France a most delightful country—Detestation of the people for Buonaparte—Their faith in the British—Description of Soult's position at Tarbes—The eighteen companies of Rifle Men (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions of the 95th) attack it and have some "fine rifle practice"—Is knocked over at close of fight—Holds a medical examination of himself, and finds his knee-pan is fractured—"Not for Chelsea yet"—Hopes to get well and have another fight with _Johnny_—"Our Boys got sadly mauled as usual." _Finished by Maud Simmons_ Describes his brother George's wound and the life at Tarbes. _Journal—13th April-23rd July 1814_ Is moved to Pau in a coach—Recovers and starts to rejoin—Marches to Toulouse—Goes to the theatre with his two brothers—Rejoins the 1st Battalion at Castel-sarrasin—Pleasant life amongst the French—End of the war—Orders to return to England—The Rifles give a ball—The Light Division bid farewell to their Portuguese comrades—Gets leave for England—Sails down the Garronne for Pauillac—Embarks on a transport—In collision—The voyage home—Lands at Portsmouth, takes the London coach, and arrives at the Old Slaughters Coffee House. _Journal—12th January-21st March 1814_ [Sidenote: 1814 Jan. 12th] This day I was appointed to superintend the telegraph of the Light Division stationed near "Garat's house."[25] Had a log house formed to remain in. This post was near Arraunts. [Sidenote: 15th] My brother Maud paid me a visit. I gave him a good beaf-steak. The battalion he belonged to was returning from St. Jean-de-Luz with new clothes. One of his baggage animals lay down close to my post. I was obliged to send for a mule and take the half-starved devil in exchange. His servant seemed quite delighted when he had got his master's baggage upon my mule, and hurried away for fear I might change my mind. [Sidenote: 24th] The 1st Battalion Rifles was placed in the 2nd Brigade, and the Brigade is now commanded by Colonel Barnard. The 2nd Battalion joined the other Brigade of the Light Division. Numbers of French families who had left their homes have returned, as they find the British soldiers only war with those who have arms in their hands, and not with the unfortunate inhabitants of the country. [Sidenote: 1814 Feb. 16th] The British army was again put in motion. The Light Division moved to within a league and a half of Labastide-Clairence. [Sidenote: 17th] Marched near the town, and encamped near the heights overlooking it. [Sidenote: 18th] Put into houses, the weather being very cold and rainy, also changing into sleet and snow. [Sidenote: 19th] The 1st Battalion Rifles with the 43rd Light Infantry marched to St. Jean-de-Luz for their clothing. I took the advantage of being on telegraph duty, and remained with the army. [Sidenote: 21st] Marched to Isturits and joined Captain Duncan's company (2nd Battalion) until the return of the 1st Battalion. [Sidenote: 22nd]