Following the rear of the French army, the regiment arrived at the foot of the Pyrenees, and entering the pass through these celebrated mountains, near Pampeluna, to furnish posts of correspondence between the different divisions, it proceeded to the valley of Roncesvalles,--a place celebrated for the defeat of Charlemagne by the Duke of Gascony, assisted by the Saracens; a pillar erected on the spot, to commemorate the victory, was destroyed by the French in 1794. Up this valley the French army, commanded by Marshal Soult, advanced on the 25th of July, and some sharp fighting occurred, which ended in the retreat of the British to a position in the mountains in front of Pampeluna. The regiment, excepting one troop detached to assist in the blockade of Pampeluna, was formed in support of the sixth division during the severe contest in the _Pyrenees_, and when the French were repulsed they were pursued to the confines of their own country.
The passage of the Bidassoa was effected in the early part of October; the French were driven from their position on the Nivelle in November; and the THIRTEENTH, with the Fourteenth Dragoons, were engaged in the operations by which the passage of the _Nive_ was effected on the 9th of December. On the following day the regiment was at _Hasparen_, observing the movements of the French troops under General Paris. Some fighting took place on the three subsequent days, and the posts at Hasparen were attacked on the 13th of December. The gallant conduct of private _James Armstrong_ of the THIRTEENTH, on this occasion, obtained for him the distinguished honour of Sir Rowland Hill's particular notice, and he was immediately promoted. Being one of a small party posted to keep up the communication, he dashed forward and rallied some British skirmishers, who had been forced back, placed himself at their head, and attacked and repulsed the enemy, cutting down some, and taking others prisoners.
The severity of the season detained the allies in their cantonments for a short time, during which period the THIRTEENTH were employed in the outpost duties, and Lieutenant Phillips is mentioned in the books of the regiment, as having shown great prudence and judgment in bringing off his piquet, when attacked and hard pressed by the enemy's cavalry. In consequence of the want of forage, pounded furze was given as food to the horses.