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(BY AUTHORITY.)
INFANTRY TACTICS;
OR,
RULES FOR THE EXERCISE AND MANEUVRE
OF THE
UNITED STATES INFANTRY.
NEW EDITION.
BY MAJOR-GENERAL SCOTT,
U.S. ARMY.
VOL. III.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE.
NEW YORK:
HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,~
329 & 331 PEARL STREET,
FRANKLIN SQUARE
1861.
Entered, according toAct of Congress, in the year 1840, by
WINFIELD SCOTT,
In the Clerk’s Office of the Southern District of New York.
INFANTRY TACTICS
_______
TITLE V.
Evolutions of the Line.
General principles, and divisions of the Evolutions of the Line.
1715.* The School of the Battalion’ apprehending the principles and details of’ all the movements that ought, in any case, to be made by a single battalion, it remains to apply those principles to a line of many battalions.
1716. In this instruction, a line of eight battalions, making a corps d’armee of two divisions or four brigades, will be supposed but the rules herein prescribed are equally applicable to a brigade, a division, or any number of’ battalions.
1717. The School of the Battalion has been divided into five parts: the same division will herein be observed.
1718. As often as one or more brigades or divisions, united in the same line, manoeuvre together, each battalion will be designated by
*The paragraphs of this volume are numbered in the same series with the first and second volumes.
INFANTRY TACTICS.
ts number, according to its position in the line. The battalion on the right of the whole will be denominated first, that next on its left second, the following one third, and so regularly on to the battalion that closes the left of the line.
Posts of the General-in-chief, of the Major Generals and Brigadier Generals, in Line and in Column.
1719. In line of battle, the general (that is, the particular general-in-chief) will have no fixed position; he will go whithersoever he may judge his presence necessary.
1720. In column, he will hold himself habitually at its head, in order to direct it according to his view.
1721. In the evolutions, he will place himself at the point whence he can best direct the general execution of the movement.
1722. In all cases the general may throw himself wheresoever he may judge his presence necessary, taking care to leave in his habitual position the next in command, or the chief of his staff charged with the execution of his orders.
1723. In line of battle, major generals (generals of division) will place themselves at about seventy paces in rear of the centres of their divisions.
1724. In column, they will hold themselves or the directing flank, abreast with the centres of their divisions, and at thirty or forty paces from the guides.
1725. In line of battle, brigadier generals (ge-
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE.
nerals of brigade) will place themselves at about forty paces in rear of the centres of their brigades.
1726. In column, they will hold themselves at fifteen or twenty paces outside of the guides, abreast with the centres of their brigades.
1727. Major generals and brigadier generals will look to the exact and regular execution of all commands coming from the general, or given by themselves; accordingly, they may throw themselves wheresoever they may judge their presence necessary within the extent of their divisions or brigades.
1728. The posts of the field and staff of battalions have been given in Titles I and IV.
1729. When the general shall wish to cause a movement to be executed, he will give the general commands relative thereto. Each colonel will always successively repeat, with the greatest rapidity, on their reaching him, those general commands, unless the general has given, or sent to him, an order to the contrary.
1730. The colonels having repeated the general commands, as just prescribed, will immediately command, and cause to he executed, without waiting for each other, the preparatory movements which, in their battalions, ought to precede the execution of the general movement.
1731. The brigadier and major generals will look to the prompt execution of these preparatory movements in their brigades and divisions,
INFANTRY TACTICS.
and rectify any error that may be committed by the colonels.
1732. The final command, or that which determines the execution of the general movement, will always be given by the general.
1733. The lieutenant colonels and majors will repeat the general commands, whether of caution or of execution, as often as the wind or the noise of arms may prevent those commands from being easily heard from one battalion to another.
1734. When, from any cause, a colonel shall not have heard the general command, he will, on seeing the battalion next to his own executing a movement, immediately cause his battalion to execute the same movement.
1735. When a line has to execute a central movement, the general will throw himself to the point which he may select for it, and give or send to each of the neighbouring battalions the order relative to the movement which each portion of the line has to execute, as hereinafter explained.
1736. In column, commands will be extended, by repetition, according to the same principles.
1737. As often as a line breaks into several columns, the senior general officer or colonel, in each, will discharge the duties attributed above to the general or general-in-chief
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART I.
To open and to close ranks.
1738. The general, wishing to cause ranks to be opened, will command:
1. Prepare to open ranks.
1739. This having been repeated, the lieutenant colonels and majors will conform themselves to what is prescribed, No. 791; the colonels will immediately command: To the rear, open order. The general will then add:
2. March.
1740. At this, briskly repeated, ranks will be opened in conformity to what is prescribed, School of the Battalion. Each battalion will execute the movement as if it were isolated; accordingly it need not be attempted to align the centre or rear rank of one battalion on that of other battalions.
1741. The general will cause ranks to be closed by the commands prescribed, School of the Battalion.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART I.
Manual of Arms.
1742. The manual of arms will never be executed in line.
Loading at will, and the Firings.
1743. In line, only loading at will will be executed.
1744. The general, wishing to cause arms to be loaded, will command:
1. Prepare to load.
1745. This having been repeated, the general will add:
2. Load.
1746. This, immediately repeated, will be executed as prescribed, School of the Battalion.
1747. The general wishing to cause the fires to be executed, will command:
I. Fire by battalion (or wing, or company.)
1748. This having been repeated, the general will add:
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART I.
2. Commence firing.
1749. The fire by battalion will commence in the odd numbered battalions. The command commence firing, having been repeated by all the colonels, those of the odd battalions will immediately give the commands prescribed, School of the Battalion, for the execution of this particular fire.
1750. The colonels of even numbered battalions will not give their first command until they see some pieces brought back to the shoulder in the odd battalion to their right; the colonels of of the odd battalions, in their turn, will observe the same rule in respect to the even battalion next to the left of each, and the fire will thus be continued by alternate battalions.
1751. The fire by wing will be executed in each battalion, as prescribed, School of the Battalion; each colonel having repeated the command commence firing, will immediately give the commands indicated for the execution of this fire, without regulating himself by the next battalion.
1752. The fire by company will be executed as prescribed, School of the Battalion.
1753. The fire of two ranks (or by file) will be executed in the following manner; the general will command:
1.Fire by two ranks (or by file.)
1754. This having been repeated, each colo-
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART I.
nel will add: 1. Battalion; 2. READY. The general will then command:
2. Commence firing.
1755. At this, repeated by the colonels, the fire of the two ranks (or by file) will commence, and be executed as prescribed, School of the Battalion.
1756. The general will cause each of the foregoing fires to cease by a very short roll, which will be repeated by the drums of each battalion the moment it is heard. As soon as each battalion reloads, its colonel will give the signal for the tap on the drum for the return of captains and covering sergeants to their places in line of battle.
1757. The general, wishing to cause the fires to be executed by the rear rank, will command:
1.Face by the rear rank.
1758. This having been repeated, the colonels will immediately add: 1. Battalion; 2. About—FACE.
1759. The general will then cause the several fires to be executed by the commands and means prescribed above.
1760. The general having caused the firing by the rear rank to cease, and wishing to bring the line back to its proper front, will command:
1.Face by the front rank.
1761. The colonels, having repeated this com-
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IL.
will each immediately add: 1. Battalion, About—FACE
1762. The general, wishing to give relaxation to the line, will command:
1. Prepare to rest.
1763. This having been repeated, the general will continue:
2. Order—ARMS.
1764. This having been repeated and executed, at will add:
3. In place, rest (or, simply, rest.)
1765. This will be executed as prescribed, School of the Battalion.
1766. If, after arms are ordered, the general wishes to cause arms to be stacked, he will command:
Stack arms.
1767. This having been repeated, the colonels will cause the stacks to be formed; which being executed, each will immediately cause ranks to be broken, without regulating himself by any other colonel, in the manner prescribed, School of the Battalion.
1768. The general, wishing to terminate the relaxation, will cause a short roll to be given
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART II.
which will be repeated by all the drums of the line, at the instant it is heard.
1769. The roll having ceased, the colonels will each command: BATTALION, at which the men will resume the fixed position of ordered arms; if arms be stacked, the colonels will cause the men to take arms before giving the command BATTALION.
1770. The general will then command
Shoulder—Arms.
1771. This having been repeated, the line will shoulder arms.
Different modes of passing from the order in battle to the order in column.
To break to the front, to the right or left, into
column.
1772. The general wishing to cause the line to break by company or by division, will command:
1. By company (or by division) right (or left)
wheel.
1773. This having been repeated, the general will add:
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART II.
2.Quick—MARCH.
1774. At this, briskly repeated, the line will break according to the principles given, School of the Battalion.
1775. In that School it has been prescribed that, the companies having broken, the guides shall stand fast at the command front, given by their captains, although one or more may not be in the direction of the preceding guides; this rule will be observed from one battalion to another, in columns composed of many battalions: thus, the leading guide of one battalion will not stir after the command front given by his captain, although he may not be in the direction of the guides of the preceding battalion; it is when the column shall be put in march, that the guides, who do not cover in file, will insensibly bring themselves on the direction so that each may march in the trace of the one next preceding him.
1776. The general, wishing to cause the line to break to the front, to the right, to march towards the left, will command:
1. Break to the right to march to the left.
1777. This having been repeated, the colonel on the right will cause his battalion to commence the movement, which will be executed as prescribed, School of the Battalion.
1778. The following battalions will successively make the same movement, the colonels
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART II.
will seize the moment for causing their battalions to break, and each will be put in march, so that there may be, between its leading subdivision and the rearmost one of the preceding battalion, the distance of a subdivision and twenty-two paces. The right subdivision of each battalion will march forward twice the extent of its front, whilst the others are wheeling to the right.
1779. The general will cause the line to break to the left, to march to the right, according to the same principles.
To break to the rear, by the right or left, into
column.
1780. The general, wishing to cause the line to break to the rear into column by company, or by division, will command:
1. By the right (or left) of companies (or divisions) to the rear, into column.
1781. The colonels, having repeated this command, will immediately add: Battalion, right (or left)—FACE.
1782. The general will then command:
2.Quick—MARCH.
1783. At this, briskly repeated, each batta-
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART II.
lion will break as prescribed, School of the Battalion.
To ploy the line into close column or in mass.
1784. The general, wishing to ploy the line into column by division closed in mass, in rear of the first division of the first battalion, will command:
I. Close column by division. 2. On the first division, first battalion, right in front, into column.
1785. (Pl. XXXIX, figs. 1, 2.) These commands having been repeated, each colonel will add: battalion, right—FACE, which will be executed by the designated or directing battalion, as prescribed, No. 871, and following; but in the others, all the divisions will face to the right, and the chief of the first division, in each of these battalions, will place himself by the side of his right guide.
1786. These dispositions being made, the general will add:
5. Quick—MARCH.
1787. At this, briskly repeated, the colonel of the first battalion will ploy it in rear of its first division, as indicated, No. 873, and following.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART II.
1788. Each of the other colonels will, in like manner, ploy his battalion from a halt, in rear of its right division; but, pending the execution of the movement, this division will stand faced to the flank: the second and third divisions, each conducted by its chief, will be halted as it successively takes its place in the battalion column, the chief remaining by the side of his right guide; the fourth will enter in like manner, and when its head shall be at eight or ten paces from the right flank of the column, the colonel will command:1. Battalion, forward; 2. Guide left , and 3. March, at the moment the right guide of this division is abreast with the others.
1789. At the command march, each battalion thus formed in mass will put itself in march, directing itself to the rear towards its point of entrance into the general column; its first division, conducted by the lieutenant colonel, will take the shortest line towards that point; the other divisions will each conform its movement to that of the first, marching abreast with it, and preserving exactly the distance of six (or five) paces from one guide to the next; arrived at twelve or fourteen paces from the general column, the first division will incline a little to the left, so as to enter the column perpendicularly, and leave a distance of nine paces between its guide and the guide of the last division of the preceding battalion; the other divisions will direct themselves parallelly to the first, and enter successively into the general column. The chiefs of division being up with the left guides of the column, will each haIt in his own person, see
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART II.
his division file past, and conform himself, in halting and aligning it, to what is prescribed Nos. 875-7.
1790. The lieutenant colonel of each battalion will detach himself thirty or forty paces in advance, to indicate the point of entrance into the column for his first division, and as each of his guides successively arrives, he will assure him on the direction.
1791. The general, or officer charged with the execution of his orders, will place himself in front of the left guide of the directing division, to superintend the formation of the general column, and to see that the left guides accurately cover each other in file. This rule is general for all ployments, whatever the division on which they may be executed.
1792. The line will be played in front by the same commands, substituting the indication left for right in front.
1793. In this case, the first battalion will execute the movement in the manner indicated, No. 883, and following.
1794. The other battalions will each execute the movement in like manner, conforming itself to what follows: the first division, which will have faced to the right with the others, will remain by the flank whilst the battalion is ploying in front of it; the second and third, after having taken position in the battalion column, will be halted by their chiefs, who will remain by the sides of their right guides, and when the head of the fourth shall be at eight or ten paces from lbs right flank of the column, the colonel, ob
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART II.
serving the order of time indicated, No. 1788, will command: I. Battalion, forward; 2. Guide right; 8. MARCH.
