T^CA^Tffr ^#oM 
 
 COL. GEORGE WASHINGTON FLOWERS 
 MEMORIAL COLLECTION 
 
 TRINITY COLLEGE LIBRARY 
 DURHAM. N.C. 
 
 Established by the family of 
 COL. GEORGE WASHINGTON FLOWERS 
 
 Date_ 
 
 n , // ^ 
 
AN ELEMENTARY TREATISE 
 
 ON 
 
 ADVANCED- GUARD, OUT-POST, 
 
 AND 
 
 DETACHMENT SERVICE OF TROOPS, 
 
 AND THB MANNER OF 
 
 POSTING AND HANDLING THEM 
 
 IN PRESENCE OF AN ENEMY. 
 
 INTENDED AS A 
 
 SUPPLEMENT TO THE SYSTEM OF TACTICS 
 
 Adopted for the military service of the United States, and especially 
 for the use of Officers of Militia and Volunteers. 
 
 i?Y i>. ir. ]M[^Hj\.iv, 
 
 PBOraSROB OF UILITABT AND CIVIL ENatNIBBINQ, AND OF TRI BCIERCB Or WAB, IN THB 
 UNITED BTATBS' MILITABX ACADEMY. 
 
 NEW ORLEANS : 
 
 ^loomfield <^ Bteel, ^oohsellers and Stationers. 
 1861. 
 

 -/. 
 
 J- y 
 
 
 -• • ♦- 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 MANNER OF PLACING AND HANDLING TROOPS • 9 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 POSITIONS ■ .... 26 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS • - 49 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 REC0NN0IS3ANCES 73 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 DETACHMENTS 87 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 CONVOYS 123 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 SURPRISES AND AMBUSCADES 140 
 
 178018 
 
Digitized by the Internet Arciiive 
 in 2010 with funding from 
 Duke University Libraries 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/elementarytreatiOOmaha 
 
I»REFA.C E. 
 
 The want of a work of this kind has long been felt 
 among our officers of Militia generally, as English 
 literature is quite barren in systematic works on most 
 branches of the military art, especially so on the one 
 known among the military writers of the continent 
 as La Petite Guerre, or the manner of conducting the 
 operations of small independent bodies of troops ; and 
 but few of these officers are able to devote that time to 
 military studies, which their pursuit in a foreign lan- 
 guage necassarily demands. 
 
 In making this compilation, the works in most 
 repute have been carefully consulted, and a selection 
 made from them of what was deemed to be most 
 useful to the class of readers for which it is intended. 
 The object of the writer has been to give a concise 
 but clear view of the essential points in each of the 
 subjects introduced into the work; if he has succeed- 
 ed in this, he trusts that the very obvious defects of 
 the work will be overlooked. 
 
 17S018 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 MANNER OF PLACING AND HANDLING TROOPS.' 
 INFANTRY, 
 
 1. Position and Formation. — On the field of battle, 
 whether the object be to attack, or defend, the infantry 
 is divided into three bodies ; an advanced-guard, the 
 main-body, and a reserve. Their relative proportion 
 will depend upon the total force, and the character of 
 the position occupied. The advance-guard must be 
 of sufficient strength to hold the enemy in check, but, 
 at the same time, the main body, upon which the 
 brunt of the action should fall, must not be left of 
 insuflScicnt force, by unnecessarily increasing the 
 advanced-guard; and the reserve should be strong 
 enough to repair any disaster that may befall the 
 main body, or to profit by its success in accomplish- 
 ing the complete overthrow of the enemj\ 
 
 2. These three bodies are separated from each other 
 by intervals which will depend upon the nature of 
 the ground. The advanced-guard occupying the 
 front; the main bod}' at a distance from 150 to 300 
 paces in its rear ; and the reserve at a like interval 
 to the rear of the main body. Where the ground, for 
 example, is undulating, and therefore favorable to 
 
 B 
 
10 INFANTRY. 
 
 masking the troops from the enemj^'s fire, these inter- 
 vals may, if requisite, be reduced to 80 or 100 paces. 
 
 3. The troops composing these three bodies will be 
 formed either in columns of battalions, or be deployed, 
 according to the circumstances under which they 
 may be placed. For an attack, for evolution, or for 
 defence against cavalry, the formation of columns 
 of battalions is best. To repel the enemy's attack 
 by a fire, and in some cases, to present a less 
 favorable mark to his artillery, the battalions are 
 deployed. The battalions, whether deployed or in 
 column, preserve the proper intervals for evolutions; 
 these intervals may be increased in obstructed ground 
 without weakening the defence. 
 
 4. The battalions composing the main body may 
 be drawn up in one or^two lines. The latter usually 
 obtains only when a large force is present. In this 
 case the reserve no longer holds the position of a 
 third line, as in the other, but forms an independent 
 body, to be used according to emergency ; the second 
 line supporting the battalions of the first, and, for 
 this purpose, occupying positions to the rear, opposite 
 to their intervals. 
 
 5. Defence. — When the position is taken up to 
 receive the enemy's attack, and then either to remain 
 on the defensive, or to assume the offensive, as cir- 
 cumstances may justify, the advanced-guard will be 
 posted on the ground most favorable to hold the 
 enemy in check, and so force him, by disputing it 
 with tenacity, to develope his means and plans. 
 This is best done by a judicious combat of skirmish- 
 
INFANTRY. 11 
 
 ers, who, for this purpose, are thrown forward 300 or 
 400 paces, to feel the enemy, and are only reinforced 
 when closely pressed. 
 
 6. Whether the advanced-guard shall maintain its 
 ground obstinately until reinforced by the main-body, 
 or whether it shall fall back, either on the flanks or 
 to the rear of the main-body, must be determined by 
 the strength of its position. If this be so strong that 
 the enemy's loss in carrying it must be great, then it 
 should be pertinaciously maintained; in the contrary 
 case it must, after a suitable show of resistance, be 
 abandoned. 
 
 7. As a general rule, troops should be placed aS' 
 much out of view as practicable before tliey go into- 
 action, by taking advantage of covers offered by the 
 ground. The main-body should be kept masked in 
 this way until it is called to engage the enemy. If 
 it advance to support the advanced-guard, it will 
 usually attack with the bayonet; if the advanced- 
 guard is called in, the main -body will usually receive 
 the enemy by its fire ; the battalions being deployed 
 for this purpose. If the enemy is staggered by this 
 fire, or, in advancing, shows, by the wavering or 
 confusion of his lino, a want of confidence, the fire 
 may be followed up either by a charge of the troops 
 in line, or they may be formed in columns of attack 
 before charging, if the enemy perseveres in his 
 onward movement. A charge by column, when the 
 enemy is within fifty paces, will prove effective, if 
 resolutely made. 
 
 8. The reserve is composed of the most reliable 
 
12 INFANTRY. 
 
 troops. It should be distinguished for cool courage; 
 acting under all circumstances, either defensive or 
 offensive, with circumspection and determined reso- 
 lution. 
 
 As the object of the reserve is to infuse greater 
 energy into the action of the main-body, and, if 
 necessary, to strike a lapt and decisive blow, it should 
 be kept masked from the enemy's fire and view until 
 called into action. The proper moment for engaging 
 the reserve is either when the enemy has been shaken 
 in his attack by the resistance offered by the main- 
 body, or when the latter is unable farther to resist 
 the enemy's efforts. If engaged too soon, the resist- 
 ance offered to the reserve may prevent its making a 
 decisive blow ; if not engaged in time, the main-body 
 may be too far exhausted and disorganized to rally. 
 
 In cases where the reserve forms a second line, to 
 support the main-body, it should approach the first 
 line when it becomes engaged, to be ready to replace 
 it when circumstances may render it necessary. The 
 advanced-guard, in such cases, should retire to the 
 rear to act as a reserve. 
 
 9. Attack. — In the attack of infantry, the same 
 fundamental dispositions are made as for the defensive. 
 The advanced-guard will not throw forward its skir- 
 mishers until they are near enough to engage the 
 enemy. The line of skirmishers should be strongly 
 supported, and will press the enemy with vigor and 
 without relaxation. If the force engaged be small, 
 the main-body will regulate its movements by those 
 
INFANTRY. 13 
 
 of the line of skirmishers ; if considerable, the reverse 
 will obtain. 
 
 10. The main-body and reserve follow in column 
 the advanced-guard, preserving the requisite intervals. 
 The columns should take every advantage of the 
 ground to mask their movements, getting rapidly over 
 any where they are much exposed to fire. So soon as 
 the advanced-guard is checked, it will fall back either 
 on the flanks of the columns, or to the rear; and the 
 main-body will be immediately brought into action, 
 either by deploying and opening its fire, or by a vig- 
 orous charge with the bayonet. If the main-body 
 falters in its attack, or gives any signs of want of 
 resolution, the reserve should advance at once through 
 the intervals, and make a vigorous charge with the 
 bayonet. 
 
 11. If the attack by the main-body is made with 
 the bayonet, the interval between it and the columns 
 of the reserve may be lessened to 80 or 100 paces. 
 The flanks of the columns of attack, and the inter- 
 vals between them, should be occupied by skirmishers. 
 This is an important precaution, as, by forcing the 
 eneni}' to deliver his fire before the columns have 
 reached within a destructive range, the main obstacle 
 to their onward movement will be removed. 
 
 12. Parsidt. — If the assailed retires, the pursuit 
 must be conducted with system and in good order. 
 The line nearest the enemy will throw forward a few 
 troops in pursuit, which, in most cases, will be pre- 
 ceded by skirmishers. The line, in close order, will 
 follow these troops until it attains a good position to 
 
14 INFANTRY. 
 
 receive the enemy, should he make an oifensive move- 
 ment, when it will be halted and formed in readiness 
 for action. A pursuit by infantrj- alone cannot be 
 pushed far, even should the enemy retire without any 
 order, or show of resistance, as the retreating force 
 will soon distance their pursuers. 
 
 13. Retreat. — When, either in the defensive, or 
 offensive, it becomes necessary to retire, the first point 
 to be attended to is to withdraw the troops engaged, 
 either to a good position to their rear, where they can 
 halt and face the enemy, or else behind the line in their 
 rear, which should hold the assailants in check, and 
 allow the retreating troops to fall back in good order. 
 Having fairly got disengaged, dispositions must be 
 promptly made to withdraw from the field. This 
 may be done by the entire force moving ofi^" together, 
 if the enemy shows no disposition to follow up his 
 success with energy; or, in the contrary case, by 
 retiring by successive portions; the line which with- 
 draws falling some 150 paces to the rear of the one 
 b}'- which it is covered, whilst falling back, and then 
 forming, to cover in turn the retreat of the latter. 
 
 The dispositions made in the retreat will depend 
 entirely upon the character of the enemy's pursuit, 
 iind the features of the ground. It will usually be 
 made in columns, covered by skirmishers, if the pur- 
 suit is made by infantr}- alone ; if by cavalry, the 
 retreat must be made with great circumspection ; the 
 troops retiring slowly and in good order, adopting 
 the formation against cavalry ; never hastening the 
 march, unless very near a good position for defence. 
 
IXFANTBY. 15 
 
 which should ho attained as rapidly as possible, unless 
 closely pressed by the cavalry. 
 
 14. If it be necessary to continue the retreat for 
 some marches, under the eye of the enemy, a rear- 
 guard must be formed; selecting, from a fourth to a 
 third of the entire force, for this service. The main 
 duty of the rear-guard is to hinder the enemy from, 
 pressing too closely on the main-body; and it should 
 therefore, under no circumstances, allow itself to be 
 forced back upon the main-body. The dispositions 
 adopted by the rear-guard will depend upon the fea- 
 tures of the ground ; its rear will usuallj' be covered 
 by a line of skirmif-hers. The rear-guard will keep 
 within g(jod supporting distance of the main-body; 
 and, when pressed by the enemy, the latter, whenever 
 a favorable position offers, will halt and form ; to 
 cover the former, and force the enemy to greater cir- 
 cumspection. 
 
 lo. Measures for protracting an Engagement. — In 
 the attack, asin thedefonce, it may frequently become 
 an object to protract an engagement, witliout coming 
 to any decisive result, either for the purpose of hold- 
 ing a position for a certain time, to favor other ob- 
 jects, as the arrival of reinforcements, or to occupy 
 an adversary upon one point, whilst a decisive blow 
 is preparing on another. This game can be played 
 only upon ground favorable to alternations from the 
 defensive to the offensive, and should only be intrusted 
 to troops thoroughly conversant with tl^e duties of 
 skirmishers. The main-body is kept some two thou- 
 sand paces to the rear of the skirmishers in such atiairs, 
 
16 INFANTRY. 
 
 taking advantage of the ground, and making suitable 
 dispositions of the troops to avoid the effects of the 
 enemy's artillery. Small columns are thrown forward 
 between itself and the troops engaged, which take 
 post in covered ground, to be at hand to support the 
 skirmishers. The troops engaged should be promptly 
 reinforced, when the enemy presses onward ; and 
 attempts should be made, by charging him in flank, 
 to force him to retire. The troops in action should be 
 frequently relieved, and the opportunity should be 
 seized, when the fresh troops come up, to make an 
 onward movement on the enemy and force him from 
 any points he may have gained. 
 
 16. Defence against Cavalry. — When infantry is 
 threatened by cavalry, the proper formation to repel 
 its charge is that of squares. If but one square is 
 formed, it must rely on its own resources to beat off 
 the enemy ; but when there are several they may 
 give [mutual support, by bringing a flank fire from 
 one upon a force advancing on either of the two con- 
 tiguous to it. The safety of infantry against cavalry 
 will depend upon the preservation of perfect coolness, 
 good order, and connection in the ranks: the avoid- 
 ance of any precipitate movements which might bring 
 about a surprise ; and the husbanding of its ammuni- 
 tion, and reservation of its fire until the enemy is 
 within a deadly range. Well disciplined infantry, 
 whilst in position, and when not exposed to a fire of 
 artillery, may securely trust to its own resources to 
 repulse the best cavalry, so long as it adopts the proper 
 precautions. If annoyed, as sometimes may happen. 
 
INFANTRY. IT 
 
 by the fire of a few horpemen, advanced to draw the- 
 fire of the squares, it will be better to throw out some- 
 skirmishers, ten or twelve paces from the squares, to- 
 keep otF such attacks, than to open a fire from the 
 squares. 
 
 17. Defrncr, ^'c, agaiyist Artilleiy. — Infantry mny^ 
 take advantage, eiiher of covers presented by the fea- 
 tures of the ground, or of occasionally shifting its 
 position, to avoid the fire of artiller}-. Very slight 
 undulations, or obstructions, like the low banks along 
 the borders of ditches, will serve to cover troops, by 
 causing the shot to rise above them. If no covers arc 
 at hand, the chances of casualties, when within point- 
 blank range, may be diminished by moving forward^ 
 or backward some 50 paces ; if the fire be a ricochet, 
 the position should be shifted some 50 paces to the- 
 right or left. The enemy's batteries may be annoyed, 
 and sometimes forced to change their position, by 
 sending out good marksmen, who advance singly to- 
 within some 250 paces of them, where, lying down,, 
 they can pick off the officers, men and horses. 
 
 18. Attack of Artillery — "Whenever it is found ne- 
 cessary to carry a battery by the bayonet, the troops 
 for this duty are divided into two detachments, one 
 of which is charged with capturing the guns, and the 
 other with attacking the supports of the battery. 
 
 The dispositions made by the detachment which- 
 moves against the guns will be the usual one of skir- 
 mishers : the line surrounding the battery, and open- 
 ing their fire upon it when within about 250 paces,, 
 taking advantage for this purpose of any covers to 
 
18 CAVALRY. 
 
 screen the men. The supports of the line of skir- 
 mishers should be kept well to the rear to be ready 
 against a flank movement on the line. If this ma- 
 noeuvre succeeds in drawing the fire of the guns, and 
 any confusion is observed among the men, then a 
 rush must be immediately made upon them with the 
 bayonet. 
 
 The detachment against the supports of the bat- 
 tery will make its dispositions according to the kind 
 of troops which comj^ose the sup})orts. If of infantry, 
 the detachment to seize the guns, divided into two 
 portions, will advance either in line or column, as 
 may be best, on the flanks of the line of skirmishers, 
 gradually getting in advance of it, and closing on 
 the flanks of the battery, so as to attack the supports 
 in flank ; or else they may keep to the rear of the line 
 of skirmishers, in order to tempt the supports to 
 move forward, and thus mask the tire of their guns. 
 If the supports are of cavalry, the detachment, di- 
 vided into two columns, will follow the line of skir- 
 mishers, in rear of the flanks, to cover it against a 
 •charge of the cavalry. 
 
 CAVALRY. 
 
 19. Positmi. — This arm is usually placed in the 
 rear of the infantry, on ground favorable to its ma- 
 noeuvres, and where it will be masked from fire until 
 the moment arrives to bring it into action ; here, it 
 acting on the defensive, the cavalry watches its op- 
 portunity to support the other troops, driving back 
 the enemy, by prompt and vigorous charges, when 
 
CAVALRY, 19 
 
 these are hard pressed ; or, if on the offensive, biding 
 its time, to rush upon the assailant, and compU'te his 
 destruction, when his ranks commence to waver or 
 show signs of disorganization from the assaults of the 
 other arms. 
 
 20. Fomnrttion. — Thohabitual formation of cavalry 
 for the attack isn ia line of two ranks, with a reserve 
 or support to its rear. The supports are indispensa- 
 bly requisite to guard against those chances of danger 
 to which cavalry is particularly exposed, if attacked 
 in turn, whfn in a state of partial disorganization, 
 after a successful charge, or when threatened by an 
 offensive movement against its flanks. The supports 
 offer a safeguard gainst either of these dangers ; for, 
 if the front line is brought up by the enemy, after a 
 successful charge, it can retire and rally in the rear 
 of the supports ; and if the enemy makes a movement 
 against the flanks, the supports placed behind them 
 and in column, can form and anticijinte the enemy's 
 charge. For the foregoing reasons, cavalry should 
 not give way to a headlong pursuit after a successful 
 charge, unless its supports are at hand ; and, in cases 
 where a charge is made without supports, a portion 
 only should engage in pursuit, the rest being rallied 
 to form a support. 
 
 21. Cavalry is seldom called on to use firearms. 
 When on out-post service, or acting on the defensive 
 on ground unfavorable to charging, a portion of the 
 force may be dispersed as flankers, to hold the enemy 
 in check b}^ their fire. In this case their movements 
 are regulated in the same wav as other skirmishers. 
 
20 CAVALRY. 
 
 22. Defence. — The defensive qualities of cavalry lie 
 in the offensive. A body of cavalry which waits to 
 receive a charge of cavalry, or is exposed to a fire of 
 infantry, or artillery, must either retire or be des- 
 troyed. The essential quality of cavalry renders its 
 services invaluable in retreats where the enemy pur- 
 sues with vigor. In such cases it should be held in 
 constant readiness to take advantage of every spot 
 favorable to its action, and, by short and energetic 
 charges, force the eneni}- to move with circumspec- 
 tion. 
 
 23. AiiacV Against Infantry. — So long as infantry 
 maintains its position firmly, particularly if the 
 ground is at all unfavorable to the movements of cav- 
 alry, the chances are against a successful attack by the 
 latter. Cavalrj- should therefore either wait patiently 
 until a way is prepared for its action, by a fire of artil- 
 lery on the enemy's infantry; or until the infantry 
 has become crippled and exhausted by being kept in 
 action for some time; or else, watching its opportu- 
 nity, make a charge whilst the infantry is in motion, 
 so as to surprise it before it can form to receive the 
 attack. 
 
 Cavalry should direct its charge on that point of 
 the enemy's infantry where it will itself be exposed 
 to the least column of fire. If the infantry is in 
 line, the charge should be made on one of its flanks; 
 if in square, on one of the angles of the square; and 
 when several squares are formed, so as to afford 
 mutual support by their fire, selecting the squares on 
 the flanks as most vulnerable, from their position. 
 
CAVALRY. 21 
 
 24. The formation usually recommended for charg- 
 ing against squares, is that of three squadrons in line 
 at double distance; the leading squadron being fol- 
 lowed by the others, either directly in its rear, or 
 else the squadrons may be formed in echelon, success- 
 ively overlapping each other by about the front of a 
 platoon. The angle of the square is charged by each 
 squadron in succession, if the charge of the one pre- 
 ceding it fails, the repulsed squadrons each wheeling 
 to the right or left, on retiring, to leave the way clear 
 for its successor. A fourth squadron in column fol- 
 lows those in line, to surround the square and make 
 prisoners if it should be broken by the charge. 
 
 25. To draw the fire of the infantry before charg- 
 ing, a few skillful flankers may be thrown forward, 
 to open a fire on the square. Stratagem may also bo 
 tried, by moving along the front of the infantry, at 
 some 400 paces, and then charging, if it is tempted 
 to throw away its fire at this distance. In an attack 
 where several squares are in line, if one fires to 
 second another, it should be instantly charged. 
 
 20. Attack Against Artillery.— In attacks against 
 artillery, the detachment of cavalry should be di- 
 vided into three bodies — one-fourth of the detach- 
 ment being charged with carrying the guns, one-half 
 to attack the supporters of the battery, and the re- 
 maining fourth acting as a reserve, to cover the par- 
 ties in advance from an off'ensive movement against 
 their flanks or rear. 
 
 The party to secure the guns make their attack in 
 
22 ARTILLERY. 
 
 dispersed order, and endeavor to gain the flanks of 
 the Lattery. "When the battery has a fair sweep over 
 the ground along which they must advance, they 
 should, by manoeuvring and false attacks, try to con- 
 fuse the artillerists, and draw their fire before making 
 their charge. 
 
 The attack against the support of the battery will 
 be directed in the usual manner — the party ma- 
 noeuvring to gain their flanks. 
 
 ARTILLERY. 
 
 27. Position. — The manner of placing artillery, 
 and its employment, must be regulated by its rela- 
 tive importance under given circumstances, with 
 respect to the action of the otlier arms. 
 
 In the defensive, the principal part is usually as- 
 signed to the artillery; and the positions taken up 
 by the other arms will, therefore, be subordinate to 
 those of this arm. In offensive movements, the 
 reverse generally obtains. 
 
 28. Defence. — In defensive positions the security 
 of the batteries is of the last importance. Unless 
 the batteries are on points which are inaccessible to 
 the enemy's cavalry and infantry, they must be 
 placed under the protection of the other troops, and 
 be outflanked by them. 
 
 As in the defensive, we should be prepared to re- 
 ceive the enem}^ on every point ; the batteries must 
 be distributed along the entire front of the position 
 occupied, and on those points from which they can 
 
ARTILLERY. 23 
 
 obtain a good sweep over Iho avcnufs of approach to 
 it, the guns being masked, when the ground favors, 
 from the enemy's view, until the proper moment ar- 
 rives for opening their fire. 
 
 29. The distance between the batteries should not 
 be much over 000 paces, so that by their fire they may 
 cover well the ground intervening between them, 
 and afford mutual support; the light guns being 
 placed on the more salient points of the front, from 
 their shorter range and greater facility of ma- 
 noeuvring; the heavier guns on the more retired 
 points. Guns of various calibre should not be placed 
 in the same battory. A suflScient interval should 
 also be left between batteries of different calibre, to 
 prevent the enemy from judging, by the variations 
 in the effect of the shot, of the weight of metal 
 of the batteries. 
 
 Those positions for batteries should be avoided 
 from which the shot must pass over other troops to 
 attain the enemy; and those should be sought for 
 from which a fire can be maintained until the enemy 
 has approached even within good musket-range of 
 them. 
 
 Where the wings of a position are weak, batteries 
 of the heaviest calibre should be placed to secure 
 them. 
 
