General Crosbie having died, the colonelcy was conferred on Major-General the Honorable John Abercromby, by commission dated the 21st of March, 1807, the sixth anniversary of the battle of Alexandria.
In September the first battalion embarked in boats to proceed up the Ganges, when Major-General Palmer recorded, in orders, his approbation of its exemplary conduct while stationed at Berhampore. After a voyage of eleven weeks in boats up the river, the battalion landed at Cawnpore on the 29th of November, and marched into the spacious barracks on an elevated site at that place.
The gallant conduct of two serjeants and fourteen private soldiers of the first battalion on board of the Company's ship Fame, when it was captured by a French frigate (the Piedmontaise), was rewarded by a donation from the Court of Directors, of 5l. to each of the serjeants, and 4l. to each private soldier.
The first battalion was stationed at Cawnpore during the year, and was highly commended in orders for its correct discipline and excellent conduct.
1809
On the 19th of January, 1809, three companies were detached, under Captain Piercy, to the province of Bundelcund, and joining the troops under Lieut.-Colonel Martindell, were employed in reducing some refractory native Sirdars. These companies were at the siege and capture of the fort of Adjighion, situate upon a lofty mountain; and after the surrender of this place they rejoined the regiment, which took the field in November, and joined a numerous division under Lieut.-Colonel Martindell. This body of troops was called out in consequence of signs of defection in the native Madras army, and it performed many long and difficult marches.
1810
The first battalion continued in the field until March, 1810, when it returned to Cawnpore. Lieut.-Colonel Mawby, the officers and soldiers, received the thanks of the Commander of the field force for their excellent conduct.
1811
During the year 1811 the first battalion remained at Cawnpore, where Lieut.-Colonel Buckland assumed the command.