REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 297 



2. Take care that the columns do not cross each other. 



3. Maintain a constant commnnication between the columns by means of patrols, which at 

 the same time examine the intermediate country. 



4. Take all precautions to enable the columns to unite at any moment ; he therefore avoids 

 separating the troops by insurmountable obstacles. 



§ 83. That he may, under all circumstances, have it in his power to place the troops in posi- 

 tion, the commander-in-chief should know not only where the troops ought to be at any given 

 time, but also where they actually are. For this purpose, he requires every commander of an 

 advanced guard, or chief of a separate column, to report not only the appearance of the enemy, 

 as well as particular events and delays, but also his distance from known points on the road, 

 and his arrival at halting places and camps. These reports should be made the more frequently 

 in proportion to the proximity of the enemy. 



§ 84. To watch over the order of march, the commanders of the main and detached columns 

 should occasionally halt and allow their commands to pass by them, so as to see that the column 

 is not too much lengthened out, particularly in the march of large bodies on one road. 



§ 85. The commander-in-chief and the subordinate commanders see that all persons belonging 

 to the combatants, and for duty, march in the jjroper places. The non-combatants, dismounted 

 men, led horses of the officers and men, march with the trains of the second class. 



§ 86. In parties near the enemy, i.e., advanced guards, front and flank detachments, rear 

 guards in retreat, patrols, &c., the fire-arms should be loaded. In the main body, the arms 

 are loaded only when an affair is anticipated. 



§ 87. When passing through towns or villages, by farms, inns^ wells, and such places, the 

 commander-in-chief and the subordinate commanders turn their attention to preventing disorder, 

 by closely watching that no one leaves the ranks. 



§ 88. In passing defiles and crossing rivers the commander-in-chief watches — 



1. That the troops do not crowd together at the entrance, or stretch out in passing through^ 

 but that they preserve their proper distances. 



2. That, in crossing rivers in boats or ferries, each party knows when and after what other 

 party it is to cross. 



3. That, as soon as any troops have crossed, they form in conformity with the orders they 

 have received. 



4. That the drivers of the artillery and train do not dismount without orders. 



5. That, in crossing fords, the men follow each other at the prescribed distance ; that the 

 wagons do not drive in one after another, but that each waits until the one in front has gained 

 a certain distance, or even reached the opposite shore. In case of necessity, some officers are 

 left to superintend the crossing. At difficult crossings, a detachment may be left to assist the 

 artillery and train. 



§ 89. During secret or night marches trumpet signals are not used ; orders are given in 

 a low tone of voice. In secret night marches smoking and striking fire are forbidden. 



§ 90. The commander-in-chief watches that, during halts, as well as on the march, the troops 

 are protected by advanced and rear guards, flank detachments, and patrols ; also, when in camp, 

 as explained hereafter in Part II. 



§ 91. Upon approaching the place where the troops are to halt, bivouac, or encamp, the 

 commander-in-chief sends forward betimes officers of the staff, with non-commissioned officers 

 from every party, to mark the place to be occupied by each. 

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