793. A battle is a general action
between two armies; if only a small
portion of the forces are engaged, it is usually denominated a combat,
an affair, a skirmish,
etc., according to the character of the
engagement. Battles are of three kinds: 1st. Defensive battles, or
those fought in a chosen position by an army which awaits the attack of
an enemy. 2d. Offensive battles, or those made by an
army which attacks
the enemy drawn up in position and awaiting the attack. 3d. The mixed
or unforeseen
battles, which occur between two armies meeting on the
march.
794. When an army awaits the attack, it
takes its position and forms
its line of battle according to the nature of the ground, and the
supposed character and strength of the enemy's forces. When some
important position is to be protected by an army, such as when a siege
is to be covered, a capital to be protected, depots of supplies
guarded, or some point important to the operations of the campaign is
to be held, such battles are usually given.
795. The first condition to be satisfied
by a position is, that the
openings shall be more favorable for falling on the enemy when he has
approached to the desired point, than those which he can have for
attacking our line. Second, the artillery should be so posted as to
command all the avenues by which the enemy can approach. Third, we
should, if possible, have good ground upon which to manoeuvre our
troops unseen by the enemy. Fourth, we should have a full view of the
enemy as he advances to the attack. Fifth, the flanks of our line
should be well protected by natural or artificial obstacles. Sixth, we
should have the means for effecting a retreat in the event of a defeat,
without exposing the army to destruction.
BATTLES. 687
It is seldom that all these conditions
can be satisfied at the same
time; sometimes the very means of satisfying one may be in violation of
another. A river, a forest, or a mountain, which secures the flank of
an army, may become an obstacle to a retreat; again, the position may
be difficult of attack in front, or on the wings, and at the same time
unfavorable for retreat.
We may sometimes be obliged to make the
attack at all hazards, to
prevent the junction of two of the enemy's corps to cut off forces that
are separated from the main body by a river, etc. As a general rule,
the attacking force has a moral superiority over the defensive, but
this advantage is frequently counterbalanced by other conditions.
796. When we are acting on the offensive, the main thing is to seize
upon the decisive point of the field. This point is determined by the
configuration of the ground, the position of the contending forces, the
object to be attained by the battle; or by a combination of these.
797. It frequently happens that battles
result from the meeting of
armies in motion, both parties acting on the offensive. Indeed, an army
that is acting on the defensive may, on the approach of the enemy,
advance to meet him while on the march. Battles of this kind may
partake of the mixed character of offensive and defensive actions, or
they may be in the nature of a surprise to both armies.
798. An order of
battle is
the particular disposition given to the
troops for a determined manoeuvre on the field of battle. A line of
battle is the general name applied to troops drawn up in their usual
order, without any determined maneouvre; it may apply to defensive
positions or to offensive operations, where no particular object has
been decided on. Military writers lay down twelve orders of battle,
viz. :
1st. The simple parallel order, in which
the two armies occupy parallel
lines. This is regarded as the worst possible position for a battle,
for the two parties here fight with equal chances, and the combat must
continue until accident, superior numbers, or mere physical strength
decides the day; skill can have but little influence in such a contest.
2d. The parallel order with a crotchet,
in which one of the wings
688 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
is thrown forward or back, giving the line this form. This order is
sometimes used in a defensive position, and in the offensive with the
crotchet thrown forward. Wellington, at Waterloo, formed the parallel
order with the retired crotchet on the right flank.
3d. The parallel order reinforced on one
or both wings. This order may
in certain cases secure the victory, but it has many objections. The
weak part of the line is too near the enemy, and may, notwithstanding
the efforts of the general to the contrary, become engaged, and run the
risk of defeat, thereby counterbalancing the advantages gained by
having a strong point. Neither will the reinforced part of the line be
able to profit by any success it may gain, and take the enemy's line in
flank and rear, without endangering its connection with the rest of the
line.
4th. The parallel order reinforced on
the centre. The same objections are applicable to this as to the last.
5th. The simple oblique order, in which
the two lines are oblique to each other.
6th. The oblique order reinforced on the
assailing wing. This is suited
to an inferior army attacking a superior, for it enables the general to
carry the mass of his force on a single point of the enemy's line,
while the weaker wing is out of reach of immediate attack, and holds
the remainder of the enemy's line in check by acting as a reserve ready
to be concentrated on the favorable point as occasion may require.
