“You who now stand on this parade, in defiance of the allurements held out to base desertion, are endeared to the army and to the country, and your conduct will ensure you the esteem of all true soldiers,--of all worthy men,--and fill every one of you with honest martial pride.
“It has been my good fortune to have witnessed, in a remote part of the world, the early glories and gallant conduct of the SEVENTY-FIRST regiment in the field; and it is with great satisfaction I meet you again, with replenished ranks, with good arms in your hands, and with stout hearts in your bosoms.
“Look forward, officers and soldiers, to the achievement of new honors and the acquirement of fresh fame!!
“Officers! be the friends and guardians of these brave fellows committed to your charge!!
“Soldiers! give your confidence to your officers. They have shared with you the chances of war; they have bravely bled along with you;--they will always do honor to themselves and you. Preserve your regiment’s reputation for valour in the field and regularity in quarters.
“ROYAL COLOUR. “This is the KING’S COLOUR!!
“I have now the honor to present your REGIMENTAL COLOUR.
“This is the colour of the SEVENTY-FIRST regiment.
“May victory for ever crown these colours!!!”
The Peninsula was at this period the centre of political interest. Portugal, deserted by her government, and Spain betrayed, the people of each rose in arms to recover the national independence. Dissensions had arisen in the royal family of Spain, occasioned by the sway of Emanuel Godoy, who bore the title of Prince of Peace. This minister was dismissed, but the court was unable to restore tranquillity. In this emergency, the French emperor was solicited to be umpire, and Napoleon ultimately placed the crown of Spain on his brother Joseph, who was transferred from the throne of Naples. The Spaniards flew to arms in consequence. The British government resolved to aid the Spanish and Portuguese patriots, and a British army was ordered to proceed to the Peninsula, under the command of Lieut.-General Sir Arthur Wellesley. The first battalion of the SEVENTY-FIRST regiment formed part of the force selected on this occasion.
The first battalion of the SEVENTY-FIRST regiment embarked at the Cove of Cork on the 17th of June 1808. Its strength consisted of fifty-two serjeants, twenty-two drummers, and eight hundred and seventy-four rank and file.