Army chaplains sought to minister to the religious needs of the soldiers on campaign, they were, however always in short supply. The hope was that the chaplain would prevent the influence of revolutionary France upon the minds of the troops as well as halting the spread of Methodism in the ranks.   

Chaplains were to perform Divine service on Sundays. The Adjutant General wrote on the, 5th Nov. 1811.  "The service may close with a short practical sermon suited to the habits and understandings of soldiers. To this last part of the service the Commander in Chief attaches much importance, as being in conformity to the custom of the established church ; and more than ever required at this time." They were also to visit the sick twice a week.

A  more sombre duty was to attend those sentenced to death, usually for desertion, in their final hour. The chaplains were present at the various stations of the troops and with each Division of the army. The 5th Division, being the one that the 44th were mainly part of, would have had the services of the Revd Frederick Harvey Browne. He died in service on the 27th January 1813. As John Douglas of the 1st Regiment of foot records "I omitted to mention the death of our Chaplain, who through his great anxiety in administering spiritual comfort to the dying soldier, caught the fever and died, lamented by all, even the most profligate and his dying request was to be interred on the spot where he used to preach to the soldiers. A request which was punctually attended to."