The foregoing pages show that the Fifth Regiment of Foot, or Northumberland Fusiliers, has preserved by its conduct in time of peace, untarnished, the laurels which it has acquired in war. Soon after its formation it availed itself of the opportunities which then occurred of acquiring a reputation for gallantry in action; and, under the influence of zealous officers and an excellent esprit de corps, it has conducted itself, in the various situations in which it has been placed during a period of more than one hundred and sixty years, so as to preserve its character and acquire additional honour. The distinctions which have, from time to time, been conferred on this corps, show the estimation in which its services are held:—the inscriptions which it bears on its colours are memorials of its gallantry in battles and sieges, where the British troops have acquired never-fading laurels, and have elevated the military character of their country, to the admiration of the nations of Europe.
The Compiler of the Records of the Army feels it his duty to state, that Colonel Sutherland, of the Fifth Foot, or Northumberland Fusiliers, has evinced great zeal and devotedness in procuring information on all subjects in which the honour of his regiment is concerned, and furnished a statement of its services which has facilitated the preparation of this narrative for publication. The most effective assistance has also been afforded by Captain John Spence, of the same regiment, in the completion of this memoir.
FIFTH REGIMENT OF FOOT (NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS), M DCCC XXXVII.
[To face page 106.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] This treaty was conducted, on the part of Great Britain, by Sir William Temple, whose memoirs and correspondence on the subject are extant.