1794 Jany 3 - The Regiments were inspected by Brigr Genl Huntur and circumstances considered appeared in tolerable order.

4th - This day Brigadr Genl Graham inspected the whole force thus drawn up, 3, 27, 42, 57, 54, 28, 19. The good effect of daily landing the Troops and Marching them into the country was visible in the appearance of every soldier under arms this day and we had the satisfaction to be able to look forward in a short space of time to produce for the service of their Country, those brave fellows at present rendered useless by severe illness occassioned by length of Confinement - At 3 o'clock this day the Hind Frigate with the Transports having on board 3500 Hessians Infantry and 500 cavalry arrived from Ostend. Our Regtl strength this day in the field amounted to 375 Rank and file.

6th - At 10 in the morng the Earl of Moira arrived with the remainder of his army which had been left at Guernsey under Convoy of the Crescent and Melampus Frigates.

18th - Being His Majesty Birthday the whole British force were drawn and on the occasion, and marched past the Commander in Chief by sections of Brigades and formed their line according to their ground on the great road to the West of Cowes and fired the rounds in honor of the Day. The Troops in general appeared in good order and high spirits the more pleasing as there were on the ground, British, Hessian, Dutch and French Officers of various rank and corps.

20th - Head Quarters, West Cowes, 20 Jany 1794 -

Brigadier General Lord Cathcart will proceed immediately to Lymington, for greater convenience of more readily airing and Exercising the Troops on shore every day, his Lordship will hold his Brigade in constant readiness to rejoin the army on the shortest notice.

In consequence of a Riot the following order appeared under the above date -

The Magistrates of this Island having entreated the Commander in Chief to overlook a disturbance in which some officers were unfortunately engaged, Lord Moira is happy to be enabled by an intercession of that nature, to let all further enquiry into the matter subside, the just sense of the irregularity expressed by the persons concerned does credit to their feelings as officers and gentlemen but would not have justified the Commander in Chief in not prosecuting such a breach of military impropriety without the generous & powerful application above mentioned.

The Troops for their greater convenience having been made to winter at different places were disposed of. The 1st Brigade under Lord Cathcart, viz 3, 42, 19 Limington, 2nd Brigade under Genl Graham, viz 3, 27, 54, 28 Southampton & Lyndhurst, 3rd Brigade under Genl Huntur 57, 78, 59 West Cowes. Hessian infantry and cavalry East Cowes.

23rd - Sailed from Cowes Road, in the eveg anchored at the mouth of the river South hampton the place first intended for the Quarters of the 2nd Brigade.

24th - during our stay at Northam our sick increased daily so that on the 12 Feby we had upwards of 200 sick in opposition to every care that could be practised or thought of - on the junction of the Hessian Troops, Major Genl Crosbie was appointed to command the whole of the British Infantry and the British force reduced to 3 Brigades. The brigade remained on board their Transports at Northam untill the 14 Feby on which day after being inspected by Majr Genl Crosbie march from their ground to their respective Cantonements - 27 to Southampton, 28 and 54 Regts to Lyndhurst in the forest, a spot happily situated for answering the purpose intended of restoring health and vigour. The generous and strenuous exertions of every department in persuing and accomplishing this salutary end has not only added to the character which the Commander in Chief has hitherto borne in the service and the world but also has received with affection the name of Moira in the breast of every Soldier he commanded.

28th - On the 28th of Febry the 28th Regt commemmorated the cent anniversary of the raising of their Regt, the soldiers were drawn out and their commanding officer addressed them on the occasion, chiefly setting forth their Loyalty and behaviour during the century that had passed and trusting they would maintain unsullied their character this second century that they had just entered upon. It was concluded by 3 cheers and festivity and good orders reigned for 2 successive days through the whole corps. During our stay at Lyndhurst the army in the neighbourhood were drawn together and were reviewed by H.R. Highness the Prince of Wales.