 80. A sufiicient number of pieces — selecting for 
 the object in view horse-artillery in preference to 
 any other — should be held in reserve for a moment 
 of need, to be thrown upon any point where the en- 
 
:24 ARTILLERY. 
 
 «my's progress threatens danger, or to be used in 
 •covering the retreat. 
 
 31. The collection of a large number of pieces in a 
 .single battery, is a dangerous arrangement, particu- 
 larly at the outset of an engagement. The exposure 
 of so many guns together might present a strong in- 
 ducement to the enemy, to make an eifort to carry 
 the battery, a feat the more likely to succeed as it is 
 difficult either to withdraw the guns or change their 
 position promptly, after their fire is opened; and one 
 •which, if successful, might entail a fatal disaster on 
 the assailed, from the loss of so many pieces at once. 
 
 32. In all defensive positions, the ammunition 
 should be most carefully husbanded. A fire should 
 never be opened until the enemy is within good 
 range ; and when once opened^ be continued with 
 perseverance and coolness up to the last moment in 
 -which it can be made effective. 
 
 33. Attack. — In the outset of oflfensive movements, 
 .good positions should be selected for the heaviest 
 pieces, from which they can maintain a strong fire 
 on the enemy until the lighter pieces and the columns 
 of attack are brought into action. These positions 
 should be taken on the flanks of the ground occupied 
 by the assailant, or on the centre, if more favorable 
 to the end to be attained. In all cases, wide inter- 
 vals should be left between the heavy batteries and 
 the other troops, in order that the latter may not 
 suffer from the return fire which the assailed will 
 probably open on the batteries. Tor the same reason, 
 care should be taken not to place other troops behind 
 
POSITIONS . 
 
 25 
 
 a point occupied b}^ a batterj-, where they would be 
 exposed to the return fire of the assailed ; when this 
 cannot be avoided, the troops should be so placed as 
 to be covered by any undulation of the ground, or 
 else be deployed in line to lessen the effects of the 
 shot. 
 
 34. The artillery which moves with the columns 
 of attack, should be divided into several strong bat- 
 teries, as the object in this case is to produce a deci- 
 sive impression upon a few points of the enemy's 
 line, by bringing an overwhelming fire to bear upon 
 these points. These batteries should keep near 
 enough to the other troops to be in safety from any 
 attempts of the assailed to capture them. Their 
 usual positions will be on the flanks and near the 
 heads of the columns of attack, the intervals between 
 the batteries being sufficient for the free manoeuvres 
 of the other troops in large bodies. The manoeuvres 
 of these batteries should be made with promptitude, 
 so that no time may be lost for the action of their 
 fire. They should get rapidly over unfavorable 
 ground to good positions for firing, and maintain 
 these as long as possible, detaching, in such cases, a 
 few pieces to accompany the columns of attack. Irk 
 all the movements of the batteries, great care should 
 be taken not to place them so that they shall in the 
 least impede the operations of the other troops. 
 C 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 POSITIONS. 
 
 35. Among the most important modern additions 
 to the military art, is that of topography, or the 
 study of the natural features of positions, with a 
 view to turn them to account in the first dispositions 
 for battle, and its various succeeding phases. 
 
 36. It is only by this study that the coup d'ceil 
 militab^e, or the art of disposing troops in harmony 
 with the ground on which they are to act, can be 
 brought to any high degree of perfection, whatever 
 may be the natural gifts of the individual. 
 
 37. This study is not altogether of modern origin. 
 Among the ancients, some of the Greek generals 
 have given evidence of a feeling of its importance, 
 as in the examples of Epaminondas, Xenophon, 
 Alexander, and particularly of Philopcemen. The 
 Komans, although having adopted an order of battle 
 which lent itself better to varied features of ground 
 than that of the Greeks, still showed but little 
 knowledge of this branch, until after the wars with 
 Pyrrhus, when the art of Castrametation underwent 
 some change with them. 
 
 38. The tactics which grew out of the French 
 
POSITIONS. 27 
 
 Revolution gave to topography great prominence; 
 and no general perhaps has ever displayed more con- 
 summate attainments in this respect than Napoleon, 
 whose descriptive memoirs — particularly of the Alps 
 — are considered as models for all graphic writings, 
 presenting with clearness and comprehensiveness, a 
 picture that the mind's eye cannot fail to seize, 
 
 39. The term position is applied to any ground 
 taken up by a body of troops either to make, or to 
 receive an attack. 
 
 40. To select a position understandingly, an officer 
 must possess a thorough practical knowledge of the 
 tactical combinations of the different arms, their re- 
 spective qualifications for the offensive and defensive, 
 and of the adaptation of ground to their particular 
 manoeuvres. 
 
 41. In choosing a position, the ground must be ex- 
 amined not only with respect to its peculiar suitable- 
 ness to the object in view, but also with reference 
 to the influence of that in its vicinity upon this 
 object. 
 
 42. The first point to be looked to is the extent of 
 the position. This should be such that, deduction 
 made of the advanced posts and of the reserve, its 
 front and flanks shall present an unbroken line of 
 troops, from which a close and well-sustained fire 
 can be brought upon all points by which these can 
 be approached. 
 
 In estimating the front of a position, an allow- 
 ance of about 180 yards may be made for each bat- 
 talion, from 600 to 700 strong; about GO yards for 
 
28 POSITIONS. 
 
 each squadron of horse of 48 files, the necessary in- 
 tervals between these units being ineludod in this 
 estimate; and from 12 to 20 yards for the interval 
 between the pieces of a battery. 
 
 In estinijiting the depth, an !ilK)wance of GOO to 
 800 yards, at least, should be made from the front 
 to the rear, in order that the two lines and the re- 
 serve may be posted in suitable relative juisitimis for 
 good support. 
 
 43. The position should offer no features by which 
 the prompt movement of troops from one point to 
 another, for mutual support, might be obstructed. 
 Its debouches to the front for otfensive movements, 
 as well as those to its rear in case of retreat, should 
 be ample. It should be beyond the ei!ective can- 
 non range of commtinding heiglits, both on its front 
 and flanks. 
 
 44. The flunks being the weakest points of a bod}' 
 of troops, must be secured from being turned or at- 
 tacked, by resting them upon some strong natural 
 feature of the jiosition, as a river, preciitice, Sec, 
 whieh the enemy can neitluT turn nor seize upon; 
 or else on some point that will aflord sufficient 
 means of prolonging the resistance to eimble rein- 
 forcements to reach it in time, as an iiitrenehed vil- 
 lage,* a field work, &v. AVlien the flanks cannot 
 be secured in either of tlu'se ways, the}- must be 
 strengthened by an accumulation of troops upon 
 
 "See Chapters VII, IX, X, and XI. Mahan's Field Fortifi- 
 CRtiou, on Intrcnchnu'nt.s, Ac, of I'ositions, &c. 
 
POSITIONS. 29 
 
 them, to offer a vigorous resistance to the enemy 
 should he attempt an attack. 
 
 45. PosHioiis for i/ie Defensive. — When a position 
 is taken up to maintain a strictly defensive attitude, 
 the natural features of its front should be of a 
 character to prevent an enemy from approjicliing in 
 good order, and to enable the assailed to dispute 
 with advantage every foot of ground. The enemy, 
 moreover, should not be able to turn the position 
 when it is unavoidably exposed to this manoeuvre, 
 without great risk to his own safety, by an offensive 
 movement of the assailed on his flanks or rear. 
 
 46. The manner of disposing and handling troops 
 in a defensive position will mainly depend upon its 
 natural features. The only rule that can be laid 
 down is, to post the different arms upon ground best 
 adapted to their respective tactics, and in such rela- 
 tive positions as to afford mutual support, and not 
 impede each other's movements. 
 
 47. The obstructions on the front and flanks of 
 the position will be occupied by the advanced-guard, 
 formed of light troops of each arm, if the ground 
 is favorable to their combined action, for the pur- 
 pose of observing the enemy and holding him in 
 check if he makes an onward movement. 
 
 48. The main body of the infantry will occupy 
 every point between the obstacles on which the flanks 
 rest in such a manner tliat no intervals shall be pre- 
 sented through which the enemy can penetrate 
 without being exposed to a close and powerful line 
 of fire. 
 
so POSITIONS. 
 
 49. The artillery will be placed on those points 
 whore it can have a commanding view of the ground 
 in advance of the position, and sweep by its fire the 
 approaches of the enemy, both in front and flank. 
 
 50. The cavalry, posted in rear of the infiintry, 
 should occupy ground upon which it can make effect- 
 ive charges to support the infantry when pressed by 
 the enemy. 
 
 51. In posting troops on obstructed ground, care 
 should be taken not to place them on points where 
 they can only be idle spectators of the combat, 
 either from the impossibility of their being ap- 
 proached by the enemy, or from their not being 
 able to join the enemy at the proper moment. In 
 like manner, those points should be avoided where, 
 from obstacles in their rear, the safety of the troops 
 might be compromised in case of retreat. When- 
 ever it becomes necessary to dispute the possession 
 of the latter class of points with the enemy, the 
 avenues to the rear must be occupied by detachments 
 of suitable strength, to secure the retreat of the 
 troops in advance. 
 
 52. In order that the necessary manoeuvres may be 
 promptly executed, without confusion, and to avoid 
 offering a mark that might attract the enemy's fire, 
 and occasion useless exposure, no more troops should 
 be placed on any point than its defence may indis- 
 pensably require; and whenever it becomes requisite 
 to strengthen a weak point, by an accumulation of 
 troops upon it, every advantage should be taken of 
 the undulations, or other accident of the ground, to 
 
POSITIONS. 31 
 
 mask them from the enemy's fire until the moment 
 arrives for bringing them into action. 
 
 53. The vaUie of obstacles, as supports for the 
 flanks, or as obstructions in the front, or rear of a 
 position, is altogether relative, and depends on the 
 number of troops. A very slight obstacle on a flank, 
 which will serve to hold the enemy in check but a 
 few minutes, may answer all the purposes of a small 
 body of troops, by enabling them to make such 
 changes in their dispositions as the nature of the case 
 may call for ; whereas a large body, under like cir- 
 cumstances, might be overwhelmed on their flank 
 before they could make suitable manoeuvres to prevent 
 it. A broken, obstructed country to the rear, pre- 
 senting few and narrow avenues of retreat, might be 
 fatal to a large body of troops forced to retire in the 
 face of an enemy ; whereas, to a small body, the same 
 features of ground might present many points where 
 strong positions could be momentarily taken up to 
 hold the enemy in check, and force him to pursue 
 slowly and circumspectly. 
 
 54. When it is found that the enemy is moving 
 upon the position, the advanced-guard makes suitable 
 dispositions to hold him in check, by occupying with 
 its skirmishers all the obstacles in its front and flanks ; 
 when forced to retire upon the main position, these 
 troops concentrate more and more as they approach 
 it, taking care not to mask the fire, or impede the 
 action of the main -body. 
 
 55. The artillery will only open its fire when the 
 enemy is within a destructive range; it will then con- 
 
32 POSITIONS. 
 
 centrate its efforts against the columns of attack ; not 
 replying to the fire of the enemy's batteries, unless 
 it becomes urgent to do so, from their effects upon the 
 other troops. The artillery will maintain its posi- 
 tions with pertinacity, as long as possible, watching 
 its opportunities, during the different phases of the 
 action, to support and succor the other arms; as, for 
 example, when it becomes necessary to replace the 
 front line of infantry by the reserve, to advance the 
 cavalry, when the other arms are obstinately disput- 
 ing a decisive point, or when the enemy abandons 
 the attack. The great mobility of field-artillery, 
 owing to more recent improvements, places it in the 
 power of this arm to act with great boldness in sup- 
 port of the others. The ground over which the guns 
 may be required to move, for this purpose, should be 
 well examined, before the attack commences, by the 
 officer commanding the artillery, that no delays may 
 occur in bringing them into action upon the proper 
 point at the proper moment. 
 
 56. The main-body of the infantry should not open 
 its fire until it can be thrown in with deadly effect. 
 If the enemy, unchecked by the fire, still pushes for- 
 ward, he must be met by a charge, either in line, or 
 column, from the point menaced; a portion of the 
 reserve immediately closing the interval left by the 
 troops making the charge. 
 
 57. The reserve should not be brought into action 
 unless its co-operation is indispensable for obtaining 
 some decisive result; as forcing the enemy back from 
 some important point from which the main-body has 
 
POSITIONS. 33 
 
 "been compelled to retire, or covering the retreat o 
 the main-body, until it can rally and form again in 
 the rear. 
 
 58. The cavalry must be in readiness, from its 
 position, to act promptly, either against any attempt 
 upon the flanks of the infantry, or to profit by any 
 faults, or disorder of the enemy. If the enemy 
 throws forward small detachments without suj)port- 
 ing them properly, or advances his main line without 
 securing his flanks, or shows symptoms of confusion 
 in his infantry, the opportunity should not be lost by 
 the cavalry. In all movements of the infantry, 
 either in advancing or retiring, the cavalry should 
 be at hand to cover it from a sudden attack. 
 
 59. If the enemy is beaten off, pursuit is made, 
 either by the cavalry or by detachments of infantry, 
 according to the features of the ground, whilst the 
 main-body is promptly rallied, and placed in position 
 to receive the cnem}' should the attack be renewed. 
 
 60. The dispositions for a retreat will depend upon 
 the circumstances under which it may be made, 
 ^hen the troops retire by successive lines, the greater 
 portion of the artillery should always be in the line 
 nearest the enemy, and between the battalions ; the 
 remainder being in the second line, ready to repulse 
 any flank attack. The cavalry is posted in the rear 
 of the second line, either upon one, or both wings, 
 to be in readiness for a charge at any moment. 
 
 61. "When the entire force moves oft' together, the 
 rear is secured by a rear-guard of the best troops, 
 composed of one or several arms, as the circumstances 
 
34 POSITIONS. 
 
 of the ground may require. The rear-guard will 
 profit by the features of the ground to check the 
 enemy, but will be careful not to lose time, by pro- 
 longing unnecessarily the resistance on any point, 
 as this might bring the main force of the enemy 
 upon it. 
 
 62. Great circumspection should be shown in 
 retreating through obstructed ground, in watching 
 the enemy's movements on the flanks, and in timely 
 securing defiles leading to the rear, to prevent the 
 enemy from cutting off the retreat. 
 
 63. Attack. — An enemy may be made to abandon 
 a defensive position, either by driving him from it, 
 or by manoeuvring to turn it, and so force him to 
 fall back to secure his line of communications. In 
 attempting the latter plan, it should not be forgotten 
 that the assailant is, to a greater or less degree, 
 exposed to the same danger as his adversary, who, if 
 active and enterprising, may turn the tables on him- 
 
 The celebrated battle of Eivoli, in which a portion 
 of the Austrian force turned the flank of the French 
 position, and was there obliged to lay down their 
 arms, — Napoleon, using on that occasion, when these 
 troops were discovered in his rear, one of those mag- 
 ical expressions, '■'•Those are o^«•s," b}'' which he so 
 well understood how to electrify the soldier, — is a 
 remarkable example on this head. The battle of 
 Buena-Vista, where the Mexicans, after turning the 
 flank and gaining the rear of our troops, barely 
 escaped a similar fate, is another; whilst that of 
 Cerro-Gordo is as remarkable for the masterly and 
 
POSITIONS. 35 
 
 admirable manner in which the enemy's position was 
 turned and carried, although resting upon ground 
 which was fairly deemed impracticable by him, 
 
 64. In planning the attack of a position, attention 
 must, in the first place, be directed to those points in 
 which its main strength resides, and for this reason 
 termed the key-points, the loss of which will force 
 the assailed to retire. As the assailed will probably 
 put forth all his efforts to maintain these points, their 
 attack will demand corresponding exertions on the 
 part of the assailant, and should be made only with 
 troops of the best character. 
 
 65. In the second place, those points must be care- 
 fully examined, which, by their fire, flank the posi- 
 tion, as an advance upon its front cannot be made 
 without great losss and hazard of success until the 
 assailed is dislodged from them. 
 
 66. Finally, points which are weak, either from 
 the features of the ground, or from a faulty disposi- 
 tion of the troops; as approaches which are badly 
 swept by the fire of the assailed; an exposed flank 
 with too few troops; or a point where they are not 
 properly placed for mutual support. 
 
 67. The main effort of the assailant is seldom 
 directed against more than one point of the position ; 
 that one being usually selected which, if carried, will 
 lead to the most decisive results; as, for example, one 
 of the flanks, when not resting upon any strong- 
 obstacles. But the main attack is always combined 
 with demonstrations upon some other point, both 
 with a view of deceiving the assailed as to the real 
 
S6 POSITIONS. 
 
 point of attack, and to prevent him from withdraw- 
 ing troops from other points to strengthen the one 
 menaced. • 
 
 68. These demonstrations, or false attacks are, in 
 some cases, made h^^ the advanced-guard of the assail- 
 ant, after driving in that of the assailed; in others, 
 by a special detachment. In the latter case, the 
 detachment should seldom exceed a fourth of the 
 entire force, and should be composed of troops of each 
 arm, both for its own safety against any offensive 
 movement, and to present to the assailed a likelihood 
 of danger. 
 
 69. The advanced-guard, composed of light troops 
 of each arm, commences the attack, by driving in the 
 iidvanced posts of the assailed, keeping within sup- 
 porting distance of the main-body, and occupying 
 such points as may be necessary to cover its manoeu- 
 vres, or to secure its retreat in case of failure. If a 
 reconnoissance of the position has not been previously 
 made, it will be effected under cover of the move- 
 ments of the advanced-guard. 
 
 70. The artillery takes position where it can silence 
 the batteries of the assailed, and prepare the way for 
 the advance of the other troops. The infantry is 
 usually formed in two columns for the real attack; 
 the leading column being sometimes preceded by an 
 advance. A part of the artillery advances either in 
 one body, or echelon, on the flank of the column of 
 attack, the leading section preceding, by about a 
 hundred paces, the head of the column of attack. If 
 the column of attack deploys to open its fire, the 
 
POSITIONS. 37 
 
 artillery moves to one of its flanks and seconds it by 
 a fire of case shot. If the column charges with the 
 bayonet, the advanced portion of artillery retires to 
 the position of that in the rear, to be ready to cover 
 the infantry by its fire, if the attack fails. The cav- 
 alry follows in the rear of the infantr}^ to secure its 
 flanks from any offensive movement, and to hold the 
 assailed in check, should he attempt a pursuit after 
 beating off the infantry. 
 
 71. If the attack is successful, the artillery and the 
 greater portion of the infantry are immediately 
 formed in good order, to be in readiness for anj- 
 emergency, the pursuit being left to the cavalry and 
 some detachments of infantry. In case of failure, 
 the troops engaged fall back under cover of those in 
 their rear ; the artillery, by a well-directed fire, and 
 the cavalry by opportune charges, holding the enemy 
 in check, until order is re-established in the retiring 
 troops, as a preliminary to a retreat, or to a renewal 
 of the attack. 
 
 72. Pos'itmis in Obstructed Ground. — This term 
 may bo applied to localities where the ground, al- 
 though level, is cut up by ditches, hedges, broken 
 roads, «&c., which obstruct the free movement of 
 troops. 
 
 73. Positions of this character are more favorable 
 to the defensive than the offensive. As, from the 
 nature of the case, connected movements are, for the 
 most part, impracticable, the commander will find it 
 difficult to direct the engagement, and must rely 
 
38 POSITIONS. 
 
 upon the judgment and skill of his subordinates for 
 its successful issue. 
 
 74. The general disposition of the troops will be 
 in dispersed order. There will be but few opportu- 
 nities for the action of cavalry ; and the artillery- 
 can seldom find positions to act in mass. The light 
 cavalry and light pieces may be placed in front, 
 wherever they can act with advantage, and support 
 the infantry. The supports and reserves should be 
 kept well to the rear of the troops engaged, to be 
 ready to meet the enemy, should he attempt to turn 
 the flanks — a manoeuvre to which obstructed ground 
 is frequently favorable. The heav}' cavalry and 
 heavy artillery take post to the rear, at any point 
 which may offer a good position to cover the 
 retreat. 
 
 75. The attack, like the defense, will be mainly 
 conducted by the infantry and some light pieces, 
 the infantry acting as skirmishers, and the artillery 
 being employed to force any opening that may offer 
 for the advance of the infantry. Whenever the ar- 
 tillery gets a good position, it should endeavor to 
 keep it as long as practicable. The cavalry can effect 
 but little, as the enemy's, even if inferior in strength, 
 may watch its opportunities, from behind obstacles, 
 to make short and successful charges. The artillery 
 not in action will occupy the roads at points to the 
 rear most suitable for covering the retreat, if the 
 attack fails. 
 
 76. In positions of a mixed character, presenting 
 alternations of open and obstructed ground, the troops 
 
POSITIONS. 39 
 
 on the defensive must guard with great care every 
 accessible point at which the assailant can dthouclie 
 from the obstructed upon the open portions. A 
 strong fire of heavy artillery should be brought to 
 bear upon these points; and cavalry should be posted 
 in places where they can be masked from the enemy's 
 fire, and be at hand to charge the assailant, as he at- 
 tempts to dlhouchc. These efforts should be seconded 
 by the bayonets of the infantry, if a favorable op- 
 portunity occurs. 
 
 77. The obstructed ground to the rear must be 
 strongly occupied, to secure the retreat, by posting 
 light troops under the cover aftbrded by the skirts of 
 woods, by ditches bordered with trees and hedges, 
 &c.; and advantage must be taken of every small de- 
 file, to dispute the ground inch by inch. 
 
 78. In the phases of engagements in positions of 
 this character, the defense must frequently be accom- 
 modated to the troops at hand, as in the confusion 
 of the most orderly retreat, in such cases, it is im- 
 practicable to preserve that connection between the 
 movements of the different arms which would be 
 best for mutual support. If the assailant, by discon- 
 nected movements, or a disorderly pursuit, laj's him- 
 self open to an attack, it should be made and pressed 
 with vigor, or not at all. 
 
 79. In the attack of mixed positions, the supports 
 and reserves should be kept well to the rear, whilst 
 the troops are engaged in the obstructed portions, to 
 guard against oftensive movements on the flanks by 
 the assailed. Those engaged should close in as the 
 
40 POSITIONS. 
 
 ground opens, to prepare to dhhouche upon it in force, 
 in ■which operation the infantry must be covered by 
 the cavalry and artillery. In advancing upon the 
 obstructed ground, the waj- must be prepared for an 
 attack with the bayonet, by a heavy fire of artil- 
 lery, directed particularly upon the most accessible 
 points. 
 
 Operations of this character demand extreme pru- 
 dence and forethought. Every forward movement 
 must be made with great caution ; every point gained 
 must be well secured, and its possession disputed with 
 tenacity if the assailed attempts to repossess himself 
 of it. In no other way can the troops engaged be 
 kept well in hand, and be prevented from the confu- 
 sion and danger of a hasty pursuit. 
 
 80. Positions in Forests. — In occupying a forest 
 defensively', the skirts and the openings to it, as 
 roads j &c., must be strongly guarded by a line of 
 skirmishers with its supports and reserves, and by 
 artillery so placed as to sweep in flank those points 
 which are most accessible, as the salient portions, 
 and the roads. The line of skirmishers, besides avail- 
 ing themselves of the natural covers of the position, 
 as trees, ravines, &c., will form abatis in front of the 
 more accessible points; and the cannon, in like man- 
 ner, should be covered by epaulments, when suitable 
 means are at hand. 
 
 81. The main-bodj- will take up a central position, 
 on ground favorable to the defense, covering its 
 flanks by marshes, or other like obstacles, strength- 
 ening, if requisite, its front by abatis ; and guarding 
 
POSITIONS. 41 
 
 all the approaches by a suitable disposition of its 
 heavy artillery. The points of junction of roads 
 leading to the front should be strongly occupied and 
 strengthened, when practicable, by field-works, 
 
 82. The space between the skirts of the wood and 
 the central position should be obstinately disputed, 
 advantage being taken of any clearings that may oc- 
 cur, to post light pieces and cavalry in ambush near 
 them, to drive back the assailant, as he debouches on 
 the open ground. 
 
