The passage of the Bidassoa was effected in the early part of October; the French were driven from their position on the Nivelle in November; and the THIRTEENTH, with the Fourteenth Dragoons, were engaged in the operations by which the passage of the _Nive_ was effected on the 9th of December. On the following day the regiment was at _Hasparen_, observing the movements of the French troops under General Paris. Some fighting took place on the three subsequent days, and the posts at Hasparen were attacked on the 13th of December. The gallant conduct of private _James Armstrong_ of the THIRTEENTH, on this occasion, obtained for him the distinguished honour of Sir Rowland Hill's particular notice, and he was immediately promoted. Being one of a small party posted to keep up the communication, he dashed forward and rallied some British skirmishers, who had been forced back, placed himself at their head, and attacked and repulsed the enemy, cutting down some, and taking others prisoners. [Sidenote: 1814] The severity of the season detained the allies in their cantonments for a short time, during which period the THIRTEENTH were employed in the outpost duties, and Lieutenant Phillips is mentioned in the books of the regiment, as having shown great prudence and judgment in bringing off his piquet, when attacked and hard pressed by the enemy's cavalry. In consequence of the want of forage, pounded furze was given as food to the horses. In February, the army again commenced operations, and the THIRTEENTH Dragoons were employed in the movements connected with the forcing of the line of the Bidouze and the Gave de Mauleon; and in a sharp affair with the enemy's rear-guard, private Shreenan of the regiment distinguished himself by his great gallantry. The regiment was engaged, on the 17th of February, at _Sauveterre_, where Lieutenant Geale and several men and horses were killed; serjeant-major Thomas Rosser[7] particularly distinguished himself on this occasion. Being detached with twelve men, he fell in with a party of the enemy of more than double his numbers, whom he charged three times, cutting down three himself, and capturing some men and horses. The same morning, previous to this affair, the mare on which serjeant-major Rosser was mounted was killed by a shell striking her in her side, and he escaped without injury.