Button of the 29th found on St Lucia in the West Indies

[chrisryland]

I am currently conducting research regarding the military history of St Lucia in the Windward Islands. Having very recently visited the island, I met a local resident who, over the last forty years has been collecting military artefacts found on the island. Among her collection, most of which have been brought to her by locals who have dug things up accidently and knowing of her interest have brought them to her, there were three of what I believe to be late 18c or early 19c British military buttons. These are of the 5th, 29th and 91st Foot.
The 5th were involved in the capture of the island from the French in 1778 and this is an action that I am currently investigating in detail.
The 91st (then the Shropshire Volunteers) garrisoned the island for a short period prior to being disbanded in 1795, I guess having been ravaged by Yellow Fever.
Currently I am not able to explain the presence is the 29th on the island.
Can anyone enlighten me?
I also have a jpeg of the button if anyone would like to see it please email me.

Thank you

[scully]

Hi Chris,

Below is an extract from the 29th Regimental History:

To LORD CATHCART.
"Port Royal 4 June 1796
"My dear Lord,
Give me leave to assure your Lordship that I shall find a particular mortification if it should so happen that I shall be obliged to send this without the regular Return of the part of the 29th in this Country, to attend it; but flatter myself should that be the case, that the present hurry of my situation will be accepted as an apology.

I am just informed that the Reinforcement of Troops after the Reduction of St. Lucia (which took place on the 26th of last month) are now on their way for this Island, and being likewise told that I shall have the Honor of commanding the Division of the Troops on this side of the island with which I shall probably march in the course of a very few days towards the Enemys stronghold at Morne Quaquo, taking such Position as is most likely to keep them in Check, and at the same time co-operate with two other considerable Columns, to move upon that point best from different situations on the other side of the Island; I much doubt the possibility of having time to collect the necessary information from St. Georges, before my Departure from hence; however shall keep this open to the last moment. ——

The Commander-in-Chief is now at one of the neighbouring Islands, Carriacu, where Br Gen. Nicolls is gone to meet him with every necessary information respecting the situation of matters in this Island. But whether His Excellency will Honor this, or St. Vincent, with his presence first is yet uncertain. Both are the object of his present attention the Business here, I have no doubt will very soon be settled; When I flatter myself I shall have it in my power to perform my Duty to your Lordship in a much more regular manner than hitherto, from the divided state of the Regiment. ——

8th June. An opportunity offers immediately for St. Georges, and the Packet being hourly expected at that place, I think it best to send this to wait her arrival; therefore with my best Respects to Lady Cathcart, and every wish for the Health and Happiness of Her Ladyship, your Lordship, and Family, Believe me with the greatest respect and Esteem

Your Lordships
Most obedt Humle Servt
A. CAMPBELL."

Hope the above helps.

If you would like to email me a copy of the buttom then send it to:
webmaster@worcestershireregiment.com

Regards,

Louis