REPORT OF CAPT GEORGE B. MTLELLAX. 345 



foragers, so as not to break up the detacliments with the guns and interfere with their readiness 

 for action. In sucli cases, if it is not possible to supply the batteries from the temporary maga- 

 zines, their foraging is imposed upon the cavalry. 



§ oiT. Foraging out of all danger from the enemy is effected as follows : a sj^ace for foraging 

 is assigned to each party of the troops, and if it is expected to remain some time in the same 

 position, the villages are occupied by safeguards sent by the party in whose ground each falls. 

 The foraging is commenced at the places nearest the enemy, falling back, as he approaches, to 

 those immediately in our front, and finally to those in rear. 



§ 548. For foraging, parties of men, with the proper number of officers, are detailed, and 

 the necessary wagons sent with them ; if the forage is to be packed on the troop horses, 

 this is done as shown in Plate 9. If the foraging is to be effected in villages, severe measures 

 must be taken to prevent disorder and plundering on the j)art of the foragers. 



§ 549. In this case, it is best not to take the party into the village, but to send for the chief 

 persons and stipulate with them that the inhabitants shall bring the required forage and other 

 stores out to the troops. If the inhabitants do not promptly comply with this moderate com- 

 mand, it is necessary to take the party in. 



§ 550. In this event, all possible means must he taken to jjrevent disorder, as for instance : 



1. A certain number of houses are assigned to each company, so that the commander of the 

 detachment may hold each company responsible for the disorders committed within its limits. 



2. Guards are posted and patrols sent out, who arrest any foragers guilty of disorder. 



3. If the form of the village permits, a part of the detachment remains at the centre to pack 

 the horses and load the wagons as fast as the other men bring the forage from the houses. 



§ 551. In places where an attack may be expected, the foraging is conducted as follows : 

 Either fatigue parties are sent with wagons, or parties of cavalry with their own horses ; in both 

 cases a special escort is added for the protection of the foragers. 



§ 552. In all cases, the strength of the escort depends upon the degree of danger, the space 

 over which the foraging is to extend, and the distance from the enemy, 



§ 553. During the march of foragers to and from the foraging ground, if they consist of a 

 fatigue party with wagons, an escort is added, which acts in conformity with the rules for escort- 

 ing convoys. 



If the foragers consist only of cavalry with their own horses, then on the outward march they 

 move in one b:dy, observing the precautions prescribed for movements near the enemy; on the 

 return march, if the horses of the foragers are packed and led, the detachment acting as escort 

 should not pack more than 40 pounds on their horses, so that the load may not prevent 

 them from acting against the enemy. 



Bemarks. — Hay is packed as shown in Plate 9. 



One hundred and twelve pounds may be packed on a horse, as shown in Plate 9, fig. 2, and 

 the horse must be led ; 56 pounds are packed as shown in Plate 9, fig 1, in two trusses. 



§ 554. Sometimes the escort, or a part of it, may be sent out early to the foraging ground, to 

 take measures for the security of the foragers before they arrive. 



§ 555. For the safety of the foragers when at their work, the escort is divided into two or three 

 parts, according to circumstances ; one part places a chain of outposts and sends out patrols, to 

 guard the whole ground; another furnishes the supports of the outposts, and if there are infantry 

 or mounted rifles with it they occupy the points which cover the ap]:)roaches ; the third part is 

 placed in reserve near the centre of the ground, that it may easily reach any point attacked. 

 44 © 



