But troops do not always make a full wheel, i. e. of 90°, in many instances, as in fig. where an oblique position, D, is to be taken, the whole line, F, wheels by small divisions, only an octavo, i. e, the eighth of the circle, corresponding with 45°, and thus show a succession of fronts, like the teeth of a saw, all parallel to the new position of 45°. This is called echelon (a French term, signifying the steps of a ladder). Where the angle of the new position is more or less acute than 45°, the wheel may be made to cor respond nearly therewith ; so that, when the different divisions march to their se-. veral places in the new line, they may move fully to their fronts, and come up square into their places. Where the ground is bad, and that file marching is necessary, the line may wheel to the right in echelon, to the requisite angle, to point the left flanks of the divisions to their proper situations in the new line, P. When the right or left flank of a corps is the pivot for the new direction, it be comes a point crappies', and the division nearest thereto is arranged properly upon the new line, where it remains as a guide for the others, which, arriving in suc cession, prolong the new front. The echelon movements may be considered pe culiarly safe, at the same time that they are rapid and regular ; the line may be formed instantly, provided the leaders of the several divisions preserve their appro. priate distances.
It is to be remarked, that echelon movements may be made in any direction, whether to front or rear ; the divisions wheeling tp front or rear accordingly ; thus, in fig. 13, which represents a change of from G to H, as the new direction runs through the old one, those divisions which are to be in front wheel forward, while those which are to be in the rear of the first position, G, face abOut, and wheel towards the rear ; observing that the whole wheel the same way, i. e. to the right. The two companies nearest the line, H, may be previously posted there on to advantage; so as to be settled by the time the word is given for the others to march. When those of the rear have come to their places, they face about to the front, and dress. And here, it is ne cessary to remark, that the exterior flank of every company, after 'being settled in its post, becomes the point d'appui for the next which is to arrive, and to place itself on that flank ; but that the officer always looks from the point crappui towards some object, such as a banneret, or a staff offi cer, &c. fixed as a guide for the aligne ment at that point, which is to be on the flank, as at S Sin this example.
The column, which is one of the most frequent and important figures of the tac tic system, may be found in a variety of modes; the most ordinary is by wheeling, either wholly, or in echellon ; but it is oft en useful to form it by the march of divi sions in files towards their posts, as shown in fig. 14. When this is dune, three files (the leading ones) of each division turn towards their new stations, at which their several pivot-men are ready placed ; the whole, when ordered, march towards those men, and when the division, on which the column forms, is duly covered, each company, in succession, fronts in conformity with that division.
This figure shows a battalion, &c. form. ing upon its sixth company, the left in front ; to effect this, the five divisions, on the right, file from their left flanks, and proceed to place themselves behind the sixth company ; while the two companies of the left file from their right flanks, to wards the front, and cover. Our readers will perceive, that this is on the same principle as the change of front already described ; in fact, the formation of a co lumn is tantamount thereto ; it being ob vious, that the one unavoidably prepares for the other. In this we suppose the operation to be done in a proper manner ; for a column may be easily formed, hay. ing its flanks reversed, so that, when or dered to wheel up into line, the flanks of companies will all be misplaced ; this is called, "clubbing a battalion," meaning that it is thrown into a state of confusion, The column may, with great advantage, be formed from the centre of a battalion, the colours moving forward, supported by the two adjunct companies, the residue of each wing facing inwards, and follow ing its respective leading company. Thus the whole will exhibit a. column of grand divisions, each of whiCh is formed of a company from either wing: When the column is to be of only -one company in width, the reserve leads off with the co lours, and the companies of either wing follow alternately ; in this manner the tea companies will all be separated.'To form the line from such a column, it is usual either to face the whole outward,' except ing the leading division, and causing each' to move out direct to the direct parallel of its place it line, order them respective ly to front, and move up in succession or upon the whole facing outward, they may be led by files to their several sta tions. When the column is in narrow hounds, from which it cannot deploy (or; unfold) in either of the above modes, the centre must halt, or step short, while the • several divisions' close up thereto, and., then wheel, or face, to the right and left, according to the wings 'they may belong' to, and countermarch along the rear until they arrive opposite to theig respective stations in line. Fig. 15, shows the de ploy from a column of grand 'divisions ; the companies of the right wing proceed ing 'straight forward to their parallels ; the companies of the left wing leading by files into line. Fig. 16, thows a column of companies alternately from the right and left wings ; the right wing making a half wheel into echellon of whole compa nies, which as they arrive at the paint d'appui dress up into line ; the coMpanies of the left wing not having space for de-.• ploying, move up nearly to the rear of the centre, the left, eountermarbh along the rear of those divisions which pre cede them respectively, and arriving at the pant d'appui, wheel to the right into line.