During the following seven years, the Cape of Good Hope remained under the protection of the British Government; and from this period the origin of the Cape Mounted Riflemen may be traced. The Hottentot soldiers were not immediately taken into the British service; but in the years 1796 and 1797, a number of Hottentots presented themselves at the quarters of the light infantry brigade under Major King, of the Eighty-fourth regiment, at the village of Stellenbosch. They were, in the first instance, employed to cook, and perform other menial offices for the soldiers; but their numbers increasing, they were embodied into a corps under Lieutenant John Campbell, of the Ninety-eighth Foot, with a serjeant from the same regiment. Numerous volunteers arriving, additional officers and non-commissioned officers were attached to them, and they were stationed in Hout’s Bay, behind Table Mountain.
1798
A rebellion breaking out on the frontiers of the colony, a squadron of the Eighth Light Dragoons, the flank companies of the regiment in garrison, and the Cape Corps, were detached, under Brigadier-General Vandeleur, to suppress the insurrection, and were employed in very arduous duties for some time. At this period, a portion of the Cape Corps was mounted, and employed as orderlies at head-quarters, as guides, and for the carrying of despatches; in performing these duties, they were found very useful.
1799
1800
In 1799, the Cape Corps was again stationed at Hout’s Bay, with detachments at Graaff Reinett and Algoa Bay; and, in 1800, this body of men was formed into a regiment under Lieut.-Colonel King, with Major Donald Campbell second in command; the head-quarters were established at Groen Kloof, near Cape Town, under Major Campbell, Lieut.-Colonel King not having joined.
1801
In 1801, the Cape Regiment, except the mounted men, was sent to the frontiers, where it was employed during the year 1802.
1802
At the peace of Amiens, the Cape of Good Hope was restored to the United Provinces, which had taken the name of the Batavian Republic.