IlErORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 329 



§ 394. The main difference is, that the advanced chain does not consist of double videttes, 

 relieved every two hours, but of pickets of 3 or 4 men each, on duty for 24 hours, and relieving 

 each other in the task of watching the enemy. 



§ 395. These pickets are placed at such a distance apart that they can see each other, or at 

 least that the enemy cannot slip through without being seen by one or other of the pickets. 



§ 396. In each picket one man, mounted, or on foot, with his horse bridled by his side, con- 

 stantly watches the whole space committed to the picket ; another remains behind him in full 

 readiness to mount ; but the others repose, feed their horses, lead them to water, and even 

 go in search of forage. 



§ 397. If the pickets are pushed very far in advance of the regular cavalry, lines of supports 

 are j^laced behind them. These sujiports are placed in preference near roads, or points of special 

 importance, where they may serve as points of assembly for the chain of pickets. 



§ 398. The supports usually consist of from 6 to 12 men each. One of them, usually standing 

 to horse, places himself in sight of the chain of pickets, also turning his attention to the ground 

 on each side. Of the rest of the men a part hold themselves in readiness, while the others 

 rest, feed and water their horses, and if necessary go for forage. 



§ 399. The remainder of the companies, or the regiment on duty, usually form a reserve, 

 about a mile in rear of the line of supports, on the principal road, or behind the centre of the 

 chain. A part of this reserve is held in readiness to mount, but the greater part repose, and 

 even hobble or jiicket their horses. 



§ 400. The quick sight, activity, and vigilance of the men, referred to in this chapter, are 

 such as to allow a greater interval between these pickets than between the pairs of ordinary 

 videttes. The supports, not being intended to relieve the chain, but merely to serve as rallying 

 points, may also be placed further apart than the pickets of regular cavalry. Finally, instead 

 of main guards, there is in tliis case but one main reserve. From these facts it would appear 

 that reliable men, of the kind alluded to here, may guard a given space with a smaller number 

 of men, and less fatigue, than regular cavalry. Keserves of light cavalry should be posted on a 

 line with the main reserve of the irregulars. The Indian horses being peculiarly capable of 

 enduring the fatigue of outpost duty, the friendly Indians, if there are any present, should 

 compose the outposts in preference. 



§ 401. During the night and in dark weather the intervals between the irregular pickets 

 must be decreased, as prescribed for videttes. 



§ 402. Regular patrols and rounds need not be so much resorted to, but each particular chief 

 should often ride around the whole circuit of his command. 



§ 403. The irregular reserve will from time to time send out patrols of 5, 10, or 15 men to 

 reconnoitre in all directions. 



CHAPTER YII. 



OF THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE OUTPOSTS ACCORDING TO THE NATURE OF THE GROUND. 



§ 404. The art of arranging the outposts according to the nature of the ground is founded 

 upon : 1. The proper general direction of the advanced chain ; 2. The distribution of the sup- 

 ports ; and, 3. The composition of the supports. The object to be gained is to discover the 

 enemy at the greatest possible distance with the smallest possible number of men, without ex- 

 posing any of the posts to be cut off. 



§ 405. The general line of the outposts is generally determined by some natural objects, such 

 as the banks of rivers, creeks, borders of ravines, marshes, skirts of woods, crests of heights, &c. 

 42 © 



