Direction

Direction.

The whole is to step off, beginning the march with the left foot, and to move slow or quick, as shall be directed.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast, bringing up the hind foot. [126]

Direction.

The whole is to come to the right-about upon the left heel, and to stand in proper order.

There is no one part of the exercise in which greater nicety and more exactness is required, than in the article of marching, whether advancing or retreating, nor yet more necessary to observe; for it is not sufficient that a single battalion marches straight and even in all its parts, with relation to itself alone, but it must preserve the same order with respect to all other battalions, advancing together in the same line with it; the reason of which is, that by thus observing an entire straight line, each part can on any emergence not only more immediately sustain the other, but be in a readiness to attack and cut off that part of the enemy’s line, which may be imprudent enough to be too far advanced before the rest can well move up to support it. And the same reason holds good in retreating, as the part nearest the enemy must be more exposed, since those who are more remote cannot be in a condition to afford the necessary succour; in short, the advantage is so great in preserving a proper order in marching, that but little more is besides wanting to render those troops invincible who observe it; and as this is so well known, I would therefore recommend, in order to have soldiers expert and perfect in so essential an operation, that the battalion be well exercised in marching by distinct and separate divisions, so that each division may represent a battalion, and to be drawn [127] up at the distance of thirty yards from each other, which is the ordinary interval between battalions in the line, it being the allowance of room requisite for the working of two field pieces.

Direction.

Each division is to wheel the half of a quadrant upon the right heel of the right hand man of the front rank.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast, and in proper order.

Direction.

All the divisions are to wheel back together, upon the same heel, to their former ground. [128]

Direction.

Each division is to wheel the half of a quadrant upon the left heel of the left-hand man of the front rank.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast.

Direction.

All the divisions are to wheel back together, upon the same left heel, to their former ground.

The intent of the above operations is to instruct a platoon officer how he is occasionally to give a flanking-fire; that is, should he find that he out-flanks the enemy; or that he has no enemy directly to oppose him, or, should he observe the enemy advancing, in order to penetrate or force some contiguous part of his own line or battalion; he is then, on any of those occasions or such like instances, to wheel his division or platoon accordingly, and throw in his flanking-fire. But the officer in wheeling his division must attend minutely to one essential circumstance, which is, [129] that he wheels just so much as to bring the object at which he is to fire to be directly opposite to himself, or that it may stand at right angles with the front of his platoon; by which means he will obtain the advantage of a direct fire, which is by much of greater weight and more certain than any that be given in an oblique direction; for let it be observed, that men in general will naturally, on any sudden occasion, fire directly before them; nor can they well be brought to fire obliquely, except they are, with great care, previously prepared for it; and even then, none but those who are drawn up in single rank can conveniently do it with any tolerable effect; but at exercise or on service, the divisions then are not to wheel all at once to the right or to the left, as above directed, but each is to wheel and fire in an alternate succession, lest the external flank of one division should by chance be placed in the line of the other’s fire, which is a point that troops must always be instructed to avoid and to guard against, and therefore the preparative for this arrangement is only to say, battalion, take care to perform your flank-firing; and on the signal or word of command being in consequence given, each division is to wheel and fire alternately as above directed.

Direction.

The four centre divisions, viz. fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh, or the second and third grand divisions [130] (see the annexed figure) are to go to the right about; by which means their rear that was will now become their present front.

Direction.

The two second grand divisions on the right of the centre of the battalion, and now faced to the right about, is to wheel to the left, upon the left heel of the left hand man of their present front rank, and the third grand division, which is on the left of the centre, is to wheel also to the right, upon the right heel of the right hand man of the same rank.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast.

Direction.

The two centre grand divisions that wheeled, viz. the second and third, are to march forward four paces, which will bring the original front or the present rear of each, in a line with the inward three files of the contiguous grand divisions of the battalion that stand fast. [131]

Direction.

Each of these two grand divisions is to come to the right-about, and stand in proper order, in which position they will front each other. See Figure; the dotted lines, representing the former positions; the whole lines, the present; and the figures shewing the number and place of each grand division, division or company, that compose the battalion.

(FIGURE TO BE INSERTED HERE).

[132] The above arrangement is in a great measure intended for those battalions which compose the second line, and is calculated for the following purposes: Either that it may afford a commodious interval for cavalry occasionally to pass through: Or, that it may serve as a safe retreat, on any pressing emergence, for the opposite battalion of the first line; for which last purpose it effectually provides, since those who are appointed to defend that pass or interval are drawn up with a full front on each side, to restrain and stop the pursuit of the enemy.

