No movement of consequence was made until the 31st of August, when the French crossed the Bidassoa in considerable force. With great fury they made repeated attacks on the Spanish position on the heights of San Marcial. The First and Fourth Divisions were, in consequence, moved forward to protect the flanks of the Spaniards, but the latter repulsed the enemy with such spirit, that they sought protection under their cannon; and giving up all hope of the relief of St. Sebastian, they re-crossed the Bidassoa, and during the night retreated from their position on the left bank of that river. In this operation the Second Provisional Battalion was left at the pass of the Crown Mountain, to keep up the communication with the Seventh Division. On the 31st of August also the fortress of St. Sebastian was attacked and carried by assault. The British army had the proud satisfaction of victoriously entering the territory of France, and was led by its able commander to a position in front of the Bidassoa, considered one of the strongest in the Pyrenees, extending from Zugano Mardie by La Rhona to the sea. In the storming of Marshal Soult's intrenched position on the river _Nivelle_, on the 10th of November, the attack of the centre columns was led by the four companies of the QUEEN'S, supported by their comrades of the Fifty-third. The men carried bags of fern to fill up the ditch, and small scaling-ladders to mount the rampart of a redoubt which they were ordered to take. In this service they were completely successful. The battalion advanced with a British huzza, and the enemy abandoned the redoubt and fled. A deep ravine, immediately in the rear of the work, prevented the further advance of the QUEEN'S, who from the crest of the hill had opened a sharp fire upon the fugitives. For the gallant and successful services on this occasion, his Majesty has graciously sanctioned the addition of the word _Nivelle_ to its other badges of distinction. Soon after this action the army went into quarters for a short time, while preparations were making for crossing the Adour, and forming the blockade of Bayonne. The QUEEN'S was sent to St. Jean de Luz for new clothing, and rejoined the division at St. Severe. The Fourth Division proceeded towards Bourdeaux, to support the Seventh under Lieutenant-General Lord Dalhousie, and after the surrender of that city returned to the Plains of Toulouse. [Sidenote: 1814]