Historical Record of the Seventeenth or The Leicestershire Regiment of Foot: From Its Formation in 1688 to 1848

Major-General Blood died on the 19th of August, 1707, and Queen Anne conferred the colonelcy of the regiment on the Lieut. – Colonel, James Wightman, who had been promoted to the rank of brigadier-general a short time previously.

1708

During the period the regiment was in winter-quarters, it received drafts from several corps which were ordered to return to England to recruit: and in the spring of 1708, when it took the field, its appearance was admired. In a letter from the army, published at the time, it was stated: "We cannot yet give any certain account of the number of our forces, but those we have are the finest in the world: such are the regiments of Southwell (sixth), commanded by Lieut. – Colonel Hunt; that of Blood (SEVENTEENTH), commanded by Lieut. – Colonel Bourguet; and that of Mordaunt (twenty-eighth), commanded by Colonel Dalziel."⁸

The regiment was encamped some time on the river Francoli, between Monblanco and Tarragona, and afterwards at Constantino; and it took part in the operations of the army commanded by Marshal Count Guido de Staremberg, for the defence of Catalonia.

1709

After serving the campaign in Catalonia, the regiment received orders to transfer its men fit for duty to other corps, and return to England, where it arrived in 1709, and commenced recruiting its numbers.

1710

In 1710 the regiment was stationed in Scotland; the head-quarters were at Leith, and four companies were detached to Musselburgh.

1714

The regiment remained in Great Britain until the Treaty of Utrecht was signed, when it was placed on the peace establishment and sent to Ireland, where it was stationed in 1714.

1715

On the breaking out of the rebellion of the Earl of Mar, in favour of the Pretender, in the autumn of 1715, the regiment was withdrawn from Ireland, and it joined the troops encamped at Stirling under the Duke of Argyle, and the colonel of the SEVENTEENTH regiment, Major-General Wightman.

When the rebel army advanced with the view of penetrating southwards, the King's troops quitted the camp at Stirling and proceeded to the vicinity of Dumblain, and on the 13th of November an engagement took place on Sheriff Muir, when both armies had one wing victorious and one wing defeated, and both commanders claimed the victory; but the rebels were prevented marching southwards, and they did not hazard another engagement, which proved the advantage gained over them. The SEVENTEENTH regiment had seven men killed and five wounded on this occasion.

1716

Additional forces having joined the Royal army, the Duke of Argyle advanced, in January, 1716, over ice and through snow, towards Perth, when the Pretender retreated, and soon afterwards fled, with the leaders of the rebellion, to France. The SEVENTEENTH regiment pursued the insurgents some distance, and was afterwards stationed at Perth.

From this date the regiment was stationed in Great Britain during a period of ten years.

1722

On the 28th of September, 1722, Major-General Wightman died, and King George II. conferred the colonelcy of the regiment on Brigadier-General Thomas Ferrers, from the thirty-ninth regiment; and this officer dying three weeks afterwards, he was succeeded by Colonel James Tyrell, who had commanded one of the regiments of dragoons disbanded in 1718.

1726

In 1726 the regiment proceeded to Minorca, the second of the Balearic Islands, situate in the Mediterranean, near the coast of Spain: this island was captured by the British in 1708, and was ceded to Great Britain at the peace in 1713.

1727

In this island, which is diversified with hill and valley, and in some parts rich in vegetation and abounding with the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life, the regiment was stationed twenty-five years. In 1727 it sent a detachment to Gibraltar, to assist in the defence of that fortress against the Spaniards. When the siege was raised, the detachment returned to Minorca.

1742

On the 1st of August, 1742, Lieut. – General Tyrell died; the colonelcy remained vacant three weeks, and was then conferred on Colonel John Wynyard, from the fourth marines, who had previously held the commission of lieut. – colonel in the SEVENTEENTH regiment upwards of twenty years, and performed the duties of commanding officer with good reputation.

1748

At the termination of the war of the Austrian succession in 1748, the regiment was relieved from duty at the island of Minorca, and proceeded to Ireland, where it was stationed during the following six years.

1751

On the 1st of July, 1751, a Royal Warrant was issued, regulating the clothing, standards, and colours of the several regiments of the British army; in which the uniform of the SEVENTEENTH regiment was directed to be scarlet, faced and lined with greyish white. The first, or king's colour, to be the great union; the second, or regimental colour, to be the red cross of St. George in a white field, with the union in the upper canton; in the centre of each colour the number of the rank of the regiment, in gold Roman characters, within a wreath of roses and thistles on the same stalk.

