Historical Record of the Seventy-first Regiment, Highland Light Infantry: Containing an Account of the Formation of the Regiment in 1777, and of Its Subsequent Services to 1852Cannon, Richard
History
Historical Record of the Seventy-first Regiment, Highland Light Infantry: Containing an Account of the Formation of the Regiment in 1777, and of Its Subsequent Services to 1852
Cannon, Richard
Great Britain. Army -- History; Great Britain. Army. Regiment of Foot, 71st (Highland Light Infantry)
“Notwithstanding this, on the appearance of a British force in
the river, they were suddenly compelled to march, under an armed
escort, several miles into the interior, and about two months
afterwards orders were given to separate and remove them still
farther, and which, (notwithstanding the remonstrances of the
brigadier-general) were carried into effect. In his communication
at that time with Colonel Liniers, he fully explained that we did
not consider ourselves on parole, nor did we think it binding,
after our removal in the first instance, and their refusing to
fulfil the conditions under which we had been prevailed upon to
give it.
“About this time the unfortunate murder of Captain Ogilvie of
the Royal Artillery and a private soldier of the SEVENTY-FIRST
regiment took place, when guards were placed at some of
the quarters of the officers, professedly for the purpose
of protection, but positively with strict injunctions most
narrowly to watch us, and to take care (as the government said
in their instructions to the alcalde on the same subject) that
we did not desert. I mention this circumstance to prove there
could be no misunderstanding on the subject; for though such
language must be considered unhandsome and illiberal under any
circumstances, it surely never could have been held to officers
on their parole. On the arrival of the news of the capture
of Monte Video by our forces, the chief magistrate of Buenos
Ayres repaired to General Beresford’s quarters, accompanied by
Lieut.-Col. Garcias, acquainting him with the necessity there
was of possessing himself with the papers of the several British
officers, prisoners, which he proceeded to do, _placing sentry
over them individually_ until he effected his purpose; and in
a conversation which General Beresford had with Lieut.-Colonel
Garcias, he expressly told him that we were not on our parole,
recapitulating the explanation made to Colonel Liniers upon the
subject.
“Shortly after this the necessity of moving nine hundred miles
farther into the interior was communicated to us, and we were on
our journey with an armed escort, when an opportunity offered,
of which I most gladly availed myself, to make my escape. I will
not further trespass on your time by commenting on the many
circumstances I conceive so evidently conclusive, but submit
the bare facts to your better judgment. However, I cannot debar
myself the satisfaction of acknowledging here the obligation I am
under to many individuals, and the kind and generous treatment
which I myself, as well as the British officers in general,
received from the inhabitants of the town and country of Buenos
Ayres.
“I have the honor to be,
“Sir,
“&c. &c. &c.
“(Signed) D. PACK,
“_Lt.-Col. 71st Regiment._
“_To Brigadier-General Sir Samuel Auchmuty_,
“_Commanding His Britannic Majesty’s Forces_,
“_Monte Video._”
“GENERAL ORDERS.
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