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COMMANDING GENERAL
AND OTHERS.

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Information and Inſtructions
FOR
COMMAND ING GENERALs
A N ID
O T H E R S.
Printed for T. Egerton, by C. Roworth,
Bell-Yard, Fleet-Street.

HoRSE GUARDs, 1803.
HIS Royal Highness the CoMMANDER
IN CHIEF, considering the possibility of the
Army's being suddenly called into the Field
and employed on active service, has thought
proper to order the following Instructions,
which were given in the years 1800 and
1801, to be revised, re-published, and com-
municated to every individual as far as each
is concerned. A sufficient number of copies
having accordingly been printed and distri-
buted, all Generals and Commanding Officers
of regiments and of corps are to take care
that the particulars therein stated are univer-
Sally known and observed by the troops un-
der their command, when they find them-
selves in the situations hereafter described.


By Order of His Royal Highness,
The CoMMANDER IN CHIEF.


Information and Inſtructions
FOR
COMMAND IN G. G. E. NER ALS

A N ID O T H E R S.

H Is Royal Highneſs the Commander in Chief
thinks it neceſſary on the preſent occaſion to point
out the following circumſtances and inſtrućtions for
the guidance of the commanding generals and
others, that they may be acquainted with the leading
principles of defence of the country, and be the
better enabled to apply them to the peculiar ſituation
of their diſtrićt.
-
We muſt naturally ſuppoſe, from the hoſt of foes General Pro-
bability of
that ſurround us, and from the advantages our inſu- invaſion.
lar ſituation gives us while they can be kept at a
diſtance, that their great obječt muſt be an invaſion
of theſe countries. The conſequences of ſucceſs
would be to them ſo great, that they may be led to
attempt it, notwithſtanding the ſuperiority and ex-
ertions of our navy, and the vigilance and gallantry
of our ſeamen, who have hitherto enſured our ſafety;
and from circumſtances of wind and weather it is
not impoſſible for them to accompliſh on ſome one
B 3 Or


-

[ 6 | -
General ar-
rangements
and prepara-
tions to be
made.
or more points of our very extenſive coaſts, a partial
but conſiderable landing. Under this expectation
we muſt be prepared to repel ſuch an attempt, whe-
ther proceeding from the coaſts of our inveterate
enemy, which more immediately threaten the capital
and centre of the country; or from thoſe more diſ-
tant ; an attempt which though not beyond the
chance of poſſibility, may be conſidered as leſs pro-
bable than the former.
Before a deſcent of the enemy can take place, the
troops will be cantoned or encamped in the manner
that appears the moſt advantageous. The various
lines of defence will in general have been aſcer-
tained. The combinations of the troops and their
marches upon their ſeveral points of rendezvous,
in conſequence of the part of the country the enemy
ſhall attempt, will be well underſtood and known to
ſuch as have an active part depending on them. The
troops will be in a ſtate of field preparation, and
apprized of the general nature of the ſervice that
is to take place. Their ſubſiſtence will have been
arranged and ſecured on their lines of march and
probable operation. All the civil arrangements of
Government will have been made and ready to
carry into execution. Meaſures for reinforcing the
army, for internal ſecurity, and for forming ſtrong
reſerves will have been taken. Diſpoſitions will
have been made for breaking up roads, driving and
abandoning the country on the enemy’s route, &c.
Though our ſtake would be great, our advantages
in defending it would be many, our principal ones
- ought



| 7 |
eught to ariſe from our ſupplies, our certainty of
ſubſiſtence, and our conſtant encreaſing force.
When an enemy lands, all the regulations of civil When an ene-
- ſ" my lands.
Government and the reſtraint of forms ceaſe, every
thing muſt give way to the ſupplying and ſtrength-
ening the army, repelling the enemy, and preſerving
as much as poſſible the quiet of the country; the
ſtrongeſt and moſt effectual meaſures muſt be reſorted
to for theſe indiſpenſible purpoſes.
In caſe the enemy ſhall effect a landing, not a mo- General inten-
ment muſt be loſt in aſſembling the troops, and tion of defence.
puſhing on the moſt advanced, however few in num-
ber, till more can be colle&ted. The great obječi muſt
be conſtantly to harraſ, alarm, and tire an enemy, and
to impede his progreſs, till a ſufficient force aſſembles to
attack him; the nature of the country affords every
advantage for that purpoſe; intricate and encloſed,
it is exceeding difficult for an enemy to advance, he
is never to be loſt ſight of by the light troops, every
inch of ground, every field may to a degree be diſputed,
even by inferior numbers. *
As ſoon as the enemy has quitted the coaſt, he muſt Meaſures.
be ſurrounded in front, flanks, and rear; a know-
ledge of the country, and a ſuperiority of cavalry
gives that advantage. He muſt be obliged to fight
for every article of ſuſtenance. The country muſt
be driven, and every thing uſeful within his reach
deſtroyed; this the neceſſity of the caſe, and the
infinite conſequence of giving him an immediate
B 4 check

| 8 J
Difficulties at-
tending the
enemy.
Probable
tyents,
check demand. The removal of all horſes and cattle
muſt be moſt ſcrupulouſly enforced.
On the fide of the enemy, the difficulties of ad-
vancing through an encloſed country where there is
an active opponent in front, flank, and rear, ſeem al-
moſt inſurmountable; ſuch as routes to be opened
for the columns under an adverſary’s fire, unleſs the
march is made along the high road, on a narrow
front, and therefore the eaſier oppoſed. The means
of connecting theſe columns and making them ačt
and move in concert; the diſability of protećting and
communicating with thoſe on the flanks, which are
always expoſed, and liable to an attack; the uncer-
tainty of where is the principal danger, and from what
quarter to expect the greateſt effort of his adverſary,
the want of every comfort, of every neceſſary required
for the operation of an army:
The combination of theſe circumſtances ſeem to
render it impoſſible for an enemy, when oppoſed with
vigour, to make much progreſs forward; for as he
muſt have landed with a very moderate proportion of
artillery, ammunition, and proviſions, or at leaſt
without the effectual means of tranſporting them,
fatigue, and the want of nouriſhment will ſoon ex-
hauſt him, deſpondency will begin to take place, and
deſpair will ſoon follow, if unable to advance in front,
a retreat muſt be reſolved on, or a deſperate and
unequal ačtion hazarded. No ſuch retreat can be
made in a very regular manner; confuſion will ariſe;
a reimbarkation with great loſs may be attempted,
but

