1878.] . "** [Thayer. 



In no case should the General move his command forward while he is ex- 

 posed to a flank fire from the houses on either side of the street. In this 

 case the same rule is applicable as is prescribed for the passage of defiles, 

 viz. : first, clear the enemy from the surrounding heights before entering 

 the pass. A violation of this rule may lead to serious results. 



The houses on either side of the streets being cleared, the General can 

 make the same dispositions as were applicable in Case I. If the mob should 

 resist his progress in front, the skirmishers that were deployed in front of 

 the line of battle should immediately open fire upon the enemy's position, 

 and protecting themselves by cover as much as possible, endeavor to 

 silence his fire. If this is successful, a charge may be made upon him in 

 force. A strong reserve should also be kept in the rear, which can be 

 moved to any point that may be threatened. 



After the mob has been dispersed the troops should boldly take posses- 

 sion of a commanding position in the town and await further developments. 

 Under no circumstances should the troops be shut up in a building where 

 they can be besieged and their " base of supplies " be cut off. Experience 

 has shown the folly of such action. Troops without water and food are 

 quickly overcome, and they should not be placed in a position where such 

 a misfortune can occur. 



If it is possible that the mob may reassemble in great numbers and return 

 to attack the troops in their position, with the intention of driving them from 

 the place, the position should be at once fortified by throwing up earthworks 

 and barricades. In the construction of these defenses the workmen before 

 referred to will be found of great service. Barricades can be construct- 

 ed of anything that may be at hand. Paving-stones, wagons, carts, furni- 

 ture, bedding, etc., can be used. The artillery should be placed where it 

 will sweep the ground in front of the defenses. The troops should then 

 calmly await the approach of the mob, and upon its arrival within about 

 one hundred yards, simultaneously pour upon it a fire that will destroy it 

 and prevent the possibility of another attack. 



This fact should be remembered, that as a general rule in these cases a 

 display of weakness or hesitation on the part of the troops or their com- 

 manding officers will proportionately augment the courage and numbers of 

 the mob and incite it to acts of violence. Bold and resolute action, when 

 action is necessary, will in the end save much bloodshed and prevent great 

 destruction of property. 



It should be observed that in the consideration of this subject, one 

 brigade of troops only has been considered. Should it be found necessary 

 to employ more than one brigade, a division may be used advantageously. 

 The general movements of the troops, and the plan of action to be followed, 

 will be substantially the same whether a brigade or a division be employed, 

 although in the latter case the movements will be on a more extended 

 scale. A strong display of a well-disciplined and skillfully-handled force 

 will in most instances be sufficient in itself to suppress the mob. 



Philadelphia, Dec, 1878. 



