164 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUEOPE. 



between the 2d line and the reserve, may be increased or diminished, so as to be able to cover 

 the troops from the view and fire of the enemy, by means of the accidents of the ground. 



The reserve may be placed in rear of those points which, on account of their weakness, or 

 being the key of the position, ought to be reinforced at once if vigorously attacked by the 

 enemy ; during an attack the reserves follow in rear of the troops wlio are to attempt the key of 

 the enemy's position ; such dispositions of the reserve should be carefully concealed from the 

 enemy. 



If it is impossible, in such eases, to conceal the reserve behind accidents of the ground, it is 

 best to post it behind the centre of the lines of battle. 



EXAMPLES OF THE APPLICATION OF THE ORDERS OF BATTLE TO THE GROUND. 



(PL 11, fig. 3.) Application of the 1st order of battle, by a division composed of regiments 

 having four battalions. 



It is supposed that the enemy occupies the position A B. 



One division is to form in the 1st order of battle, on the position C D. 



The nature of the ground requires the following changes in the order of battle: 



Three companies of the battalion on the right flank of the 1st line occupy the village D, the 

 fourth company remaining in reserve behind the village. 



Two pieces of the 1st light battery are also in this village, and enfilade the ravine B E. The 

 battalion on the left flank of the 1st line approaches the woods C ; one company is detached to 

 hold the woods. The battalion on the right flank of the second line approaches the village D, 

 to support the battalion which holds it, should the enemy attack it. 



The reserve is posted on both sides of the main road, 500 pace^ from the 2d line. The re- 

 maining six pieces of the 1st light battery are with the reserve, on the road, in column by 

 sections. 



(PI. 12, fig. 1.) Application of the 1st order of battle, by a division composed of regiments 

 having three battalions. 



It is supposed that the enemy is advancing in two columns, by the roads A B and C B. 



One division, in the first order of battle, is to occupy the position D E. In conformity with 

 the ground, the following modifications are made in the order of battle : 



The 2d heavy battery and the light battery form one general battery, and are posted on the 

 height in front of the village F. 



The light battery enfilades the road B C ; two guns of the heavy battery sweep the bridge ; 

 the remaining pieces of the heavy battery enfilade the road A B. 



The woods on the right flank of the position are occupied by one battalion of the 4th regi- 

 ment, formed in company columns. 



To strengthen the left flank of the position, and defend the ford, there are placed in front of 

 the windmill D four guns of the 1st heavy battery, and on the slope of the hill two battalions 

 of the 2d regiment, in columns of attack ; the remaining battalion of this regiment, and all the 

 battalions of the 1st regiment, compose the reserve, which is posted, in a hollow, 200 paces 

 behind the village F ; the remaining half battery of the 1st heavy battery is posted in rear of 

 the 1st regiment, in column by sections. 



(PI. 12, fig. 2.) Application of the 2d order of battle, by a division composed of regiments 

 having three battalions. 



The enemy occupies the position A B. 