1795. At the command march, each battalion, directing itself diagonally to the front, instead of to the rear, will be conducted and established in the general column, with slight variations, as prescribed, No. 1789; arrived at twelve or fourteen paces from the flank of that column, the head of the first division will incline to the right, instead of the left, in order to enter perpendicularly, and to sake its distance of nine paces; the other divisions will conform themselves to the movement of the first, and the chiefs of the whole will each conduct his division till its head is nearly up with the right guides of the general column; he will then halt his division, face it to the front, and align it by the right, its right guide having faced to the rear in placing himself on the direction.
1796. The lieutenant colonels will conform themselves to what is prescribed, No. 1790.
1797. As each battalion takes its position in the column in front of the directing division, its colonel will command: guides, about—FACE.
1798. To ploy the line in rear, or in front of the fourth (or last) division of the eighth battalion, the general will command:
1. Close column by division. 2. On the fourth division, eighth battalion, left (or right) in front, into column. 3. Quick—MARCH.
1799. These movements will be executed ac
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART II.
cording to the principles given in the two preceding cases but by inverse means: the fourth (or las)t division of each subordinate battalion, being the first to take its position in the general column, it will be conducted by the lieutenant colonel, and the other divisions will regulate themselves by it.
1800. If, instead of ploying the line on the first division, right battalion, or the last division of the left, as in all the preceding cases, the general wishes to execute the movement on the first or last division of any other battalion, he will command:
1. Close column by division. 2. On the first (or fourth) division (such) battalion, right (or left) in front into column. 3. Quick—MARCH.
1801. (P1 XXXIX, figs. 1, 2.) Whether the right or left is to be in front, the designated or directing battalion will execute its movement as if it were alone.
1802. lf the right is to be in front, all the battalions in line to the right of the directing one will execute the movement as is indicated for ploying the line to the front on the left division, and the left battalions will execute the movement as is indicated for ploying to the rear, on the right division. If the left of the line is to be at the head of the column, the right battalions will conform themselves to what is prescribed for ploying the line to the rear, on the left division, and the other battalions to what is pre
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART II.
scribed for ploying to the front on the right division.
1803. If the directing battalion ploys on the first, or last division, the battalion contiguous to the directing division will execute its movement on this division: accordingly, the last or first division of the contiguous battalion, instead of remaining at a halt, will, at the commencement of the movement, file into the general column, at nine paces in front or rear of the directing division.
Remarks on ploying a line into column closed in
mass.
1804. In the several ployments, the general will take, in preference, as the directing division, that of the right or left of the battalion, on which the movement is to be executed.
1805. This method of ploying a line into column unites several advantages: first, it maintains, pending the execution of the movement, the battalions in all their strength, as each forms a separate mass; second, it occupies the least possible time, as each battalion moves over the shortest line to its place in the general column
To march in column at full distance.
1806. The general, wishing to put the column
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
in march, will indicate to the colonel of the leading battalion the direction to be taken by the headmost guide and the colonel will immediately prescribe to this guide the means to be employed to ensure the direction of the march, according to the principles established, Nos. 902-4.
1807. These dispositions being made, the general will command:
1. Column, forward.
1808. The colonels having repeated this command, will immediately add: guide left, if the right be in front, or guide right, if the left be in front.
1809. The general will then add:
2. Quick—MARCH.
1810. At this, repeated with the greatest rapidity, the column will put itself in march.
1811. The guide of the leading subdivision will maintain himself on the direction which has been indicated to him, by the means prescribed, School of the Battalion, and the following guides each march in the trace of the one who immediately precedes him, without regard to the general direction.
1812. The lieutenant colonel of the leading battalion will see that the headmost guide does not deviate from the direction he ought to pursue, and the same officer of each following battalion will also see that his leading guide pre
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
serves a distance equal to the front of his subdivision and twenty-two paces, which ought to separate the battalions.
1813. When a column has to prolong its march on a given line in order to form upon it to the left (or right) into line of battle, the general will always cause that line to be marked by one of the means prescribed, Nos. 929—80. The colours and general guides will throw themselves. out on that line.
1814. If, in this case, the column arrive in front or in rear of the line of battle, the general will detach, in advance, two aids-de-camp, or other mounted officers, to ascertain the intermediate points between the points of direction to the right and left; the intermediate being found, one of those officers will place himself on the line at the point at which the head of the column will arrive, and the column will conform itself to what is prescribed, No. 914, and following, or No. 928, and following.
1815. The means of finding the intermediate between two given points of direction, have been indicated, No. 1119, and following.
Column in route.
1816. The column being at a halt, if the general wish to put in march in the route step, he will give the commands prescribed for the march in the cadenced step, with this difference—the
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
command march will be preceded by that of Route step, which will be repeated by the colonels.
1817. The column being in march, the general, in order to cause it to pass from the cadenced to the route step, and the reverse, will give the commands prescribed, Nos. 725, 728.
1818. All the principles relative to columns in route having been developed in the Schools of the Company and Battalion, it only remains to add here that, when a column of many battalions encounters a defile, which obliges it to diminish the front of subdivisions, this movement will only be made as each battalion successively arrives on the ground at which the preceding battalion had executed it.
1819. Thus, for example, a column formed by company, encountering a defile which will only receive the front of a platoon, the colonel of the leading battalion will at once, or successively, according to the order of the general, diminish front by platoon: but the colonel of the, next battalion will not repeat the commands of the preceding colonel until his battalion arrives at the samepoint, and so on of the others.
1820. The chief of the column will take care to regulate the rate of the march according to the ground and other circumstances; he will always leave with the rear of the column an aid-de-camp, to bring him prompt intelligence in it find a difficulty in following.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
To change direction in column at full distance.
1821. The general, wishing to cause the column to change direction, will despatch an aid-de-camp to the point of change, and give notice of his purpose to the leading colonel a little before arriving at that point.
1822. The change of direction will be executed according to the principles prescribed, No. 978, and following.
1823. Those rules will be observed in columns in manoeuvre, although marching, at the moment, in the route step.
To halt the column.
1824. The general, wishing to halt the column, will command:
1. Column.
1825. This having been repeated, he will add:
2. Halt.
1826. This will be repeated with the greatest rapidity.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
1827. The column being halted, if the general wish to form it to the left (or right) into line of battle he will assure the direction of the guides in the following manner.
1828. If the general direction of the column is nearly in conformity with his wishes, he will confine himself to rectifying the positions of such guides as may be without, or within, the direction; to this end he will command:
Guides, cover in file.
1829. At this, repeated by the colonels, the lieutenant colonels and majors will promptly cause the guides who may not be on the direction to cover each other accurately in file.
1830. If, on the contrary, the general should think it necessary to give a new direction, and the general guides be not on the flank of the column, he (or a substitute) will throw himself fifteen or twenty paces in front of the head, place himself, facing to the rear, on the direction which he may wish to give to the guides, select in rear of the column the second point which determines that direction, and promptly establish on it the leading general guide, and the colour-bearer of the same battalion; this being executed, the general will command:
L Colours and general guides on the line.
1831. At this, the colour-bearers and general guides will throw themselves on the flank of the column,and cover accurately the headmost two
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
who have just been established by the general; the lieutenant colonels and majors will promptly assure (See No. 880) on the direction the general guides of their respective battalions.
1832. The general, seeing all the colours and general guides of the column correctly established on the direction, will immediately add:
2.Guides, on the line.
1833. At this, briskly repeated, the left guides, if the right of the column be in front, or the right guides, in the reverse case, will throw themselves on the direction of the colours, facing to the head of the column; the lieutenant colonel of each battalion, placed some paces in front, and facing to the headmost guide, will assure the direction of the guides of its leading wing, and the major, from a point in the rear of his battalion, will assure, in like manner, the remaining guides of the same battalion.
1834. The guides of subdivision, in throwing themselves on the direction of the colours, will each align himself correctly on the colour-lances which precede him, and not on the subdivision guides in his front; he will, moreover, take care to place himself exactly at subdivision distance from the guide next in front. Each colour-bearer will told up his lance perpendicularly between his eyes.
1835. The subdivision guides being established on the direction, the colonels, without waiting for each other, will immediately command: left (or right)—DRESS.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
1836. At this, briskly repeated by the chiefs of subdivision, each subdivision will incline to its guide and be promptly aligned. If the new direction be such that a subdivision find itself many paces from it, the chiefof the subdivision will cause it to march by the flank.
1837. If the general guides be on the flank of the column, the general will first place himself behind the colour-bearer of the leading battalion, to see whether this colour-bearer and the preceding general guide are accurately on the prolongation of the two points in front upon which they had marched, and, if necessary, to rectify their positions: the general will then throw himself in front, and face to the leading general guide; if the colours and general guides are not exactly on the direction, he will command:
1. Colours and general guides, cover in file.
1838. At this, the lieutenant colonels will promptly cause the colour and general guides of their respective battalions to cover those of the preceding battalions; after which, the general will add:
2.Guides, on the line.
1839. This will be executed and followed up in the manner indicated Nos. 1833—36.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
To close the column to half distance, or in mass.
1840. Whether the column of many battalions be formed by company or by division, the distance between battalions, when the subdivisions are at half wheeling distance from each other, will be equal to the front of a subdivision; the distance between battalions will be reduced to nine paces, measured from the first guide of following battalion to the last guide of the battalion immediately preceding, when the battalions are closed in mass.
1st To close the column on the leading company.
1841. A column by company, at full distance and right In front, being in march, when the general shall wish to close it to platoon distance, he will command:
1.To half distance, close column.
1842. This having been repeated, the general will add:
2. Quick—MARCH.
1843. At the command march, the headmost battalion will close up to platoon distance on its leading company, as prescribed, No. 993, and following.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
1844. The other battalions will continue to march; when the leading company of the second battalion is at company distance from the rearmost company of the first battalion, its captain will halt itand align it by the left: the other companies of this battalion will close up on the leading one, and the following battalions will conformthemselves to what is just prescribed for the second.
1845. The lieutenant colonel of the first battalion will assure the positions of the guides as prescribed, School of the Battalion.
1846. The lieutenant colonel of each following battalion will throw himself in advance to the point at which his leading company ought to be halted, and he will assure the positions of the guides by placing himself in rear of each as the companies are successively closed.
1847. If the column, instead of being in march, be at a halt, the general will cause it to close by the same commands. At the word march, the leading subdivision will stand fast; all the others will put themselves in movement, and the battalions will close up as just prescribed for a column in march.
3d. To close the column on the rearmost company.
I848. The column being at a halt, the general, if he wish to close it to half distance on the rearmost company, will command:
On (such company,) eighth battalion, to half
distance, close column.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
1849. This having been repeated, each colonel will command: 1. Battalion, about—FACE; 2. Column, forward; 3. Guide right.
1850. At the first command of its colonel, the battalion will face about; each guide will remain abreast with the front rank, become the rear; the rearmost company of the eighth battalion will remain faced to the front.
1851. At the third command, the captains of the eighth battalion will throw themselves two paces outside of their guides; those of the other battalions will remain behind the centres of their companies.
1852. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
1853. At the command march, the eighth battalion will close on its rearmost company as prescribed, No. 1004.
1854. The other battalions will close on the eighth, and when the colonel of the seventh sees that the grenadiers (or it may be, the first company) of the eighth battalion has only a few paces left to take, he will command: captains, on the flank of the column. At this, the captains of the seventh battalion will throw themselves outside of their guides; when the light infantry (or, it may be, the eighth company) of this battalion is at the prescribed distance, its captain will halt it, face it to the front, and align it by the left, its guide remaining faced to the rear; the other companies will close upon this company, and
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE PART III.
all the remaining battalions will each execute what was just prescribed for the seventh.
1855. Each colonel will face his guides to the front as soon as all the companies of his battalion are aligned.
1856. The lieutenant colonel of the eighth battalion will assure the positions of his guides as indicated No. 1006; the lieutenant colonels of the other battalions will conform themselves to what is prescribed, No. 1846.
3d. To close the column on an interior battalion.
1857. The general wishing to close the column on the headmost company of an interior battalion, say the fifth, will command:
1.On the grenadiers (or —) fifth battalion, to half distance, close column.
1858. This having been repeated, the colonel of each battalion in front of the fifth, will command: 1. Battalion, about—FACE; 2. Column, forward; 3. Guide right. The general will then add:
2. Quick—MARCH.
1859. At the command march, briskly repeated by all the colonels, the fifth battalion, and those in its rear, will close up as prescribed, No. 1843, and following, for the execution of the movement on the head of the column; the battalions in front of the fifth will close as indicated,
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE. PART III
No. 1853, and following, for the execution of the movement on the rear of the column; the light infantry (or, it may be, the rifle, or eighth company) of the fourth battalion, will close on the directing company, leaving the interval prescribed, No. 1840.
Remarks.
1860. A column by division will close to company distance by the same commands and means.
1861. The column being at full or half distance, the general will cause it to close in mass by the same commands, substituting the indication column, close in mass, for that of to half distance, close column.
