| No important event occurred after the Revolution
until the year 1769, when this city furnished a well appointed troop of
cavalry to oppose Thurot at Carrickfergus. In 1778, on the apprehension
of an invasion from France and of civil disturbances, several of the inhabitants
again formed themselves into a volunteer company, and offered the
command to the Earl of Charlemont, by whom, after some deliberation, it
was accepted. In 1781, an artillery company was formed; and in the
following year, a troop of volunteer cavalry, of which the Earl of Charlemont
was also captain. In 1796, this nobleman, in pursuance of the wishes
of Government, formed an infantry company and a cavalry troop of yeomanry
in the town, whose numbers were afterwards augmented to 200 : they were
serviceable in performing garrison duty during the temporary absence of
the regular troops in the disturbances of 1798, but in 1812 were disbanded
by order of the lord-lieutenant. |
