“Sir,
“I have had the honor to receive your letter on the 15th of April, with a letter and its accompanying return from Major-General Sir Charles Napier, setting forth the conspicuous gallantry of a party of Volunteers from the Thirteenth Light Infantry to the Thirty-ninth regiment, in storming the almost inaccessible hill position of Truckee, occupied by a strong force of the Mountain Desert Robbers; and having laid these papers before the Commander-in-Chief, I am instructed to request that you will cause the expression of his highest approbation to be conveyed to such of these brave men as have survived the attack; and that you will further be pleased to recommend them specially to the notice and protection of the commanding officer of the Thirty-ninth regiment, and ascertain and report for His Grace’s information whether the Serjeant is qualified to hold a commission in Her Majesty’s service.
“The Duke of Wellington deeply laments the loss of those who fell on this memorable occasion.
“I have, &c.
(Signed) “Fitzroy Somerset.
“General Sir Hugh Gough, Bart., G.C.B.,
“Commander-in-Chief in India.
“&c. &c. &c.”
In the month of October 1845, four companies, under the command of Captain Wood, were detached to garrison Fort William.
1846.
In the beginning of 1846, in consequence of the great demand for fighting men on the north-west frontier, the regiment was directed to volunteer to the extent of five hundred men: the detached wing rejoined the head-quarters at Dinapore in March. In October 1846, the Thirty-ninth again volunteered, preparatory to embarkation for England, when two hundred and seventeen men were transferred to other corps.
On the 30th of December following the remainder of the corps, consisting of about three hundred men, embarked in boats for Calcutta.
1847.