1862. A column, left in front, will execute those several movements according to the same principles.
To march in column at half distance or closed in
mass.
1863. A column at half distance or in mass being at a halt, when the general shall wish to cause it to march, he will give the command prescribed above for putting in march a column at full distance.
1864. The means of direction indicated for column at full distance will be the same for column at half distance or in mass; but the col
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE. PART III
our and general guides will not be thrown out on the flank of the column.
1865. A column at half distance or in mass, being in march, the general will halt it by the commands as if it were a column at full distance.
1866. The column at half distance or in mass, being halted, if the general shall wish to give a general direction to the guides, he will simply establish the two leading guides on the direction he may choose, and then command:
Guides, cover in file.
1867. At this, repeated by the colonels, the guides of the column will accurately cover each ether, in file, and be assured on the new direction by the lieutenant colonels and majors; which being executed, the colonels will cause their battalions to be aligned as prescribed, Nos. 1835
To change direction in column at half distance.
1868. A column at half distance, being in march, and having to change direction, will execute the movement as prescribed for a column at full distance, with the difference indicated, No. 1014.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE. PART III
To change direction in column closed in mass.
1st. In marching.
1869. A column closed in mass, being in march, and having to change direction, the general will halt it some paces from the point at which the change has to commence, and command:
I. To change direction to the right (or left.) 2.
By battalion in mass, by the head of column,
take distance.
1870. (Pl. XL, fig. 3.) These commands having been repeated, the first battalion will be put in march by its colonel, with the guide on the flank opposite to the change of direction, if not before there; and when the battalion arrives at the point indicated, he will cause it to change direction by the means prescribed, No. 1015, and following.
1871. The colonel of the second battalion will put it in march as soon as his leading division is at the distance of forty paces from the last of the preceding battalion; he will next commence the change of direction at the point where the first had commenced, and in the same manner.
1872. The colonels of the other battalions, as they successively have the distance of forty
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE. PART III
paces, will each conform himself to what is just prescribed for the colonel of the second.
1873. As soon as the first battalion shall marched in the new direction a distance equal to the depth of the column in mass, the general will command:
Column, close in mass. 2. Quick—MARCH.
1874. At the command march, the colonel of the first battalion will halt it, the other battalions will continue to march, and as each arrives at the distance of nine paces from that which precedes, it will be halted by its colonel
1875. At the instant of halting the first battalion, its lieutenant colonel will throw himself some paces in front of its leading guide, and, facing him, will assure the guides of his battalion on the direction of the column: the colonel will then command: left (or right)—DRESS. At this command each division will be aligned by its chief.
1876. As the other battalions successively halt, the guides of each will promptly place themselves on the direction; the lieutenant colonel, placing himself in rear of the guide of his last division, will rectify, if necessary, their positions, the battalion will be aligned as just prescribed for the first.
1877. The last battalion having closed to the habitual distance of nine paces, the general will again put the column in march.
1878. A column closed in mass will change direction as prescribed, No. 1869, and following,
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE. PART III
as often as it shall have arrived at the point of change; but when it finds itself at sufficient distance from, and the point be not in the direction the column is pursuing, the general may employ he following means.
1879. (FL XL, figs. 1, 2.) It will be supposed that the column has arrived at the point A, and has to change direction to the right in order to march to the point B, and to prolong itself on the line B C; the general will command guide right, (the right being in front,) and, instead of directing the column on the point B, he will successively direct it on the points D, F, G, M; in this manner the guide of the leading division will continually approach the point B, and when there, the front of this division will be perpendicular, or nearly so, to the direction B C, which the column has to pursue, and the change will thus be effected without causing the flank opposite to the direction to lengthen the step much in order to conform itself to the movement of the guide.
1880. This movement will be executed according to the rules prescribed, No. 954. The leading guide will, successively, as a new point is given, face to, and march steadily upon it. Each of the other guides will follow exactly in the trace of the preceding one, taking care not to change the direction of his shoulders till arrived at the spot where the leading guide had changed direction, conformably to the principle prescribed in the number just referred to.
1881. The divisions will conform themselves to the movements of their guides very gradually,
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE. PART III.
in order not to break the continuity of the front; chiefs os division will look to this with nice attention to prevent the men from advancing, except very slightly, the shoulder opposite to the direction. The step will be but insensibly lengthened, and the light touch towards the guide preserved.
Remarks.
1882. The harmony and regularity of this movement depend mainly on the choice of the points of direction. The general, or the officer placed by him at the head of the column to direct it, will choose the intermediate points with greatest care. He will select them according to the distance of the column from the point entrance (B) on the new direction.
1883. If the chosen points be too near to each other, more time than necessary will be employed in effectingthe change of direction.
1884. If, on the contrary, in order to march more directly towards the point of entrance on the new direction, the intermediate points be too distant from each other, the men, to conform themselves to the movements of their guides especially if the front of the column be considerable, would be obliged greatly to lengthen the step, and thus render it impossible to preserve the necessary connexion and order in the movement.
1885. The same inconveniencies would happen if the conducter of the column gave to the leading guide a new point of direction before
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART III.
the first two divisions entire had entered on the same direction with their guides.
2d. To change direction from a halt.
1886. The column being halted, when the general shall wish to p lace it in a new direction, without any immediate intention of advancing after such change, he will cause this movement to be executed by the flanks of subdivisions according to the principles prescribed, School of the Battalion.
1887. It will be supposed that the column has the right in front, and that it has to change direction to the left: the general, after having caused two markers to be established on the new direction for the leading subdivision, will command:
1.Change direction by the right flank.
1888. This having been repeated, each colonel will command: battalion, right—FACE. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
1889. At this, the column will march by the right flank in the new direction in conformity with the principles prescribed, No. 1037, and following.
1890. The colonels will see, pending the execution of the movement, that the files do not
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART III.
open out, that the subdivisions enter in a square with the new direction, and that the prescribed distance between their battalions be exactly observed.
1891. The lieutenant colonel of the leading battalion will throw himself some paces in front, and face to the guide of the first subdivision of the column, in order to assure the direction of the guides of his battalion; the lieutenant colonel of each of the following battalions will place himself successively behind its left guides as they arrive on the new direction, to assure them in their positions.
1892. A column in mass will change direction by inverse means, and be conducted by the left flank into the new direction.
Being in column at half distance, or closed in mass, to take distances.
1st. To take distances by the head of the column.
1893. A column by company being at half distance and at a halt, when the general shall to cause it to take distances, he will indicate to the lieutenant colonel of the leading battalion the point of direction in front, and then command:
By the head of column, take wheeling distance.
1894. This having been repeated, the first
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART III.
battalion will take its distances by the means indicated, No. 1054, and following.
1895. Each of the other battalions will take its distances in like manner; but it will not commence its movement till the last subdivision of the battalion immediately preceding has left, besides the space equal to the front of a company, the distance of twenty-two paces, which ought to separate battalions in line of battle.
2d.To take distances on the rear of the column.
1896. The column being at half distance, and at a halt, when the general shall wish to cause it to take distances on the rearmost company, say the light infantry, eighth battalion, he will first determine the direction of the line of battle, and direct two markers to be placed on this line as prescribed, No. 1060. The markers being established, he will cause this line to be prolonged by one of the means indicated, No. 929, and following; and as soon as these dispositions are made, he will command:
I. On the light infantry, eighth battalion, take
wheeling distance.
1897. This having been repeated, the colonel will each command: 1. Column, forward; Guide left.
1898. At this, the captains of the eighth battalion will throw themselves out on the left flank ofthe column; those of the other battalions
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART III.
will throw themselves before the centres of their companies.
1899. The lieutenant colonel and the major of the first battalion will remain in their places in line; in the other battalions each lieutenant colonel will throw himself abreast with his rearmost company, and the majors each abreast with the first.
1900. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
1901. At this, the whole column, except the directing company, will step off: the lieutenant colonel of the first battalion will take care to direct the leading guide a little within the line of battle.
1902. The eighth battalion will take its distances as prescribed, No. 1061; and following.
1903. When the colonel of the seventh sees that only company of the eighth remains to take its distance, he will command: captains, on the flank of the column.
1904. At this, the captains will throw themselves outside of their guides ; the lieutenant colonel will hasten to the point where his rearmost company ought to be halted, observing to take between it and the first company of the eighth battalion, a distance equal to the front of a company and twenty-two paces.
1905. When his rearmost company shall arrive abreast with the lieutenant colonel, its captain will halt and alignit by the left. The other companies of the seventh will take their distan
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART III.
ces as prescribed for those of the eighth battalion.
1906. The remaining battalions will successively execute what has just been prescribed for the seventh. The lieutenant colonel of the first will direct the march of its leading guide to the point where the rearmost company of this battalion ought to be halted, and then the major will replace him momentarily at the head of the column.
1907. The colonels, lieutenant colonels, and majors, will conform themselves to what is prescribed for each, Nos. 1065—7.
3d. To take distances on the head of the column.
1908. When the general shall wish to cause distances to be taken on the head of the column, say the grenadiers of the first battalion, he will direct two markers to be placed on the line of direction as prescribed, No. 1068, and cause this line to be prolonged to the rear by the means indicated No. 1896; these dispositions being made, he will command:
I. On the grenadiers, first battalion, take wheeling distance.
1909. This having been repeated, each colonel will command: Battalion, about—FACE. 2. Column, forward; 3. Guide right.
1910. At the third command, the captains of the first battalion will throw themselves out on the directing flank of the column; those of the
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART III.
following battalions will remain behind the centres of their companies.
1911. The lieutenant colonel of the eighth will throw himself abreast with his now leading company, and the major abreast with his rearmost one: in the other battalions, the positions of the lieutenant colonels and majors will be thereverse.
1912. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
1913. At this, the whole column, except the directing company, which has not faced about, will step off; the lieutenant colonel of the eighth battalion, placed by the side of the guide of its now leading company, will take care to direct this guide a little within the line of battle.
1914. The first battalion will take its distance in the manner indicated No. 1069, and following.
1915. When the last company but one of the first battalion shall have taken its distance, the colonel of the second will command: captains, to the flank of the column; at the same time the lieutenant colonel of this battalion will throw himself to the point at which the grenadiers (or first company) ought to be halted.
1916. This company having arrived abreast with the lieutenant colonel, its captain will halt it, face it about, and align it by the left; the other companies of this battalion will take their distances as prescribed for those of the first battalion.
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART III.
1917. Each remaining battalion will conform itself to what has just been prescribed for the second. The lieutenant colonel of the eighth will direct the march of its leading guide to the point at which its now rearmost company ought to be halted, when he will change place with the major.
1918. The field officers will conform themselves to what is prescribed for each, Nos. 1061-7
4th. To take distances on an Interior battalion.
1919. When the general shall wish to cause distances to be taken on an interior company of the column, say the grenadiers of the fifth battalion, he will establish the direction in the manner indicated, No. 1908, and cause it to be prolonged to the front and rear; which being executed, he will command:
1.On the grenadiers, fifth battalion, take wheeling distance.
1920. This having been repeated, the colonel of the fifth and the colonels of the following battalions will each command: 1. Battalion, about—FACE; 2. Column, forward; S. Guide right; the colonels of the battalions in front of the fifth will each command: 1. Column, forward; 2. Guide left.
1921. The general will then add:
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART III.
3.Quick—MARCH.
1922. The fifth battalion, and those placed in its rear, will execute their movement in the manner indicated No. 1910, and following, for taking distances on the head of the column; the fifth will conformitself to what is prescribed, in that (same?), for the first battalion.
1923. The first four battalions will execute the movement us prescribed No. 1898, and following, for taking distances on the rear of the column. At the commencement of the movement, the fourth battalion will put itself in march with the others, and its rearmost company will be halted the moment there is, between it and the grenadiers of the fifth battalion, a distance equal to the front of a company, and twenty-two paces.
1924. When distances are taken on an interior battalion or the column, the headmost or rearmost company or this battalion will be designated as the directing company.
1925. A column in mass will take full distance by the commands and means just indicated. When it has to take half distances, the general will substitute, in the first command, the indication half for that or wheeling distance.
1926. All those movements will be executed to the same principles in a column left in front.
1927. In a column by division, distances will be taken according to the same principles as in a column by company.
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART III.
Countermarch.
1928. A column, right in front, being at full or half distance, when the general shall wish to cause it to execute the countermarch, he will command:
1.Countermarch.
1929. This being repeated by all the colonels, each will immediately command:1. Battalion right—FACE; 2. By file left.
1930. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
1931. At this, briskly repeated, all the subdivisions of the column will execute the countermarch, as prescribed, School of the Battalion.
1932. With the left in front, the countermarch will be executed according to the same principles.
Countermarch of a column closed in mass.
1933. When a column in mass has to execute the countermarch, the general will command:
1.Countermarch.
1934. This being briskly repeated by all the
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART III.
colonels, each will immediately command 1. right and left—FACE; 2. By file left and right.
1935. The general will then add:
3.Quick—MARCH.
1936. At this, briskly repeated, the subdivision will put themselves in movement, and the countermarch will be executed as prescribed, No. 1081, and following.
Being in column by company and at a halt, to form divisions.
