Thayer.] •'■* [Dec. 20, 



after the passage of the advance-guard, one train only should pass through 

 at a time. 



If, in passing through the country, it should be found that the entire popula- 

 tion is alarmed and opposed to the passage of the troops, one brigade should 

 not attempt to penetrate any farther, lest a general uprising of the popula- 

 tion might occur, and the "Hue of communication" of the troops from 

 their "base of supplies" being cut, the entire command might be sur- 

 rounded and captured. 



Such precautions as these every capable General will observe. Their neg- 

 lect has at times caused disaster and ruin. 



Under no circumstances should the trains be run directly into the city 

 which is under control of the mob ; such action would be in the highest 

 degree imprudent, as the mob would, in till probability, be waiting for the 

 troops at the depots, and by attacking them while in the cars, and unpre- 

 pared for an assult, great confusion and loss would result, if indeed the en- 

 tire command should be fortunate enough to escape rout. 



Upon nearing the city, the trains should close upon each other and pro- 

 ceed with the utmost caution. Upon arriving within a short march of the 

 city, near the suburbs, and if possible where convenient roads lead into the 

 town, the trains should be halted, the troops including the artillery and 

 cavalry, should be disembarked from the cars, and the several commands 

 be formed. 



If three parallel roads or streets lead into the city, a formation similar to 

 that pursued in Case I. can be followed with advantage. That is to say, 

 the Brigade can be formed in three columns and enter the city by three 

 parallel streets, the columns being within easy supporting distance of each 

 other. If this plan is not practicable (and the General can always decide 

 this point, as he will have with him a plan of the city, showing the loca- 

 tion of the several streets, etc.), he will be obliged to move in one or two 

 columns. In either case his command must be preceded by an advance- 

 guard, and strong gangs of workmen, capable of leveling any obstruc- 

 tions that maybe met with. If possible "flankers," consisting of small 

 bodies of men, should be thrown out upon both flanks, their commanding 

 officer being instructed to notify the General as soon as the position of the 

 mob in the city is found . He will thus be enabled to make his dispositions 

 intelligently, and prepare for the attack. 



In entering into the thickly built up portion of the city, it may be found 

 that the houses on either side of the streets through which the troops must 

 pass are occupied by the mob, who begin tiring on the troops. If such a 

 state of affairs should be found, the General must immediately halt his 

 command, and detail a certain portion of it to clear the houses on 

 either side of his way. Infantry only is serviceable for this purpose, and 

 if the mob is determined in its resistance, severe fighting will have to be 

 done. If the houses are detached and standing alone, they should be cap- 

 tured by surrounding them ; if contiguous, and vigorously defended, a 

 passage may be made from one to the other by breaking through the separa- 

 ting walls, meeting the enemy hand to hand, and compelling his submission. 



