1G2 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



The distance between the parts of the column shoukl he 20 paces. In general column the 

 troops move with the free step. 



The remarks upon general columns in the cavalry tactics mostly apply to general columns of 

 infantry. 



In the 1st, 2d, and 3d orders of battle, the distance between the two lines of battle is 200 

 paces; in the 4th order of battle, it is 100 paces. The reserve is usually jjlaced behind tlie 

 centre of the lines of battle^ and in one or two lines 60 paces apart; in the 1st, 2d, and 3d 

 orders, the reserve is 400 paces from the 2d line of battle ; in the 4th order, 300 paces. The 

 distances between lines are estimated from the front rank of the leading platoon of one line to 

 the same point of the other line. 



The general rule is that the junior regiments and brigades form the 1st line; circumstances 

 may justify a departure from this rule. 



If there are any heavy batteries jireseut, at least one should always be in the 1st line, so as 

 to commence firing i;pon the enemy at the greatest possible distance. 



The formation of orders of battle near, or under the fire of, the enemy, should always be 

 effected under cover of a line of skirmishers. 



Plates 8 and 9 give the orders of battle and reserve for brigades and divisions composed of 

 regiments of foiir battalions. In this case each regiment forms in two lines ; the regiment on 

 the right flank has its junior battalions in front ; that on the left flank its senior battalions in 

 front. The exceptions to this rule are found in the fourth order, where the regiment composing 

 the centre of the second line is formed in one line, and in the reserves of the third and fourth 

 orders, where the regiment in reserve is also formed in one line. 



PL 9, figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, show the formation of four-battalion regiments in general column. 



PI. 7, figs. 5, 6 and 7, give the order of reserve and the first and second orders of battle for 

 a division composed of regiments having three battalions. 



PL 7, figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, give the same things for a brigade of three-battalion regiments. 



APPLICATION OF THE ORDEKS OF BATTLE TO THE GROUND. 



The orders of battle and of reserve, heretofore explained, should suffice as a basis for all 

 formations of infantry and its artillery. In every isolated regiment, brigade, or division, its 

 commander determines upon the formation most suitable to the ground and the purpose in 

 view. 



The order of reserve is employed for troops in bivouac, out of action, or in reserve. In this 

 order the troops are arranged with the smallest possible distances and intervals, in order to 

 cover them, until coming into action, behind accidents of the ground, from the view and fire of 

 the enemy ; but all the parts are so arranged that any order of battle or general column can 

 readily be formed, and any jiortion be detached without disturbing the general arrangement. 



The first order of battle may be used with er[ual advantage in attack and defence ; it is 

 employed, in preference, on opien ground, or wliere the enemy can be most injured by the fire of 

 deployed battalions. 



1h.e second order of battle is of the same nature as tlie first, but it can be employed on all 

 kinds of ground, on account of the facility with which the intervals between the battalions of 

 the first line can be increased or diminished. It is most frequently used in actual combat, 

 particularly where the ground does not present open plains, and where the troops should occupy 

 a greater space than in the first order. 



The third order af battle is proper only for defence, on account of the great extent of the lines 



