Page:Historical records of the 40th (2nd Somersetshire) regiment.djvu/15

 PREFACE.

HE object of this work is to supply, as far as possible, a want long felt by the 40th Regiment, viz., a full and accurate history of its services from the formation of the regiment, in 1717, to the present time. It need hardly be said that to do this has been no easy task, for the 40th has now had a continuous existence of over one hundred and seventy-six years, and in every part of the world—Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and Australasia—has at one time or another rendered active and arduous services. But that a regiment with such a history should not have its past recorded seemed indeed unfortunate. With full knowledge, therefore, of the difficulties of the undertaking, the present work was attempted; and, with the sincere hope that it may, to some extent at least, supply the want felt, it is now placed before its readers.

Doubtless there are many interesting details which, through lapse of time, have been lost for ever, but—though at certain periods information is not so full as at others—the history as a whole will be found continuous; and it is hoped that its publication may perhaps be the means of bringing to light still further information, which, notwithstanding the careful search that has been made, may yet be forthcoming. Throughout the work the aim in view has been to combine with a useful book of reference an interesting narrative of regimental life. To this end, anecdotes and personal reminiscences have, whenever obtainable, been introduced, and every effort has been made—fortunately, with considerable success—to procure letters, private journals, and family papers which throw light on matters of interest connected with the regiment, or its members. In addition to those contained in the body of the book, some papers of special interest will be found in the Appendix. Among these, the Life of Major-General Paul Mascarene, obtained through the kindness of Mr. J. Mascarene Hubbard, of Boston, deserves