In December, 1680, and again, in a Royal Declaration, dated the 8th of April, 1681, its great importance was urged. At length, in 1683, the King, finding the expense of maintaining the garrison and fortifications greater than he was willing, or, unassisted by Parliament, able to bear, came to the resolution of recalling the one, and demolishing the other. [Sidenote: 1683] [Sidenote: 1684] About the end of the year 1683, Admiral Lord Dartmouth was sent to Tangier with twenty sail of the line, with orders to demolish the fortress and mole, and to bring away the inhabitants and garrison. Great sufferings had been endured for some time for want of supplies from England, and much joy was evinced by the former on the announcement being made. In six months all the arrangements to abandon this once favourite colony being completed, the final evacuation took place in April, 1684. The Portuguese government had offered a remuneration to have Tangier restored to that nation, but their power of defending it was questionable, and it was not considered prudent to risk so important a fortress falling into the hands of the Moors. There are no means of ascertaining the number of officers and men lost by the Queen's Regiment during the twenty-two years of its service at Tangier; but to judge from the casualties amongst officers of superior rank, it must have been immense. The regiment had steadily persevered in performing the arduous duties required of it, and now retired from its post when a final evacuation of the fortress took place, by the King's command. The Queen's Regiment left Tangier in April, 1684; and on its arrival in England it mustered 560 men, who were portioned into 16 companies. This number was part of 2300 troops, which had comprised the garrison of Tangier, and which, beside the Queen's Regiment, included 4 Troops of horse, which were incorporated in the Royal Dragoons. 5 Companies of Foot Guards. 16 Companies of Earl of Dumbarton's (now 1st or Royal Regiment). 16 Companies Trelawny's 2nd Tangier Regiment (now 4th or King's Own). 1 Company of Miners. 4 Independent Companies. [Sidenote: 1685]