The battalion remained in Cambo for nearly a month, and was here joined by a detachment of four serjeants and eighty-two rank and file, under the command of Lieutenant Charles Henderson, from the second battalion, at this period stationed at Glasgow.
On the 9th of December the first battalion was engaged in the passage of the _Nive_. The left wing of the SEVENTY-FIRST entered the river, supported by the fire of the right, and reached the opposite bank without experiencing any loss.
The enemy now retired within Bayonne, and the corps of Lieut.-General Sir Rowland Hill was established with its right on the Adour, the left above the Nive, and the centre at _St. Pierre_, across the high road to St. Jean Pied-de-Port.
In this disposition the second division, of which the SEVENTY-FIRST formed part, was placed at St. Pierre. Marshal Soult having completely failed in an attempt which he made against the left of the army, moved with his whole force against Sir Rowland Hill’s corps, with the expectation of overwhelming him before he could be supported.
The enemy came on with great boldness upon the 13th of December, and made vigorous efforts against the centre, which he repeatedly attacked; but at last, finding his most earnest endeavours fruitless, he drew off. In the action of this day the loss of the first battalion of the SEVENTY-FIRST regiment was very severe, having been placed close to the main road, against which the French made such formidable and repeated attacks.
Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Maxwell Mackenzie, and Lieutenants William Campbell and Charles Henderson, together with two serjeants, one bugler, and twenty-three rank and file were killed. Captains Robert Barclay and William Alexander Grant, and Lieutenants John M^cIntyre and William Torriano, with thirty-seven rank and file, were wounded.
The following short but highly expressive Division Order was issued by Lieutenant General the Honorable Sir William Stewart, K.B.:
“_Head-Quarters, near Petite Moguerre,_ “_December 14th, 1813._
“The second division has greatly distinguished itself, and its gallantry in yesterday’s action is avowed by the Commander of the Forces and the allied army.”
In commemoration of these services, the SEVENTY-FIRST subsequently received the Royal authority to bear the word “NIVE” on the regimental colour and appointments.