“The share which the British army have had in producing those events, and the high character with which the army will quit this country, must be equally satisfactory to every individual belonging to it, as they are to the Commander of the Forces, and he trusts that the troops will continue the same good conduct to the last.
“The Commander of the Forces once more requests the army to accept his thanks.
“Although circumstances may alter the relations in which he has stood towards them for some years so much to his satisfaction, he assures them he will never cease to feel the warmest interest in their welfare and honour, and that he will be at all times happy to be of any service to those to whose conduct, discipline, and gallantry their country is so much indebted.”
In addition to the other distinctions acquired during the war in Spain, Portugal, and the South of France, the Seventy-first subsequently received the Royal Authority to bear the word “Peninsula” on the regimental colours and appointments.
The first battalion arrived at Cork on the 28th of July, and marched to Mallow, where it remained for a few days. On the 4th of August, the battalion marched to Limerick, where Colonel Reynell assumed command of it in December, and in which city it continued to be quartered during the remainder of the year.
2nd bat.
The second battalion remained stationed in North Britain.
1815.
1st bat.
In January, 1815, the first battalion of the Seventy-first regiment marched from Limerick to Cork, and embarked as part of an expedition under orders for North America. Peace having been concluded with the United States, and contrary winds having prevented the sailing of the vessels, the destination of the battalion was changed, and subsequent events occasioned its being employed against its former opponents. The tranquillity which Europe appeared to have gained by the splendid successes over the French in the Peninsula was again to be disturbed. Napoleon, who had been accustomed to imperial sway, was naturally discontented with his small sovereignty of Elba. Besides, the correspondence kept up by him with his adherents in France, gave him hopes of regaining his former power, which were, for a short time, fully realised. He landed at Cannes in Provence, on the 1st of March, 1815, with a small body of men, and on the 20th of that month entered Paris at the head of an army which had joined him on the road. This could not be wondered at, for the officers and soldiers had won their fame under his command, and gladly welcomed their former leader, under whom they probably expected to acquire fresh honours, which might erase the memory of the defeats sustained in the Peninsula.