he town was increasing every
minute. Heavy waggons inscribed in large letters, 'Domaine exterieure de
sa Majeste l'Empereur,' containing the jewels and treasures of Madrid,
passed by, drawn by eight and sometimes ten horses, and accompanied by
strong cavalry detachments. Infantry regiments, blackened with smoke
and gunpowder, newly arrived from the field, hurried past to take up
positions on the Bayonne road to protect the retreat; then came the
nearer din and crash of the artillery as the French army were falling
back upon the town.

Scarcely had we issued from the walls of the city when the whole scene
of flight and ruin was presented to our eyes. The country for miles
round was one moving mass of fugitives; cannon, waggons, tumbrels,
wounded soldiers, horsemen, and even splendid equipages were all mixed
up together on the Pampeluna road, which lay to our right. The march was
there intercepted by an overturned waggon; the horses were plunging, and
the cries of wounded men could be heard even where we were. The fields
at each side of the way were soon spread over by the crowd, eager to
press on. Guns were now abandoned and thrown into ditches and ravines;
the men broke their muskets, and threw the fragments on the roadside,
and vast magazines of powder were exploded here and there through the
plain.

But my attention was soon drawn to objects more immediately beside
me. The Bayonne road, which we now reached, was the last hope of the
retiring army. To maintain this line of retreat strong detachments of
infantry, supported by heavy guns, were stationed at every eminence
commanding the position; but the swooping torrent of the retreat had
left little time for these to form, many of whom were borne along with
the flying army. Discipline gave way on every side; the men sprang
upon the waggons, refusing to march; the treasures were broken open and
thrown upon the road. Frequently the baggage-guard interchanged shots
and sabre-cuts with the infuriated soldiers, who only thought of escape;
and the ladies, who but yesterday were the objects of every care and
solicitude, were hurried along amid that rude multitude--some on foot,
others glad to be allowed to take a place in the ambulance among the
wounded, their dresses blood-stained and torn, adding to the horror and
misery of the scene.

Such was the prospect before us. Behind, a dark mass hovered as if even
yet withstanding the attack of the enemy, whose guns thundered cle