Richard Cannon
Historical Record of the Fourth, or the King's Own, Regiment of Foot
Containing an Account of the Formation of the Regiment in 1680, and of Its Subsequent Services to 1839
"Historical Record of the Fourth, or the King's Own, Regiment of Foot" by Richard Cannon is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This work chronicles the inception and subsequent military exploits of the Fourth Regiment, detailing its actions and engagements from its establishment in 1680 up to 1839. The book aims to preserve the legacies of bravery exhibited by the regiment over the years, highlighting its contributions to British military history and the valor of soldiers who served. The opening of this historical record introduces the context and background for the formation of the Fourth Regiment, initiated in response to military needs in Tangier following its cession to King Charles II. The text outlines the urgency felt by the British Crown due to threats from local forces and reflects on the aims of the regiment, including maintaining national honor and security in overseas territories. It describes the regiment’s initial deployment, the challenges faced in Tangier, and its evolution into a significant fighting unit within the British Army. Moreover, it underscores the commitment of its personnel to valor and discipline, setting the stage for the detailed accounts of battles and victories to come in subsequent sections of the historical record.