 83. As cavalry can only act, under such circum- 
 stances in small detachments, the main body of it 
 will take position to the rear, to cover the retreat of 
 the other troops from the forest, and check the assail- 
 ant in debouching from it. 
 
 84. The attack will be directed on the salient por- 
 tions, and upon the entrances of the forest; first, by 
 a heavy fire of artillery, to drive back the infantry, 
 and force the guns of the assailed to retire. This 
 will be followed up by a rapid attack in line, with 
 the bayonet on those points, whilst demonstra- 
 tions are made against the others occupied by the 
 assailed. 
 
 If the attack with the bayonet succeeds, the troops 
 must secure the points seized before pushing for- 
 ward in pursuit, placing some cannon and troops 
 at the most suitable points, to cover the retreat, 
 should the assailed make a strong oflfensive move- 
 ment. 
 
 85. The pursuit should be made firmly but cau- 
 tiously, the skirmishers leading and rooting out the 
 
 D 
 
42 POSITIONS. 
 
 assailed from every strong cover ; some field-pieces 
 and 'a column of infantry, each secured by skir- 
 mishers on their flanks, following upon the main 
 road with a detachment of cavalry well to the rear, 
 but within supporting distance, to act according to 
 the emergency. 
 
 86. If the assailed makes a firm stand at his cen- 
 tral position, an attack upon his front will not 
 only be bloody, hut of doubtful success ; an attempt 
 should therefore be made to turn his flanks, whilst 
 he is occupied in front by demonstrations and false 
 attacks. 
 
 If the assailed retires, the pursuit will be made by 
 some light pieces, followed by the infantry and cav- 
 alry, the difl^erent arms being employed according to 
 the varying circumstances of the ground. 
 
 87. Positions iji Mountains. — The best and only 
 safe system of defense in mountainous positions is to 
 occupy with the main-body a central point, at which 
 the principal passes meet, and be always in a state of 
 readiness to act off'ensively against the enemy, on 
 whatever point he may advance, throwing forward 
 strong detachments in the principal passes to observe 
 the enemy, and offer a vigorous resistance, in order 
 to force him to develop his plan of attack. So soon 
 as it is ascertained on what point the principal force 
 of the enemy is concentrated, the main-body will 
 advance from the central position to a point where 
 it will be secure from a flank attack, to act offen- 
 sively. The detachments on the other passes will act 
 
POSITIONS. 43 
 
 on the flanks of the enemy by cross-roads, if they 
 can do so, or will try to fall on his rear. 
 
 88. When circumstances constrain to a passive de- 
 fense, a position must be taken up cither across or 
 along the valle}-, which will best secure the flanks, 
 and cover the line of communication. 
 
 89. The attack in mountainous positions is con- 
 ducted on the same principle as the defense. The 
 assailed must be threatened on every point, by throw- 
 ing columns into the several passes, whilst the main- 
 body advances along one of the principal lines. If 
 the assailed maintains a strict defensive, the several 
 columns unite and make the attack ; if he assumes 
 the offensive, the principal columns must be rein- 
 forced, and an attempt be made to throw detach- 
 ments on his flanks and rear, to force him to fall 
 back. The flanks of the troops in column, advanc- 
 ing in the valleys, must be covered by detachments 
 of skirmishers on the heights. 
 
 90. The attack will be made mainly by the in- 
 fantry, as skirmishers. A strong line of fire must be 
 maintained with great pertinacity; the supports 
 must be kept well to the rear ; the reserve and main- 
 body holding the points of junction of the roads 
 leading to the front, and not advancing until the en- 
 gagement is well under way. 
 
 Great prudence must be shown in advancing, as 
 the troops engaged are liable at any moment to an 
 attack on their flank. If the assailed attempts this 
 manoeuvre, the line of skirmishers must hold on per- 
 tinaciously to the ground gained, whilst the supports 
 
44 POSITIONS. 
 
 •display and keep the enemy in check, until the re- 
 serves can be brought up to repel the attack with the 
 bayonet. As the line of skirmishers force back the 
 assailed, the main-body follows in column along the 
 valley, its flanks being secured by skirmishers on the 
 heights. If opposed by the assailed, the main -body 
 must attack with vigor, to carry its point promptly, 
 as those engaged in front have no chance of being 
 relieved. 
 
 91. There is here seldom any field of action for 
 cavalry ; the main portion of this force will there- 
 fore be kept to the rear, occupying the points of 
 junction of the passes. Small detachments of dra- 
 goons may occasionally do good service in front, 
 making charges, or fighting on foot, as the opportu- 
 nity ofi'ers. 
 
 92. The artillery can seldom find positions ofi" the 
 roads. A few light pieces, which can be placed in 
 position on the heights and be well served, may fre- 
 quently produce very decisive results. When it is 
 necessary to open a way for the main-body to ad- 
 vance, at points of peculiar strength, it should be 
 done by the heaviest pieces. The horse-artillery will 
 usually be attached to the troops charged with making 
 a demonstration on the flanks of the enemy's posi- 
 tion, through the secondary passes. 
 
 93. As the assailed will probably obstruct the 
 passes by abatis or other obstacles, a detachment of 
 engineer troops should accompany each column, 
 being kept always at hand to clear away the ob- 
 structions. 
 
POSITIONS. 45 
 
 94. Positions near Rivers. — Positions may be se- 
 lected near rivers, either for the defensive, to pre- 
 vent an enemy from passing, or for the offensive, to 
 force a passage. ^ 
 
 95. A position for guarding a river should be se- 
 lected at some central point, from which the troops 
 can be rapidly marched to oppose the enemy wher- 
 ever he may attempt to cross. Small posts are 
 established along the course of the river, at the 
 most suitable points for observing the enemy, and 
 communicating to the rear intelligence of his move- 
 ments. 
 
 So soon as it is known that a decided attempt is 
 to be made at any point, the cavalry, with some bat- 
 teries of horse-artillor}', will move to oppose it. If, 
 on reaching the point, it is found that the enemy has 
 succeeded in throwing over a portion of his forces, 
 they must be vigorously attacked by successive 
 charges of cavalry, and by a persevering fire of the 
 artillery. If the ground is obstructed so that the 
 cavalry cannot charge, the dragoons should dismount 
 and act as skirmishers. Positions should be selected 
 by the artillery, where it can take that of the enemy 
 on the opposite bank in flank, the object being to si- 
 lence it or to draw off its fire, to enable the cavalry 
 to act. Everything here depends on lengthening the 
 affair, and preventing the enemy from reinforcing 
 the troops that have passed, until the main-body can 
 arrive from the central position, to support the cav- 
 alry and artillery engaged. 
 
 96. The passage of a river in the face of an enemy 
 
46 POSITIONS. 
 
 is an operation of extreme difficulty, and every 
 means should therefore be employed to deceive the 
 enemy and draw off his attention from the point 
 selected for the passage. The bridge-train and other 
 requisites being in a state of readiness, the night- 
 time is selected as most favorable to a successful 
 issue. 
 
 The point selected to pass a river in the face of an 
 enemy, should combine several properties, as a posi- 
 tion, to give the assailant a decided advantage over 
 the assailed. The river at this point should be nar- 
 row, so that the bridge may be rapidly constructed; 
 the banks should form a bend towards the assailant, 
 to enable him to plant his batteries in a position to 
 concentrate their fire on that part of the ground on 
 the opposite bank where the troops must form, care 
 being taken that these batteries are not exposed to 
 enfilading fire from those assailed, within the proper 
 range for this fire; the ground near the landing place 
 on the ojiposite shore should present covers, in order 
 that the troops passed over in boats, before the bridge 
 is ready, may not be exposed to the artillery and cav- 
 alry of the assailed, and may be enabled to maintain 
 their position until reinforced by the main-body. 
 If there are islands near the point of landing, from 
 which a fire of artillery and infantry can be brought 
 to bear on the assailed, they should be occupied by 
 infantry and some field-pieces, particularly if they 
 are wooded, or offer other covers. 
 
 97. In moving upon the point, silence and perfect 
 order should be preserved throughout. Batteries of 
 
POSITIONS. 47 
 
 the heaviest guns are placed at the most suitable 
 points, to bring a converging fire to bear upon the 
 approaches to the landing on the opposite shore. 
 Light troops are thrown over in boats, to occupy the 
 ground in advance of the landing, which troops, if 
 discovered by the advanced posts of the enemy, 
 should bo rapidly reinforced. So soon as the bridge 
 is ready, an advanced-guard, composed of troops of 
 all arms, will pass and take position, to cover the 
 formation of the main-body. The advanced-guard 
 will mainly keep on the defensive, acting with great 
 prudence, not to oflfer any advantage to the enemy, 
 its task being to gain time for the rest of the forces 
 to pass. 
 
 98. The, order in which the main-body should 
 pass must be regulated by the character of the 
 ground and the resistance oflTered by the enemy. Usu- 
 ally, a portion of the heavy guns follow the ad- 
 vanced-guard, and take position to check the enemy ; 
 and these are followed by the main-body of the in- 
 fantry, the main-body of the cavalry with its bat- 
 teries of horse-artillery passing last. In other cases, 
 it may be best to throw over the cavalry and horse- 
 artillery before the other troops. 
 
 99. The task imposed upon the batteries of cover- 
 ing the passage, is of the greatest moment. Careful 
 attention should be given to the management of their 
 fire, directing it, in all cases, upon that portion of 
 the enemy's force whose presence is most threat- 
 ening. 
 
 100. A retreat across a river, when pressed by the 
 
48 POSITIONS. 
 
 enemy, is of all operations the most difficult, and re- 
 quires every auxiliary means to save the retreating 
 force from destruction.- The point selected for the 
 passage should have the same requisites as one for 
 the offensive, and its natural strength should be in- 
 creased by field works, in order that the enemy may 
 be kept from pressing too hotly upon the rear of the 
 troops that pass the last. 
 
 In a retreat of this character, all the usual strata- 
 gems for deceiving an enemy nxust be resorted to be- 
 fore commencing the movement, so that time suffi- 
 cient may be gained for making the necessary dispo- 
 sitions to secure the point of passage, as well as to 
 gain a march or two in advance. The heavy artil- 
 lery should be dispatched at an early moment to the 
 rear, to take a position on the opposite shore, for 
 covering the passage. The rest of the force, cov- 
 ered by a strong rear-guard, formed of the best 
 troops, will effect their passage generally in an in- 
 verse order to ihat followed in one for the offen- 
 sive. 
 
 One of the worst dangers to be guarded against is 
 the confusion caused by hurry. To avoid this, the 
 arrangements for the march of the different bodies 
 should be made with the greatest care, so that 
 each may reach, at the proper moment, the point 
 of passage. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 
 
 101. To keep an enemy in ignorance of the state 
 of our forces and the character of our position is one 
 of the most indispensable duties in war. It is in 
 this way that we oblige him to take every possible 
 precaution in advancing ; forcing him to feel his way 
 step by step, and to avoid risking his own safety in 
 hazarding those bold and rapid movements which, 
 when made against a feeble or an unprepared enemy, 
 lead to the most brilliant results. 
 
 102. This object is effected by placing between the 
 position occupied by the main force and the presumed 
 direction of the enemy, a body detached from the 
 main force, but acting always with reference to it, 
 termed an Advanced- Guard. 
 
 This term is used for any body of troops so separa- 
 ted from the main-body, whatever its strength and 
 composition, and whether the troops be in position or 
 on a march. 
 
 103. For a large force, the advanced-guard is ne- 
 cessarily composed of troops of all arms, its strength 
 being proportioned to that of the main force ; — the 
 more or less resistance of an independent character it 
 maybe required to make; — and the greater or less 
 
50 POSITIONS. 
 
 extent it may be found necessary to embrace by its 
 advanced-posts, on the front and flanks, to watch and 
 anticipate every movement of the enemy. 
 
 The proportion of the advanced-guard to the main- 
 body may vary from a third to a fifth of the total 
 force. In armies of some strength, or large corps-(V 
 arniee, particularly where the nature of the country 
 requires a wide development of advanced-posts, the 
 larger proportion is demanded ; as at least one-third 
 or even one-half of its strength will be required for 
 the advanced-post service. In a small force of two 
 or three thousand men, one-fifth will usually be all 
 that can be well spared for the same purposes. 
 
 104. Our purpose, in all cases, should be to keep 
 the enem}'- in a state of uncertainty as to our actual 
 force and movements, and this can be eflfected only 
 by keeping constantly between him and our main- 
 body a force of sufficient strength to offer an obstinate 
 resistance, if necessary, to every attempt he may 
 openly make to gain information, and even to act 
 ofFensively against him, when occasion offers, so as 
 to keep him in doubt as to the actual character and 
 number of troops before him ; the old military axiom 
 being always kept in mind, that " a swot^d opporttme- 
 ly draron fr^equently keeps another hack in its scabbard." 
 
 105. In all defensive positions, the advanced-guard 
 and its advanced-posts should retire slowly but cir- 
 cumspectly, so that the main-body npy have time to 
 take all its defensive measures. In the offensive, the 
 attack of the advanced-guard should be decided and 
 vigorous; pressing upon the enemy at every point, 
 
rosiTiONs. 51 
 
 and leaving nothing undone to demoralize him, by 
 the confusion which so often follows from an impetu- 
 ous onset. 
 
 106. AVhilst in position, the advanced -guard should 
 take advantage oi the natural, or other obstacles on 
 its front and flanks which are within supporting dis- 
 tance, to strengthen itself, and gain supports for its 
 advanced-posts. In this way, its means of resistance, 
 whether acting offensively, or otherwise, may be 
 greatly augmented. Ground of this character, taken 
 up by the troops, should not be abandoned without 
 very cogent reasons for it ; since, should circumstan- 
 ces bring about a forward movement, it might cost 
 more to regain what was given up than to have main- 
 tained it obstinately at first. 
 
 107. The ground to be taken by an advanced-guard, 
 and embraced within its advanced-posts, should be 
 carefully chosen. To take position where the move- 
 ments of the enemy can be well watched, whilst our 
 own troops are kept concealed, and not liable to a 
 sudden attack, either in front or flank, are the desid- 
 erata in such cases. If, in following this guide, it 
 should lead to a development of advanced-posts which 
 would be too weak at any point for a tolerable resist- 
 ance, there remains but the alternative to retire slowly 
 before the enemy, — taking care that he do not slip 
 behind the out-posts and their supports, — ujDon some 
 central point to the rear, where the advanced-posts, 
 united to the troops in reserve, may make a good 
 stand, and from which, if the chances are favorable, 
 
52 POSITIONS. 
 
 they may advance upon the enemy, and make him 
 pay dearly for his temerity. 
 
 108. In all affairs of advanced-guards great circum- 
 spection is to be shown, both by ttie officer in com- 
 mand of the advanced-guard, in throwing forward 
 fresh troops to strengthen a point assailed, as well as 
 on the part of the general-in-chief, in sustaining the 
 advanced-guard by weakening his main-body. These 
 are points that can only be decided upon the spot. 
 The safer rule, in all cases, is not to weaken the main 
 defence, or main attack, by detaching from it, to sup- 
 port a feeble point. If the force engaged, under such 
 circumstances, does not suffice for its own defence, it 
 is best for it to fall back in time, and, taking position 
 with the main body, endeavor, by their combined 
 efforts, to turn the scales of victory in their favor. 
 
 109. The duties of advanced-guards being so much 
 more frequently to feel and occupy an enemy, pre- 
 paratory to some decisive blow by the main body, 
 than to engage him with a view to follow up any 
 advantage gained, it follows, as a matter of course, 
 that they should be composed of the most efficient 
 and active light troops at the general's disposal. 
 Such troops, in the hands of a bold, energetic, but 
 prudent leader, will be the right arm of an army. 
 Prompt on all occasions, never taken at fault, they 
 keep the enemy constantly occupied, harrass him 
 with fatiguing precautions to secure his flanks and 
 rear, whilst their own force is kept relieved from 
 these annoyances, and always fresh for any great 
 emergency. 
 
POSITIONS. 63 
 
 110. Advanced Posts. — The duties of the advanced 
 posts are the same whether the troops are stationary, 
 or in movement: they are, 1. To keep a good look- 
 out for the enemy, and when in his immediate pres- 
 ence to take all means to be accurately informed of 
 his strength, position and movements; 2. Should the 
 enemy advance, to hold him in check long enough 
 to give the main body ample time to be prepared for 
 his attack. 
 
 111. By a faithful discharge of these duties, the 
 whole army can, at all times, and under all circum- 
 stances, be kept in a state of readiness for action, 
 without subjecting the soldier to any fatigue beyond 
 the ordinary physical endurance of a well-developed 
 
 .manhood, as but a small portion, comparatively, of 
 the forces present is required to watch over the safety 
 of the rest, and can therefore be frequently relieved, 
 so that every one may have time sufficient for the 
 repose demanded after extraordinary exertions. 
 
 112. The object being to secure the front and flanks 
 of the position, occupied by the main body, from any 
 attempt either to reconnoitre, or attack it, the detach- 
 ments which form the advance posts must be so dis- 
 tributed as to embrace all the avenues by which 
 the enemy can approach the position. The system 
 adopted, in most services, to effect this object, consists 
 of two or three concentric lines of posts, disposed in 
 a fan-shaped order. The exterior line, which forms 
 the Old-Posts, embraces a wide circumference, and 
 by means of a chain of Setiilnels, posted in advance. 
 
54 POSITIONS. 
 
 prevents any one from penetrating to the rear between 
 the posts, without being seen. 
 
 113. The second line, which is one of Gi^and- Guards, 
 embraces a narrower circumference than the line of 
 out-posts, occupying the more important avenues 
 from the out-posts to the interior, so as to be in posi- 
 tion to support the out-posts in case of necessity, and 
 to receive them if driven in, 
 
 114. The interior line consists of several strong 
 detachments, termed Pickets, posted upon the main 
 avenues to the position. They serve as supports to 
 the two exterior lines, upon which they rally if forced 
 to retire before the enemy. 
 
 115. Besides these dispositions for security, Pa- . 
 iroles are kept up between the line of posts, to 
 keep the one informed of the state of the other ; and 
 also between the out-posts and chain of sentinels, to 
 see that the duties of the latter are well performed, 
 and to search any ground not brought well under the 
 eyes of the sentinels. The whole, in this way forms a 
 connected system, for observing the enemy and for 
 mutual support in case of attack, 
 
 116. The duties of the out-posts, and of the grand- 
 guards which form their supports, are strictly those 
 of observation. If attacked, they offer no resistance 
 farther than to enable them to feel the enemy per- 
 fectly, and never lose sight of him. The task of 
 holding the enemy in check by a vigorous resistance, 
 so as to procure sufficient time for the main body to 
 make its dispositions for battle, is consigned to the 
 pickets. 
 
PosiTiO]srs. 55 
 
 117. Tlio ground taken up by the advanced-posts 
 will depend on the capabilities which its natural fea- 
 tures offer for defence, on the number and character 
 of the approaches it presents to an enemy for attack- 
 ing the front, or flanks of the position occupied by 
 the main body, and upon the facilities it may afford 
 for communication between the posts. 
 
 118. Out-Posts. — The position of the out-posts, with 
 respect to the main body, will be regulated by the 
 more or less broken character of the country. As a 
 general rule, the moan distance may be taken at 
 about two miles. The line occupied by these posts 
 should take in all the approaches to the front and 
 flanks of the main position. When a position is to 
 be held for some time, or is taken up after a battle, 
 the out-posts may be thrown farther in advance, to 
 procure greater repose and security for the main body. 
 
 119. The ground on which the line of outposts is 
 established should be carefully examined, with a view 
 both to observation and defence. As far as practica- 
 ble, those points should be selected for posts which pre- 
 sent some natural advantages for the defence ; will 
 screen the troops from the enemy's view,- and enable 
 them to watch all his movements. Whenever the 
 features of the ground do not offer natural obstacles 
 to cover the posts, artificial means of a slight charac- 
 ter should be resorted to. The flanks of the line 
 should rest upon strong natural obstacles ; when such 
 cannot be found, without giving the line too great an 
 extent, these points must be secured by strong pickets 
 of cavalry or infantry, thrown back to form crotch- 
 
56 POSITIONS. 
 
 ets, from which patroles must be constantly kept up 
 on the flanks, in the presumed direction of the enemy. 
 
 120, The strength of each out-post, and the distance 
 from one to the other, will be regulated by the fea- 
 tures of the ground, and the number of sentinels or 
 vedettes that each post must throw out. The posts 
 should, as far as practicable, be within sight of the 
 grand-guards to which they belong, and the sentinels 
 of their respective posts. When the ground does not 
 permit this arrangement, sentinels should be placed 
 at intermediate points, to communicate promptly 
 whatever may happen at the line of posts, or of sen- 
 tinels, to the rear. Posts of infantry should not, as a 
 general rule, be placed farther apart than 600 paces ; 
 nor their sentinels more than 300 paces in advance of 
 the posts. Those of cavalry may be some 1500 paces 
 apart, and their vedettes from 600 to 800 paces in 
 advance. The strength of each post should be calcu- 
 lated at the rate of four men for each sentinel, or 
 vedette. 
 
 121. Sentinels. — The sentinels and vedettes form a 
 chain in advance, and are posted on points from 
 which they can best watch the enemy, without being 
 seen by, or exposed to him, in any way. As one of 
 their main duties is to prevent any one from passing 
 their chain, they should be so placed, with respect to 
 each other, that they can see all the ground between 
 their respective posts, and be able to stop any one 
 who may attempt to pass between them. At night 
 and in misty weather, the sentinels should be doubled 
 and be drawn in nearer to the out-posts. 
 
ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 57 
 
 Whenever it may be deemed necessary to jiost 
 sentinels on points beyond the line of out-posts, they 
 should be furnished by posts detached in advance of 
 the line. 
 
 122. &7'aml- Guards. — As the grand-guards furnish 
 the out-posts, and serve as their supports, not more 
 than one-third of their force should be taken for the 
 out-posts. The grand-guards are posted on the prin- 
 cipal avenues leading to the detachments on which 
 they are to fall back, if driven in ; and when of 
 infantry, about 200 paces, and of cavalry, 600 to 800 
 paces, in the rear of the out-posts. The points which 
 they occupy should be selected, both to secure them 
 from the enemy's view, and to give a ready commu- 
 nication between them and their respective out-posts. 
 No difficult, or broken ground, should lie between 
 the grand-guards and their out-posts ; if any such 
 occur, particularly if it be of a nature to offer facili- 
 ties to an enemy to penetrate to the rear, the whole 
 should be posted on the farther, or hither side of it> 
 and in preference in the latter position, if by it tho 
 chain of post can be preserved unbroken. 
 
 123. Pickets. — The main detachments or pickets, 
 which form tho supports to the grand-guards and out- 
 posts, occupy the principal avenues to tho position of 
 the main body. As their duty is to hold the enemy 
 in check, the points which they take up should be 
 susceptible of a good defence ; such, for example, as 
 villages, defiles, «fcc. "Whenever these advantages are 
 not found at hand, resort should he had to any tempo- 
 rary obstacles, as abatis, &c., which can be readily 
 
 £ 
 
68 ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 
 
 procured, to place the troops under shelter. The 
 points thus occupied should, as a general rule, be 
 about midway between the line of out-posts and the 
 position of the main body. 
 
 124. Small posts should be thrown forward by the 
 pickets, between their position and the line of grand- 
 guards ; both for the greater security of the detach- 
 ments, and as supports to the grand-guards. In like 
 manner, when the line of pickets is of considerable 
 extent, intermediate posts must be established, to 
 keep open a communication between them. 
 
