The National Register.
London, England, 1814-03-27 00:00:00

Tin NATIONAL REGISTER.

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ed abilities of the General who commanded that force. If the at-
tempt were made above Bayonne, the greatest difficulty presented
itself, since it was necessary to pass several waters or springs,
which were at that period of the year unfordable, and the same
wet season had randered the road impassable by the artillery. If
it were attempted to pass below Bayonne, the difficulty was fully
as .1-eat ;it was necessary to construct a bridge of boats for 400
yarr.ds, and the crossing would be opposed by the army in the
gramsoo, who would throw into the way floats of timber Co. its
obstruction. Upon the whole, the Marquis of Wellington determined
to cross below Itavomie ; but whether he should cross above or
halos, it was necessary to manceuvre to drive away the enemy on
the right, which would have the additional advantage, if lie should
not he able to cross below, of facilitating the crossing above. On
the Si th there was an intermision of rain, and the army was oc-
cupied for four or five days in forcing the enemy's repeat from
his positions, —a measure which was effected without any great loss ;
Major Gen. Pringle, although wounded, his Lordship was happy to
say, was in a fair way of recovery. The prepaiations being all com-
plete 25 vessels were fastened together by large cables of an extra-
ordinary size, each having two anchors, for the purpose of mooring
right and left. But, as it had been apprehended, the French army
from the garrison began precipitating timber into the river : two
large masts were chained together, and every thing was ready, when
the winds prevented the flotilla from sailing, and Lord Wellington
was obliged to o back to his original post, leaving the passage
under the chart, of Sir John Hope. He followed lip his movements,
and the enemy seemed determined to give battle. Marshal Beres-
ford having found a fOrd, marched to the right of the enemy's posi-
tion : General Picton also created diversions : General Hill was

still further up. The battle was commenced by Marshal Beres-
ford, who drove the enemy from the village of St. Buis, which
they re occupied, and from whiiit they were at last finally di iven.
They still, however, kept the advantage of the ground ; and Sir
Thomas Picton was. therefore directed by Lord Wellington to
attack the left of the enemy, while another division attacked the cen-
tre. At length the enemy began to retrcat,but in such excellent order,
that it was doubtfill whether theywould not have effected a regular re-
treat, if Sir R. Hill had not come down upon the right. They then
retreated with all po'sible expedition, anti were put to a complete
rout. The magnitude of the victory would he estimated by the fact
of the enemy's 'lumbers were 40,0(x), our's being nearly the same :
snob i victory could not be effected without considerable loss
Among the list of our officers killed, however, his Lordship was happy
to see there was none of very high rank ; among the wounded were
two General officers, Major.6cn. Ross severely, and the other
slightly. There was, however, another Central, whose wound that
day, had it been attended with any serious consequence., would
have clouded the joy of the victory. and rendered it, upon the
orhole a doubtful good. The victory was followed up for three
successive dap, and by the gaining possession of two magazines, for
the preservation of which Soult had thought it expedient to risk the
battle. After the Ist of March the rains set in again, and all the
streams became no longer fordable, the bridges were destroyed, and
the roads were again impassable. Sir John Hope crossed the Admir
in a flotilla, below Bayonne, on 23d of February ; and as soon as lie
had gained possession of the right of the Adour, a garrison detach-
ment of WOO men were drawn out to meet him, whom he threw into
complete confusion. The flotilla met with the severest difficulties
in crossing the Adorn., where there was always a surf; at length,
'however, the bridge was established, and they all passed. to the
amazement of all the inhabitants, who flocked to see what they
could not otherwise believe. Such was the situation et Soult, that
be preferred to leave the road to Bordeaux open ; and a detach-
ment was sent to take possessioa of that city. Its occupation was
of the utmost military importance : in a town of such extent many
supplies could be afforded which would greatly minister to the
necessities and comforts of .our army. Another great and
marked military advantage (he should view its possession in no
other light this day), was the much more commodious intercourse
vhich it afforded us with this country. For the last three months
our transports had met with the greatest dangers in their entrance
into port; but they would now inert with a safe harbour. He
hoped he had thus shewa that even in this state of the contest this
action was accompanied with such circmustanecs as entitled it to
the thanks of the house. (Hem) He said " in this state of the con-
test," for there Wik* a time when victory seemed to be a stranger
to every standard but the French ; but after the brilliant career of
Lord Wellington, and the gigantic tiliwts of our allies, we might
afford to dispense writ votes of thanks for victories, which at a for-
mer period we should have been proud of courting to us by the en.
aogragewent of such a vote of the house. Not that we might now

to be less grateful for victory ; but that we ought to let our gratitude
wait upon our judgement, and anxiously select only the fit 4.rst oc-
casions for displaying that emotion. He concluded will•. Moving
" that the thanks of the house be given to Field Mi:rshal Arthur
Marquis of Wriliugton, and the army nosier hiti command, for the
commutate ability, experience, skill, and valour di played by them
in the victory of Orthes, terminating in the signal defeat of the
enemy, and leading to the occupation of Bordeaux."
Larl Guct, in a short but animated speech, said, the motion had
hiscntite and Ill Ont COttilid approbatkm. lie busted this would he
the libt of a great series of splendid successes gained by the Noble
Marquis, and that his immartil laurels would be formed into a :.;!o•
rioo4 and unfailing clown of peace. As the Noble Lord had pro-
pet ly abstained from remarking on the occupation of Bordeaux in
any other titan a military point of view, he also would refrain from
now touching upon it ; be desired to be understood as gi% log no
opinion at all on that subject at this time, but as leaving.,, the mat ter
to the responsibility of Ministers. The motions off` thanks were
then agreed to nem. dis.

PRIDAY, MAPCIT f. 15.
Mr. Irvin, from the Custom-llougc, presented annnal accounts of
the imports and exports, which Were laid on the table. Atter se-
veral WiIIIC66C3 had been sworn, the House adjourned to Monday.