[ 9 J
but it is not improbable that the ſcene may terminate
in a total overthrow.
All this ſuppoſes in the defendant the moſt
circumſtance ſhould induce him to this condućt, to
allow time for putting in motion each ſpring, and
applying every reſource. Each day decreaſes the ar-
dour, ſpirit, and numbers of the attacker, and en-
creaſes in a much greater proportion, the confidence
and ſtrength of the attacked, not only of the ſoldier
but of the very peaſant; a ſure retreat is always open;
plenty, and refreſhment of every kind, and the ſup-
port of encreaſing numbers continually await them.
If, notwithſtanding every effort, the enemy ſhould Deciſive
advance within reach of the capital, a great ačtion
muſt take place, but at ſuch a diſtance as to allow of
the proſpe&t of rallying and making a ſecond ſtand in
caſe of a repulſe. In this ſituation, the advantage
of artillery, cavalry, and in ſome degree the choice of
ground ought to be deciſive againſt an enemy who
would be encompaſſed on every ſide by ſuperior num-
bers of Britons fighting for their deareſt intereſts,
for the honour of their ſovereign, the ſafety of their
country, and the protećtion and ſecurity of their
families. -
After taking poſſeſſion of one of the coaſt towns,
and of a certain diſtrićt of country, ſhould the enemy
not advance towards the capital, or towards ſome
other
inde- Advantages
fatigable and unremitting ačiivity and valour : every of defence.
aćtion.
--


[ lo J
Deſtroying
roads, &c.
other material point, but endeavour to eſtabliſh
himſelf and protraćt the war, a new ſcene would ariſe;
but theſe previous arrangements would equally enable
us to ačt with advantage, and the ſequel would de-
pend on circumſtances.
Nothing will more effectually diſappoint and diſ-
concert the projećt of an invading enemy, than the
driving and abandonment of the country, and the
total deſtruction of the roads for miles round what-
ever point he made his landing at, or at leaſt for
ſeveral miles on each ſide of the route he meant to
purſue. When this is accompliſhed to the extent
preſcribed, he will find himſelf in a deſert, unable to
advance, or to extricate himſelf from the firſt em-
barraſſments thrown in his way, which would only be
a prelude to more confiderable oppoſition; his diſ-
treſſes and wants would encreaſe in proportion to his
numbers, and if his communication was interrupted
by a ſuperior naval force, he muſt ſoon be reduced to
the greateſt difficulties.

It is deſirable to reduce the enemy to ačt on a
ſmall front, to prevent him from extending his flanks,
and to preſent as many obſtacles to his progreſs as
can be deviſed; to effect this, it is neceſſary to reſerve
acceſs to his flanks, to be able to harraſs his rear, and
in oppoſing him in front, to have our own rear open
for a ſpeedy retreat, or for receiving ſupplies and re-
inforcements. From the time we take a poſition
in front of the enemy we can only deſtroy dire&t
roads in proportion as we retire, ſide ones we can
prepare

I 11
prepare and ſhut up, to prevent the enemy's altering
his poſition, without our permiſſion; this is one of
the great advantages which our incloſed and intricate
country affords us, and from the inſtant an enemy has
landed, we muſt endeavour by our various operations
to determine his advance on ſuch line as we deem
moſt advantageous to ourſelves.
The great extent of our coaſt makes it difficult
to guard it every where, and from the nature of an
invaſion, an enemy if he eſcapes our navy and all the
perils of the ſea, may arrive with a force much
ſuperior to what can be immediately aſſembled to op-
poſe him ; ſtill he ſhould be reſiſted as much as poſſi-
ble in the moment of deſcent, for it is to him a mo-
ment of weakneſs, and may be rendered one of great loſs
and diſcouragement; but this attack ſhould not be per-
ſevered in, beyond the inſtant of landing, if the
enemy’s ſuperiority is evident and decided; the troops
that immediately oppoſed him, ſhould therefore be
prepared on a ſignal, to quit the ground in the quick-
eſt manner (always ſuppoſing the rear and flanks
ſufficiently open) and to aſſemble again, at perhaps
the diſtance of half a mile; every thing muſt be me-
thodized and in due preparation for deſtroying and
ſpiking the guns and carriages on the ſhore batteries,
before the enemy can reach them; it is concluded the
ordnance have provided and furniſhed for each gun
the means of ſo doing, and thoſe who are guilty of any
neglect in this reſpect muſt be puniſhed in the moſt
exemplary manner.
If the enemy ſhould eſtabliſh himſelf on the ſhore,
- the
Oppoſing the
enemy on his
landing.
Oppoſing the
enemy when
landed.



