110 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



in a 10 squadron regiment 9 platoon fronts. At tlie close of the movement, the distances between 

 the regiments in the general column will be four platoon fronts ; the colonels of the 2d, 3d, 

 and 4th regiments will, therefore, close up on the head of column, by doubling the gait. 



If the column is thus formed on the march, the 1st regiment continues to move at the original 

 gait ; the others halt. 



Each brigade may be formed into a separate column, and these brigade columns, afterwards, 

 in one general column. 



PL 14, fig. 6, shows the manner of forming gener.il cos e column, from a line of regimental 

 columns, by a change of direction to the right or left, executed by each regiment. If the 

 intervals between the regiments in line are less than those already laid down, it will be necessary 

 to increase them for eight or ten squadron regiments before executing the movement. At the 

 close of this formation, the regiments in the general column will have less than their proper 

 distances ; these must be taken upon the first movement of the column. 



TO FORM LINE OF COLUMNS FROM A DEPLOYED LINE. 



To effect this, each regiment forms close column by squadron. 



If the same squadron in each regiment is taken as that of direction, the line of columns will 

 be formed with full intervals. 



If the line is to be formed with closed intervals, the squadrons of direction are so chosen, in 

 the different regiments, that no squadron may be obliged to pass twice over the same ground. 



A line of columns of attach is formed as prescribed in the school of the regiment. 



OF MOVEMENTS IN COLUMN. 



Movem,enis in general column. — These are made in every direction, according to the jirinciples 

 of the school of the regiment. 



In changing the direction of a close column, by the head of column, the following is to be 

 observed: each regiment will turn where those in front of it did; the gait of the regiments in 

 rear must be so regulated that no part of the column may be obliged to halt before the wheel is 

 made, and that, on the completion of the wheel, every regiment may have its proper distance. 



Plate 14, fig. T, gives an example of the method of changing the direction of a close column 

 from a halt. 



In close column, distances are taken in accordance with the principles of the school of the 

 regiment ; e. </., in a close column, consisting of a brigade of 2 six squadron regiments, to take 

 distance, by head of column, on the 2d squadron of 2d regiment; the 2d regiment takes distance 

 on its 2d squadron, as laid down in the school of the regiment; the colonel of the 1st regiment 

 marches it forward, and when his 6th squadron is 6 times platoon distance in advance of the 

 point where the 1st squadron of 2d regiment halted, he halts the 6th squadron ; the others 

 halting in succession as they gain their distances. 



Columns with distance are closed according to the school of the regiment. 



Movements of a line of columns. — These are efi"ected according to the same principles, and by 

 the same commands, as for a deployed line. 



The intervals of a line of columns are diminished or extended by marching each column along 

 the line ; the principal guides of the leading squadron of each column precede it, and mark its 

 new position. 



Plate 15, fig. 1, presents an example of the manner of changing the front of a line of columns 

 with closed intervals. 



