Austria, Empire of(Ger.Oesterreich, “eastern kingdom”). One of the most extensive and most populous of European kingdoms, comprising the southeast part of Central Europe and more than half the territory of the Danube. It is composed of a union of different states, some of them at one time forming independent kingdoms, inhabited by races of people differing from each other in descent, language, customs, laws, and religion, held together as one empire by being united under one sovereign and one central government. This territory, which was comprised in Noricum and part of Pannonia, was annexed to the Roman empire in 33, was overrun by Huns, Avars, etc., in the 5th and 6th centuries, and taken from them by Charlemagne, who united it to Germany as the “eastern kingdom,” 791-96. In 1156 the country was made a hereditary duchy by the emperor Frederick I., and in 1453 was raised to an archduchy. Rodolph, count of Hapsburg, elected emperor of Germany in 1273, acquired Austria in 1278, and from 1493 to 1804 his descendants were emperors of Germany. On August 11, 1804, Francis II. became hereditary emperor of Austria. Vienna, the capital, was entered by a French army November 14, 1805, and evacuated January 12, 1806, Austria losing Venice and the Tyrol by the treaty of Presburg. Francis renounced the title of emperor of Germany August 6, 1806. Vienna was again taken by the French May 13, 1809, but was restored at the peace, October 14 following. In 1848 Lombardy revolted, and Milan and other disaffected towns formed an alliance with Charles Albert, king of Sardinia, who then invaded the Austrian territory at the head of a large army, victory seeming for a time to favor the Italians. In the following year, however, both the insurgents and their Sardinian ally were repeatedly defeated by the Austrian forces under Marshal Radetzky, and Lombardy was again brought under the Austrian sway, but was ceded to Sardinia in 1859. Prussia and Italy declared war against Austria in 1866; but, through the intervention of Napoleon, peace was concluded the same year, Austria losing Venice and the Quadrilateral.
Authority.In a general acceptation of the term, signifies a right to command and a consequent right to be obeyed. For the appointment of officers of the U. S. army, seeAppointing Power. It appears that the sovereigns of Great Britain and other nations have the power to appoint and dismiss officers at pleasure.
Autocrat.A person vested with an absolute independent power, by which he is rendered unaccountable to any other for his actions. The power of the Athenian generals or commanders was usually limited, so that, at the expiration of their office, they were liable to render an account of their administration. But, on some extraordinary occasions, they were exempted from this restraint, and sent with a full and uncontrollable authority; in which sense they were styled autocrats. Somewhat similar was the Romandictator. This term is sometimes applied to the czar of Russia.
Automatic Fire.A mixture of combustibles used by the Greeks. It was exploded by the rays of the sun.
Autonomy.The power or right of self-government. This was a privilege jealously preserved in all the important cities of ancient Greece, nearly every one of which was an independent state. The right to make their own laws and elect their own magistrates was also granted by the Romans to some of their cities, and was regarded as a mark of honor.
Autun(anc.Bibracte, Augustodunum). A town in France, department of the Saöne-et-Loire. Here, in the year 21, two Roman legions under Silius gained a victory over Sacrovir, chief of the Ædui, who had assembled a considerable force to oppose Silius. The Germans besieged it in 355; captured by the Burgundians in 414; devastated by the Saracens in 731; burned by the Normans in 888 and 895. This city was besieged without success by Marshal d’Aumont in 1591. It was also the scene of hostile operations between Garibaldi and the Germans in the winter of 1870-71.
Auxerre.Chief town of the department of Yonne, France. It is supposed to be on the site of the ancientAutissiodorum, which was a flourishing town before the Roman invasion of Gaul. It successfully resisted the Huns under Attila, was taken from the Romans by Clovis, and after his death became a part of the kingdom of Burgundy. The English took it in 1359, but it was retaken by Du Guesclin. It was finally united to the kingdom of France by Louis XI. John, “Sans Peur,” duke of Burgundy (reigned from 1404-19), caused the assassination of Louis, duke of Orleans, in 1407, which gave rise to a civil war between the Burgundians and the dukes of Orleans and their allies, which was ended by the treaty of Auxerre, August 10, 1412.
Auxiliary.Foreign or subsidiary troops which are furnished to a belligerent power in consequence of a treaty of alliance, or for pecuniary considerations. Of the latter description may be considered the Hessians that were employed by Great Britain to enslave America.
Auxiliary War.SeeWar, Auxiliary.
Auximum(nowOsimo). A town in Italy, 9 miles from Ancona, which Belisarius (a great general of the Byzantine empire) captured from the Goths in 539.
Avallon(anc.Aballo). A town in the department of Yonne, France, which sustained a long siege and was dismantled during the reign of King Robert in the 10thcentury. It was sacked by the Saracens in 731, and by the Normans in 843; taken by Charles VII. in 1433, retaken by Philip the Good, duke of Burgundy, in 1455, and pillaged by the troops of the League in 1593.
Avant(Fr.). Foremost, most advanced towards the enemy; as,Avant-chemin couvert, the advanced covered way which is made at the foot of the glacis to oppose the approaches of an enemy.Avant-duc, the pile-work which is formed by a number of young trees on the edge or entrance of a river. They are driven into the ground with battering-rams or strong pieces of iron, to form a level floor by means of strong planks being nailed upon it, which serve for the foundation of a bridge. Boats are placed wherever theavant-ducterminates. Theavant-ducis had recourse to when the river is so broad that there are not boats sufficient to make a bridge across.Avant-ducsare made on each side of the river.Avant-fosse, the ditch of the counterscarp next to the country. It is dug at the foot of the glacis.Avant-garde, advance-guard.Avant-trains, the limbers of field-pieces on which are placed boxes containing ammunition enough for immediate service.
Avars.Barbarians who ravaged Pannonia and annoyed the Eastern empire in the 6th and 7th centuries; subdued by Charlemagne about 799, after an eight years’ war.
Avein, orAvaine. A village in Luxembourg, where, on May 20, 1635, the French and Dutch, under Marshals de Chatillon and de Brere, defeated the Spaniards under Prince Thomas of Savoy. The prince lost 4000 men killed and wounded, 900 prisoners, and 14 pieces of cannon.
Aventaile.The movable part of a helmet.