May - A Soldier of the 28 Regiment having attempted a Rape, was detected and severely punished, in consequence the following appeared in General Orders -

G.O. Head Quarters, Lyndhurst 23 May 1794 - Parole Rutland

A Soldier having been punished for having attempted to Ravish a Girl, The Commander in Chief cannot but take the opprtunity of calling the reflection of the Troops to the enormity of the Transgression; had the Offender completed the crime which he intended his Life would have fallen a just sacrifice to the laws of his Country and the Commander in Chief gives notice that should any such offence unfortunately occur during the Campaign in a foreign country where the Military Law is to supply the place of Civil Jurisdiction, he must be found inexorable in carrying out into execution the fatal sentence which would be pronounced; there is not any species of outrage which would with so much reason irritate a whole country against the Army and no man must flatter himself with the chance of pardon who provokes a Resentement so injurious to his fellow soldiers and the interest of his country. But the crime should be held disgraceful to every manly mind for a woman ought to be able in every situation to look with confidence for protection to the generous Spirit of a Soldier, and the Commander in Chief trusts that no punishment will be viewed with less commiseration by a brave and honorable Army than that which avenges a defenceless Female.

5th June - Marched from the cantonment of Lyndhurst and encamped the same eveg on the hights of Netly Abbey near Southampton. The British and Hanoverians having early in the campaign been formed into a army and whereby the Grand allied force under the Prince of Coburg was thoroughly broke up, this army of British and Hanoverians under command of the Duke was detached to act against the Enemy in West flanders. Fortune from this time forsook the cause of Justice and Humanity the failure before Dunkirk and the loss of the Austrians at Mons & Charleroy commenced the unfortunate campaign of 94 which had so glorious a beginning.

18th - On the eveg of the 18th June a sudden order arrived for the Troops encamped at Netly to embark for Ostend.

19th - Embarked on board the Transports in the Town of Southampton.

21st - Sailed and came too at Spithead here we beheld a scene equal to rouse the greatest drunkard, the Victorious British Fleet in its shattered state after the Glorious First of June. The Musick of each Battalion playing Rule Brittania, and the Heroick Crews by reiterated cheers animating their Brothers in War to immitate on their Element the illustrious example of British Valour that then lay anchored around them.

22nd - Dropt down to St. Hellens but owing to contrary winds could not proceed to Ostend - as proof of the alacrity with which the soldiers wished to obey the orders of their commander the following appeared in the General Orders of the above date.

G.O. on board the Catherine Transport 21 June 1794 - Parole George

The Embarkation of the Troops has been so singularly and meritoriously expeditious that the Commander in Chief must be indulged in returning sincere thanks not only to the General officers and Department, but to the officers and men also for their laudable exertions, such promptitude bespeaks universal Zeal which must give to a Commander the most grateful confidence in those whom he is destined to lead into Service.

23rd - Light and contrary winds.

24th - Five and forty minutes after three oclock weathered beachy head with a fine breeze from the westward.

26th - Early in the Morning made the flat coast of Flanders, at 10 oclock Anchored in the road of Ostend, at 12 oclock the Army began to disembark commencing with the 1st Brigade, the Disembarkation continued the greater part of the night, at 8 in the Evening all that were then landed marched through Ostend and took possession of the sand hills on the Nieuport side.

28th - We lay upon our Arms untill the 28th when we crossed about 3 in the afternoon to the opposite side of the water, Ostend at this time was perfectly deserted not a shop was open or Inhabitant to be seen. It even on our arrival was evacuating by the Garrison the 8, 33 & 44 Regiments British.

29th - at 2 in the Morning marched from our Ground near Ostend in one column along the canal that leads to Bruges, at one past through the Town of Bruges. Here Lord Moira used every means that the Enemy should be deceived in their intelligence by extending his line of march by open files and double distances and demanding Quarters fro 15,000 British. It no doubt had its effect the Enemy were then not more than 6 miles from Bruges and might have compelled us to give up the idea of joining the Duke by way of Ghent and Dendermond. General Vandame at time command a force between 20 and 30 thousand men a good artillery and cavalry, both of which we were nearly destitute of and what was still against us, that from the expedition required and the suddeness of our march we possessed not a single Tumbrill with spare ammunition. We however arrived at our Ground called the camp of Malle 3 miles from Bruges at 2 oclock our fatigues were great during a most schorching day, sandy roads - without a halt for 12 hours - the Ground of Malle is an oblong healthy plain, not extensive, bounded on every side by woods thick and difficult to penetrate.