7th. The perpendicular order on one or
both wings, in which the
attacking force occupies one or more lines perpendicular to the
defensive, and on one or both of its flanks. A battle may begin with
this order, but soon it must change to the oblique. An attack upon both
wings can only be made with safety, when the attacking force is vastly
superior.
8th. The concave order, in which the
army occupies a curve concave to
tbe enemy; in this order the wings are in advance of the centre. It may
be used with advantage in some cases and in particular localities.
9th. The convex order, in which the army
is disposed
in a curve convex to the enemy, the centre being thus thrown in advance
of
BATTLES. 689
the wings. This order is sometimes formed to cover a defile, to attack
a concave line, or to oppose an attack before or after the passage of a
river.
10th. The order by echelon on one or
both wings, in which the army is
arranged in echelon from right to left, or from
left to right. This
order on one wing may be frequently employed with advantage; but if it
be made on both wings, there is the same objection to its use as to the
perpendicular order on both wings.
11th. The order by echelon on the
centre, in which the centre is in the
advance, and the wings are disposed in echelon to the right and left.
This order may be employed with success against an army formed in a
thin or too extended line of battle, for then it would penetrate and
break the line.
The echelon order possesses many
advantages. The several corps
composing the army may manoeuvre separately, and, consequently, with
greater ease. Each echelon covers the flank of the one which precedes
it; and all may be combined to effect a given object, and extended
without weakening any part too much.
12th. The combined orders of attack in
columns on the centre and one
wing at the same time. This is better suited than either of the others
for attacking a strong line.
799. No general rule can be laid down as
to which of these orders of
battle should be employed, or whether either should be exclusively
followed throughout the battle. The question must be decided by the
general himself on the ground, where all the circumstances may be duly
considered. An order well suited to one position might be the worst
possible in another.
Whatever the plan adopted by the
attacking general, he should endeavor
to dislodge the enemy, by piercing or turning his line. If he can
conceal his real intentions and deceive the enemy respecting the true
point of attack, success will be more certain.
800. We will now discuss the particular
manner of arranging the troops
on the line of battle, or the manner of employing each arm, beginning
with the infantry, as this is the most
important.
Position and formation.
- On the field of battle, whether the object be to attack or defend,
the infantry is divided into three
690 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
bodies-an advanced-guard, the main body, and a reserve. Their relative
proportion will depend upon the total force, and the character of the
position occupied. The advanced-guard must be of sufficient strength to
hold the enemy in check, but at the same time, the main body, upon
which the brunt of the action should fall, must not be left of
insufficient force, by unnecessarily increasing the advanced-guard; and
the reserve should be strong enough to repair any disaster that may
befall the main body; or to profit by its success in accomplishing the
complete overthrow of the enemy.
These three bodies are separated from
each other by intervah which will
depend upon the nature of the ground. The advanced guard occupying the
front; the main body at a distance from 150 to 300 paces in its rear;
and the reserve at a like interval in rear of the main body. Where the
ground, for example, is undulating, and therefore favorable to masking
the troops from the enemy's fire, these intervals may, if requisite, be
reduced to 80 or 100 paces.
The troops composing these three bodies
will be formed either in
columns of battalions, or be deployed, according to the circumstances
under which they may be placed. For an attack, for evolution, or for
defence against cavalry, the formations of columns of battalions is
best. To repel the enemy's attack by a fire, and in some cases, to
present a less favorable mark to his artillery, the battalions are
deployed. The battalions, whether deployed or in column, preserve the
proper intervals for evolutions; these intervals may be increased in
obstructed ground without weakening the defence.
The battalions composing the main body
may be drawn up in one or two
lines. The latter usually obtains only when a large force is present.
In this case the reserve no longer holds the position of a third line,
as in the other; but forms an independent body, to be used according to
the emergency, the second line supporting the battalions of the first,
and, for this purpose, occupying positions to the rear opposite to
their intervals.
801. Defence. - When the position is taken
up to receive the enemy's
attack, and there either to remain on the defensive, or to assume the
offensive, as circumstances may justify, the advanced.
BATTLES. 691
guard will be posted on the ground most favorable to hold the enemy in
check, and so force him, by disputing it with tenacity, to develop his
means and plans. This is best done by a judicious combat of
skirmishers, who, for this purpose, are thrown forward 300 or 400 paces
to feel the enemy, and are only reinforced when closely pressed.
Whether the advanced-guard shall
maintain its ground obstinately until
reinforced by the main body, or whether it shall fall back, either on
the flanks or to the rear of the main body, must be determined by the
strength of the position. If this be so strong that the enemy's loss in
carrying it must be great, then it should be pertinaciously maintained;
in the contrary case it must, after a suitable show of resistance, be
abandoned.
