Since the Regiments of Horse were formed into Dragoon Guards, additional improvements have been introduced into the constitution of the several corps; and the superior description of horses now bred in the United Kingdom enables the commanding officers to remount their regiments with such excellent horses, that, whilst sufficient weight has been retained for a powerful charge in line, a lightness has been acquired which renders them available for every description of service incident to modern warfare. The orderly conduct of these Regiments in quarters has gained the confidence and esteem of the respectable inhabitants of the various parts of the United Kingdom in which they have been stationed; their promptitude and alacrity in attending to the requisitions of the magistrates in periods of excitement, and the temper, patience, and forbearance which they have evinced when subjected to great provocation, insult, and violence from the misguided populace, prove the value of these troops to the Crown, and to the Government of the country, and justify the reliance which is reposed on them. FOOTNOTES: [1] In the 14th year of the reign of Edward IV. a small force was established in Ireland by Parliament, consisting of 120 Archers on horseback, 40 Horsemen, and 40 Pages. [2] Military Papers, State Paper Office. [3] This Regiment was disbanded after the Peace in 1674. [4] This appears to be the first introduction of _bayonets_ into the English Army. [5] State Paper Office. [6] The first issue of carbines to the regular Horse appears to have taken place in 1678; the Life Guards, however, carried carbines from their formation in 1660.--Vide the 'Historical Record of the Life Guards.' HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE THIRD, OR PRINCE OF WALES' REGIMENT OF DRAGOON GUARDS. CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF THE FORMATION OF THE REGIMENT IN 1685, AND OF ITS SUBSEQUENT SERVICES TO 1838. _ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES._ LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, 14, CHARING CROSS. 1838. CONTENTS. Anno Page 1685 Monmouth's Rebellion--The Regiment raised 1 ---- Obtains rank as _Fourth Horse_ 2 ---- Equipped as CUIRASSIERS 3 ---- Reviewed by King James II. -- 1686 First Establishment 5 ---- Encamps on Hounslow Heath--Reviewed by the King--Names of Officers 6 1688 The Revolution--Cuirasses delivered into Store 7 1689 Proceeds to Scotland 10 ---- Skirmish at St. Johnston 14 ---- Returns to England 15 1691 Proceeds to the Netherlands 16