Cabas(Fr.). A basket made of rushes, used in ancient Languedoc and Rousillon, for the purpose of conveying stores and ammunition.
Cabasset,Cabacet, orCapacète. A kind of helmet, lighter than the morion, terminating in a rounded top. It was also calledCervelière, because it only covered the upper part of the head.
Cabeira(Asia Minor). Here Mithridates, king of Pontus, was defeated by Lucullus, 71B.C.
Cabell Court-house.SeeBarboursville.
Cabezon de la Sal.A town of Spain, in the province of Valladolid. It is celebrated as the scene of one of the first battles of the Peninsular campaign, in which the Spaniards were signally defeated by the French.
Caboched, orCabossed. A heraldic term from the old French wordcaboche, “head.†When the head of an animal is borne without any part of the neck, and exhibited full in face, it is said to becaboched.
Cabrera.One of the Balearic Islands, 10 miles south of Majorca. Celebrated in the annals of war for the number of French prisoners who were there decimated by hunger, disease, and other physical and mental tortures.
Cabul, orCabool. A city of Afghanistan, taken by Subuctajeen, grandfather of Mohammed, founder of the Gaznevide dynasty, and by Nâdir Shah in 1738. In 1809, the sovereign Shah Soojah was expelled by Futleh Khan; and in 1818, Cabul came into the hands of Dost Mohammed, a clever and ambitious chieftain. In 1839, the British restored Shah Soojah; but in November, 1841, a dreadful outbreak took place. The British civil officer, Sir William McNaughten, was massacred, and the British commenced a most disastrous retreat. Of about 3849 soldiers, and about 12,000 camp-followers, only one European, Dr. Dryden, and four or five natives escaped. In the same year (September 16), General, afterwards Sir George, Pollock retook the town, and rescued Lady Sale and many of the prisoners. After destroying many public buildings he left Cabul, October 12, 1842.
Cabule(Fr.). A machine of war, used during the 12th century to throw stones, etc.
Cache.A hidden reservoir of provision (to secure it from bears) in Arctic travel. Also, a deposit of dispatches, etc.
Cadence.A uniform time and pace in marching, indispensable to the correct movements of bodies of troops.
Cadency, Marks of.In heraldry, are marks on the shields of younger members of families, by which they are distinguished from the elder and from each other.
Cadet, Military(Fr.cadet, “younger,†“juniorâ€). Is a youth studying for the military service in a school established for military training, such as the Military Academy at West Point, N. Y., the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich, England, the Polytechnic School at Paris, etc. (SeeMilitary Academies.) There are also medical and engineer cadets, who are youths undergoing special instruction for the public service in the several professions implied by their names.
Cadetship.The rank or commission of a cadet; as, to get a cadetship.
Cadiz(anc.Gades). A fortified maritime city of Spain, in the province of the same name. The Carthaginians became masters of Cadiz during the first Punic war, but the Romans obtained possession of it in 206B.C.It was taken and pillaged by the Earl of Essex in 1596, and was blockaded in 1656 by Admiral Blake, who captured two rich galleons. It was besieged by the French from February, 1810, until August, 1812. Captured by the Duc d’Angoulême, October 3, 1823, and held till 1828; declared a free port in 1829.
Cadore.A town of Venice, 22 miles northeast from Belluno. This place stands on the Piave, and is distinguished as the birthplace of Titian. In 1797 the French obtained a victory over the Austrians near this town.
Caen.A city of France, in Normandy. A place of importance before 912, when it became the capital of the possessions of the Normans, under whom it flourished. It was taken by the English in 1346 and 1417; but was finally recovered by the French, July 1, 1450. Here were buried William the Conqueror (1087) and his queen (1083).
Caernarvon.A town in North Wales. In the castle (founded in 1283 or 1284) Edward II. was born, April 25, 1284; and the town was chartered by Edward I. in the same year. The town suffered by the civil war of Charles, but was finally retained for the Parliament.
Caffa,Kaffa, orTheodosia. A town in European Russia, in the Crimea, at the end of a large bay on the northern shore of the Black Sea. In 1770 the Russians took this place by assault, and in 1774 it was ceded with the rest of the Crimea to the khan of Tartary, who made it his residence.
Caffraria, andCaffre War. SeeKaffraria.
Cahors.A town of France, capital of the department of Lot. It is supposed to have been the capital of theCadurca, before the conquest of Gaul. It was captured by assault in 1580, by Henry IV.
Caic.SeeCaique.
Caiffa.SeeKaiffa.
Cai-fong.In China, capital of Honan, on the right bank of the Hoang-ho. It was besieged by 100,000 rebels in 1642. The commander of the relieving forces, in order to drown the enemy, broke down the embankments of the river. It is said all the besiegers and 300,000 of the citizens perished.
Cairo, orGrand Cairo. The modern capital of Egypt, partially built by the Saracens in 969; it is surrounded by stone walls which are surmounted with antique battlements; taken by the Turks from the Egyptian sultans, 1517; taken by the French under Napoleon Bonaparte; they entered the city July 23, 1798; captured by the British and Turks, when 6000 French capitulated, June 27, 1801; massacre of the Mamelukes, March 1, 1811.