30th - At 1 in the morning the army were alarmed by the firing of the out lying piquets. The promptitude and alacrity with which every man turned out seemed to astonish the older Soldiers - but when at the seeming approach of certain dangers they beheld their Commander whom they knew, whom they loved and revered, slowly ride along their ranks with that chearing smile of affability the sure attendant upon great and generous minds, the exultation of their hearts can never be exceeded (for like Laconia Hero on his aspect shone Virtue and contempt of death) they however did not show, after remaining under arms untill the day was clear we continued our march. This day was the severest we remembered by either officer or soldier of this Army even the old campaigners of America declared they never underwent a march of such exertion and fatigue. Nevertheless every soldier bore it without a Murmur confidant they were not harrassed for business of any trifling nature. Lord Moira himself expressed during the march to those who were near to him, we are just now shaving their camp - and when at about 5 in the Evening we had passed through the village of Eheloo and a bridge in its front where first we fell in with the Hanoverians Vedets and at which Bridge it was thought the Enemy would have made their push to stop us, he said we had accomplished one of the most dangerous marches ever undertaken. A small handfull of 6000 British had marched unmolested along the front of near 30,000 of the Enemy, from the Bridge of Ekeeloo to his own camp General Count Walmoden afforded every assistance - every avenue was guarded by picquets of Hanoverians cavalry and movement made to occupy the attention of the Enemy, at 8 oclock it rained, it Thundered and lightned surpassing any thing of the kind ever seen by us, at length during the storm we arrived at 11 at night on our ground and joined the Hanoverians under Walmoden at the camp of Oostaker 3 miles from Ghent, our situation here was very different from most other armys, worn down by a long and fatiguing march, wet through by the severest storm of rain; without Tent, without clothes, without meat or drink not even the ground to sit or lie on. By the assistance of the Hanoverians who gave us wood we lighted fires, and during the remainder of the night stood around them.

During our stay at Postaken the Army were looked at by General Count Clavifaix who appeared a keene active old soldier, and has the reputation of the best general in the Austrian service but at the same time unfortunate he was brought up a pupil of the famous Martial Loudon.

4th July - The Army marched through the Town of Dendermond, and halted 3 miles on the other side (in passing through Dendermond the mind is apt to revolve over those innocent campaigns carried on with the Corporal in my Uncle Toby's garden) the same evening our Brigade was sent forward 6 miles to the village of Wise to defend the pass of the Dender.

5th - The Army marched joined our Brigade at Wise and proceeded within a mile & a half of Alost, halted untill the 6, when we took up ground which Clairfait had left above the Town of Alost.

6th - A few hours after our arrival about 11 oclock whilst the foraging parties were in the Town, they were suddenly surprized by the approach of a body of Carmagniol Cavalry who drove in the Hanoverian picquets, or rather it retired too hastily, dashed into the Town and a party of the 54th Regt being then in the town for the purpose of punishing some marauderers were ordered against them and being unacquainted with the appearance of foreign Cavalry allowed the Enemy to get amongst them, mistaking them for the Regt of Latour, several of the men were much cut and not being loaded they had not time to fire a shot, by this means they got amongst our foragers who were unarmed and cut down men of almost every Regiment - immediately the 2 left companys of the 28th Regt were ordered to the bridge which led from the left of the camp with orders to defend it - whilst the 1st Brigade under Lord Cathcart entered the Town from the right camp, but the 8th Light Dragoons and 87 Regt drove the Enemy before the arrival of the 1st Brigade and killed a number of them, but also suffered themselves particularly the Dragoons, who had Adjutant Grant & 5 killed, Coln Vandeleur, Lieut Kitson wounded the latter taken; and 6 men wounded, 87 Regt had Coln Doyle and some men wounded, it was supposed they were the advanced of the Army which had followed us during our march.

7th - At 8 in the Eveg marched pass through the Village of Luster, next morning through the Town of Malines and joined the Duke of York at the Wood of Warloos, thus was formed a Junction which in England was feared never could have been done, and what Barrere in the Convention declared never should be done.

12th - Our Brigade was sent to defend the bridge at the village of Duffell. At 3 o'clock the Earl of Moira went out with a strong body of cavalry and a Brigade of Infantry to draw the enemy from the pass at the village of Walheim where General Stewart with his Brigade 12, 38, 55 Regts had been several hours engaged. He attacked the enemy killed several, with little loss, it had the effect the enemy immediately retreated from the bridge of Walheim.

