114 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



(PI. 15, fig. 8.) If the 2d line, formed in columns of attack, is ordered to pass through, 

 the 1st, -which is deployed, then the columns pass through the intervals in the corresponding 

 divisions of the 1st line. 



If both lines, formed in columns of attack, meet on the march, those advancing move 

 straight forward, while those in retreat oblique to the right, out of their way. 



(PL 15, fig. 8.) When the 2d line, in columns of attack, passes through the 1st, which is 

 deployed, it is necessary to increase the intervals in the centres of the divisions of the 1st line; 

 this is done by the commands of the division and squadron commanders, without waiting for 

 the orders of the commander of the line ; to efi'ect this, the inner flank platoons of each 

 squadron wheel about by threes, then wheel to the right and left, respectively, by platoon, then 

 wheel about by threes, and stand fast until the 2d line has passed, on which the commandants 

 of platoons at once wheel into line. 



If the 1st line is in retreat, deployed, or in columns of attack, and the 2d line is ordered to 

 deploy before the 1st has passed it, then, in the first case, (the line retreating deployed,) the 

 odd squadrons of the 1st line break into columns by platoons right in front, the even squadrons 

 left in front, and pass through the intervals on the right of their corresponding squadrons of 

 the 2d line ; having passed the line, these columns, by platoons, oblique towards each other, 

 and thus form columns of attack; in the second case, i. e., the 1st line retreating in columns of 

 attack, these columns pass through the intei'vals in the divisions of the second line, which are 

 increased for their passage, as already explained. 



When the columns of the 2d line have passed the 1st, they may either be deployed at once 

 or remain in columns. 



If the advancing 2d line is halted at less than 300 yards in front of the 1st, the latter does 

 not take its proper distance until the next movement, unless it receives special orders to the 

 contrary. 



If the advancing 2d line is not halted at 300 paces from the 1st, but continues to advance, 

 the latter follows the movements of the former at the jn-escribed distance. 



When the 2d line passes the Ist, which is deployed, the latter at once forms into columns of 

 attack, without awaiting the orders of the general commanding in chief. 



The tactics give, in detail, the order of march, in review, for a corps of cavalry, with its 

 artillery. 



ORDEES OF BATTLE, AND GENERAL COLUMNS. 



ORDERS OF BATTLE — GENERAL RULES. 



To explain the orders of battle, the case taken is that of a division of cavalry, with its 

 artillery. 



By the order of battle of a division of cavalry, is meant such a distribution of its parts that 

 the division can act' promptly against the enemy. 



In the order of battle the regiments are placed in two, three, or more lines. The 

 distribution of the troops in lines, and the formation of each line, depends upon the purpose of 

 each order of battle. 



The 1st line is usually deployed, and is called the line of battle ; the troops of the 2d and 3d 

 lines are formed in columns, and, according to the nature of the columns, constitute either 

 supports or reserves ; e. (/., if a line is of columns of attack, the troops thus formed are supports, 

 but if the formation is in close columns of regiments by squadrons they constitute reserves. 



