'14th Feb., 1788.
First Horse
to
Fourth Dragoon Guards,
Second Horse
to
Fifth Dragoon Guards,
Third Horse
to
Sixth Dragoon Guards,
and
Fourth Horse
to
Seventh Dragoon Guards.
'It is His Majesty's pleasure that the four regiments of Horse on this establishment be converted to Dragoon Guards, according to the number specified in the margin: this regulation to take effect from the 1st of April next inclusive; and, in consequence of the alteration of the establishment of the regiments of horse, His Majesty has been pleased to direct that compensation shall be made to every officer of the four regiments of horse, for the reduced pay of each, of which a proper scheme shall be made known as soon as the same can be digested. His Majesty has also been pleased to signify, that, in the change now proposed, it is not intended that any injury shall be sustained by the Colonels of the regiments, and that a compensation will be made to them for any reduction of pay or emolument they may suffer by the change; and also, that they will be reimbursed such reasonable extra expense as will be necessary for altering their present accoutrements, as likewise for the clothes, accoutrements, &c., of the augmented numbers, proper estimates of which will be immediately delivered to the Commander-in-Chief, to be laid before his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant.
'Such men of the regiments of horse as choose to re-enlist will receive a bounty of two guineas, excepting such corporals as shall be made serjeants, and, in consequence, have their pay advanced. I am to inform you that in all other respects the regiments of Dragoon Guards are to conform to all His Majesty's regulations relative to the regiments of Dragoons.
'William Fawcett,
'Adjutant-General.'
The compensation granted to the Colonel of the Fourth Dragoon Guards was 150l. per annum for life, with 180l. 10s. for the alterations in the equipment; the Lieut.-Colonel received 575l.; Major, 525l.; Captains, each 475l.; Captain-Lieutenant and Lieutenants, 350l.; and the Cornets each 250l.
The establishment of the regiment was fixed at 1 colonel and captain, 1 lieutenant-colonel and captain, 1 major and captain, 3 captains, 6 lieutenants, 6 cornets, 1 chaplain, 1 adjutant, 1 surgeon, 6 quarter-masters, 6 serjeants, 12 corporals, 6 trumpeters, 114 private men, and 6 dismounted men. The carbines were cut shorter; the width of the belts was reduced from 4½ to 3 inches; and the officers were directed to wear their sword-belts over their coats when on duty, and when off duty over their waistcoats. The standard for recruits was fixed at from 5 feet 8½ inches, to 5 feet 11 inches.
The necessary alterations having been completed, and the regiment constituted the Fourth Dragoon Guards, its head-quarters were established at Belturbet; and on the 18th of April His Majesty was graciously pleased to approve of its bearing the title of the Royal Irish Regiment of Dragoon Guards, in consideration of its long and faithful services in Ireland[18].