1937. The column being by company, right in and at a halt, when the general shall wish divisions to be formed, he will command:
1.Form divisions.
1938. This being repeated by the colonels, each will immediately command: left companies, left—FACE.
1939. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
1940. At this, briskly repeated, the move
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART IV.
ment will be executed as prescribed, School of the Battalion.
1941. Each colonel will command: guides— POSTS, as soon as the divisions or his battalion are formed.
1942. If the left be in front, the general will give the same commands, and the colonels will conform themselves to what is prescribed, No. 1105.
Different modes of passing from the order in column to the order in battle.
Manner of determining the line of battle.
1943. The different manners of determining the line of battle have been explained, School the Battalion.
Different modes of passing from column at full
distance into line of battle.
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1. To the left (or right) 2. On the right (or left) 3. Forward, 4. Faced to the rear, |
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into line of battle. |
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART IV.
Column at full distance, to the left (or right) into line of battle.
1944. The column being supposed to have the right in front, when the general-in-chief shall wish to form it to the left into line, he will first insure the direction of the guides by one of the means prescribed, No. 1828, and following, and No. 1837, and following; which being executed, he will command:
1. Left into line, wheel.
1945. This having been repeated by the colonels, the right guide of the company at the head of each battalion will throw himself on the direction of the left guides, in conformity with what is prescribed, No. 1128; the general will add:
2. Quick—MARCH.
1946. At this, briskly repeated, the column will form to the left into line of battle, and the moment it is formed, the general will command:
5. Guides (or colours and guides)—POSTS.
1947. At this, the guides will take their places line of battle, as also the colour-bearers, if in front.
1948. A column, left in front, will form to the
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART IV.
right into line of battle according to the sane principles.
By inversion, to the right (or left) into line of battle.
1949. If circumstances require that a column, right in front, should form to the right into line of battle, the general, without occupying himself with rectifying the right guides of the column, will command:
1.By inversion, right into line, wheel.
1950. At this, the lieutenant colonel and the left guide of every company at the head of a battalion, will conform themselves to what is prescribed, No. 1141.
1951. The colonels having repeated the above command, will each immediately give this: battalion, guide right; the lieutenant colonels and majors will rectify, with the utmost promptitude, the direction of the right guides of their respective battalions, without occupying themselves with the general direction of the column: and as soon as these dispositions are made, the general will add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
1952. At this, briskly repeated, each battalion will wheel up into line in conformity to what is prescribed. No. 1142.
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART IV.
1953. The line being formed, the general will command:
3. Guides—POSTS.
1954. If, with the left in front, it be necessary to form column to the left into line of battle, the movement will be executed according to the same principles.
In. the successive formations, the lieutenant colonel of each subordinate battalion will always precede it on the line of battle, and establish a marker at the point where the right or left of his leading subdivision is to rest. He wiII take care to leave between this marker and the next battalion already established on the line, the interval of twenty-two paces, and then place a second marker on the line at a little less subdivision distance from the first. The moment the lieutenant colonel detaches himself, he will be replaced at the head of his column by the major.
1956. As soon as the colour-subdivision of the battalion arrives on the me of battle, the colour-bearer will step out and place himself opposite to his file on the alignment of the guides already established on that line, taking care to hold up his lance perpendicularly between his eyes.
1957. As soon as there shall be two colours on the line of battle, the colonels will command:
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART IV.
guides—POSTS, after the last subdivision of their battalions is established on that line; but thecolour-bearers will remain in front until the entire line is formed. The general will then command: colours—POSTS.
1958. The lieutenant colonels will assure with the utmost care the markers of their respective battalions on the line of battle, taking the colours as the basis of alignment as soon as there are two established on that line, and then assure with equal precision the direction of the following guides and colour-bearer as they successively’ come on the line of battle.
1959. Each colonel, after ordering in his guides, will cause his battalion to order arms.
2d. Column at full distance, on the right, (or left) into
line of battle.
1960. A column by company, right in front, being in march, when the general shall wish to form it on the right into line of battle, he will first determine the direction of that line, and then indicate to the lieutenant colonel of the first battalion the point where the right is to rest; this officer will immediately detach himself with two markers, and establish them as indicated, No. 1146.
1961. If the direction of the line of battle be not parallel, or nearly so, to that of the column, the general, a little in advance, will take care to direct the march of the leading subdivision parallelly to that line, by the means indicated, No. 1165, so that its guide, after turning to the right,
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART IV.
may have at least ten (or nine) paces to take in order to upon it.
1962. These dispositions being made, when the general shall wish the movement to commence, he will command:
On the right, into line.
1963. This having been repeated by the colonels, each
will add: battalion, guide right.
1964. The leading subdivision having arrived opposite to the marker placed at the point of appui (rest,) will turn to the right, and the formation into line of battle will be executed as prescribed, No. 1149, and following.
1965; When the lieutenant colonel of the second battalion sees the last subdivision of the first turn to the right, in order to move upon the line, he will detach himself with two markers, whom he will establish on the direction of the guides of the first battalion.
1966. The leading subdivision of the second battalion having arrived opposite to the first marker, will turn to the right at the command of its captain, who will halt it three paces from the line of battle and align it by the right against the two markers, placed in advance by the lieutenant colonel.
1967. The following battalions will execute their movement as just prescribed for the second.
1968. The line being formed, the general will command:
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART IV.
Colours—POSTS.
1969. At this, the colour-hearers will return to their places in line of battle. See No. 1957.
1970. The general, placed at the point of appui, will see that the colours of the two right battalions place themselves correctly on the direction which he may have determined for the line of battle.
1971. The field officers will conform themselves, pending the formation into line of battle of their respective battalions, to what has been prescribed, Nos. 1160—1.
1972. A column, left in front, will be formed on the left, into line of battle, according to the same principles.
1973. If the general should wish to commence firing pending the execution of the movement, he will give an order to that effect, and the several battalions will successively conform themselves to what is pres-cribed, No. 1168. This rule is general for all successive formations.
3d. Column at full distance, forward into line of battle.
1974. (P1. XLI, fig. 1.) When a column all full distance, right in front, shall arrive behind the right of the line on which it has to form line of battle, the general will first determine the direction of that line, and then indicate to the lieutenant colonel of the leading battalion the point at which the right ought to rest; this officer will immediately detach himself with two markers
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EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART IV.
and establish them on the direction indicated, as explained, No. 1146.
1975. The head of the column having arrived at company distance from the line of battle, the general will halt the column, and command:
1. Forward, into line.
1976. This having been repeated, the colonel of the first battalion will command: by company, left half wheel; the other colonels will each command: 1. Battalion, guide right; 2. Head of column to the left.
1977. The general will then add:
2. Quick—MARCH.
1978. At this, briskly repeated, the first battalion will form itself forward, into line of battle by the means prescribed, No. 1172, and following.
1979. The remaining battalions will march in column by battalion, towards the line of battle; to this end, the leading company of each will break from the general column by a wheel to the left, and then direct itself, that of the second battalionalmost parallelly to the line of battle, and that of each of the following battalions diagonally forward, so as to arrive at (g) opposite to the point of appui (rest) of its battalion, but distant from this point at least the depth of the battalion in column.
1980. The head of each of these battalions
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART IV.
having arrived at the point (g,) will turn to the right, in order to advance in a square with the line of battle, and when it shall be at about company distance from that line, on which the lieutenant colonel will have established two markers, as explained, No. 1146, the colonel will halt his battalion, and cause it to form forward, into line of battle by the means and the commands prescribed, No. 1171, and following.
1981. The line being formed, the general will command:
Colours—POSTS.
Remarks on forming forward, into line of battle.
1982. The precision of this movement depends on the diagonal direction taken by the battalions in passing from the general column towards the line of battle; the better to assure this direction the general, colonels, and lieutenant colonels will observe the following rules.
1983. (P1. XLI, fig. 1.) Before beginning the movement, the general (k) will charge two aid-de-camp (m and n) to determine the points of appui on the line of battle for the right flanks the different battalions, which will be executed as follows.
1984. The aid (m) will gallop to battalion distance and twenty-two paces from the general placed at the point of appui, and face to him; the general will, by signal of the sword, align him on the point of direction to the left, and (a) will gallop at the same time to a like
EVOLUTIONS 0F THE LINE—PART IV.
distance behind (m) face to the right, and align himself on (m) and the general.
1985. The two aids (m and n) being thus established on the line of battle, the general will cause the movement to commence; the second battalion will direct itself on the aid (m) and the third on (n:) when the lieutenant colonel of the second arrives on the line, (m) will gallop to battalion distance and twenty-two paces behind (n,) and align himself on the latter and the colour to the right; the colonel of the fourth will immediately direct his battalion on the aid (m;) the aid (n) will set off in his turn, the moment the lieutenant colonel of the third arrives on the line of battle, place himself again at battalion distance and twenty-two paces behind (m,) and align himself on the latter and the colours to the right; the colonel of the fifth will immediately direct his battalion on the aid (n,) the two aids will thus in turn place themselves one behind the other at battalion distance and an interval of twenty-two paces as soon as the lieutenant colonel of the battalion which directs either, comes to replace him. The aids-de-camp will be careful to place themselves accurately on the line of battle, and at the true from each other.
1986. From the commencement of the movement, the general, or the officer he may substitute, willplace himself at the point of appui as in the formation on the right, into line of battle, and for the like purpose. See .No. 1970.
1987. Every colonel will hold himself abreast with his leading company on the directing flank.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
pending the march of his battalion towards the line of battle; and, when the battalion begins to form, he will conform himself to what is prescribed, No. 1160.
1988. Each lieutenant colonel will detach himself, in order to take the place of the aid-de-camp on the line of battle, when the head of his battalion is at about one hundred and forty paces from that line, and he will then discharge the functions, pending the formation of’ his battalion, which have been prescribed, No. 1161.
1989. A column, left in front, arriving behindthe left of the line of battle, will form forward on that line, according to the same principles and by inverse means.
4th. Column at full distance faced to the rear, into
of battle.
1990. (P1. XLI, fig. 2.) When a column at full distance, right in front, arrives in front of the right of the line on which it has to form in order in battle, the general will first determine the direction of that line, and indicate to the lieutenant colonel of the headmost battalion the point of appui for its right; this officer will immediately detach himself with two markers, and establish them on the direction indicated, as explained, No. 1146.
1991. The head of the column having arrived at about company distance from the markers the general will halt the column, and cause the leading company to be marched and dressed against the markers in the manner indicated, No. 1190. He will then command:
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
1. Into line, faced to the rear.
1992. This having been repeated, the colonel will immediately command: battalion, About—FACE; the colonels of the following battalions each command: 1. Battalion; guide left; 2. Head of column to the right.
1993. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
1994. This being briskly repeated, the first battalion will form into line of battle, faced to the rear, as prescribed No. 1191, and following.
1995. The remaining battalions will march in column, by battalion, towards the line of battle; to this end, the leading company of each will break from the general column by a wheel to the right, and the battalion will then direct itself towards the line of battle as in the formation forward into line.
1996. The head of each of these battalions having arrived at the point (g,) will turn to the left in order to advance in a square with the line of battle; and when at about company distance from that line, on which the lieutenant colonel have established two markers as indicated, No. 1955, the colonel will halt his battalion, and cause it to form faced to the rear, into line of battle, by the means and commands prescribed, No. 1189 and following. See No. 1957.
1997. The line being formed, the general will
command:
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
8. Colours—POSTS.
1998. The general, colonels, and lieutenant colonels, will conform themselves to what is prescribed, No. 1986, and following.
1999. A column, left in front, arriving before the left of the line of battle, will be formed faced to the rear, into line of battle, according to the same principles and by inverse means.
Formations into line of battle, composed of two
movements.
2000. When a column, right in front, arriving behind the line of battle, and prolonging: itself on that line, has to form upon it before the whole of the column has entered into the new direction, the formation will be executed as follows
2001. (P1. XLII, fig. 1.) It will be supposed that the general has halted the column at instant that the fourth company of the fourth battalion entered the new direction; he will rectify the positions of the general guides, whoaccording to the principles established, ought be on the flank of the part of the column which has entered the new direction, and he will establish this portion of the column on that direction, by the means prescribed, No. 1857, and following; which being executed, he will command:
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
1. To the left, and forward, into line.
2002. This having been repeated, the colonels of the first four battalions will each command: left into line wheel, and the colonel of the fourth, a part of whose battalion only has entered the new direction, will then add: four (or six) last companies, forward, into line.
2003. Thecolonel of the fifth will command: 1. Forward into line; 2. By company, left half wheel; and the colonels of the last three battalions will each command: 1. Forward, into line, 2. Battalion, guide right; 3.Head of column to the left.
2004. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
2005. At this, briskly repeated, the battalions form to the left and forward, into line of battle, according to the principles prescribed for the two formations.
2006. If the column, instead of arriving behind, arrive before the line of battle, the formation will be executed as follows.
2007~ (P1. XLII, fig. 2.) The general having halted the column, and assured the positions of the guides who have entered into the new direction, will command:
1. To the left, and faced to the rear, into line.
2008. This having been repeated the col-
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
nels of the first four battalions will each command: left into the line, wheel, and the colonel of the fourth will then add: four (or six) last companies, into line, faced to the rear.