20th - We learnt the unwelcome news that the Earl of Moira had resolved to return to England, which struck damp over every man that had served under him, as a proof that he had as high an opinion and esteem for his troops as they had for their Commander, the following was his last order -

After Orders 20 July 1794

Perticular circumstances calling Lord Moira immediately to England he is to be relieved at his post by Lieut. General Abercrombie -

Lord Moira cannot surrender his command without entreating the officers, Non commissioned officers and men which accompanied him from Ostend to accept his warmest and most grateful thanks for the kind and cheerful acquiecence he has experienced from them, in the severe fatigues to which he was obliged to subject them he has the flattering assurance that he is still to have their support in the service to which they were originally destined and that hope lessens his reluctance at ceasing for the present to share the honorable dangers of service with them - he trusts they will believe that no light consideration would have obliged him to quit them, as he persuades himself they are sensible of his having endeavoured to repay the general attachment they have shewn him by the most lively interest for their welfare, for the present he bids them farewell with the most fervent prayers for their honor and prosperity.

22nd - The Army marched at 3 o'clock in the morning by the villages of Lendt, Bouchort and Deurn, within a mile of Antwerp - our Brigade with the 15 Light Dragoons were ordered to remain behind untill 8 o'clock to cover the retreat, effectually to destroy the bridge of Duffell by fire and then to follow the Army, the bridge was destroyed but not in the effectual manner it might have been.

At Antwerp perticular in the chapel of Notre Dame, saw the various painting, perticular the Master piece of the immortal Rubens, the Decension from the cross - Melancholy to reflect, the collection of ages were a few days after swept off by the rude hands of savage barbarians and sent into the Kingdom of discord and rebellion.

24th - Entered the extensive Plains of Breda and encampt at Nispen.

25th - Encampt on the plains near Rosendale - here we remained without any material occurrance untill -

4th Aug. - when the Army marched through the village of Etton and encampt on the plains between Ousterhout & Breda, here we were chiefly employed in throwing up fleshes in the sand hills in front of the camp, some skirmishes took place at our post but very trifling.

24th - The Army was seen by His Serene Highness the Prince of Orange who like most of his countrymen seem to possess a cold indifference for every object around him, one would think nature had formed their constitutions to look only with pleasure on the dreary prospects of their bogs & mists. 28 and 29 Regts marched from Ousterhout in the left column under Walmoden at 10 at night, by Viscuit, Messhalt, Gestill, and Heeswick to the camp of Berlicom near Bois le Duc; here as at Ousterhout we were chiefly employed in strengthening our position. Deserters came in frequently from the enemy, particularly their Hussar Rouge, accounted the best in the Republican Service, their reports were various and unsatisfactory.

14th Septr - The enemy attacked our advanced posts and drove in the Post of Boxtel at 10 o'clock the same night the reserve of the army were ordered to march under Lieut General Abercrombie and repossess Boxtel as, if the enemy continued in possession of the Post General Hammerstein could have not maintained his position and our left by that means would remain liable to be turned.

15th - The attack commenced at 6 in the morning, after a heavy fire of six hours from the numerous body of the enemy and the heavy metal they brought into the field it was found impractable to drive them without bringing on a General Action. In consequence the reserve fell back and the army was ordered immediately to retreat. At 3 o'clock marched from the camp of Berlicom by the village of Nestlirood and strike in the left column at 12 at night lay on our arms on an extensive plain in short a continuation of those immense plains which commence at Nispen and extend to Grave on the Meuse. Here it happened an affair curious and uncommon, The men being under amrs near two and thirty hours in face of a superior enemy upon their taking up this ground were much harrassed and without provision and in wandering about they had seized upon a number of bee hives and whilst the men were asleep the bees fastened on the Batt horses at their Picquets who broke loose rode down the Arms and over many of the men, who upon the sudden surprize called out to the regiment to stand to arms, one corps communicating to another crying out that the Carmigniol cavalry had got among them, several declaring they saw them cutting down a part of their Regt. The whole army stood to their arms and for a short time all was bustle and confusion. Upon enquring it was found that the horses of several regiments had broke loose in the same manner at the same time.

16th - At 10 o'clock continued our march, at 3 passed the Maas by a bridge of boats at the town of Grave and encamped at Wenchen a mile in rear of the Maas.

