In 1781 the Spaniards sent a numerous sea and land force against Florida, under Don Bernard de Galvez, and the invading army commenced operations by an attack upon the works defending Pensacola, where a detachment of the SIXTEENTH regiment was stationed. From the strength of the Spanish force, mustering nine thousand men, and a numerous fleet, at the same time the British garrison only amounted to twelve hundred men, the reduction of the place appeared inevitable; yet a gallant defence was made, and the soldiers displayed that innate bravery and resolution for which British troops have always been distinguished. On the morning of the 8th of May a shell burst near the door of the magazine of the advanced redoubt, set fire to the powder, and the redoubt and its garrison were destroyed by the explosion, excepting a few men, who were forced to retire, after spiking the guns. The Spaniards carried the redoubt, and threatened to storm the remaining works; but were intimidated by the determined bearing of the garrison. The British commander, Major-General John Campbell, afterwards agreed to surrender, on condition that the garrison should march out with the honours of war, and be sent to a part belonging to Great Britain, but not serve against the Spaniards, or their allies, until exchanged. The SIXTEENTH had Lieutenant Edward Carroll and seven soldiers killed; Captain Anthony Foster and five soldiers wounded. Pensacola was a flourishing place while under the British; but it declined after it was taken by the Spaniards.
1782
The regiment having sustained severe loss from various services in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, where detachments had been employed, it was ordered to return to Europe, and arrived in England in March, 1782.
In August the regiment received directions to assume the title of the sixteenth, or the Buckingham Regiment, and to cultivate a connection with the respectable inhabitants of that county, which might be useful towards recruiting the regiment.
1783
The American War terminated in 1782; and the regiment was placed upon a peace establishment in 1783.
1784
In 1784 it embarked for Ireland, where it was stationed several years under the orders of Lieut.-Colonel James Henry Craig, an officer of great zeal and ability.
1788
Lieut.-General Robertson, died on the 4th of March, 1788, and was succeeded in the colonelcy by Major-General the Honorable Thomas Bruce, from the late 100th regiment, which was reduced after the termination of the American War.