The allies did not bring into the field a force sufficiently numerous to contend with the immense armies of France, and the consequence was a disastrous campaign, and a retreat through Holland to Germany during the frosts and snow-storms of an unusually severe winter; and the NINETEENTH shared, with other regiments, in the sufferings occasioned by these operations. The regiment was engaged under Major-General Lord Cathcart in the attack of the enemy's post at Tuyl on the 30th of December, when it had five men killed and wounded; it also took part in several skirmishes, frequently crossing rivers on the ice to engage the numerous forces of the enemy.
1795
In the early part of January, 1795, it was found necessary to resume the retreat, and a series of retrograde movements, through a country covered with snow and ice, brought the army into Germany, where the soldiers obtained a short repose, and afterwards embarked from Bremen for England.
The NINETEENTH landed from Germany in May, 1795, and were stationed in England eleven months.
1796
On the 28th of April, 1796, the regiment embarked for the East Indies, and landed at Madras in the middle of November following.
A short time previously to the arrival of the regiment in India, the large and mountainous island of Ceylon, situate in the Indian Sea, had been captured from the Dutch, who had become united with France in hostility to Great Britain. After reposing a few weeks at Madras, the regiment received orders to transfer its services to Ceylon, and it landed at Columbo, the capital of the island, in December, 1796.
1797
General David Graeme died in January, 1797, and King George III. conferred the colonelcy of the regiment on Major-General Samuel Hulse, from the fifty-sixth regiment of foot.
In the island of Ceylon, which produces a great diversity of vegetables, the finest fruits, and spices of good quality, particularly cinnamon, the regiment was stationed twenty-four years.