You will transmit with as much expedition as the opportunity of time, distance and place can admit, the original proceedings and Sentences of every General Court Martial, to the Commander in Chief in the East Indies who is to send the same to the Judge Advocate General in London.
In every thing you will consider the honour of Our Forces, the good of Our Service, and the Interest of the East India Company whose Territories and Commerce You are sent to protect and establish, You will therefore chearfully (sic) concur in all things which the principal Officers of the East India Company shall judge conducive thereto, and for that purpose you will use your utmost endeavours to preserve a good harmony and understanding betwixt Our Land Forces and those of the East India Company.
Given at Our Court at St James’s this 29th day of November 1781, in the Twenty first Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty’s Command
Barrington.
In a letter, dated London 25th January 1782, from the East India Directors to the President and Council at Fort St. George, the Madras authorities were thus advised of the dispatch of the Regiment to India—
“His Majesty having been graciously pleased to order a Regiment of Light Dragoons, dismounted, and two Regiments of Foot[5] to proceed to the East Indies for the protection and defence of the Company’s possessions, we hereby inform you that they embark on board the ships now under dispatch for India. Instructions have been given by our Chairman and Depy. Chairman to provide horses to be in readiness for the Dragoons, in order to render them fit for immediate service upon their arrival: and we rely upon these instructions having been duly complied with. The strength of the Regiments and Lists of the Officers are as follows—
Establishment of a Regiment of Light Dragoons commanded by Colonel Sir John Burgoyne, Bart.
| 1 | Colonel and Captain. |
| 1 | Lt.-Colonel and Captain. |
| 1 | Major and Captain. |
| 3 | Captains more. |
| 6 | Lieutenants. |
| 6 | Cornets. |
| 6 | Quarter Masters. |
| 1 | Chaplain. |
| 1 | Adjutant. |
| 1 | Surgeon. |
| 1 | Surgeon’s Mate. |
| 24 | Serjeants. |
| 24 | Corporals. |
| 6 | Trumpeters. |
| 6 | Hautbois. |
| 324 | Private men. |
| —— | |
| 412 | |
| —— |
List of the Officers of the Twenty Third Regiment of Light Dragoons.