llfi MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



PI. 18, fig. 7, sliow.s an exception in the case of a division often squadron regiments, in which 

 each line is composed of parts of two different regiments. 



The orcZer q/" reserve serves to concentrate the troops. It presents the following advantages : 

 from it the troops can pass in the shortest time to any of the orders of battle ; tliey can be most 

 rapidly formed into one or several columns ; any portion of the division can be detached without 

 disturbing the general arrangement. In this order the division is arranged in two lines of close 

 columns by squadrons, the senior regiment of each brigade on the right. PI. 19, figs. 1, 2, 3, 

 .4, 5, 6, gives the details. The batteries are formed in double column on the centre by half 

 batteries. If the general commanding deems proper, he may place the artillery of each brigade 

 in the intervals between the regiments, increasing, for this purpose, the usual interval of fifty 

 paces to such an extent that there may be an interval of twenty paces between each flank of the 

 artillery and the adjacent regiment ; in this case, when the division is at a halt the chief? of 

 pieces of the leading half batteries align themselves on the front rank of the leading squadrons ; 

 on the march they align themselves on the file-closers of the leading squadrons. 



GENEKAL COLUMNS. 



These are columns in which all parts of the division are so arranged that it can easily pass to 

 one of the orders of battle. 



A division of cavalry may be formed in one or two general columns. This formation is 

 employed for taking up a position preparatory to action, or when in route; therefore such 

 columns are called, respectively, offensive columns and marching cohimns. 



For movements to a flank, and turning movements, the formation in two columns is used ; 

 these are called, respectively, flanh and turning columns. General columns having the senior 

 regiment in front are right columns, those having the junior regiment in front are left columns, 

 whether each regiment be right or left in front. 



In the formation of a division into columns, the general rule is that the odd numbered regi- 

 ments are left in front ; the even, right in front. The commander may place the regiments and 

 brigades in the columns as he judges best, without regard to the general rule. 



PI. 19, figs. 7, 8, 9, shows the arrangement of the regiments of a division, in one or two 

 columns. 



In marching columns, the regiments move by platoons, breaking by sixes, or threes, when a 

 decrease in the width of the road renders it necessary. 



For movements in retreat, the j)arts of the division are arranged in tlie columns as for an 

 advance, but in inverse order. 



If a flank movement is to be made in sight of the enemy, or at but a short distance from him, 

 each line forms a separate column, marching by platoons or threes, so as to avoid all shifting of 

 parts, and to be able to form rapidly into order of battle; during the flank march, the artillery 

 should march 100 paces within the 1st line of the cavalry ; therefore, if the batteries were in 

 position at the beginning of the movement, they limber to the rear, and follow the movement 

 as here prescribed. 



Although, in plate 19, the artillery is represented as being in the centre of the brigades, it 

 may be concentrated at the centre of the division. 