Caisson.In gunnery, is a carriage used for conveying ammunition for a field battery. It is a four-wheeled carriage, consisting of two parts, one of which is a limber similar to that of a gun-carriage, and connected in a similar way by a wooden stock and lunette. On the axle-body of the rear part, and parallel to the stock, are placed three rails upon which are fastened two ammunition-boxes, one behind the other, and similar to the one on the limber; so that the caisson has three ammunition-boxes, which will seat nine cannoneers. The interior compartments of the ammunition-boxes vary according to the nature of the ammunition with which they are loaded. In the rear of the last box is placed a spare wheel-axle of iron, with a chain and toggle at the end of it. On the rear end of the middle rail is placed a carriage-hook similar to a pintle-hook, to which the lunette of a gun-carriage whose limber has become disabled may be attached, and the gun carried off the field. The caisson has the same turning capacity and mobility as the gun-carriage, so that it can follow the piece in all its manœuvres, if necessary. It also carries a spare wheel, spare pole, etc. SeeOrdnance, Carriages for, The Caisson.
Cake-powder.SeeGunpowder.
Caking.To prevent powder caking, the barrels should be taken outside the magazine and rolled on boards.
Calabozo.A town of Venezuela, South America; it was captured by Bolivar, 1820.
Calabria(anc.Messapia). A region of Southern Italy; it was conquered by the Romans 266B.C.It formed part of the kingdom of the Ostrogoths under Theodoric, 493; was reconquered (for the Eastern empire) by Belisarius, 536; subdued by the Lombards and joined the duchy of Benevento, 572. After various changes, it was conquered by Robert Guiscard, the Norman, 1058.
Calabuss.An early kind of light musket with a wheel-lock. Bourne mentions it in 1578.
Calagurris(nowCalahorra, Spain). A town of the Vascones and a Roman municipium in Hispania Tarraconensis, near the Iberus (Ebro), memorable for its adherence to Sertorius and for its siege by Pompey and his generals (78B.C.), in the course of which mothers killed and salted their children.
Calais.A fortified seaport town of France, department of Pas-de-Calais, on the Strait of Dover. The town and harbor are defended by a castle and several forts, and can be rendered inaccessible by land by flooding the adjacent ground, which is low and marshy. It was taken by Edward III. after a year’s siege in August, 1347; retaken by the Duke of Guise, January, 1558. It was taken by the Spaniards, April, 1596; restored, 1598. Louis XVIII. landed here in 1814, after his exile.
Calasiries, orCalosires. One of the two divisions (the other being the Hermotybii) of the warrior-caste of Egypt. Their greatest strength was 250,000 men, and their chief abode in the western part of the Delta. They formed the king’s body-guard.
Calatafimi.A town of Sicily, province of Trapani. Here, in May, 1860, Garibaldi defeated the royalist troops under Gen. Landi.
Calatañazor.A small town of Spain in Old Castile. Here Al-Mansoor gained a great victory over the Christians in 1001.
Calatayud.A town of Spain, province of Saragossa. It was captured from the Moors by Alfonso of Aragon in 1118; taken from the descendants of Alfonso by the king of Castile in 1362.
Calatrava, The Order of.Was founded in 1158 by Sancho III. of Castile. For a long period the war against the Moors was carried on almost entirely by the knights of Calatrava. The knights bear a cross gules, fleur-de-lised with green, etc.
Calcans.The bucklers of the Turks were so called during the Middle Ages.
Calcinato.A town of Italy, on the river Chiese. The Duke of Vendôme here defeated the Austrians under Count de Reventlau in 1706.
Calcium-light.A brilliant light produced by projecting the oxyhydrogen flame upon a surface of lime. Called also the Drummond-light.
Calcutta.Capital of Bengal and British India; the first settlement of the English here was made in 1689. The town was attacked and taken by an army of 70,000 horse and foot and 400 elephants (146 of the British were crammed into the “Black-Hole prison,†a dungeon about 16 feet square, from whence 23 only came forth alive next day), June 20, 1756; it was retaken by Clive, January 2, 1757.
Caldiero.A village of Northern Italy. Here, just before the battle of Arcola, the French under Napoleon I. were repulsed by the Austrians under Alvinzi in 1796, and in 1805 were beaten under Masséna by the Archduke Charles.
Caledonia.The name given by the Romans to that part of Britain north of the Wall of Antoninus, and afterwards applied to the whole of the country now known as Scotland. The inhabitants were called Caledonii until about the beginning of the 4th century, when they began to be spoken of as Picts and Scots. In 84 they were defeated under their chief Galgacus by the Roman general Agricola, and a great part of the country was overrun by the Romans, who formed many encampments there; but the country was never reduced to a Roman province.
Caliano.A town of the Tyrol, Austria, on the left bank of the Adige. Here the Venetians were defeated by the Austrians in 1487.
Caliber, orCalibre. From the Latinqua librâ, “what pound,†applied first to the weight of a bullet, then to the diameter, which determined the diameter of the gun, now signifies the diameter of the bore of a cannon or any fire-arm, and is expressed in inches or fractional parts of an inch, as a 15-inch gun; a Springfield rifle, caliber .45. Cannon are sometimes also designated by the weight of metal which they throw, as a 24-pounder.
Caliber-rule.A gunner’s calipers; having two scales, to determine the weight of a ball from its diameter, and conversely.
Calicut(nowKolikod). A town in Southwestern India; the first Indian port visited by Vasco de Gama, May 20, 1498. It was seized by Hyder Ali, 1766, and taken by the English, 1790.
California(from the SpanishCaliente Fornalla, “hot furnace,†in allusion to the climate). Was discovered by Cortez in 1537; others say Cabrillo in 1542; and visited by Sir Francis Drake, who named it New Albion in 1579. The Spaniards established missionary and military stations in California, 1698; it became subject to Mexico in 1823; became independent in 1836; occupied by the army of the United States in 1846; ceded to the United States, 1848; admitted into the Union as a sovereign State, 1850.
