While the regiment was stationed in Ireland, the misunderstanding between Great Britain and her North American provinces on the subject of taxation, was followed by open hostilities; and a body of American troops undertook the siege of Quebec.
1776
In the spring of 1776 the FIFTY-THIRD and several other corps proceeded, under Major-General Burgoyne, for the relief of Quebec: this regiment embarked from Ireland on the 4th of April, arrived in Canada towards the end of May, and took part in the operations by which the American troops were driven from the confines of the British provinces. During the winter the regiment was stationed at Chambly.
1777
The flank companies of the regiment were selected, in the spring of 1777, to form part of the force under Lieut.-General Burgoyne, who was directed to penetrate the United States from Lake Champlain to the river Hudson, and advance upon Albany, with the view of bringing that part of the country into submission to the British crown. The troops employed on this service proceeded to Crown Point in boats, and afterwards moved towards Ticonderoga, forcing the Americans to abandon that post, and pursuing them a considerable distance. Some fighting occurred, in which the British soldiers evinced great gallantry, and the companies of the FIFTY-THIRD had opportunities of distinguishing themselves. The army advanced towards the river Hudson, encountering much greater difficulties than had been expected. The country through which it marched was a wilderness; numerous obstructions had to be removed, forty bridges had to be constructed, and others repaired; but every difficulty was overcome by the cheerful perseverance of the soldiers. Their hardships were, however, daily augmented; and after passing the river Hudson, they were opposed by very superior numbers of the enemy. Several actions occurred, and British valour was conspicuous; but incessant toil and a scarcity of provisions reduced the army to 3500 men, who were environed by 16,000 Americans, and their retreat cut off. Under these circumstances a convention was concluded, by which the British agreed to lay down their arms on condition of being sent to England. The Americans afterwards violated the conditions of the convention, and detained the English soldiers some time.
1778
1781
Eight companies of the regiment had remained in Canada, where they were eventually joined by the flank companies, and the regiment was stationed in that part of the British dominions several years.
1782
The American war terminated in 1782:—In the same year the regiment received instructions to assume the title of the FIFTY-THIRD, OR THE SHROPSHIRE REGIMENT, and to cultivate a connexion with that county, which might, at all times, be useful towards recruiting.
1789
1790