160 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



employed ; in close column the distance between subdivisions is 4 paces, measured from front 

 rank to front rank. 



Columns are formed and deployed on the march as well as from a halt. 



In PI. 4, figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5, are given different squares. 



In PL 4, fig. 1, is given the formation of a column by divisions, at half distance, for passing 

 in review. 



In PL 4, figs. 6, 7, and 8, PL 5, figs. 1, 2, and 3, are given examples of a deployed line, 

 columns, and squares, witli the skirmishers formed ready for action, if needed. The skir- 

 mishers sometimes move out directly through the captains' intervals. 



(PL 5, fig. 4.) The battalion is sometimes formed in a line of columns of companies 

 by platoons in two ranks, tlie grenadier company being held in reserve ; this formation is 

 employed when the battalion is to operate in obstructed localities, such as forests, &c., when 

 many skirmishers are to bo employed. Each company column consists of 3 platoons, each in 2 

 ranks ; the 1st platoon is composed of tlie front and centre ranks of the 1st platoon of the com- 

 pany ; the 2d platoon, of the same ranks of the 2d platoon ; the 3d platoon, of the whole rear 

 rank of the company. 



PL 5, fig. 5, gives the order of battle of a battalion thus formed. 



The square is moved in any direction without reducing it. Wlien it is in retreat, the rear 

 rank of the rear face occasionally halts, faces about, fires, and runs back to its place in the 

 square. 



EVOLUTONS OF THE LINE. 



Battalions may be formed in a dejiloyed line, in line of columns, or in general column. 



The interval between battalions in a deployed line is 20 j^aces. 



A line of columns have either full or closed intervals. 



Full intervals are those whiclr permit the battalions to deploy, and have the prescribed inter- 

 val of 20 paces when the deployment is made. 



The closed intervals are 45 paces for battalions formed in double column on the centre 

 platoon, and 20 paces for all other columns. 



A general column is one in which the battalions follow each other, every battalion being 

 formed in columns ; these may be open or close ; in the first case, the distance from one bat- 

 talion to another is platoon distance, plus 20 paces ; in the latter case it is 8 paces. 



In general column the distance between battalions is counted from the line of non-commis- 

 sioned file-closers of the last subdivision of one battalion to the front rank of the next battalion. 



Troops may be formed in one or several lines, and in one or two general columns. The 

 distance between the lines, or columns, depends upon the ground and the judgment of the 

 commander. 



For instruction in evolutions of the line the troops are usually formed in 2 lines ; the first^ 

 either deployed or in columns ; the second, 200 paces in rear of the first, and usually in 

 columns. The rules laid down in the cavalry tactics for the assignment of commanders to the 

 lines apply here. 



The generals of divisions are 80 paces in front of the division deployed ; generals of brigade, 

 50 paces ; colonels, 30 paces in front of the centre of their commands. 



PL 6 gives the positions of the commanders in various formations. 



The column of attack is usually employed in the various movements of changing front, pass- 

 ing defiles, &c., &c. 