And here it may be observed, that those principal points are obtained without suffering the least inconvenience, as this disposition neither incumbers the battalion, nor in any wise affects the activity of it; which I much doubt could not be so well accomplished, were the divisions to be doubled according to the present method. There is besides another very considerable use which may be made of this arrangement, and of which the great Marshal Turenne had availed himself on various occasions. I mean the advantage it affords in making a commodious and secure retreat, by the opposite battalions in the first and second lines alternately retreating through and protecting each other.

Direction.

Those grand divisions which opened the battalion are to face thus: Th[a]t of the right wing is to face to the right upon the left heel; and that of the left is to face to the left upon the right heel; after which they are, when ordered, to march by files, stepping off with the feet next the interval. [133]

Direction.

The whole is to step off together.

Direction.

The whole is to stand fast, and in proper order.

Direction.

The grand division of the right wing is to face to the left upon the left heel; and the grand division of the left wing is to face to the right upon the right heel. [134]

Direction.

The grand division on the right is to wheel to the right, on the right heel of the front rank man, and that on the left is at the same time to wheel to the left, on the left heel of him of the same rank, like two folding doors, shutting in and closing each other at the centre.

Direction.

These grand divisions that wheeled in are to march forward four paces, which will bring them to their former ground in a line with the rest of the battalion, and then halt.

As this firing is an operation which cannot be well introduced into the ordinary exercise, on account of the length of time necessary to make the proper disposition; I therefore imagine that a description alone of the nature of it, with a direction how to perform and practice it at other times, will of itself prove a sufficient instruction. [135]

Hedge-firing then is only applicable when troops happen to be drawn up opposite to one another, and behind parallel fences, such as low walls, banks, hedges, etc., where, by the interruption of which they cannot approach nearer to each other; now when troops are so posted, it is evident that the fire from the front rank which kneels cannot have a proper effect, because the fence before them obstructs their view of the enemy. This being the case, the men are therefore to be drawn up two deep, which will of course either make their ranks more extensive, or will procure them a reserve occasionally to sustain them. In order then to the first, let an interval be made between each division or company of the battalion equal to half the extent of that division, taking care, at the same time, to make a sufficient allowance for the interval of the platoon officer; ;then subdivide the rear rank, and face it to the left, ordering the left half to march and join the left of the front rank, and the right half that of the centre rank.

By this disposition the battalion will be extended a third more, and the whole will be drawn up two deep; and in that order both ranks are to fire standing; the front rank to fire as centre rank, and the old centre as rear rank.

This firing, like that of hedge firing, cannot be introduced conveniently at the time of the common exercise, as well on account of the length of time necessary to be taken up in the performance of it, as the want [136] of exhibiting the different sort of works it is calculated to defend; and therefore I shall here, as in the last arrangement, only give a description of it, with a direction how it is to be performed.

This arrangement is one of those operations which is intended only for defence; and therefore the method requisite for that disposition depends as well upon the nature of the parapet over which the men are to fire, as upon that of the attack made to possess it.

There are commonly two forts of parapets or breastworks erected; one with, and the other without a ditch. The first is that which is erected upon the ramparts of a fortified place, or that which forms lines to an army, thrown up in the field, etc.. The last is that which constitutes the covert-way of a fortress, made to slope gradually from the top of it into the field, to the distance of twenty or thirty yards, called the glacis. The height of most parapets is between six and seven feet; and to them is added at the foot, or bottom of each, another work, which is called a banquette or foot-bank, whose height is about two feet, and whose breadth is about three. The design of which is evidently for a rank only of soldiers to mount and stand upon, in order to fire over the top of the parapet. As to the parapet made with or covered by a ditch, that work is not so liable to immediate assault; and therefore the troops, which are appointed to defend it, have the more time to make their dispositions, and to perform their operations; whereas the parapet of a covert-way, as having no ditch, is ever exposed to immediate assault, and therefore requires a different method of defence. [137]

Now in order to have a clearer idea of the defence requisite to make in either instance, it will be necessary to represent the different mode of attack on each, and to subjoin respectively a scheme of defence, meaning only such as relates to the musketry.