Caligæ.A kind of half-boots worn by the Roman soldiers. These soldiers were sometimes calledCaligati.
Caliper-compass.An instrument by which the bore of cannon, small-arms, etc., is measured; said to have been invented by an artificer of Nuremberg, 1540.
Caliver.A hand-gun or arquebuse; probably the old name for the match-lock or carabine.
Call.A military musical term, signifies a signal given by a trumpet, bugle, or drum.
Callao.A fortified seaport of Peru. Lord Cochrane gallantly cut out the “Esmeralda,†a Spanish ship-of-war, from under the guns of the fort in 1821. Its roadstead (the best on the Peruvian coast) was the scene of a combat between the Spaniards and the Independents; the Colombians took it in 1826. The attempt of the Spanish admiral Nuñez to bombard Callao on May 2, 1866, was defeated by the Peruvians.
Calle, La.A seaport on the coast of Algeria. The French, who possessed it before the revolution of 1789, lost it during that epoch; again occupied it in 1815, but lost it in 1827. It has been in the possession of the French since the conquest of Algeria.
Callinger.One of the hill-forts of Bundelcund. From its position and size, Callinger must at one time have been a place of great strength. It was stormed by the British in 1812.
Calmar.SeeKalmar.
Calones.A term applied to menials of the Roman armies; also slaves belonging to the Roman soldiers, who followed their masters to the wars.
Calore.A river in Italy; on its banks the Romans (composed of slaves), commanded by Tiberius (Gracchus), defeated the Carthaginian general Hanno in 215. After the battle each Roman (slave) who could present the head of an enemy slain by him was granted his freedom.
Calpee, orKalpee. A city of India, in Bundelcund, on the right bank of the river Jumna. It was conquered by the British in 1803, and in May, 1858, was captured by Gen. Rose from the mutinous Sepoys, it being the headquarters of the Gwalior contingent.
Caltrop, orCrow’s-foot. An instrument with 4 iron points, so disposed that, three of them being on the ground, the other projects upward. They are scattered on the ground where an enemy’s cavalry are to pass, to impede their progress by endangering the horses’ feet.
Calumet.A kind of pipe used by the North American Indians for smoking tobacco, having the bowl usually of soft red stone, and the tube a long reed ornamented with feathers. The calumet is used as a symbol or instrument of peace. To accept the calumet is to agree to the terms of peace, and to refuse it is to reject them. The calumet is used to seal or ratify contracts and alliances, and to receive strangers kindly.
Calvi.A seaport on the island of Corsica, situated on a peninsula in the Gulf of Calvi. It is strongly fortified and has a good port. It was captured by the English in 1794, after a siege of 51 days.
Calvi.A decayed town of Naples. Here the French gained a victory over the Neapolitans, December 9, 1798.
Cam.A river in England. On its banks was fought a battle between the Saxons and Danes during the reign of Edward I.
Camail.Ancient armor, consisting of a guard for the throat made of chain-mail coming down from the helmet.
Cambrai, orCambray. A fortified cityof France, department of the North. It was fortified by the Romans; besieged and captured by Childebert in 535; taken by Edward III., king of England, in 1337; in 1544 by Charles V.; by the Spaniards in 1595; captured by the French and annexed, 1667; taken by Clairfait, the Austrian general, on September 10, 1798. The French were defeated at Cæsar’s camp, in the neighborhood, by the allied army under the Duke of York, April 24, 1794. Cambray was seized by the British under Sir Charles Colville, June 24, 1815. Several important treaties were entered into at this place.
Cambria.SeeWales.
Cambridge.The RomanCamboricumand the SaxonGranta; a town of England, in Cambridgeshire. It was burned by the Danes in 870 and 1010. Roger de Montgomery destroyed it with fire and sword, to be revenged of King William Rufus. During Wat Tyler’s and Jack Straw’s rebellion, the rebels entered the town, seized the University records and burned them in the market-place, 1381.
Cambuskenneth(Central Scotland). Here Wallace defeated the English under Warrenne and Cressingham, September 10, 1297.
Camden.A village in Kershaw Co., S. C. Gen. Gates was defeated here August 16, 1780, by Lord Cornwallis, and April 25, 1781, Gen. Greene was here defeated by Lord Rawdon. During the civil war this place was captured, February 24, 1865, by the Federal forces under Gen. Sherman, and the bridge over the Wateree, the railroad depot, and a considerable quantity of stores, etc., burned by the 15th Corps.
Camel.SeePack and Draught Animals.
Camelford.A town of England, in Cornwall. It was the scene of a famous battle between King Arthur and his nephew Modred in 543, in which the former was victorious. The West Saxons, under Egbert, had a battle with the Britons here in 823.
Cameron Highlanders.The designation given to the 79th Regiment of Infantry in the British service, in consequence of the corps having been raised by Allan Cameron of Erroch in 1793. This gallant regiment, which wears the Highland garb, performed distinguished services in the Peninsula and at Waterloo, and has been engaged in the principal warlike struggles of more recent times.
Camisado.A shirt formerly worn by soldiers over their uniform, in order to be able to recognize one another in the darkness, in a night attack.
Camisado.An attack by surprise at night, or at break of day, when the enemy is supposed to be in bed, by soldiers wearing the camisado.
Camouflet(Fr.). A small mine containing about 10 pounds of powder, sufficient to compress the earth all around it without disturbing the surface of the ground. It is sometimes formed in the wall or side of an enemy’s gallery, to blow in the earth and cut off the retreat of the miner.
