1878.] "« [Thayer. 



tioned in a building where they can be surrounded, or in such a position as 

 would place them in a state of siege by the mob. 



Case II. When the troops are required to go to a distant place, a remote 

 city, controlled by a mob, the movements would be somewhat similar upon 

 arriving on the ground. The following points should, however, be care- 

 fully considered : 



The troops would, in all probability, be transported by rail. They should 

 be thoroughly armed and equipped as in the previous case. The men 

 should have their overcoats and blankets, and be supplied with rations and 

 ammunition. Transportation should be furnished for the horses of the 

 cavalry, artillery, and mounted officers, and in general it may be said that 

 the command should be prepared for a campaign, and be able to rely upon 

 its own resources. This would make the men independent, comfortable, 

 and capable of enduring privation. The experience of all wars demon- 

 strates this fact, that the efficiency of troops is very greatly increased by 

 their being properly clothed and fed. 



In moving troops by rail through a country likely to be hostile, great 

 care and extraordinary precautions should be taken. The possibility of ac- 

 cident to the trains containing the main body of the troops and the horses 

 and baggage should be carefully guarded against. 



A special train consisting of a locomotive and one or two cars should be 

 sent in advance. A company of infantry under the command of an ex- 

 perienced officer, and a strong gang of workmen, provided with tools, 

 should be sent with this train. The bridges should be carefully examined, 

 and when one is crossed the advanced guard should halt and wait until the 

 trains containing the main body of the troops come up. This plan of ac- 

 tion will prevent the possibility of the bridge being burnt or destroyed by 

 enemies lying in ambush, and who may allow the advance-guard to pass 

 by in order to slip in between it and the main columns. 



The several trains containing the main body of the troops and the horses 

 and baggage, etc., should keep as close to each other as safety from acci- 

 dent will permit. In passing through towns where danger is apprehended, 

 a strong advance-guard should be sent in front of the trains. It might also 

 be desirable to have a line of troops march on either side of the cars, and to 

 make dispositions to force a passage or repel an attack. The trains should 

 close up to each other as they pass through the towns on the route, and the 

 men should not be permitted to have any communication with the inhab- 

 itants. It is hardly necessary to state that there should be a strong guard 

 with the horses and baggage. A rear-guard is also required. 



In passing through tunnels and defiles the utmost precaution is necessary. 

 A body of troops, if taken unawares, in such a position, is in great danger 

 of being destroyed. Before passing through a cut or defile, the General 

 should assure himself that the surrounding heights are not occupied ; if 

 they are, the enemy must be driven from them before the trains are per- 

 mitted to enter the pass. 



A tunnel should not be entered until it is found to be ent'rely clear, and 



