Page:Clyde and Strathnairn.djvu/55

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THE NORTHERN OPERATIONS
45

intrepidity at the storming of the convent-redoubt in advance of San Sebastian, and afterwards at the assault of that fortress, on both which occasions he was severely wounded; also in the action near Irun, at the forcing of the enemy from their strong position on the Bidasoa, on the 7th of October, 1813.' In order to take part in the last-named fight, young Campbell had left hospital, his wounds still unhealed, without leave; for which breach of discipline he was severely reprimanded, being given to understand that the offence would have met with a heavier punishment but for his conduct in the field. Some years later, when Sir Charles Napier presented new colours to the 98th Regiment, he referred in glowing terms to Colin Campbell's exploits in the Peninsula. After reading to the men an account of the storming of San Sebastian he said: — 'There stands Lieutenant Campbell' — who was now a Lieutenant-Colonel — 'and well I know that, should need be, the soldiers of the 98th would follow him as boldly as did those gallant men of the glorious 9th who fell fighting around him in the breaches of San Sebastian.'

Although he had reached the rank of Captain in five years it was nearly thirty before Colin Campbell attained his Colonelcy. During this interval and afterwards he served in the American War of 1814, in the West Indies, in the China War of 1842; and, afterwards, in the second Sikh War of 1848-49, which latter campaign gained him the honour of a K.C.B., as well as high praise for 'steady coolness and military