After the fall of San Sebastian, there was a lull in the fighting for some weeks, and it was not till 6th October that the allies effected the passage of the Bidasoa, and on the following day fought the second combat of Vera, in which the Rifles took a leading part and lost over 200 officers and men, killed and wounded. Soult now entrenched himself strongly on the line of the Nivelle, but on 10th November, the battle of the Nivelle was fought and Soult retreated behind the Nive. Wellington having been compelled to divide his wings by this river, Soult projected an attack on one of them with his whole force, the entrenched camp of Bayonne on the Nive assisting him in this enterprise. The battles and combats which ensued are commonly known as the battles in front of Bayonne, that of the 10th December being distinguished as the battle of the Nive, although they all took place in the same theatre of operations. In the five days' fighting before Bayonne (9th to 13th December) the French lost 6000 men and the allies about 5000. After some minor operations, hostilities ceased for a brief period on the 18th December, only to be renewed with redoubled energy within less than two months. CHAPTER XI Letter No. XIX _To his Father, from Alameda, dated 30th April 1813_ More lectures to his father for showing his letters to people—Good winter quarters—Five months without seeing the face of a Frenchman—Hopes to see the Pyrenees before September—Starting on target practice with his men. Letter No. XX _From Lieutenant Joseph Simmons to his Parents, from Alameda, dated 5th May 1813_ Describes life in winter quarters—The regimental mess—Weekly balls to the ladies—The retreat from Madrid. _Postscript by George Simmons_ About to be reviewed by Lord Wellington—Expects to drive the French out of Spain this campaign. _Journal—1st May-30th August 1813_