In March 1802, in which month the Peace of Amiens was concluded, the regiment proceeded from Dublin, and was cantoned in the county of Wicklow. The corps was so divided, that at Arklow, the head-quarters, there were only two companies. In this situation it continued for the remainder of the year.
1803.
The regiment proceeded, in March 1803, in three divisions, to Ballinasloe, where it remained for a few days, and afterwards marched to Loughrea.
Major-General Sir John Francis Cradock, K.B., was appointed colonel of the Seventy-first regiment on the 6th of August 1803, in succession to General the Honorable William Gordon, who was removed to the twenty-first Royal North British Fusiliers.
The regiment continued at Loughrea, but the light company was detached to Limerick, to join a light battalion which was being formed at that place.
1804.
In May the regiment proceeded from Loughrea to the county of Limerick, the head-quarters being stationed at Rathkeale; one detachment at Newcastle, another at Tarbert, and a third at Askeaton.
2d bat.
While the regiment was stationed in Ireland, war had recommenced with France, and Bonaparte having made preparations for invading Great Britain, additional measures of defence to those of the former year were adopted by the Government;[18] and under the “Additional Force Act,” passed on the 10th of July 1804, a second battalion was added to the Seventy-first regiment, which was to consist of men to be raised for limited service in certain counties of North Britain. The second battalion was formed at Dumbarton in October, to the command of which Lieut.-Colonel Lord George Beresford was appointed. Its establishment was fixed at 23 serjeants, 22 drummers, 20 corporals, and 380 privates.
1805.
1st bat.