Carlisle Garrison - Inspection of Troops - Cumberland and Westmorland Newspaper Transcriptions

Carlisle Garrison - Inspection of Troops

On Tuesday last, the 9th inst., MAJOR GENERAL ARBUTHNOT, commanding the northern district, paid a visit to this city, for the purpose of inspecting the troops in the garrison - The Royal Anglesey Light Infantry Militia, together with a small detachment of the Royal Lancashire Artillery, being the only troops at present doing duty in the castle.

The troops were under arms shortly after ten o'clock in the morning, in heavy marching order.

At a few minutes before eleven o'clock, COLONEL WILLISAMS formed the regiment into line, with fixed bayonets. At eleven o'clock precisely the GENERAL appeared, accompanied by his staff. The troops then presented arms, after which the ranks were opened, and a most minute inspection took place of every man present.

The gallant COLONEL here put the regiment through the evolutions usual on such occasions, after which the GENERAL walked up to the front, and addressed the COLONEL in the following words:

"COLONEL WILLIAMS, it is very seldom that I have to address the commanding officer of a regiment in the terms which I now feel it my duty to address you. The appearance of the men, their steadiness under arms, and the manner in which they have this day performed their various duties, reflect the highest credit upon you as their commanding officer, and their conduct, whilst in Carlisle, has been most exemplary.

I feel that I should not be discharging my duty here to-day, if I did not bestow the highest commendations upon the men under your command, for they appear to me to be more like "old soldiers of the line" than a Militia Regiment; and I shall feel the greatest satisfaction and pleasure in acquainting the Commander-in-Chief of what I have this day witnessed.

In conclusion, I beg to thank you, COLONEL WILLIAMS, for the very great exertions you must have taken upon yourself to bring your Regiment to so creditable, efficient, and praiseworthy a state of discipline."

The GENERAL then inspected the regimental books, the hospital, the men's rooms, the ramparts, &c., &c., and on his return expressed himself as being perfectly satisfied with all he witnessed, adding, that the Royal Anglesey Light Infantry were a credit to themselves and their country.

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