Fort St. George, October 10th, 1806.
1806.
On the occasion of the intended return of His Majesty’s 19th regiment of light dragoons to Europe, the right honourable the governor in council feels the greatest satisfaction in testifying in the most public manner, his highest approbation of that distinguished and valuable corps. From the period of the arrival of his majesty’s 19th dragoons in India, in the year 1782, until the present time, that regiment has shared in almost every action of difficulty and of glory, in which the British arms have been engaged during that long and eventful interval, and has deservedly established a degree of reputation seldom equalled, never surpassed. His lordship in council deems it unnecessary at this moment to enumerate the various instances in which his majesty’s 19th dragoons have rendered the most important service to their country: but the glory acquired by that regiment in the field of Assaye, and the important advantages which resulted from its bravery, discipline and activity, on a late memorable occasion, (furnish?) an instance which cannot be omitted, and which can never be obliterated from the annals of this country, or from the memory of the British nation. His lordship in council was pleased, by a general order under date the 27th August, 1805, to confer a particular mark of his lordship’s approbation on his majesty’s 74th regiment, at the period of the embarkation of that distinguished corps for Europe, by granting to the officers a donation of three months’ full batta. Impressed with similar sentiments on the present occasion, his lordship in council has, in consideration of the long and brilliant services of his majesty’s 19th regiment of dragoons, resolved to extend to the officers of that regiment a donation of the same amount, which is accordingly directed to be paid previously to their departure.
General Order. (Lieut. General Sir J. Cradock)
Head Quarters, Choultry Plain,
Oct. 13th, 1806.
1806.
The eulogium that government has been pleased to express in their late order upon the services of his majesty’s 19th light dragoons, throughout its long and distinguished course in this Country, leaves to the commander-in-chief but little to add, except his warmest wishes for the continuance of their uninterrupted honor and success, in other regions of the British Empire. The records of government everywhere proclaim the value of his majesty’s 19th light dragoons, in India, and stamp the occasions, where this regiment has perhaps secured the foundations of our empire.
Such subjects belong to the highest authority, and have only been briefly mentioned with grateful acknowledgment. The bounded limits of an order were unequal to the history.
It therefore only remains with the commander-in-chief, to state the humbler sentiments of approbation of the discipline, good order, obedience, and harmony that prevail in the 19th light dragoons, which confirm all opinion, that such are the foundations that lead to glory, cause admiration and respect, while a regiment remains in a foreign country, and ensures to them, on their departure the deepest regret.