Averysborough.A village of North Carolina, on Cape Fear River, about 40 miles south of Raleigh. During Gen. Sherman’s South Carolina campaign, in 1865, this place was the scene of an engagement between his forces and about 20,000 Confederates under Gen. Hardee, who were intrenched in a swampy neck between Cape Fear and South Rivers in order to check Sherman’s progress, and gain time for the concentration of Gen. Johnston’s forces in the rear at Raleigh, Smithfleld, or Goldsboro’. The position of the Confederates was a strong one to carry by reason of the nature of the ground, which was very soft; but after four hours’ fighting they were driven back to a second line better and more strongly held, losing 3 guns and 217 prisoners. Here the fighting was continued until late in the afternoon, when the entire Federal line advanced and drove the Confederates within their intrenchments, pressing them so hard that during the night of March 16, which was stormy, they retreated towards Smithfield. The Union loss was 12 officers and 65 men killed and 477 wounded.
Avesnes.A city in the department of the North, France; ruptured by Louis XI.; recaptured by the Spaniards in 1559; returned to France in 1659; occupied by the Russians in 1814, and by the Prussians in 1815.
Avesnes le Sec, Battle of.The French were defeated by the Austrians in this battle, September, 1793.
Avigliana.A city in Italy where the French defeated the Piedmontese in 1630.
Avignon.A city in Southeastern France; besieged and captured by Louis VIII. of France in 1226; ceded by Philip III. to the pope in 1273. The papal seat was removed by Clement V. to Avignon in 1309. In 1348, Clement VI. purchased the sovereignty from Jane, countess of Provence and queen of Naples. In 1408 the French, wearied of the schism, expelled Benedict XIII., and Avignon ceased to be the seat of papacy. Here were held nine councils (1080-1457). This city was seized and restored several times by the French kings; the last time in 1773. It was claimed by the National Assembly, 1791, and was confirmed to France by the congress of sovereigns in 1815. In October, 1791, horrible massacres took place here.
Avis, orAviz. An order of knighthood in Portugal, instituted by Sancho, the first king of Portugal, in imitation of the order of Calatrava, and having, like it, for its object the subjugation of the Moors. The king of Portugal is grand-master of the order.
Avranches(anc.Abrancæ). A city in the department of La Manche, France. It was a place of importance during the Roman period. Charlemagne fortified it, but it was taken by the Normans in 865. It was captured by Geoffrey Plantagenet in 1141; by Guy de Thouars in 1203; by the English in 1418; by the Calvinists in 1562; besieged by the royal troops in 1591.
Award.A judgment, the result of arbitration. In a military sense, the decision or sentence of a court-martial. To award medals of honor.
Awkward Squad.SeeSquad.
Axel.A town in the province of Zealand, Holland; captured by escalade from the Spaniards August 20, 1586, by Prince Maurice of Saxony, who was then but twenty years of age; captured by assault on May 16, 1747, by Marshal Maurice de Saxe.
Axis.A straight line, real or imaginary, about which a body revolves is called the axis of rotation. In gunnery, the axis of the piece is the central line of the bore of the gun.
Axum, orAxoum. A town in Abyssinia, said to have been the capital of a kingdom whose people were converted to Christianity by Frumentius, in the 4th century, and to have been the allies of Justinian, 533; captured and burned by the Arabs in 1532.
Aya-Bassi, orBachi. A non-commissioned grade in the corps of janissaries, corresponding to that of corporal in modern armies.
Ayacucho.A city in Peru; here the Peruviansfinally gained their independence by defeating the Spaniards, December 9, 1824. The Spaniards lost 6 generals killed, and General Lascerna wounded and taken prisoner; 700 men under Canterac and Valdez, who tried to escape, were forced to surrender.
Aylesbury.A town in Buckinghamshire, England; was reduced by the West Saxons in 571. St. O’Syth, beheaded by the pagans in Essex, was buried there, 600. William the Conqueror invested his favorites with some of its lands, under the tenure of providing straw for his bed-chambers, three eels for his use in winter, and in summer, straw, rushes, and two green geese, thrice every year.
Aylesford.A town in Kent, England; here, it is said, the Britons were victorious over the Saxon invaders, 455, and Horsa was killed.
Azaine(Fr.). A name formerly applied to a trumpet in the French army.
Azapes.Auxiliary troops which were levied by the Turks among the Christians (under their dominion), whom they exposed to the first attack of the enemy.
Azay-le-Rideau.A small town in the department of Indre-et-Loire, France, formerly fortified; it sustained several sieges during the reign of Charles VI.
Azaz.A fortress which was situated between Aleppo and Antioch; captured by the Saracens in 688B.C.
Azmooz.A village in Switzerland, where the French under Massena defeated the Austrians and took 3000 prisoners.
Azoe, orAzov. A town in Russia in Europe, captured by Tamerlane in 1392, by the Turks in 1471, by the Russians in 1696; returned to the Turks in 1711; ceded to Russia in 1774. It was bombarded and destroyed by an allied English and French squadron in 1855.
Azof, Sea of.ThePalus Mæotisof the ancients, communicates by the Strait of Yenikale, or Kertch (the Bosphorus Cimmerius), with the Black Sea, and is entirely surrounded by Russian territory. An expedition composed of British, French, and Turkish troops, commanded by Sir G. Brown, arrived at Kertch, May 24, 1855, when the Russians retired, after blowing up the fortifications. On the 27th the allies marched upon Yenikale, which also offered no resistance. On the same evening the allied fleet entered the sea of Azof, and in a few days completed their occupation of it, after capturing a large number of merchant vessels, etc. Immense quantities of stores were destroyed by the Russians to prevent them falling into the hands of the allies.
Azotus.SeeAshdod.
Aztecs.The ruling tribe in Mexico at the time of the Spanish invasion, 1519.
Azure.A French word used in heraldry to signify blue. In engraving arms it is always represented by horizontal lines.
Baalbec.An ancient city of Syria. From the accounts of Oriental writers, it was a place of importance down to the time of the Moslem invasion of Syria. After the capture of Damascus, it was regularly invested by the Moslems, and after a courageous defense at length capitulated; sacked and dismantled by the caliph of Damascus, and the principal inhabitants put to the sword, 748; pillaged by Timour Bey, 1400; afterwards subjected to Turkish supremacy; pillaged August 8, 1860, and the Christian inhabitants massacred by the Mohammedans.
Bab-el-Thaza.A place in Algeria where the French fought the Arabs, April 22, 1842.
