112 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



OF THE FORMATION IN TWO LINES. 



The first line is usually deployed ; the second in columns of attack ; the first line, however, is 

 sometimes also in columns of attack. 



The distance between the lines is, usually, about 300 yards. 



The second line is formed in columns of attack, because these columns are deployed more 

 rapidly than any other ; because in this order the second line can advance through the first with- 

 out obstacle, and the first can in like manner retreat through the second. 



The columns of attack of the second line are placed behind the corresponding divisions (of 

 2' squadrons) of the first line; the centres of the columns opposite the middles of the intervals in 

 the divisions of the first line. 



A general column is deployed into (too lines, as follows : the portions designated for the 1st 

 line remain in the column until ordered to deploy, either from a halt or in march, by the general 

 commanding, whose order is repeated by the commander of the Ist line ; thei)ortions designated 

 for the 2d line are conducted to the proper distance to the rear by the commander of that line, 

 and, having gained this distance, at once deploy, and form columns of attack ; if the deployment 

 is made on the march, the 2d line reduces the gait, halting if the original gait was a walk, and 

 then acts as described above ; in any case, when the 2d line has formed its columns of attack, it 

 preserves its proper distance from the 1st line by doubling or reducing the gait as may be 

 necessary. 



ASSIGNMENT AND POSITION OF COMMANDERS. 



Each line .should have a sjjecial commander. In a division formed in two lines by brigade* 

 the commanders of the lines are the generals of the brigades of which they are respectively 

 formed ; if a brigade is formed in two lines, the colonels of the regiments are the commanders of 

 the lines ; if each line is composed of two regiments belonging to difi"erent brigades, then the 

 general of division assigns a general of brigade to command each line. In every case the position 

 of the commander of each line is in conformity with what has heretofore been prescribed ; e. g., if 

 a line consists of two regiments, whether of the same brigade or not, the commander of that line 

 posts himself as prescribed for a general of brigade. 



The general of division is always with the 1st line. 



MOVEMENTS OF THE LINES. 



All movements of the 1st line are made by signals, or by the order of the general commanding, 

 repeated by the commander of the 1st line ; the movements of the 2d line are made by orders of the 

 general commanding, transmitted by an aide de camp, and upon the immediate order of the com- 

 mander of the 2d line. Trumpet signals refer only to the 1st line, and are not repeated by the 

 trumpeters of the 2d line. The 2d line conforms to all the general movements of the 1st, and 

 preserves, with reference to it, the distance at which it was originally formed. If the 1st line 

 charges, the 2d moves at the trot out, and resumes its proper distance when the 1st halts, or passes 

 to a slower gait from the charge. 



If the 1st line moves to either flank, advances, or retreats, the 2d line, formed in columns o/ 

 attack, executes the corresponding movements by platoons. If the 1st line advances or retreats 

 by alternate subdivisions, the 2d line, in conforming to the movement, moves in one mass ; e. g., 

 if the 1st line advances by alternate squadrons, the odd squadrons commencing the movement, 

 the whole of the 2d line advances when the even squadrons of the 1st line start, and halts when 