L 12 J
Infantry.
Advantages
our infantry
poſſeſs. -
the troops are never to loſe fight of him, they are to
fall back, but only to ſuch a diſſance as circumſtances
abſolutely require; they are to extend and endeavour
to encompaſs him, for their general aim muſt be to
draw as much advantage from attacks on his flanks
and rear, as from oppoſition in front. Theſe at-
tacks ſhould be kept up inceſantly by corps of va-
rious deſcriptions and ſtrength, and every encourage-
ment given to ſuch enterprizes. The troops are to
be made thoroughly to underſtand, that though
under ſome circumſtances it may be expedient for us
at firſt to fall back till our force can be colle&ted on
a given point, and we may thereby be enabled to
advance upon and attack the enemy, yet that that
event is ever to be held in view. It is highly expedient
that we ſhould be ſenſible of, and profit from the
many other advantages we poſſeſs.
Our infantry ſhould be taught the advantages they
poſſeſs in attacking, under the protection of our ca-
valry, an enemy who is deſtitute of that arm: for ac-
tive individuals and light infantry may remain in
perfect ſafety within the ſmalleſt diſtance of ſuch an
enemy, watching every opportunity of diſtreſſing him,
and larger bodies of infantry can never be preſſed or
overtaken, if their rear is clear, and our cavalry bold
and active.
By experience, every ſoldier will feel that even if
he is worſted in ačtion, and compelled to fall back,
his duty and honour require him to ſtop and rally, as
ſoon as poſſible, that he need never hurry, and that he
is perfectly ſafe at a quarter of a mile diſtance-from an
enemy,
-Q
-(-
I 13 1
enemy, who has no cavalry to make a quick purſuit,
therefore it is his duty to form, and again advance or
retire in a cool ſoldier-like manner, and in performing
this, he has the peculiar advantage, of being always
protećted by his own cavalry.—But above all it muſt
be impreſſed upon him, that although retiring and
falling back before the enemy, to allow the force of
the country to colle&t; yet our great object is to at-
tack him individually or collectively on every favour-
able opportunity, and that not only with fire, but with
the national weapon the bayonet, or with a pike or pitch-
fork, weapons equally dangerous in the hands of men
poſſeſſed of a bold and manly ſpirit, and it is by ſuch
conſtant efforts we ſhall overwhelm, and may ex-
tirpate an army of unprincipled and mercileſs inva-
ders.
There cannot be too many light infantry eſta- Light infantry.
bliſhed, either in companies or battalions. They are
eſſential in the country we are to preſerve, and when
intelligently and well led, they will, by their ſpirit,
perſeverance, and exertion, ſoon attain an aſcendant
over thoſe of the enemy, who have ſo many difficul-
ties to encounter, and who, unprotected by cavalry of
their own, will not be ſo forward when expoſed to
the rapid and decided attacks of ours. To this
ſervice the ſmall corps of militia, and the unregi-
mented companies of volunteers, and every individual
with a weapon in his hand is applicable, and in no
other can any diſtinguiſh themſelves in a manner more
honourable or more beneficial to their country.
As
-
-
-


[ 14 J
Advantages
our cavalry
poſſeſs.
Artillery.
As our cavalry have no enemy of the ſame kind to
encounter, they need not be too circumſpect in their
movements, and there are few impediments their horſes
would not ſurmount, their boldneſs and activity would
give them every advantage of attack, and free them
from every danger of retreat. They ſhould never he-
ſitate to attack with the utmoſt impetuoſity infantry
wherever they can get at them on tolerable terms, par-
ticularly light infantry, whoſe looſe order makes no
great reſiſtance when affailed with vigour. They
would be ordered to move and act more in ſmall
bodies than in line, in ſupport of infantry and of each
other. They muſt harraſs and interrupt every com-
munication of an advancing enemy. They will give
confidence and ſupport to our volunteers and more
unexperienced troops, and in any great and combined
attack, they might arrive and act from ſo many points
with an energy peculiar to themſelves that muſt prove
decifive. The advantage they would poſſeſs is of ſo
ſingular a nature, that unleſs they totally forget their
inherent vigour and activity, and are unmindful of
the great ſtake for which they contend, nothing can
reſiſt their efforts.
The excellence of our field artillery, and its capa-
bility of increaſe to any extent, muſt give us the moſt
decided advantage againſt an enemy, who will be
exceedingly inferior in that arm. Well horſed and
under the protećtion of our ſuperior cavalry, it may
be moved with the greateſt rapidity and without ap-
prehenſion to the moſt favourable and decifive ſitua-
tions, as we have the means of providing againſt its
being



ſ 15
being expoſed to any danger from the ſudden effort
of the enemy.
The enemy has elſewhere gained ſo many advan- º
tages, from the rapidity of his movements, and diſ- ment.
encumbering himſelf from baggage, that he would
certainly perſevere in the ſame courſe, and ſeek for
no more horſes than would tranſport his moderate
ſhare of artillery and ammunition, and if poſſible
mount part of the cavalry men he might bring with
him; he has been accuſtomed to find proviſions in
the countries he quickly paſſed through, and occa-
fional ſhelter in cloſe cantonments, as he frequently
had not with him the means of encampment.

We muſt therefore be prepared to move in the
lighteſt manner. Start without baggage of any kind,
expect to hut, not to encamp, and for this the coun-
try furniſhes abundant and advantageous materials,
and every fifth ſoldier ſhould be provided with a bill-
hook for cutting wood. From our rear we ſhall be
certain of plentiful ſupplies.
º
Circumſtanced as we are, with our honour and
exiſtence at ſtake, againſt an inſolent and unrelenting
enemy, whom we and our anceſtors have ſo often and
ſucceſsfully encountered, and who ſpurning at thoſe
generous modes of warfare ſo long eſtabliſhed be-
tween civilized and rival countries, openly declares
his aim to be our utter deſtruction as a nation—
Againſt ſuch an enemy we muſt employ his own wea-
pons, for a time be more ferocious than himſelf, raiſe
the indignation of the country to the higheſt pitch, and
-----
hurl

[ 16
General cir-
cumſtances of
condućt of
commanding
generals of diſ.
tricts and
others.
hurl back upon him that terror which he has ſtruck
into weak or degraded nations, who had not the ſame
liberty, renown, and conſtitution to contend for. In
this manner will he be ſucceſsfully oppoſed; and if we
profit from the many and fingular advantages we poſ-
feſs, and exert that ſpirit and vigour which becomes a
great and free people, fighting for their laws, their re-
ligion, and every thing that can be dear to them againſt
an implacable enemy, there can be no doubt of an
honourable and glorious termination of the conteſt.
In conformity to the beforementioned circum-
ſtances, the commanding generals being thoroughly
acquainted with the local ſituation of their diſtrićts,
muſt have already, or will immediately frame a regu-
lar ſyſtem of defence and operation, which they will
communicate in its various degrees, and with full
explanation to each perſon materially concerned in its
execution.