Babylon.One of the oldest and most celebrated cities in the world, the ancient capital of the Babylonio-Chaldean empire, was situated in an extensive plain on the Euphrates, about 60 miles south of Bagdad. The modern town of Hillah is supposed to occupy a portion of its site. About 588B.C., Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, captured Jerusalem, burned the great temple of Solomon, and carried away the Jews as captives to Babylon. Cyrus besieged Babylon, took it by stratagem in 538, and put to death the king Belshazzar, after which the kingdom of Babylon ceased to exist. The city was occupied by Darius in 518, and taken by Alexander the Great in 331. Alexander having selected it as the capital of his empire, died there in 323B.C.
Bacchi.Two ancient warlike machines; the one resembled a battering-ram, the other cast out fire.
Bachelier(Fr.). A young squire, or knight, who has passed through his first campaign, and received the belt of the order.
Bachevaleureux.A term which, in the old French language, signified warrior, brave, valiant, etc.
Backing.The heavy plating of wood, or of wood and iron, used to support and strengthen iron plates.
Back-plate.A piece of armor for covering the back.
Back-sight.SeeSight, Rear.
Back-step.The retrograde movement of a man, or a body of men, without changing front.
Backsword.A sword with one sharp edge. In England, a stick with a basket handle, used in rustic amusements; the game in which it is used; called also “single stick.”
Backwards.A technical word made use of in the British service to express the retrograde movement of troops from line into column, andvice versa. Also a word of command in the U. S. service, to cause a man, or body of men, to march to the rear without changing front.
Bactria(nowBokhara). A province of the Persian empire; it was inhabited by a rude and warlike people, who were subdued by Cyrus or his next successors. It was included in the conquests of Alexander, and formed a part of the kingdom of the Selucidæ until 255B.C., when Theodotus, its governor, revolted from Antiochus II., and founded the Greek kingdom of Bactria; overthrown by the Parthians 134 or 125B.C.
Bacule.A kind of portcullis or gate, made like a pitfall, with a counterpoise. SeeBascule Bridge.
Badajos(Southwest Spain). An important barrier fortress, surrendered to the French, under Soult, March 11, 1811; was invested by the British, under Lord Wellington, on March 16, 1812, and stormed and taken on April 6, 1812. The French retreated in haste.
Badaleers.Musket-charges of powder in tin or copper tubes, worn dangling from a shoulder-belt, before the introduction of cartridges.
Baddesdown Hill, orMount Badon. Near Bath, England, where Bede says the Britons defeated the Saxons, 493; others say in 511 or 520.
Badelaire, orBandelaire(Fr.). A short, broad, curved, and double-edged pointed sword.
Baden(Southwest Germany). A grand duchy; broke out in insurrection and joined by the free city of Rastadt, May, 1849; the Prussians entered it, and defeated the insurgents commanded by Mierolawski, June 15, 1849. Noted as the place where the Emperor Napoleon III., the prince regent of Prussia, and the German kings and princes held an interview, June 16, 1860.
Badge.A distinctive mark, token, or sign, worn on the person.Corpsbadges were worn to distinguish the army corps during the civil war, 1861-65.Marksmen’s badgesare given to good shots in most armies.
Badon, Mount.The scene of a battle said to have been fought by King Arthur against the Saxons who invaded his kingdom, and in which the latter were signally defeated. By some writers Badon has been identified with Bath, by others in Berkshire.
Bæcula.An ancient town in Hispania Tarraconensis, west of Castulo, where the Romans under Scipio defeated the Carthaginians under Hasdrubal, 209B.C.
Bagaudes.A name given to the peasants of Gaul, who revolted against the Romans in 270; they pillaged cities and villages and massacred the Roman officers; two of the insurgent chiefs, Aliandus and Amandus, were elected emperors; their reign was of short duration; besieged in their camp near the confluence of the Seine and Marne, where Saint-Maur is now situated, they died in arms. This place was named for a long time “Camp des Bagaudes.”
Bagdad.In Asiatic Turkey, built by Al Mansour, and made the seat of the Saracen empire about 762; taken by the Tartars, and a period put to the Saracen rule, 1258; often taken by the Persians, and retaken by the Turks, with great slaughter; the latter took it in 1638, and have held it since.
Baggage.The clothes, tents, utensils of divers sorts, and provisions, etc., belonging to an army, or part of an army.
Baggonet.The old term for bayonet.
Bagpipe.The name of a musical warlike instrument, of the wind kind, used by the Scotch regiments, and sometimes by the Irish. Bagpipes were used by the Danes, by the Romans, and by the Asiatics. The Greeks also had an instrument composed of a pipe and blown-up skin. The bagpipe has been a favorite instrument among the Scots. There are two varieties, the one with long pipes, sounded with the mouth; the other, with short pipes, filled with air by a bellows, and played on with the fingers. The first, the loudest and most ear-piercing of all music, is the genuine Highland pipe, and was suited to the warlike genius of that people. It formerly roused their courage to battle, alarmed them when secure, and collected them when scattered, solaced them in their long and painful marches, and in time of peace kept up the memory of the gallantry of their ancestors by the tunes composed after signal victories. The other is the Irish bagpipe.
Bags.Articles used in field fortifications, and in works to cover a besieging army.Sand-bags, which are generally 16 inches in diameter, and 30 high, are filled with earth or sand, to repair breaches and embrasures of batteries, when damaged by the enemy’s fire or by the blast of the guns. They are also placed on parapets, so arranged as to form a covering for men to fire through.Earth-bagscontain about a cubical foot of earth, and are used to raise a parapet in haste, or to repair one that is beaten down. They are only employed where the ground is rocky, or too hard for the pickaxe and spade, and does not afford ready material for a temporary parapet.
Bags, Cartridge-.SeeCartridge.
Bags of Powder.Are used to blow down gates, stockades, and slight obstructions. In future wars the higher explosives will probably be used for such purposes.
Bahama Isles(North America). Were the first points of discovery by Columbus. New Providence was settled by the English in 1629. They were expelled by the Spaniards in 1641; returned in 1666; again expelled in 1703. These isles were formally ceded to the English in 1783. The Bahamas profited by blockade-running during the American civil war, 1861-65.
Bahar.A province in Northern India; conquered by Baber in 1530. Bahar, Bengal, and Orissa, a princely dominion, became subject to the English East India Company in 1765, by the treaty of Allahabad.
Baiclaklar.A color-bearer in the Turkish army.
Baiky.The ballium, or inclosed plat of ground in an ancient fort.
Bail.A stout iron yoke placed over heavy guns and fitting closely over the ends of the trunnions, to which it is attached by pins in the axis of the trunnions; used to raise or lower the gun by means of the gin.
