Describes the fighting on the occasion of the defence of the bridge of Vera (the morning after the preceding letter was written)—Heavy losses of the Rifles—Bewails being a junior Lieutenant—Brother Joseph posted to another company and "to start fair by himself." _Journal—31st August-31st December 1813_ Soult makes a final attempt to relieve San Sebastian—Defence of the bridge of Vera—A night on outpost duty—Night attack by the French, who carry the bridge of Vera—Death of Captain Cadoux of the Rifles—The "Volunteer" and his experiences of campaigning—He returns to England—The storming of San Sebastian—The "high compliment" paid to the Rifles by Lord Wellington—Final warning to his father not to show his letters about—The fortress stormed—The Governor surrenders the castle—Simmons visits San Sebastian and sees the wounded officers of the Rifles—Forcing the Pass of Vera—The 3rd Battalion Rifles covers the advance—Heavy fighting and losses—La Rhune occupied—Extensive view from the mountains—French territory in sight—Witnesses a naval engagement—The French fortify Petite La Rhune—Fall of Pamplona—Lord Wellington thereupon advances—Battle of the Nivelle—Colonel Barnard severely wounded—Asks Simmons if he can recover, and gets a reply—Simmons ordered to remain and look after his Colonel, who recovers—More fighting in the Pyrenees—Lieutenant Hopwood killed—End of the year. Letter No. XXII _To his Parents, from St. Jean de Luz, France, dated 7th December 1813_ The fighting in the Pyrenees in October and the French retirement across the frontier—Wellington's orders prior to the battle of the Nivelle—How the Rifles spent the evening before the fight—The battle of the Nivelle—The French routed at all points and driven from their entrenchments—Colonel Barnard's wound—Simmons placed in charge of him and "bleeds him constantly"—Simmons dines with Lord Wellington—Takes steps to make brother Joseph more independent—Expectations of being able to assist his family. _Postscript_ British soldiers on good terms with the French population—Contrasts their behaviour to that of the French soldiers in Spain—The French now suffering for their misdeeds—Probabilities of peace and determination to enlist in some foreign army if England has no wars—Expectations of more fighting in a few days. Letter No. XXI Bivouac near Vera on the frontiers of France, Pyrenees, _30th August 1813_.