17th - The 54th Regt was sent into garrison at Grave. The enemy under Pichegrue on the 15th at Boxtel amounted to 70 thousand men, they brought 18 and 24 pounders into the field.

21st - The Army marched from the camp of Wenchen along the banks of the Maas and encamped 1st line of British & reserve at Meek, 2 line British Gennep, Hessians Weel so as to join the Austrians and form the cordon for the defence of the Maas from Mastrich to Grave.

22nd - At night a heavy cannonade at Grave, the Hannoverians under the brave old Hammerstein were left in front of Grave on the 22 they retired into the town and formed part of the garrison for the defence of the place, the 8th and 28th Regts marched to Offeren.

23rd - At 7 in the morning joined Genl Abercrombie, at 2 oclock encamped on the banks of the Maas on a heathy plain.

30th - The enemy shewed in force on the opposite banks at times a little firing from them alone.

4th Octobr - At 7 in the evening marched from the right, the picquets on the Maas withdrew at midnight, kept moving during the whole of the dark & rainy night.

5th - At 10 o'clock in the Morng the troops under Genl Abercrombie marched in one column towards Nimiguen. At half past 5 in the Eveg encamped in front of the lines of Nimiguen. Here we were in hopes the Campaign of 94 would have closed, but greater fatigue and severer service was still to be our lot. The enemy were determined not to rest content with having conquered from Landrecy to the Waal.

11th - Some part of the day a heavy cannonade.

15th - At half past 9 a cannonade in front upwards of an hour.

18th - This morning a brisk fire on our right, the 37th Regt being in the advanced post in the village of Druten were attacked by a body of French Cavalry passing themselves for the Chasseurs de Rohan in our Service and after a brave resistance for some hours were either taken or cut to pieces. 8 officers were captured, 3 wounded, Major Hope alone returned. At 4 o'clock the Buffs were ordered to Deeist a little in rear of Druten, at half past 3 the 27th & 28th Regts marched towards the enemy to support the 3rd - at night lay on our Arms.

19th - Continued laying on our arms expecting the enemy to appear at every moment.

20th - At half past 3 in the Morng were ordered to move to the glacis of Nimeguen under the guns of which the Army had sheltered themselves the night before and thus covered the retreat of the Allied Army across the Waal. The same morning we occupied the outworks at half past 11 marched through Nimeguen, crost the Waal by a bridge of boats and were contoned in the villages of Valbourg and Emmirins. Here for three days we were withdrawn from noise & bustle and tasted for a moment all the pleasure of retirement and ease.

24th - Ordered at 9 in the Morng marched to Dodewest, a small village on the Waal six miles in front, arrived at 2 o'clock. The enemy on the opposite bank with batteries with which they attempted to annoy our men quartered in the Chateau but without effect. At 3 our picquet marched to its post on the river, the enemy opened a battery of 2 twelve pounders and although they directed the shot with judgement they fortunately did no mischief - but obliged us to relieve our picquets always before day light.

27th - A large column of the enemy passed towards Nimeguen, a great part of this day a heavy cannonade towards Thiel.

30th - Marched at 8 in the Eveg to relieve the 1st and 4th Brigades in garrison at Nimeguen, entered the town at 5 in the morning Count Walmoden the Hanoverian Governor. A few days before there had been a severe skirmish about 40 British killed, Capt Picton of the 12th wounded.

1st Novr - This morning the enemy were observed to have worked hard the night of the 31st, their works in a state of great forwardness. We kept up a heavy cannonade from the town and advanced Lunetts, both day & night a continual fire of musquetry on the Heights of Belvedere.

2nd - A continual roar of cannon & musquetry, the enemy had completed their second parallel from the second Windmill on our right to the summer house on the height of Belvedere and were working hard to finish Batteries which commanded our bridg of boats.