Baille(Fr.). A term formerly used to designate a work or fortification which served as an outpost or exterior defense.
Baionnier(Fr.). A name formerly given to soldiers who were armed with a bayonet.
Baker, Post.The person who bakes bread for a garrison. In the U. S. service an enlisted man, who receives additional pay for his labor.
Bakery, orBakehouse. SeeOvens.
Balaklava.A small town in the Crimea, with a fine harbor, about 10 miles from Sebastopol. Near here about 12,000 Russians, commanded by Gen. Liprandi, were repulsed by a furious charge of heavy English cavalry, led by Brig.-Gen. Scarlett, under the orders of Lord Lucan, October 25, 1854. After this, from an unfortunate misconception of Lord Raglan’s order, Lord Lucan ordered Lord Cardigan, with the light cavalry, to charge the Russian army, which had reformed on its own ground, with its artillery in front. This order was most gallantly obeyed, and great havoc was made on the Russians; but of 670 British horsemen only 198 returned (termed by Tennyson “The Charge of the Six Hundred”). On March 22, 1855, a sortie from the garrison of Sebastopol led to a desperate engagement here, in which the Russians were vigorously repulsed, with the loss of 2000 men killed and wounded; the allies lost about 600.
Balance-step.An exercise in squad drill, a preliminary to marching.
Balbec.SeeBaalbec.
Baldrick, orBaudrick. A girdle, or richly ornamented belt, worn pendent from one shoulder across the breast, and under the opposite arm.
Bale, orBasel. One of the largest towns in Switzerland; captured and burned by the Hungarians in 917. In 1444 there was a bloody battle fought about a quarter of a mile beyond its gates, called the battle of St. Jacob, between the Swiss, 1600 strong, and a French army that was twenty times their number, commanded by the dauphin, afterwards Louis XII. For ten hours the brave Swiss band kept this large army in check; but nearly all the Swiss fell, not more than 10, according to some accounts, escaping alive. This exploit first spread the fame of Swiss valor, and led to the enrollment of the Swiss body-guard of France. The treaties of peace between France and Spain, and France and Prussia, were signed here, July 22, 1795.
Balearic Islands.A group of islands in the Mediterranean; conquered by the Romans 123B.C.; by the Vandals about 426B.C., and formed part of Charlemagne’s empire, 799. They were conquered by the Moors about 1005, and held by them till about 1280, when they were annexed by Aragon. SeeMajorcaandMinorca.
Balista.A machine in ancient warfare used for throwing stones, burning objects, leaden balls, and even dead and putrefied bodies. The latter were thrown to cause sickness in besieged cities.
Balistarium.A store-room or arsenal in which the Romans stored their balistas.
Balister.A term applied in ancient times to a cross-bow.
Balistrier.A name applied to cross-bow men in ancient times.
Balkan.The ancient Hæmus, a range of mountains extending from the Adriatic to the Euxine. Their passage, up to that time deemed impracticable, was completed by the Russians under Diebitsch during the Russian and Turkish war, July 26, 1829. An armistice was the consequence, and a treaty of peace was signed at Adrianople, September 14, following. The Balkan was again crossed by the victorious Russians in the face of all opposition during the Russian and Turkish war, 1877.
Balks.Joist-shaped spars, which rest between the cleats upon the saddles of two pontons, to support the chess or flooring.
Ball.Is a general term applied to every kind of spherical shot fired from a musket, rifle, or cannon. Leaden balls are chiefly used for the small-arms and iron for the artillery. SeeCartridge,Shot,Shells.
Ball and Chain.For serious offenses soldiers are sometimes sentenced to wear a 6- or 12-pounder ball attached by a chain to the leg.
Ball-cartridge.A cartridge containing a ball.
Ballinamuck.A town in the county of Longford, Ireland. Here, on September 8, 1798, the Irish rebels and their French auxiliaries were defeated and captured.
Ballistea.In antiquity, songs accompanied by dancing, used on occasions of victory.
Ballistic, orElectro-ballistic Machine. Is a machine designed to determine by electricity the initial velocity of a projectile. The West Point ballistic machine, devised for use at the Military Academy by Col. Benton, of the ordnance department, andsince adopted by that department, consists of a bed-plate of metal supporting an arc placed in a perpendicular position, and graduated. Suspended perpendicular to the plane of this arc are two pendulums, having a common axis of motion passing through the centre. Two electro-magnets are attached to the horizontal limb of the arc to hold up the pendulums when they are deflected through angles of 90°. There is also an apparatus which records the point at which the pendulums pass each other, when they fall by the breaking of the currents which excite the magnets, two targets being placed so as to support the wires in a position to be cut by the projectile. The velocity of the electric currents being considered instantaneous, and the loss of the power of the magnets simultaneous with the rupture of the currents, it follows that each pendulum begins to move at the instant that the projectile cuts the wire, and that the interval of time corresponds to the difference of the arcs described by the pendulums up to the time of meeting.
Ballistic Pendulum.A machine consisting of a massive block of wood suspended by a bar. It was devised for experiments on the initial velocities of cannon-shot. The shot being fired into the block, the velocity is calculated from the vibrating effect on the pendulum.
Ballistics.Is that branch of gunnery which treats of the motion of projectiles.
Ballistraria.Cruciform apertures in the walls of a stronghold, through which the cross-bow men discharged their bolts. It also signified a projecting turret, otherwise called a bartizan, such as is commonly seen in old castles.
Ballium.A term used in ancient military art, and probably a corruption of vallium. In towns, the appellation “ballium” was given to a work fenced with palisades, and sometimes to masonry covering the suburbs; but in castles, it was the space immediately within the outer wall.
Ballon.A town in the department of the Sarthe, France, formerly fortified; captured by the English in 1417; retaken by Charles VII. of France.
Balloon.A bag or hollow vessel, made of silk or other light material, and filled with hydrogen gas or heated air, so as to rise and float in the atmosphere; called for distinction anair-balloon. Balloons were used extensively as a means of observation during the American civil war, 1861-65, and in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870.
Balloting.A bounding movement of a spherical projectile in the bore of a cannon. SeeInjuries to Cannon.
Ball-proof.Incapable of being penetrated by balls from fire-arms.
Ball’s Bluff.In Virginia, on the banks of the Potomac. On October 21, 1861, by direction of the Federal general C. P. Stone, the heroic Col. Baker crossed the river to reconnoitre. He attacked the Confederate camp at Leesburg, and was defeated with great loss. The disaster was attributed to mismanagement, and in February, 1862, Gen. Stone was arrested on suspicion of treason, but was afterwards discharged, and at a later period again given a command. The Federal loss in killed, wounded, and drowned was probably 1000 men.
