Skirmishes in the Pyrenees
Sergeant John Spencer Cooper, 7th Royal Fusiliers
Fall, 1813
October 7th, some severe fighting took place; but we only acted as reserve. In all these conflicts the enemy were beaten. The last stand they made was on the crest of La Rhune, the highest mountain in that part of the Pyrenees. Its form is like the frustum of a sugar loaf, about 7,000 feet high. The firing here continued till long after dark, and seemed to be in the clouds. From this point the enemy were soon dislodged, and we encamped on a height, whence we had a splendid view of France. The ridge on which we pitched our tents was not more than thirty yards across, and its sides were very steep, especially on the French side. In this high and exposed situation the wind sometimes blew down our tents. This was the case one dark wet night; while a storm was raging, the top of the tent pole burst through the rotten cap, and down came the dripping tent upon us, with all the firelocks, belts, pouches, caps, etc. in glorious confusion. Some laughed, but others did worse. It was no joke, however, for we were all naked.
October 31st, our regiment was sent to the top of the highest spur of La Rhune, and our company was ordered to descend the other side and reconnoitre. This movement drew out the whole French force in front of their numerous camps. We piled arms and walked about, while the French skirmishers below kept firing at us through a hedge. This was not pleasant, as we had no orders to return the compliment.
While this ugly fun was going on, a comrade sergeant and I laid down close together, as the weather was cold, and began talking, when suddenly my friend behind me cried out, "Hah! I've catched it." A ball had gone so far through his thigh, that it had raised up the flesh and skin on the upper side. Another pennyweight of powder would have driven it into my premises.
From the top of La Rhune a complete view of the redoubts and camps of the French could be obtained. A regiment of Spaniards occupied this elevated spot, and had to burrow like rabbits among the rocks. Report said that some of them were frozen to death.
To the eastward of our position the mountains had a splendid appearance; pile rose behind pile, till they were lost in the clouds. Many were covered with snow, which was in some places fourteen or fifteen feet deep.
In the valley behind our camp was a wood of chestnut trees. The fruit was plentiful, and when boiled made a good substitute for potatoes.
November 10th, an order came to move at a moment's warning; and at midnight we descended the heights in silence, and halted a little before daybreak near a redoubt occupied by the enemy. Just as day broke, the 2nd or Queen's regiment, with part of the 53rd, doffed their knapsacks, and dashed at the redoubt, surprised the sleeping garrison, and made them prisoners. Shots now began to be exchanged in rapid succession, and the battle began.
John Spencer Cooper. Rough Notes of Seven Campaigns in Portugal, Spain, France, and America During the Years 1809-10-11-12-13-14-15. (Carlisle: 1914), pp. 99-111.