288 . MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



In a retreat, those parts of the rear guard nearest the enemy -vrill always march hy the rear 

 rank. 



§ 8. On the march, the distances permitted are : between companies about 25 paces ; between 

 regiments, about 50 paces ; between brigades, about 100 paces. 



ARTICLE 2. 



Precautions against sudden attach to he observed on the march. 



§ 9. To secure troops, on the march, against sudden attacks, there are sent out from the main 

 body : an advanced guard ; a rear guard ; and flank detachments, or guards'. 



§ 10. During offensive marches, the advanced guard consists of one-fourth, or one-fifth of the 

 whole force ; it may be increased or diminished according to circumstances and the judgment of 

 the commander. Its purpose is, to march at some distance in advance of the main body, in 

 order : 



1. To observe the enemy betimes, and give early information of his appearance, strength, and 

 direction of march. 



2. Having discovered the enemy, to follow, never losing sight of him, and endeavor to obtain 

 all possible information concerning him. 



3. Should the enemy approach and attack, to delay him long enough to enable the main body 

 to form in order of battle. 



4. To examine the country in advance, and remove all obstacles from the road, 



5. During the arrangements of the main body for halting or encamping, to cover it on the 

 side of the enemy. 



§ 11. On the march, the advanced guard should be so far in front that, without incurring too 

 great risk, it may delay the enemy long enough to enable the main body to prepare to receive 

 Jiim. Therefore, in proportion as the advanced guard is stronger and more independent, and as 

 the time required for the formation of the main body is greater, the further should the advanced 

 guard be pushed forward, up to one-half a day's march, or further. In small detachments, not 

 requiring much time to assemble and form, the advanced guard does not move further than from 

 one and a half to three miles in front. 



Bemark. — When, under peculiar circumstances, the advanced guard is pushed forward a 

 considerable distance, and therefore exposed to a separate defeat, or when the nature of the 

 ground is such as to render its retreat difficult, there is sent out from the main body an " inter- 

 mediate detachment," which holds itself in echelon between the two, to support the advanced 

 guard if suddenly attacked. This detachment is under the orders of the commander of the 

 advanced guard, who, upon meeting the enemy, either orders it up to assist him, or falls back 

 upon it, according to circumstances. 



§ 12. For the protection of its own march, an advanced guard should have an advanced guard 

 of its own, consisting of one or more companies, or a platoon, according to the strength of the 

 party ; and on its flanks, flank guards, each of a platoon or section. 



Bemark. — The standard is always left with the main body of the regiment. 



§ 13. The advanced and flank detachments keep themselves at from 500 to 1,000 paces from 

 the head and flanks of the main advanced guard, according to their strength and the nature of 

 the country. 



§ 14. These detachments send out patrols in front and on the flanks, to examine the country, 

 and obtain early intelligence of the enemy. These patrols are usually at from 500 to 1,000 



