REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. MTLELLAN. 1G3 



of battle, and the insignificance, or sometimes total absence, of a reserve. As a general rule, 

 the use of the third order is admissible only in cases where it is possible to support it by strong 

 reserves drawn from other troops, or where an extensive position is to be occupied, for the 

 defence of which a weak line is sufficient. 



The fourth order of battle may be employed for an obstinate defence, or, particularly, for a 

 vigorous and decisive attack upon the enemy with both lines of battle, which may in this case 

 be regarded as one line, on account of their short distance apart. 



In all the orders of battle the 1st line of battle may be : (a) deployed, for defensive purposes, 

 if the ground in front is favorable for the action of fire-arms in close order ; (6) in columns 

 doubled on tlie centre, either for attack or defence, if the ground in front permits the use of fire- 

 arms only in open order. 



Tlie 2d line of battle should always be formed in columns doubled on the centre, since its 

 destination is rather to serve as a support, reinforcement, or relief to the 1st line, than to engage 

 in the combat. 



The reserve is always formed in columns doubled on the centre platoon, until brought into 

 action. 



The lines of battle, and the reserve, may be formed in S(|uares, to resist cavalry. — (PI. 10, and 

 PI. 11, figs. 1 and 2.) 



Since the exact formation of the orders of battle, according to the tactics, is possible only in 

 open and unobstructed countries, the generals are permitted to make such partial changes as 

 circumstances may require. 



The skirmishers in front of the 1st line may be thrown far out, or drawn close in ; but should 

 be so placed as to be covered by the accidents of the ground from the fire of the enemy, and yet 

 be able to injure him by their" own fire. 



Those parts of the chain that are imder cover should be thick, the exposed portions should 

 be thin. 



The batteries serving in front of the 1st line should be posted at points which command the 

 ground, and from which the whole space in front may be swept ; if such points are too far from 

 the general position of the battery, they are occupied by detachments. 



It follows from this that all the batteries need not be on the same line. The number of guns 

 serving with the 1st line may be increased or diminished according to circumstances. 



In the 1st line several battalions may be thrown forward, or moved to one side, to secure a 

 more advantageous position ; if one of the batteries of the 1st line moves to the right or left, on 

 account of the ground or other circumstances, the battalion which hajoj^ens to be in rear of it 

 doubles the part screened by the battery, or forms into column ; if necessary, the general of 

 brigade moves it to one side, provided the ground and the formation of the other troops permit. 

 If the battery moves the distance of a whole battalion front, the battalion may give up its place, 

 and occupy a new position in rear of that first held by the battery. 



For these reasons, the intervals between the battalions are not always equal, nor is the line 

 of battle necessarily straight. In ojien country, especially against an enemy sujierior in cavalry, 

 the extreme battalions of the 2d line may be placed behind the outer flank battalions of the 1st 

 line ; the formation of the battalions of the 1st line may also be changed in conformity with 

 circumstances and the ground, but without changing the general order of battle ; for this purpose 

 some of the battalions of the 1st line may be formed in line of company columns, for more con- 

 venient action as skirmishers. The distance between the two lines of battle, as well as that 



