REPORT OF CAPT. GEORGE B. M'CLELLAN. 343 



facilitated by the diminution of the space occupied, is now conducted in accordance with the 

 general rules for the defence of the ground occupied, taking advantage of the obstacle presented 

 by the wagons. 



§ 529. If the attack is altogether by surprise, and is made on several points at once, so that it 

 is impossible to collect all the wagons in one place, then each section of the train should be 

 formed into a separate column, square, or corral. 



§ 530. Any wagons loaded with powder or combustibles should be placed by themselves inside 

 the square, or else formed into a separate park outside, placing them under cover of some 

 defensible object. 



§ 531. In these cases, it is very necessary to watch the movements of the wagons, which should 

 move to their places at such a gait as to render confusion impossible. 



Remarks. — At the commencement of the expedition, the commander of the convoy should issue 

 detailed instructions as to the manner of forming square or corral in case of attack. In square, 

 the hind wheels of the wagons should be towards the exterior, the wagons should be fastened 

 together by the lock chains, and in all cases intervals should be left for the passage of the escort 

 at proper points ; these intervals should be closed by chevaux-de-frise, chains, &c. 



The train is most readily corralled when moving in two columns by file and abreast. The 

 leading wagons halt at a suitable distance apart, the others oblique outwards, each wagon moving 

 to the front as soon as it clears the wagon next in front of it ; each wagon then halts with its 

 inner hind wheel close to the outer fore wheel of the wagon which preceded it in the column, 

 and these wheels are chained together ; any desirable shape may be given to the corral by 

 throwing the pole of each successive wagon more or less inward. 



§ 532. If there is a reasonable probability of saving the train by the operation, it is best to con- 

 centrate it in a favorable position, and await assistance ; if the escort is altogether inferior in 

 force, it may be best to save the train by a retreat. 



§ 533. When the wagons are formed in column, square, or corral, their defence devolves upon 

 the infantry portion of the escort ; the cavalry, remaining outside the park, can only co-operate 

 by endeavoring to take the enemy in flank, &c. 



§ 534. The enemy may send out small detachments with the object of alarming the convoy 

 and delaying its march by forcing it to halt and form. Such parties should be driven off by 

 detachments from the escort, without assembling the train, which should be j^arked only when 

 the enemy attacks decisively and in considerable force. Therefore patrols should be sent out as 

 far as possible, to discover the approach of the enemy and ascertain his force betimes. 



§ 535. Having repulsed the enemy, the escort must not be induced to pursue him too far from 

 the wagons ; it is only necessary to take measures to allow the train to pursue its march. 



§ 536. If the convoy is attacked when halted, the defence is conducted as already prescribed • 

 but in this case the defence is easier, because the wagons are already formed and the escort in 

 position. Even here it is best to try to keep the enemy at a distance, or, if the forces are at all 

 equal, to defeat him, and then return to the train. 



§ 537. The selection of the positions for rests and camps will have a great influence upon the 

 success of the defence of the convoy. In the selection, preference will be given to those places 

 which are favorable to the action of the troops composing the escort, or the greater part of it. 

 For parking the train, j^laces must be chosen at a distance from objects which would conceal the 

 approach of the enemy, and enable him to hold a position dangerously near ; on the other 

 hand, it should be surrounded by objects preventing easy access, but not interfering with 

 observation. 



