Thayer.} «^ [Dec.20, 



as is the case with an ordinary march, but to reach a suitable position on 

 the field when a battle may follow. It is executed in the immediate neigh- 

 borhood of the enemy, and really under his observation. It should there- 

 fore be characterized by perfect order and great celerity." * 



Upon arriving near the scene of action a strong line of skirmishers! 

 should be deployed a few hundred yards in front of each column, and a 

 portion of the infantry of the two flank columns should be deployed in line 

 of battle if the ground admits of such deployment. The skirmishers 

 should move forward and endeavor to clear the ground in front of the lines. 

 If the mob yields, the line of battle and the main body of the troops can 

 follow. If the mob holds the ground and resists by force of arms, the 

 skirmishers should fire upon the mob, and availing themselves of any shel- 

 ter that may present itself, such as trees, telegraph poles, doorsteps, etc., 

 endeavor to silence the enemy's fire. If considered desirable the skir- 

 mishers and advance-guard in front of the centre column can be withdrawn, 

 and fire may be opened upon the mob with the artillery. The skirmish line 

 can be reinforced if necessary by successive lines of skirmishers sent forward 

 from the line of battle. 



In active street fighting the mounted officers should be careful not to 

 expose themselves unnecessarily to the enemy's fire. The various move- 

 ments of the skirmish line, "the advance," "the retreat," etc., should 

 be indicated by the trumpet. The trumpeter should remain constantly 

 by the side of the officer commanding the skirmish line and should sound 

 the various calls under his immediate direction. 



If the mob is not behind barricades the artillery should use canister (can- 

 ister being less destructive to property than grape, solid shot, or shell, and 

 probably more effective for this purpose at close range). If the enemy is 

 protected by defenses, it may be necessary to use shell and solid shot to dis- 

 lodge him, 



The firing of the skirmish line and the artillery, if used, should be con- 

 tinued until the enemy's fire is silenced, when a charge should be made by 

 a portion of the infantry from the three columns, and the mob should be 

 driven by the troops until it is entirely dispersed. 



If it should be necessary, a portion of the reserves from the rear of each 

 column can be brought into action and the line of battle be extended. 



The cavalry in charging should follow the remnants of the mob for a 

 considerable distance, with the view of preventing it from again concen- 

 trating. 



Upon the dispersion of the mob the troops should be so disposed as to 

 hold the ground. The dispositions that should be made would, of course, 

 depend on circumstances. If necessary, barricades should be thrown up 

 across the principal streets. The commanding ground in the vicinity 

 should be occupied, but, under no circumstances should the troops be sta- 



■ Dufour. 



t The best method of deploying skirmishers In a street, is to form the company, 

 or battalion in tine, and then deploy by the numbers as explained in Par 358 

 I rpron's Tacl Ics. 