They will point out the moſt probable places of
deſcent for an enemy, the works that now exiſt for
their defence, and the arrangements to be made at
each for oppoſing him. Suppoſing the enemy, not-
withſtanding every effort to prevent him, to have
made good his landing at any one place, they will
point out where the troops ſhall re-aſſemble, and keep
firm to hold the enemy in check; and in caſe of being
farther preſſed they will determine the line of retreat,
and explain the meaſures they propoſe for throwing
troops on his flanks and rear, and arreſting his pro-
greſs till aſſiſtance arrives. -
The

[ 17 J
The Generals commanding are alſo farther in-
ſtrućted—to cauſe the greateſt alertneſs to be ob-
ferved in the execution of all duties, and that every
one is ready in the inſtant to repair to the point of
rendezvous aſſigned him. If the horſes neceſſary for
the artillery are not already provided, to make ar-
rangements for their being immediately procured on
any emergency, and for the regiments to furniſh
ſuch men and to train them, as are wanted for the
artillery ſervice. -

That the Orders and Inſtrućtions, as publiſhed con-
cerning the Baggage and Marches of the Army in
caſe of aſſembly, are ſtrićtly obſerved, and to take
the firſt opportunity of puniſhing offenders and de-
ſtroying improper baggage on the ſpot. Of uſing
every means of circulating intelligence, and orders
quickly, but without harraſſing the cavalry. Of at-
tacking the enemy in the critical inſtant of landing,
if there is the leaſt chance of ſucceſs; and if obliged
to recede, to fall back as ſhort a ſpace as poſſible,
and never to loſe fight of him in front. Of detach-
ing bodies, though ever ſo ſmall, to confine him on
his flanks, and of encreaſing thoſe in proportion as
he advances. Of exerting every means to create
delay, and give time for aſſiſtance to come in. Of
haſtening the inhabitants in the neighbourhood of
the enemy to withdraw with their cattle and horſes,
to enforce this by every means, and to deſtroy with-
out compunétion whatever proviſion is tardy in its
removal, or can be of uſe to the enemy. Such remo-
vals will be made to a ſufficient diſtance, according to
C the


[ 18 J
the diſtrict plan aſcertained, and the routes in it or-
dered and pointed out. Such arrangements in conſe-
quence of the general plan laid down muſt be made
with the Lord Lieutenants and Magiſtrates of the
different counties, as may enſure the punctual execu-
tion of theſe moſt eſſential ſervices.
To take particular care that no artillery or horſes
fall into the hands of the enemy. Wherever he
makes good a landing, ſuch adjoining batteries as
can no longer be preſerved muſt be relinquiſhed in
time, the guns damaged, and ammunition and car-
riages deſtroyed. This requires diſcretion and no
hurry, for in many ſituations they may ſtill afford
ſupport to the flank corps.
To provide for the removal of ſuch ſick, horſes and
baggage as may be near to, or in the probable route
of the enemy. To keep an eſpecial look-out to the
providing his own troops with bread and forage, with
as much regularity as poſſible.
The farther the enemy gets from the coaſt, the
more muſt the cavalry be ordered to get on his flanks
and rear; to give continual night alarms to the enemy,
by detachments however ſmall. To deſtroy roads on his
flanks the more to circumſcribe him in an encloſed and
difficult country, and at whatever point he lands, to
have ſuch a diſpoſition ready for breaking up roads
inſtantly, as will tend to prevent his extending, and
force him to move in a particular line and on a ſmall
front of operation. Wherever the enemy enters the
ſtrong


| 19 |
ſtrong woodland countries, if trees are felled on all
the roads for miles around him, he will find it very
difficult to advance. -
During this ſervice, ſmall corps cannot depend on
encamping. On the contrary, they muſt truſt to their
own ingenuity for hutting and covering themſelves,
and will be provided with axes, hatchets, and bill-
hooks accordingly.
The general officers will inſtrućt the infantry in their
exerciſes to pračtiſe more than has been uſual the uſe of
their bayonets, and charge frequently with them in dif-
ferent ſituations, and under various circumſtances :
they will alſo take care that not only the light companies
are adroit at their peculiar exerciſe, but that indivi-
duals, and diviſions of other companies are occaſion-
ally detached, and underſtand how to ačt as flankers
and as ſkirmiſhers, in attacking or repelling thoſe of
the enemy; that the men are taught to be provident
of their ammunition, and that they are never to fire
but when they have a good mark, and a decided aim.
All theſe are points and objećts that ſhould be ſtrongly
recommended to, and form the principal part of the
exerciſe of ſmall corps and volunteer companies, to
enable them to perform the moſt effectual ſervice that
can poſſibly ariſe. -
A part of the force of each diſtričt, as ſhall be
particularly named, will be eſtabliſhed as a diſtrićt
reſerve, and being provided with camp equipage, &c.
will be held as the firſt to be called upon, ready to
C 2 In OVC

[ 20 1
move at a moment's warning, and to unite as a body
on the point attacked, whether of their own, or of
any adjoining diſtrićt. The whole will form the
general reſerve; and orders will be in readineſs for
the march of the diſtant parts of it, on whatever
point the enemy may land. The commanding ge-
nerals of diſtrićts will be acquainted before-hand with
ſuch diſpoſitions, and know when and from whence
they may expe&t aſſiſtance. They are alſo em-
powered, on the appearance of an enemy, to call
out the yeomen and volunteer corps of their reſpec-
tive diſtrićts, with whom (having obtained a pre-
vious knowledge of their numbers, ſtate of diſcipline,
limitation of ſervice and other eſſential circumſtances)
they will have made ſuch arrangement as may en-
ſure their ſpeedy aſſembly, and the due performance
of the duties allotted to them. They will alſo be
empowered to call upon certain ſpecified corps (ac-
cording to ſituation) of the reſerve, and of the
adjoining diſtrićts.
In conformity to theſe Inſtructions, and to ſuch local
confiderations as preſent themſelves; the command-
ing generals of diſtricts will take their meaſures, give
their orders, make the previous preparations, and
from time to time make ſuch communications as may
be neceſſary to the Commander in Chief.
INSTRUC-
INSTRUCTIONS
RELATIVE TO
THE BAGGAGE AND MARCHES
OF THE ARMY - *
O N H O M E S E R P I C E.

