210 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



by files ; in the column by threes the rear rank men, instead of covering their front rank men, 

 ride behind the intervals, as shown in the sketch ; in the column by files, in which each rear 

 rank man is alongside of his front rank man, the same thing is observed by the successive files. 



In column \>y platoons, the non-commissioned file-closers place themselves on the flanks of 

 the rear rank ; the officer acting as file-closer is on the flank of the column opposite the guides, 

 and opposite the middle of the column. 



The half column is formed from- line by causing all the platoons to make, simultaneously, a 

 quarter wheel to the right, (or left,) and then all move straight forward. 



In a charge in line, 500 paces are passed over at the walk and trot, 200 at the gallop, and 

 100 at the charge. 



Sometimes the 4th platoon charges in one rank, in open order, and is supported by the 

 remaining platoons in close order. 



Again, the 1st, 2d, and 4th platoons charge helter skelter, as foragers, and are supported by 

 the 3d platoon, which remains in close order. 



SKIRMISHERS. 



The 4th platoon is usually employed for skirmishing duty. 



At the command of the captain the chief of this platoon conducts it to a point from 150 to 

 200 paces in front of the centre of the squadron, and there halts it. The four left files (or as 

 many more as may be directed) return sabres, or rest lances, and at once dash out about 100 

 paces to the front at a galloj), and there form in one rank with sufficient intervals to enable 

 them to cover the whole front of the squadron ; the rear rank men are on the left of, and near 

 to their front rank men. 



One man of each file must always have his piece loaded. 



They halt while firing, but keep moving while loading, describing a figure cc as they ride. 



Since the skirmishers are intended to cover the squadron, they, as well as the rest of the 

 platoon, must conform to all its movements. 



When any party of cavalry is obliged to dismount to fight on foot, the Nos. 3 of each rank 

 remain mounted, and hold the horses of Nos. 1 and 2. 



The formation of a regiment deployed is with its 4 squadrons in line, with intervals of 6 

 paces ; the standard on the right of the 3d squadron ; the colonel, accompanied by the adjutant 

 and 2 trumpeters, 60 paces in front of the centre ; the junior field officer 20 paces in rear of the 

 centre of the regiment. 



A regiment may be formed in column by squadrons closed in mass, the distance being platoon 

 front plus 6 paces ; by squadrons with full distance ; by platoons doubled on the central pla- 

 toons ; and in line of columns of squadrons by platoons. 



A regiment being in line, the front is changed by squadrons, e. g., to change front forward 

 90° on the 1st squadron the 1st squadron wheels to the right and halts, the other squadrons 

 each make a half wheel to the right, then march straight forward until they arrive opposite their 

 respective places in the new line, when they again half wheel to the right into their places. 



To deploy a close column the leading squadron halts, the others wheel by platoons to the 

 left, (or right,) march straight forward until they arrive opposite their jDlaces in line, when 

 they wheel by platoon to the right, (or left,) and advance in line to their posts. This deploy- 

 ment is executed at a trot. 



During a charge in line the standard bearer falls back into the rear rank. 