2009. The colonel of the fifth will command I. Into line faced to rear; 2. Battalion, right--FACE; the colonels of the last three battalions will each command: 1. Into line, faced to the rear. 2. Battalion, guide left; 3. Head of column to the right.
2010. The general will then add:
2. Quick—MARCH.
2011. At this, briskly repeated, the battalion will form to the left and faced to the rear, into line of battle, according to the principles prescribed for the two formations.
2012. When a column at full distance has to be formed faced to the front, or faced to the rear, into line, on any company other than that at the head of the column, the formation will be executed by the union of two movements, as will be explained.
2013. In the first case, or faced to the front the battalion on which the movement is made and those in its rear, will form forward, into line of battle; the other battalions will countermarch, and form faced to the rear, into line battle.
2014. In the second case: the column having toform faced to the rear of the column, the battalion on which the movement is made, and those which follow, will form faced to the rear
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
into line of battle, the other battalions will countermarch, and form forward, into line of battle.
2015. In both cases the company at the head of the battalion on which the movement is made, will be taken as the basis of the formation
2016. (Pl. XLIII, fig. 1.) A column by company rightin front, will be supposed: the general, wishing to form it into line of battle, faced to the front, on the fifth battalion, will send an order to thecolonels of the first four battalions, tocause them to countermarch, and himself cause to be established two markers before the head of the fifth battalion, as indicated, No. 1146; as soon as these markers are established, the lieutenant colonel of the fourth battalion will place two others on the same alignment, leaving between the, two battalions the interval of twenty-two paces.
2017. The first four battalions having executed the countermarch, the general will command:
1. 0n the (headmost company,) fifth battalion, forward, into line.
2018. This having been repeated, the colonel of the fifth will command: by company, left half wheel; the colonels of the last three battalions will each command: 1. Battalion, guide right 2. Head of column to the left.
2019. The colonel of the fourth will command 1. Into line, faced to the rear; 2. Battalion, left—FACE; the colonels of the first three battalions will each command: 1. Into line, faced to the rear; 2. Battalion, guide right; 3. Head of column to the left.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
2020. The general will then add:
2. Quick—MARCH.
2021. At this, briskly repeated, the last four battalions will form forward, and the first four faced to the rear, into line of battle, according to the principles prescribed for the two formations.
2022. (P1. XLIII, fig. 2.) If instead of facing to the front, the line has to be formed faced to the rear of the column, the general, after sending an order to the colonels of the first four battalions to cause them to countermarch, will lace two markers before the head of the fifth battalion; the lieutenant colonel of the fourth will place two other markers on the same alignment, leaving between the two battalions an interval of twenty-two paces.
2023. The first four battalions having executed the countermarch, the general will command:
On the (headmost company,) fifth battalion, into line, faced to the rear.
2024. This having been repeated, the colonel of the fifth will command: battalion, right--FACE; the colonels of the last three battalions will command: 1. Into line, faced to the rear; Battalion, guide left; 2. Head of column to the right.
2025. The colonel of the fourth will command: 1. Forward, into line; 2. By company right half wheel; the colonels of the first three battalions will each command: 1. Forward, into
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
line. 2. Battalion, guide left; 3. Head of column to the right.
2026. The general will then add:
2. Quick—MARCH.
2027. At this, briskly repeated, the last four battalions will form faced to the rear, and the first four, forward, into line of battle, according the principles prescribed for the two formations.
2028. Those divers movements will be executed in a column, left in front, according to the same principles and by inverse means.
Different modes of passing from column at half distance into line of battle.
2029. Columns at half distance may be formed into line of battle in either of the modes prescribed for columns at full distance. See commencement of the preceding Article II.
1st. Column at half distance, to the left (or right)
into line of battle.
2030. A column at half distance having to form to the left (or right) into line of battle, the general will first cause it to take distances on subdivision he may choose to designate, by the means prescribed, No. 1896, and following; which being executed, he will form the column
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
into line of battle as indicated, No. 1944, and following.
2031. The general, when he judges it necessary, may order each battalion to form itself in. to line of battle as it shall successively have its distances, without waiting for the battalions engaged in the execution of this preliminary movement.
2d. Column at half distance, on the right (or on the left) into line of battle.j
2032. A column at half distance will be formed on the right (or on the left) into line of battle, by the same commands and means as a column at full distance.
3d. Column it half distance, forward into line of
battle.
2033. A column being at half distance, when the general shall wish to form it forward into line of battle, he will make the same dispositions and give the same commands as if the column were at full distance.
2034. The leading battalion will close in mass and deploy on the headmost company; the following battalions will break by battalion from the general column, and each direct itself towards the line of battle, as if it were at full distance. When the headmost company shall have arrived at three paces from that line, the colonel will cause the column to close in mass, and then deploy it, as prescribed for the leading battalion.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
4th. Column at half distance, faced to the rear, Into line of battle.
2035. A column at half distance will be form to the rear into line of battle, by the means and commands and means prescribed for a column at full distance.
Columns closed in mass.
Deployment by battalion in mass.
2036.A column in mass, whatever the numbers of battalions, may be formed into line of battle by deployment: 1st. Faced to the front; 2d. Faced to the rear; 3d. Faced to the left; 4th Faced to the right.
1st. Faced to the front.
2037. (P1. XLIV, figs. 1,2.) & column of eight battalions, formed by division, and right in front, will be supposed; the general, wishing to deploy it, faced to the front, will first determine direction of the line of battle, and cause it to be marked by one of the means already indicated, taking care, if the column be in march, to cause a mounted officer to be placed on that line, at the point where the head of the column ought to arrive.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
2038. Deployments will always be made upon lines parallel and lines perpendicular to the line of battle, according to the principle established, School of the Battalion. If the column be at a halt, the general, before deploying it, will establish it perpendicularly to the line of battle, if it be not, already so, by the means indicated, No. 1866—7, or No. 1886, and following ; if the column be in march, he will direct it on the point marked as above, but so that it may arrive perpendicularly to the line of battle, and he will halt it at three paces from that line.
2039. The column being thus established, the general will cause it to deploy by battalion in mass, on whatever battalion he may choose to designate, say the first. He will place on the line of battle two markers, the first before the right, and the second before the left file of the head most division, and then order a mounted office, to throw himself beyond the point at which the left battalion will arrive, and to place himself exactly on the prolongation of the basis of the alignment.
2040. These dispositions being made, the general will command:
1. By battalion in mass, on the first battalion,
deploy column.
2041. This having been repeated, the colonels of the first battalion will caution it to stand fast. The other colonels will face their battalions to the left.
2042. The general will then add:
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
2.Quick.—MARCH.
2043. At the command march, briskly repeated, the movement will commence; the colonel of the first will command: right—DRESS; at which the first division will dress up against the markers, and be aligned by the right. At same time, the guides of the other divisions cover each other accurately in file, each wing guide taking the distance of six (or five) paces from the guide immediately preceding; the major will establish them promptly on the direction, and as soon as they are assured in their positions,each chief will align his division by the right. The chief of the first division, after having commanded front, instead of placing himself before its centre, will remain on the right of the front rank, and the right guide will fall back to the rear rank.
2044. The other battalions will march by the left flank; the second, which finds itself nearest to the line of battle, will direct itself parallelly to that line; the others will march abreast with the second, and each preserve the distance of nine paces between the guide of its first and the guide of the last division of the battalion next towards the line of battle.
2045. The instant the movement commences, the major of the second battalion will throw himself twenty-two paces from the left flank of the column to mark the point at which the battalion will face to the right in order to advance upon the line of battle.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
2046. The lieutenant colonel or this battalion will at the same time throw himself on the line of battle, and establish two markers on it, disposed like those of the first battalion, the right marker twenty-two paces from the left flank of the battalion.
2047. When the right file of the first division, second battalion, is nearly up with the major, the colonel will command: I. Battalion, by the right flank; 2. MARCH; 3. Guide right.
2048. The first command will be given when the division has yet seven or eight paces to take, the second at the moment its right file is up with the major, and the third immediately after the second.
2049. At the command march, the battalion will face to the right (front) in marching, (See No. 604;) the chiefs of division will throw themselves before the centres of their respective divisions; the right guide of the first will so direct himself as to bring the right file opposite to the first marker; and when the head of the battalion is at three paces from the line of battle, the colonel will halt it, and command: right— DRESS. At this command, the battalion will he aligned by the right, in the manner prescribed for the first battalion.
2050. The other battalions will continue to march, and execute successively what has been indicated for the second; the lieutenant colonel and major of each of these battalions will con form themselves to what is prescribed for those of the second at the moment the battalion pre-
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
ceding their own faces to the right in order to advance upon the line of battle.
2051. The deployment being ended, the general will command:
Guides—POSTS.
2052. At this, the markers, placed before the masses, will retire.
2053. If, instead of deploying the column on the first battalion, the general shall wish to deploy it on the eighth, he will begin by causing the dispositions prescribed, No. 2087, and following, to be made, and then order a mounted officer 1o throw himself on the line of battle a little beyond the point at which the right battalion will arrive; this officer will place himself exactly on the prolongation of the markers placed before the head of the column.
2054. The general will then command:
1. By battalion in mass, on the eighth battalion,
deploy column. 2. Quick—MARCH.
2055. At the first command, all the battalions, except the eighth, will face to the right.
2056. At the command march, the first seven battalions will put themselves in movement; the first division of the first battalion, conducted by the lieutenant colonel, will direct itself a little within the line of battle and parallelly to that line; the other battalions will regulate themselves on the first in conformity with what is prescribed No. 2044.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
2057. At the instant the movement commences, the major of the seventh will throw himself twenty-two paces outside of the flank of the column to mark the point at which the battalion ought to be halted.
2058. The colonel of the eighth, seeing his battalion nearly unmasked, will command; 1. Column, forward; 2. Guide left; 3. Quick—MARCH.
2059. At the command march, which will be given at the moment the battalion is unmasked, the colonel will conduct it towards the line of battle, and when at three paces from that line, he will halt it and align it by the left. The chief of the first division will then shift to the right as prescribed, No. 2043.
2060. When the left file, first division, seventh battalion, is up with the major, the colonel of this battalion will command; 1. Battalion; 2. HALT; 3. Front—FACE.
2061. At the second command, the battalion will halt; at the third it will face to the front, and if there be openings between the files, they will be promptly closed to the left.
2062. As soon as this battalion is unmasked, the colonel will conduct it to the line of battle in the manner prescribed for the eighth.
2063. The other battalions will continue to march, and each execute in succession what has been indicated for the seventh; the major of each will throw himself twenty-two paces outside of the flank of the column, as prescribed for the major of the seventh, at the moment the next battalion in rear of his own, halts; the lieutenant colonel
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
will precede his battalion on the line of battle, in order to establish upon it the two markers.
2064. The movement being ended, the general will command:
Guides—POSTS.
2065. According to the same principles, the deployment may be made on an interior battalion of the column. The general, after having established two markers before the head of the column, will order two mounted officers to throw themselves respectively a little beyond the points at which the right and left battalions will arrive.
2066. The directing battalion will conform itself to what is prescribed, Nos. 2058—9, for the eighth; the battalions in its front will face to the right and be deployed in the manner indicated, Nos. 2056—7, and No. 2060, and following; the other battalions will face to the left and execute the movement as prescribed, No. 2044, and following.
2067. Those divers movements will be executed according to the same principles with a column left in front.
2068. In the preceding examples, the line of battle has been established in front of the head of the column; the general may also establish it front of any interior battalion, and then deploy the column on this battalion, or on any other that he may judge proper.
2069. (Pl. XLIV, figs. 3, 4.) It will be supposed that the line of battle ought to be established in front of the sixth, and that it is intend-
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
ed to deploy on this battalion: the general will cause two markers to be placed before the first division of the designated battalion, and order two mounted officers to throw themselves, respectively, a little beyond the points at which the right and left battalions will arrive; he will then command:
I. Line of battle on the sixth battalion.
2070. This having been repeated, the first five battalions, which are in front of the line of battle, will face by the rear rank; which being executed, the general will add:
2.By battalion in mass, on the sixth battalion, deploy column. 8. Quick—MARCH.
2071. At the second command, all the battalions, except the sixth, will face to the left.
2072. At the command march, the deployment will commence: the colonel of the sixth will align his battalion by the left. The other battalions will put themselves in march; the direction on each side will be taken from the division the nearest to the line of battle, and the chief of this division will take care to direct its march parallelly to that line.
2073. At the instant the movement commences, the major of the fifth will throw himself twenty-two paces from the flank of the column on the prolongation of the last division of his battalion; the lieutenant colonel will throw himself on the line of battle, place a maker at the point
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
of appui for the left of this battalion, and a second at a little more than division distance from the first, in order to leave space for the battalion to cross between them.
2074. When the left file of the last division, fifth battalion, is nearly up with the major, the colonel will command (in the order of time indicated, No. 2048:) 1. Battalion, by the right flank; 2.MARCH; 3. Guide right.