TH E ſervice on which it is probable the troops
may be called will be of ſuch a nature while it laſts,
that conſiſtent with the ſafety and operations of the
army, the uſual conveniences of the field cannot be
allowed or expected.
From the unremitting zeal and ardour of the
troops every ſucceſs may be expected.—But to enſure
it, every embarraſſment of baggage muſt be removed,
to enable us to ačt with advantage and ačtivity
- againſt an enemy, who, without tents or baggage,
unſupported by cavalry, and with a very limited
quantity of artillery, may attempt by boldneſs and
exertion to penetrate into the country.
It is neceſſary therefore, that every officer and ſol-
dier ſhould be fully aware of the nature of the
ſervice in which they are likely to be engaged—ſhould
be thoroughly acquainted with the propriety and
neceſſity of the regulations eſtabliſhed—ſhould be
C 3 deeply
| 24
deeply impreſſed with the importance of the duties
they are called upon to perform, and ſhould be per-
fe&tly convinced, that in exerting themſelves with
energy and vigor, they poſſeſs ſuch manifold advan-
tages as muſt enſure the defeat of an enemy, who
avowedly aims at the deſtruction of our property, our
liberties, our conſtitution, our religion, and our very
exiſtence as a nation of freemen.
The nature of the ſervice in which the army muſt
be engaged, in the event of an invaſion having ac-
tually taken place, will be ſuch as to render regular
encampments in the face of the enemy dangerous and
impraćticable.
But in order that the army may have the accommo-
dation of tents whenever circumſtances can poſſibly
admit, one half of the ſtipulated number of tents will
be allowed to follow the army one day’s march in the
rear, for which one waggon per regiment will be al-
lowed.
The remaining tents to be ſent in waggons, that
will be provided, to the depôts of heavy baggage of
the army. -
- That portion of the army that is in cantonments
will be furniſhed with camp neceſſaries, ſuch as camp
kettles, canteens, haverſacks, as alſo with one half
of their due proportion of tents, to be conveyed by
waggons and bat-horſes as hereafter ſpecified, ſo that
the



[ 23 J
the whole army may be equally prepared to ačt
againſt the enemy in caſe of neceſſity.
CAMPS of PRE PARATION.
The SCALE to be
INFANTRY-1 tent for 15 men. Camp Equi-

page.
CAVALRY-1 tent for 12 men.
(For field officers, each) 1 tent, which is
Cavalry -
and Captains, each recºmmended
Regimental ſtaff, each to be a horſe-
Infantry | .*
(Two ſubalterns jman's tent.
-
In the event of movements taking place before an Conveyance .
enemy has landed, waggons will be provided for the con-fº camp equi-
- - age.
veyance of camp equipage for the above proportion.
In the event of invaſion, waggons will in like man-
ner be provided for conveying the camp equipage of
the troops encamped to the General Depóts of Baggage
in rear of the army.
C 4 EQUIPMENT


[ 24 J -
Field ſervice,
EQUIPMENT of the ARMY for FIELD
- SERVICE.
CARRI Ag Es and BAG GAG E.
THE carriages allowed to attend each regiment of
infantry (when circumſtances will permit) of 10
companies of 75 rank and file and upwards each, will
be
ſ2 Bread Waggons Each to carry at the rate of
“” 3 days bread for 500 men
1 *Waggon for tents
1 Ammunition waggon for
ca ſmall arm ammunition }
§ 2 Battalion guns
# i i Ammunition waggon for ditto
Q | 1 Suttler’s cart -
| 1 Waggon for the ſick, or more, as may hereafter
be permitted
1 Small cart for entrenching tools at all times to
i move at the head of the regiment
CARRIAGEs allowed to be with each regiment of
cavalry of 10 troops, at 60 rank and file and upwards
per troop
Each to carry at the rate of
3 days bread for 500 men
2 Waggons for 2 days oats for every 300 horſes
ſ2 Bread wagon:
É. I Waggon for tents.
# I Ammunition waggon
§ 2. Forge carts


1 Waggon for ſick
1 Suttler’s cart
L
*To be ſent to a convenient diſtance in the rear when an enemy has landed.

[ 25
Regiments on lower eſtabliſhments to be allowed
carriages in proportion to their effective ſtrength.
The carriages of the general officers and general
ſtaff officers, allowed with or near the column of the
army, will be for each

- I Four wheeled carriage
Lieutenant general
1 Cart
- * \ 1 Four wheeled carriage, or
Major General 1 Cart
The carriages of head quarters will be exceedingly
limited by the Commander in Chief.


All other private carriages whatever will be con-
ſidered as belonging to the heavy baggage of the
army; will be ordered to a great diſtance in the
rear, and if at any time found near the army will be
directed to be deſtroyed by the baggage maſter
general.
Meaſures will be taken to provide, through means
of the commiſſariat, a moderate ſupply of ſpirits for
the uſe of each brigade, to be delivered out only in
caſes of exceſſive fatigue, and to be iſſued by order,
and at the diſcretion of the general, or officer com-
manding the brigade.


NUMBER

I 26 J
NUMBER of HORSES to be allowed.
THE number of horſes which officers of each
rank may have, in common ſituations in the field, is
ſpecified by regulation.
In face of an enemy the following proportions of
bát horſes only will be allowed, viz.
Horſes.
ſPor the carriage of camp
A company of 75 kettles - I
men and upwards | For the officers of the
U Company - 1
For each field officer preſent 1
ſ For the ſurgeon and his
- aſſiſtant together 1
For the regimental For the adjutant and quar-
Staff independent 3 tº maſter together 1
of the field officers For the ſurgeon’s medi-
i cine cheſt - 1
(With paniers) For diſ-
tributing ſmallarm am-
munition - 2.

The bat horſes of each regiment of cavalry will be
Horſes.
ſ For the carriage of camp
For a troop of 60 kettles and piquet ropes 1

rank and file and; For the officers of the
upwards U troop - 1
For

[ 27
Horſes.
For entrenching tools J.
For the ſurgeon’s medicines 1
For the field officers and
regimental ſtaff - 6
Regiments on lower eſtabliſhments will be allowed
bát horſes in proportion.
As the cavalry are provided with cloaks, and the sº.
- - Soldiers blan-
infantry with great coats, blankets are unneceſſary kets.
during this extraordinary ſervice.
The perſonal baggage of each officer muſt be con-
tained in a ſmall portmanteau, to carry which, with
two or three days corn, and other neceſſary articles,
the one bát horſe allowed per troop or company will
be ſufficient. .
Officers bag-
gage-
In the event of invaſion
- Soldiers neceſ.
1 Shirt i. c
1 Pair of ſhoes and ſtockings
Combs
Bruſhes (and for a horſeman what is neceſ-
ſary for the care of his horſe) is all a non-commiſ-
fioned officer or ſoldier ſhould incumber himſelf with,
and which he muſt carry in his haverſack, if infantry,
and ſaddle bags if cavalry.
The reſt of his neceſſaries to be ſtowed in his pack
which will remain with the baggage in places that will
be allotted in the rear.
Commanding