 125. No pains should be spared to obstruct the 
 approaches of the enemy to the points occupied by 
 the pickets, particularly those which lead to the flanks, 
 leaving open such only as will oblige the enemy to 
 attack under the most unfavorable circumstances, 
 and if, between the advanced posts and the main 
 body, a defile, or other unfavorable pass should occur, 
 which the enemy, by turning the line of the advanced 
 posts, might seize upon, and thus cut off their retreat, 
 it should be occupied by a strong detachment, both to 
 prevent such a manoeuvre, and to favor the retreat on 
 th6 main body. 
 
 126. Strength of the Advanced- Posts. — The entire 
 strength of the advanced posts, as well as the relative 
 strength of the pickets, grand-guards, and out-posts, 
 will depend upon the character of the ground cov- 
 ered by them, as being more or less open, and pre- 
 senting more or less facilities for circumscribing the 
 appr oachcs of the enemy to the main position. It 
 rarely occurs that sufficient troops can be detached 
 
ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 59 
 
 to cover all the accessible ground, and perform the 
 duties in a thorough manner. 
 
 127. The strength of each picket, and the kind of 
 troops of which it is composed, will depend on the 
 degree of resistance to be offered to the enemy's 
 attack, and the character of the position occupied. 
 In most cases, where a vigorous defence is called for, 
 they will consist of troops of all arms, and an aggre- 
 gate of several hundred men. The grand-guards, 
 out-posts, and patroles, should not exceed one-third 
 the strength of the pickets to which they belong. 
 They will be composed of cavalry, or infantry, 
 according to the more or less broken features of the 
 ground. 
 
 128. It rarely occurs that artillery is placed at the 
 out-posts. Whenever it happens that a piece, or two, 
 may be deemed necessary, to sweep sdme passage, or 
 defile, in advance of the line of out-posts, theguns 
 must be protected by a strong post, to insure their 
 safety in a retreat. 
 
 129. If, from the character of the ground, the out- 
 posts are mainly of infantry, some cavalry should 
 always be attached to them, to patrol in advance of 
 the position, and to convey intelligence to the rear of 
 what may be passing in the neighborhood of the out- 
 posts. 
 
 130. When^the advanced posts cover an advanced- 
 guard, the commanding officer of the whole should 
 take a position, with his artillery and the main body 
 of his command, at some central point, in the rear of 
 the pickets, in order to be ready to support them if 
 
60 ADVANCED-GTTAKDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 
 
 hard pressed by the enemy. The choice of this posi- 
 tion is an object of the greatest importance, as the 
 safety of the advanced-posts, as well as that of the 
 main body, may depend upon the degree of judgment 
 shown in this selection. 
 
 131. So soon as the advanced-posts have taken up 
 their stations, instructions should be given to the 
 oflScers of the different posts, with respect to the 
 points upon which they are to fall back, in case of 
 being forced in, the lines of communication they 
 must retire by, and the position they must take up, 
 in joining the supports to which they respectively 
 belong. 
 
 132. Duties of Office)^ commanding an Out-Post. — 
 An officer in command of any of the out-posts must 
 be capable of untiring vigilance and activity, to 
 perform the various duties which devolve upon him. 
 He should be provided with a good map of the coun- 
 try, a telescope, and writing materials. 
 
 133. He will thoroughly reconnoitre the ground 
 upon which he is to dispose his command, and also as 
 far in advance as circumstances will admit, question- 
 ing closely any inhabitant he may find. After tak- 
 ing up his position, he should go forward, with the 
 half of his command, and post each sentinel himself. 
 If, however, he relieves another in the command, and 
 deems it advisable to make any changes in the dispo- 
 sitions of his predecessors, he should promptly report 
 the facts to the commanding ofiicer in his rear. 
 
 134. When the officer finds that the enemy is not in 
 his immediate neighborhood, he should endeavor to 
 
ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 61 
 
 feel his way cautiously towards him by patrols; and 
 when in immediate presence, he should omit no means 
 to watch the enemy's movements, and from the occur- 
 rences of the moment, such as noises, the motion 
 of clouds of dust, camp fires, conflagrations, «&c., 
 endeavor to divine what is passing in his camp, and 
 his probable intentions. 
 
 135. Accurate written reports should be promptly 
 Bent to the oflicer in command, in the rear, on all 
 these points. The reports should be legibly written, 
 and should clearly, but coticisely, state what has fallen 
 under the oflScer's eye, what he has learned from 
 others, and the character of the sources from which 
 his information is drawn. 
 
 136. He will particularly see that no communica- 
 tion with the enemy be allowed, and that no flag be 
 permitted to pass the line of post, without orders 
 from the rear. 
 
 137. The post under the officer's command, whether 
 horse or foot, should not all be allowed to sleep or eat 
 at once. The horses, when watered, should be taken 
 singly, or by pairs, and always mounted. At night, 
 one-half of the command should be under arms, pre- 
 pared for an attack, the other seated, their arms and 
 the bridles of their horses in hand. The men should 
 never be permitted to occupy a house; and if the 
 weather is such that a fire out of doors is indispensa- 
 ble, it should be as much concealed as practicable ; 
 one-half only being allowed to sit near it, the other 
 posted, at a convenient spot at hand, to fall on the 
 enemy should he attempt a stroke. 
 
62 ADVANCED-GtTARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 
 
 138. "Wlien the position taken up is to be held for 
 some time, it will be well to change the locality of 
 the posts occasionally; this should be done, particu- 
 larly at night, in a hilly district, changing the post 
 from the brow of the hill, where the men can bes* 
 keep a look-out by day, to the low ground at night, as 
 more favorable to detect any movement above. 
 
 139. The out-posts are usually relieved at day-break, 
 as being the most favorable moment for the enemy 
 to attempt a surprise ; the new guard will serve to 
 reinforce the old. For the same reason, the old guard 
 should not be suffered to retire before the patrols 
 come in, and report all safe, 
 
 140. As a general rule, no post should ever retire 
 before an inferior force; and, if attacked by one supe- 
 rior to it, resistance should be cautiously made with a 
 view solely to give time to the grand-guard to be in 
 readiness to receive the enemy. "When it is seen that 
 the movement of the enemy is serious, the officer 
 should draw in his sentinels as skirmishers, and retire 
 upon the grand-guard; the latter will usually be- 
 divided into two divisions, one of which will be sent 
 to take up a position to the rear, to cover the retreat; 
 the other will act as a support to the line of skirm- 
 ishers, so as to feel the enemy. In all cases of retir- 
 ing, whether of sentinels upon their posts, or of posts 
 upon their supports, care should be taken to assume 
 a direction towards the flunk of the force in rear, so 
 as to niiniatk its front and not impede any forward 
 movement it may make, if necessary, 
 
 141. The degree of resistance to be offered by the 
 
ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 63 
 
 pickets will depend on the object to be obtained, and 
 the importance of the point occupied. Thej^ should 
 not retire until they have received the whole of their 
 grand-guards, out-posts and patrols. 
 
 142. At night the precautions should be necessarily 
 redoubled, and every movement bo made with ex- 
 treme caution. AVhenever any noise is heard in the 
 direction of a sentinel's post, the officer should pro- 
 ceed, with a part of his command, in its direction, to 
 ascertain the cause of it. If he finds that it arises 
 from an onward movement of the enem}^, he should 
 only fall back upon his grand-guard when he sees 
 that resistance would be unavailing ; retiring slowly 
 and cautiously, and taking every advantage, which 
 the ground offers, to check the enemy's advance. 
 Should the enemy fall suddenly upon his command, 
 he must endeavor to cut his way through, and reach 
 his position in the rear by the best circuit he can find. 
 
 143. Advanced-Guards. — Measures of precaution, 
 for a force in position, are far more easily arranged 
 than for one in motion. At a halt of some days, but 
 slight changes in the first dispositions, arising from a 
 more thorough knowledge of the ground taken up, 
 will be requisite ; on a march the scene is continually 
 shifting, and the enemy may fall on just at that point 
 or under those circumstances in which we are least 
 prepared to meet him. Hence a necessity for doubling 
 the ordinary precautions on a march, and keeping the 
 troops more in hand, so as to be, at all moments, pre- 
 pared for any emergency. 
 
 144. The spirit of the dispositions is the same in 
 
64 ADTANCED-GITARDS AND ADYANCED-POSTS. 
 
 both cases ; changes in the details, so as to adapt our 
 force to the changing features of the ground passed 
 over, present the real difficulty. On a march, we 
 may have to guard against an attack on the head of 
 the column, on either flank or both, and in the rear. 
 Hence a necessary disposition of movable advanced- 
 posts, in each of these directions, keeping pace with 
 the progress of the main body,.and far enough from 
 it to give it timely warning of a threatened attack. 
 
 145. The dispositions in front is termed the Ad- 
 vanced-Guard, those on the flanks, the Flankers, and 
 those in rear, ih.Q Rear- Guar d. 
 
 146. As the head of a colunan in march towards 
 the enemy is the weak point, it is here that the prin- 
 cipal strength must be accumulated, so that, if threat- 
 ened with an attack, sufficient resistance can be offered 
 to enable the rear divisions to come up and take timely 
 position for battle. The advanced-guard should, 
 therefore, be composed of troops of all arms, and be 
 always in a suitable state of readiness to receive the 
 enemy, according to the nature of the ground upon 
 which it may be formed. To watch the enemy; resist 
 him with obstinacy, should he suddenly attack, until 
 time is gained for the main-body to receive him ; 
 drive in his advanced-posts with impetuosity ; such 
 are the duties which this body may in turn be called 
 on to perform. 
 
 147. The first of these duties, that of learning the 
 whereabouts of an enemy, is intrusted to individuals, 
 or to parties of more or less strength, as the occasion 
 
iLDVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 65 
 
 # 
 
 may require ; light cavalry being usually selected, in 
 preference to any other arm, for this service. 
 
 148. Head of Advanced Guard. — A head or leading 
 detachment of some force, composed usually of both 
 cavalry andinfantry, andif requisite of some pioneers, 
 forms the advance of the main-body of the advanced- 
 guard, for the purpose of searching all the ground 
 within a dangerous proximity, and of clearing the 
 way for the advancing columns. Through this de- 
 tachment a communication is kept up with the flank- 
 ers, and all the ground is thus hemmed in around the 
 advancing column, by which an enemy might ap- 
 proach it. 
 
 140. The strength of the leading detachment will 
 depend greatly upon the character of the country, and 
 upon the state of the weather and season being more 
 or less favorable to the unobserved approach of 
 an enemy. A leading detachment of one-fourth the 
 total strength of the advanced-guard, two flank de- 
 tachments, to act as flankers, of one-eighth, and a 
 rear detachment, acting as a rear-guard, also of one- 
 eighth, taking, in all, one-half the total strength of 
 the advanced-guard, is considered, under ordinary 
 circumstances, a good distribution for the duties to 
 be performed. 
 
 150. All the ground, within the proximity of the 
 advanced-guard, must be carefully searched by it. 
 No invariable rule can be laid down on this subject, 
 everything depending on the character of the country, 
 the state of the weather, and the march being by day 
 
66 ADVi^CED-GUARDS AND ADV^CED-POSTS. 
 
 or night, as to the more or less dispersed order that 
 can be adopted for examining the ground. 
 
 151. The leading detachment, and those on the 
 flanks, should keep in a position, with respect to each 
 other, that will admit of prompt mutual support, and 
 guarding against the approach of an enemy unper- 
 ceived. The flank detachments, for this purpose, 
 keeping somewhat to the rear of the leading one. 
 The most advanced portions of these troops should be 
 cavalry, unless the country be mountainous, or very 
 thickly wooded, in which cases infantry is the best 
 arm for the duty. 
 
 152. The distance that should be left between the 
 leading detachments and the principal body of the 
 advanced -guard, will depend upon the more or less of 
 necessary precaution already alhided to. An interval 
 of from a thousand to two thousand paces may be 
 left between the leading detachment and the main 
 portion ; the small detachments thrown forward from 
 the leading detachment may precede it from two 
 hundred to six hundred paces; whilst the leading 
 men, who form, as it v/ere, the apex of this disposi- 
 tion, precede the last about one hundred paces. 
 
 153. Dispositions of Advanced- Guard. — From these 
 indications of the manner of distributing the troops 
 of the advanced-guard, the following general dispo- 
 sitions, adapted to ordinary circumstances of locality, 
 may be gathered. The apex, or most advanced point, 
 may be formed of a staff, or other intelligent officer, 
 under the escort of a few horsemen ; in his rear follow 
 small detachments of horse, preceded by a line of 
 
ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 6T 
 
 horsemen, as skirmishers, in dispersed order, thrown 
 out from them; this line of small detachments and 
 their men may embrace a front of a thousand or moro 
 paces, according to the face of the country. On each 
 flank of the detachments, from which the skirmishers 
 are thrown forward, march small detachments of 
 both horse and foot, as supports of the line. In the 
 rear of this lino, at a hundred paces or so, may be 
 placed a small detachment, charged with patrolling 
 either on the front or flanks. Finally, at some sixty 
 paces in the rear of the detachment for patrols, follows 
 the remaining portion of the horse and foot compos- 
 ing the leading detachment. The main body of the 
 advanced-guard, following some hundred paces far- 
 ther to the rear ; and the rear of its march being 
 closed by the small rear detachment already men- 
 tioned. 
 
 It will be seen by comparing this disposition of the 
 troops of an advanced-guard in march, with the one 
 adopted for the advanced-posts at a halt, that they are 
 analagous, and differ in no material respect, as their 
 object in each case is the same. 
 
 154. In a forward movement, this general disposi- 
 tion of the troops of the leading detachment should 
 be adhered to, as far as the features of the ground 
 will permit. "Whenever these features become such 
 that a concentration on the centre is rendered neces- 
 sary, a proper order should be temporarily taken, to 
 enable the troops promptly tO' resume their original 
 order, so soon as the ground opens. The leading line 
 of skirmishers will carefully examine all the ground 
 
68 ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 
 
 over which they pass, and observe all that occurs 
 around them. The men, for this purpose, keeping in 
 pairs, and taking all suitable precaution not to place 
 themselves in positions favorable to being seen from 
 a distance. 
 
 155. If the enemy is met, dispositions are immedi- 
 ately taken to receive him. The line of skirmishers 
 is strengthened, the supports brought up, and if there 
 is any artillery, it takes position on the road to sweep 
 it; In this order, the whole of the leading detach- 
 ment falls back slowly upon the main body of the 
 advanced-guard; and further dispositions are made 
 according to the exigency of the case. 
 
 166. The general order of march of an advanced- 
 guard remains the same in all circumstances of 
 ground; the position of the troops alone varying 
 with changes of its features. In broken ground, for 
 instance, the line of skirmishers of the leading detach- 
 ment would be of infantry, and this line would be 
 supported by some cavalry. 
 
 157. A strict observance of good order, particularly 
 among the troops of the leading detachment, is of the 
 first importance; nothing should therefore be permit- 
 ted which might either withdraw their attention from 
 their chief duty of watching, or which might give 
 warning to an enemy of their approach. They should 
 especially guard against being drawn into the use of 
 their fire-arms, short of an actual surprise. 
 
 158. On a night march the precautions should be 
 redoubled. The leading detachment will be more 
 concentrated, keeping mostly to the road. If the 
 
ADVANCED-GtTARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 69 
 
 enemy is seen, word will be sent at once to the rear, 
 for a halt, and the suitable dispositions will be taken, 
 as noiselessly as practicable. 
 
 159. All defiles met with of any length should be 
 examined carefully by some scouts, before any num- 
 ber of troops venture into them, and then proper 
 measures should be taken for securing them from an 
 attack, until the troops are all clear of them. All 
 woods that can be easily gone round should be made 
 the circuit of by some horse, before passing through 
 them. The thick forests should be carefully exam- 
 ined, a hundred or more paces on each side of the 
 road. And in all case^ any doubtful ground must 
 be first searched, by the leading troops, before any 
 large bodj^ approaches within musket-range of it. 
 
 IGO. Flank Patrols. — Besides the flankers proper, 
 which constitute a part of the movable advanced- 
 posts, detachments of an independent character are 
 sent out to patrol along the flanks of the main col- 
 umn. These should keep themselves in communica- 
 tion, by suitable dispositions of vedettes, with the 
 flankers. 
 
 161. As the flank patrols are frequently beyond 
 direct supporting distance, they must adopt all the 
 necessary dispositions against surprise of any other 
 body marching independently, having their advanced- 
 guards, &c., &c. 
 
 162. These patrols keep on a level with their col- 
 umn, and particularly secure all lateral roads or 
 defiles, by which it might be suddenly attacked, 
 until the column is beyond danger. Great activity, 
 
70 ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 
 
 watclifulness, and caution, should characterize this 
 service. The officer in command of a flank patrol 
 must use his discretion, in meeting an enemy, whether 
 to attack him, or let him pass, if he has not himself 
 been observed. 
 
 163. Rear-Guard. — The duties of a rear-guard, in 
 retreat, will depend upon the more or less of activity 
 and vigor shown by the enemy in pursuit. If the 
 enemy is enterprising, then it will require all the 
 sagacity of the commanding-officer; all the firmness 
 of the soldiers, to cover and defend the rear of the 
 column, and to guard against demonstrations upon its 
 flanks. To hold the enemy in check, just the time 
 necessary to enable the retreating column to extricate 
 itself from unfavorable ground, and then to withdraw 
 from the fight, without being too far compromised; to 
 prevent the enemy from pressing on so hotly as to force 
 the main body of the rear-guard upon the tail of the 
 column whose retreat is to be secured, are problems 
 of no easy solution, and cilll for all the best military 
 qualities, both in the officer and the troops to whom 
 the solution is assigned. 
 
 164. In mutual support among all the arms, apti- 
 tude for turning to advantage all variations in the 
 features of the ground, and tenacity in keeping every 
 advantage offered until the last safe moment, reside 
 the excellence of a rear-guard. In interdicting by 
 the tire of its skirmishers all approach to its covers ; 
 in occasional bold manreuvres of its light artillery, 
 when the enemy's columns are open to its fire ; in 
 daring rapid charges of its cavalry, when the enemy 
 
ADVANCED-GUARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 71 
 
 presses forward to gain some critical point, a rear- 
 guard may give an enemy such lessons as will 
 force him to adopt that prudential course on which 
 its own safety, and that of its column, alone de- 
 pend. 
 
 165. As the march of a rear-guard is an almost 
 continual running fight, its dispositions should be 
 taken for this phase of its duties. Its rear should 
 accordingly be closed by a line of skirmishers, pro- 
 perly supported by the other arms. This line must 
 equally exhibit caution, coolness and firmness> 
 giving way to no hasty movements, and reserving 
 its fire until it can be thrown in with murderous 
 efl^ect. If forced back by superior numbers, the 
 
 kirmishers should concentrate on the flanks of the 
 other troops, leaving the road clear, either for the 
 fire of the artillery, or for the action of cavalry, or 
 of infantry in mass. 
 
 166. In all its actions, the rear-guard should never 
 lose sight of the danger it continually runs of being 
 surrounded, or cut off, by a movement on its flanks 
 or rear. Against this, its only course is to push 
 out flank patrols, as far as they can safely venture, 
 restricting these to the duties of conveying timely 
 warning to the main-body of the rear-guard of any 
 appearance of a movement of the kind referred to. 
 and of preventing it, if attempted, by a bold stand, 
 either defensive or offensive, as circumstances may 
 demand. 
 
 167. Advanced- Posts in Cantonmeyits. — As canton- 
 ments are taken up either during seasons when op- 
 
72 ADVANCED -QTJARDS AND ADVANCED-POSTS. 
 
 erations cannot be well carried on, or to give the troops 
 some extraordinary repose, after a harassing cam- 
 paign, more advanced-posts will generally be ne- 
 cessary than under ordinary circumstances, and to 
 fulfil their end they ought to be placed on ground 
 favorable to a strong resistance, in order to give the 
 separated corps time to concentrate against an earnest 
 attack of the enemy. 
 
 168, A good disposition of stations for out-posts, 
 from which the enemy can be seen at a distance; 
 a line of supports placed on strong ground in the 
 rear ; easy communications for concentration on the 
 main-body ; active and vigilant patrols, kept moving 
 not only along the front, but penetrating on the 
 flanks and rear of the enemy, to get wind of his 
 strategical plans : such are the general precautions 
 demanded of its advanced-posts, by an army in sta- 
 tion for some time. 
 
 169. In the disposition of the main force to concur 
 with the preceding, one precaution should not be 
 omitted in a stay of any duration ; and that is, not 
 to allow any one body to remain long enough in a 
 village, or inhabited place, to become in a degree 
 domesticated. Nothing is more likely than this to 
 injure the morale of the best troops. The seductions 
 of otherwise harmless pleasures, may lead to fatal 
 habits of remissness in duty ; and the officer quietly 
 indulging in his game at cards, in a family circle, 
 may receive his summons for surrender as he is gath- 
 ering up his last trick. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 KECONNOIS8ANCK8, 
 
 170. There are no more important duties which 
 an officer may be called upon to perform than those 
 of collecting and arranging the information upon 
 "Which either the general or daily operations of a 
 campaign must be based. For the proper perform- 
 ance of the former, acquirements of a very high 
 order, in the departments of geography and statistics, 
 are indispensable requisites, to which must be added 
 a minute acquaintance with topography, and a good 
 coup (Vceil militaire for that of the latter. 
 
 171. However detailed and perfect may be a map, 
 it can never convey all the information that will en- 
 able an officer to plan even an ordinary march with 
 safety, still less operations that necessarily depend 
 for their success upon a far greater number of con- 
 tingencies. To supply these deficiencies of maps, an 
 examination of the ground must be made by the eye, 
 and verbal information be gained, on all the points 
 connected with the operation over this ground. 
 This examination and collection of facts is termed a 
 Recoymoissance. 
 
 172. From the services demanded of a reconnoi- 
 
74 RECONNOISSANCES. 
 
 tring officer, it is, in the first place, evident that he 
 should possess acquirements of no ordinary character, 
 but in addition to these, he should be gifted by na- 
 ture with certain traits, without which his acquisi- 
 tions would be of little account in the discharge of 
 the responsible duty in question. 
 
 173. With clear and specific information before 
 him, one-half of a general's difficulties in planning 
 his measures, are dissipated. In a letter from Gen. 
 Washington to Maj. Tallmadge, now to be seen 
 framed in the office of the Commissary-General of 
 New York, he remarks, in relation to reports made 
 to him on a certain occasion: "But these things 
 not being delivered with certainty, rather perplex 
 than form the judgment." It is in truth this feeling 
 of certainty that constitutes all the diiference ; hav- 
 ing it, the general makes his dispositions with confi- 
 dence ; without it, he acts hesitatingly, and thus 
 communicates to others that want of confidence felt 
 in his own mind. 
 
 174. An officer then, selected for the duty in ques- 
 tion, should be known to be cool-headed and truthful 
 — one who sees things as they are, and -tells clearly 
 and precisely what he has seen. In making his re- 
 port, whether verbally or in writing, the officer 
 should study conciseness and precision of language. 
 He must carefully separate what he knows from his 
 own observation, from that which he has learned 
 from others, and add all the circumstances of place, 
 and time, with accuracy. 
 
 175. Duties of Reconnoitring Officer. — The first 
 
RECONNOISSANCES. 75 
 
 thing to be done by an officer selected for a recon- 
 noissance, isto ascertain precisely the duty required 
 of him ; arid what further should be done in case of 
 certain contingencies that may, from the nature of 
 the duty, be naturally looked for. In the perform- 
 ance of the duty assigned him, and in making his 
 report, the officer should keep always in mind the 
 specific character of his mission, as his guide in both 
 points. 
 