1752

1757

Lieut. – General Wynyard died in 1752, and King George II. nominated Brigadier-General Edward Richbell to the colonelcy of the regiment. This officer died on the 24th of February, 1757, and was succeeded by Colonel John Forbes, from the lieut. – colonelcy of the Scots Greys.

In the mean time another war had commenced with France, and in May of this year the regiment embarked from Cork, and sailed to Halifax, in Nova Scotia, where it arrived in the early part of July, in order to take part in an attack on the French possessions in Canada: but the expedition was deferred until the following year, and the regiment remained in Nova Scotia during the winter.

1758

The regiment sailed from Halifax in May, 1758, with the expedition against Cape Breton, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, under Lieut. – General (afterwards Lord) Amherst. The regiment mustered thirty-one officers, and nine hundred and sixty-seven non-commissioned officers and soldiers, commanded by Lieut. – Colonel Arthur Morris; and on the 8th of June it was in boats, with the division under Brigadier-General Wightman, proceeding towards White Point, to alarm the French at that quarter, while the troops under Brigadier-General James Wolfe effected a landing, which was accomplished in gallant style. The SEVENTEENTH were afterwards engaged in the siege of Louisburg, the capital of the island, which was captured on the 26th of July; and with the capital the whole island was also surrendered. On this occasion the regiment had Captain William Earl of Dundonald killed; Captain Paul Rycant and Lieutenant Francis Tew wounded; also several men killed and wounded.

During the period the regiment was at Cape Breton, a body of troops under Major-General Abercromby was repulsed at Fort Ticonderago, on the west shore of Lake Champlain; and on the 30th of August the SEVENTEENTH and several other corps embarked from Louisburg, and, sailing to Boston, marched through the woods to Lake George, where they joined the troops under Major-General Abercromby.

1759

In the beginning of June, 1759, the regiment joined the troops assembling on the east bank of Hudson's River, about fifty miles from Albany, and afterwards marched to Lake George, where a fort was erected, and boats were procured to convey the troops along the lake, which occupied a month. On the 21st of July the regiments embarked in boats, and, using blankets for sails, arrived at the Second Narrows on the following morning. Advancing towards Ticonderago, they drove a body of French regulars and native Indians from a strong post two miles from the fort, and evinced such steady resolution, that the French commander quitted his fortified lines and embarked for Crown Point, leaving a garrison at Ticonderago. The siege of this place was commenced; and on the 25th of July the garrison blew up the fort and sailed to Crown Point, which place the French commander also abandoned, and retired down the lake to Isle aux Noix. The SEVENTEENTH proceeded to Crown Point, where a new fort was erected, and a small naval force prepared for navigating the lake. In October the troops embarked, and sailed down the lake in four divisions; but encountering high northerly winds, and a frost having set in, they returned, and went into winter-quarters.

Brigadier-General Forbes died in the spring of this year, and the colonelcy of the regiment was conferred on Brigadier-General the Honorable Robert Monckton, from colonel-commandant of the second battalion of the sixtieth regiment.

1760

The French possessions in Canada were invaded by the British troops in 1760, at three different points; the whole advancing upon Montreal: the first division from Lake Ontario, the second from Lake Champlain, and the third from Quebec (which was captured in 1759) up the River St. Lawrence. The SEVENTEENTH regiment formed part of the second division, under Colonel Haviland, which embarked from Crown Point on the 11th of August, and, sailing towards Isle aux Noix, landed on the left bank of the river Richelieu, and captured a fort near the river: two other forts were abandoned by the enemy, and the British took possession of Isle aux Noix. The regiment afterwards advanced upon Montreal; and the French governor, being unable to withstand the forces opposed to him, surrendered: thus was the conquest of Canada accomplished with little loss.

1761

From Montreal the regiment traversed the country to New York, during the summer of 1761, and in August encamped on Staten Island. Towards the end of October it embarked for the West Indies, and arrived at Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes, on the 24th of December.

1762

An armament was assembled at Barbadoes, for the attack of the French West India Islands, and the land forces were placed under the orders of Major-General the Honorable Robert Monckton, colonel of the SEVENTEENTH; this regiment being one of the corps selected to take part in the enterprise. The armament sailed from Carlisle Bay, on the 5th of January, 1762, and proceeded against the island of Martinique, which was colonised by the French about the year 1635. After menacing the coast at several points, a landing was effected in the middle of January, in Cas des Navières Bay, and the SEVENTEENTH were actively engaged in the operations for the reduction of the island. Many difficulties were encountered, from the rugged surface of the country, and from the formidable heights occupied by the enemy; but these were overcome by British skill, discipline, and valour; the heights of Morné Tortenson were carried on the 24th of January, and of Morné Garnier on the 27th; Fort Royal surrendered early in February, and these successes were followed by the submission of the island to the British Crown. Major-General the Honorable Robert Monckton commended the conduct of the troops in his despatch, and added, – "The difficulties they had to encounter in the attack of an enemy possessed of every advantage of art and nature were great; and their perseverance in surmounting these obstacles furnishes a noble example of British spirit."