2075. At the second command, the battalion will face to the right (rear) in marching, in order to pass the line of battle; the guide of the leading division will so direct his march as to graze, in passing, the marker placed at the point of appui; the battalion will cross the line of battle, and when the first division has passed it three paces, the colonel, who will have remained in front of that line, will halt the battalion,and face it by the front rank; the two guides of the first division and the covering sergeant of its left company will throw themselves on the line of battle, and be assured in their positions by the lieutenant colonel; which being executed, the colonel will cause the battalion to be aligned by theleft.
2076. The first four battalions will conform themselves in succession to what has just been for the fifth, and the last two will deploy as indicated, No. 2044, and following.
2077. The movement ended, the general will command:
4. Guides—POSTS.
2078. If, in establishing the line of battle on
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
the sixth, the general shall wish to deploy the column on any other, say the fourth battalion, he will command:
I. Line of battle, on the sixth battalion. 2. By battalion in mass, on the fourth battalion, deploy column. 5. Quick—MARCH.
2079. This movement will be executed according to the principles just prescribed, but observing what follows.
2080. The markers whom the general will cause to be established before the sixth battalion to serve as the basis of alignment, will be far enough apart to permit the battalion on which the deployment is made to pass between them.
2081. At the first command the first five battalions which are in advance of the line of battle, will face by the rear rank.
2082. At the second command, the first three and the last three battalions will face to the left, the fifth will face to the right, and the fourth stand fast.
2083. As soon as the fourth battalion is unmasked, it will march; cross the line of battle, and when the first division has passed three paces beyond, the colonel will halt the battalion, face it by the front rank, and align it by the left.
2084. When the fifth battalion has gained, in marching by the flank, the twenty-two paces which ought to separate it from the fourth, its colonel will halt it, face it by the rear rank, and the moment it is unmasked, he will conduct and establish, it on the line of battle as just prescrib
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
ed for the fourth, but he will align it by the right.
2085. The sixth battalion, marching by the flank, will prolong itself on the line of battle, and be halted when it has gained the interval of twenty-two paces, which ought to separate it from the fifth.
2086. The other battalions will be deployed in the preceding example.
2d. Faced to the rear.
2O87. When the general shall wish to deploy the column faced to the rear, he will cause it to execute the countermarch, and then deploy it by the commands and means prescribed for deploying faced to the front.
3d. Faced to the left.
2088. A closed column, right in front, having to deploy by battalion in mass, faced to the left, will execute the movement in the following manner.
2089. (P1. XLV, fig. 1.) If it be the wish of the general to deploy the column on the fifth battalion, he will determine the direction of the line of battle on the right flank of the column, and then command:
1, To deploy, faced to the left. 2. By battalion in mass, on the fifth battalion, take distance.
2090. These commands having been repeated,
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
2100. A column, left in front, will be deployed by battalion in mass, faced to the right, according to the same principles.
Remark.
2101. It is prescribed that the masses take division distance and four paces, supposing each to be of four divisions and in three ranks—in order that, after deployment, there may be intervals between the masses of twenty-two paces; but, if the masses be of five divisions, in three or two ranks, or of four divisions, in two ranks, the distances to be taken will be, in the first case, two paces Less, and in the second and third cases respectively, two and seven paces more than division-distance.
4th. Faced to the right.
2102. A closed column, right in front, having to deploy by battalion in mass, faced to the right, it will change direction by the left flank, and then deploy by the means and commands above indicated; but as this movement is much longer than the preceding one, the general may, when circumstances re9uire it, deploy the column by inversion, according to the principles prescribed for deploying faced to the left, observing what follows.
2103. (P1. XLV, fig. 1.) It will be supposed that the general wishes to deploy the column faced to the right on the fifth battalion; he will determine the direction of the line of battle on
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
the left flank of the column, and cause it to be marked by the means above indicated; which being executed, he will command:
1. To deploy by inversion, faced to the right. 2. Battalion in mass, on the fifth battalion, take
distance. 3. Quick—MARCH.
2104. This movement will be executed as No. 2092, and following, except that the colonels, whose battalions are in front of the battalion, will each command: 1. Column, forward; 2. Guide left; and the Colonels whose battalions are in its rear: 1. Column, forward; 2. Guide right.
2105. Each battalion having taken its distance, the general will command:
1. By battalion in mass, change direction by the left flank. 2. Quick—MARCH.
2106. This movement will be executed according to the principles prescribed, No. 2097.
2107. The deployment being ended, the general will add:
3.Guides——Posts.
2108. The battalions being thus placed by inversion, the masses will be deployed into line of battle in the direct order, when each battalion will be, in respect to the others, in the inverse, whilst its own subdivisions are in the direct order.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
2109. A closed column, left in front, will be deployed by inversion faced to the left, according to the same principles.
Deployment of masses.
2110. (P1 XLIV, figs. 5,6, 7.) The line being deployed by battalion in mass, it is supposed that the general wishes to deploy the masses on the first division, fifth battalion: he will cause two markers to be placed before this division, and direct the lieutenant colonel of the fourth battalion to place two others on the same alignment before his first division.
2111. These markers being established, the lieutenant colonels of the fifth and fourth battalions will each place a third before the centre of the same division, as prescribed, Nos. 1222 and 1243.
2112. The general will, at the same time, order two mounted officers to throw themselves respectively a little beyond the points at which will rest the left and the right of the line, and establish themselves there correctly on the prolongation of the basis of alignment.
2113. These dispositions being made, the general will command;
I. On the first division, fifth battalion, deploy masses.
2114. This having been repeated, the colonel of the fifth battalion will caution its first division to stand fast, and then, with each of the colonels
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
who are to his left, command: battalion, left— FACE.
2115. The colonel of the fourth battalion, having cautioned its fourth (or last) division to stand fast, will then, with each of the colonels who are to his right, command: battalion, right--FACE.
2116. The battalions being thus by the flank their colonels will place themselves at eight or ten paces from their right flanks respectively; to this end, the colonels, whose battalions have faced to the left, will pass through the intervals which separate these battalions.
2117. The general will then add:
2. Quick—MARCH.
2118. At this, briskly repeated, the deployment will commence; the first division, first battalion, and the first of the eighth, each conducted by its lieutenant colonel, will direct its march a little within the mounted officer placed at the extremity of the line of battle, and parallelly to that line; the first division of each of the other battalions will follow exactly in the trace of the division which precedes it.
2119. The fifth and fourth battalions will deploy themselves from the halt; the fifth on its first division, and the fourth on its last division, in conformity with what is prescribed, No. 1220, and following, and No. 1241, and following.
2120. The colonel of the third battalion, seeing that the first division of the fourth is on the point of halting, will, for his last division, say the fourth, command: I. Fourth division. 2. HALT.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
The second command will be given at the moment the third battalion has taken its interval of twenty-two paces; the chief of the fourth division will then add: front—FACE.
2121. The lieutenant colonel will detach him self in time, and establish on the line of battle, two markers facing to the guides of the fourth battalion; these markers being established, he will place a third at the point against which one of the three right files of the left company of directing division will arrive, and then throw himself little beyond the point at which the right of the third division will arrive.
2122. The chief of the fourth division will align it by the left against the markers the moment it is unmasked.
2123. The other divisions will continue to march, and the deployment will be made as prescribed for the fourth battalion.
2124. The second and first battalions will, successively, conform themselves to what has just been prescribed for the third.
2125. The battalions which march by the left flank will deploy themselves as follows: the colonel of the sixth, seeing that the last division of the fifth battalion is on the point of being halted, will command: 1. First division; 2. HALT. The second command will be given at the instant the sixth battalion has taken its interval of twenty-two paces; the chief of its first division will then add: front—FACE.
2126. The lieutenant colonel will conform himself to what is prescribed, No. 2121, for the lieutenant colonel of the third battalion; the
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
markers whom he will place will face to the right, and the intermediate marker will be established so as to be opposite to one of the three left files of the right company, directing division, of this battalion.
2127. The first division having been faced to the front, its chief will align it by the right: the other divisions will continue to march, and the deployment ended as just indicated for the fifth battalion. See No. 1957.
2128. The seventh and eighth battalions will successively conform themselves to what has just been prescribed for the sixth.
2129. The deployment being ended, the general will add:
3. Colours—POSTS.
2130. The general will see that the guides and colours of the fifth, fourth, and sixth battalions place themselves correctly on the direction.
2131. The colonels having halted the directing division of their respective battalions, as prescribed above, will follow up the deployment of their divisions; and in case a chief of a subordinate division commits the fault of commanding halt too soon or too late, they will hasten to the following division in order to prevent the fault from being propagated.
2132. If the column be composed of not more than three, or even four battalions, the general may dispense with causing the intermediate deployment by battalion in mass; in this case the deployment will be executed according to the
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
principles prescribed, School of the Battalion, observing what follows.
2133. (P1. XLIV, figs. 8, 9.) A column of four battalions, right in front, is supposed, having to deploy itself on the last, say the fourth division of the second battalion: the general, after having placed two markers before the headmost division of the column, will cause the line of battle to be prolonged to the right and left, and command:
I. On the fourth division, second battalion,.
deploy column.
2134. This having been repeated, the colonel of the second will caution the designated division to stand fast, and then command : battalion~ right—FACE.
2135. At this, the lieutenant colonel of this battalion will throw himself on the line of battle, and place a third marker as prescribed, N 1243.
2186. The colonel of the first battalion will give the same command as the colonel of the second.
2137. The colonels of the third and fourth each command: battalion, left—FACE, and immediately cross the column, in order to place himself on the right flank of his battalion.
2138. The lieutenant colonel of the third will throw himself on the line of battle, and establish two markers on this line, as prescribed, No. 2121, the right marker at the distance of twenty-
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
two paces from the left flank of the second battalion.
2139. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
214O. At this, briskly repeated, the deployment will commence: the second battalion will deploy itself on the designated division as indicated, School of the Battalion.
2141. The colonel of the first will halt its last division, when his battalion shall have left between it and the right flank of the second an interval of twenty-two paces, and the battalion wilI deploy itself on this division as has already been indicated.
2142. When the third battalion has taken, in marching by the flank, the interval of twenty-two paces from the second, its colonel will command:
Battalion, by the right flank; 2. MARCH; 3. Guide right.
2143. At the second command, the battalion will face to the right in marching, and when arrived at three paces from the line of battle, the colonel will halt it, and cause it to deploy on its first division. See No. 1957.
2144. The fourth battalion will continue to march; and when its right file is opposite to its it of appui, the colonel will conduct it to the of battle, and deploy it as prescribed for the third.
2145. The lieutenant colonel of this battalion will throw himself in advance on the line of battle and place the two markers as prescribed,
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
No. 2138, in order that the colonel may judge the moment for marching the battalion up to this line.
2146. The colonels will conform themselves pending the deployment of their respective battalions, to what is prescribed, No. 2131.
2147. The lieutenant colonels will conform themselves to what is prescribed above.
2148. The deployment being ended, the general will command:
3.Colours--POSTS.
2149. A column, left in front, will be deployed according to the same principles and by inverse means.
Movements which may be executed by a line of battalions in masses.
1st. The advance in line.
2150. (PL XLV, fig. 2.) The line being deployed by battalion in mass, when the general shall wish it to advance, he will designate the directing battalion, (the fifth will here be supposed) then throw himself in front of this battalion, verify the direction of its guides in respect to the perpendicularity to the line of battle, rectify the direction, if necessary, and command:
1. The fifth, the battalion of direction.
2151. At this, the lieutenant colonel of directing battalion will throw himself twenty-five
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
thirty paces in front of the guides, face to them, and place himself correctly on their prolongation: the general, throwing himself in rear of those guides, will verify the position of the lieutenant colonel, rectify it, if necessary, and then command:
2.Battalion, forward.
2152. This having been repeated, the co1one of the directing battalion will command: guide right, and the other colonels, guide left (or right,) according as they may find themselves to the right or left of the directing battalion.
2153. At this command, the right general guide of the directing battalion will throw himself sixpaces in front of his guides; the lieutenant colonel will establish him on the perpendicular, and as soon as assured in that position, he will take points on the ground in conformity with what is prescribed, No. 1280.
2154. The chief of the first division in each of the battalions to the left of the directing one will to the left of his division, taking post in the front rank, and the guide of that flank will fall to the rear rank.
2155. The lieutenant colonel of every subordinate battalion will indicate to the guide of its headmost division the direction he ought to follow, and this guide will immediately take his points on the ground.
2156. These dispositions being made, the general will add:
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
3.Quick—MARCH.
2157. At this, briskly repeated, the line will put itself in movement; the general guide of the directing battalion will carefully conform himself to what is prescribed for the colour-bearer, No. 1287: the guide of its headmost division will march exactly in the trace of the general guide, preserving the original distance of six paces from him, but without constraining himself, in this, to minute exactness: the guides of the other battalions will direct themselves perpendicularly to the front.
2158. The lieutenant colonel of each battalion, being, pending the march, placed by the side of the guide of his first division, will take care to maintain between his battalion and that next its right or left, on the side of the direction, the interval of twenty-two paces.
2159. The chief of each first division maintain himself exactly abreast with its guide on the opposite flank, and will superintend the march of the division according to what is prescribed, No. 1294, and following.
