“Gentlemen,
“Receive and guard with fidelity, in every danger, these Colours which I have the honour of presenting to you! May the Almighty protect and prosper you in this sacred duty, and may you live to be distinguished in your country’s service!”
At this moment a light breeze expanded the Colours, emblazoned with the names of the many battles in which the corps had borne a distinguished part, and a simultaneous burst of admiration and applause issued forth from the numerous spectators.
The Ensigns then moved to their places in the line of Officers; as they advanced, the regiment presented arms, the band playing “God save the King.”
The Major-General then stepped forward and addressed the regiment in the following terms:—
“Colonel O’Malley, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Privates of the Eighty-Eighth regiment, I have witnessed the presentation of your Colours with peculiar interest and satisfaction.
“To a regiment whose bravery in the field has ever been conspicuous, few words can be necessary on this occasion; but as your Colours are a sacred pledge which binds you to your duty and your country, I cannot pass over in silence a ceremony which calls forth every warm and honourable feeling that ought to animate a soldier’s breast.
“This day, the anniversary of the battle of Orthes, reminds us of a period when the valour and discipline of the British arms rendered it everywhere triumphant, under that great commander who led it from victory to victory.
“In those active and arduous campaigns, the Eighty-Eighth regiment, from first to last, bore a most distinguished part, under the command of that gallant officer who is now your Colonel[8].
“The records of its meritorious services in those hard fought battles, emblazoned on these colours which are now confided to your trust, will be to you a proud memorial of the past, and a stimulus for days to come.