Ballynahinch.A town in Ireland where a sanguinary engagement took place between a large body of the insurgent Irish and the British troops, under Gen. Nugent, June 13, 1798. A large part of the town was destroyed, and the royal army suffered very severely.
Balots(Fr.). Sacks or bales of wool, made use of in cases of great emergency, to form parapets or places of arms. They are likewise adapted for the defense of trenches, to cover the workmen in saps, and in all instances where promptitude is required.
Baltic Sea(Ger.Ostsee, or “Eastern Sea”). Separates Sweden and the Danish Isles from Russia, Prussia, and Germany. Declared neutral for commerce by treaty between Russia and Sweden, 1759, and Denmark, 1760. It is often partially frozen. Charles X. of Sweden with an army crossed the Belts in 1658. Several Baltic expeditions were undertaken by the British and French against Denmark and Russia.
Baltimore.The chief city in Maryland, situated at the head of navigation on the Patapsco River; it was founded in 1729. On September 12, 1814, the British army under Col. Ross advanced against this place. He was killed in a skirmish, and the command was assumed by Col. Brooke, who attacked and routed the American army, which lost 600 killed and wounded, and 300 prisoners. The projected attack on the town was, however, abandoned.
Baltimore(Ireland). A decayed town; early in the 17th century, the Algerine pirates plundered the town, carrying away 200 prisoners.
Baltinglass.A town in the county of Wicklow, Ireland. Here an action took place in 1798 between the royalists and the insurgents, in which the latter were defeated.
Bamberg.A town in Bavaria, said to have been founded by the Saxons in 804; taken and pillaged by the Prussians in 1759.
Bampton.A town in Devonshire, England. A great battle was fought here, 614, between the West Saxons and Britons, in which the former were defeated.
Ban(Fr.). A sort of proclamation made at the head of a body of troops, or in the several quarters or cantonments of an army, by sound of trumpet or beat of drum, either for observing martial discipline, or for declaring a new officer, or punishing a soldier, or the like. At present such kind of proclamations are given out in the written orders of the day.
Ban.In the former days of France, whenthe feudal barons, who held their estates and honors from the king, were summoned to attend him in time of war, they were called the ban, or the levy first called out; while the tenants, subordinate to these barons, formed theArrière ban, or secondary levy.
Banbury.A town in Oxfordshire, England. The castle erected by Alexander de Blois, 1125, has been frequently besieged; in 1646 it was taken by the Parliamentarians and demolished. At Edgecote, or Danesmore, near Banbury, Edward IV. defeated the Lancastrians under the Earl of Pembroke, July 26, 1469, and their leader and his brother were soon after taken prisoners and executed.
Bancal(Fr.). A curved sabre, which was used in France during the Republic and the Empire.
Band, Military.Consists of a body of musicians attached to each army regiment or battalion. The law provides for a band at the Military Academy at West Point, and for each artillery, cavalry, and infantry regiment. A chief musician, who shall be instructor of music, and for each artillery and infantry regiment two principal musicians; each cavalry regiment to have one chief trumpeter. Musicians for regimental bands are enlisted as soldiers, and formed under the direction of the adjutant, but are not permanently detached from their companies, and are instructed in all the duties of a soldier.
Banda Isles.Eastern Archipelago, visited by the Portuguese (1511), who settled on them 1521, but were expelled by the Dutch about 1600. Rohun Island was ceded to the English in 1616. The Bandas were taken by the latter in 1796; restored in 1801; retaken, 1811, and restored in 1816.
Banded-mail.A kind of armor, which consisted of alternate rows of leather or cotton and single chain-mail.
Banderet.In military history, implies the commander-in-chief of the troops of the canton of Berne, in Switzerland.
Banderol.A small flag used in marking out a camp, etc.; a camp color.
Bandes(Fr.). Bands, bodies of infantry.Bandes Françaises; the French infantry was anciently so called; the term, however, became less general, and was confined to thePrevôt des Bandes, or the judge or provost-marshal that tried the men belonging to the French guards.
Banditti.Bands of robbers who infest the mountainous parts of Italy and Greece. Formerly they frequently attacked travelers, hurried them off into their mountain fastnesses, and held them captive until ransomed.
Bandoleer.In ancient military history, a large leathern belt worn over the right shoulder, and hanging under the left arm, to carry some kind of warlike weapons.
Bandoleer.A little wooden case covered with leather; every musketeer used to wear 12 of them hanging on a shoulder-belt; each case contained the charge of powder for a musket. Bandoleers are now superseded by the cartridge-box.
Banffshire.A maritime county in the northeast of Scotland; it was the scene of many bloody conflicts between the Scots and their Danish invaders, and was the theatre of almost incessant struggles from 1624 to 1645.
Bangalore.A fortified town of Hindostan, in Mysore, which was taken from Tippoo Saib by Lord Cornwallis in 1791.
Baniwas.A tribe of South American Indians living on the Amazon and the Rio Negro.
Banner.Originally a small square flag borne before a banneret, whose arms were embroidered on it; hence, a military ensign; the principal standard of a prince or state; a pennon; a streamer.
Bannered.Furnished with or bearing banners.
Banneret.Was originally a military rank conferred only on such as were able to bring a certain number of vassals into the field; hence, a rank corresponding to this; also, a small banner.
Bannockburn.In Stirlingshire, Scotland; the site of two battles: 1. Between Robert Bruce of Scotland and Edward II. of England, June 24, 1314. The army of Bruce consisted of 30,000; that of Edward of 100,000 men, of whom 52,000 were archers. The English crossed the rivulet to the attack, and Bruce having dug and covered pits, they fell into them and were thrown into confusion. The rout was complete; the English king narrowly escaped, and 50,000 were killed or taken prisoners. 2. At Sanchieburn, near here James II. was defeated and slain on June 11, 1488, by his rebellious nobles.
Banquette.Is the step of earth within the parapet, sufficiently high to enable the defenders, when standing upon it, to fire over the crest of the parapet with ease.
Banquette Slope.Is a slope of earth or timber, placed in rear of the banquette when the top cannot be reached by an ordinary step.
Bantam.In Java; here a British factory was established by Capt. Lancaster in 1603. The English and Danes were driven from their factories by the Dutch in 1683. Bantam surrendered to the British in 1811, but was restored to the Dutch at the peace in 1814.
