Chapter XVII

Battle of Vittoria. The Light Division and some cavalry pursue the
French rear-guard on the road to Pampeluna. Engaged with them
several days. Two French ladies restored to their husbands.
Baron Alten directs the movements of the advanced guard with
great judgment and effect. We take the last piece of artillery
but one in possession of the French rear-guard. The country
between Salvaterra and Pampeluna favourable for a retreating
army. Reflections on approaching the Pyrenees. Lord Wellington
marches with the 3d, 4th, and Light Divisions against General
Clausel. A Spanish priest apprises that general of our
movements, and mars our plans. Our benedictions on the said
padre. We return to Pampeluna, and assist in the blockade. March
into the Pyrenees. Splendid scenery. Sir Rowland Hill’s corps
engaged in the passes. Vale of San Estevan. A week spent there.
Dress, language, &c. of the Spanish Basques. Trout-fishing on
the Bidassoa. The Light Division advances to Vera. Drives the
French out of it into the pass. The first view of the ocean for
four years. Cheers of the soldiers on seeing it. Rough sketch of
the position of our army in the Pyrenees. Quadrilles danced by
our French neighbours in their encampment opposite to us. Sir
Thomas Graham besieges St. Sebastian. The French entrench
themselves in our front. An attempt to storm St. Sebastian
fails. Marshal Soult attacks our right wing. It falls back
towards Pampeluna. Defeats the French, and drives them again
into France, with great slaughter. The 7th and Light Divisions
fall back from Vera and Echelar. Soult’s proclamation to his
army before he attacked the allies in the Pyrenees. The Light
Division makes forced marches to reach the bridge of Yanci. The
Riflemen inflict a severe loss on the retreating columns of the
French. General Kempt’s brigade drives the enemy from a high
mountain into France. Gallant attack made by General Barnes’
brigade. The hostile armies occupy their former positions. 317