A numerous French army appeared in the Netherlands in the spring of 1692, and besieged Namur; when O'FARRELL'S FUSILIERS were called from their quarters, and advanced with the army, commanded by King William III., to the relief of the place; but the march having been delayed by heavy rains, the garrison surrendered on the 20th of June. A few days afterwards, a detachment of the regiment was employed in an attempt to surprise Mons; but the garrison was found prepared. On this occasion, Colonel Sir Robert Douglas and Colonel O'Farrell, having proceeded a short distance to consult with the Prince of Wirtemberg, who commanded the party, mistook their way in the dark, and were made prisoners by a detachment of French cavalry: they were released on paying the regulated ransom. O'FARRELL'S FUSILIERS formed part of the advance-guard at the battle of _Steenkirk_ on the 3rd of August; and were severely engaged with the superior numbers of the enemy under the Duke of Luxembourg. The regiment distinguished itself on this occasion, and sustained the loss of many brave officers and soldiers. D'Auvergne states, in his history of this campaign,--"Our van-guard behaved in this engagement to such wonder and admiration, that though they received the charge of several battalions of the enemy, one after another, yet they made them retreat almost to their camp." The corps in advance were not supported in time to enable them to persevere in their career of victory; and King William commanded the army to retreat. The regiment had Major Keith, Captains White, Cygnoe, Mackenzie, and Sharp, Lieutenants Charles King and Edward Griffith killed; and Lieutenant Newton wounded. The regiment was not engaged in any service of importance during the remainder of the campaign, and it passed the winter at Ghent. [Sidenote: 1693]