In September the whole of the officers and men were re-conducted to Buenos Ayres, from whence they were conveyed in boats to Monte Video, and there embarked in transports, with a view of returning to Europe.
It is a circumstance highly creditable to the character of the soldiers of the SEVENTY-FIRST, that although so many and powerful allurements were held out to induce them to remain in South America, still not more than thirty-six individuals were found to swerve from their duty and allegiance to their king and country.
The fleet sailed immediately, and after a tedious and rough voyage of three months the transports having the SEVENTY-FIRST on board put into Cork Harbour in December, and on the 27th of that month the whole were landed, without uniform, clothing, arms, or accoutrements, and marched to Middleton, under the command of Major Henry Tolley, Lieut.-Colonel Pack having previously returned to England from South America.
In March 1808, the regiment proceeded from Middleton to Cork, where its equipment in every respect was completed.
The second battalion embarked at Londonderry for Scotland on the 9th of April 1808, after transferring 200 men to the first battalion, which raised the strength of the latter to nearly 900 rank and file.
On the 26th of April, whilst in garrison at Cork, new colours, to replace those left in South America, were presented to the SEVENTY-FIRST by Lieut.-General John Floyd, who had commanded the cavalry and advance in the campaign of 1790 in the East Indies.
The following animating and soldierlike address was made by the gallant general on the occasion:
“I am directed to perform the honorable duty of presenting your colours.
“Brave SEVENTY-FIRST, the world is well acquainted with your gallant conduct at the capture of _Buenos Ayres_, in South America, under one of His Majesty’s bravest generals.
“It is well known that you defended your conquest with the utmost courage, good conduct, and discipline to the last extremity. When diminished to a handful, hopeless of succour, and destitute of provisions, you were overwhelmed by multitudes, and reduced by the fortune of war to lose your liberty, and your well-defended colours, but not your honor. Your honor, SEVENTY-FIRST regiment, remains unsullied. Your last act in the field covered you with glory. Your generous despair, calling upon your general to suffer you to die with arms in your hands, proceeded from the genuine spirit of British soldiers. Your behavior in prosperity,--your sufferings in captivity,--and your faithful discharge of your duty to your King and country, are appreciated by all.