As a general rule, troops should be
placed as much out of view as
practicable, before they go into action, by taking advantage of covers
offered by the ground. The main body should be kept masked in this way
until it is called to engage the enemy. If it advance to support the
advanced-guard, it will usually attack with the bayonet; if the
advanced-guard is called in, the main body will usually receive the
enemy by its fire; the battalions being deployed for this purpose. If
the enemy is staggered by this fire, or, in advancing, shows, by the
wavering or confusion of his line, a want of confidence, the fire may
be followed up either by a charge of the troops in line, or they may be
formed in columns of attack before charging, if the enemy perseveres in
his onward movement. A charge by a column, when the enemy is within 50
paces, will prove effective, if resolutely made.
The reserve is composed of the most
reliable troops. It should be
distinguished for cool courage; acting under all circumstances, either
defensive or offensive, with circumspection and determined resolution.
As the object of the reserve is to
infuse greater energy into the
action of the main body, and, if necessary, to strike a last and
decisive blow; it should be kept masked from the enemy's fire and view
until called into action. The proper moment for engaging the reserve is
either when the enemy has been shaken in his attack by
692 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
the resistance offered by the main body, or when the latter is unable
farther to resist the enemy's efforts. If engaged too soon, the
resistance offered to the reserve may prevent its making a decisive
blow; if not engaged in time, the main body may be too far exhausted
and disorganized to rally.
In cases where the reserve forms a
second line, to support the main
body, it should approach the first line when it becomes engaged, to be
ready to replace it when circumstances may render it necessary. The
advanced-guard, in such cases, should retire to the rear, to act as a
reserve.
802. Attack - In the attack of infantry,
the same fundamental
dispositions are made as for the defensive. The advanced-guard will not
throw forward its skirmishers until they are near enough to engage the
enemy. The line of skirmishers should be strongly supported, and will
press the enemy with vigor and without relaxation. If the force engaged
be small, the main body will regulate its movements by those of the
line of skirmishers; if considerable, the reverse will obtain.
The main body and reserve follow the
advanced-guard in column,
preserving the requisite intervals. The columns should take every
advantage of the ground to mask their movements; getting rapidly over
any where they are much exposed to fire. So soon as the advanced-guard
is checked, it will fall back either on the flanks of the columns, or
to the rear; and the main body will be immediately brought into action,
either by deploying and opening its fire, or by a vigorous charge with
the bayonet. If the main body falters in its attack, or gives any signs
of want of resolution, the reserve should advance at once through the
intervals, and make a vigorous charge with the bayonet.
If the attack by the main body is made
with the bayonet, the interval
between it and the columns of the reserve may be lessened to 80 or 100
paces. The flanks of the columns of attack, and the intervals between
them, should be occupied by skirmishers. This is an important
precaution; as, by forcing the enemy to deliver his fire before the
columns have reached within a destructive range, the main obstacle to
their onward movement will be removed.
BATTLES. 693
803. Pursuit. - If the assailed retires, the
pursuit may be conducted
with system and in good order. The line nearest the enemy will throw
forward a few troops in pursuit; which, in most cases, will be preceded
by skirmishers. The line in close order will follow these troops until
it attains a good position to receive the enemy, should he make an
offensive movement, when it will be halted and formed in readiness for
action. A pursuit by infantry alone cannot be pushed far, even should
the enemy retire without any order, or show of resistance, as the
retreating force will soon distance their pursuers.
804. Retreat.- When, either in the
defensive, or offensive, it becomes
necessary to retire, the first point to be attended to is to withdraw
the troops engaged; either to a good position to their rear, where they
can halt and face the enemy, or else behind the line in their rear,
which should hold the assailants in check, and allow the retreating
troops to fall back in good order. Having fairly got disengaged,
dispositions must be promptly made to withdraw from the field. This may
be done by the entire force moving off together, if the enemy shows no
disposition to follow up his success with energy; or, in the contrary
case, by retiring by successive portions; the line which withdraws
falling some 150 paces by the rear of the one by which it is covered,
whilst falling back, and then forming, to cover in turn the retreat of
the latter.
