The army formed into eight Divisions—The French army depleted to obtain veterans for the campaign in Russia—The British army in the highest order—Composition of the Light Division—General advance of the army—The Horse Guards and Oxford Blues join—Cavalry skirmish near Salamanca—The French retire—Advance resumed—The 10th Hussars execute a brilliant charge near Morales—The French retire from Burgos—The British army crosses the Ebro—Fight at San Millan—The Rifles "make a sad example of Johnny"—Salt springs at Salinas—The battle of Vitoria—Dispositions of the French—All three battalions of the Rifles sharply engaged—The French driven into the town, through the town, and out of the town—A running fight for twenty miles—Bivouac at nightfall—The pursuit renewed—Skirmish at Echarri Arinez—Skirmish near La Cuenca—Splendid work by British Horse Artillery—The Rifle Men capture the last gun of the French army—Sad spectacle of wounded French Artillerymen—Arrive in front of Pampeluna—The march to intercept General Clausel, who crosses the Ebro and escapes—On fatigue getting fuel—Rencontre with General Picton—"It's a d——d concern to have to follow you"—General Alten to the rescue—A present of a skin of wine—Blockade of Pamplona—Camp at the foot of the Pyrenees—Magnificent scenery—The Rifles drive the French from the heights of Santa Barbara—The Bidasoa and the town of Vera—The Pass of Vera—Soult captures the passes of Roncesvalles and Yanzi, and the Light Division has to fall back—The attempt to storm San Sebastian fails—Marshal Soult retires—Forced march of the Light Division—The fights at the bridge of Yanzi and at Echalar.
Letter No. XIX
Alameda, Spain, 30th April 1813.
Dear Father—I send you a bill upon Ireland for twenty pounds English money. You must separate it from this epistle, and give it into the hands of any banker, who will be able directly to procure you the money. I must, dear father, request that you will not in future show my letters to the public. I find that the letter I wrote you respecting the fight upon the Coa was read at the mess table of a Militia regiment and exposed to every one who chose to read it. How the devil it got there I cannot say. I can so far say that the officer is now present with this regiment who heard it read. You have no idea what material injury you may do me by such exposures.
I remember in this letter I said a great deal about my family concerns, which it is very wrong to publish to the world. If the young officer had been a quizzical fellow and thought of telling some tales to any other officers, it would have produced amusement, and, why then, what must have been the consequences? I should have instantly called him out, and the result either to one or the other must have proved serious. A soldier's honour is as sacred as a woman's virtue. I mention this, hoping it will deter you from doing so again, as you can form no idea what trifles lead to among soldiers.
Joe is going on remarkably well. He has had repeated attacks of ague through this winter. He is, however, much better, and will, I hope, stand the campaign well. I have provided him with a horse. He is very well acquainted with the first duties of a soldier. He is very much liked by the officers, which gives me much pleasure.
The army is in high health and spirits. In a few days we shall take the field. I am heartily tired of this idle life. We have been five months in snug winter quarters without seeing the face of a Frenchman—a thing which has never happened before. It is expected that our Division will be slipped at Burgos. If we are, I hope success may attend us. Those employed will have smart work. However, bad as it may be, Badajoz, for a desperate business can never be rivalled.
The campaign bids fair to be most brilliant, as we shall have little more than equal numbers to contend against. I hope to see the Pyrenees before September. The success of the noble Russians is wonderful. I hope my dear mother is well. I thank her for her kind remembrances of me. I hope while I live I shall merit her affections. Tell Ann in a few years more I have no doubt to make her comfortable and happy. Her fortune is at present hard, but she can look forward with confidence to seeing better times. I am glad Charlie and Betsy are improving; for God's sake, take care of Charlie's education. Military drawing would be very useful. As soon as you have received the money, write. I shall send the second bill next week, so if you get this bill, burn the second after you receive the money. I must end my letter, as the company are already mustering at my door for target practice, so I shall pass the remainder of the day in proving the abilities of my men in hitting a mark in order to do justice to our enemies when we meet with them. I have had Joe very often at this work. Adieu,
Geo. Simmons,
Lt., 95th Regiment.