Camp.From the Latin wordcampus, a “plainâ€; is the whole extent of ground covered by an army when under canvas. Its breadth should not exceed the line occupied by the troops when drawn out in order of battle. As a general rule, camps should be located in a position convenient to wood and water, with the front close and well covered, and the rear perfectly open.
Campaign.A connected series of military operations, forming a distinct stage or step in a war. Formerly, when troops kept the field only during the summer months, the term was used to include all that was done from the time an army took the field until it went again into winter quarters. In modern times, when no ordinary degree of cold is allowed to arrest military operations, the term is frequently used to include all steps taken to accomplish one immediate object.
Campaigner.One who has served in an army several campaigns; an old soldier; a veteran.
Camp and Garrison Equipage.All the tents, fittings, utensils, etc., carried with an army, applicable to the domestic rather than to the warlike wants of the soldier. The allowance of camp and garrison equipage to U. S. troops is prescribed in general orders from the War Department.
Campania(Southern Italy). Was occupied by Hannibal and various cities declared in his favor, 216B.C.; conquered by the Romans, 213. Its capital wasCapua(which see).
Camp-bedstead.A bedstead made to fold up within a narrow space, as used in war; a trestle bedstead.
Campbell’s Station.A post-village of Knox Co., Tenn. Here on November 16, 1863, Gen. Burnside, marching from Knoxville to meet the Confederate forces under Gen. Longstreet, was attacked by them, and after several hours’ fighting succeeded in repulsing them. Burnside then withdrew to the neighborhood of Knoxville and fortified his position.
Camp-boy.A boy that serves in camp.
Campeachy.A city of Central America, and the principal seaport of Yucatan. The country was discovered about 1517, and settled in 1540. This city was taken by the English in 1659; by the buccaneers in 1678, and by the freebooters of St. Domingo in 1685. These last burnt the town and blew up the citadel.
Campestre.A kind of girdle or apron worn by Roman soldiers around their waists at certain exercises, where the rest of their bodies remained naked.
Camp-followers.The sutlers, traders, and dealers generally; also civilian employés, servants, and women who follow troops, and are amenable to the regulations and restrictions of the service.
Camp-guard.A camp-guard consists ofone or two rows of sentinels placed around a camp, and relieved at regular intervals. The number of rows of sentinels, and the distance between each man, will depend upon the character of the ground and the degree of danger apprehended.
Campidoctores.Officers who drilled the Roman soldiery.
Camp, Intrenched.Is a position fortified by field-works, which may be selected by an army in the field, for important operations during a campaign or a war,—such as to secure itself while covering a siege, or in winter quarters to accommodate a corps of observation, while the active army is engaged elsewhere, or to defend a position near a fortified place.
Camp of Instruction.Is an encampment of troops in the field to habituate them to the duties and fatigues of war. They may be either temporary or permanent. Of the latter description are the camps at Aldershott, England, and the Curragh of Kildare, Ireland.
Campo Formio.A town of Northern Italy; here a treaty was concluded between France and Austria, the latter yielding the Low Countries and the Ionian Islands to France, and Milan, Mantua, and Modena to the Cisalpine Republic, October 17, 1797. By a secret article the emperor gained the Venetian dominions.
Campo Mayor.A stronghold which covers the district between the Guadiana and the Tagus, where the French, retreating from this place in March, 1811, were suddenly confronted by a large British force under Marshal Beresford, and a combat ensued which was disastrous to the French.
Campoos.Regiments of infantry in the service of the Mahratta confederates.
Campo Santo.A town of Northern Italy, situated on the Panaro. In 1743 a sanguinary battle was fought here between the Spanish and Austrian forces.
Camp Out, To.To rest for the night without a standing roof; whether under a light tent, a screen of boughs, or any makeshift that the neighborhood may afford.
Camprodon.A fortified town of Catalonia, Spain. This town was taken by the French in 1689, and again in 1794.
Camp-stool.A portable seat used on campaigns. It is usually made with crossed legs, so as to fold up, and with a full-sized seat of leather or canvas, or else of strips of dressed hide.
Canada, Dominion of.A country of North America which embraces all of the American possessions of Great Britain lying north of the United States. It was discovered by John and Sebastian Cabot, June 24, 1497; the French founded Quebec in 1608. The English general Wolfe captured Quebec in 1759, and the conquest of Canada was completed in 1760. The Americans under Montgomery invaded Canada, and surprised Montreal, November, 1775; expelled by Carleton, March, 1776; the Americans under Gen. Hull again invaded Canada; defeated at Brownstown, August 8, and surrendered August 16, 1812. The Americans took York April 27, Fort George May 27, 1814; they were defeated at Chippewa July 25, and peace was signed at Ghent, December 24, 1814. Several rebellions took place in Canada, but were speedily suppressed. Invasions of Canada by armed Fenians from the United States were attempted in 1866 and 1870, but were repelled without difficulty.
Cananore.A seaport town of British India, in the presidency of Madras; it is the chief military station of the British in Malabar. In 1501 a small fort was built here by the Portuguese, which was taken by the Dutch in 1664. These were subsequently driven out by Tippoo Saib, and in 1790 the British took possession.
Candahar, orKandahar. A fortified city of Afghanistan; stands in a fertile plain, 200 miles southwest from Cabool. This city is supposed to have been founded by Alexander the Great. Candahar was held by Tartary, India, and Persia in turn. During all the disasters of the Afghan war, the British succeeded in holding possession of the city, 1839-42.
