1782
shall be performed in the course of the siege, by any, even of the lowest rank, will meet with ample reward from his gracious protection and favour.”
Thus encouraged, the brave garrison of Gibraltar stood firm and determined in the defence of the fortress, and the enemy lost all hopes of being able to gain possession of the place.
1783Preliminary articles for a treaty of peace having been signed, hostilities ceased in February, 1783, and Gibraltar remained one of the gems of the British Crown, after a determined siege of three years, seven months, and twelve days, from the commencement of the blockade.
Thus terminated the celebrated siege of Gibraltar; the nations of Europe were struck with admiration of the gallant defenders of the fortress; the British people applauded their governor and his brave garrison; and the officers and soldiers received the thanks of Parliament and the approbation of their Sovereign.
“In commemoration of the glorious defence made by the regiments of infantry which composed the garrison of Gibraltar during the late memorable siege of that fortress,” the Fifty-sixth Regiment received the royal authority to bear on its regimental colours the word “Gibraltar,” with the device of a “Castle and Key,” and the motto “Montis Insignia Calpe.”
In pursuance of an arrangement made by His Majesty’s command, the several regiments were at this period directed to assume County Titles, and to cultivate a connexion with such parts of the kingdom, with the view of promoting the recruiting of the army. The Fifty-sixth received the title of the West Essex Regiment.
In the month of October of this year, the Fifty-sixth Regiment was relieved at Gibraltar, and em-
