In May 1796, the regiment marched to Wallajohabad, where it was stationed during the remainder of the year. [Sidenote: 1797.] On the 2d of January 1797, the regiment was inspected by Major-General Clarke, who issued the following general order:-- “Major-General Clarke has experienced infinite satisfaction, this morning, at the review of His Majesty’s SEVENTY-FIRST regiment. “He cannot say that on any occasion of field exercise he ever was present at a more perfect performance. “When a corps is so striking in appearance, and so complete in every branch of its discipline, little can occur to the Commander-in-chief to particularize. He cannot but notice, however, that the SEVENTY-FIRST regiment has excited his admiration for its expertness in those parts of its exercise which are most essential, and most difficult to execute. He alludes to its order and regularity when moving in line; its extreme accuracy in preserving distances, and the neatness and promptitude that are so evident in all its formations. So much perfection in a corps, whose services in India will long be held in remembrance does the greatest honor to Lieut.-Colonel Baird and all his officers, to whom, and the corps at large, the Commander-in-chief desires to offer his best thanks.” The regiment remained in the cantonment of Wallajohabad until the month of October, when orders were issued for its return to Europe. It was accordingly drafted, giving five hundred men to the seventy-third and seventy-fourth regiments, and then marched from Wallajohabad, under the command of Colonel Baird, with the non-commissioned officers, drummers, and invalids, to Madras, and immediately embarked on board of Indiamen for Great Britain. The fleet sailed from Madras Roads on the 17th of October, and was at sea during the remainder of the year.[17] [Sidenote: 1798.] Early in January 1798, the fleet arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, where the commanding officer of the regiment, Colonel Baird, was detained upon the staff, having been appointed brigadier-general. After remaining a few days in Table Bay, the fleet sailed, and reached St. Helena in February, where it was detained three months waiting for a convoy.