REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 319 



ground, to send out small j^atrols in all directions, to examine the country and ascertain 

 whether the enemy is concealed in the vicinity. It is safer not to commence posting the chain 

 until the return of the patrols, at all events, not until they have occupied points whence they 

 can see for a long distance in all directions. 



§ 285. At the outposts it is necessary to preserve quietness, and to avoid everything which 

 might discover them to the enemy. For this reason the use of trumpet signals is forbidden, 

 except in case of a skirmish ; directions, orders, and challenges are given in a low tone ; the 

 use of fire is prohibited, except at the reserve, and is permitted there only when there is no 

 particular reason for forbidding it. 



§ 286. Every commander despatching a party for outpost duty under his orders must give its 

 chief detailed instructions ; he must satisfy himself that the instructions are fully understood, 

 and must exercise the greatest personal vigilance in watching over their execution by his 

 subordinates. 



§ 287. If it is impossible to carry out the instructions fully, the subordinate must at once 

 report to his superior, explaining the cause of the impossibility. 



§ 288. The gradation of subordination is as follows : the videttes are immediately subordinate 

 to the pickets from which they are detached ; the pickets to their main guards, the main guards 

 and indeijendent pickets to the reserve of the outposts. The commander of the reserve is imme- 

 diately subordinate to the commander of the outposts ; the latter to the commander of the ad- 

 vanced guard. 



§ 289. The commander of every post should at once report to his immediate superior, and if 

 necessary to the commanders of the nearest parties, everything he has observed in person, or 

 learned through his subordinates, especially what refers to the movements of the enemy. 



§ 290. The subordinate should always endeavor to verify the information in person, and then 

 make his report ; always remembering that an unfounded report may produce serious conse- 

 quences to the whole army. 



§ 291. If it is impossible for him to verify the information in person, he should forward to his 

 superior the original report received. 



§ 292. Keports should be written clearly and with precision, especially with regard to the 

 force of the enemy, noting not only his numbers, but of what arms, and the direction in which 

 he marches. In reports positive facts should be distinguished from probabilities — noting the 

 degree of confidence to be reposed in the latter. 



§ 293. If it is unnecessary to forward the original report received, it is preserved until, by the 

 progress of events, it has lost all importance and significance. 



§ 294. All reports to the commanders of main guards are of especial importance, and those 



to the commander of the outposts still more so. Every exaggerated or ill founded report renders 



it necessary to turn out and fatigue the troojjs uselessly ; on the contrary, contempt for the 



'enemy, and tardiness in reporting may not only compromise the one making the report, but even 



endanger the security of the army, and place it in a precarious situation. 



§ 295. It is the duty of every party of the outposts to preserve its connexion and communica- 

 tion with the nearest corresponding parties, with those subordinate to it, and with that to which 

 it is immediately subordinate. 



§ 296. The commander of every post should carefully examine, in person, the ground in his 

 vicinity, not only in reference to his relations with the nearest posts, but in regard to his move- 

 ments if attacked. He must also find suitable watering places. 



§ 297. In case of an attack it is the duty of every party not only to reinforce and support the 



