Meanwhile important events had taken place in other parts of Europe, and the officers and soldiers of the British army, who had received the blessings of the unoffending nations whom they had delivered from the power of their enemies, and had transferred to France the calamities of domestic war, had the delight of witnessing the conflicts, toils, and sufferings they had endured for the good of Europe, followed by the enjoyments of peace.
The King's Own were afterwards rewarded with the word Peninsula, as an additional honorary inscription for their colours; but, although tranquillity was restored to Europe, they were allowed only a few days of repose before they were called upon to transfer their services to another scene of conflict, and were destined to fight the battles of their country beyond the Atlantic ocean.
During the Peninsular War, the decrees of Bonaparte to destroy the commerce of Great Britain were followed by regulations designed to counteract the enemy's plans. These regulations, with the pressing of British seamen on board of American ships, brought on a war between Great Britain and the United States. When the King's Own were separated from the second brigade of the fifth division, in order to embark for America, Major-General Robinson addressed the following letter to Major Faunce, who then commanded the regiment:—
"Lower Anglet, near Bayonne, 14th May, 1814.
"Sir,
"The event of the King's Own being about to be separated from the second brigade, brings strongly to my recollection the many and great obligations I am under to the officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, for repeated instances of such gallant conduct in the field, as never failed to draw forth the unqualified approbation of the higher ranks of this army.
"The excellent system of discipline maintained in the regiment, and the attention paid by each individual to its reputation, is also a source of real satisfaction.
"Impressed deeply with these sentiments, let me request you will do me the honour to make my most sincere thanks acceptable to all, with assurances of my warmest wishes for their future welfare and prosperity; and may I add, I shall feel myself peculiarly fortunate if I should ever again be united with them on service.
(Signed) "F. P. Robinson,
"Major-General commanding second brigade
"fifth division.
"To Major Faunce,
"Fourth, or King's Own Regiment."