The capture of Martinique was followed by the submission of Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent.

The loss of the SEVENTEENTH at Martinique was limited to a few private soldiers killed and wounded.

War had, in the mean time, been declared against Spain, and the SEVENTEENTH, commanded by Lieut. – Colonel Campbell, and mustering five hundred and thirty-five rank and file, joined the armament under General the Earl of Albemarle, for the purpose of proceeding against the wealthy Spanish settlement of the Havannah, in the island of Cuba. The regiment formed part of the brigade commanded by Brigadier-General Grant; and, accompanying the expedition through the Straits of Bahama, arrived within six leagues of Havannah on the 6th of June: a landing was effected on the following day, and on the 9th the troops took up a position between Coximar and the Moro fort. The regiment took part in the services connected with the siege and capture of Moro fort, which was the key position of the extensive works which covered the town. The difficulties encountered in carrying on operations were particularly great, and the artillery had to be dragged several miles over a rocky country, and under a burning sun; but every obstacle was overcome by the unanimity which existed between the land and sea forces. The Moro fort was captured by storm on the 30th of July; and on the 11th of August, a series of batteries opened so well-directed a fire on the defences of the town, that the guns of the garrison were soon silenced, and flags of truce were hung out. The capitulation was signed two days afterwards, and the British troops took possession of this valuable settlement, with nine ships of war in the harbour, and two upon the stocks; three ships of war were also found sunk at the entrance of the harbour.

1763

1766

A treaty of peace was soon afterwards concluded, when the Havannah was restored to Spain in exchange for Florida. The SEVENTEENTH regiment returned to North America, where it was stationed during the years 1763, 1764, 1765, and 1766.

1767

In the summer of 1767 the regiment was relieved from duty in America, and returned to England, where it arrived in September.

1768

The regiment remained in England during the years 1768, 1769, and 1770.

1771

1774

Embarking from Liverpool in the spring of 1771, the regiment proceeded to Ireland, where it was stationed during the three following years.

1775

Serious disputes had, in the mean time, arisen between the British colonists in North America and the government, and the colonists evinced a daring spirit of resistance, in their opposition to the measures for raising a revenue in their country, which, in April 1775, was followed by open hostility, some provincial militia firing on a detachment of the king's troops, on its march from Boston to Concord, to take possession of a quantity of military stores at the latter place. This was followed by the assembling of multitudes of armed men near Boston; and when the news of these occurrences arrived in England, several regiments were ordered to embark for America. The SEVENTEENTH regiment was afterwards directed to hold itself in readiness for service abroad, and on the 23rd of September it embarked from Ireland for North America.

1776

The regiment was detained some time by contrary winds; but it landed at Boston on the 1st of January, 1776. At this period the British troops at Boston were blocked up on the land side by a numerous army of provincials; much inconvenience was experienced in procuring provisions; and as this town did not appear to be a place calculated to become the base of extensive military operations for the reduction of the revolted provinces, Lieut. – General Sir William Howe resolved to vacate Boston, and proceed with the army to Nova Scotia; this resolution was carried into effect in the middle of March, when the SEVENTEENTH sailed with the army to Halifax.

Reinforcements being expected from England, the army sailed from Halifax in June, and, proceeding to the vicinity of New York, landed, on the 3rd of July, on Staten Island, where the SEVENTEENTH, commanded by Lieut. – Colonel Mawhood, were formed in brigade with the fortieth, forty-sixth, and fifty-fifth regiments under Major-General James Grant.

On the 22nd of August a landing was effected on Long Island, and on the evening of the 26th the army was put in motion to pass a range of woody heights which intersect the island, and attack the American army in position beyond the hills. The SEVENTEENTH regiment formed part of the column under Major-General Grant, which was directed to advance along the coast, with ten pieces of cannon, to draw the enemy's attention to that quarter. Moving forward at the appointed hour, this column fell in with the advanced parties of the Americans about midnight, and, at daybreak on the following morning, encountered a large force, formed in an advantageous position defended by artillery. Skirmishing and cannonading ensued, and was continued, until the Americans discovered, by the firing at Brooklyn, that the left of their army had been turned and forced, when they retreated in great confusion through a morass. They were met and attacked by the second battalion of grenadiers, which was soon reinforced by the seventy-first regiment (Highlanders); and were also assailed on the left by Major-General Grant's corps, and sustained severe loss; many of the Americans being killed, and others drowned or suffocated in the morass. The American army was driven from its positions with severe loss, and made a precipitate retreat to the fortified lines at Brooklyn.

