunteers turned out to receive it with all due honours, and so great was their respect for the regiment and confidence in its then commander, Lieutenant-Colonel (afterwards Lord) Harris, who had served in the corps from the rank of Ensign upwards, that when, on the report of an intended landing of the French near Cork, the FIFTH was marched to Youghal, several volunteer corps offered to join it in case a landing was effected by the enemy. [Sidenote: 1783] In March, 1783, the regiment was marched from Kilkenny to Dublin, and at the first installation of the newly-founded order of St. Patrick, its grenadier company furnished the guard of honour at the Cathedral. A detachment was about the same time sent, under the command of Major Battier, to Carlow, in support of the fencibles, who had been insulted by the volunteers at Kilkenny. [Sidenote: 1784] In 1784, the regiment lost a distinguished leader, a powerful patron, and an attached and sincere friend, by the promotion of Earl Percy to the Colonelcy of the second troop of Horse Grenadier Guards. The FIFTH had been his first command; he had held that command for sixteen years, including the whole of the American war of independence, and in compliment to him, the regiment had received the denomination, which it still retains, of the "NORTHUMBERLAND" Regiment. He took leave of his old comrades in the following very complimentary and affectionate letter:-- "_Alnwick, Nov. 5, 1784._ "Sir,