As was common during the era, the European troops of the regiment suffered heavily from tropical diseases, in particular yellow fever. By November 1795, less than a year after, the regiment's losses to illness were so heavy that it was temporarily amalgamated with another battalion, of the 32nd Regiment, to produce a unit that would be combat effective.
During the time period, the European troops in the regiment were frequently affected by tropical diseases, especially yellow fever. By November 1795, just over a year later, the regiment's losses due to illness had become so severe that it was temporarily combined with another battalion from the 32nd Regiment to form a more effective fighting unit.