The reserve marched on the 7th of November to Fermoy, being destined to remain for the present in Ireland, which continued in a very disturbed state; and the service companies moved to Cork towards the end of the month, and there embarked under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Sutherland, on the 29th of November and 5th and 6th of December, on board the "Marquis of Huntley," (head-quarters,) "William Harris," and "Sylvia," transports; sailed from Cove on the 26th of December, arrived in the bay of Gibraltar, after a very quick but boisterous passage, on the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, and disembarked on the 9th, 10th, and 12th of January, 1832, to do duty in that far-famed fortress.
Previous to the embarkation of the Fifth from Ireland, the circumstance of the regiment having an "Order of Merit," a privilege established in this regiment in the year 1767 (as explained in [page 37]), attracted the attention, and elicited the representations, of the local military authorities. The commanding officer, after the arrival at Gibraltar, was in consequence called upon by the General Commanding-in-Chief, Lord Hill, to explain under what regulations and arrangements the Order was conferred, candidates selected, medals provided and distributed, and other particulars connected with this most laudable institution. The required information was promptly afforded, proved satisfactory, and the following gratifying letter was the result, viz.:—
"Horse-Guards, 20th June, 1832.
"Sir,
"I have had the honour to submit to the General Commanding-in-Chief, your letter of the 4th instant, with its enclosure, on the subject of the 'Order of Merit' existing in the Fifth Foot, and am directed to acquaint you, that the explanation afforded by Lieutenant-Colonel Sutherland, shows that the order in question is dispensed under the most laudable regulations, and has been productive of the best effects, during the long period since its original establishment in the regiment.
"It is considered highly desirable, however, that both officer and soldier should, under all circumstances, be taught to expect professional honours from the sovereign alone; and under this impression, Lord Hill has been induced to recommend to the king to give the royal authority for the confirmation and continuance of this regimental Badge of distinction, an arrangement, which, while it bestows upon it legitimate existence, will, at the same time, no doubt, enhance its value in the estimation of those on whom it is conferred.
"You will, therefore, be pleased to communicate this decision to Lieutenant-Colonel Sutherland, and acquaint him, that he is at liberty to proceed in the distribution of the medals and badges as heretofore.
"I have, &c.
(Signed) "John Macdonald,
"Adjutant-General.
"Lieutenant-General
"Sir William Houstoun, G.C.B., and G.C.H.,
&c. &c. &c.,
"Commanding at Gibraltar."