Candia(anc.Crete). An island in the Mediterranean Sea. It was conquered by the Romans, 68B.C.; seized by the Saracens, 823; retaken by the Greeks, 960; sold to the Venetians, 1204; gained by the Turks after a 24 years’ siege, during which more than 200,000 men perished, 1669; ceded to the Egyptian pasha, 1830; restored to Turkey, 1840; in 1866 the Christian inhabitants revolted against the Turks, and demanded an annexation to the kingdom of Greece. This war excited much sympathy among Christian nations, but the Cretans were subdued in 1869.
Candle Bombs.Pasteboard shells filled with pyrotechnic compositions which make a brilliant display upon explosion. They are used for signaling, and are made up with a powder charge attached to one side; a strand of quick-match leads to the charge when placed in the mortar. The mortars used are very light, being simply hollow cylinders of stout paper, sole-leather, or wood. They are made very light for ease of transportation.
Candy.A kingdom of Ceylon; it was taken by a British detachment, February 20, 1803, who capitulated June 23, following, anxious to evacuate the place on account of its unhealthiness; on the third day many were treacherously massacred at Columbo. The war was renewed in October, 1814; the king made prisoner by Gen. Brownrigg, February 19, 1815, and the sovereignty vested in Great Britain, March 2, 1815.
Canister.In the U. S. service, a round of canister consists of a hollow tin cylinder filled with cast iron or lead balls, which vary in size and number with the caliber and kind of piece; the cylinder is closed at thebottom by a thick cast-iron plate, and at the top by one of sheet-iron. The interstices between the balls are filled with dry sawdust, the object of which is to give more solidity to the mass, and to prevent the balls from crowding on one another when the piece is fired. In the English service this is called case-shot.
Canister-shot.One of the lead or iron balls in a round of canister.
Cannæ.A town of Naples, province of Terra di Bari. It is celebrated for the great victory gained there by Hannibal over the Romans, in the summer of 216B.C.The loss of the Romans is stated by Livy at 45,000 infantry and 3000 cavalry.
Cannon.A military engine of which the general form is that of a hollow cylinder closed at one end, and variously mounted, used for throwing balls and other instruments of death by force of gunpowder. Cannons are made of iron, brass, bronze, and sometimes of steel rods welded together, and are of different sizes. They are classified, from their nature,guns,howitzers, andmortars; also from their use, asfield,mountain,prairie,sea-coast, andsiege; also asrifledandsmooth-bore. SeeOrdnance.
The following are the most famous cannon of all ages, arranged according to the diameter of the bore:
1. TheTsar Pooschka, the great bronze gun of Moscow, cast in 1586; bore 36 inches, weight 86,240 pounds; threw a stone ball weighing 2000 pounds.
2.Mallet’s Mortar, English, 1857-58; built up of cast and wrought iron; bore 36 inches; cast-iron shell weighing 2986 pounds.
3. TheMalik-I-Mydan, “Master of the Field,†the great bronze gun of Bejapoor, India; cast 1538; bore 28.5 inches; basalt ball, 1000 pounds.
4.The Bronze Gun of Mahomet II.,A.D.1464; bore 25 inches; granite ball, 672 pounds.
5. TheDulle-Grieteof Ghent, wrought iron,A.D.1430; bore 25 inches; stone ball, 700 pounds.
6. TheDhool-Dhanee, bronze gun of Agra, India; bore 23.2 inches; stone balls, 520 pounds.
7.Mons Megof Edinburgh; wrought iron,A.D.1455; bore 20 inches; stone ball, 400 pounds.
8.Rodman Gun, American, 1863; cast iron; bore 20 inches, weight 117,000 pounds; cast-iron solid shot weighing 1080 pounds.
The most powerful cannon the world has ever seen have been made within the present decade (1870-80). They are rifles.
The100-tonArmstrong gunssold to Italy to arm the “Duilio†and “Dandoloâ€; bore 17 inches, weight of oblong shot of chilled iron 2000 pounds, charge ofFossano powder552 pounds.Muzzle-loading.
The80-tonWoolwich gunsmade to arm the “Inflexibleâ€; bore 16 inches, weight of shot 1700 pounds, charge ofcubical powder440 pounds.Muzzle-loading.
The72-tonKrupp guns; bore 15.75 inches, weight of steel shot 1700 pounds, charge ofprismatic powder452 pounds. Guns all steel.Breech-loading.
Cannonade.The act of discharging shot or shells from cannon for the purpose of destroying an army, or battering a town, ship, or fort; usually applied to an attack of some continuance.
Cannon-ball.A ball usually made of cast iron, to be thrown from cannon.
Cannon Baskets.The old English phrase for gabions.
Cannon-bullet.A cannon-ball.
Cannoneer.A man who manages cannon.
Cannoneering.The use of cannon.
Cannoneers’ Seats.SeeOrdnance, Carriages for, Nomenclature of Artillery Carriages.
Cannon-lock.A contrivance, like the lock of a gun, placed over the vent of a cannon to explode the charge.
Cannon-metal.An alloy of copper with about 9 per cent. of tin;—called alsogun-metal.
Cannon-perer.An ancient piece of ordnance throwing stone shot.
Cannon-proof.Proof against cannon.
Cannon Royal.A 60-pounder of 81â„2inches bore.
Cannonry.Cannon collectively; artillery.
Cannon-shot.A ball for cannon.
Canonnière(Fr.). This name was given formerly to a tent which served to shelter four canonniers, but later the term was applied to all infantry tents which contained seven or eight men.
Canonnière(Fr.). An appellation formerly given to a gun-proof tower; it also designated an opening in the walls of cities, forts, etc., through which the defenders of these places could fire on an enemy without being exposed.
