1804
In May, 1804, Napoleon was invested with the dignity of Emperor of the French, and on the 26th of May, of the following year, he was crowned at Milan as King of Italy.
Further measures of defence were adopted by Great Britain, and the “Additional Force Act” was passed on the 14th July, 1804.
Both battalions marched to Colchester on the 24th of July, and on the 6th of August were encamped on Lexden Heath.
On the 24th of October orders were issued for the march of one captain, one subaltern, four serjeants, four corporals, and one drummer to Elgin, from the second battalion, to receive the men to be raised under the “Additional Force Act.”
Both battalions broke up from Lexden camp on the 26th of October, and marched to Weeley barracks.
Orders were received on the 25th of November for the second battalion to be held in readiness to march from Weeley barracks, and proceed by the inland navigation to Liverpool, from whence it was to embark for Ireland. The second battalion accordingly marched in three divisions, on the 29th of November and on the two following days.
The first battalion, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Napier, remained in Weeley barracks during the winter.
1805