NAM.1987-06-43-1

Capt Topham his Orderly Book, February the 7th 1779. Manuscript order book: Capt Topham his Orderly Book, 7 Feb 1779, containing General and Regimental Orders issued while the regiment was stationed at Plymouth Dock Lines (to 25 May) and Cox Heath (Coxheath) Camp (from 24 Jun). Written in one hand except for the period 24-31 July. In addition to the usual administrative orders the book also contains references to the less well-documented sides of militia life. At Plymouth the Somerset Militia were brigaded with the Cornwall Militia, 13th Foot (to 4 May) and 41st Foot (from 20 May). The orders refer to field days, church parades, the issue and inspection of clothing, as well as instructions for its wear, hair cuts, and court martial. At Cox Heath they were part of a much larger force of six regular battalions and 14 Militia ones. Here the orders tend to be longer as discipline was obviously tighter and the state of some of the units pretty poor. There are a number of details of manoeuvres to be practised at reviews, and orders relating to the issue of ball cartridges and firing practise. On 2 Aug the force moved to Barming Common for the day to test their ability to move quarters in case of a French invasion.