Canonniers(Fr.). Artillerymen, gunners. In 1671, during the administration of Louvois in France, the name ofcanonnierswas given to the first company of the regiment of the king’s fusileers; in April, 1693, this regiment was namedartillerie royal, but the first company retained the name ofcanonniers.
Canonniers Gardes-côtes(Fr.). Were instituted in 1702, by Louis XIV. of France, for the service of coast batteries. They are similar to the Artillery Coast Brigade in the British service.
Canstadt, orCannstadt. A town of Würtemberg, on the river Neckar. In the vicinity a battle was fought in 1796, between Gen. Moreau and the Archduke Charles of Austria.
Cantabri.A rude race of ancient mountaineers who lived in Cantabria, the northern part of Spain, near the Bay of Biscay. They made a brave resistance to the Romans in the Cantabrian war, 25-19B.C.They are said to have been of Iberian origin.
Cantabrum.A large banner used duringthe time of the Roman emperors, and borne on festive occasions.
Canteen.A tin vessel used by soldiers to carry water on the march, or in the field. It is usually suspended by a strap from the shoulder. In the British service the canteen is made of wood. The name is also applied to the store authorized within the precincts of British barracks for the sale of liquors, small stores, etc. (SeePost Trader.) A leather or wooden chest divided into compartments, and containing the table equipage of an officer when on active service, is also called a canteen.
Canterbury(theDurovernumof the Romans). A town in Kent, England. Its cathedral was sacked by the Danes, 1011, and burnt down, 1067; rebuilt, 1130; again burnt down, 1174, and again rebuilt. During the civil war in England, Cromwell’s dragoons used Canterbury Cathedral as a stable.
Cantinière(Fr.). Women who are authorized to establish themselves in the barracks or follow the troops in time of war, selling them liquors and provisions. Thecantinières, whether attached to regiments or barracks, are selected from the wives of non-commissioned officers or privates, and wear a uniform. SeeVivandière.
Cantle.The hind-bow or protuberance of a saddle; also writtencantel.
Canton.The only city in China with which Europeans were allowed to trade till the treaty of August 29, 1842. In 1856 a serious misunderstanding arose between Great Britain and China, on account of the Chinese having boarded the “Arrow,†a small vessel, lying in the Canton River, with a British colonial register. The Canton forts were taken, and Canton was bombarded by Sir Michael Seymour in 1856, and in the following year the Chinese fleet was entirely destroyed. In 1858 Canton was taken, and the forts at the mouth of the Pei-ho River were taken by the allied French and English forces.
Canton.One of the nine honorable ordinaries in heraldry. It occupies a corner of the shield either dexter or sinister, and is a third of the chief.
Cantonments.In the general operations of European armies are temporary resting-places. In cantonments the men are not under canvas, as in camps, but occupy during an armistice, or in intervals between active operations, adjacent towns and villages. In India cantonments are permanent places, being regular military towns, distinct and at some little distances from the principal cities.
Cantonné.In heraldry, when a cross is placed between four other objects it is said to becantonné.
Canusium(nowCanosa). An important and very ancient city of Apulia, in Italy. It was probably founded by the Greeks. Here a battle took place between the Carthaginians under Hannibal, and the Romans under Marcellus, 209B.C.; it lasted two days; the first day the Carthaginians were victorious, but on the second day the Romans gained the victory after committing great havoc among their adversaries. It was captured by the Romans, 318B.C.
Canvas.A coarse hempen or linen cloth which is extensively used in the form of tents, etc.
Cap-a-pie(Fr.). “Head to foot.†In military language of the Middle Ages, this term was applied to a knight or soldier armed at all points, with armor for defense and weapons for attack.
Caparison.The bridle, saddle, and housing of a military horse.
Cape Breton.A large island of British North America, separated from Nova Scotia by the Gut of Canso. Said to have been discovered by Cabot, 1497; by the English in 1584; taken by the French in 1632, but was afterwards restored, and again taken in 1745, and retaken in 1748. The fortress of Louisburg was captured by the English, July 26, 1758, when the garrison were made prisoners, and 11 French ships were captured or destroyed. The island was ceded to England, February 10, 1763.
Cape Coast Castle.In Southwest Africa; it was settled by the Portuguese in 1610, but it soon fell to the Dutch; it was demolished by Admiral Holmes in 1661. All the British factories and shipping along the coast were destroyed by the Dutch admiral, Ruyter, in 1665. It was confirmed to the English by the treaty of Breda, in 1667. SeeAshantees.
Cape Colony.SeeCape of Good Hope.
Capeline(Fr.). A helmet without a visor, nearly in the form of a round head; it was formerly worn by infantry.
Cape of Good Hope.In Southern Africa; long held by the Dutch; was captured by the British, September 16, 1795; restored to the Dutch at the general peace, but was again taken by the British, January 9, 1806; it still belongs to the British, though a severe desultory warfare has often been carried on with the native tribes.
Capital.In technical fortification, is an imaginary line bisecting the salient angle of a work.
Capitulation.The surrender of a fortress or army on stipulated conditions.
Caponiere.A covered passage across the ditch of a fortified place, for the purpose either of sheltering communication with outworks or of affording a flanking fire to the ditch in which it stands. If the caponiere is protected only on one side, it is single; if on both sides, and covered, it is double.
Capote.A heavy coat with a hood, worn by soldiers, sailors, and others.
Cappadocia.An ancient province of Asia Minor, now included in Asiatic Turkey. It was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia, and was ruled by independent kings after the time of Alexander the Great until 17, when Tiberius reduced it to a Roman province.
