306 MILITARY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



other side, the cavalry send out patrols to a great distance to examine the ground in front 

 before the main body of the advanced guard begins to cross. 



The advanced guard, having crossed rapidly, forms in front of the passage to cover the debouche 

 of the main body. The distance of such a position from the passage should be such that, in the 

 event of being attacked, the advanced guard may not be too quickly forced back upon the main 

 body while debouching, and that the latter may have ample time to form without disorder. 



§ IGo. Since attacks should be most expected when passing through defiles, or when issuing 

 from them, they should be traversed raj)idly, and with the most extended front possible, to pre- 

 vent the column from stretching out. In passing long defiles the troops should occasionally 

 halt for a moment, to close up and re-establish order. 



§ 166. As for the rest, an advanced guard possessing a certain degree of independence, without 

 neglecting any of the precautions here laid dovv^n, should not be too apprehensive, and, in exam- 

 ining the country, ought not to detain itself with objects which, from their nature, cannot con- 

 ceal the enemy in sufficient force to make him dangerous to the advanced guard. 



§ 1G7. In very mountainous regions it is necessary to rely upon the infantry alone ; the cavalry 

 and train remaining in rear, and not entering the defiles until they have been occupied. Here the 

 infantry patrols are sent out as far as possible, and occupy the heights from which the direction of 

 the columns may be seen, until relieved by the patrols of the rear guard, which is also of infantry. 

 In this manner the cavalry, which the enemy would attack in such places in preference, is 

 protected. Not a gorge or defile should be left unexamined, for in the mountains an attack may 

 be expected at a%y moment. 



§ 168. In a wooded country the commander of the advanced guard takes nearly the same 

 precaution as in the mountains. 



If the forest is deep, but not broad, detachments of cavalry ride along the skirts, which 

 are occupied by infantry skirmishers as sujjports ; if the forest is dense, but not deep, the 

 infantry lead. The infantry place themselves along the skirts of the wood on both sides of the 

 road ; the cavalry then passes through at a fast trot, forms on the plain beyond, and there awaits 

 the rest of the column. 



§169. When the road passes through a country but little obstructed by defiles, villages, or 

 other obstacles to the movements of cavalry, and there is no infantry with the advanced guard, 

 mounted rifles are very useful ; finally, the enemy, in retreating through such a country, leaves 

 infantry at these obstacles to arrest the pursuit of the cavalry, and delay until the arrival of the 

 infantry ; in such cases, mounted rifles or dismounted dragoons will produce sure results by acting 

 against the enemy's infantry. 



OF THE MAIN BODY. 



§ lYO. It remains to be said, in reference to this, that the nature of the country must determine 

 its order of march, whether cavalry or infantry are to lead. If the country is broken, particularly 

 if it is wooded, there is great danger in placing the cavalry at the head ; for it may not only be 

 unable to act, but, if forced to retreat, may carry disorder into the infantry following. 



The artillery should march in tlie midst of the other troops, but a few pieces may move with 

 the head of the column, to protect it in case of meeting the enemy suddenly. 



§171. If there are infantry, then in traversing extensive forests, in which parties of the enemy 

 may easily conceal themselves, the flank detachments and patrols of cavalry are replaced by 

 infantry. 



