That brigade had served under him for many years, and had been eminently distinguished by courage, discipline and fidelity.

In December 1688 that brigade had been the first in his army to enter the English capital, and had been entrusted with the important duty of occupying Whitehall and guarding the person of James.

Eighteen months later, that brigade had been the first to plunge into the waters of the Boyne.

Nor had the conduct of these veteran soldiers been less exemplary in their quarters than in the field.

The vote which required the King to discard them merely because they were what he himself was seemed to him a personal affront.