REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 327 



bank is the higher, and where it is easiest to cross. As to marshes, he notes their extent ; 

 whether they are passable ; whether there are dykes across them, and of what kind. In reference 

 to defiles, he notes their length and breadth ; describes the adjacent country, and whether the 

 defiles can be turned. Where the commanders of jjatrols cannot go in person, they interrogate 

 the inhabitants concerning these things, and compare the various replies received. 



§ 374. Since special acquirements are necessary for the successful accomplishment of the object 

 of these patrols, an oflicer of the staff is sent with each of them, or is placed in command. 



§ 375. Sometimes patrols are sent out to alarm the enemy's outposts. These attempts usually 

 succeed when the latter are very much scattered ; for then, to repulse the attack, he collects his 

 posts ; but the patrol having gained its object, that is, having alarmed the enemy, in the mean- 

 while retreats in safety. 



§ 376. Such attacks are made in preference in the night, or in dark, and bad weather. The 

 patrol, concealing its weakness, should silently steal up to the enemy ; for on this depends its 

 success. 



Having approached the outposts, it should rapidly, noisily, and with warm firing, fall on them 

 as foragers, create an alarm, seize, if jjossible, some of the videttes or pickets, and then retreat 

 rapidly before the enemy recovers. 



§377. As a conclusion to the rules laid down in this chapter, it may be stated that the prin- 

 cipal duties of the commander of a patrol are the following : 



1. To be always cautious. 



2. Always to provide for the security of his retreat. 



3. Never to allow himself to be surrounded and captured. 



4 . To examine the country carefully, and remember its features. 



5. To obtain all possible information from the inhabitants. 



6. To understand how to select guides and how to treat them ; and, 



7. To endeavor to examine everything in person. 



§ 378. As for the rest, it is impossible to give the commander of a patrol instructions in suffi- 

 cient detail to cover all the exceptional cases that may arise ; therefore the success of his mission 

 must depend chiefly upon his discretion and presence of mind. 



Rashness, equally with cowardice, both here and everywhere, fails to secure the desired 

 advantages. 



CHAPTER V. 



OF THE COMMAND OF THE OUTPOSTS. 



§ 379. In order to secure unity in the arrangements and operations of the outposts, a field or 

 general officer is detailed as the commander of the outposts ; all the parties are under his 

 command. 



There is usually detailed for duty with him an officer of the staff, whose particuPar duty it is 

 to prepare an accurate and rapid description of the ground. 



§ 380. The commander of the outposts may either be detailed for a certain length of time, or 

 be relieved at the same time with his troops ; in the latter case, he is usually the senior officer of 

 the troops detailed for outpost duty. 



§381. Having received from the commander-in-chief, or the chief of staff, instructions as to 

 their operations, the general direction and extent of the chain, information of the number of 

 troops, and destination of the parties detailed for the service, he sees to the prompt occupation of 

 the places designated for the positions of the outposts — making, in general, such modifications of 

 the arrangement as may appear necessary. 



