CHAPTER XIV.

Home service--1st Battalion inspected by Sir Harry Smith--His speech--4th Battalion embarks for Malta--Death of Sir Harry Smith--Marches in India--1st Battalion in Ireland--The Rifle Brigade exempted from being required to carry a colour on guards--The ‘Trent’ affair--Embarks for North America--Dangers of the voyage--Death of the Prince Consort--The designation ‘The Prince Consort’s Own’ granted to the Regiment--Journey from St. John’s New Brunswick to Rivière de Loup--Service abroad--Sir George Brown Colonel-in-Chief--Expedition against the Mohmunds-- Battle of Shubkudder--Testimonies to the good conduct of the 1st Battalion in Canada--4th Battalion proceeds to Canada--Death of Sir George Brown--Bravery of two Riflemen--Fenian raid--Return of the 2nd and 4th Battalions to England--The Prince of Wales Colonel-in-Chief--Prince Arthur joins 1st Battalion as Lieutenant--Two Battalions at Aldershot--Flying columns--Return of the 1st Battalion to England--Autumn manœuvres--Return of the 3rd Battalion to England--Illness of H.R.H. the Colonel-in-Chief --Autumn manœuvres, 1872--Thanksgiving for the recovery of the Prince of Wales--2nd and 4th Battalions move to Ireland--Review before the Shah--Ashantee Expedition--2nd Battalion embarks for the Gold Coast--Autumn manœuvres of 1873--4th Battalion proceeds to India--Entry of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh into London 451