The Thirteenth Dragoons encamped in 1780, with the army in the neighbourhood of Ardfinnan,—and, on the breaking up of the encampment, moved into quarters at Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, and Cappoquin.
1781
Lieut.-General Pierson expired suddenly on the morning of the 13th of February, 1781, and was succeeded by Lieut.-General Francis Craig, from the lieut.-colonelcy of the First regiment of Foot-Guards.
In 1781 the regiment marched to Charleville and Bruff, and was subsequently stationed at Cork, where it received orders to proceed, with some other regiments and artillery under the command of Colonel Ralph Abercromby, against George Robert Fitzgerald, who had fortified his family residence near Castlebar, in the county of Mayo, and was in open rebellion against the laws. On the arrival of the forces at Castlebar, they proceeded on the service assigned to them,—but Fitzgerald had fled and quitted the country: some ship guns, which he had mounted, were seized and brought into the barracks at Castlebar,—where the Thirteenth remained,—sending detachments to Ballinrobe and Sligo.
1782
1783
Soon after the termination of the American war, in 1782, the regiment underwent a change of clothing and equipment, and was constituted a corps of Light Cavalry. The cocked-hats were replaced by helmets, and appointments of a lighter description than formerly worn. These alterations were completed in 1783. In the spring of this year the regiment was stationed at Belturbet and Sligo; and, in consequence of the barracks at the former place falling down in the winter, a detachment was sent to Cavan.
1784
In 1784 the colour of the clothing was changed from scarlet to blue, and the facings to light buff.
In May the regiment—then designated the "Thirteenth Light Dragoons" in the Annual Army List—again assembled at Belturbet, and, after the usual inspection, marched into quarters at Athlone, Roscommon, and Cloghan, when the horses were turned out to grass for the first time since the commencement of the American war. After the peace the establishment had been reduced to one hundred and forty-four men, and one hundred and thirty-eight horses.
1785