REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 103 



non-commissioned file-closers ; if there are more than one oflScer, as file-closers, but not as many 

 as the number of divisions, they are posted in preference behind the flank divisions. 



The trumpeters are either united, at half platoon distance on the right of the 1st squadron, 

 or are with their respective squadrons. 



THE ORDER OF BATTLE. 



The formation of a regiment in order of battle depends upon the number of squadrons of 

 which it is composed. 



(PL 8.) For a regiment of 6 squadrons, it is, as already stated, the same as the order of review. 



(PL 9.) For a regiment of 8 squadrons, it is as follows : the first 6 squadrons are deployed as 

 in the order of review, and form the line of battle ; the 7th squadron is formed in column by 

 platoons, left in front, at squadron distance behind the right flank of the line of battle, its line 

 of left guides being at platoon distance to the right of the right flank of the 1st squadron ; the 

 8th squadron is formed in column by platoons, right in front, in a similar position behind the 

 left flank of the line of battle. 



(PL 10, fig. 1.) For regiments of 10 squadrons, (dragoons,) with all their squadrons present, 

 the order of battle is as follows : in two lines ; one line of the first four squadrons, the other line 

 of the next four, either line may be in front ; the front line is called the line of battle, and is 

 deployed ; the rear line is formed in columns of attack, these columns being opposite the intervals 

 in the divisions of the line of battle. 



The lancer squadrons (9th and lOtli) are formed in columns by platoons in rear of the flanks 

 of the line of battle, as described for the 7th and 8th squadrons of 8 squadron regiments. 



The line of battle and the second line are 300 yards apart. 



The plates explain sufiiciently the positions of the ofiicers in the order of battle. 



Commands are given and repeated on the same principles as in the United States tactics ; when 

 the colonel gives the command, march, he raises his sabre vertically, to the full length of his 

 arm ; he does the same thing upon giving the command, halt. 



In the order of battle, the chief trumpeter accompanies the colonel ; there is one trumpeter with 

 each commander of division ; one with each platoon of the flanker, or lancer, squadrons ; the 

 rest are in the rank of file-closers with their resj^ective squadrons. 



In dragoon regiments, the drummers are united in rear of the second line. 



STANDARDS AND THEIR ESCORT. 



Every division has a standard, which is posted with the 1st squadron of the division, and 

 generally follows the movements of the 3d platoon. 



The escort of the standards is always composed of one of the platoons of the 1st squadron of 

 the regiment ; to bring the standards to the regiment, the chief trumpeter and 3 trumpeters 

 accomjjany the escort ; to carry them back to the colonel's quarters, all the trumpeters of the 

 regiment are detailed. 



PL 10, fig. 2, shows the order of march of the standards and their escort. 



In bringing the standards to the regiment, when the escort reaches the nearest flank of the 

 regiment, it at once moves to its post in line, at a trot, by the rear of the regiment. 



For the departure of the standards, the chiefs of the 3d platoons of the standard squadrons 

 conduct them to the front of the 1st platoon of the 1st squadron of the regiment, which in this 

 case forms the escort ; having turned over the standards to the adjutant, the chiefs of the 3d 

 platoons at once return to their platoons. 