Cappel.A village of Switzerland. Here the reformer Ulric Zwinglius was slain in a conflict between the Catholics and the men of Zurich, in October, 1531.
Capri(anc.Capreæ). An island near Naples, the sumptuous residence of Tiberius, memorable for the debaucheries he committed during the last seven years of his life. Capri was taken by Sir Sidney Smith, April 22, 1806; taken from the British, October 4, 1808, by a French force under Gen. Lamarque.
Caps.The head-dress or shako of such troops as are not supplied with helmets.
Forage Capsare the cloth undress head-covering of the officer or soldier.
Caps.In gunnery, are the leathern plugs, or bungs, used to prevent rain or rubbish from collecting in the bore of the guns and howitzers. There are also cannon caps for similar purposes, used for mortars.
Caps, Percussion-.Are small metal covers, inlaid with detonating powder, and placed on the nipple of a rifle or revolver. The hammer, striking on the outer surface of the cap, causes the powder to explode and ignite the charge.
Cap-square.A strong plate of iron which comes over the trunnion of a cannon, and keeps it to its place.
Capstan.A strong, massy column of timber, formed somewhat like a truncated cone, and having its upper extremity pierced to receive bars, or levers, for winding a rope round it, to move great weights, or to exert great power; used in moving heavy guns considerable distances; called also acrab.
Capsules.Copper caps for percussion-locks.
Captain.In a limited and technical sense, is the title of an officer who commands a troop of cavalry, a company of infantry, or a battery of artillery. He is the next in rank below a major, and in the U. S. army is responsible for the camp and garrison equipage, the arms, ammunition, and clothing of his company.
There is no position in the army that will give as much satisfaction in return for an honest, capable, and conscientious discharge of his duty as that of captain or commanding officer of a company. There is a reward in having done his full duty to his company, that no disappointment of distinction, no failure can deprive him of; his seniors may overlook him in giving credits, unfortunate circumstances may defeat his fondest hopes, and the crown of laurel may never rest upon his brow, but the reward that follows upon the faithful discharge of his duty to his company he cannot be deprived of by any disaster, neglect, or injustice.
He receives it whenever he looks upon his little command, and sees the harmony, comfort, and discipline that prevail; he feels it when he comes to part with his men in the due course of promotion, or as they individually take their discharge after a faithful service; he remembers it when, in after-years, no matter if rank and honors have in the mean time fallen upon him, he meets an old soldier who, with respect and affection, still calls him his captain.
He is a small sovereign, powerful and great within his little domain, but no imbecile monarch ever suffered more from intrigues, factions, and encroachments than an incapable company commander; no tyrant king must contend more with rebellions, insurrections, and defections than an arbitrary and unjust captain, and no wise and beneficent ruler ever derived more heartfelt homage, more faithful services, or more patriotic devotion than a just, competent, and faithful commander receives from his company. They will love him truly, they will obey him faithfully, and whilst there is life they will stand by him in the hour of battle.
The command of a company divides itself into two kinds of duty, requiring very different capacity, viz.,GovernmentandAdministration. The former requires force of character, judgment, and discretion, and has often been well performed without much capacity for the latter. Administration requires a certain amount of knowledge absolutely indispensable to a discharge of a duty.
Government.—Under this head may be included instruction in tactics and discipline, the preservation of order and subordination, and the cultivation of a military spirit and pride in the profession among the men. It involves the appointing and reduction of non-commissioned officers, and the subject of rewards and punishments.
Administration.—Providing the clothing and subsistence, and keeping the accounts of soldiers in order, that they may be paid, and attending to the transportation of the men and their supplies, belong under this head. They involve the keeping of the records of the company, and the pay and clothing accounts of the men; the drawing and distributing of supplies, and the care and accountability of public and company property. The efficient administration of the affairs of a company greatly facilitates the discipline and government of the company, makes the men content and cheerful in the performance of their duties, and attaches them to their commander.
Captaincy.The rank, post, or commission of a captain.
Captaincy-general.The office, power, territory, or jurisdiction of a captain-general.
Captain-General.This was the proper appellation of a commander-in-chief till Marlborough’s time, if not later. The rank is sometimes still given on extraordinary occasions. It was born by the Marquis of Wellesley during his government in India, and is applied to the governor-general of the Canadas. In the United States, the governor of a State is captain-general of the militia.Captain-lieutenant, an officer, whowith the rank of a captain, and pay of lieutenant, commands a company or troop.
Captainry.The power, or command, over a certain district; chieftainship; captainship.
Captainship.The condition, rank, post, or authority of a captain or chief commander. Also skill in military affairs; as, to show good captainship.
Captive.A prisoner taken by force or stratagem in war, by an enemy; made prisoner, especially in war; kept in bondage or confinement.
Captivity.The state of being a prisoner, or of being in the power of the enemy, by force or the fate of war.
Captor.One who takes, as a prisoner or a prize.
Capture.The act of taking or seizing by force; seizure; arrest; as, the capture of an enemy. The thing taken; a prize; prey taken by force, surprise, or stratagem.