 176. As the need of a reconnoissance supposes a 
 deficiency in information upon the features of the 
 country, the officer detailed to make one should pro- 
 vide himself with maps, a good telescope, such 
 simple aids for judging of distances, and ascertain- 
 ing the relative positions of objects, as he can him- 
 self readily make ; writing materials ; one or more 
 good guides ; and gain all the knowledge he can, 
 from the inhabitants at hand, bearing upon his 
 mission. 
 
 177. The talent of judging of distances, and of 
 the connection between the various features of a 
 country within the field of vision, is partly a natural 
 and partly an acquired one. Some individuals can 
 never be brought to have any confidence in their 
 own judgment on these points; others have a natural 
 aptitude for them, which requires but little practice 
 for their perfect development. The powers of the 
 eye vary so greatly among civilized persons, that no 
 general rules can be laid down as a guide for the 
 matter in question. Among uncivilized hordes, 
 used to a roaming life, there are found standards 
 
76 RECONNOISSANCKS. 
 
 "which are well understood by all ; the Arab, for in- 
 stance, calling that distance a mile, at which a man 
 is no longer distinguishable from a woman — grow- 
 ing out of their habits. 
 
 178. The first thing, then, to be done by an officer 
 in acquiring the coup d'ceil Tnilitaire, is to learn, 
 both from books and on the field, what space is taken 
 up by a battalion and its intervals, by a squadron, 
 and by a battery when in order of battle; how much 
 when in column of march ; and the average time 
 required for certain movements, under given circum- 
 stances of the ground. This acquirement he may 
 make by adopting some standard of his own, his 
 ordinary pace, and that of a horse, serving for com- 
 puting time and distance reciprocally. The next 
 step is to acquire the habit of estimating, by the 
 appearances of these difierent objects, from various 
 points of view, how far off they are. This must be 
 done practically. A very simple aid to it is the fol- 
 lowing : Upon the stem of a lead pencil, cut square, 
 and held out at a uniform arm's length from the eye, 
 by means of a thread attached to it and fastened to 
 the top button-hole, let the officer mark off, on one 
 of the edges, the length seen on it by holding the 
 pencil upright between the eye and a man placed 
 successively at different distances from it, as 100, 150 
 — 1000 yards. This will give one rough standard for 
 practice. Another may be made by first ascertain- 
 ing the average height of certain cultivated trees, as 
 the apple, &c. 
 
 179. For getting relative positions, a contrivance 
 
RKCONNOIS8ANCE8. 77 
 
 for measuring angles roughly must be used. This is 
 done by first folding a leaf of paper across, and then 
 doubling it along the folded edge, as if to divide it 
 into four equal parts. The angle between the edge 
 of the first fo^d and that of the second, will be a tol- 
 erably accurate right-angle. Now, by cutting off 
 carefully along the fofd one of the pieces, we obtain 
 a quadrant, or 90°; then folding this at the angle, so 
 that the two edges will exactly coincide, we get the 
 half of a quadrant, or 45°; and so on, by successive 
 bisections we can mark off smaller angles. Then 
 making a pen or pencil-mark along each of the folds, 
 and numbering the angles successively from to 90°, 
 we have a rough protractor, that can be used both for 
 measuring angles and setting them off on a sketch. 
 To measure vertical angles, a thread with a light 
 plummet, must be attached to the angular point. If 
 the object is above the horizon of the eye, we hold 
 the protractor with the angular point from the eye, so 
 that the plumb-line will fall along the face of the 
 paper, just touching it ; then directing the top edge 
 of the protractor on the object, so that it is just seen 
 by the eye, sighting along the edge, the angle formed 
 between the plumb-line and the other edge, will be 
 the same as the angle between the line of sight and 
 the horizon of the eye. 
 
 If the object is below the horizon of the eye, the 
 angular point is placed towards the eye; the same 
 series of operations will give the angle below the 
 eye's horizon. 
 
 180. Guides. — Trustworthy guides are invaluable. 
 
78 RECONNOISSANCES. 
 
 but most rare, in an enemy's country. The best, 
 from the information they acquire by their habits of 
 life, are to be found among those classes whose avo- 
 cations keep them much abroad, going from place to 
 place within a certain sphere constantly — such as 
 common carriers, hunters, smugglers, &c. Among 
 the first things to be attended to by an ofiicer, in 
 taking post at any point, is to find out persons of 
 this class, and to ascertain their whereabout when 
 wanted. Kind treatment, douceurs, and promises, 
 should not be spared, to enlist either their good will 
 or their interests; and, if policy requires it, they 
 may openly be treated with apparent harshness, to 
 screen them from odium among their neighbors. 
 
 181. If none of this class can be found, then resort 
 must b.e had to a higher — local authorities being in 
 preference selected — and if necessary, forced to act. 
 Here very careful treatment is requisite. When the 
 necessity of the case is admitted by them, much may 
 be gleaned by kindness, courtesy, and a certain defer- 
 ence, from such persons, that cannot be looked for 
 from their inferiors. 
 
 182. Before starting on his mission, the officer 
 should question his guide thoroughly; and if he has 
 several, question each apart; like precautions should 
 be taken with respect to other inhabitants. Care 
 must be had to find out the usual beats of one taken 
 as a guide, so as not to take him out of his own 
 neighborhood. In all cases, the guide must be well 
 watched, however trustworthy he may seem. If un- 
 \villing or sulky, he must, if needs be, be tied, and 
 
KECONNOISSANCES. 79 
 
 attiiched to a strong man, with a rope round his mid- 
 dle; being first strictly searched for any cutting in- 
 strument about him. 
 
 183. Should there be but one guide, he must ne- 
 cessarily be placed with the most advanced portion 
 of the detachment accompanying the officer. If 
 there are several, one must be there also; the one 
 apparently the most intelligent with the officer, who 
 should ply him with questions, and the others in the 
 rear strictly guarded. 
 
 184. It may be well to remark, that guides are 
 useful even in a country of easy communications ; 
 as in case of a rencontre, they may point out bye- 
 ways convenient for cetreat, if necessary. 
 
 185. Reconnoissance. — To designate all the objects 
 to be embraced in a reconnoissance, would lead far- 
 ther than the limits of this little work will allow ; 
 some general heads, which will serve as guides in all 
 cases, will therefore be alone noticed. 
 
 186. A general view of the ground to be examined 
 must first be taken in, so as to obtain some notion of 
 the forms of the parts, their connection and relations 
 to each other, before going into a detailed examina- 
 tion. To one possessed of some topographical knowl- 
 edge, this study of what is before him will not de- 
 mand much time. A level country, for example, he 
 knows is usually well cultivated, and therefore has 
 plenty of hedges, ditches, &c., which lend themselves 
 well to affairs of light troops ; may be not a little 
 inconvenient to manoeuvres of artillery, and fre- 
 quently bring up cavalry very unexpectedly in full 
 
80 RBCONKOISSANCES, 
 
 career. In a mountainous one, dangerous passes, 
 narrow roads, torrents with rough beds, ugly sudJen 
 turns, &c., will necessarily be met with. Each and 
 all of these demand a particular examination, and in 
 his report their advantages and disadvantages should 
 be clearly pointed out by the officer. 
 
 187. If the reconnoissance is for an onward move- 
 ment, the distances from halt to halt, as well as all 
 others, should be estimated in hours of march; the 
 nature of the roads, and the obstacles along them be 
 carefully detailed ; the means that may be gathered 
 along the line to facilitate the movement, as vehicles, 
 men and materials for removing obstacles &c. The 
 points where cross-roads are found, must be specified; 
 the direction of these roads, their uses, &c. 
 
 188. All local objects along the line, as villages, 
 farm-houses, &c., should be carefully designated, 
 both as to their position on the line, or on either side 
 of it ; and also as to their form, and color, &c., as 
 ** square white house on the right," ♦♦ round gray 
 stone tower on hill to left." 
 
 189. The names of localities, in the way in which 
 the inhabitants pronounce them, should be carefully 
 written, and called over several times, so as to be 
 sure to get them as nearly as practicable right in 
 sound ; then the names, as written by an intelligent 
 inhabitant, should be added. 
 
 190. All halting points must be well looked to ; 
 their military capabilities in case of attack, as well as 
 their resources for accommodating the troops, be 
 thoroughly gone into. 
 
RKCONNOI8SANCE8. 81 
 
 If the halt ia to take position for some time, to 
 await or watch the enemy, then more care must bo 
 taken, the whole site be well studied as to its fulfilling 
 the proposed end; the points of support on the flanka 
 bo designated, as well as others in front and rear, 
 that may require to be occupied ; the suitable lo- 
 calities to be chosen for parks, hospital, «&c.; the 
 communications to be opened or repaired, pointed 
 out ; and all the facilities either for an advance or a 
 retrograde movement, be laid down. 
 
 191. Armed Reconnoissanee. — Recon n oissances, 
 made in the neighborhood of an enemy, require to 
 be done under the protection of a proper detachment, 
 the strength and composition of which will depend 
 on the object to bo attained. 
 
 192. If the object be to gain secretly a knowledge 
 of the enemy's whereabout and strength, then a de- 
 tachment of light cavalry, conducted by a trusty 
 guide, through circuitous bye-ways, and moving with 
 celerity, but with proper precautions against falling 
 into an ambush, or having his retreat cut off, is usu- 
 ally resorted to. The details for this will be found 
 under the head of Patrols. 
 
 193. When an enemy's position is to be recon- 
 noitred, with a view to force him to show his hand, 
 by causing him to call out all his troops, then a 
 large detachment of all arms, adequate to the task of 
 pressing the enemy vigorously, and also of withdraw- 
 ing with safety when pressed in turn, must be 
 thrown forward. 
 
 194. Under the shelter of either of these forces. 
 
82 RBCONNOISSANCES. 
 
 the officer charged with the reconnoissance, takes the 
 best moment, and best point of view, for carefully- 
 ascertaining the dispositions made by the enemy. 
 A good time will be at early dawn, when troops, in 
 most services, are all made to stand to their arms. 
 The points which the officer must exhibit most atten- 
 tion in ftnding out, are those occupied by the bat- 
 teries, and all those in any way intrenched. 
 , 195. Patrols. — Patrols are of two classes, from the 
 different objects had in view. The first are those 
 made with a view of insuring greater security from 
 the enemy's attempts to pass, or. force the line of out- 
 posts, and may therefore be termed defensive patrols. 
 They consist usually of three or four men, who go 
 the rounds, along the chain of sentinels and between 
 the posts; seldom venturing farther 1 ban a few hun- 
 dred paces beyond the sentinel's cbain; the object being 
 to search points which might present a cover to the 
 enemy's scouts, and to keep the sentinels on the alert. 
 196. The second class are those made exterior to the 
 line of out-posts, with a view of gaining intelligence 
 of the enemy's whereabout, and may therefore be 
 termed offensive patrols. They are composed of larger 
 bodies of men than the first class, the number being 
 proportioned both to the distance to be gone over, 
 and the extent of front to be examined. In a posi- 
 tion, presenting but few cros^-roads, and sparsely 
 settled, a patrol of ten or twenty horsemen, may be 
 found ample, to search with all desirable thorough- 
 ness, from twenty to forty miles in advance of the 
 position, along the principal avenues to it; whereas, 
 
RECONNOISSANCES. 83 
 
 with a moro extended front, presenting many lateral 
 avenues, double this number might be required for 
 the same duty. From the information obtained, 
 through the ordinary channels of maps, and by ques- 
 tioning the inhabitants at hand, the commanding 
 officer can usually settle, with sufficient accuracy, 
 the strength of a patrol. 
 
 197. From the duties to be performed by patrols, 
 cavalry are usually emploj^ed alone; in cases of very 
 broken country, infantry may be necessary, but they 
 should always be accompanied by some horse, if 
 for no other purpose than to transmit intelligence 
 promptly to the rear. 
 
 198. The main duties of a patrol are to find the 
 enemy if in the neighborhood, gain a good idea of 
 his position and strength, to make out his movements, 
 and to bring in an accurate account of his distance 
 from the out-posts of their own force, and the char- 
 acter of the ground between the position occupied by 
 the respective forces. 
 
 199. From the nature of these duties, it is evident 
 that both officers and men, for a patrol, should be 
 selected with especial reference to their activity, intel- 
 ligence, and the aptitude they may possess, from pre- 
 vious habits of life, for a service requiring a union 
 of courage, prudence, and discriminating observation 
 —usually to be met with only in individuals who 
 have been thrown very much upon their own resour- 
 ces. When the character of the country admits of it, 
 the employment of such individuals, singly, or in 
 very small bodies, as scouts, is one of the most avail- 
 
84 RECONNOI88ANCKS. 
 
 able means of gaining intelligence of an enemy, 
 without betraying the secret of our own whereabout. 
 
 200. Duties of Officer in command of a Patrol. — In 
 conducting a patrol, the commanding officer should 
 provide himself with a good map, telescope, and 
 guides, and gain all the information he can before 
 starting, by questioning persons in the neighborhood. 
 JS'othing should escape his eye along his line of search, 
 and he should particularly note points which might 
 
 -%e favorable to his defence, if driven back by the 
 enemy, Oi by which his retreat might be endan- 
 gered. 
 
 201. The order of march of the patrol will be reg- 
 ulated by the circumstances of its strength, kind of 
 troops employed, the character of the country passed 
 over, the hour of the day, and the particular object 
 in view. The intelligence and judgment of the 
 officer in command will have sufficient exercise on 
 these points, as he will be continually called upon to 
 vary his dispositions. The general and obvious rule 
 of keeping a look-out on all sides, will prompt the 
 general disposition of an advanced-guard, rear-guard, 
 and flankers, according to the circumstances of the 
 case, however small his command. The sole object 
 being to carry back intelligence of the enemy, no 
 precaution should be omitted to cover and secure his 
 line of march, without making, however, too great 
 a subdivision of his force. 
 
 202. Too much circumspection cannot be shown 
 in approaching points favorable to ambuscades, as 
 woods, ravines, defiles, inclosures, farm-houses, villa- 
 
RECONNOISSANCIS. 8S 
 
 ges, &c. The main body should always be halted, in 
 a good position beyond musket-shot, or where cover 
 can be obtained, whilst a few men proceed cautiously 
 forward, following at some distance in the rear of, but 
 never losing sight of each other, to examine the sus- 
 pected spot. If the officer deem it necessary, at any 
 point, to detach from his command smaller patrols, to 
 examine points at some distance on his flanks, he 
 should halt the rest at the point where they separate, 
 until the detachments come in and report; or if he 
 decides to move forward, he should leave three or four 
 men at the spot, to convey intelligence promptly to the 
 rear, if anything is discovered, as well as to himself. 
 
 203. It may frequently be found that some eminence 
 on the flanks may present a good view of the sur- 
 rounding country, in which case, if it be decided t» 
 use it, two or three men ought to be detached for the 
 purpose, with orders to keG|> in sight of cash other, 
 but far enough apart to guard against a surprise of 
 the whole. 
 
 204. When the officer finds himself in the presence 
 of the enemy, he should halt his command at a con- 
 venient spot, where where they will be screened from 
 the enemy's view, and having made his dispositions 
 against a surprise, he will proceed with a few picked 
 men to the most favorable point from which he can 
 obtain a good look-out, to reconnoitre the position 
 occupied, and the other points of interest. If he 
 deem it advisable to keep his position, or change it 
 for some other point more favorable, he will first 
 transmit a report to the rear of what he has observed. 
 
86 RECONNOISSANCES. 
 
 205. "When the patrol moves "by night, the ordinary- 
 precautions must be redoubled. Signals must be 
 agreed upon to avoid danger, should any of the party 
 become separated from the main body. Careful atten- 
 tion must be given to every thing passing around, as 
 the barking of dogs, noises, iBres, &c. On approach- 
 ing any inhabited spot, the command should be 
 brought to a halt, whilst a few picked men move 
 noiselessly forward, and if practicable, by stealing up 
 to the windows, learn the character of the inmates. 
 
 206. It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the 
 mind of the officer in command of a patrol, that he 
 must be all ears and eyes ; that he will be called upon 
 in turn, to exercise great boldness, caution, presence 
 of mind and good judgment, in accomplishing a mis- 
 sion where the enemy must be seen but not encoun- 
 tered ; and such roads and halting points be selected, 
 both in moving forward and returning, as shall be 
 most favorable to his movements, and least liable to 
 expose him to surprise, or a disadvantageous collision 
 with the enemy. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 207. Detachments consist of small bodies of troops, 
 composed of one, or several arms, to which are 
 intrusted some mission connected with the operations 
 of the main body, but, for the most part, performed 
 beyond the sphere of its support; such, for example, 
 as the occupation of some post, or defile, which is to 
 be held temporarily, as necessary to the movements 
 of the main body; the surprise of a post held by the 
 enemy ; the seizure of a convoy, &c. 
 
 208. The composition of a detachment will depend 
 upon the nature of the duty to be performed, the 
 character of the country in which it is to operate, 
 the distance of the point to be reached, and the more 
 or less celerity required in the operation. As a gen- 
 eral rule, <Wfachments should be formed only of light 
 troops, Well acquainted with their duties ; and in 
 every /use where it can be done, they should consist 
 of ^proper proportion of each arm of the service, if 
 Ifie duty upon which they are sent is of an import- 
 ant character. By this combination each arm U 
 enabled to act with more boldness and vigor, fVom 
 the support with which it will meet in others, and 
 
86 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 can better select its moment for action, according to 
 the character of the ground on which it finds itself. ' 
 
 209. The combats of detachments will be mostly 
 restricted to firing, and the skillful employment of 
 skirmishers. The troops must be kept perfectly in 1 
 hand for mutual support, the artillery keeping near i 
 the infantry, and the cavalry, whenever the opportu- 
 dity is presented, hazarding only short but vigorous 
 charges against the enemy. 
 
 210. The officer placed in command of a detachment 
 should be thoroughly conversant with the handling , 
 of troops, so as to insure constant reciprocity of sup- 
 port, and to be able to seize upon those opportunities 
 of bringing the proper arm into action, and for pass- 
 ing from the defensive to the offensive, which combats \ 
 between small bodies of troops so frequently present. 
 
 211. March of Defachmenis — As a detachment must i 
 rely mainly on its own resources, the personnel and ' 
 materiel of the troops should be rigidly inspected 
 before marching, to see that the men and horses are i 
 in a sound state, that nothing is wanting in their 
 equipments, that the gun and other carriages are in 
 good traveling order, and that the necessary amount j 
 of ammunition, provisions, and forage have been 
 provided for the expedition. j 
 
 212. Every source of information should h^ cont.^J 
 suited with respect to the nature of the roads,, ^nd 
 the country over which the column is to march, and 
 good maps, telescopes, and guides should be provided, i 
 If a reconnoissance of the line of march has been 
 directed, it should be placed in charge of a well 
 
DETACHMENTS. gi^ 
 
 informed staff, or other officer, conversant with the 
 duties required of him, so that the commander of 
 the detachment may be accurately informed of the 
 state of the roads, as to their practicability for men, 
 horses and carriages, particularly the number of hours 
 of march from station to station, and the character of 
 the obstacles with which he may be liable to meet, 
 from the state of the bridges, the nature of the water 
 courses, and the defiles along the route. 
 
 213. In order to avoid being anticipated in our 
 object by the enemy, every attention should be paid 
 to preserve strict order among the troops, and to 
 advance with celerity, so that secrecy may be kept 
 until the detachment reaches its destination. The 
 troops, for this purpose should be kept as closely 
 together as the character of the ground will permit; 
 and when guides are employed, they must be strictly 
 watched, and not be dismissed until the march is 
 completed. 
 
 214. The distribution of troops, or the order of 
 march, will mainly depend upon the character of the 
 country ; the general rule to be followed is so to place 
 each arm in the column, that the troops may be 
 formed for action by the most prompt and simple 
 movements. In a very open country, the greater 
 part of the cavalry will be at the head of the column ; 
 where it is somewhat broken, half of the cavalry 
 may be in front, and the remainder in the rear, and 
 in a very difficult country the infantry will lead. The 
 artillery may be placed in the intervals of the col- 
 umn where the country is not difficult; in the con^- 
 
 G 
 
90 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 trary case, it will be in the rear, but covered by a 
 small detachment which it precedes. 
 
 215. The column must be secured from a sudden 
 attack of the enemy by an advanced-guard, flankers, 
 and a rear-guard. The advanced-guard will be com- 
 posed of cavalry or infantry, or of the two combined, 
 according to the character of the country. In some 
 -cases it may be well to have two or three light 
 pieces with the advanced-guard. The strength of the 
 advanced-guard, for detachments not over two thous- 
 and men, need not be greater than one-fifth of the 
 whole; for larger bodies it may be between a fourth 
 and a third, according to the degree of resistance it 
 may be required to offer. 
 
 216. The advajiced-guard of a detachment should 
 seldom leave a wider interval than about a thousand 
 paces between it and the main body. In a broken 
 country, when this force consists of infantry alone, 
 the distance should be less, to avoid an ambush. The 
 main body of the advanced-guard should always be 
 preceded a few hundred paces by a strong patrol of 
 cavalry or infantry, to search the ground and secure 
 the advanced-guard from falling into an ambush, or 
 from a sudden attack. 
 
 217. The flankers will consist mainly of a few 
 detachments, which march parallel to the column and 
 a few hundred paces from] it, according to the char- 
 acter of the ground; these will throw out a few men, 
 
 ■ from a hundred to a hundred and fifty paces, on their 
 exposed flank, to keep a vigilant look-out, in that 
 direction, for the enemy. Occasional patrols may 
 
DETACHMENTS. 91 
 
 also be sent out on the flanks, when it is deemed 
 n|pessary to push an examination to some distant 
 point, or to gain a height offering a commanding 
 view of the country. As the object of the flankers 
 is rather to give timely notice to the main body of 
 an enemy's approach, than to offer any serious resist- 
 ance, the detachments of which they are composed 
 need only consist of a few men. 
 
 218. The rear-guard, except in a very broken or 
 mountainous country, which would offer facilities to 
 the enemy for slipping to the rear, need only be a 
 small detachment, placed more to prevent stragglers 
 from falling to the rear than any other object. 
 
 219. Night marches should not be made, except in 
 case of necessity. "When their object is to surprise 
 an enemy, if there be an advanced-guard, it should 
 be kept near the head of the column. Patrols should 
 be sent forward, with orders to advance with great 
 caution, and not push on too far. Flying patrols 
 may, if requisite, be kept on the flanks. The most 
 exact order and silence should be maintained, and 
 extreme vigilance be exercised to avoid placing the 
 enemy on the alert. 
 
 220. The following remarks, on the subject of 
 marches, are taken from a little work, " On the Duties 
 of Troojis composing the Advanced Corps of an Ar?ni/,^' 
 by Lieut.-Col. Leach, of the British Army, a work 
 which, for its sound practical views, made in the vein 
 of a judicious, well-informed soldier, who has seen, 
 service, commends itself to the jioiioi's of the profes- 
 sion generally. 
 
92 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 "At the time the following orders were first issued 
 for the march of the light-division, in the summeiflbf 
 1809, on its route from Lisbon toTalavera, the troops 
 moved off by whole half sections, according to thd 
 road ; but, at a later period, a general order appeared, 
 which directed that the infantry should march by 
 threes. 
 
 "The division having formed in rear of the leading 
 battalion, at whole, half, or quarter distance, or in 
 close column, and the baggage being assembled in 
 rear of it, the march was commenced with precisely 
 the same regularity as would be observed by a regi- 
 ment or regiments moving in or out of a garrison 
 town ; the bands playing, the light-infantry with 
 arms sloped, and those of the riflemen slung over the 
 shoulder, the officers with swords drawn, and exact 
 wheeling distances preserved, and perfect silence 
 observed. 
 