The dispositions made in the retreat
will depend entirely upon the
character of the enemy's pursuit, and the features of the ground. It
will usually be made in columns, covered by skirmishers, if the pursuit
is made by infantry alone; if by cavalry, the retreat must be made with
great circumspection; the troops retiring slowly and in good order,
adopting the formation against cavalry; never hastening the march,
unless near a good position for defence, which should be attained as
rapidly as possible, unless closely pressed by the cavalry.
If it be necessary to continue the
retreat for some marches, under the
eye of the enemy, a rear-guard must be formed; selecting from a fourth
to a third of the entire force, for this service. The main duty of the
rear-guard is to hinder the enemy from pressing too closely on the main
body; and it should therefore, under no circum-
694 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
stances, allow itself to be forced back upon the main body. The
dispositions adopted by the rear-guard will depend upon the features of
the ground; its rear will usually be covered by a line of skirmishers.
The rear-guard will keep within good supporting distance of the main
body; and, when pressed by the enemy, the latter, whenever a favorable
position offers, will halt and form; to cover the former, and force the
enemy to greater circumspection.
805. Measures
for protracting an engagement.-In the attack, as in the
defence, it may frequently become an object to protract an engagement,
without coming to any decisive result; either for the purpose of
holding a position for a certain time, to favor other objects, as the
arrival of reinforcements; or to occupy an adversary upon one point,
whilst a decisive blow is preparing on another. This game can be played
only upon ground favorable to alterations from the defensive to the
offensive; and should only be intrusted to troops thoroughly conversant
with the duties of skirmishers. The main body is kept some two thousand
paces to the rear of the skirmishers in such affairs; taking advantage
of the ground, and making suitable dispositions of the troops to avoid
the effects of the enemy's artillery. Small columns are thrown forward
between itself and the troops engaged, which take post in covered
ground, to be on hand to support the skirmishers. The troops engaged
should be promptly reinforced, when the enemy presses onward; and
attempts should be made, by charging him in flank, to force him to
retire. The troops in action should be frequently relieved, and the
opportunity should be seized, when the fresh troops come up, to make an
onward movement on the enemy, and force him from any points he may have
gained.
806. Defence
against cavalry.--
When infantry is threatened by cavalry,
the proper formation to repel its charge, is that of squares. If but
one square is formed, it must rely on its own resources to beat off the
enemy; but when there are several they may give mutual support, by
bringing a flank fire from one upon a force advancing or either of the
two contiguous to it. The safety of infantry against cavalry, will
depend upon the preservation of perfect coolness, good order, and
connection in the ranks; the avoidance of any precipitate movements
which might bring about a surprise; and
BATTLES. 695
the husbanding of its ammunition, and reservation of its fire until the
enemy is within a deadly range. Well-disciplined infantry, whilst in
position, and when not exposed to a fire of artillery, may securely
trust to its own resources to repulse the best cavalry, so long as it
adopts the proper precautions. If annoyed, as sometimes may happen, by
the fire of a few horsemen, advanced to draw the fire of the squares,
it will be better to throw out some skirmishers, ten or twelve paces
from the squares, to keep off such attacks, than to open a fire from
the squares.
807. Defence,
etc., against artillery. -- Infantry may take
advantage,
either of covers presented by the features of the ground, or of
occasionally shifting its position, to avoid the fire of artillery.
Very slight undulations, obstructions, like the low banks along the
borders of ditches, will serve to cover troops, by causing the shot to
rise above them. If no covers are at hand, the chances of casualties,
when within point-blank range, may be diminished by moving forward, or
backward, some fifty paces; if the fire be a ricochet, the position
should be shifted some fifty paces to the right or left. The enemy's
batteries may be annoyed, and sometimes be forced to change their
position, by sending out good marksmen, who advance singly to within
some 250 paces of them j when, lying down, they can pick off the
officers, men and horses.
808. Attack of
artillery
- Whenever it is found necessary to carry a
battery by the bayonet, the troops for this duty are divided into two
detachments; one of which is charged with capturing the guns, and the
other with attacking the supports of the battery.
The dispositions made by the detachment
which moves against the guns
will be the usual one of skirmishers; the line surrounding the battery,
and opening their fire upon it when within about 250 paces, taking
advantage for this purpose of any covers, to screen the men. The
supports of the line of skirmishers should be kept well to the rear, to
be ready against a flank movement on the line. If this manoeuvre
succeeds in drawing the fire of the guns, and any confusion is observed
among the men, then a rush must be made immediately upon them with the
bayonet.