Bantry Bay.In the south of Ireland, where a French fleet bringing succor to the adherents of James II. attacked the English under Admiral Herbert, May 1, 1689. A French squadron of 7 sail of the line and 2 frigates, armeden flute, and 17 transports anchored here for a few days, but without effect, December, 1796. Mutiny of the Bantry Bay squadron took place in December, 1801.
Banyuls-de-Aspres.A town in the department of the Eastern Pyrenees, France,which is memorable for the defense which its inhabitants made in 1793, when they compelled 7000 Spaniards, who had attacked them, to surrender.
Bapaume.A fortified town of France, department of Pas-de-Calais. A portion of the allied troops advanced to this place after compelling the French to abandon their fortified position, and to retreat behind the scarpe, in August, 1793.
Baptism of Blood.As the name implies, is the act of being baptized with blood, and was used specially with reference to soldiers who fought on their first battle-field. In the old French service, baptism of blood equalized all grades, and military services, not rank, were the recognized claims for promotion.
Baptism of Fire.A figurative term applied to soldiers who have passed through their first fire in battle.
Bar.A long piece of wood or iron. Bars have various denominations in the construction of artillery-carriages, as sweep- and cross-bars for tumbrils, fore, hind, and under cross-bars for powder-carts, shaft-bars for wagons, and dowel-bars, used in mortar-beds.
Bar.In heraldry, is one of those important figures or charges known asordinaries. It is formed by two horizontal lines passing over the shield like the fess, but it differs from it in size,—the fess occupying a third, the bar only a fifth part of the shield. The fess is also confined to the centre, while the bar may be borne in several parts of the shield.
Barb.The reflected points of the head of an arrow. The armor for horses was so called.
Barbacan, orBarbican. In fortification, a watch-tower for the purpose of descrying an enemy at a distance; advanced works of a place or citadel, properly the boulevards of the gates and walls; a fort at the entrance of a tower or bridge, with a double wall; or an aperture or loop-hole in the walls of a fortress through which to fire upon an enemy.
Barbary.A country in North Africa, considered to compriseAlgeria,Morocco,Fez,Tunis, andTripoli, with their dependencies (all of which see). Piratical states (nominally subject to Turkey) were founded on the coast by Barbarossa about 1518.
Barbets.Were peasants of Piedmont, who abandoned their dwellings when an enemy had taken possession of them. They formed into bodies and defended the Alps.
Barbette.An earthen terrace, raised within a parapet, so high as to enable guns to be fired over the latter, and therefore with a freer range than when worked at an embrasure.
Barbette Carriage.Is a carriage of the stationary class, on which a gun is mounted to fire over a parapet; and a barbette gun is any gun mounted on a barbette carriage.
Barbette Centre-pintle Carriage.SeeOrdnance, Carriages for, Sea-coast Carriages.
Barbette Front-pintle Carriage.SeeOrdnance, Carriages for, Sea-coast Carriages.
Barbole(Fr.). A heavy battle-axe, used in ancient times.
Barboursville, orCabell Court-house. The capital of Cabell Co., W. Va. It was the scene of a brilliant action between the Confederate and Federal forces, in which the latter were victorious, July 18, 1861.
Barce, orBerche(Fr.). A small gun, shorter and thicker than a falconet, which was formerly used on board ship.
Barcelona.An ancient maritime city in Northeastern Spain, said to have been rebuilt by Hamilcar Barca, father of the great Hannibal, about 233B.C.The city has suffered much by war. The siege by the French, in 1694, was relieved by the approach of the English fleet commanded by Admiral Russell; but the city was taken by the Earl of Peterborough in 1706; bombarded and taken by the Duke of Berwick and the French in 1714; taken by Napoleon in 1808, and retained till 1814. It revolted against the queen in 1841, and was bombarded and taken in December, 1842, by Espartero.
Bard.A fortress and village of Piedmont on the bank of the Dora Baltea, 23 miles south-southeast of Aosta. The fortress is situated on an impregnable rock, and arrested for some time Napoleon’s march in the valley of the Dora, at the outset of his campaign of 1800, almost compelling him to abandon it. The garrison consisted of 400 men, and was finally passed only by stratagem. It was subsequently razed by the French (1800), but has since been restored.
Bardewick.A town in Hanover, which was dismantled by Henry the Lion in 1189.
Bareilly.A province of Delhi, Northwest India, ceded to the East India Company by the ruler of Oude, 1801. A mutiny at Bareilly, the capital, was suppressed in April, 1816; on May 7, 1858, it was taken from the cruel Sepoy rebels.
Barezim.A small town in Poland, where the Russians were defeated by the Poles in 1675.
Barfleur.An ancient seaport town in the department of Manche, France, where William the Conqueror equipped the fleet by which he conquered England, 1066. Near it Prince William, duke of Normandy, son of Henry I., in his passage from Normandy, was shipwrecked November 25, 1120. Barfleur was destroyed by the English in the campaign in which they won the battle of Crécy, 1346. The French navy was destroyed near the cape by Admiral Russell after the victory of La Hogue in 1692.
Bari(Southern Italy). TheBariumof Horace was in the 9th century a stronghold of the Saracens, and was captured by the emperor Louis II., a descendant of Charlemagne, in 871. In the 10th century it became subject to the Eastern empire, andremained so till it was taken by Robert Guiscard, the Norman, about 1060.
Baril Ardent(Fr.). Fire-barrel; a barrel filled with layers of tarred chips intermixed with powder and primed at each end with a shell-fuze; it had holes bored in it for the purpose of admitting air to the burning contents; formerly used for illuminating purposes.
Baril Foudroyant, orD’artifice(Fr.). Of the same nature as thebaril ardent, with the addition of grenades placed between the layers of chips. Barils foudroyants were used at the defense of a breech, by rolling them upon the assailants.
Barkam.A fortress on the banks of the Danube. Near here John Sobieski, king of Poland, was defeated by Pasha Ka-Mehemed, October 7, 1683.
Barking-irons.Large dueling pistols.
Barnacles.In heraldry, resemble what are now called twitchers, or instruments used by farriers to curb unruly horses. They are frequently introduced into coats of arms as a charge.
Barnet.A town in Hertfordshire, England. Here, at Gladsmore Heath, Edward IV. gained a decisive victory over the Lancastrians on Easter-day, April 14, 1471, when the Earl of Warwick and his brother, the Marquis of Montacute, or Montague, and 10,000 men were slain.