 V After having proceeded a short distance in this 
 manner, the word of command, * March at ease,' was 
 given by the general at the head of the leading bat- 
 talion, and this was passed quickly on to the rear 
 from company to company. The captains, instead of 
 continuing at the head of their companies, dropped 
 back to the rear of them : the reasons for allotting 
 this station to them was, that they might see any men 
 of their respective companies who attempted to leave 
 the ranks without leave. The officers and non-com- 
 missioned officers preserved the wheeling distances. 
 The soldiers now carried their arms in any manner 
 most convenient. Some slung them over their shoul- 
 
DETACHMENTS. 93 
 
 ders, (most of them, indeed, preferred this mode as 
 the least fatiguing,) others sloped them, and many 
 trailed them, and they constantly changed from the 
 right hand or right shoulder to the left. "Whilst 
 some lighted their short black pipes, others sung or 
 amused their comrades with stories and jest, as is 
 usual on those occasions. Although allowed to pros- 
 ecute the march in this easy and unrestrained manner 
 a heavy penalty, nevertheless, awaited the man who 
 quitted the ranks without permission from the captain 
 or officer commanding his company. The captains 
 were always provided with tickets bearing their own 
 signature, on each of which was written, 'The bearer 
 has my permission to fall out of the ranks, being 
 unable to proceed with the regiment.' Any soldier 
 found on the line of march by the rear-guard, with- 
 out a ticket, was liable to be punished for disobedience 
 of orders; and, as no difficulty was ever experienced 
 by men who were sick, or knocked up, in procuring 
 this certiiicate of inability to keep up with their reg- 
 iments, such offenders certainly merited punishment. 
 "If a soldier wanted to fall out of the ranks for a 
 few minutes only, he was required to ask leave of the 
 captain to do so, and, moreover, to take off his knap- 
 sack, and to give it, together with his musket, in 
 charge of the men of his own section, to be carried 
 by them until he rejoined them. This was an admira- 
 ble order, and it operated in two ways ; first, the sol- 
 dier was enabled, not being encumbered with either 
 knapsack or musket, more speedily to overtake the col- 
 umn on its march; and secondly, if he loitered 
 
94 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 unnecessarily on the way to rejoin his comrades, "who 
 were doubly burdened with his arms and pack, he 
 would be certain to incur their displeasure. 
 
 "About once in every hour and a quarter or half, 
 a halt was ordered, and ten or twelve minutes allowed 
 for the men to rest. When practicable, this was 
 done on ground near which there was water ; but it is 
 almost unnecessary to add, that very frequently it 
 was not possible to find such favorable spots. 
 
 "Preparatory to those temporary halts, the word 
 of command, 'Attention!' was given at the head of 
 the leading regiment, and passed on rapidly (as 
 already stated) from company to company. Upon 
 this, the captains moved quickly from the rear of 
 their companies to the front; the arms of the soldiers 
 were regularly shouldered or slung ; perfect silence 
 was observed ; the pipes were instantaneously put out 
 of sight, either in the haversacks or elsewhere; the 
 dressing and wheeling distances of the sections were 
 correctly kept; and in an instant there was a magical 
 change from apparent irregularity to most perfect 
 discipline and order. 
 
 "On resuming the march after those halts, the 
 troops observe! the same extreme regularity during 
 the first hundred or two of yards, as I have already 
 described. The words, 'March at ease,' being again 
 given, they returned to the song, the story, and the 
 tobacco-pipe. 
 
 "On approaching rivulets or shallow pieces of 
 water, which it was necessary should be passed, nei- 
 ther oflicers nor soldiers were allowed to pick their 
 
DETACHMENTS. 95 
 
 way through, nor was the smallest break or irregu- 
 larity permitted to exist in the ranks; but the column 
 marched through by half sections, sections, or subdi- 
 visions, (according to the width of the ford,) preserv- 
 ing the same order as if moving along a road. 
 
 **That this regulation was, on some occasions, too 
 rigidly enforced, I have never heard disputed; still, 
 the object at which it aimed, viz: that of expending 
 as little time as possible on each day's march, so as to 
 give the soldiers time to take their rest, to construct 
 huts in the bivouac, to wash their linen, to mend their 
 clothes or shoes, to draw their rations, and to cook 
 their meals, that they might be fresh for whatever 
 fatigues happened to be in store for them, was indis- 
 putably a desirable one. 
 
 *' Those who have campaigned know, that in advanc- 
 ing to attack an enemy, or in retiring before one, the 
 passage of rivers in the line of march, even if so 
 deep as to reach their middles, and under the fire of 
 an enemy also, are expected to be crossed by the 
 troops without a greater derangement taking place in 
 their order of march than the obstacles which they are 
 in the act of encountering, must necessarily produce 
 in a greater or less degree. 
 
 "With a detachment consisting of a few hundred 
 men, at a distance from an enemy, and with ample 
 time before them to get over their day's march, it 
 would appear that this order might well be dispensed 
 with; but with a division of four or five thousand 
 men, the case is widely different. 
 
 " Let it be supposed that it has arrived at a stream 
 
96 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 which admits of being passed by sections, subdivis- 
 ions, or even by companies ; and that, instead of pro- 
 ceeding straight through it in this manner, every 
 soldier is permitted to pick his way across in any 
 manner he may think proper, and to break off from 
 his place in the ranks, what a vast loss of time would 
 this occasion ! When would the rear of the column 
 have effected its passage? Surely the patience of 
 those belonging to the front, centre and rear of this 
 body of four thousand soldiers would be pretty well 
 exhausted long before the opposite bank was gained 
 by the whole, and the march resumed. 
 
 " In the rugged and mountainous districts which 
 the army so frequently traversed in the Peninsula, 
 it encountered various defiles and other obstacles, 
 which precluded the possibility of their being passed 
 except by a very small number of men at a time, 
 and the following mode was therefore adopted by 
 each company in making its way along. The first 
 company of the leading battalion, as soon as it had 
 disentangled itself from the defile, or broken ground, 
 was directed to march forward, perhaps about a 
 quarter of a mile, there to pile arms, and the men to 
 rest. The head of the next company, when it had 
 cleared the defile, halted about thirty or forty yards 
 on the other side, until all the men belonging to it 
 came up in succession. This done, the captain moved 
 it forward independently until it joined the leading 
 company, where it piled arms. Thus, each company, 
 as soon as it had cleared the obstacles, was brought 
 up en masse, and at a regular pace, without refer- 
 
DETACHMENTS. 97 
 
 €nce to those in its rear. By those means that most 
 un military exhibition of file after file running on, 
 like a string of wild geese, to catch those in their 
 front, was entirely avoided. 
 
 *' Few things tend so effectually to fatigue and irri- 
 tate soldiers who are already jaded, as that of trot- 
 ting on, bending under the weight of pack, belts, and 
 musket, to overtake those who continue to march on 
 in their front. 
 
 221. " When the division was about to perform a 
 jnarch not in the immediate vicinity of an enemy, 
 the following arrangements were made either for 
 bivouacking or quartering it (as the case might be), 
 so that no time should be lost after it had reached its 
 destination. 
 
 "A staflf-oflficer, accompanied by the quartermasters 
 of the division, or (if other duties at that moment 
 were required to be performed by the quartermasters) 
 by a subaltern of each regiment, preceded the troops 
 on horseback, so as to arrive long before them at the 
 ground on which they were to halt for the day, or at 
 the town or village in which it was intended they 
 should be quartered. 
 
 "A whole street, or part of one (as circumstances 
 admitted), was allotted by the stafT-oflficer to the 
 quartermasters for each of their regiments, who im- 
 mediately divided the street into equal portions for 
 the different companies, reserving a house or two for 
 the staff of the regiment. 
 
 *' A sergeant of every company of the division be- 
 ing sent forward so as to arrive long before the troops, 
 
98 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 and being told by his quartermaster how many and 
 what buildings were set apart for his own people, 
 again subdivided the houses into four equal parts for 
 each of the sections. 
 
 **In the event of any noise or disturbance taking 
 place, whether by day or by night, the probabilities 
 were, that the oflScers belonging to the companies 
 where such irregularities were going on, would cer- 
 tainly hear it, and as instantaneously put an end 
 to it. 
 
 *'If, then, the division marched into a town, each 
 company was by its sergeant conducted to the houses 
 allotted to it, in which they were established in a 
 very few minutes. It rarely happened, therefore, 
 that the soldiers were kept waiting in the streets 
 for any length of time, as has too often been the 
 case. 
 
 "Should it, on the other hand, have been intended 
 to bivouac the division, instead of putting it into 
 houses, arrangements of a similar nature were adopt- 
 ed, by sending forward oflacers and sergeants to take 
 up the ground, by which means each company 
 marched at once up to its own sergeant, on whom 
 they formed in open column. 
 
 " The rolls were immediately called ; the men first 
 for duty were warned for guards (also inlying and 
 outlying pickets, if near the enemy), for fatigue du- 
 ties, to draw the rations, to procure wood for cook- 
 ing, if none was near at hand, to go for water, if no 
 river flowed near the encampment, &c., &c. 
 
 "This done, and the alarm-post, or place of gen- 
 
DETACHMENTS. 99 
 
 eral assembly, having been pointed out to every one, 
 the men were dismissed, the arms piled, the cooking 
 immediately commenced, and all further parades 
 were dispensed with for the day, except a roll-call 
 about sunset. 
 
 "Parties to procure forage, whether green or dry, 
 were sent out in charge of an officer as soon as the 
 troops were dismissed. 
 
 222. "Amongst the various regulations laid down 
 for the light division, I must not omit to mention 
 what were termed mule-guards. 
 
 "A corporal and three privates of every company, 
 mounted guard at nightfall, whenever the division 
 was encamped. The particular duty expected from 
 the sentinels of these company guards, was to keep 
 an eye to the baggage animals belonging to tjieir 
 officers (which were picketed to the trees or fastened 
 in some other manner), and to prevent them from 
 breaking loose. 
 
 "After the establishment of those little guards, 
 but few instances occurred of whole troops of noisy 
 mules, horses and asses chasing each other round and 
 through the camp or bivouac, and galloping over the 
 faces and bodies of the soldiers whilst they were 
 asleep. 
 
 " Independent of their utility in this way, every 
 company in the division, having its own sentinel, 
 was sure to be instantly apprised of any alarm during 
 the night from the pickets in front; and they were 
 enabled, also, to communicate to their respective 
 
100 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 companies, without the least delay, any orders arriv- 
 ing at the camp, 
 
 : *' Those only who have witnessed it can thoroughly 
 understand with what uncommon facility and dis- 
 patch the division could suddenly get under arms, 
 form in column of march, load the baggage, and 
 proceed on the route chalked out for it." 
 
 223. Defensive Measures of Detachments. — In the 
 combats of detachments, whether offensive or defen- 
 sive, as the employment of skirmishers is the prin- 
 cipal means resorted to, and the troops, but in rare 
 cases, act in mass against the enemy, positions should 
 be chosen which will be favorable for this kind of 
 combat. It but seldom happens, in selecting a posi- 
 tion for the defensive, that strong points can be found 
 to secure the wings from an attack ; but no position 
 should be taken up which does not present covers for 
 the infantry; good points for the action of the artil- 
 lery, where it will be but little exposed, as well as 
 shelters where the cavalry may be kept at hand, 
 ready for any emergency, and unexposed to the fire 
 of the enemy's artillery. 
 
 224. The natural features of the position will ne- 
 cessarily determine the dispositions for the defense. 
 It must, however, be borne in mind, that, as it is es- 
 sential to keep the troops well in hand for mutual 
 support, they must not be too much dispersed, and 
 that a position which requires this cannot be vigor- 
 ously defended. The artillery should be kept within 
 a hundred paces of the main-body of the infantry, 
 and the cavalry at about two hundred paces. Offen- 
 
DETACHMENTS. 101 
 
 sive movements will be mostly left to the cavalry, 
 which should be held in reserve as long as possible^ 
 in order that it may act with the more effect upon 
 the enemy when he is weakened. The infantry 
 should only resort to the bayonet under very favora- 
 ble circumstances, as, when acting in mass, it will 
 be more exposed to the enemy's fire, and be more in 
 danger of being surrounded. 
 
 225. Defiles in the rear of a position do not present 
 the same dangers to small as they do to large bodies 
 of troops, and may indeed be very favorable to the 
 defense in a retreat; but a position should not be 
 taken up too far in advance of a defile, as it might 
 give tljp enemy an opportunity of cutting off the re- 
 treat of the detachment. "Whenever this danger is 
 to be apprehended, it must be guarded against by 
 flankers, whose duty it will be to give timely warning 
 to the main-body of any movement of the enemy to 
 gain their rear. 
 
 226. If the detachment is forced to retreat, the 
 greatest attention must be given to keep the troops 
 well together, and to inspire them with confidence 
 in their mutual support. Every advantage should be 
 taken of the strong features of the ground for check- 
 ing the enemy, by occupying it with skirmishers. 
 A portion of the cavalry should be always at hand 
 to act offensively when occasion offers. The artil- 
 lery will retire by half batteries, or sections, for the 
 purpose of taking up successive positions to secure 
 the retreat of the main-body. Whenever a defile is 
 met on the line of retreat, the entrance to it should 
 
102 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 be timely secured, by occupying every strong point 
 near it, to cover the retreating column. If the defile 
 is of a character that admits of interior defense, some 
 men should be sent in advance to raise, at suitable 
 points, barriers, or any other obstacles that will serve 
 as shelters from which the enemy can be held in 
 check. 
 
 227. Defense of Defiles. — The term defile is applied 
 to any narrow passage through which troops can 
 only pass in column, or by a flank ; such, for exam-' 
 pie, as roads confined between mountains, causeways 
 through marshes, a bridge, «&c. 
 
 228. Defiles are occupied either to secure them for 
 our own purposes, or to prevent an enemy fro]^ pass- 
 ing them. In either case, the position taken up by 
 the troops, whether in advance of or in the rear of 
 the defile, to hold it will depend upon its length and 
 the features of the ground at its outlets. If the 
 ground in advance is open to the enemy's fire, the 
 entrance to the defile cannot be defended with any 
 chance of success. In like manner, if the ground in 
 the rear is of the same character, and within range 
 of the enemy's fire, it will not be practicable to 
 prevent the enemy from debouching, if in sufficient 
 force. 
 
 229. When the defile is to be secured for our own 
 use, the ground in advance must be occupied, by 
 taking advantage of all the natural features favorable 
 to the defense. The flanks of the position should, 
 if practicable, rest upon points tliat the enemy will 
 not be able to turn. The entrance will be guarded 
 
DETACHMENTS. 103 
 
 by a strong detachment, and if there are points with- 
 in the defile which would be favorable for checking 
 the enemy, in case of retreat, they should be pre- 
 pared for defense, by using such means as may be 
 found at hand for strengthening them. 
 
 230. If it be deemed advisable to take position in 
 rear of the defile rather than in front, the entrance 
 to it should be occupied by a small detachment, for 
 the purpose of observing the enemy ; and if there 
 are points on the flanks of the defile which, if in pos- 
 session of the enemy, would render him master of it, 
 they must be strongly guarded. 
 
 231. The detachment for the defense of a defile will 
 be composed of one or several arms, according to the 
 character of the ground. Each arm will be posted 
 on the points most favorable to its action, and for mu- 
 tual support. If the position taken up be in rear of 
 the defile, the artillery should be placed at three or 
 four hundred paces in the rear, so as to command by 
 its fire the interior and outlet. The cavalry should 
 be at some two hundred paces back, ready to charge 
 the enemy in flank as he debouches. The skirmishers 
 should seize upon every point near the outlet from 
 which the enemy can be reached, both within the de- 
 file and as he dbbouches from it, whilst the main-body 
 of the infantry will be posted on the right and left 
 of the outlet, in the best positions for throwing in a 
 heavy fire, and then driving back the enemy with 
 the bayonet. 
 
 232. When a position taken in advance of a de- 
 file is likely to be forced, the retreat should be com- 
 
104 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 menced by sending all the artillery except two pieces' 
 to the rear, to take a position to secure the outlet. 
 A portion of the cavalry will next retire, the rest 
 remaining with the rear-guard, to check by its 
 charges the enemy, should he press on with vigor to 
 seize the entrance. The main-body of the infantry 
 will next retire by the usual movements, either from 
 the centre or the wings, as the case may require. 
 The rear-guard having secured the entrance until the 
 main-body is far enough to the rear to be out of 
 danger, will retire, the cavalry or the infantry lead- 
 ing, as the defile may present features most favorable 
 to the action of the one or the other arm. As the 
 troops successively clear the outlet, they will take 
 position to receive the enemy, should he attempt to 
 force a passage. 
 
 233. In mountainous passes, where the flanks of 
 the defile can be attained by the heights falling inta 
 the hands of the enemy's skirmishers, these points 
 must be occupied by detachments, as well as all paths 
 or roads leading to the flanks, or to the rear of the 
 defile. The reserves of the detachments should oc- 
 cupy in preference points where cross-roads meet. 
 The communications between the detachments and 
 the main-body must be well preserved, and if the de- 
 tachments are driven in, they must fall back on their 
 supports, and occupy other points on the flanks pre- 
 viously designated. A retreat, under such circum- 
 stances will demand the greatest circumspection, and 
 great unity of action. To secure the retreat of the 
 
DETACHMENTS. 105 
 
 rear-guard, the lateral issues should be well guarded 
 by detachments. 
 
 234. Bridges and dikes are defended in the same 
 manner as ether defiles. A bridge in an open coun- 
 tr}^ particularly one over a small water-course, is 
 not susceptible of a good defense, and the best thing 
 to bo done to render the passage useless to the enemy, 
 is to destroy it. If the country on the side toward 
 the enemy is open, whilst on the opposite side it is 
 broken so as to present good covers for the troops, a 
 position may be taken up behind the bridge, and the 
 defense be conducted in the usual manner. If, on 
 the enemy's side, the ground is broken, whilst the 
 other side is open, a defense can only be attempted 
 at great risk ; as, in case of being forced to retreat, 
 the movement must be made under strong disadvan- 
 tages, arising from the exposed position of the flanks 
 of the retreating force, whilst on the bridge, to fire, 
 as well as that of the position which must be taken 
 up on the opposite side, if an attempt is made to ar- 
 rest the enemy at the outlet of the bridge. When 
 both ends of the bridge are favorable to defense, the 
 side towards the enemy may be occupied by a de- 
 tachment, whilst the main-body takes position on the 
 opposite side. 
 
 235. Fords can only bo defended with safety by 
 taking up a position behind them when the ground 
 presents good covers near enough to the point of 
 crossing to bring a strong fire on the enemy whilst 
 passing. Fords are usually the more difificult of de- 
 fense, as several are frequently found in the same 
 
 H 
 
106 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 vicinity. The best plan to be re3ortecl to generally, 
 is to endeavor to obstruct them by any means at 
 hand. 
 
 236. Villages, ^-c. — Villages which are accessible 
 on all sides, should not be occupied by a detachment 
 which is obliged to rely only on its own resources; 
 but when they are so situated that they can be ap- 
 proached by the enemy only in front, having their 
 flanks covered by natural obstacles, and the ground 
 in their rear being favorable to a movement of re- 
 treat, they may be defended with success, provided 
 they are not commanded by the ground in ad- 
 vance, within the range of fire-arms, and that the 
 approaches to them can be swept by the fire of the 
 defense. 
 
 237. On occupying a village, the commanding 
 officer should immediately make himself acquainted 
 with the environs to at least within the range of fire- 
 arms, and lose no time in erecting such obstacles as 
 barricades across the streets, abatis, &c., as the means 
 at his disposal will permit. 
 
 238. The defense will mainly fall upon the infant- 
 ry, which should be divided into three parties for this 
 object; the one will occupy all favorable points 
 where cover can be obtained on the outskirts of the 
 village, such as ditches, inclosures, &c.; another, di- 
 vided into a suitable number of detachments, will be 
 posted, under cover, on the most accessible avenues 
 to the position occupied by the first, of which they 
 will form the supports , the third will form one or 
 more reserves, according to the extent of ground 
 
DETACHMENTS. 107 
 
 taken up, and will be posted at some central point 
 most convenient to act, according as circumstances 
 may demand. 
 
 239. The artillery will be placed at those points 
 where it can best sweep the ground over which the 
 enemy must approach to attack the weak points 
 of the position. It should be covered by an epaul- 
 ment, and be masked until it is necessary to open its 
 tire. 
 
 240. Cavalry can aid but little in the interior de- 
 fense of a village; if it form a part of the detach- 
 ment, it may take post so as to secure the flanks of 
 the village, if they are not well covered ; otherwise, 
 a position should be taken by it in the rear, to be 
 ready to cover the retreat, if the other troops should 
 be driven out by the enemy. 
 
 241. In the defense of a village, the detachment, 
 unless it should find itself decidedly superior to the 
 enemy, will rely mainly upon the effects of its fire. 
 Sorties may be attempted, if the enemy commits any 
 blunder, such as exposing himself to a flank attack, 
 or not supporting well his advanced line. "When a 
 sortie is decided upon, the point from which it is 
 made should be strongly occupied, to cover the party 
 sallying out in case of a repulse. The party for 
 the sortie should attack with vigor, but with due 
 precautions against being cut off"; and if they suc- 
 ceed in driving back the enemy, they must not en- 
 gage in a headlong pursuit, but fall back under cover 
 of the party holding the point from which they 
 sallied. 
 
108 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 242. If the troops occupying the exterior line are 
 in danger of being turned by a flank attack, they 
 must retire upon the village, and take up positions 
 previously designated for this contingency. To in- 
 sure good order and steadiness in this movement,' 
 the supports should hold the enemy in check by a 
 sortie on his flank. 
 
 243. When it is found that the village must be 
 evacuated, the supports will act with the line of skir- 
 mishers, to delay the progress of the enemy, by 
 disputing every favorable point, in order that the 
 reserves may have time to retire and take up a posi- 
 tion in the rear, to secure the retreat of the troops 
 still engaged. 
 
 In the retreat, the troops falling back on their sup- 
 ports, or reserves, should be careful not to place 
 themselves so as to obstruct either their movements 
 or their fire upon the enemy. 
 
 244. Inclosures and Houses. — In the defense of 
 posts, it frequently becomes necessary to occupy iso- 
 lated houses and strong farm-yard inclosures, to pre- 
 vent the approach of the enemy on some point. In 
 such cases the doors and windows through which an 
 enemy might force his way in, must be strongly bar-, 
 ricaded; those from which a good fire can be brought 
 to bear upon the enemj'-, should be arranged to give 
 the men secure shelter whilst firing; loop-holes must 
 also be made through the walls to give more fire. 
 If circumstances require that the house be held to 
 the last extremity, the arrangements in the interior 
 
BETACHMKNTS. 109 
 
 must be made to defend it story by story, until the 
 object be attained is accomplished. 
 
 245. The distribution of the troops will depend on 
 the character of the inclosure. When it is spacious 
 and open, the usual distribution of a line ot troops 
 around the walls, with supports and a reserve, will 
 be made. In a house, the troops will be divided into 
 several parties, each under the command of a subal- 
 tern or non-commissioned officer, who will direct the 
 defense of their respective stories. When there are 
 men enough, two should be placed at each loop-hole, 
 and a small reserve be kept in the most sheltered spot 
 at hand. The main reserve will occupy the point 
 most convenient to fall upon the enemy should he 
 force his way in. The men at the loop-holes should 
 be cautioned not to throw away their fire, and at 
 suitable intervals they should be relieved by men 
 from the reserve. 
 
 • 246. It is but seldom that artillery can be used in 
 these cases. Some pieces may be posted with advan- 
 tage in inclosures. Cavalry can be of no service, ex- 
 cept it can act in ambush from some point where it 
 may fall on the enemy's flank. 
 
