534 SWABEY DIARY. 
motion, and that most probably, as Macdonald was stirring heaven and 
earth to exchange, he would be posted to us. Gardiner being nearly 
the youngest captain in the regiment, will stick by us a long time, it 
is therefore an important change in our society. I cannot record the 
circumstance without mentioning the extraordinary part Macdonald 
has acted in this business. I certainly never had an idea that; Dyneley 
would lead the troop into the field this year, much less did I conceive 
that Macdonald, after wishing him hearty success with it, etc., was 
working all the time secretly to exchange ; it certainly would have 
been much more handsome to declare his sentiments, and I think he 
could not have done less for the 2nd Captain than have put off his 
exchanging as long as possible; but he is north of the Tweed. 
28th Kebruary.—Sir Rowland Hill about this time had his advanced 
posts at Coria beat up by a plundering party of about 1500 French. 
The 3rd Regiment beat them back with very little ceremony, these 
adventures generally indicate retreat. 
1st March.—As a proof of the dark unfriendly character of the Portu- 
guese to each other, I have had lately information given me by the 
Prior of the place, my patron, that several of the inhabitants had forage 
in their houses, though the strictest search had been previously made. 
I found it according to his directions, and of course was thankful, but 
what was the beast’s motive for informing me I know not; it could 
not be friendship, as I never spoke two words to him. 
2nd March.—We received letters from Gardiner himself announcing 
his appointment.’ The tenour of them proved clearly to me what I 
have long suspected, that some secret enemies of ours had been under- 
mining the troop in describing it as reduced, unfit for service, etc., and 
this only with the view of sharing in the spoils if they could succeed in 
getting it broken up. 
3rd March.—This day not even remarkable for idleness. 
4th March.—I feel myself so constantly engaged in the daily pursuits 
of infantry officers in England, viz.: Watching fishes swim under the 
bridge, throwing stones at pigs, etc. I am ashamed of it, but have 
nothing else to do. 
5th March.—More letters from Gardiner, who, I fear, has a scribbling 
mania, a complaint, thank heaven, not catching. 
lf copy. | 
SIR, February 8th, 1812. 
There is no part of ny official duty more embarrassing than that of selecting officers for the 
service of the Horse Artillery, a service so generally an object of ambition, and for which there are 
so many meritorious competitors, but on reference to the course of your service, I had no hesitation 
in nominating you to the vacant troop of Horse Artillery, in compliance with the request made in 
your letter of the January 9th from Vizeu, fully persuaded the command could not be placed in 
better hands. 
I am, with sincere esteem, Sir, 
To Ycur most faithful and obedient servant, 
Captain R. Gardiner, R.A. MULGRAVE. 
Captain Gardiner was appointed to “ L” troop, vice Major N. Foy, promoted January 28rd, 
1813, and then exchanged into “‘ E”’ with Captain Macdonald, invalided, who was re-appointed to 
it when Sir Robert Gardiner vacated the troop in 1816, on appointment as equerry to Prince 
Leopold, ‘‘L.” troop being reduced the same year.—(F.A.W.) 
