KEPORT OF CAPT. GEOEGE B. M'CLELLAN. 325 



to make partial attacks, in order to exhaust the troops by forcing them to assemble on continual 

 alarms. To secure the outposts against such attacks, as well as to discover the enemy and 

 examine the country, patrols are sent out in advance of the chain. 



§354. Such patrols are divided into near and distant patrols ; they are composed of light 

 cavalry in preference. 



§ 355. Near patrols consist of a non-commissioned officer with two or three prompt men, and 

 are sent out by all parties of the outposts. They move on all the main roads leading towards 

 the enemy, and do not go more than 1 or 2 miles from the videttes, so that they may give 

 prompt information of the approach of the enemy ; they limit themselves to watching him. 

 These patrols are sent out the more frequently in proportion as the enemy can approach more 

 secretly ; so that in an obstructed country, in thick fogs, dark nights, and close to the enemy, 

 they are sent out continually — that is, one immediately upon the return of another. 



§ 356. Distant patrols are sent out to discover the enemy and examine the country at consider- 

 able distances, (from 2 to 10, and even more miles,) and are composed of a greater number of 

 men, (of 10, 20, 30, and more,) that they may sometimes be able to attack hostile patrols, and 

 make prisoners. They are usually commanded by an officer, to whom is explained in detail the 

 object of bis mission, the means of accomplishing it, and the direction he is to take ; he is also 

 instructed whether to engage the enemy's patrols, or to avoid a combat. 



§ 357. Distant patrols sometimes consist of a company, or more, especially if they cannot 

 return the same day. They are sent out by the advanced guard or main body, and take the 

 name of flying detachments. As a general rule, all distant patrols are under the orders of the 

 commander of the outposts. 



§ 358. The moment a patrol passes beyond the chain, it should detach front, flank, and rear 

 patroUers, to secure itself against sudden attack. In plate No. 5 are given examples of the 

 arrangements of patrols of 15 and 30 men ; larger patrols are arranged according to the same 

 principles. Smaller patrols are arranged according to their strength ; for example, a patrol of 

 five men sends out one in front, and one on each side ; a patrol of three men places one in front, 

 the others move at a little distance apart — one watching to the right, the other to the left. 



§359. It is a great advantage for a patrol to see the enemy before being discovered itself; 

 this renders it possible to avoid a stronger force, and to apprize the outposts of its approach, 

 or to attack, by surprise, an equal or inferior force. 



§ 360. In order to secure themselves against a sudden attack, patrols should use all possible 

 precautions, and observe the deepest silence ; the patroUers carry their pieces cocked. In the 

 night, and in thick weather, all jirecautions are redoubled. The patrol should occasionally 

 halt and listen; the men in front and on the flanks, dismounting by turns, place the ear to 

 the ground, &c. 



§ 361. On their return march the patrols should be even more cautious ; because the enemy, 

 having perceived them, may select this very time for the attack, on the supppsition that the 

 outposts, being relieved from apprehension by the return of the patrols, may somewhat relax 

 their vigilance. 



§ 362. The commander of a patrol should concert certain signals with \n.8 patroUers by which 

 they are to indicate their discoveries. If the necessary precautions are observed, it is impossible 

 for the enemy to attack unawares ; therefore the commander of a patrol is always held respon- 

 sible for its loss. 



§ 363. In Part I, Chapter II, article 5, are explained the precautions to be observed by patrols 



