98 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



platoon then wheels to the left and follows the 1st; the 3d and 4th move forward and wheel to 

 the left, as each arrives where the 2d wheeled to the left. 



MARCHING IN LINE. 



A. When marching in line the alignment of the squadron will dej^end upon that of the 

 officers in front of the platoons ; it is, therefore, required that these officers should he frequently- 

 exercised in marching in line, at the proper intervals, to the front and obliquely, at all gaits ; 

 since absent officers are to be replaced by sergeants, the latter are also exercised in the same 

 manner. 



B. Before marching in line with closed ranks the squadron is exercised with the ranks opened 

 to squadron distance, the front rank commanded by the senior subaltern, the rear rank by the 

 second subaltern. 



0. The squadron is exercised at marching with the flank files of the platoons and the inter- 

 mediate sergeants, thrown forward about 20 paces. 



D. In starting or changing gait the guide moves gently, to avoid agitation in the ranks. 



E. The march in line should not be attempted at a trot imtil well done at a walk ; after being 

 properly done at a trot, it is executed at a gallop, the gait being changed on the march. 



OF COLUMNS. 



Eight columns are those right in front ; left columns are those left in front 



There are three kinds of columns; 1, columns with distance; 2, close columns; 3, marching 

 columns, or columns in route. 



In every kind of column the distance is measured from the fore feet of the horses of one subdi- 

 vision to the fore feet of the front rank horses of the next subdivision. 



In a right column the gtiide is left, in a left column it is right. 



The object of a column with full distance is that the troops composing it may form line in 

 every direction, therefore the distance between the subdivisions must be equal to their respective 

 fronts. 



The object of a close column is, by decreasing its depth to execute movements conveniently 

 and rapidly. Close columns are formed by half squadrons and by squadrons ; the distance is 15 

 paces ; the formation of these columns is explained in the school of the regiment. 



The object of a column in route is to effect a march conveniently. According to the width of 

 the road this column is formed by jilatoons, sixes, threes, twos, or files ; in preference, by 

 platoons, when the road permits. 



The direction of a column in march is changed as in the United States tactics ; but, in order to 

 perfect the instruction of both ranks, the column by platoons is formed in single I'anks, at 

 platoon distance, in the first lessons. 



To form from column by j^latoons, or half squadrons, into line to the front or rear, or to 

 increase the front of a column by platoons, each platoon obliques, instead of making half 

 wheels, e. g. 



(PL 6, fig. 1.) To form front into line from a column of platoons, right in front, the 1st 

 platoon marches forward platoon distance and halts, the others oblique to the left, by the indi- 

 vidual oblique march, and move to the front when opposite their respective places in line. 



To form on the right or left into' line, the leading platoon moves forward platoon distance, 

 after having finished its wheel. 



