1719
The peace of Europe was disturbed in 1719 by Philip V. of Spain, who was desirous of recovering the places ceded by him in the treaty of Utrecht; and among the measures contemplated by the Spaniards was placing the Pretender on the throne of Great Britain, that the interest of this country might be insured in favour of the projected innovations. An expedition, commanded by the Duke of Ormond, was prepared in Spain for a descent on the British coast; but the fleet was dispersed and disabled by a storm: two ships, however, reached the coast of Scotland, and between three and four hundred Spaniards landed, and were joined by a number of Highlanders. When information of this event reached London, orders were issued for the Royal Dragoons to proceed with all possible expedition to Scotland, where they arrived in May. Major-General Wightman advanced with a body of foot and three troops of the Scots greys, and attacked the Spaniards and Highlanders on the 10th of June at the pass of Glenshill, and forced them to retire with considerable loss. On the following day the Highlanders dispersed, and the Spaniards surrendered themselves prisoners of war. The Royal Dragoons returned to England in July, and were quartered in Yorkshire; and a detachment was ordered to embark at Portsmouth and accompany the expedition commanded by their colonel, Viscount Cobham, intended to make an attack on Corunna. The design on that place was, however, abandoned; but the troops effected a landing on the coast of Spain, and took Vigo, where they obtained possession of several pieces of brass ordnance, with a magazine of muskets and other arms. Rondendella and Pont-a-Vedra were also taken, and additional captures of military stores effected. The Spanish court made overtures for a treaty of peace; and in November the expedition returned to England.
1720
In February, 1720, His Majesty issued a regulation, fixing the amount of purchase-money to be paid for regimental commissions, and the following prices were established for the
Royal Regiment of Dragoons.
| Colonel and Captain | £7000 |
| Lieutenant-Colonel and Captain | 3200 |
| Major and Captain | 2600 |
| Captain | 1800 |
| Captain-Lieutenant[46] | 1000 |
| Lieutenant | 800 |
| Cornet | 600 |
| Adjutant | 200 |
1721
The Royal Dragoons left Yorkshire in April, 1721, and were stationed at Nottingham and Derby; and on the 10th of that month the colonelcy was conferred on Sir Charles Hotham, Baronet, Viscount Cobham having been removed to the second horse, now first dragoon guards.
1722
1723