2160. The other divisions will conform themselves to the rules for the march in column.
2161. The colonels will hold themselves on the flanks of their respective battalions, each on the side of direction, and superintend the movement.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
2d. To halt the line, marching in advance, and to
align it.
2162. The line being in march, when the general shall wish to halt it, he will command:
1. Battalions. 2. HALT.
2163. The line being halted, if the general wish to give a general alignment, he will place two markers before the directing battalion, and then command:
1.Guides, on the line.
2164. At this, the lieutenant colonel of each subordinate battalion will place two markers before its head on the alignment of those established by the general; and the chief of each first division will pass to the flank of his division on the side of the direction.
2165. As soon as the markers are correctly established on the line of battle, the colonels; without regulating themselves on each other, will align their battalions by the flank of direction manner prescribed, No. 2043.
2166. The battalions being aligned, the general will command:
2.Guides—POSTS.
2d. The line marching in advance, to cause it to change direction.
2167. (PI. XLV, fig. 3.) The line being in
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
march, it is supposed that the general wishes to cause it to change direction to the right; he will throw himself to the point at which he may wish the right of the new line to rest, and place two markers, one at the point of appui, the other at division distance from the first.
2168. These dispositions being made, the general will command:
1. Change direction to the right.
2169. This having been repeated, the colonel of the first battalion will command: I. Guide left; 2. Battalion, right wheel; at this command, the chief of the first division will throw himself before the centre of his division.
2170. The other colonels will each commands guide right; at this command, the chief of each first division will throw himself before its centre.
2171. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
2172. At the command march, briskly repeated, the first battalion will change direction by wheeling according to the principles prescribed, No. 1018, and following; its colonel will cause it to wheel until its front is parallel to the line of battle; he will then conduct it forward, halt it three paces from this line, and align it by the right.
2173. The other battalions will be marched towards the line of battle, each executing in succession slight changes of direction to the
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
right, so that, on arriving at twenty paces from that line, the headmost division may be parallel to it; to this end, the leading guide, advancing insensibly the left shoulder, will direct himself circularly to the right; the other guides will follow his movement in marching exactly in his trace, and the divisions will each conform itself to the movement of its guide as prescribed, No. 1879, and following.
2174. At the commencement of the movement, the lieutenant colonel of the second battalion will throw himself on the line of battle, and immediately establish a marker at twenty-two paces from the left flank of the first battalion, and another at division distance from the first, and at the instant of detaching himself, he will be replaced at the head of the column by its major.
2175. The lieutenant colonels of the other battalions will successively conform themselves to what has just been prescribed for the lieutenant colonel of the second; each will precede his battalion, on the line of battle, by about fifty-five paces.
2I76. The movement ended, the general will add:
3. Guides—POSTS.
2177. Changes of direction to the left will be executed according to the same principles and by inverse means.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
Remark.
2178. It is essential that the battalion on which the movement is made should arrive perpendicularly to the line of battle; to this end, and conformably to the principle established, No. 1022, the colonel of this battalion will cause the step of the pivot to be shortened if this should become necessary; and if, notwithstanding this precaution, some of the divisions be not able to conform themselves exactly to the movement of the first, they will, on halting the battalion, be promptly conducted by the flank into the true direction before the battalion is aligned.
4th. To march the line in retreat.
2179. The line being at a halt, when the general shall wish to cause it to march in retreat, he will command:
Face by the rear rank.
2180. This having been repeated, the battalions will face in the manner indicated, No. 1549, and following; the chief of the fourth (or last) division of each battalion will place himself on the left of his division in the rear rank, now become front rank, and the chief of each first division will throw himself before its centre.
2181. These dispositions being executed, the general will designate the directing battalion, and cause the direction to be traced as under
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
The first head, to advance in line, No. 2150, and then command:
1.Battalion. forward.
2182. This having been repeated, the colonel of the directing battalion will command: guide right, and the other colonels, guide left (or right,) according as they may find themselves to the left or right of the directing battalion.
2183. The general will then add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
2184. The line will march in retreat according to the principles prescribed for marching in advance.
2185. The general having halted the line, wishing to face it by the front rank, will command:
Face by the front rank.
2186. This having been repeated, each battalion will face by the front rank; which being executed, the chief of the first division will retake his place in line, and the chief of the fourth his in column.
5th. To change direction of the line marching
in retreat.
2187. The line marching in retreat will
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
change direction by the same means and commands as if it were advancing, observing what follows.
2188. It is supposed that the general wished to change direction to the left; he will place two markers on the new direction, the first at the point of appui, and the second at such distance from the first that the battalion may easily pass between them.
2189. The first battalion will be conducted to and established on the new direction as indicated, No. 2169 and 2172; but it will cross the line of battle; and when the first division has passed three paces beyond, the colonel will halt the battalion, and face it by the front rank.
2190. As soon as the battalion faces, the guides of the first division will throw themselves on the line of battle, and be assured in their positions by the lieutenant colonel; which being done the colonel will align the battalion by the right.
2191. The other colonels will each direct his battalion so that it may arrive when at twenty paces, parallelly to the line of battle; he will then cause it to pass that line, between the two markers placed in advance by the lieutenant colonel in the manner indicated No. 2188. When the first division has passed three paces beyond the line, the battalion will be halted faced by the front rank, and aligned as prescribed for the first.
2192. A line of battalion masses, left in front, will march and change direction, advancing and retreating, according to the same principles and inverse means; the fourth or last division of each
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
will conform itself to what is prescribed for the first, and reciprocally.
6th. To break the line formed by battalion in mass, and to re-form the column into line.
2193. (P1. XLV, fig. 4.) The line being at a halt, when the general shall wish to break it to the right into column by battalion, he will command:
1. By battalion, right in front, into column.
2194. This having been repeated, the lieutenant colonel of each battalion will place a marker before the left guide of its first division, and a second at division distance from the first in a direction perpendicular to the line of battle.
2195. At the same time, each colonel will command: 1. Change direction by the left flank; 2. Battalion, left—FACE.
2196. These dispositions being made, the general will add:
2.Quick—MARCH.
2197. At this, each battalion will change direction by the means indicated, School of the Battalion; but the divisions will be aligned by the right, and the chief of each first division will take care to halt it when its right file shall be up with the first marker.
2198. The column thus formed will march according to the same principles which govern the movement of an ordinary column; but as, in or
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
der to return into line of battle, in the direst (not inverse) order, the battalions must change direction by the right flank, the column has been dressed by that flank, and will march with the guide to the right: each lieutenant colonel, placed by the side of his leading guide, will see that this guide preserves the distance (twenty-two paces) which separates his battalion from that which precedes.
2199. If the column, thus disposed, be required to change direction, as there are already sufficient distances between the battalions, there will be no necessity for taking distances; each battalion will successively change direction according to the principles prescribed, No. 1869, and following.
2200. The column being halted, when the general shall wish to re-form it into line of battle faced to the left, he will place, in the direction he may choose to give to that line, two markers, fir the change of direction of the headmost battalion by the right flank, and then command:
1.Faced to the left, into line. 2. By battalion in mass, change direction by the right flank. 3. Quick—MARCH.
2201. The first command having been repeated, the lieutenant colonel of each battalion will place two markers for its change of direction; he will establish them on the prolongation of those placed by the general: each colonel will, at the same time, command: battalion, right—FACE. At the command march, the movement
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
will be executed as prescribed, No. 2097, and following.
22O2. In like manner may the same column (with distances of twenty-two paces between the battalion masses) be formed by inversion faced to the right into line of battle, by causing each battalion to execute a change of direction by the left flank. To effect this, the general will command:
1. By inversion, faced to the right, into line. 2. By battalion in mass, change direction by the left flank. 3. Quick—MARCH.
7th. To ploy the line of masses into general column closed in mass.
2203. (P1. XLV, fig. 5.) When a line of battalions in mass has to be ployed into column, as the battalions, by reason of their depth, and the smallness of the intervals between them, cannot be directed diagonally towards the points at which they ought respectively to enter the column, the movement will be executed in the following manner:
22O4. It will be supposed that the line ought to be ployed on the fifth battalion, right in front; the general will throw himself in front of this battalion, and after assuring himself that the guides are correctly placed, he will command:
1.By battalion in mass, on the fifth battalion, right in front, into column. 2. Quick— MARCH.
2205. At the first command, each colonel who
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
finds himself to the right of the directing battalion, will command: I. Column, forward. Guide left.
2206. The colonels who are to the left of the directing battalion, will each give the same commands after causing his battalion to face about.
2207. At the command march, the movement will commence; the first four battalions will march to the front, and when the last division the fourth battalion shall have passed six (or five) paces beyond the first division of the fifth, the colonel will cause his battalion to face to the left, in marching, in order to take its place me column; when the left guides arrive on the direction of those of the fifth, the colonel of the fourth will halt it, and cause it to face to the front.
2208. At the moment of halting, the left guides, facing to the rear, will place themselves on the prolongation of those of the fifth battalion; and the lieutenant colonel, placed in their rear, will assure them on the direction; which being done, the colonel will cause his battalion to be aligned by the left, and then order the guides to face about.
2209. The colonels of the first three battalions will each conform himself to what has just been prescribed for the colonel of the fourth, as his last division has passed six (or five) paces beyond the front rank, first division, of the battalion which entered the column next before his own.
2210. The last three battalions will enter the column in like manner; the colonel of the sixth
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
will cause it to face to the left in marching, when its first division has passed six (or five) paces beyond the rear rank, last division, of the fifth battalion, and he will halt his battalion when its left guides are on the direction of those of the fifth.
2211. At the moment of halting, the guides of the sixth will promptly place themselves on the prolongation of those of the fifth battalion, and the lieutenant colonel will assure them on that direction; which being done, the colonel will cause his battalion to be aligned by the left.
2212. The last two battalions will conform themselves to what has just been prescribed for the sixth, as the first division of each has passed six (or five) paces beyondthe rear rank, last division of the battalion which preceded it in column.
2213. A line of masses will be ployed into column, left in front, according to the same principles, and by inverse means.
2214. The principles prescribed, No. 1272, and following, for breaking or ploying into column a single battalion, formed in line of battle by inversion, are applicable to a line of many battalions when formed in line by inversion in the manner indicated, No. 1950, and following; and when the battalions are placed, in respect to each other, in the inverse order, whilst their subdivisions are in the direct order, as indicated, other means, to be immediately pre
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART IV.
scribed, will be employed for breaking or ploying the line into column if it be desired to replace the battalions in the direct order.
2215. It will be supposed that the general, in causing the line to break, wishes to march it to the left; he will order each colonel to cause his battalion to break to the right in order to march towards the left (in column at full distance) as if it were isolated; and as soon as the battalions break, he will put them in march all at the same time: in this way the column will find itself united and formed in the direct order as soon as the last subdivision of each battalion has turned into the new direction.
2216. (P1. XLV, fig. 6.) If, instead of breaking the line (into column at full distance,) the general shall wish to ploy it into column, say on the fifth battalion, so that the first battalion may be in front, he will order the colonel of the fifth to ploy it into column, right in front, on its second division; at the same time he will order the other colonels to ploy their respective battalions, right in front, on the division nearest to the directing battalion, and then cause the masses to enter the column as follows: the first four battalions, in front, and the last three, in rear of the directing battalion.
2217. If, in breaking the line, it be desired to march towards the right, or if, in ploying it, it be desired to place the eighth battalion in front the movement will be executed according tothe same principles and by inverse means.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
To advance in line of battle deployed.
2218. (P1. XLVI, fig. 1.) A line of eight battalions deployed, and correctly aligned, will be supposed; the general, wishing to cause it to advance in this order, will choose as the directing battalion (say the fifth) the one which he may deem most favourably placed for the purpose; he will approach this battalion, and command:
1.The fifth, the battalion of direction.
2219. This having been repeated, the colonel and lieutenant colonel of every battalion will place themselves in rear and in front of the colour-file of their respective battalions as prescribed, Nos. 1277—8.
2220. The colonel of the directing battalion, having assured his lieutenant colonel on the perpendicular, will promptly establish two markers behind his battalion as prescribed, No. 1279.
222l. The general will verify the direction of these markers, rectify it, if necessary, and charge an officer to superintend, pending the march, the successive replacing of them.
2222. The general will then command:
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
2.Battalions, forward.
2223. (P1. XLVI, figs. 1, 2.) This command having been repeated, the colour-rank of every battalion will advance six races, and its two general guides will throw themselves out abreast with this rank; the major will place himself at six or eight paces from the flank of the colour-rank, and on the side opposite to the directing battalion.
2224. The general need not occupy himself with the general alignment of the colour-rank and general guides of the different battalions; it will suffice if those of each battalion conform themselves to what has just been prescribed.
2225. These dispositions having been made, the general will add:
5.Quick—MARCH.
2226. At this, repeated with the great rapidity, the line will step off with life; each battalion will observe with the utmost care the principles prescribed, School of the Battalion, formarching in line of battle.
2227. Each colonel and lieutenant colonel will conform himself, for the maintenance of the direction and alignment, to the principles prescribed, School of the Battalion.