The regiment had Captain Sir Alexander Murray and two rank and file killed; Lieutenant Marcus A. Morgan, one serjeant, and nineteen rank and file wounded.

The Americans having quitted their fortified lines at Brooklyn and passed the river to New York, the conquest of Long Island by the British troops was completed; and the SEVENTEENTH regiment shared in the operations by which the capture of New York was accomplished; also in the movements by which the Americans were driven from White Plains; and in the reduction of Fort Washington. Afterwards proceeding to the Jerseys, the regiment was stationed at Brunswick, and subsequently at Princetown.

During the winter, General Washington suddenly passed the Delaware river, and surprised and made prisoners a corps of Hessians at Trenton, and afterwards made a precipitate retreat. Being reinforced, he again passed the river, and took up a position at Trenton. Major-General the Earl Cornwallis advanced with a division of British troops, and, after reconnoitring the American position, sent orders for the SEVENTEENTH, fortieth, and fifty-fifth regiments to join him from Princetown.

1777

Early on the morning of the 4th of January, 1777, the three regiments commenced their march. The SEVENTEENTH regiment, commanded by Lieut. – Colonel Charles Mawhood, being in advance, encountered the van of the American army, General Washington having suddenly quitted Trenton with his whole force to surprise the three regiments. The morning being foggy, Lieut. – Colonel Mawhood could not discern the numbers of the force he had met; but supposing it to be only a detachment, he instantly attacked his opponents, and the SEVENTEENTH speedily drove back a force of very superior numbers with great gallantry. The regiment was soon environed in front and on both flanks by a numerous force; and Lieut. – Colonel Mawhood, discovering that he was engaged with the American army, resolved to make a desperate effort to extricate himself: having confidence in the valour and resolution of the regiment, he directed a charge with bayonets to the front, to break through the American army. Undismayed by the multitudes of opponents which environed them, the SEVENTEENTH rushed upon the ranks of the enemy, broke through all opposition, and continued their march to Maidenhead. Their conduct excited great admiration; and the Americans acknowledged the superior gallantry of the regiment. A serious loss was, however, sustained; thirteen officers and soldiers being killed, fifty-three wounded, and thirty-five missing: among the former was Captain the Honorable William Lesley, son of the Earl of Leven, an officer of great promise, whose death was much regretted.

"The bravery and abilities of Colonel Mawhood, on this occasion, deservedly gained him the highest applause;"⁹ and the resolute attack of the SEVENTEENTH so occupied the American army, that the fortieth and fifty-fifth regiments effected their retreat with much less loss than could have been expected. The American army had many men killed and wounded on this occasion; among the killed was an officer of reputation, Brigadier-General Mercer, from Virginia.

When the army took the field, the regiment was employed in operations in the Jerseys to bring the American army to a general engagement; but General Washington kept close in his strong position in the mountains; and the British undertook an expedition to Pennsylvania: the SEVENTEENTH were employed in this enterprise, and were formed in brigade with the fifteenth, forty-second, and forty-fourth regiments, under Major-General (afterwards Earl) Grey.

A landing was effected on the northern shore of Elk River on the 25th of August; and the army of the revolted provinces took up a position at Brandywine to oppose the advance; an attack was made on the position on the 11th of September, when the Americans were driven from their ground with loss. On this occasion the SEVENTEENTH formed part of the column under Major-General Earl Cornwallis.

Advancing upon Philadelphia, the British troops took possession of that city, and the army took up a position at Germantown. The Americans attempted to surprise the British troops early on the morning of the 4th of October, and they gained some advantage at the first, but were speedily repulsed with severe loss. On this occasion several companies of the fortieth regiment, commanded by Lieut. – Colonel Musgrave, threw themselves into a building, where they were attacked by an American brigade; when Major-General Grey brought forward the SEVENTEENTH and another British regiment, and drove back the enemy with great gallantry.

Ensign Nathaniel Philips and four rank and file of the regiment were killed on this occasion; and three serjeants and twenty-one rank and file were wounded.

1778

The regiment passed the winter in quarters in Philadelphia, and in the spring of 1778 it furnished several detachments, which ranged the country in various directions to open communications for obtaining provisions. The regiment also took part in the fatigues and difficulties of the march of the army from Philadelphia, through the Jerseys, in order to its return to New York; and its flank companies were engaged in repulsing the attack of the enemy on the rear of the column, at Freehold, in New Jersey, on the 28th of June, on which occasion Captain William Brereton, commanding the grenadier company, was wounded.