ther, he gave up the study of the law for the military profession, for which he had always a strong partiality. He purchased an ensigncy, and in due time a lieutenancy, in the forty-eighth regiment; from whence he exchanged into the fortieth on its being ordered to America, on the war breaking out in 1775, in which country he continued till the peace in 1782; a period of the most severe and trying service, ever known in our military annals, whether the variety of the climate, the nature of the country, or the number of well-fought actions, be considered, in all of which this officer had his full share.

He commenced his campaign as lieutenant of light infantry at Boston, under the gallant officer Lieutenant-Colonel, now Lieutenant-General, Musgrove; who witnessing his zeal and attention to his duty, appointed him adjutant to the battalion, in which excellent school he laid the foundation of that` professional knowledge which has since been so successfully displayed in his military career.

A trait of conduct combining the best feelings of a youthful mind with the most animated courage, first brought this young officer into notice, and displayed his character in the most amiable light. He was at the time adjutant of the fortieth regiment, commanded by that excellent officer Lieutenant-Colonel Grant, whose paternal care of the younger part of the corps made him be considered by each as a second father.

The circumstance alluded to occurred at the battle

of

of Brookline, on the 27th of August 1776, in which Colonel Grant was desperately wounded early in the day, and the action becoming extremely hot where he lay, the Adjutant, fearing that his colonel might be trampled to death, rushed with a few followers into the midst of the enemy, and dragged from amongst them the body of his friend; but alas! too late, for he had breathed his last. This act of filial piety made a strong impression on all who witnessed it, and produced a handsome compliment to the young soldier from his commander in chief.

The next action of consequence was the battle of Brandywine, in which we also find him engaged with his regiment. It will be remembered, that about three weeks after the affair of Brandywine, when the enemy were supposed to be totally dispersed, Washington made a general move, with an intent to surprise the British troops lying at German Town. The advanced post of the British army was occupied by a battalion of light infantry and the fortieth regiment, then under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Musgrove. Those troops were attacked about day-break, on the 4th of October, by the main body under the command of Washington in person. After a very spirited defence, they were obliged to give way to numbers, and to retire towards German Town. In this retreat Colonel Musgrove happily conceived the idea of taking possession of a large stone house that presented itself, with such of the regiment as were nearest to it. That small body, not exceeding five officers and about

1805-1806.

E

one

one hundred and fifty men, stopt the progress of the enemy's whole column, consisting of at least five thousand men, for a considerable time, notwithstanding they brought their cannon to bear upon the house. This gallant defence was acknowledged to have been highly instrumental in saving the whole army: and in this brilliant affair Lieut. Doyle had his share, and was with two other officers among the wounded; for which service this small detachment was honoured with his majesty's particular thanks.

Soon after Sir Henry Clinton assumed the chief command; and it being deemed a measure of policy to withdraw from the ranks of the enemy the natives of Scotland and Ireland, two regiments were raised under distinguished noblemen of these countries; the one called the Caledonian Volunteers, the other the Volunteers of Ireland. The former was given to Lord Cathcart, the latter to Lord Rawdon, then adjutant-general. The officers of those regiments were chosen from the line, on which occasion Lieutenant Doyle obtained a company in the last-mentioned corps.

On the celebrated retreat through the Jerseys, we find Captain Doyle acting as major of brigade. In the winter 1779, his regiment was ordered to South Carolina, under the command of Lord Rawdon, where he assisted at the siege of Charlestown. After the fall of this place, the regiment accompanied Lord Cornwallis up the country, where his lordship was pleased to appoint Captain Doyle major of brigade. In this capacity we find him honourably mentioned