2228. The directing battalion being regarded as infallible by all the others, and having the greatest influence on them, its march will superintended with the utmost care; consequently, the general-in-chief, or the officer deputed by
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
him, placed in front of this battalion, will labour to maintain its centre steadily on the perpendicular; to this end, he will frequently throw himself from thirty to forty paces in front of the colour-bearer, face to the rear, and align himself correctly on the markers established behind the battalion; he will rectify, if necessary, the direction of the centre corporal, as well as that of colour-bearer.
2229. If the line of direction of this battalion be badly chosen, and this may often happen, as it is very difficult to determine the perpendicular with precision, the general and the colonel of battalion will perceive it at the end of a few paces by the crowdings in one wing, and the openings of files in the other.
2230. If, for example, the line of direction, instead of being perpendicular to the primitive of battle, be taken to the right of the perpendicular, the directing battalion will soon be in oblique position to both of those lines; the interval to its right will be more and more diminished, and that to the left increased in the same proportion, which will force all the subordinate battalions to oblique to the right to regain their intervals; the general, by placing himself on either flank of the directing battalion, will perceive that the battalions to its right are in advance, and those to its left in the rear, in respect to the false direction of that battalion.
2231. Promptly to remedy this fault, the general will order the major of the directing battalion to throw himself thirty or forty paces before its centre, and to face to the rear; he will
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
himself go at the same time to a like distance behind its rear, and place by a signal of the sword, the major on the direction he may choose to give; the colonel of this battalion will immediately caution the centre corporal and the colour-bearer to conform themselves to this new direction, and the officer superintending the markers in the rear will immediately establish them on that direction.
2232. If, at the end of a few paces, the general perceive that the new direction is not exact, he will promptly give another; but with a good coup d’oeil, and the habit of directing lines, he will rarely find it necessary to change the direction more than once.
2233. Each subordinate battalion will maintain its interval on the side of the directing battalion.
2234. The preservation of intervals between battalions being the most essential point in the march in line, the colonels will give to it the utmost attention.
2235. A battalion can only lose its interval by the false direction pursued by its colour-bearer. The colonel may earl perceive this by the indications noticed, Nos. 2229—30, and following, and No. 815.
2236. The interval may be momentarily diminished by openings between files; in this case, it will suffice to cause the files to close insensibly on the centre of their battalion.
2237. The generals of divisions and bri-
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
gades being placed further in rear of the line than the colonels, may each see at once several battalions; hence it will be easy for the perceive whence the loss of intervals, and they will give prompt notice thereof to the colonels.
2238. When the loss of interval is but slight, and the battalion does not slant in respect to the perpendicular, the colonel may confine himself to cautioning the colour-bearer to incline insensibly to the right or left, without taking the oblique step: by this means the interval may be re-established without inconvenience. As to the general alignment, the following rules will be observed.
2239. A scrupulous attention need not be give to the maintenance of the colours and general guides of the several battalions exactly abreast with each other; consequently, the major of each battalion placed on the flank of his colour-rank on the side opposite to the direction, will not cause the colour-bearer to shorten or lengthen the step but when this may be evidently necessary to the preservation of a certain degree of general harmony.
2240. The two general guides of each battalion will conform themselves steadily to the direction of the colour-rank of the same battalion, and hold themselves abreast with this rank, without deference to the colours and general guides of the other battalions,
2241. Nothing contributes more to fatigue soldiers, and to derange the interior order of battalions, than frequent variations of step; the three corporals placed in the centre of each bat-
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
talion will observe steadily the length and cadence of the pace, without endeavouring to maintain themselves exactly at the distance of six paces from the colour-rank; consequently, they will not vary in either of those particulars, except on a caution, to that effect, from their colonel or lieutenant colonel.
2242. To carry through the same principle, colonels will not scrupulously endeavour to maintain their battalions abreast with each other; consequently, they will not cause the step to he lengthened or shortened, the time to be marked or quickened, except when one or the other should evidently be necessary in order to preserve a certain degree of harmony in the line; if it happen that a battalion find itself a pace or two in advance or in rear of the neighboring battalions, this slight irregularity may soon correct itself without particular orders or interference.
2243. Colonels will carefully look to the direction and interior order of their respective battalions, and the lieutenant colonels to the alignment.
2244. Brigadier and major generals will superintend the march of their respective brigades and divisions, and charge themselves especially with the preservation of battalion intervals.
2245. The general will occupy himself more particularly with the directing battalion, but his attention will at the same time be given to the whole line.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
General remarks on the march in line of battle.
2246. The march in line of battle cannot be affected with the necessary order and harmony of parts, if the several battalions have not been previously and individually exercised according the same principles or School of the Battalion. See.No.783.
2247.Although uniformity of step be the first element in the march in line of battle, the movement will be imperfect if the colour-bearer be not accustomed to prolong, without variation, a given direction, and if the colonels have not the habit of conducting their battalions with address and intelligence.
2248. It is by the uniformity of step that the different battalions can alone maintain themselves, without effort, abreast, or nearly so, with each other, pending the march. See No. 146.
2249. By exercising frequently, in advance, the sergeants as colour-bearers, in prolonging a given direction, colonels may best prevent the loss of intervals in marching in line. See No. 76.
225O. Finally, it is in forming the coup d’oeil, by a persevering exercise, that generals and colonels can alone acquire accuracy and facility in judging the line of direction, and of conducting battalions on every sort of ground with the address, and intelligence necessary to prevent faults, or promptly to correct them. See No. 1317.
2251. The general-in-chief may choose, as the directing battalion, either in the line that he may judge the best posted for the particular march, yet, other considerations being equal, he
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
ought to give the preference to a central battalion.
To halt the line, and to align it.
2252. (P1. XLVI, figs. 3, 4.) The line being in march, and the general wishing to halt it, he will command:
I. Battalions.
2253. This having been repeated, the general will add:
2.HALT.
2254. This having been repeated with the utmost rapidity, the line will halt. The colour-rank and general guides of each battalion, will halt, but remain in front of the line.
2255. The line being halted, and the general wishing to give it a general alignment, hewill throw himself some paces on the right of the directing colour, in order the better to see the whole line, and thence to determine the new direction.
2256. He will next order the colour-bearer and the left general guide of this battalion to face to him, when he will place them on the direction he shall have chosen; the right general guide will face to the left and align himself
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
on the colour-bearer and the left general guide of the same battalion; the lieutenant colonel will assure him on this direction, and the two corporals of the colour-rank will fall back into their places in the line of battle.
2257. The basis of alignment being thus assured, the general will command:
1. Colours and general guides on the line.
2258. This having been repeated, the colour-bearers and general guides of all the battalions will face to the colour of the directing battalion; those of the next battalion to the right and left., respectively, will align themselves correctly on the colour and general guides of that battalion; those of the other battalions will align themselves on the colours; the lieutenant colonel and major of each battalion will promptly assure the colour-bearer and general guides of their battalions on the new direction: all the bearers will carry their colours perpendicularly between their eyes, and the corporals of their rank will fall back into their places in line.
2259. These arrangements being made, the general will add:
2.Guides, on the line.
2260. This having been repeated, it will be executed in conformity with what is prescribed, No. 1337, and following, and as soon as the guides are assured on the line, each colonel will cause his battalion to be aligned upon its centre
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
without regulating itself on the other battalions.
2261. All the battalions being aligned, the general will command:
3. Colours and guides—POSTS.
2262. If the new direction should throw one or more battalions back from the position occupied at halting, each colonel of these battalions, as soon as he perceives the necessity by the direction of the colours, will face his battalion about, march it to the rear, and then face it about when it has passed the new direction.
Change of direction marching in line of battle.
2263. A deployed line, marching in the order in battle, when the general shall wish to cause it to change direction, so as to throw forward a wing, the movement will be executed as follows.
2264. (P1. XLVIII, figs. 1, 2, 3.) If the left wing be the one intended to be thrown forward, the general will go to the right battalion and place before it, on the new direction he may wish to give to the line of battle, two markers, distant from each other fifty or sixty paces, the first marker at the point of appui (rest) for the right of the line; the markers being established, he will cause the line to be prolonged by mounted officers.
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
2265. These dispositions made, the general command:
1. Change direction to the right. 2. MARCH.
2266. At the command march, briskly repeated, the movement will commence: each battalion will change direction according to the principles prescribed, No. 1848, and following: the right battalion will wheel until it is parallel to new line of battle; its colonel will then direct it forward, halt it four paces within the markers, and command: 1. Colour and general guides--ON THE LINE.
2267. The colour-bearer and general guides will face to the general placed on the right of line, who will establish them on the new direction; which being executed, the colonel will command: 2. Guides—ON THE LINE. 3. On the centre--Dress.
2268. As each battalion has sufficiently disengaged itself by wheeling, its colonel will add: Forward—MARCH; at this, the battalion will resume the direct march.
2269. The colonel of the second battalion will so direct it as to cause it to arrive parallelly to the line; and to this end, he will cause it to execute successive slight changes of direction in proportion as it advances towards the line.
2270. Its lieutenant colonel will, in advance, throw himself on the line, and place upon it two markers, asindicated, No. 2264.
2271. The colonel of the second having halted his battalion at four paces from the new line,
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
will command: 1. Colour and general guides--ON THE LINE.
2272. At this, the colour-bearer and two general guides of the second battalion will face to the right, and promptly place themselves on the line of battle. The major, from the rear of the left general guide, will align them correctly on those of the first battalion; which being executed, the colonel will add: 2. Guides—ONTHE LINE. 3. On the centre—DRESS. See No. 1957.
2273. Each of the remaining battalions will conform itself to what is just prescribed for the second.
2274. The lieutenant colonel of each battalion will precede it on the line, by about one hundred paces, and conform himself to what is prescribed for the lieutenant colonel of the second.
2275. The general, or the officer whom he may substitute, placed on the right of the line, will take care that the colours of the first two battalions are correctly assured on the new direction: and when the last battalion is established on the line, he will command:
Colours—POSTS.
2276. Changes of direction to the left, in order to throw forward the right wing, will be executed according to the same principles and by inverse means.
Remarks on changes of direction marching in line
of battle.
2277. The means prescribed for changing the
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
direction of a line marching in the order in battle, whether to throw forward, or to refuse one its wings, give the facility of establishing a line on any direction that may be deemed best, without breaking the battalions into subdivisions.
2278. The battalions marching in echelons, are reciprocally protected; and if, before the end of the movement, it should become necessary to re-form the line, the battalions not yet on the new direction, say the fifth and eighth inclusive, may form themselves into a full line, by an opposite change of direction to the one they were engaged in executing. This line, composed of the last four battalions, would form an angle with that composed of the first four already established on the new direction.
To retreat in line of battle.
2279. The line being halted, when the general shall wish to cause it to march in retreat, he will command:
1.Face to the rear.
228O. This having been repeated, each colonel will command: Battalion about—FACE, when he line will face about, each battalion conforming itself to what is prescribed, No. I366.
228l. The general will then add:
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
2.The (—) the battalion of direction.
2282. At this, the colonels and lieutenant colonels will conform themselves, within their respective battalions, to what is indicated, No. 1361, and the colonel of the directing battalion will cause markers to be established as prescribed, No. 1562. These dispositions being made, the general will add:
3.Battalions, forward.
2283. This having been repeated, the colour-rank, the general guides of each battalion, the captains, covering sergeants, and file closers will conform themselves to what is prescribed, School of the Battalion. The general will then command:
4.Quick—MARCH.
2284. The line will march in retreat according to the principles prescribed for advancing in line of battle.
To halt the line marching in retreat, and to align it.
2285. A deployed line, marching in retreat, will be halted by the same commands as a line
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
marching in advance; and when the general shall wish to re-face it, he will command:
1.Face to the front.
2286. This having been repeated, each colonel will command:, battalion, about—FACE, when the line will face about, each battalion conforming itself to what is prescribed, No. 1872.
Change of direction in marching in retreat.
2287. A deployed line, marching in retreat, if the general wish to cause it to change direction in order to refuse the one or other wing, he will cause the movement to be executed as follows:
2288. It will be supposed that it is the left wing, become the right, that the general wishes to refuse: he will pass to the right battalion, now the left, and establish two markers before it onthe new direction which he may wish to give tothe line in the manner prescribed for changing direction in marching in advance; he will thencommand:
1.Change direction to the left.
2289. This having been repeated, the general willadd:
EVOLUTIONS OF THE LINE—PART V.
2. MARCH.
2290. This, briskly repeated, every battalion will commence its change of direction according to the principles prescribed, No. 1573.
2291. The first battalion will wheel until it find itself parallel to the markers: the colour-bearer will then march it forward, cause it to cross the line of battle, and when the front rank, now the rear, shall have passed four paces beyond this line, he will halt the battalion, face it about and establish it on the line by the commands and means indicated, Nos. 2271—2.
2292. The colonel of each of the other battalions will direct it towards the line of battle, as indicated, Nos. 2268—9, so that it may be parallel to this line several paces before arriving upon it; the colonel will then cause the battalion to pass the line, and when four paces beyond it, he will halt and face the battalion about; he will then establish it on the line by the means prescribed for changing direction advancing.
2293. The lieutena