I 28
Heavy bag-
333e-
Proportion of
wdinen.
Commanding officers of regiments are dire&ted to
give particular attention to the required redućtion of
baggage, and by repeated trials of packing the por-
tion which is allowed to be carried, to accuſtom the
troops to that praćtice, and by this means prepare
them to move without difficulty or embarraſſment on
the ſhorteſt notice.
The heavy baggage of the army, including every
thing not mentioned above, together with the women
and children, under a proper eſcort, will be ordered
to ſome place of ſecurity.
Ten women per company will be allowed to remain
with the army; but in the event of an enemy landing.
all women of every deſcription muſt accompany the
heavy baggage.
Each regiment of infantry will be allowed to ſend
a ſerjeant and ſix men, and each regiment of cavalry
one corporal and 4 diſmounted men as a guard; ſuch
men muſt be the leaſt fit for marching duties—Proper
officers will be ordered to command the whole, and no
part of this baggage will be allowed to join the army,
but by public orders.—If at any time carriages not
allowed in this regulation ſhould be found with the
army, they will be condućted to head quarters, and
there deſtroyed, or confiſcated to the advantage of
thoſe who make the diſcovery.
It is his Royal Highneſs the Commander in Chief’s
moſt poſitive order (for a ſtričt compliance with which
commanding

[ 29 |
commanding officers of regiments will be held re-
ſponſible) that the carriages and limbers of the field
pieces attached to regiments, are on no account en-
cumbered with ſpare arms, or baggage of any kind,
much leſs muſt any perſon of any deſcription be per-
mitted to ride on them.
The bit-men allowed are as follows, viz. Båt-men.
Bát-men.
ſ For field officers each - l
For the adjutant and quarter-maſter toge-R 1
ther - - - ; º
For the ſurgeon and aſſiſtant together to
have charge both of their perſonal bag-? I
gage and medicine cheſt -
For the two horſes per troop or company
allowed for the conveyance of camp ket-)- 1
tles and officers baggage | -
For the two horſes allotted to diſtribute
ammunition to a battalion of infantry } I
For the horſe appointed to convey intrench- -

ing tools for a regiment of cavalry, or for l
<
the cart appointed to convey the intrench-
ing tools of the infantry.
Commanding officers of regiments will be anſwer-
able that under no pretence whatever officers employ,
or withhold from their duty as ſoldiers, more than
the above limited number, but that every other
man is at all times effective and doing duty in the
ranks.-The general officers are required to make
the ſtricteſt enquiry into the ſtate of regiments when
under arms, and to have the written returns made to
them, fully explained and accounted for, as from them
the

L 30 J
the Commander in Chief will expećt every informa-
tion of the effective ſtrength of regiments, which is
the teſt of care and attention in the commanding of-
ficers. -
º The following number of men on the ſeveral af-
llarOS, - - - -
g termentioned duties of the regiment will never ex-
ceed -
Infantry. Cavalry.
Non-com. Men. Non-com. Men.
Camp colour men 2. 1O 2. I O
Heavy baggage 1 l 4
Regimental carriages 1 4 I 3
4 2O 4 17
Intrenching Each regiment of infantry will receive 20 pick-
tools. axes, 20 ſhovels, 20 ſpades, 40 bill hooks, and 10
axes, amounting in weight to about 400 lb.
Theſe tools will be carried in the cart allotted for
that purpoſe, and that cart, will, at all times, and in
all ſituations, march at the head of the regiment.


It is ſo material an objećt for the infantry, to have
at all times the power of opening communications,
and the means of cutting firewood, and hutting them-
ſelves, that a bill-hook for every five men will be
ſerved out, to be entruſted to, and carried by a care-
ful man choſen for that purpoſe.
Each regiment of cavalry will receive 8 pick axes,
8 ſpades,
-

[ 31
8 ſpades, 8 ſhovels, 16 bill-hooks, 8 axes, amounting
in weight to about 150 lbs. Theſe tools will be car-
ried on horſe-back, and on a horſe with hampers al-
lotted for that purpoſe, and will at all times march at
the head of the regiment.
Theſe tools are meant to be ready at all times for
making the openings ſo peculiarly neceſſary in an in-
cloſed country.

Spare appointments and arms of every kind muſt, . appoint-
- - ments,
of courſe, remain with the heavy baggage.
The battalion guns will always march at the head Battalion
of the regiment whichever flank leads. The ammu-º"
nition waggons and carts will immediately follow the
troops of the column.
The place of march of the artillery of the park and
carriages will be ſpecified in the order of march.
When circumſtances will permit, each ſoldier is to Bread.
be provided with three days bread in his haverſack,
and three days more carried in the regimental car-
riages. When this is delivered out, theſe carriages
will be ſent to the bakery to be again loaded. A per-
ſon fixed and ſtationed at head quarters will be ap-
pointed to give orders to the regiments relative to
their bread, and the diſpatch of their carriages, and
alſo to aſcertain and regulate the foraging of the
army; when they do, their place in that line will be
ſpecified.
Each

I 32
Ammunition.
Forage.
Order of
march.
Each
infantry ſoldier will carry ſixty rounds.
Each horſeman his cartouch box full.
The cavalry will always carry two days corn, and
hay according to circumſtances.
When a corps moves in one column, the following
will, in general, be the order of march, if not other-
wife ordered, and excluſive of the more particular
van or rear guards.
ADVANCING.
Advanced guard, conſiſting of
the piquets of the infantry
and cavalry, and new grand
guard, followed by the camp
colour men, and guard for
head quarters.
Pioneers
1 Regiment light dragoons
§ {" the order ſpeci-
Cavalry fied
Regimental ammunition
Bat horſes in the order of their
regiments
General officers carriages
Artillery of the park -
*Bread carriages and waggons
for corn
Cavalry forge cart, and
Ammunition cart
Sutler's carts
Sick carriages
Squadron of cavalry
Old grand guard, and ſmall out
poſts and detachments which
will be ordered to join it,
will form the rear guard.
RETREATING.
Advanced guard, conſiſting of
the new grand guard, guard
for head quarters, one infan-
try piquet, camp colour men
Pioneers
Sick carriages
Sutlers carriages
Cavalry forge cart, and
Ammunition cart
Bread carriages
General officers carriages
Artillery of the park
Bat horſes in the order of their
regiments -
Regimental ammunition
Waggons and carts
Cavalry
Infantry -
Squadron of light dragoons
Rear guard, conſiſting of the
infantry and cavalry piqucts,
old grand guard, out poſts
of cavalry and infantry or-
dered to join.



