SIGNALS, in military actions. In former times large pieces of wood were hung above the towers of cities or castles, which, by being drawn up or lowered, gave intelligence of what passed. This method has been succeeded by the in vention of telegraphs, which answer every purpose of communication, when they can be established through any extent of country. Besides those signals, there are others which may be called vocal and demi-vocal. The vocal signals are those of the human voice, which consist in the necessary precautions that are adopted to prevent a guard or post from being sur prised, to enounce words of command in action, &c. Of the first description are paroles and counter-signs which are ex changed between those to whom they are entrusted, and which are frequently altered during the day and night, to pre vent the enemy from receiving any infor mation by means of spies. The demi vocal signals are conveyed by military in. struments ; the different soundings of which indicate, instantaneously, whether an army is to halt or advance, whether troops are to continue in the pursuit of an enemy, or to retreat.
The demi-vocal signals, directed to be observed in the British service, as far as regards the manceuvring of corps, &c. consist of signals for the government of light infantry, and'of cavalry regiments, squadrons or troops : the latter are pro perly called soundings. Light infantry sig. nals are to give notice to advance, to re treat:, to halt, to cease firing, to assemble, or call in all parties. In the regulations printed by authority it is observed, that these signals are to be always considered as fixed and determined ones, and are ne ver to be changed. The bugle horn of each company is to make himself perfect master of them. All signals are to be re peated ; and all those signals, which are made from the line or column, are to con vey the intention of the commanding offi cer of the line to the officer commanding the light infantry, who will communicate them to the several companies or detach. ments, either by word or signal.