To deploy in line to the front from a close column of squadrons for en attack, suppose on the second squadron ; all the squadrons except this break into divisions by threes, as it is called ( that is into divisions consisting of three horses in each of the two lines); the divisions of the first squadron Wheel a quarter circle to the right, and march in that order till they get beyond the squadron on which the line is to be formed ; the third and fourth squadrons also break into divisions in like manner, wheeling to the left, and march ing till they get opposite their respective places in the intended line, which is supposed to be in front of the ground occupied by the first aqua& on, and into this line all the squadrons now march. But if the line be required to be formed on the rear of the regi ment when in retreat, for the purpose of defence, suppose on the fourth squadron, this Squadron must then change its front by a counter-march, the others break into divisions, wheel a quarter circle, and march to the left till they come opposite their proper Oaces ht the intended alignemeut, into which they then march as before.
The evolutions are made as above stated when the regiment is in column with its right in front ; but it is easy to apply the precepts to the contrary case.
The reason why the squadrons are made to break into divisions by threes is that, since the breadth of three homes is about equal to the length of one, each division of three can wheel within a space equal to that which it occupies in line : the practice however has been objected to on account of the extension of the files which is pro duced when marching in this order. Movement, by the usual divi sions or sub-divisions have been preferred on this account, but the former method prevails.
Erolutions of an A riny.—The general principles upon which the evolutions of armies, divisions, or brigades are performed, correspond nearly to those of single battalions. When a whole line has to advance parallel to itself, one of the battalions is considered as the regulator, and all the others should conform to its movements. The conitnander of this battalion must therefore devote his whole attention to the preservation of the direction which has been indicated by the general, commanding the army, while the flank officers of the other battalions must endeavour to preserve the regularity of their own battalions by the line of the colours.
Columns of route or manoeuvre are formed of any number of battalions, each in column of companies or of sub-divisions, in rear of one another : it is then termed a mass of columns ; and if the columns are at close order, the interval between every two battalions is only six paces, or the same at if all the troops were drawn up in line. If
the distances of the companies are equal to one quarter of the length of their front, the intervals between the battalions are twelve paces; but when the columns are at open order, the intervals of the battalions should be equal to the breadth of the column, together with the six paces which should be the intervals between the battalions in line. Such columns as the last can instantly be thrown into line to a flank by each company making simply a wheel on its proper pivot. When a mass of columns is required to form into what is called a line of columns, the heads of all the columns must be placed in one aligne ment, but the distances of the several columns from one another in the direction of the line may, according to circumstances, be of any extent, from mix paces (in which case the columns are said to be contiguous), to the proper distance for deployment, that is, a distance equal to the length of a column.
A column whose divisions are either at quarter distance from each other, or in close order, can always wheel into a line of columns, bacause each battalion, in performing the wheel, leaves room for the wheel of that which is in its rear ; but a line of contiguous columns, when the depth of each battalion exceeds the extent of its front, cannot for want of room be wheeled into a single column. When such a inaineurre becomes necessary, the line of columns must open out to the right or left far enough to allow the wheel to be performed. When a line of columns is required to be changed into one column, for the purpose of performing a march towards either flank, the most con venient disposition would be that in which all the columns in the line stand with their right wings in front, if it is intended that the march should be towards the right ; and the contrary, if it is to be towards the left, for then a simple wheel to the front brings the divisions into the alignement in their proper order.
When a column is on a march, the baggage should be in the rear ; or if, on any account, it is placed within the line, it should be, together with the artillery which accompanies the column, in the intervals between brigades, and never between the battalions of a brigade. The preservation of the original extent of a column in front is of im portance, and defiling, in order to pass an obstacle, should be avoided if possible, on account of the loss of time which it occasions ; in fact, it will frequently happen that, on arriving at a stream, a ditch, or a bank, the obstacle will be more conveniently passed by extending than by contracting the front.