 247. General Measures for the Atiack. — The dispo- 
 sitions made for the attack by the commanding 
 officer of a detachment, will necessarily be based 
 upon the defensive me'asures of the enemy. There- 
 fore, in the first place, a correct knowledge should be 
 gained of the position taken up by the enemy, and the 
 manner in which his troops are distributed for its 
 defense. The points to which attention will be di- 
 
110 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 reeled in these respects, are, first, the natural fea- 
 tures of the position as adapted to a good defense; 
 and second, the distribution of the troops. 
 
 248. On the first point, the character of the ground 
 in front of the enemy's position, as to its capabil- 
 ities for the effective action of infantry, cavalry 
 and artillery, must be carefully examined ; the flanks 
 of the position, as to the practicability of turning 
 them ; finally, its rear, as ofiering a secure retreat to 
 the enemy. 
 
 249. On the second point, we must endeavor to 
 ascertain whether the enemy, in posting his troops, 
 has taken advantage of the features of ground in his 
 front, by placing each arm on those points most favor- 
 able to its action ; whether the extent of ground 
 taken up by the enemy is susceptible of a strong 
 defense by the troops which occupy it; whether the 
 different arms are so posted as to give a mutual sup- 
 port ; whether the enemy has neglected to give proper 
 supports and reserves, or to place them within suita- 
 ble distances; whether he has crowded too many 
 troops upon one point, or has posted too few on 
 another ; whether the points occupied by any portion 
 of the troops, particularly by the artillery, or cav- 
 alry, are exposed to an enfilading fire of our own 
 artillery ; whether his fianks are assailable ; whether 
 there are defiles to his rear which he has omitted to 
 occupy; finally, whether he has neglected to guard 
 avenues by which either his flanks or rear may be 
 reached. 
 
 250. If the enemy's troops are well posted in front. 
 
DETACHMENTS. Ill 
 
 occupying all the advantageous points presented by 
 the ground, and well supported, we must look to see 
 what can be done by operating on his flanks, or by 
 turning his position and gaining his rear, whilst a 
 feigned attack is made on his front. If the extent of 
 his position is too great, and his troops too much 
 dispersed, his flanks may be menaced whilst a serious 
 attack is made on his front. 
 
 251. Attacks on the flanks by a portion of the 
 troops are very favorable against an enemy not 
 prompt at manoeuvring; but, when made against a 
 skilful, active enemy, we expose ourselves to the same 
 attack that we attempt against him, besides weaken- 
 ing our front. 
 
 252. In moving forward to the attack, the troops 
 should be kept well in hand for mutual support. The 
 artillery and cavalry should avail themselves of all 
 covers presented by the ground, to avoid exposure to 
 the enemy's artillery. The artillery should reserve 
 its fire until it can open with a decided cftect to clear 
 the way for the action of the main body, leaving to 
 the skirmishers to push forward, and by their fir6 
 drive the enemy from his covers. If, however, there 
 are points from which the enemy cannot be well dis- 
 lodged without the aid of artillery, it should be 
 brought early into action, to avoid the bloodshed of 
 unavailing attacks of the infantry. In no case should 
 the artillery be isolated, but always covered by a 
 strong escort; otherwise it might at any moment fall 
 into the enemy's hands. 
 
 253. In attacks of the character in question, wher6 
 
112 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 the skirmishers play so important a part, they will 
 be required to resort frequently to the bayonet, to 
 dislodge the enemy fully from his covers ; whenever 
 an opportunity offers, some cavalry should he at hand 
 to take advantage of the retreat of the enemy when 
 driven from such points. 
 
 254. The cavalry in its charges, however dashingly 
 made, should use due circumspection, and not ven- 
 ture too far in a headlong pursuit, for fear of being 
 brought up suddenly by the enemy, advantageously 
 posted to profit by such faults. 
 
 255. The infantry will only act in mass and with 
 the bayonet when the enemy has been well wearied 
 by the fire of its skirmishers and artillery ; if, when 
 driven from his position, the enemy can be forced 
 upon a defile, a few rounds of grape followed up by 
 the bayonet can seldom fail of completing his destruc- 
 tion. 
 
 256. Attack of Defiles. — The length of a defile and 
 the circumstance of its being prepared by barricades 
 within it, to protract the defense, are points of grave 
 importance in planning an attack. "When the length 
 is so great that the outlet is beyond the range of our 
 cannon, the troops will not be able to pass it, except 
 under the most favorable circumstances, as the enemy 
 can make the best dispositions at a short distance from 
 the outlet, to crush the troops which first attempt to 
 dehouche. If the defile is barricaded, the barricades 
 should not be attacked in front, except for ver}- grave 
 reasons, as, if skilfully defended, they can only be 
 carried at great cost of life. 
 
DETACHMENTS. 113 
 
 257. In attacking the entrance of a defile, the 
 troops should approach along the most convenient 
 and best sheltered avenues, and deploy when a little 
 beyond musket range. The skirmishers and the 
 artillery should profit by the ground, in taking posi- 
 tions favorable both for shelter, and to reach with 
 their fire the enemy's troops. Skirmishers should be 
 directed to close in, particularly on the obstacles by 
 which the flanks of the enemy's position are strength- 
 ened, and endeavor to dislodge his troops from them. 
 The main-body, held in reserve to carry the entrance 
 with the bayonet, so soon as it is seen that a serious 
 impression has been made by the fire, should be kept 
 under cover, and as near at hand as the ground will 
 permit. If the enemy gives way, the main body 
 should make a vigorous attack in mass with the bay- 
 onet, and, following up closely the retreating troops, 
 endeavor to secure the outlet by debouching from it 
 before the front is so far unmasked by the retreating 
 troops as to enable those, in position for its defense, 
 to act with freedom. As fast as the troops dehouche^ 
 they must occupy the ground in front of the outlet 
 strongly, leaving a sufficient force for the immediate 
 defence of the outlet. The reserve should remain at 
 the other extremity of the defile to act as circumstan- 
 ces may require. So soon as we find ourselves in 
 secure possession of the defile, a part of the reserve, 
 with all the cavalry, should pass and take positions 
 indicated on the opposite side. The greater part of 
 the artillery follows, and takes position on the flanks 
 to open its fire on the retiring enemy. 
 
114 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 258. If the attack on the entrance to the defile is 
 unsuccessful, the troops will retire hehind their 
 reserves, the latter covering this movement, and 
 holding the enemy in check should he attempt a pur- 
 suit. If a renewed attack is ordered, the troops first 
 in action will form a reserve for the fresh troops 
 thrown forward. 
 
 259. When it is found impracticable to force the 
 entrance by direct attack, resort must be had to strat- 
 agem, by pushing forward a few troops to act on the 
 enemy's flanks, 'and try to dislodge him from the 
 obstacles by which they are covered. If this attempt 
 is successful, the troops in action must be gradually 
 reinforced to gain supports for the flanks of the col- 
 umn of attack in its advance movement. As the 
 column penetrates the defile, ground must be gradu- 
 ally gained by throwing forward fresh troops which 
 dislodge the enemy, secure the issues in case of retreat, 
 and hold the points of support on the flanks. 
 
 260. In the attack of defiles forming mountainous 
 passes, the column of attack must be well covered on 
 the flanks, by detachments which make a simultane- 
 ous attack on the enemy's posts on the heights, to 
 prevent the one from afibrding support to the other. 
 These detachments should be strong enough for the 
 duty assigned, so that should any post offer a vigor- 
 ous resistance, they may be enabled to renew their 
 attacks with fresh troops. 
 
 261. Two-thirds of the detachments will act as 
 skirmishers, the other third will be held in reserve. 
 So soon as any post is carried, the reserves will occupy 
 
DETACHMENTS. 115 
 
 it. "When the skirmishers move forward, a portion 
 or the whole of the reserve will follow, as circum- 
 stances may demand. There should be no intermis- 
 sion in the attacks when once commenced, but the 
 enemy be driven by alternate attacks of fire and the 
 bayonet, from point to point, to enable the detach- 
 ments gradually to gain the immediate borders of the 
 defile, so as to reach the rear of the enemy's troops, and 
 force them to retire. The 'main body, in the mean- 
 time, should occupy the enemy in front, to prevent 
 him from sending succor to the posts that secure hrs 
 rear and flanks. 
 
 262. AUacks of Villages, tj-c— As villages, when 
 occupied with a view to defense, are usually prepared 
 for it by the addition of artificial obstacles to those 
 which the position naturally presents, an open attack 
 upon them should, when practicable, be avoided, as 
 it can only succeed, if the assailed perform their duty, 
 at great loss of life to the assailant. In any case^ 
 whether made openly or otherwise, attacks of this 
 kind ought not to be hazarded except with superior 
 numbers, unless the enemy be very inferior in discip- 
 line. 
 
 263. In conducting the attack of a village, the 
 troops should endeavor to approach their points of 
 attack by avenues which will affbrd them cover from 
 the enemy's fire until they arrive near them, and 
 should particularly try to gain any commanding 
 points from which a plunging fire may be brought to 
 bear on the enemy's covered defences. 
 
 264. The most favorable points of attack are those 
 
116 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 which, are salient, as tliey are naturally weak; those 
 where there are no prepared defenses, or where they 
 are but slight ; and the flanks and rear, when they are 
 accessible, or are not well secured by troops so posted 
 as to cover them. 
 
 - 265. The attack will mainly devolve upon the 
 infantry. The artillery, by taking suitable positions 
 either to enfilade any part of the enemy's line which 
 lies exposed to its fire, to dismount the enemy's guns, 
 or to throw shells from its howitzers into inclosures, 
 will prepare the way for the infantry. The cavalry 
 can only act as a reserve, to cover the infantry if 
 repulsed, and to secure the flanks from an ofiensive 
 movement against them. 
 
 . 266. The infantry will be divided into three par- 
 ties for the attack ; one, which will display as skir- 
 mishers, may be a sixth of the whole; another, 
 which will act as the supports of the first, may be 
 about the one-half of the whole ; and the remaining 
 third will form the reserve. , The party in advance, 
 in dispersed order, will get over the ground as rapidly 
 as possible, and endeavor to close with the enemy's 
 skirmishers, relying almost exclusively on the bayo- 
 net. Their supports will follow in line, at from one 
 hundred to one hundred and fifty paces in their rear, 
 the reserves at about the same distance in rear of the 
 supports, taking advantage of the ground to screen 
 themselves from the enemy's fire. If the advanced 
 party succeeds in its attack upon the interior de- 
 fenses, they will follow up the enemy closely, and 
 give him no opportunity to halt and make a stand ; 
 
DETACHMENTS. 117 
 
 the supports will advance and clear the streets with 
 the bayonet. Should the enemy form across a wide 
 street to stop the advance, the skirmishers will move 
 forward in open order, taking advantage of any shel- 
 ters to cover themselves, and by their fire force the 
 enemy to deliver his, and the supports and reserve 
 in mass will attack with the bayonet. So soon as an 
 entrance is secured, the skirmishers and supports will 
 drive the enemy from the interior defenses in their 
 front, whilst the reserve will push forward to the 
 central point, to attack his reserve, if posted there,' 
 and to be in readiness to support the advanced 
 parties at any point where succor may be neces- 
 sary. 
 
 267. "Whenever they can be procured, a party of 
 well trained sappers should be sent forward with the 
 advance, to clear any obstacles by which their pro- 
 gress might be impeded. If this description of 
 troops is not to be obtained, a few active men, used 
 to handling the axe and pick, should be detailed for 
 this necessary duty. 
 
 168. In case of the repulse of the advance, they 
 will fall back to the nearest cover from which they 
 can open a fire on the enemy, and after being joined 
 by their supports will renew the attack. 
 
 269. Handling of Skir^nishers. — Skirmishers play 
 so important apart in all affairs of detachments, as 
 well as in engagements cf larger bodies,][the circum- 
 stances being rare, either in the attack or defense, 
 where they cannot be employed with considerable 
 effect, either to harass or occupy the enemy, that a 
 
118 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 few words may be here especially given to the man- 
 ner of handling them, even at the risk of repeating 
 what has been already laid down. 
 
 270. The number of skirmishers employed will 
 greatly depend on the features of the ground, as be- 
 ing more or less favorable to the action of cavalry 
 or of infantry in mass. In no case, however, should 
 the main-body be unduly weakened by detaching 
 too many skirmishers. A third of the entire force is 
 the most that can be safely thrown forward for this 
 duty; and, if it be found that they are unable to 
 maintain their ground in the presence of the enemy, 
 it will be safer to cause them to fall back and rein- 
 force the main-body, by forming on the flanks, or 
 any previously designated point, than to detach from 
 the main-body for their support. 
 
 271. The manner of forming a line of skirmishers, 
 iind posting their supports and reserves, with the 
 other ordinary manoeuvres for extending, advancing, 
 retiring, &c., belong to elementary tactics, and re- 
 quire no comment here. A few precepts, however, 
 may be mentioned, as connected with this subject. 
 The line of skirmishers should not be pushed so far 
 in advance of the main-body that the latter will not 
 be able to come to their aid in time, if they should 
 be vigorously pressed by the enemy, or be able to 
 profit by any advantages obtained by them. The re- 
 serves to support the line should in all cases be near 
 enough for this object, and, as far as practicable, be 
 posted where the}'^ can readily find cover from the 
 enemy's fire ; taking advantage, for this purpose, of 
 
DETACHMENTS. 119 
 
 any irregularities of ground or shelters, like walls, 
 hedges, ditches, &c. The reserves may be of less 
 strength in broken than in open ground, being, 
 however, never less than a fourth in the former, nor 
 a third in the latter case. 
 
 272. The position of skirmishers in advance of the 
 main-body will depend on the natural features of the 
 ground. As a general rule, they ought to cover both 
 the front and flanks of the main-body, extending far 
 enough beyond each flank for the latter purpose; and, 
 in all manceuvres of the main-bod}' in the face of the 
 enemy, it should be protected by skirmishers until 
 the new position is taken up. 
 
 273. It is seldom necessary to throw forward the 
 skirmishers before the main-body is ready to com- 
 mence the action. They should dcplo}'^ and extend 
 before coming within reach of the enemy's mus- 
 ketry ; and, when the lines are near enough to en- 
 gage, they should retire to the positions previously 
 assigned them, 
 
 274. A quick eye, presence of mind, and good 
 judgment in taking up ground, are indispensable to 
 an officer in command of skirmishers, to enable him 
 to keep his troops easily in hand, preventing them 
 from rushing on headlong in the pursuit, when any 
 success is gained, and directing them to seize upon 
 every cover, either in advancing or retiring, from 
 which the}^ can with advantage annoy the enemy or 
 hold him in check. 
 
 275. The accuracy of aim, upon which the good 
 effects to be obtained by skirmishers depends, requires 
 
120 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 that the men should be kept cool and in good order. 
 All hurried and violent movements by which the 
 men may lose breath and become exhausted, should 
 be avoided; and they should be frequently cautioned 
 against rapid firing, which soon impairs the aim, and 
 be directed never to raise the piece until they feel 
 sure of their shot. 
 
 276. In an advance movement of skirmishers, 
 their line will necessarily have to conform to the 
 features of the ground ; when this is open, the align- 
 ment should, as far as practicable, be preserved ; and 
 when broken, the officers should see that mutual sup- 
 port is given throughout between the detached por- 
 tions, and that those on the flanks be particularly cau- 
 tioned not to suffer their attention to be so much 
 taken up by the enemy in front as to neglect secur- 
 iug the flanks from [any attempt upon them, either 
 openly or by ambush. 
 
 277. Whenever an open portion of ground occurs, 
 it should be gotten rapidly over, so that the men shall 
 be exposed as little as may be; and, if there is any 
 apprehension from the enemy's cavalry in such cases, 
 the men should be kept well together, or even be 
 rallied on the reserves, until the character of the 
 ground will enable them to deploy with safety. 
 
 278. If the more advanced portions come upon the 
 enemy in force, they should halt and occupy him in 
 front; whilst a portion may try to turn him, or to 
 annoy his flanks. In like manner, in a successful 
 attack on the enemy's out-posts, the skirmishers should 
 endeavor to maintain their ground when they come 
 
DETACHMENTS. 121 
 
 upon his main body, by occupying its attention until 
 their own main force can come up. 
 
 279. In the attack upon all covered positions held by 
 the enemy, skirmishers play the most important part, 
 and, although it may require the action of masses to 
 dislodge the enemy under some circumstances, there 
 are but few in which, by a judicious selection of 
 ground, skirmishers may not greatly bother him. 
 The broken features presented by wooded and rocky 
 ravines, or the beds of small fordable streams, from 
 the opposite side of which an enemy must be rooted 
 out before ground can be gained forward, are ugly 
 circumstances in an advance movement; and great 
 skill and patience are requisite on the part of both 
 officers and men to accomplish their object. Points 
 which afford a good cover for a few men, or from 
 which a commanding or a[flanking view of the enemy's 
 line can be obtained, should be sought for ; and, 
 where the men would be much exposed in gaining 
 such points, from the open character of the interven- 
 ing ground, they should be sent forward singly, with 
 directions as to the best probable manner of attaining 
 their object, and be particularly cautioned against 
 exposing themselves in little knots of three or four 
 together, as the chances of casualties will be thereby 
 increased. If the crest of a hill intervenes in a pur- 
 suit, it should be gained with great caution, for fear 
 of coming suddenly upon the enemy in force on the 
 opposite side. 
 
 280. "When the enemy occupies strong artificial 
 obstacles, as palisades, an abatis, yards, of which the 
 
 I 
 
122 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 walls are loop-holed, &c., an attempt should be made 
 to dislodge him by shells from howitzers ; the troops 
 for the assault may then be advanced as skirmishers, 
 and when within about two hundred paces, should 
 clear the intervening ground at full speed, in closing. 
 
 281. In attacks upon forests, the intervening open 
 ground must be cleared in a similar style; and after 
 the enemy has been dislodged from the skirts, the 
 further advance should be cautiously made, attention 
 being paid to preserving the general alignment, the 
 men taking care to avoid leaving any considerable 
 gaps between them, or of losing sight of each other. 
 A vigilant eye should be kept upon securing the com- 
 munications to the rear by the reserves, in case of 
 being forced to retire ; and, before passing cross-roads, 
 it should be well ascertained that they do not offer 
 any facilities for an oifensive movement of the enemy. 
 
 282. Whenever a defile is met with, which is not 
 strongly guarded, some of the line of skirmishers 
 may enter it boldly, relying on the bayonet, whilst 
 others take up points from which they can enfilade it; 
 but if the enemy makes a show of a vigorous resist- 
 ance, the skirmishers should seize upon the best points 
 on its flanks, from which a warm, steady fire can be 
 kept up on it, and hold them until their reserves, or 
 if necessary the main body, can come up and force 
 their way with the bayonet. When the defile is car- 
 ried, the reserves follow the onward movement of 
 the line of skirmishers, leaving it to be held, if it be 
 thought necessary, by a detachment from the main 
 body. 
 
DETACHMENTS. 123 
 
 283. Skirmishers necessarily play a very important 
 part in mountainous warfare, as the broken character 
 of the ground presents many points from which it 
 may become exceedingly difficult to dislodge an 
 enemy thoroughly conversant, from some days' occu- 
 panc}'', with all its resources. In such attacks, as the 
 valley-passes will usually be occupied by the strength 
 of the enemy, the skirmishers must try to gain suc- 
 cessively the heights on the flanks of the main posi- 
 tion ; care being taken that no party gets too much 
 in advance of the other. If the enemy retires, a 
 portion of the skirmishers should follow closely upon 
 his rear, whilst others occupy commanding points 
 from which they can keep up a w^ell-directed fire on 
 him. If, in the pursuit, paths should be found lead- 
 ing to the flanks, or rear of the enemy's main posi- 
 tion, some detachments may be pushed forward in 
 these directions, to bother the enemy, whilst the rest 
 join in the main attack. 
 
 284. If a vigorous resistance is offered by the 
 enemy, it will be necessary to employ a number of 
 small detachments to dislodge him from every cover. 
 These should advance along the most advantageous 
 paths, proceeding with great caution, and leaving no 
 suspicious points to the rear, until they are thoroughly 
 searched and their character ascertained. The com- 
 muni?ations to the rear, by which the skirmishers 
 will have to retire if repulsed, must be well secured 
 by the reserves, who will usually take post at the 
 junction of cross-roads, or in other positions favora- 
 ble to receiving the skirmishers and covering their 
 retreat. 
 
124 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 285. If an isolated post of the enemy is met with, 
 every point around it, from which a fire can be 
 brought to bear, should be occupied by skirmishers, 
 and a stead}^ unintermitted fire be kept up against 
 it until he is dislodged, or driven from it by an attack 
 with the bayonet by the reserves. 
 
 286. In the retreat, every advantageous point 
 which offers cover to skirmishers, should be seized on 
 by them, to hold the enemy in check, and thus give 
 time to the main body to retire in good order. The 
 skirmishers, however, should not fall too far to rear, 
 so as not to compromise their own safety ; whenever 
 obliged to this, a part of the reserves may be thrown 
 forward, to reinforce the line, and give more vigor to 
 its fire; but a part should always be kept in reserve 
 to be ready for any emergency. If the retreat be 
 through a defile, and the enemy's pursuit is feeble, it 
 will usually be only necessary to deploy the reserves 
 of the skirmishers on such ground, on the right and 
 left of the entrance to it, as may be favorable to 
 bringing a good fire to bear on the enemy. As soon 
 as the main body has cleared the defile, or is suffi- 
 ciently beyond the reach of an active pursuit, the 
 skirmishers and their reserves retire by sections, keep- 
 ing at from two to three hundred paces in the rear of 
 the main body. In case the enemy should push for- 
 ward with vigor, the skirmishers adopt the same 
 measures ; ',but the additional precaution should be 
 taken of holding the outlet of the defile, by a detach- 
 ment posted advantageously for that object, until all 
 the skirmishers have cleared it. 
 
DETACHMENTS. 125 
 
 287. In all positions taken up for the defensive in 
 mountainous, or broken ground, whether the valleys 
 or the heights be occupied, those points from which 
 the troops might be annoyed by the enemy's skir- 
 mishers should be guarded by our own, as well as all 
 pathways leading to them; attention should be given 
 so to post our skirmishers as to take the enemy in 
 flank in his assault upon the front of the position. 
 
 288. The safety of the communications must be 
 carefully looked to in a retreat, and for this object 
 the position of the reserves should be judiciously 
 selected, taking them at those points where the enemy 
 would be met, should he take paths or cross-roads, 
 passing beyond the flanks of the line occupied by the 
 skirmishers, to gain their rear. The skirmishers them- 
 selves should not hold possession too long of any point, 
 in order not to have their safety compromised, by 
 leaving too wide an interval between themselves and 
 the main body ; and whenever they are thrown into 
 inclosurcs, they should see that easy communications 
 are opened to the rear for a timely exit. 
 
 289. Although skirmishers should rely mainly on 
 a steady, well-directed fire, for the attainment of their 
 ends, still a resort to the bayonet by the reserves 
 should not be overlooked; as, by a judicious combi- 
 nation of caution with boldness, the enemy may not 
 only be held in check, and be constrained to a very 
 circumspect course, but may be frequently so forced 
 back as to enable the skirmishers, if it be advisable, to 
 recover lost ground. 
 
 290. The fact should never be lost sight of, that a 
 line of skirmishers is weak in itself, and even power- 
 
126 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 less when exposed to the attack of cavalry, or that of 
 infantry in mass. It offers but a bad mark to the 
 enemy's round shot in front, but it may be greatly 
 damaged from an enfilading position, and care should 
 therefore be taken not to post a line behind any obsta- 
 cle which, like a hedge, or ditch, may so present itself 
 to the enemy's batteries. The line may also greatly 
 suffer when, manoeuvring in open ground, it comes 
 within short range of the grape and canister of the 
 enemy. The true tactics, therefore, of skirmishers, 
 is to avoid open ground, and to throw themselves into 
 that which presents obstacles to the enemy's move- 
 ments, and affords covers not exposed to enfilading 
 views of his batteries; to seek for positions from 
 which their fire will annoy the enemy both in front 
 and flank, occupying him in front whilst ground is 
 gained on the flank; and in all changes of position, 
 whether advancing or retiring, to move from one to 
 the other, both with celerity and by an orderly 
 simultaneous movement. 
 