* Will generally be detached betwixt the army and the depots.
A proportion of artillery will always march with
the advanced guard when advancing, and with the
rear guard when retiring,
The

[ 33 I
The advanced guard and camp colourmen will al- camp cºlºur
ways aſſemble at the head of the regiment of infantry ".
in advancing, or of the cavalry in retiring, which
leads the columns, or of ſuch regiments as will be
ſpecified when marching in more columns than one.
The general officers will each ſend a proper perſon
with the camp colourmen, to take poſſeſſion of quar-
ters when they can be marked; and are on no account
to change the quarters aſſigned to them without per-
miſſion from head quarters.
When the army marches in more than one column, March in ſy.
the columns will generally be compoſed of both ca- ral columns.
valry and infantry; the particulars of advanced and
rear guards will be ſpecified, the generals who com-
mand them will be named, and the particular corps
in the manner they follow in each column. It is al-
ways the buſineſs of general officers leading columns,
to take care that every part of that column falls pro-
perly into its place of march.
When the army marches from its left, every re-
giment marches from its left; and when the army
marches from its right, every regiment marches from
its right.
When the army retires, the carriages, except ſuch Carriages.
artillery ones as are ſpecified, will in general be or-
dered under a proper eſcort to precede the march of
the army.
The greateſt attention muſt be given by every one
D whoſe

[ 34 )
Order for
marching.
Diſpoſition of
march.
whoſe immediate province it is, that all carriages are
in good order, and none overloaded. If they are
not in a condition to move as quick as the troops may
march, they will impede every operation, and en-
danger the ſafety of the army; theſe circumſtances
come immediately under the cognizance of the bag-
gage maſter general.
When the army is to march, the particular detail
and diſpoſition of march will not always be given out
in public orders. Should the only notice given be—
The army will march the exačtly at
o'clock—An hour before the time fixed for the march,
the tents muſt be ſtruck: the regiments will then
form, and the baggage be loaded and ready in the
rear of each. -
Guides will be ſent to the head of the regiments
that lead columns, and a ſealed diſpoſition of march,
there to be opened by the general or oldeſt field
officer preſent. In conſequence of which he will
order the advanced guard to be formed; the regi-
ments and carriages to cloſe into the leading regi-
ments, according to the order of march, and when
the whole are ready, the column, or columns, will
move off in the manner then preſcribed, and at the
appointed hour.

In general a rendezvous will be appointed for the
bát horſes and carriages, that they may the more
readily be directed into the line of march. One
ſubaltern

L 35 |
ſubaltern, per brigade, will attend the bat horſes, one
ſubaltern, per brigade, will attend the carriages.
The aids-de-camp and majors of brigade will al- The hour.
ways regulate their watches by head quarters, that
regularity of movement in the troops may be ob-
ſerved.
Commanding officers of battalions, ſquadrons, and Attentions of
brigades of artillery, will be reſponſible that they are commanders.
formed, tents ſtruck, and the baggage loaded in half
an hour, from the time that the ſignal for the march
was given them, and for this purpoſe it is neceſſary
they ſhould frequently exerciſe their men in this eſ-
ſential part of their duty.
The commanding officer will pay the greateſt at-Attentions on
- - 1, the march,
tention during the march, and be anſwerable that the
battalions march by ſubdiviſions, and the cavalry by
ſubdiviſions or ranks by threes or twos, as they may
be ordered, according to the nature of the country.
Should the narrowneſs of the route at any time
render it neceſſary to diminiſh this front, the officer
leading the ſub-diviſion which firſt paſſes the defilé or
impediment, muſt, on his ſub-diviſion having cleared
it, dire&t the former front to be reſumed, which order
muſt be repeated by each officer commanding a ſub-
diviſion, on his arriving at the ſpot where the leading
ſub-diviſion reſumed its original front.
All breakings off to enter a defilé, and all for-
D 2 mations

I 36
Carriages if
diſabled,
mations made when paſſed through it, muſt be done
quick, by the parts that double or form up. In
paſſing a defilé, if there is no room for the officers to
ride on the flanks of diviſions, they muſt divide and
paſs at the head and rear of battalions; nor on a
march muſt any officer croſs between diviſions of a
battalion, except occaſionally general and ſtaff officers
whoſe duty require it. Where the road is inter-
rupted by frequent defilés, it will be leſs fatiguing
for the troops to begin their march upon the ſmalleſt
front required, than to break off and form up at the
paſſage of each: This, however, can only be done,
when no apprehenſion is entertained from the enemy.
Every officer will remain with his diviſion, and
never quit it on any account without leave, whether
marching or halted. No ſoldier to be permitted to
leave his rank. No horſes or carriages ſuffered to
interrupt the march of the column. The diſtance
between diviſions never to exceed the front of divi-
fions. Commanding officers of brigades will take
care that the battalions and ſquadrons march at their
proper ordered diſtance. When the formation in
order of battle may be expected to the flank, the di-
viſions will march at wheeling-up diſtance. When
the formation may be expected to the front, the divi-
fions will march at half or quarter diſtance. Com-
manding officers of brigades will remain with the

brigades, and punétually obſerve the order of march,
and the execution of every article preſcribed.
If a carriage breaks, it muſt be drawn aſide, the
road