The detachment against the supports of
the battery will make its
696 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA..
dispositions according to the kind of troops which compose the
supports. If of infantry, the detachment to seize the guns, divided
into two portions, will advance either in line or column, as may be
best, on the flanks of the line of skirmishers; gradually getting in
advance of it, and closing on the flanks of the battery, so as to
attack the supports in flank; or else they may keep to the rear of the
line of skirmishers, in order to tempt the supports to move forward,
and thus mask the fire of their guns. If the supports are of cavalry,
the detachment, divided into two columns, will follow the line of
skirmishers, in rear of the flanks, to cover it against a charge of
cavalry.
CAVALRY.
809. Position. - This arm is usually placed
in the real' of the
infantry, on ground favorable to its manoeuvres, and where it will be
masked from fire until the moment arrives to bring it into action;
here, if acting on the defensive, the cavalry watches its opportunity
to support the other troops, driving back the enemy, by prompt and
vigorous charges, when these are hard pressed; or, if on the offensive,
biding its time, to rush upon the assailant, and complete his
destruction; when his ranks commence to waver, or show signs of
disorganization from the assaults of the other arms.
Formation.-The
habitual formation of cavalry for the attack is a line
of two ranks, with a reserve or support in rear. The supports are
indispensably requisite to guard against those chances of danger to
which cavalry is particularly exposed, if attacked in turn, when in a
state of partial disorganization, after a successful charge; or when
threatened by an offensive movement against its flanks. The supports
offer a safeguard against either of these dangers; for, if the front
line is brought up by the enemy, after a successful charge, it can
retire and rally in rear of the supports; and if the enemy makes a
movement against the flanks, the supports, placed behind them and in
column, can form and anticipate the enemy's charge. For the foregoing
reasons, cavalry should not give way to a headlong pursuit after a
successful charge, unless its supports are at hand; and, in cases where
a charge is made without supports, a
BATTLES. 697
portion only should engage in pursuit, the rest being rallied to form a
support.
Cavalry is 8eldom called on to use
fire-arms. When on outpost service,
or acting on the defensive on ground unfavorable to charging, a portion
of the force may be dispersed as flankers, to hold the enemy in check
by their fire. In this case their movements are regulated in the same
way as other skirmishers.
810. Defences. -- The defensive qualities of
cavalry lie in the
offensive. A body of cavalry which waits to receive a charge of
cavalry, or is exposed to a fire of infantry, or artillery, must either
retire, or be destroyed. This essential quality of cavalry renders its
service invaluable in retreats when the enemy pursues with vigor. In
such cases it should be held in constant readiness to take advantage of
every spot favorable to its action; and by short and energetic charges,
force the enemy to move with circumspection.
811. Attack
against infantry.
- So long as infantry maintains its
position firmly, particularly if the ground is at all unfavorable to
the movements of cavalry, the chances are against a successful attack
by the latter. Cavalry should therefore wait patiently until a way is
prepared for its action, by the fire of artillery on the enemy's
infantry; or until the infantry has become crippled and exhausted by
being kept in action for some time; or else, watching its opportunity,
make a charge whilst the infantry is in motion, so as to surprise it
before it can form to receive the attack.
Cavalry should direct its charge on that
point of the enemy's infantry
where it will itself be exposed to the least column of fire. If the
infantry is in line, the charge should be made on one of its flanks; if
in square, on one of the angles of the square; and when several squares
are formed, so as to afford mutual support by their fire, selecting the
squares on the flanks as most vulnerable, from their position.
The formation usually recommended for
charging against squares, is that
of three squadrons in line at double distance; the leading squadron
being followed by the others, either directly in its rear; or else the
squadrons may be formed in echelon, successively overlapping each
other, by about the front of a platoon. The angle of
698 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
the square is charged by each squadron in succession, if the charge of
the one preceding it fails; the repulsed squadrons each wheeling to the
right or left, on retiring; to leave the way clear for its successor. A
fourth squadron in column follows those in line, to surround the
square, and make prisoners if it should be broken by the charge.
To draw the fire of the infantry before
charging, a few skilful
flankers may be thrown forward, to open a fire on the square. Stratagem
may also be tried, by moving along the front of the infantry, at some
400 paces, and then charging, if it is attempted to throwaway its fire
at this distance. In an attack where several squares are in line, if
one fires to second another it should instantly be changed.
812. Attack
against artillery.
- In attacks against artillery, the
detachment of cavalry should be divided into three bodies; one fourth
of the detachment being charged with carrying the guns; one-half to
attack the supports of the battery; and the remaining fourth acting as
a reserve, to cover the parties in advance, from an offensive movement
against their flanks or rear.
