1805
The regiment quitted Devonshire and Cornwall in the spring of 1805, for Kent, and was assembled at Canterbury in May. On the 23rd of August it was inspected by His Royal Highness the Duke of York, and was honoured with his royal approbation of the appearance and discipline of the regiment. It was also inspected, on the 4th of October, by its Colonel, Major-General Staveley, who expressed great satisfaction at its condition. During its stay at Canterbury its establishment was augmented to 769 men and 769 troop horses.
In September of this year a regulation was established in the regiment, for each man to pay 1s. per month, and the sums thus produced to be invested in the public funds, and to be designated St. Patrick's Fund. From this fund every soldier, after a continued contribution for twelve years or upwards, was to receive, on his discharge, either the whole amount of his subscription, or a yearly pension, according to a fixed scale. Great advantages have accrued to the men of the regiment from this excellent institution. There are now (1838) 36 pensioners upon the fund, and the highest upon the list receives 6l. 1s. 6d. annually, after twenty-seven years' contribution. The stock amounts to 3350l. reduced 3 per cent. annuities.
1806
The regiment quitted Canterbury in December, on route for Scotland; and in February, 1806, was established in quarters at Piershill barracks, Edinburgh, with Hamilton and Glasgow; but it was recalled to England in a few weeks afterwards, and occupied Manchester, Liverpool, and Chester.
On the 8th of August two troops were inspected at Liverpool by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, accompanied by the Duke of Clarence (afterwards King William IV.); their Royal Highnesses also saw the whole regiment at Manchester on the 25th of September, and expressed their approbation of its appearance and discipline in the most flattering terms.[21]
While the regiment was stationed in Lancashire its establishment was augmented to ten troops; and the total numbers to 904 officers and soldiers, and 854 troop horses.
1807
The regiment was reviewed on the 9th of June, 1807, at Manchester, by Major-General Fisher; and in the following month two troops marched to Nottingham: in the autumn the regiment occupied quarters at Birmingham (head-quarters), Nottingham, Coventry, Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, and Warrington.
1808