REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 335 



or army, in conformity with the degree of danger, the proximity of the enemy, and his means 

 of turning our position. Approximately, the inlying picket is | or -J of the whole force. 



§ 453. In small detachments from which it is impossible to send out many men on outpost 

 duty, and in general near the enemy, the whole detachment sometimes forms a kind of inlying 

 picket ; in this case only a small number are relieved at a time, according to the judgment of 

 the commander, but the greater portion remain in readiness for action. 



§ 454. Upon receiving from the outposts news of the approach of the enemy, the inlying picket 

 at once moves to the front to receive the outposts and aiford the other troops time to prepare. 



§455. For greater security, the inlying picket is sometimes posted a little to the front, and 

 then picket their horses somewhat in advance of the general camp. This is done whenever 

 there is anything immediately in front of the camp to cause delay. 



§ 456. The commander and all the officers of the inlying picket will strictly superintend the 

 observation of all the precautions required. 



§ 457. To prevent confusion in the camp, in case of an alarm or an attack, it is necessary to 

 watch — 



1. That all parts of the troops are arranged in conformity with the movements they are to 

 make, so that they can form in order of battle without confusion, and without crossing each 

 other's paths. 



2. That all commanders, down to those of regiments and batteries, inclusive, know the places 

 their commands are to occupy in the general order of battle, if it is determined to accept battle 

 at or near the camp. 



3. That all impediments to the free communications and movements of the troops are removed 

 in season as far as practicable. 



4. That the commander of the train is always informed whither to direct it, in case of leaving 

 camp suddenly. 



5. That the parties of troops, from whom mixed detachments are sent out for forage and other 

 necessaries, are formed immediately after their departure, to count and organize those remaining. 



§ 458. The commander of the main body should be well informed in regard to all the country 

 in the vicinity of his j^osition, and especially as to the roads and crossings of streams in the 

 direction in which he expects to move. 



§ 459. In camps of the main body, the inlying picket posts camp and quarter guards imme- 

 diately after reaching camp ; this is done as in time of peace. 



§ 460. It is the duty of the sentinels of the camp and quarter guards to see that no one leaves 

 camp between evening twilight and reveille without a special permit from the commander, unless 

 on duty. 



Men who are not known, and do not belong to the troops, or who have not the necessary per- 

 mission, are allowed to leave camp neither by day nor night ; but are stopped by the sentinels 

 and sent to the guards, by whom they are sent to the inlying picket. 



§ 461. In the night the sentinels of the camp and quarter guards challenge all who approach 

 from the exterior, and act as prescribed for videttes. 



§ 462. In general, all the rules laid down for camp and garrison service in time of peace are 

 carried out as far as possible in the camps of the main body. 