The party to secure the guns make their
attack in dispersed order, and
endeavor to gain the flanks of the battery. When the battery has a fair
sweep over the ground along which they must advance, they should by
manoeuvring and false attacks, try to confuse the artillerists, and
draw their fire before making their charge.
The attack against the support of the
battery will
be directed in the usual manner, the party manoeuvring to gain their
flanks.
ARTILLERY.
813. Position.-The manner of placing
artillery and its employment must
be regulated by its relative importance under given circumstances, with
respect to the action of other arms. In the defensive, the principal
part is usually assigned to the artillery; and the positions taken up
by the other arms will, therefore, be subordinate to those of this arm.
In offensive movements the reverse generally obtains.
814. Defence.-In defensive positions the
security of the batteries is
of the most importance. Unless the batteries are on points which
BATTLES. 699
are inaccessible to the enemy's cavalry and infantry, they must be
placed under the protection of the other troops, and be outflanked by
them.
As in the defensive we should be
prepared to receive the enemy on every
point, the batteries must be distributed along the entire front of the
position occupied, and on those points from which they can obtain a
good sweep over the avenues of approach to it; the guns being masked,
when the ground favors, from the enemy's view, until the proper moment
arrives for opening their fire.
The distance the batteries
should not be much over 600 paces, so
that by their fire they may cover well the ground intervening between
them, and afford mutual support; the light guns being placed on the
more salient points of the front, from their shorter range and greater
facility of manoeuvring; the heavier guns on the more retired points.
Guns of various calibre should not be placed in the same battery. A
sufficient interval should also be left between batteries of different
calibre, to prevent the enemy from judging, by the variations in the
effect of the shot, of the weight of metal of the batteries.
Those positions for batteries should be
avoided from which the shot
must pass over other troops to attain the enemy. And those should be
sought for from which a fire can be maintained until the enemy has
approached even within good musket-range of them.
When the
wings of a position are
weak, batteries of the heaviest calibre should be placed to secure
them.
A sufficient number of pieces-selecting for the object in view horse
artillery in preference to any other-should be held in reserve for a
moment of need, to be thrown upon a point where the enemy's progress
threatens danger, or to be used in covering the retreat.
The collection of a large number of
pieces in a single battery is a
dangerous arrangement, particularly at the outset of an engagement. The
exposure of so many guns together might present a strong inducement to
the enemy to make an effort to carry the battery; a feat the more
likely to succeed, as it is difficult either to withdraw the guns or
change their position promptly, after their fire is opened; and one
which, if successful, might entail a fatal disaster on the assailed,
from the loss of so many pieces at once.
700 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
In all defensive dispositions the ammunition should be most carefully
husbanded. A fire should not be opened until the enemy is within good
range, and, when once opened, be continued with perseverance and
coolness up to the last moment in which it can be made effective.
815. Attack -In the outset of offensive
movements, good positions
should be selected for the heaviest pieces, from which they can
maintain a strong fire on the enemy until the lighter pieces and the
columns of attack are brought into action. These positions should be
taken on the flanks of the ground occupied by the assailant, or on the
centre, if more favorable to the end to be attained. In all cases, wide
intervals should be left between the heavy batteries and the other
troops, in order that the latter may not suffer from the return fire
which the assailed will probably open on the batteries. For the same
reason, care should be taken not to place other troops behind the point
occupied by a battery, where they could be exposed to the return fire
of the assailed; when this cannot be avoided, the troops should be so
placed as to be covered by any undulation of the ground, or else be
deployed in time to lessen the effects of the shot.
The artillery which moves with the
column of attack, should be divided
into several strong batteries, as the object in this case is to produce
a decisive impression upon a few points of the enemy's line, by
bringing an overwhelming fire to bear upon these points. These
batteries should keep near enough to the other troops to be in safety
from any attempts of the assailed to capture them. Their usual
positions will be on the flanks, and near the heads of the columns of
attack; the intervals between the batteries being sufficient for the
fire manoeuvres of the other troops, in large bodies. The manoeuvres of
these batteries should be made with promptitude, so that no time may be
lost for the action of their fire. They should get rapidly over
unfavorable ground to good positions for firing, and maintain these as
long as possible; detaching, in such cases, a few pieces to accompany
the column of attack. In all the movements of the batteries, great care
should be taken not to place them so that. they shall in the least
impede the operations of the other troops.
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