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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D3580/C/255
TitleJ Peake at Longroom Barracks near Plymouth to James Longsdon at Longsdon. Just returned from drill - writing how engaged since leaving Longsdon. Journey longer than anticipated - 350 miles from Manchester. Barracks on hill top - would be very pleasant in summer, but now suffer from bad weather. The late alteration in militia has caused resignation of Major and his brother Captain Ashton. Writer's cousin has received the majority and one of Lieutenants will have a company. Should James like to occupy the vacant one? Complement of Regiment 853 but not yet complete. Seven battalion companies, two rifles and one light infantry company and during absence of Lord Stanley is commanded by Colonel Wilson. Inspected last month by Major General Thomas in presence of General England. Men elated - pay increased considerably for last two months. Cannot stop them getting drunk off duty. Notice fewer jackets turned on parade and less occasion for clogs every day.
Regiments in this garrison are the Cheshire, Shropshire, First Somerset, Devonshire, Glaswegan, Second Lancashire and Roscommon Irish just arrived, the artillery and marines. News of dinners.
22 December 1811
Date1811
Levelfile
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
Archive CreatorLongsdon family of Little Longstone
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