Barometer.An instrument for measuring the weight of the atmosphere. The form ordinarily used was invented in 1643, by Torricelli. It consists of a glass tube filled with mercury inverted in an open cup.
Baron.In England a title of nobility,—the grade between the baronet and viscount,—the lowest grade in the House of Lords.
Barons’ War.Arose in consequence of the faithlessness of King Henry III. and the oppression of his favorites in 1258. The barons, headed by Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicester, and Gilbert de Clare, earl of Gloucester, met at Oxford in 1262, and enacted statutes to which the king objected. In 1263 their disputes were in vain referred to the decision of Louis IX., king of France. War broke out, and on May 14, 1264, the king’s party were totally defeated at Lewes, and De Montfort became the virtual ruler of the kingdom. Through treachery the war was renewed, and at the battle of Evesham, August 4, 1265, De Montfort was slain, and the barons were defeated. They, however, did not render their final submission till 1268.
Barrackpore.A native town and military cantonment on the river Hoogly, 16 miles from Calcutta, India. In 1857 it became famous as the cradle of the formidable mutiny or rebellion of that year. Several regiments of native troops were stationed at Barrackpore. The men objected to bite off the ends of the cartridges for the Enfield rifle, believing the paper to be polluted by animal fat. The troubles connected therewith—a mere prelude to the fatal outbreak at Meerut in May—commenced about the beginning of February, and continued to assume various degrees of intensity, till at last two regiments of Bengal native infantry had to be disbanded. An intoxicated Sepoy of one of the disbanded regiments attacked and wounded his officer, Lieut. Baugh, with sword and pistol. This fellow, whose name was Mungal Pandy, would seem to have had the equivocal honor of giving the local designation of Pandies to the entire body of insurgents.
Barrack-allowance.In the British army, is a specific allowance of bread, beef, wood, coals, etc., to regiments stationed in barracks.
Barrack-guard.When a regiment is in barracks the principal guard is called the barrack-guard, the officer being responsible for the regularity of the men in barracks, and for all prisoners duly committed to his charge while on that duty.
Barrack-master.The officer who superintends the barracks of soldiers.
Barracks.Are permanent structures for the accommodation of soldiers, as distinguished from huts and tents, which have usually a square or open place in front, for the purpose of drill and parade.
Barrack-sergeants.In the British army, are faithful old sergeants who are selected from the line and placed in charge of barracks, under the superintendence of the barrack-masters.
Barrel.A round vessel or cask, of more length than breadth, and bulging in the middle, made of staves and headings and bound with hoops. Powder-barrels are made to contain 100 pounds each, the barrels being large enough to allow sufficient space for the powder to move when rolled, to prevent its caking. Also any hollow cylinder or tube, as the barrel of a gun. SeeFire-barrel.
Barricade.An obstruction formed in streets, avenues, etc., so as to block up access to an enemy. They are generally formed of overturned wagons, carriages, large stones, breastworks, abatis, or other obstacles at hand.
Barrier.In a general sense means any fortification or strong place on the frontiers of a country. It is likewise a kind of fence composed of stakes and transoms, as over-thwart rafters, erected to defend the entrance of a passage, retrenchment, or the like. In the middle of the barrier is a movable bar of wood, which is opened or shut at pleasure. It also implies a gate made of wooden bars, about 5 feet long, perpendicular to the horizon, and kept together by two long bars going across and another crossing diagonally. Barriers are used to stop the cut made through the esplanade before the gate of a town.
Barrier Treaty.A treaty by which the Low Countries were ceded to the emperor Charles VI., and which was signed by the British, Imperial, and Dutch ministers November 15, 1715.
Barritus, orBardites. A word whichnot only signified the battle-cry of the ancient Germans, but all battle-cries were formerly so called.
Barrosa, orBarosa. In Southern Spain, where a battle was fought on March 5, 1811, between the British army, commanded by Maj.-Gen. Sir Thomas Graham, afterwards Lord Lynedoch, and the French under Marshal Victor. After a long conflict, the British achieved one of the most glorious triumphs of the Peninsular war. Although they fought at great disadvantage the British compelled the French to retreat, leaving nearly 3000 dead, 6 pieces of cannon, and an eagle, the first that the British had taken. The loss of the British was 1169 men killed and wounded.
Bar-shot.An obsolete projectile, consisting of two shot connected by a bar of iron.
Bar-sur-Aube.An ancient town of France, on the Aube, in the department of Aube, where the French under Oudinot and MacDonald were defeated by the allies, February 27, 1814.
Bar-sur-Seine.A town in the department of Aube, France; often ruined and sacked during the wars of Burgundy. It was the scene of a severe engagement between Napoleon and the allies, May 25, 1814.
Bartholomew, St.The massacre of St. Bartholomew commenced at Paris on the night of the festival of this saint. According to Sully 70,000 Huguenots, or French Protestants, including women and children, were murdered throughout the kingdom by secret orders from Charles IX., at the instigation of his mother, the queen-dowager, Catherine de Médicis, August 24, 1572.
Bartholomew, St.A West India island held by Sweden. It was colonized by the French in 1648; and has been several times taken and restored by the British. It was ceded to Sweden by France in 1785.
Bartizan.A small stone closet thrown out upon corbels over doorways and on other parts of mediæval castles, generally for defensive purposes, but sometimes for the convenience of the inmates.
Bascinet.A light helmet, generally without a visor; so called from its resemblance to a basin.
Baschi.A Turkish title, signifying a superior commander, officer, chief, etc.; this title is only used in connection with the office title; the most prominent are:
Toptschjy-Baschi, general of artillery and inspector of forts, etc.
Solacki-Baschi, sub-commander of the archers.
Sandschjack-Darlars-Baschi, chief of the 50 color-bearers.
Konadschjy-Baschi, quartermaster-general.
Boluck-Baschi, colonel of a regiment (Boluck) of 1000 militia.
Oda-Baschis, company officers who superintend drill.
Bascule Bridge.A kind of draw-bridge with a counterpoise swinging up and down, and usually a pit behind it, in which the counterpoise falls or rises as the bridge rises or falls. Bascule is the arrangement of the counterpoise in bascule bridges.
Base.In fortifications, is the exterior side of the polygon, or that imaginary line which connects the salient angle of two adjacent bastions.
Base.In heraldry, denotes the lower part of the shield.
Base-line.In gunnery, is a line traced around the gun in rear of the vent; also the measured line used to obtain ranges by triangulation.
