Page:Historical Record of the Fifty-Sixth, Or the West Essex Regiment of Foot.djvu/25

Rh In December an order was received for augmenting the regiment, by the addition of a light infantry company of three serjeants, three corporals, two buglers, and sixty-two private soldiers; also an addition of twenty-one rank and file to each of the other companies.

The regiment was stationed at Gibraltar during the following twelve years. The American war commenced in 1775 and three Hanoverian regiments afterwards joined the garrison of Gibraltar. In 1778 France united with the revolted British subjects, and the Spanish monarch contrived to introduce himself into the dispute, in the character of a mediator; but his proposals were of so injurious a character to the interests of Great Britain, that they were instantly rejected. The King of Spain then seized on what appeared to be a favorable opportunity to declare war, and to wrest from Great Britain the important fortress of Gibraltar, which had resisted every attempt to retake it, since its capture by the British in 1704.

In June, 1779, the intercourse of the garrison of Gibraltar with the Spanish territory was suddenly stopped, so that several officers on leave of absence, experienced difficulty in rejoining their corps. A numerous Spanish army speedily blockaded the fortress on the land side, and the garrison became insulated from the rest of the world. Resolving on a desperate defence of the fortress intrusted to their care, the troops undertook the task with cheerfulness, and severe toil and spare diet were sustained without complaint. The works were increased; the pavement of the streets was taken up; the towers of conspicuous buildings pulled down; the stone sentry-boxes removed; guard-houses unroofed; traverses were raised in different places, and a covered way begun. Several staff appointments took place; among others, Major Hardy, of the, was nominated quarter-master-general; Captain