 291. Escalading. — This is a means of attack upon 
 which our English friends rather pique themselves, 
 in spite of some signal failures during the Peninsular 
 campaigns, and some successes, in which as much seems 
 to have been owing to chance as to any other cause 
 — as the reader, who may look over Jones's Journal 
 of the Sieges carried on in these campaigns, will find. 
 Since that time it has been successfully used in the 
 attacks made on the stockade forts in India. How 
 far it might succeed again t^t ourselves, we have no 
 means of judging, as in the attempts by our friends 
 on our slight field-works, during the last war, very 
 
DETACHMENTS. 127 
 
 few of them had an opportunity of getting further 
 than the ditch, under the deadly fire of our well- 
 practiced citizens. It is a resource, however, when 
 others fail ; and, in a favorable moment, may suc- 
 ceed, either through the surprise or cowardice of the 
 assailed. 
 
 292, In a litttle work on the Attack of Military 
 Posts, Sf'c, by Captain (now, we believe, Colonel,) 
 Jebb, of the Koyal Engineers — which, as well as his 
 Defense of Out-posts, is cordially commended to the 
 perusal of our young officers, for its practical details 
 and capital common-sense views, maugrc its slap- 
 dash flippancy of style, with which the Jtmiors of 
 the British line, it seems, must be indulged, to cheat 
 them into a little study of their art — the manner of 
 conducting an assault by escalade is given with some 
 detail. Whether the groups termed rallying columns 
 by the author, would act more harmoniously towards 
 the attainment of the main object than the groups of 
 another more celebrated system, also brought to- 
 gether by their attractional sympathies, experiment 
 alone can determine. 
 
 293. The following is the outline of the method of 
 escalade proposed by Col. Jebb, in the work referred 
 to: Ladders of suitable length foi the enterprise are 
 to be provided for scaling the scarp ; the one pro- 
 posed is three feet longer than the height of the scarp, 
 so that the foot of the ladder being planted a pace or 
 two from the bottom of the wall, the top may pro- 
 ject far enough above tlie w:»ll to enable the men to 
 step from the ladder with ease, in an upright position. 
 An allowance of one ladder is made for every five 
 
128 DETACHMENTS. 
 
 feet of the face to be scaled — one hundred feet, for 
 example, requiring twenty ladders. 
 
 294. To each ladder, from four to six men are as- 
 signed, according to its length. The ladders are 
 borne, in the usual manner, on the shoulders of the 
 men, two or three being placed on each side for this 
 purpose. 
 
 The ladders for scaling the scarp are assigned to 
 the advance. A second set of less dimensions, for 
 descending into the ditch only, are assigned to the 
 support. The scarp ladders are placed on the ground 
 in line, at some suitable point, with the proper inter- 
 vals between them ; the men to carry them, properly 
 "told oflF," are drawn up in rear of them, and, at 
 the proper commands, are marched to their places at 
 the sides of the ladders, and raise them ready for the 
 forward movement. Similar dispositions are made 
 for the counterscarp ladders, which are placed in 
 line, from 100 to 150 yards in rear of the others. 
 
 295. At a given signal, the whole are to move 
 forward, covered by an advanced firing party, to 
 keep down the fire of the work, and followed by a 
 reserve. 
 
 The scarp ladders are let down into the ditch, the 
 men descend, carrying them across it, plant them 
 against the scarp, and mount to the top. The top of 
 the parapet gained, the men are to group themselves 
 rapidly in rallying-columns, and proceed to clear the 
 parapet by charging the assailed in flank. 
 
 296. The support and reserve, in the meantime, 
 are to follow on without loss of time, to take their 
 share in the action. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 CONVOYS. 
 
 297. To conduct a convoy in safety through an en- 
 emy's territory, whore it is exposed to attacks either 
 of regular or of partisan troops, is one of the most 
 hazardous operations of war, owing to the ease with 
 which a very inferior force may take the escort at 
 disadvantage, in defiles, or other positions favorable 
 to an ambuscade or surprise, and to the difficulty of 
 securing a long column, like that presented by a con- 
 voy, from a sudden attack. 
 
 298. The escort should be of sufficient strength to 
 beat off any presumed force that the enemy can bring 
 against it. A weak escort will only hold out a temp- 
 tation to the enemy to attack the convoy. "When 
 the convoy is of very great importance, it may be 
 necessary, besides giving it a strong escort, to throw 
 out detachments between its line of march and the 
 enemy ; and when there are posts occupied by our 
 troops along this line, they should keep up a vigilant 
 system of patrols, pushing them as far out as prac- 
 ticable, so that the escort may receive aid and timely 
 notice of any hostile movement. 
 
 The escort, when it is deemed necessary, should be 
 composed of all arms, but always of both infantry 
 
130 CONVOYS. 
 
 and cavalry, as, from the necessity of gaining timely 
 information of the enemy's approach, patrols of cav- 
 alry must be pushed out to some distance, both in 
 front and on the flanks. 
 
 299. As the convoy must be perfectly hemmed in 
 and guarded on all points by its escort, the latter is 
 usually divided into five principal portions with this 
 object; an advanced-guard, which is preceded by a 
 small detachment to scour and search the ground in 
 front of the line of march, a rear-guard, flankers, 
 and the main-body. For the purpose of presenting 
 a suflicient force upon those points of the convoy that 
 will probably be assailed, the main-body is subdi- 
 vided into four unequal portions; one-half of it will 
 constitute a reserve, one-fourth will form a guard for 
 the centre of the convoy, and the remaining fourth 
 will be divided into two equal portions, one of which 
 will march directly at the head of the convoy, and 
 the other close in its rear. This subdivision of the 
 main-body is made on the supposition that the enemy 
 will attack the convoy either at the centre, or in the 
 front, or rear. If the attack is made upon either of 
 the two last points, the divisions for their protection 
 can be readily reinforced by the advanced or the rear- 
 guard. As the reserve must be in readiness to rein- 
 force any point menaced, and to offer a vigorous re- 
 sistance, its strength should be greater than either of 
 the other divisions. 
 
 300. The order of march of the escort will be regu- 
 lated mainly by the natural features of the ground 
 passed over. The advanced-guard will precede the 
 
CONVOYS. 131 
 
 convoy about a thousand paces. The detachment by 
 which it is preceded, and which should consist of 
 cavalry, will push forward as far as it can with 
 safety, taking care to scour thoroughl^^ all the ground 
 passed over. The flankers, which will also usually 
 be composed of cavalry, will be divided into platoons, 
 and be thrown out as far as circumstances will per- 
 mit. Each platoon will throw out a small detach- 
 ment on its outer flank, which last will furnish ve- 
 dettes to move along the outward flank of the detach- 
 ment. The reserve will usually occupy some point 
 near the centre of the convoy. The rear-guard will 
 leave about 1000 paces between it and the tail of the 
 column. The divisions immediately at the head and 
 tail of the train will keep close to the convoy. The 
 centre division will usually be divided into two por- 
 tions, one being on each flank of the convoy, a space 
 of eight or ten paces being left in the centre of the 
 train for these portions to pass to either flank, as cir- 
 cumstances may require. 
 
 301. The convoy is placed under the orders of an 
 oflScer, subordinate to the commandant of the escort, 
 who is charged with everything appertaining to its 
 police, &c. A detachment of pioneers or sappers, 
 should precede the convoy, to rei)air the roads and 
 bridges, &c. A few wagons, with all the necessary 
 implements for the sappers, should accompany the 
 convoy ; and it is also recommended to carry with it 
 a few chevaux-de-f7'ise, the lances of which are of 
 iron, and connected with the bodies by hinges, to 
 pack conveniently, in order to form a temporary ob- 
 
132 CONVOYS. 
 
 stacle against the enemy's cavalry, when the convoy 
 parks for the night, or when threatened with an 
 attack. 
 
 302. When a part of the convoy consists of bat- 
 horses, or mules, they should be placed at the head 
 of the column of wagons, as they are found to travel 
 better in this position than when in the rear. 
 
 303. Distribution of the Train. — The train is usu- 
 ally divided into four sections. If money or powder 
 form a part of the train, it should occupy the centre 
 of the second section, as this point is usually best 
 protected. The provisions and other munitions will 
 be distributed equally among the other sections, so 
 that, should any one be cut off by the enemy, a por- 
 tion of each kind may be saved in the remainder. 
 
 304. As it takes some time to set the whole column 
 in motion, the horses are harnessed and hitched to 
 successively, by sections. The second section will 
 not commence to harness until the first is ready to 
 move off, and so on in succession. The time for this 
 operation will be ascertained by the ofiicer in charge 
 of the convoy, so that each section may be noti- 
 fied of the proper moment to prepare for the march. 
 This should be done in order not to fatigue the 
 horses unnecessarily, by keeping them standing in 
 harness. 
 
 305. March of Ti^ain. — The convoy will march in 
 single or double files, according to the state of the 
 roads. The files should not be doubled unless the 
 road is wide enough for three files, and also when 
 the train can march in this order at least an hour. 
 
CONVOYS. 133 
 
 otherwise there will be too great inconvenience and 
 loss of time in changing the order of march. To 
 pass from single to double file, the hindmost wagons 
 of the first and third sections will lead off to the 
 side of the road, and so on, each in succession to 
 the one at the head. Tlie leading wagons of the 
 second and fourth sections move briskly on in their 
 new line of direction, followed by those in their rear, 
 until they come up with the leading wagons of the 
 other two sections. An interval of four paces should 
 be preserved between the files. To change from 
 double to single file, the first section quickens its pace, 
 and when its last wagon has passed the leading one 
 of the second section, this and the rest of the section 
 follow in the new line. 
 
 806. The greatest attention should be paid to pre- 
 serve regularity and good order in the march. For 
 this purpose small detachments of infantry, taken 
 from the centre division of the escort, should march 
 at intervals on the flanks of the train. "When the 
 number of men will admit of it, each wagon should 
 be under the guard of a soldier, or at least of one 
 man to three wagons. If neither of these arrange- 
 ments can be made, each section may be placed under 
 the charge of four or five horsemen, who will keep 
 in constant motion along the line, to see that all goes 
 on well. If, for any purpose, a wagon is obliged to 
 halt, it must ftiU out of the line, and not be allowed 
 to enter it until the rear wagon of its section has 
 passed. The line should be kept well closed up, the 
 
134 CONVOYS. 
 
 leading wagons slackening their pace, to allow the 
 others to come up, if retarded by any obstacle. 
 
 307. Halt of Train. — When from any cause the 
 convoy is forced to halt for some time, as for the re- 
 pair of a bridge, the passage of a defile, &c., the 
 wagons should be parked either in lines of sections, 
 or as many in line as the character of the ground 
 will admit of. An interval of about twenty paces 
 may be left between each line. If there is any ap- 
 prehension of an attack under these circumstances, 
 the lines may close to within fifteen paces, the open- 
 ings on the flanks being covered by wagons placed 
 across them. 
 
 308. Parking of Train. — "When the convoy halts to 
 park for the night, a strong position should be chosen, 
 ofiering only one side, if practicable, to an attack. 
 The park may be formed by lines of sections or 
 in squares, as may be deemed most advisable. The 
 faces of the park should be flunked by some pieces of 
 artillery, and the angles be covered by any temporary 
 obstacle, as a chevaux-de-frise, a slight abatis, &c. The 
 difterent portions of the escort will take position around 
 the park, to cover it from the enemy's approach; 
 those divisions, which march with the convoy, being 
 posted behind the wagons, and the obstacles which 
 cover them. The usual dispositions of outposts and 
 patrols will be made, to guard against a surprise. It 
 is not safe to park in villages, nor even to pass through 
 them on a march, when powder forms a part of the 
 convoy. 
 
 809. When the park is formed as a temporary 
 
CONVOYS. 135 
 
 intrenchment, to cover the escort against an attack, 
 an open portion of ground should be selected, which 
 offers no covers for the enemy to approach within 
 musket-range. The wagons may be placed in one 
 line, or in two, if their number is sufficient to 
 inclose the necessary ground for the troops, &c., 
 so as to form a square, rectangular, or circular 
 figure, as the locality may require. When the 
 inclosuro is formed of a single line of wagons, they 
 are placed wheel to wheel, with an outlet of three 
 or four feet between every six wagons, a wagon 
 being placed, six paces to the rear of the line, behind 
 each outlet to close it. If the inclosure is a double 
 line, the wagons are placed end to end, and wheel to 
 wheel, outlets, as in the preceding case, being left 
 between every four wagons, and closed as before. The 
 poles of four wheel carriages are placed outwards; 
 the shafts of the two wheel, inwards; the horses 
 picketed opposite their w\ngons. The wagons that 
 contain ammunition, or valuables, are placed within 
 the inclosuro, at the point regarded as least exposed. 
 If the convoy is surprised on a march, and have not 
 time to park in square, the files should be rapidly 
 doubled if moving in single file, the heads of the 
 horses be turned towards the centre of the road, so as 
 nearly to touch each other, and the wagons be brought 
 as closely together as practicable. 
 
 310. Duties of Escort. — All the usual precautions, 
 to guard a column in march against a surprise, should 
 be redoubled in cases of convoys. The patrols on 
 the flanks and in front should push as far out as prac- 
 
136 CONVOYS. 
 
 ticable, so that the convoy may have timely warning 
 of an enemy's approach, in order to park, according 
 to circumstances, before an attack can be made. 
 "With drivers accustomed to their business, half an 
 hour at least will be required for this operation. The 
 advanced-guard should be particularly careful to 
 occupy by detachments any lateral roads which might 
 offer the enemy a favorable point of attack on the 
 convoy. These detachments will keep their posts 
 until the convoy has passed, and they will join the 
 rear-guard as it comes up. 
 
 311. The officer in command of the head-division, 
 marching with the convoy, will see that his detach- 
 ment moves on regularly, as the pace of the convoy 
 will be regulated by it ; and, from time to time, he 
 will bring it to a halt, to allow the carriages to close 
 up; this precaution must be carefully attended to 
 when near an enemy. 
 
 312. If menaced with an attack, the divisions at 
 the head and tail of the convoy will keep their posi- 
 tions and repel the enemy by their fire should he 
 attack; the centre division will move to the flank 
 menaced, and take position to cover the two centre 
 sections of the convoy ; the reserve will move towards 
 the point threatened; the advanced and rear-guards 
 and flankers will close upon the convoy to be in read- 
 iness to act as circumstances may require. 
 
 313. Before entering a defile, a detachment from 
 the reserve should be sent forward to secure its flanks 
 and outlet, and then send out patrols in all directions 
 to examine the ground in front, and see that all is 
 
CONVOYS. 187 
 
 safe. As the convoy comes up to a point designated in 
 rear of the defile, it is parked in lines of sections. The 
 centre division of the escort will join the advanced- 
 guard to cover the front; the rear- guard will take 
 position to cover the rear ; the flankers on the flanks ; 
 and the reserve in a central position to advance upon 
 
 , .the point which may be attacked. "When the patrols 
 report all safe, the advanced-guard and centre divis- 
 ion pass the defile, and proceed far enough beyond it 
 
 .to cover the ground where the convoy will park as 
 it reaches the other side; the reserve and flankers 
 will cover the flanks of the convoy as it moves to its 
 new position, and will then take post as before; the 
 rear-guard joined by any detachments left to secure 
 particular points on the flanks of the defile, will fol- 
 low so soon as the convoy and the rest of the troops 
 are in position. When all the troops have passed, 
 strong detachments are sent forward, in all directions, 
 at least one hour before the convoy is again put in 
 motion. 
 
 314. "When the escort takes position at night, within 
 the park, for defence, the reserve will be posted in the 
 centre, and the divisions that march with the convoy 
 in rear of their respective sections. The advanced 
 and rear-guards and the flankers will take post with- 
 out, and establish their out-posts and sentinels in the 
 usual way for safety. The cannon placed at the angles 
 of the park, will be supported by detachments of 
 infantry and cavalry in their rear. The different 
 divisions will throw forward skirmishers to meet the 
 enemy if he attacks, whilst others will occupy the 
 
138 CONVOYS. 
 
 wagons from wliicli they can fire. Should the enemy 
 not be beaten off by the fire of the troops, the reserve 
 will sally out and attack with the bayonet. 
 
 315. Attack of Convoy. — An attack upon a convoy 
 is a comparatively easy and safe operation, and may 
 be made with a force quite inferior to the escort, as 
 the latter is obliged, for the security of the convoy, 
 to keep on the defensive. 
 
 It will usually be best to attempt a surprise, 
 choosing points which are favorable to ambuscades. 
 The manner of conducting the attack will depend 
 upon its object, whether it be to capture the entire 
 convoy, to cut off a part of it, or simpl}- to delay its 
 march. In the first case, the escort must be beaten 
 and dispersed, whilst a detachment is sent to secure 
 the convoy. In the second, an attack may be made 
 on one point with the view of drawing the main- 
 bod}'- of the escort to the defense ot that point, 
 whilst a detachment attempts to cut oft' the part of 
 the convoy from which the escort has been with- 
 drawn. In the last case, the convo}^ will be fre- 
 quently menaced with an attack, to force it to halt 
 and park for defense; the roads will be obstructed, 
 bridges broken down, &c. 
 
 316. If the attack is successful, the main-bodj^ of 
 the troops should be kept together in position, to 
 cover the captured convoy, whilst the detachment 
 sent to secure or destroy it, is performing its duty. 
 The cavalry will endeavor to disperse the escort, and 
 bring in all the horses that may have been cut loose 
 from the convoy. The precaution should be taken 
 
CONVOYS. 139 
 
 of having spare horses in harness in readiness to 
 take the places of those which the escort may have 
 cut loose, or maimed, to prevent the wagons from 
 being carried off. For the attack of a convoy parked 
 for defense, some pieces of artillery will be neces- 
 sary, and howitzers will be found particularly useful. 
 Without the aid of this arm it will be very difficult 
 to force a defensive park with infantry, unless the es- 
 cort is very feeble, or the position chosen for the 
 park presents covers within the effective range of 
 musketry, from which, after keeping up a well- 
 directed fire, a rush may be made on the park. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 SURPRISES AND AMBUSCADES. 
 
 8l7. These two classes of operations depend for 
 th'6ir success upon the same point — that of being able 
 to attack the enemy suddenly when he is not pre- 
 pared to resist. The term surprise is applied to un- 
 expected attacks upon an enemy's position ; that of 
 ambuscade, where a position is taken for the purpose 
 of falling suddenly upon the enemy when he reaches 
 it. Secrecy, good troops, and a thorough knowledge 
 of the localities, are indispensable to the success of 
 either of these operations. 
 
 318. Surprise. — In planning a surprise, the officer 
 must spare no pains in ascertaining the face of the 
 country leading to and in the immediate vicinity of 
 the enemy's position, the character and disposition 
 of his troops, and the state of preparation of the 
 defenses of the position. Information may be ob- 
 tained on these points from spies, deserters, inhabi- 
 tants of the locality occupied by the enemy, good 
 maps, «&c. 
 
 319. The troops to be employed in the expedition, 
 as well as the other necessary arrangements, will de- 
 pend upon the information gained on these points. 
 If the position be an intrenched one, infantry will 
 constitute the main force ; cavalry and artillery can 
 be of little other use than to cover the retreat of the 
 infantry, and to make prisoners of those who may 
 
SURPRISES AND AMBUSCADES. 141 
 
 escape from the position. A body of engineer troops 
 or of picked men used to handling tools, will accom- 
 pany the infantry, carrying with them such imple- 
 ments as may be requisite from the character of the 
 defenses, as axes, saws, crowbars, small scaling lad- 
 ders, «&c. 
 
 320. If the position be not intrenched, as an open 
 village, &c., cavalry may perform a very important 
 part, by a sudden dash among the enemy, in creating 
 confusion and alarm. 
 
 321. As the success of the affair will greatly de- 
 pend upon the secrecy with which these preparations 
 are made, and the celerity with which it is conducted, 
 all orders for collecting the necessary implements and 
 assembling the troops, should be given at the shortest 
 notice ; no more troops should be taken than are in- 
 dispensably necessary, and they should carry nothing 
 with them but their arms, and the requisite amount 
 of ammunition. 
 
 322. Midnight is the best hour for small bodies of 
 troops to carry out such enterprises, as they must 
 effect all they desire to do and be off before daybreak, 
 A few hours before daylight is the best time for large 
 expeditions, as the dawn of day will be favorable to 
 their retreat, by which time they will have been able 
 to effect their purpose3. The season of the year and 
 the state of the weather should be taken advantage 
 of. "Winter and bad weather are most favorable, as 
 the enemy's sentinels and out-posts will then, in all 
 probability, be less on the alert, and more disposed 
 to keep under such shelter as they can procure. 
 
142 SURPRISES AND AMBUSCADES. 
 
 823, As our purpose may be divined by the en- 
 emy, measures should be taken against such a con- 
 tingency. These will mainly consist in securing by 
 detachments all defiles and roads by which our re- 
 treat might be cut off, and by designating a rallying 
 point, on which our force will fall back, if repulsed, 
 which should be strongly occupied by cavalry aud 
 artillery, if they constitute a part of the force. 
 
 324. In conducting the march, the troops will be 
 kept well together ; the greatest order and silence be 
 observed. Instead of the ordinary precautions of an 
 advanced-guard and flankers, reliance should rather 
 be placed upon a few active and intelligent scouts, to 
 gain timely notice of any movement on the part of 
 the enemy. 
 
 325. Concerted attacks upon several points are 
 good means of creating confusion and paralyzing the 
 enemy's eflforts, when they can be successfully car- 
 ried out ; but, as they may require some of the de- 
 tachments to make considerable circuits to reach their 
 points, much will depend upon chance as to their 
 success. In such cases, some signal must be agreed 
 upon, to let the detachments, already in position, 
 know when those which are likeliest to reach theirs 
 latest, are ready ; but this may have the incon- 
 venience of giving the alarm to the enemy. Eockets 
 may be used for this purpose, and also to give notice 
 to the troops to retire together. 
 
 326. The retreat after a successful issue, should be 
 conducted with the same promptitude as the advance. 
 Time must not be lost in waiting too long for all the 
 
SURPRISES AND AMBUSCADES. 143 
 
 detachments to come in at the rallying point, as 
 the safety of the whole command might be com- 
 promised. 
 
 327. A77ibuscade.— In planning an ambuscade, we 
 should be well acquainted with the enemy's force, 
 and the state of discipline shown by it. The position 
 chosen for the attempt must be favorable to the con- 
 cealment of troops, and if practicable it should be 
 reached by night, every precaution being taken to 
 insure secrecy. The best positions are those where 
 the enemy is inclosed by a defile, or vilhige, and has 
 not taken the proper precautions to secure himself 
 from an attack. By seizing the outlets of the defile 
 by infantry, in such cases, and making an impetuous 
 charge of cavalry into it, the enemy may be com- 
 pletely routed. 
 
 328. Ambuscades may frequently be attempted 
 with success in the affairs of the advanced and rear- 
 guards, by pushing the enemy vigorously and then 
 falling back, if he oflers a strong resistance, so as to 
 draw him upon a point where troops are posted in 
 force to receive him. 
 
 329. To trace anything more than a mere outline, 
 as a guide in operations of this kind, which depend 
 upon so many fortuitous circumstances, would serve 
 but little useful purpose. An active, intelligent 
 officer, with an imagination fertile in the expe- 
 dients of his profession, will seldom be at a loss as 
 to his best course when the occasion offers; to one 
 without these qualities, opportunities present them- 
 selves in vain. 
 

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