REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. jrCLELLAN. 115 



The distance between the lines is usually about 300 yards. 



The second line is intended as a support for the first, in case of necessity ; it should, therefore, 

 be formed in the order most suitable for this purpose. In conformity with this, it is formed in 

 columns of attack ; for these can be deployed more rapidly than any other column, and allow 

 an easy passage of the line. 



The purpose of the third line is to support the other two, and also to operate wherever its 

 presence may be necessary. To fulfil this object it is posted behind the centre of the other 

 lines, and is formed in close columns by squadrons. It is placed behind the centre because that 

 position is about equally distant from the points where it will most probably be required, i. e., 

 the flanks and centre ; it is formed in close columns by squadrons, because in that order the 

 troojis are more concentrated than in any other, and can, therefore, be conveniently moved 

 wherever required, and can also, without any inconvenience, be divided and detached, as 

 circumstances may render necessary. 



EXPLANATION OF THE ORDERS OF BATTLE. 



Divisions may form in iJu'ee orders of battle and one order of reserve. 



The first order of battle. — This is employed when the division is isolated, and does not intend 

 engaging in a serious aifair with the enemy ; therefore, in this case a considerable j^ortion of its 

 force is in reserve. The general formation in this order of battle is : one line of battle, one line 

 of supports, and one line of reserves. 



PL 17, fig. 2, shows the peculiarity of the formation of a division of ten squadron regiments. 



PI. 16, figs. 3, 4, and 5 ; PI. 17, figs. 1, 2, and 3, will indicate with sufiicient clearness the 

 formation of the diflerent kinds of divisions of Kussian cavalry. 



It is only necessary to remark that eight pieces constitute a battery ; that when a half battery 

 is in reserve it is formed in double column on the centre, by sections ; a battery in reserve is 

 formed in double column on the centre, by half battery ; when two batteries are in reserve, each 

 is formed as just described for a single battery. 



The skirmishers represented in the plates are furnished by the flanker, or lancer, squadrons 

 of the regiment in the first line, except those of the division of light cavalry of the guard, which 

 are furnished by a regiment (two squadrons) of Cossacks. 



The second order of battle. — This is employed when the division is supported by other troops, 

 and sliould present an extended front to the enemy. 



Divisions composed of six and eight squadron regiments are formed in two lines : the first 

 consists of two regiments deployed ; the second of the remaining regiments in columns of attack ; 

 there is no line of reserves. 



PI. 18, fig. 1, shows the peculiar formation of dragoon divisions in this order of battle. 



PI. 17, figs. 4, 5, 6, 7 ; PI. 18, fig. 2, give all necessary information as to the formation of 

 the other kinds of divisions. 



The third order of battle. — This is established for the case when a division is to make a very 

 energetic attack. In this case the division is formed in four lines ; in the first line, one regi- 

 ment deployed, with artillery on both flanks ; in each of the other lines one regiment in columns 

 of attack. 



PL 18, figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 give the necessary details. 



PL 18, fig. 4, shows one exception to the rule in the case of a division of but three full regi- 

 ments and one Cossack regiment o squadrons. 



