844 MILITAEY COMMISSION TO EUROPE. 



§ 538. At the park, tlie troops of the escort are posted as follows : the infantry and artillery 

 bivouac inside the square ; the first places its parties along the faces they are respectively 

 detailed to defend, and posts guards and a chain of sentinels around the park ; the guns are 

 placed at the angles, and generally at the weakest points, or where it is easiest to sweep the 

 ground in front. 



The cavalry, bivouaced outside the park, places outposts and sends out patrols according to 

 the niles for outpost service. 



The draught animals should be collected in the centre, so as not to interfere with the defence 

 of the sides. 



ARTICLE 2. 



The attack of convoys. 



§ 539. An attack upon a convoy may be intended either to capture it, to destroy it, or merely 

 to alarm and delay it. 



Independently of other considerations, the composition and force of the attacking party must 

 depend upon the object in view. 



§ 540. The general conditions for success in the attack of convoys are usually the same as for 

 sudden attacks. The most favoi-able moment for attacking a convoy is when it is passing a 

 defile, crossing hills, streams, &c. 



§ 541. The main efibrt of the attack should be directed against the escort, especially if it is 

 marching in one body, not only to occupy its attention, but also to separate it from the train if 

 possible. At the same time small parties should move upon different parts of the train, to 

 prevent it from parking, carry it ofi", or destroy the wagons. A part of the troops must be held 

 in reserve. 



§ 542. If the train succeeds in parking, the operations against it become difficult for cavalry 

 alone ; in that case, the infantry and artillery must act. 



§ 543. If the train or a part of it is captured, and it is possible to carry it off, the operations of 

 the detachment change ; it then escorts the wagons, as directed in Part I, Chapter I, article 5, 

 and acts as is laid down in the preceding article. 



§ 544. When the attacking detachment is sent out merely to delay and annoy the convoy, 

 it passes in advance of it, destroys the roads, ruins the crossings of streams, and alarms the 

 convoy by partial attacks, particularly during the night and at well known places. 



CHAPTEK IV. 



OF FORAGING AND ATTACKS UPON FORAGERS. 



ARTICLE 1. 



0/ foraging. 



§ 545. Under the head of foraging, are included the operations of parties detailed to obtain 

 not only forage, but supplies of all kinds. 



§ 546. Foraging is efi'ected sometimes out of all danger from the enemy, sometimes in places 

 where an attack may be expected, and, in cases of extreme necessity, sometimes in places actually 

 occupied by the enemy. The manner of conducting the operation is somewhat different in the 

 three cases. 



Remark. — If the enemy is so near that an attack may be expected, the artillery send out no 



