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)
On the 26th of April, whilst in garrison at Cork, new colours,
to replace those left in South America, were presented to the
SEVENTY-FIRST by Lieut.-General John Floyd, who had commanded the
cavalry and advance in the campaign of 1790 in the East Indies.
The following animating and soldierlike address was made by the
gallant general on the occasion:
“SEVENTY-FIRST!!
“I am directed to perform the honorable duty of presenting your
colours.
“Brave SEVENTY-FIRST, the world is well acquainted with your
gallant conduct at the capture of _Buenos Ayres_, in South
America, under one of His Majesty’s bravest generals.
“It is well known that you defended your conquest with the utmost
courage, good conduct, and discipline to the last extremity. When
diminished to a handful, hopeless of succour, and destitute of
provisions, you were overwhelmed by multitudes, and reduced by
the fortune of war to lose your liberty, and your well-defended
colours, but not your honor. Your honor, SEVENTY-FIRST regiment,
remains unsullied. Your last act in the field covered you with
glory. Your generous despair, calling upon your general to suffer
you to die with arms in your hands, proceeded from the genuine
spirit of British soldiers. Your behavior in prosperity,--your
sufferings in captivity,--and your faithful discharge of your
duty to your King and country, are appreciated by all.
“You who now stand on this parade, in defiance of the allurements
held out to base desertion, are endeared to the army and to the
country, and your conduct will ensure you the esteem of all true
soldiers,--of all worthy men,--and fill every one of you with
honest martial pride.
“It has been my good fortune to have witnessed, in a remote
part of the world, the early glories and gallant conduct of
the SEVENTY-FIRST regiment in the field; and it is with great
satisfaction I meet you again, with replenished ranks, with good
arms in your hands, and with stout hearts in your bosoms.
“Look forward, officers and soldiers, to the achievement of new
honors and the acquirement of fresh fame!!
“Officers! be the friends and guardians of these brave fellows
committed to your charge!!
“Soldiers! give your confidence to your officers. They have
shared with you the chances of war; they have bravely bled along
with you;--they will always do honor to themselves and you.
Preserve your regiment’s reputation for valour in the field and
regularity in quarters.
“I have now the honor to present the
“ROYAL COLOUR.
“This is the KING’S COLOUR!!
“I have now the honor to present your REGIMENTAL COLOUR.
“This is the colour of the SEVENTY-FIRST regiment.
“May victory for ever crown these colours!!!”
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