REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M°CLELLAN. 293 



§ 52. The strength and composition of the escorl of a train must depend upon the probability 

 of attack, the extent of the train, and, finally, on the nature of the country through which the 

 train is to pass. 



§ 53. If the escort is of infantry, a small party of cavalry must be added to look out for the 

 enemy, patrol, &c. 



§ 54. In all cases the commander of the escort has absolute control over all persons on duty 

 ■with or accompanying the train. 



§ 55. The commander of the escort should possess accurate information concerning the country 

 through which the train is to pass, that he may make the proper arrangements for its security. 



§ 56. A part of the escort always marches as an advanced guard, and another portion as a 

 rear guard. The main body is concentrated at points determined by the danger ; if necessary, 

 it detaches flank guards, which send out patrols. In an open country, and when there is no 

 reason to expect the enemy at any particular point, the main body of the escort marches along- 

 side of the centre of the train. Under other circumstances, they are concentrated at the head, 

 or in rear of the train, according to the direction in which the enemy is expected. 



§ 57. The advanced guard is thrown forward a sufBcient distance to remove all obstacles that 

 would delay the train. By means of its patrols it examines the woods, villages, and defiles ; 

 keeps up its communication with the main body, and reports to the commander of the escort 

 everything observed. 



§ 58. The advanced guard selects suitable positions for halting places, camps, and for parking 

 the train. 



§ 59. The advanced guard occupies all defiles and positions which would enable the enemy to 

 attack with advantage ; it does not abandon them before the arrival of the main body of the 

 escort, which last holds them until the train arrives. If necessary, the escort is relieved by a 

 small flank detachment, or may itself remain in position until the whole train has passed by 

 and is out of danger. 



§ 60. If the enemy is expected from the rear, the suitable measures are taken ; the rear guard 

 destroying the bridges, dikes, &c., behind it, and throwing all possible obstacles in the path of 

 the enemy. The rear guard should constantly keep up its communication with the main body 

 by means of patrols. 



§ 61. If the enemy threatens the flanks, and the ground is too much broken for the action of 

 cavalry, the defence of the train becomes difficult for that arm. In such cases, small parties of 

 cavalry are with the advanced and rear guards ; but the main escort is composed of infantry, 

 who occupy positions favorable for protecting the train before its head arrives opposite to them, 

 and do not abandon those positions until the rear of the train has passed by. 



§ 62. Plate No. 3 gives an example of the march of a train escorted by 10 companies of 

 cavalry, 2 pieces of horse artillery, and two regiments of infantry. 



ARTICLE 6. 

 Of short halls during the march, halts for the night, and halts for an entire day. 



§ 63. The length of a march near the enemy depends upon circumstances, and cannot be 

 determined absolutely. 



Under ordinary circumstances the length of march may be about 17 miles, but in case of 

 necessity it may be extended to 30 miles. Small detachments move with much greater rapidity 

 than entire corps, or armies. As a general rule, troops should not be exhausted by forced marches. 