Base of Operations.That secure line of frontier or fortresses, or strong country occupied by troops, or of sea occupied by fleets, from which forward movements are made, supplies furnished, and upon which a retreat may be made, if necessary.
Base of the Breech.In gunnery, is the rear surface of the breech of a gun.
Basel, Treaty of.This place gives its name to two important treaties of peace, concluded here on April 5 and July 22, 1795, between the representatives of the French Republic, Prussia, and Spain, by which Prussia withdrew from the coalition against France, took under her protection all the states of Northern Germany which should like herself relinquish the war in which the German empire was engaged, and also give up to the victorious republic her possessions beyond the Rhine; whilst Spain gave up her portion of St. Domingo, and prepared the way for that alliance with France which was afterwards productive of consequences so important.
Base-ring.In gunnery, is a projecting band of metal adjoining the base of the breech, and connected with the body of the gun by a concave moulding.
Bashaw.SeePasha.
Bashi-Bazouks.Are irregular troops in the pay of the sultan. Very few of them are Europeans; they are mostly Asiatics, from some of the pashalics in Asiatic Turkey; they are wild, turbulent men, ready to enter the sultan’s service under some leader whom they can understand, and still more ready to plunder whenever an opportunity offers. During the Russo-Turkish war of 1854, etc., they had many encounters with the enemy in that kind of irregular warfare which the Russians intrust to Cossack horsemen; but the peaceful villagers had almost as much distrust of the Bashi-Bazouks as of the Russians. They were also partially employed by the British during the Crimean war.
Bashkirs.A race supposed to be descended from the Nogay Tartars, who inhabit the Russian provinces of Ufa and Yekaterinboorg, in the governments of Orenburg and Perm respectively. They are but partially civilized, and are generally employed by Russia as guards on the frontier of Asia.
Basientello(Southern Naples). Here the army of Otto II., in an ambuscade, was nearly cut to pieces by the Greeks and Saracens, July 13, 982; the emperor barely escaped.
Basilisk.An ancient piece of ordnance, which was 10 feet long and weighed 7200 pounds; so called from its supposed resemblance to the serpent of that name, or from its size.
Basillard.An old term for a poniard.
Basket-hilt.The hilt of a sword, so made as to contain and guard the whole hand.
Basket-hilted.Having a hilt of basket-work.
Baskets.SeeGabion.
Baslard.A short sword or dagger, worn in the 15th century.
Basnet.SeeBascinet.
Basque Provinces(Northwest Spain, Biscay, Guipuzcoa, and Alva). The Basques, considered to be descendants of the ancient Iberi, were termed Vascones by the Romans, whom they successfully resisted. They were subdued with great difficulty by the Goths about 580, and were united to Castile in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Basque Roads(Western France). Four French ships of the line, riding at anchor here, were attacked by Lords Gambier and Cochrane (the latter commanding the fire-ships), and all, with a great number of merchant and other vessels, were destroyed, April 11-12, 1809. Cochrane accused Gambier of neglecting to support him, and thereby allowing the French to escape. At a court-martial Lord Gambier was acquitted.
Bassée, La.A town in the department of the North, France, formerly fortified. It sustained several sieges. Louis XIV. captured it from the Spaniards and caused it to be dismantled.
Basseterre Roads, St. Christopher’s, West Indies. Here the French admiral, the Comte de Grasse, was repulsed with loss in three desperate attacks on the British fleet, commanded by Sir Thomas Graves, January 25-26, 1782.
Basson(Northern Italy). Here the Austrians under Wurmser were defeated by the French under Massena, September 8, 1796.
Bassorah,Basrah, orBussorah(Asia Minor). A Turkish city, founded by the Caliph Omar about 635. It has been several times taken and retaken by the Persians and Turks.
Bass Rock.An isle in the Frith of Forth, Southern Scotland; granted to the Landers in 1316; purchased for a state prison, 1671; taken by the Jacobites, 1690; surrendered, 1694; granted to the Dalrymples, 1706.
Bastard, orBatarde(Fr.). An ancient piece of ordnance of about 8 pounds calibre, 91⁄2feet long, and weighing 1950 pounds. It was invented by Jean Maurique de Lard, master-general of ordnance under Charles V. of France in 1535. He also had several bastards cast of a larger calibre. This term was also applied to guns of an unusual make or proportion, whether longer or shorter.
Bastarnæ, orBasternæ. A warlike German people who migrated to the country near the mouth of the Danube. They are first mentioned in the wars of Philip and Perseus against the Romans, and at a later period they frequently devastated Thrace, and were engaged in wars with the Roman governors of the province of Macedonia. In 30B.C.they were defeated by Marcus Crassus, and driven across the Danube, and we find them, at a later period, partly settled between the Tyras (nowDniester) and Borysthenes (nowDnieper), and partly at the mouth of the Danube, under the name ofPeucini, from their inhabiting the island of Peuce, at the mouth of the river.
Bastia.A fortified seaport town, and formerly capital of Corsica, on its northeast coast, and 67 miles from Ajaccio; besieged without success by the Piedmontese in 1748; captured by the English, 1794.
Bastide(Fr.). In ancient times, a bastion, block-house, fortress, or outer fortifications.
Bastile.Originally, a temporary wooden tower used in warfare; hence, any tower or fortification.
Bastile, orBastille(Paris). A castle built by Charles V., king of France, in 1369, for the defense of Paris against the English; completed in 1383, and afterwards used as a state prison. Henry IV. and his veteran army assailed it in vain in the siege of Paris during the war, 1587-94. On July 14-15, 1789, it was pulled down by the populace, the governor and other officers seized, conducted to the Place de Grève, their hands and heads were cut off, and the heads carried on pikes through the streets.
Bastinado.A punishment among the Turkish soldiers, which is performed by beating them with a cane or flat of a sword on the soles of their feet.
Bastion.A work consisting of two faces and two flanks, all the angles being salient. Two bastions are connected by means of a curtain, which is screened by the angle made by the prolongation of the corresponding faces of two bastions, and flanked by the line of defense. Bastions contain, sheltered by their parapets, marksmen, artillery, platform, and guards. They are protected by galleries of mines, and by demi-lunes and lunettes outside the ditch, and by palisades, if the ditch is inundated. Thefacesof the bastion are the parts exposed to being enfiladed by ricochet batteries, and also to being battered in breach.
Bastion, Composed, is where two sides of the interior polygon are very unequal, which makes the gorges also unequal.
Bastion, Cut, is that which, instead of a point, has a re-entering angle.