[ 37 1
road cleared, and a proper eſcort left with it, that
the march of the column be not interrupted. If it
can be repaired in time, it will follow; if not, the
loading muſt be divided among the neareſt carriages,
who are hereby direéted to give this reaſonable aſ-
ſiſtance.
General officers leading columns are reſponſible Attentions of
that the ſtrićteſt regularity and diſcipline prevail, du-gº".
ring the march, among the troops under their com-
mand. They muſt themſelves take care that the
march commences exactly at the hour appointed,
that an equal pace is preſerved, and ſo to regulate it
that it ſhall not exceed three Engliſh miles in an hour
and a quarter. Guides will be placed at the heads
of columns, to ſhew the route, pioneers will be ready
to make the neceſſary openings, and to repair the
roads. The generals however muſt not truſt wholly
to theſe precautions, but muſt themſelves obtain the
moſt accurate knowledge of the routes on which
they are to march, and of the country through which
they are to paſs, which can alone enable them to
adopt with judgment and deciſion, the means, by
which any difficulties that embarraſs the march can
be obviated.
Though troops do not always march in preſence Neceſſity of
Preciſion in
-- - ſ -
of an enemy, it is nevertheleſs of infinite conſequence, i.
that they ſhould always conſider themſelves as if in
that ſituation. Equal and well ordered marches con-
tribute not only to the preſervation of the army, but
accuſtom
-

I 38
Repairing
Roads.
accuſtom the troops at all times to be ready to attack
or repulſe the enemy.
It is always time well employed to halt the head of
a column, and enlarge an opening or repair a bad ſtep
in the road, rather than to diminiſh the front and
lengthen out the line of march. The officer com-
manding the column may alſo order occaſional halts
for the accommodation of the troops.
No individual is ever to preſume to march on a leſs
front, than what the leader of the column dire&ts, and
all doublings therefore muſt come from the head
only; the proper cloſeneſs of the march on all occa-
ſions, is a point of the higheſt conſequence, and it is
a moſt meritorious ſervice in any officer to prevent all
unneceſſary and falſe doublings, or to correčt them as
ſoon as made.
The other leading circumſtances concerning the
column of route, are fully detailed under that head,
in the Regulations for Field Exerciſes: and a ſtrićt
attention to the rules there laid down will be found
eſſentially conducive to the eaſe and welfare of the
ſoldier, and to the general good of the ſervice.
The carriages muſt be obliged to march two abreaſt
when the road will allow, and the bat horſes to be as
conne&ted, and take up as little ſpace as poſſible. In
ſhort, it ſhould be the ſtudy and attention of every
one to contraćt the line of march to its juſt length;
that is, cloſe and conne&ted when the enemy is in
the
.

[ 39
front, or with wheeling-up diſtances if the enemy is
on the flank.
Whenever the baggage is ordered to be ſent away,
all carriages whatever are comprehended, except
ſuch as are particularly ſpecified. .
The inſtant that a regiment comes to its ground, it openings of
- - - . Communi-
muſt make openings of communication both to its catiºn.
front and flanks.
The line of carriages muſt at no time ſtop, what- Diſabled car.
ever accident may happen to any individual one, but "5*
ſuch carriage muſt inſtantly be drawn on one ſide,
and repaired if poſſible while the reſt proceed. The
officers commanding the ſeveral diviſions of carriages
will be anſwerable for the ſtrict obſervance of this
article, a failure of which might ſtop and endanger
the whole army.
Whenever the regiments encamp, or take up Pncampment.
any extended poſition in front, it will always be the
buſineſs of commanding officers to find out, and to |
make the moſt convenient paſſages to the great routes |
by which the column is afterwards to march. And
on many occaſions where there will not be time to
open and occupy an extenſive front, the army will
encamp parallel to and along the great route, in their
order of march, covered by an advanced corps on the
flank next the enemy.
At all times when commanding officers ſee that Attention in
there Movement,

[ 40 J
|
Majors of
Brigade.
there are likely to be impediments from the nature of
the ground to the movements or march of their
regiments, they ſhould always detach officers in ad-
vance, to reconnoitre, and point out the means and
paſſages by which ſuch obſtacles are to be avoided;
and at no time are ſuch helps ſo neceſſary as when
regiments are ačting in line in broken ground, and
when their movements are combined with thoſe of
others.
Whenever the army moves, the majors of brigade
are to take particular care that all advanced and
detached poſts are called in at the proper times to
their places in the column of march. Theſe officers
are attached to the brigades to which they belong,
and not perſonally to the general officers commanding
them. They are on all occaſions to encamp in the
rear of the center of the brigade; their poſt in the
line of march is in front of the leading regiment of the
brigade.
The ſame field allowances iſſued to the troops in
camp, will immediately be iſſued to thoſe in canton-
ments. The whole will therefore be held equally in
a ſtate to take the field.
Officers will without delay provide the bat horſes
for the carriage of their own baggage as heretofore
ſpecified.
Officers commanding regiments are without delay
to provide the following horſes, for which 18l. per
horſe will be allowed by government.
INFANTRY.

[ 41
INFANTRY.
Two horſes for the carriage of ammunition, being
intended to convey it in a difficult country from the
fumbrils, in ſituations where they cannot advance.
-
In ſuch caſe the quarter-maſter of the regiment is
invariably to remain with the tumbrils, and his ſerjeant
to have charge of the ammunition horſes.
Theſe horſes to be provided with pack ſaddles and
pannels, which will be ſent to each regiment from the
public ſtores.
One horſe per company for camp kettles, which
will alſo be provided with ſaddles for that purpoſe.
One horſe for the ſurgeons' medicines.
One horſe for a cart to carry intrenching tools,
which cart will be provided by government.
CAv ALRY.
One horſe per troop for camp kettles.
One for the ſurgeon’s medicines.
One for the carriage of intrenching tools, for all of
which horſes pack ſaddles or pannels will be found, as
already ſpecified for infantry.
In the event of an enemy's landing, and of the
troops being ſuddenly called on to march, before they
are provided with waggons by government, each corps
E will


[ 42 1
will take meaſures to be provided with country wag.
gons in the above proportions, for their tents, bread,
entrenching tools, and oats ; and for the draught
horſes belonging to theſe carriages forage will be
allowed ; as alſo a liberal daily hire, and bread to the
drivers: and from the ſpirit that will then animate
every man in the country, there can be no doubt that
commanding officers of regiments can eaſily procure
the voluntary attendance of a ſufficient number of
countrymen to ačt as bat-men to their regiments,
who will receive the ſame liberal encouragement.
The carriages are not, on any account, to be loaded
beyond the ſpecified weight. Commanding officers of
corps will immediately take their preparatory meaſures
to inſure the ſervices of ſuch carriages and men when-
ever circumſtances may render them neceſſary.
Printed by C. Roworth,
Bell Yard, Fleet Street.