Z§8 SERVICE OF AR'f'fL ERE V

apprehension of being attacked on the march, a brigade orartillery inarches at the head of each column preceded bythe van-guard of the column. Accordingly as the groundon the flanks is open or strong, they are covered by columnsof infantry or cavalry.

In a retrograde movement towards Q_, the camp-colour-rnen and new camp guard march first; then the artillery andbaggage followed by the army, disposed in as many columnsas possible, in order to shorten the line of march: each hasit’s rear-guard. In an open country, the light cavalry formsthe rear-guard of the army ; and in strong close countries,the infantry. When a movement is made by either flank,there are generally as many columns as the army was en-camped in lines : the column of artillery and baggage marcheson a high road behind the rear line, and is escorted by astrong detachment. The light troops march between thefirst line and the enemy, to give timely notice of their ap-proach. In this manœuvre, if the first line march along ahigh road, and the artillery be disposed according to theorder, of battle, the guns ssiould follow each other in file,and the tumbrils form a second line parallel to them, whenthe breadth of the road admits of it; but in narrow roads,they ssiould follow the guns: if the enemy advance to attackthe army, the tumbrils ssiould be disposed in a second linebehind the guns, in order to be ready for action.

226. If the army in marching from the camp A towardsB must pass through a defile, and the enemy is posted onthe other side, the mouth of the defile ssiould be occupied bysome grenadiers and other chosen troops, with a few piecesof cannon ; under favour of which, the column on coming,out of the defile may deploy in order of battle.

When there is a necessity of crossing a river by a bridge,and the enemy is at hand to difpure the passage, several piecesof cannon ssiould be planted on the bank of the river to theright and left of the bridge, supported by some battalions,under cover of whose fire the army may cross the bridge,and form in order of battle on the other side. Intrenchmentsthrown up to protect the army in passing the bridge, ssiouldbe lined with cannon and mufquetry. Whenever the riveris so broad as to render the fire from the opposite bank ofno effect, an intrenchment should be thrown up, andembrace a large extent of ground; the better to ensure thesafety of the troops.