First then of the parapet with a ditch, which I suppose is attacked, either by making a breach in it, by filling up the ditch with fascines, or with some other materials, or by planting scaling ladders to get over it. Hence it is evident in either instance, that which ever of these methods the troops take which are to make the attack, they cannot proceed so expeditiously and uniformly, as if no such impediment had at all been in their way, therefore whatever difficulty or delay which that interruption occasions, must of course be of service to those who are to defend, as well in point of time, as in the opportunity it gives them to dispose of themselves to the best advantage, and to establish regularity in their proceedings. The defence then necessary to make against such an attack, and the operations proper to observe, are as follows: The battalion, in the first place, is to be drawn up on the rampart, or upon the terre-plain of the place attacked, and faced to the parapet, and each rank directed to fire only as rear rank men. This being premised, the front rank is ordered to make ready, and to mount the banquette, and to direct their fire to such place or quarter as is pointed out to them by their officer; and to fire not by word of command, but as each man shall of himself take his aim: the front rank having in consequence fired, the men of which are to step down immediately off the banquette, bringing their firelocks to the position of a recover, and then to face to the right, [138] and to march quickly off, through their officer’s interval, and draw up in their proper order in the rear of the rear rank of their respective division, where they are to half cock, prime, and load. On the front rank having fired, the centre rank is to make ready, and to move up and take the place of the former as soon as it has marched clear off; and so on in rotation with respect to each rank, the succeeding rank always moving up and supplying the place of the preceding one.

With respect to the attack of the covert way, there are two ways of making it, the one by regular approaches, and the other by immediate assault. As to the first, it is effected at the time when the besiegers have finished their last parallel, which always runs close to the foot of the glacis, or at the distance of about twenty yards from the saliant angles. Then when matters are all prepared and ready, they first begin by throwing a shower of live shells into the place they intend to attack, in order to discompose and terrify those who are to defend it; and after those shells have bursted, they then throw another flight, and perhaps of dead shells, having only burning furzes in them; of which the men in the covert way being ignorant, and believing they will also burst like the former, they of course lie down to shelter themselves from the splinters; and then the besiegers, under favour of which device, rush out of their works at the same time; hoping to find those who are to defend, either so intimidated by the shells as to be off their guard, or in their fire so precipitate, as ineffectually to throw it away at too great a distance on the first appearance of those who begin the attack; and on this presumption, [139] they build their hopes of making an easy and safe lodgement [sic]. Indeed it must be acknowledged, that their confidence is seldom destitute of success, except the greatest firmness and alertness is preserved by those who are to defend; and where that can be observed and maintained, then on the other hand, a most dreadful carnage ensues, with a certain repulse.

As to the other method of attacking the covert way by immediate assault, it is undertaken without any visible preparation, or rather by surprize; and this attack is commonly conducted under favour of the night or of a thick fog; and the success of which is likewise founded on a presumption of remissness, or precipitation in those who are to defend.

Having now shown the different methods which are practised in the attack of the covert way, that of its defence will be founded upon duly considering the principles of the attack, and thence to deduce the means to defeat and counteract it. In order to which, it will be necessary to recapitulate the former principles, that a more distinct view may be had of them, and that the scheme which I shall offer may be the better comprehended and explained.

First, the probability of remissness of precipitation in those who are to defend.

Secondly, the distance from the place of attack being very small, renders it impossible for those who are to defend to have time sufficient, after having once fired, to load again before the enemy will come up and make a close attack. [140]

And lastly, as the front rank of him who defends can only fire at the same time, the difficulty, or almost the impossibility, for the centre rank, or a fresh body of men, to supply betimes its place and fire in turn, before the enemy will be up and ready to charge.

The above being the principal points upon which the enemy depend for success, the method which I shall offer to frustrate such their views will be as follows:

lst. That cartridges be provided for the occasion, making each cartridge to contain eight quarter ounce balls, with the usual quantity of powder.

This hint I have taken from the French themselves, whose cartridges I observed were made up with one musket ball and two pistol balls in each. To try the efficacy of which, I made just such another cartridge myself, and fired it at a mark about sixty yards distance, which I found had sufficient force with it, but as the shot were unequal, they spread themselves too much, which I disliked; I therefore made up another cartridge of nearly the same weight of shot as the other, which consisted of the number and species of ball as I above recommend, and also fired it; and I saw it had not only a proper force, but they spread themselves into the compass of about three feet and an half diameter, being considerably less than the former and more certain, therefore I preferred it, as well on that account, as for its containing a greater number of shot. Now as the object intended to be fired at should not be at half the above distance, and as the time of advancing will be in proportion to the length of the way, [141] therefore the necessity in this particular, to increase the quantity of shot, in order to compensate for the want of time to load again, or to change situation with those who are loaded, since nothing else can be found more effectual to stop the progress of the enemy than so great a weight of fire.

