50th Regiment of Foot in quotes and things of interest - part 2

The enemy light infantry is given some praise:

Highest point of the Lower Pyrenees, Left of pass of Maya, July, 1813.

Quote: "Their riflemen, with unparalleled boldness ferretting their way within less than pistol shot of where we stood, by a rambling fire did very great execution throughout our already diminished ranks. With such precision did those experienced artists do their duty that very many of our companions were killed or wounded on this height. A party of officers of the 50th, who were collected in a knot, discussing the affairs of the eventful day, were quickly seen by those marksmen, who, from behind the rocks, dispatched with deadly aim a few rifle missiles, each with its billet; and the balls were so faithful to their errand that the congress was soon dissolved, some of the members being sent to "That bourne from which no traveler returns," and the remainder wounded."

City of Vittoria was the plate where the wounded were sent, July 1813. Here Patterson mentions the said location, as after the battle of 25. July 1813, he also sustains wounds and needs thus to proceed towards Vittoria. Here the principal hospital stations of the Army were established.

Quote: " [...] we jogged along patiently, some on mules, others on waggons, and not few on the humble jackass, forming on the whole a procession of so motley and varied a character that by, the time we reached our journey's end, we were not unlike Sir John Falstafl's recruits with whom he was ashamed to enter Coventry. We cut a most interesting appearance, some with heads tied up and some with limbs, as we made our entre at a funereal pace, exhausted and chopfallen, loaded with as plentiful a supply of fame as the most zealous amateur could desire."

While Patterson had not accompanied the 50th in their later proceedings, due to his injury and later return to England, he still tells of their progress and of playing a distinguishing part in the latter battles at the passage of the Nive and the Adour. They were also shortly engaged at Orthes, Tarbes, Aire and other places.

After the War in France was terminated the 50th were ordered to Cork and remained in Aughnacloy during the following winter 1814/1815.
Early in Spring of the next year, 1815, they were moved to Enniskillen. Since Napoleon was yet again on the rise, all preparations were made, to renew the strength of the regiment, and streets were often frequented by the parties accompanied by drum, calling young men into their ranks. With many lads out of work, the ranks were filled quickly. From there the Regiment marched to Londonderry. There it remained in the winters of 1815 and 1816. During this time the officers also took part in the hunting of people who had gotten hold of Whiskey. Something Patterson did not enjoy.

Some of the men of the 50th also proved to be able hunters of the criminal kind. As one Plunkett showed courage and prowess in catching a notorious murderer as well.