4th - A continual fire of cannon & musquetry. At 2 o'clock the Garrison were ordered to their alarm post, at half past 3 o'clock a part of the garrison, viz. 8th, 27th, 28th, 55th, 63rd, 78th British Infantry, 7th, 15th Light Dragoons, 2 Batns Hanoverians, 2 Dutch Hanoverian Horseguards, 10th Hanoverian Dragoon, the Legion de Damas in the Dutch Service, sallied forth from the town under the English Majr Genl de Burgh directed by old Hammerstein. The line was formed in rear of the Troup de Loups under cover of a tremendous cannonade from the garrison. The troops having received their orders not to fire a shot until the works were carried by the bayonet and that no prisoners were required, advanced with three cheers and trailed arms and in defiance of a heavy fire of musquetry kept up by the enemy returned not a shot but stormed and carried the enemies trenches with the point of the bayonet, by this time the cavalry had cut off their retreat and the few who escaped the bayonet were sabered by the Dragoons. About the time we gained their Batteries the enemy opened their batteries from their camp played very heavy with round & grape on our men. They cease when their reserve which had advanced from Lines becoming engaged with us, from every account their 21st Regt that were in the trenches 800 strong were entirely destroyed. Although the great objective of the Sortie was not accomplished to the extent that was expected it had one great and good effect by proving to our soldiers that superiority alone in numbers had caused the unfortunate Campaign of 1794. The British loss on this occasion amounted to 12 Rank & File, 5 Horses killed, 1 Field Officer, 5 Capts, 6 Subst, 10 Sergeants, 149 Rank & File, 14 Horses wounded, 1 Sergt, 19 R & F missing. Hanoverian loss 1 Capt, 1 Sub, 1 Sergt, 5 R & F killed, 4 R & F, 22 Horses wounded.

Officers Wounded:

8th Foot - Capt Bland
27 Foot - Lieut Baker
55 Foot - Capts Bruce & Quin
63 Foot - Lieuts Wemyss, Barclay and Rutledge
78th Foot - Major Malcolm, Capts McKenzie and H. Monroe, Lt. Bayley & Ensign Cameron. Capt Monroe lost the sight of both of his eyes for ever after.

the Hanoverians lost
Horse Guards
killed Capt Count Oynhausen
Prince of Wales' Lt Niemeyer
wounded Horse Guards
Capt de Maydel and De Schenk

5th - The 28th Regt relieved the 42nd in the Troup de Loups.

6th - The enemy opened about 7 this morning their Batteries upon the town and the bridge of boats and kept up all day a sharp and well directed fire. At 9 at night the garrison evacuated Nimeguen leaving picquets amounting to 2500 British and 2 Dutch Battalions to hold the place. This night the Army on ploughed ground a mile from the town the British Mortar Batteries commanded by Lt. Woo R.A. during the whole night illumined the sky with their shells from the left flank of the Waal.

7th - The picquets retired and with difficulty under Genl De Burgh the enemy having nearly destroyed the bridge several of the boats having been sunk by their shot the bridge was immediately after burnt by the seamen under Capt Popham R.N. This day we occupied the Chateau of Loinen where we remained giving only picquets on the Waal

21st Decr - until the 21st on which day we marched from Loinen to Tiel and relieved the Guards at that post. Nothing material occurred during this period the enemy were opposite with strong Batteries from which they had bombarded the town. About this time the frost began to assume the appearance of great severity but the river being in that state of uncertainty that boats could not pass and men dare not gave the commander of our Brigade an opportunity of permitting us all to enjoy our Christmas day together in a comfortable room, which only those in similar circumstances or have been, can justly estimate.

26th - The Waal & Rhine were completely frozen over and passable.

28th - Several Regiments marched into Tiel the enemy having crossed the Waal from Bommel which town had been basely delivered into their hands a few days before by the Dutch garrison.

29th - At 8 o'clock in the evening the right wing of the Army under Major General David Dundas Jr marched from Tiel towards Bommel by Buren and Geldermansel.

30th - At day break attacked the enemy posted in and about the village of Fuel after a smart cannonade the enemy were forced from a strong Abbatis by the Hessian Column under Genl de Wurmb and a Light Infantry Column under Coln Forbes Champigny of the 80th Regt and retired upon the ice where they stood but in detached bodies for several hours against cannon and musquetry but it must be remembered it was the fortress of Bommel that kept us from driving them for had we exposed ourselves much on the dykes we should have been completely under their heavy fires which was probably both their wish and their aim. The loss of the British was 13 killed & wounded, among the slain was Major Murray of the 78th Regt & Coln of Light Infantry a brave old soldier who had served in America, a shell struck him on the right shoulder he was buried in the Church yard of Wardenburgh near where he fell. About 12 piece of cannon fell into our hands.