2ndly, That the most cool, resolute, and best marksmen be picked out to compose the front rank, who are to be posted upon the banquette. That no fire whatever be given before the enemy is within the distance of ten or twelve yards of the top of the parapet. And in order to render the fire more certain and effectual, that the front rank be ordered to lay their firelocks upon the top of the parapet, that it may serve as a resting place to take a more sure and steady aim: that the men be directed not to take aim above knee high, and for the two following reasons: first, because those who load the attack have their bodies commonly covered by cuirasses; and lastly, that the shot which miss disabling those in front, may take the thighs or bodies of those in the rear, since the slope of the glacis will of course place them lower than those before them.

3rdly, That if there be sufficient spare firelocks in the place, that one of which be given loaded to each front rank man, and placed close by him, to use instantly upon any rapid push of the enemy, after he has fired his own firelock. But should there be no such spare arms, then the fire is to be kept up as follows:

When the man of the front rank has fired, he is instantly to hand his firelock to him of the centre rank in the [141] same file, and take his back in the room of it; and then he of the centre rank is likewise to give that empty firelock which he received to him in the rear to load, and take back his in return, ready to give upon occasion to him in the front rank, by which means the front rank man can fire, at the least, three rounds in a shorter space of time than the enemy can advance; but if the two first fires are well timed and given, there will probably be time enough afterwards for him of the rear rank to load the empty firelocks, before there will be occasion for a third fire, as the confusion and carnage among the enemy will prove so dreadful and distracting, as to prevent for some time their acting with order and spirit, or their returning soon after to the charge. But should the enemy, nevertheless, press vigorously on over their dead and wounded, and before the empty firelocks are loaded; the front ranks are then to rely on their bayonets, which will be found very powerful when the enemy shall appear upon the top of the parapet, while the rear ranks goes on with the loading, and fires over the heads of those in the front to sustain them. In short, were those who are to defend but to understand their own advantage, and to act with temper on the occasion, they would find themselves able to baffle almost any attack that should be made on them.

4thly, That as the saliant angle is the most exposed and nearest to the enemy, it is therefore not only the soonest but the most successfully attacked, by the great facility there is of embracing the angle on each side. To prevent the enemy then from availing himself of that advantage, those posted there, must first be informed, by whom and how they are to be sustained [143] and defended, that they may on occasion behave with greater vigour and resolution; and that those who are appointed to sustain them, be posted on each side of the re-entering angle, in order to scour the faces of the angle attacked; which disposition will expose the enemy to the fury of a front and flank fire, and if well conducted will make a repulse a matter of little difficulty.

5thly, That as soon as the battalion is posted in the works, the whole be immediately exercised in the foregoing points. That their different defences be carefully explained to them, and that they be informed at the same time, how they are reciprocally to sustain each other, and how much their honour and safety will depend upon their coolness and resolution. In short, nothing must be omitted which can instruct and invigorate the men.

6thly, and lastly, That careful and intelligent videts be appointed and posted at proper distances and places upon the glacis, in order to give timely notice of the approaches of the enemy. That those videts be instructed to watch particularly the motions of the enemy after their flight of shells, taking it as a certain indication, that should they then appear, the shells which had been last fired, were not live ones, but dead ones, and from which there is nothing to apprehend, and in consequence, notice accordingly is instantly to be given; for were the shells live ones the enemy would not appear, lest they should themselves be exposed to the splinters of them; and therefore they would for their own sakes keep close in their trenches and avoid that danger. [144]

In the above article of parapet-firing, I have been the more distinct and explicit, it being so essential a part of discipline for a soldier to be well instructed in seeing, that most if not all of the rules, which have been delivered on that head, were rather speculative than practical, and calculated more for parade forms than different exigencies.

The rejoicing fire is used on obtaining a victory, or on celebrating some public festival. The performance of which is very simple in itself and easily learned; it is therefore seldom practised but on such like occasions a direction alone being thought sufficient for the purpose.

There are, however, two sorts of rejoicing fires; the one by a volley, and the other by a running fire from right to left of the battalion. On the battalion being informed what sort of rejoicing fire is to be performed, the ranks are first to be closed, to half distance; the men are then to prime and load; the front rank is not to kneel; each rank is to fire as rear rank men only; and the whole is to present in the air. Then, if a volley is to be fired, the whole battalion is to fire together, either by signal or by word of command. But should a running fire be made, it is to be performed from right to left in the succession of files; that is, the men of the first file on the right of the battalion are, on the word, begin, to pull their triggers; and then, as soon as those of the second file observe the flash in the pans of the first, they are also [145] to pull their triggers; and so on from one file to another, till the fire ends with the left hand file of the battalion.