Subscriptions towards meeting the various wants of the new corps came in from every quarter; Mr. Walter Long of Rood Ashton, Mr. W. Stancomb, and Mr. T. Clark each contributing fifty pounds, whilst sums of smaller amount but yet munificent were received from other gentlemen and the tradesmen generally. All were enthusiastic in the matter.
In the first week of December 1859, Mr. T. Clark received information from the Lord Lieutenant of the County that Her Majesty had accepted the services of those offering, appointing him as captain, with one lieutenant, one ensign, and 100 men of all ranks. The officers recommended for the commissions of lieutenant and ensign were Mr. W.P. Clark and Mr. J.G. Foley.
Constant and regular drills now gave the new corps plenty of occupation. Drill sergeants from the militia and retired veterans from the line were obtained, and fathers of families with their sons, independent gentlemen, tradesmen, and mechanics, despising snow and sleet, pouring rain, and muddy streets, were to be seen at nightfall, with rifle over the shoulder, and not improbably a very heavy stick in hand, just by way of strengthening the muscles of the forearm, wending their way to the place of drill; there to be kept uncomfortable for at least a quarter of an hour for not raising the toes sufficiently off the ground in the "right about turn," or to be pointed at as unworthy of being enrolled as a defender of his country, when the necessary delay of several minutes between the words "two" and "three" in the second position of the musketry exercise made his arm shake like an aspen leaf, and his rifle to wabble ("warble" more probably) in a most unsatisfactory manner. Sergeant Swipes was a great man on these occasions; he knew how things ought to be done and would have them done. There were none there to say he didn't, or any to dispute his right, so gentlemen drilled on night after night, hoping eventually to be able to complete the circle of "about" without staggering as if half tipsy, and to hold out the rifle if "three" was yet longer in being shouted out.
A detachment of the Antrim Rifles were at this time stationed in the barracks, and from them every assistance and kindness was received. The officers took great interest in the corps, supplied drill sergeants, attended themselves at some of the drills, and as all improved in knowledge of what was necessary, often allowed the corps to do battalion drill with their two companies commanded by Major Bruce.
About this time, through the exertions of Mr. Walter Long of Rood Ashton, a sub-division of the Trowbridge corps was raised at Steeple Ashton, of which Mr. W. Stancomb took command; but soon after resigning was succeeded by Mr. George Temple. However, the whole had but a short life. The men were few, the country wild, and regular attendance at drill almost impossible, so it was broken up.
It will not be out of place here to say what then was meant by raising and supporting a rifle corps, and how great the enthusiasm and patriotism of both men and women must have been when they submitted to give so much and receive so little. In the movement ladies were most enthusiastic and helpful, contributing by gifts of money, uniforms, shooting prizes, and in holding bazaars. To the Government of the day not one shred of praise or thanks are due. They never moved in the matter until very late in the day, and then only to intimate to the Lord Lieutenants of counties that corps might be raised, provided that they met the terms of this letter, which simply said that every expense, even to finding arms—stipulating only for these to be of the same bore—should be borne by the newly formed corps, and that in the event of their services being required, pensions as in the line for wounds, &c., would be sanctioned.
Perhaps it was as well that the authorities did not give more definite orders, if one is to judge by this letter. They, however, did one good thing, they appointed officers immediately under their own command as Inspectors and Assistant Inspectors—men fresh from the Crimean and Indian Mutiny campaign, who had not only seen service, but had received other impressions than those gathered in the barrack square; and to their common sense, judgment, patience, and willingness to be guided by circumstances, may be attributed the good qualities of the officers and men composing the volunteer force. Names need not be given, these will live in the memory of more than one.
It was impossible that an army such as the volunteer force had now become could go on for ever spending their own money and begging for more to keep them efficient; and so demand after demand was made on the War Office for assistance; but it was not until they saw that it was the people's force, and was supported in its claims by landed gentry and people having detestable influence in Parliament, that this help was sanctioned, and a starvation allowance voted; and as a certain increased amount of efficiency was demanded in return, the volunteer force at once became part of the defensive organization of the country. The Court had earlier shown an indefinite recognition of the force, as it had sanctioned the appearance of the officers at a special levée. The officers appearing at the same from Trowbridge were Captain Thomas Clark, Lieut. W.P. Clark, Ensign J.G. Foley, and Assist.-Surgeon Seale. The modesty of their uniform as compared with the wonderful compositions surrounding could hardly have given the facetious among the crowds ranging St. James' Street an opportunity of making remarks. Dark grey cloth, with red facings, fitting well to the body, a small chaco and ball, with black belts, left little to be desired. Perhaps the proximity of the Antrim Rifles at the barracks had something to do with this and many other things.
At the Royal Review in Hyde Park the only corps of volunteers representing the county was that of Trowbridge, and their general appearance and smartness obtained approval. If "Well done, Wiltshire!" "Well done, Trowbridge!" sung out by many in the crowd, is worth recording, this was repeated more than once.
To enable the Trowbridge Corps being present at the Royal Review in Hyde Park, it had to hire brakes, and by starting not very long after midnight from Trowbridge, arrive at the Great Western Railway Station at Chippenham, so as to meet the special train leaving there at daybreak for London. Perhaps "Well done, Wiltshire!" "Well done, Trowbridge!" was not such undeserved praise when these men of Wilts passed the Queen, and it is remembered that soon again they would be on their travels, and not be home before the break of another day; and to this may be added few, if any, of them absent from their work at the mills. The corps also attended at the review held in Clarendon Park, near Salisbury, and again at Durdham Downs, above Bristol, coming in for its share of abuse in discharging rifles because other corps did the same when three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen were demanded. Doubtless the crime was great, and proved at once that men who could fire without orders, or contrary to the musketry regulations as laid down for the British army, could never be otherwise than a rabble, and were unfitted to be trusted with arms. However, Trowbridge, and indeed the rest of the sinners, survived their iniquity, and No. 2 Corps put in an appearance at several subsequent general assemblies of the volunteers.