Captured Property.As civilization has advanced during the last centuries, so has likewise steadily advanced, especially in war on land, the distinction between the private individual belonging to a hostile country and the hostile country itself, with its men in arms. The principle has been more and more acknowledged that the unarmed citizen is to be spared in person, property, and honor, as much as the exigencies of war will admit. A victorious army appropriates all public money, seizes all public movable property until further direction by its government, and sequesters for its own benefit or that of its government all the revenues of real property belonging to the hostile government or nation. The title to such real property remains in abeyance during military occupation, and until the conquest is made complete. As a general rule, the property belonging to churches, to hospitals, or other establishments of an exclusively charitable nature, to establishments of education, or foundations for the promotion of knowledge, whether public schools, universities, academies of learning, or observatories, museums of the fine arts, or of a scientific character,—such property is not to be considered public property; but it may be taxed or used when the public service may require it. Classical works of art, libraries, scientific collections, or precious instruments, such as astronomical telescopes, as well as hospitals, must be secured against all avoidable injury, even when they are contained in fortified places whilst besieged or bombarded. And if they can be removed without injury, the ruler of the conquering state or nation may order them to be seized and removed for the benefit of the said nation. The ultimate ownership is to be settled by the ensuing treaty of peace.
The United States acknowledge and protect, in hostile countries occupied by them, religion and morality; strictly private property; the persons of the inhabitants, especially those of women; and the sacredness of domestic relations. Offenses to the contrary are rigorously punished. This does not interfere with the right of the victorious invader to tax the people or their property, to levy forced loans, to billet soldiers, or to appropriate property, especially houses, land, boats or ships, and churches for temporary and military uses. Private property can be seized only by way of military necessity, except the owner forfeits his right to it by committing a crime or offense against the victorious power. All captures and booty belong, according to the modern law of war, primarily to the government of the captor. SeeStores, Military.
Capua.A town of Naples, in the province of Terra di Lavoro; took the part of Hannibal when his army wintered here after the battle of Cannæ, 216B.C., and, it is said, became enervated through luxury. In 211, when the Romans retook the city, they scourged and beheaded all the surviving senators; many of them having poisoned themselves after a banquet previous to the surrender of the city. During the Middle Ages, Capua was successively subjugated by the Greeks, Saracens, Normans, and Germans. It was restored to Naples in 1424, and was taken, November 2, 1860, by Garibaldi.
Capuchons(Fr.). A society formed in France from 1181 to 1183, for the suppression of the brigandage of theRoutiers; they exterminated 7000 brigands in an engagement near Verdun.
Caracas(South America). Part of Venezuela, discovered by Columbus in 1498. It was reduced by arms, and assigned as property to the Welsers, German merchants, by Charles V.; but for their tyranny they were dispossessed in 1550, and a crown governor appointed. The province declared its independence, May 9, 1810.
Caracole(Sp.caracol). A French term used in horsemanship or the manège to denote a semi-round or half-turn. When cavalry advance to charge in battle they sometimes perform caracoles in order to perplex the enemy, and excite a doubt whether they will attack the flank or the front.
Caravaggio.A walled town of Italy, in the province of Bergamo. Here a battle was fought, September 15, 1448, between the Milanese and Venetians, in which the latter were defeated.
Carberry Hill.In Southern Scotland; here on June 15, 1567, Lord Hume and the confederate barons dispersed the royal army under Bothwell, and took Mary, queen of Scots, prisoner. Bothwell fled.
Carbine.A short light musket, used by cavalry. It is so called from a kind of light horse (Carabins), whose weapon it was. They were employed by Henry II. of France in 1559.
Carbineers, orCarabineers. Dragoons armed with carbines, who occasionally acted as infantry. All regiments of light-armed horse were formerly called carbineers; butsince the establishment of hussars and lancers, they have, for the most part, lost that denomination.
Carbon.SeeCharcoal.
Carcass.In gunnery, is a spherical shell having three additional holes, of the same dimensions as the fuze-hole, pierced at equal distances apart in the upper hemisphere of the shell, and filled with a composition which burns with intense power from 8 to 10 minutes, and the flame issuing from the holes sets fire to everything combustible within its reach; it is used in bombardments, setting fire to shipping, etc., and is projected from cannon like a cannon-shell.
Carcassonne(anc.Carcaso). A city in the south of France, capital of the department of Aude. It was taken from the Visigoths by the Saracens in 724.
Carchera.A name given by the Corsicans to their cartridge-belts.
Cardiff.A seaport and county town of Wales, in Glamorganshire. Cardiff is an ancient place, and is surrounded by walls, in which were four gates. Its castle, once large and strongly fortified, was erected about the year 1079. Robert, duke of Normandy, was confined in it for 28 years after the battle of Tinchebria. This fortress was afterwards taken and partially destroyed by Cromwell.
Cardigan.A town in Cardiganshire, Wales. It was an important town about the Norman conquest, and the Normans were frequently defeated before mastering it. The town suffered much in the struggles between the Welsh and the Normans.
Cardinal Points.The four intersections of the horizon with the meridian, and the prime vertical circle, or north and south, east and west. In astrology, the cardinal points are the rising and setting of the sun, the zenith and nadir.
Caria.An ancient province in the extreme southwest of Asia Minor. It was conquered by Cyrus, 546B.C.; by Dercyllidas, a Lacedæmonian, 397. Caria was absorbed in the Turkish empire.
Carignan.A small town about 12 miles from Sedan, department of Ardennes, Northeast France. At the plain Douzy, near this place and the encampment of Vaux, a part of MacMahon’s army, retreating before the Germans, turned round and made a stand, August 31, 1870. After a long and severe engagement, in which the positions were taken and retaken several times, the Germans turned the flank of their enemies, who were compelled to fall back upon Sedan, where they were finally overcome, September 1.
Caripi.A kind of cavalry in the Turkish army, which, to the number of 1000, are not slaves, nor bred up in the seraglio, like the rest, but are generally Moors, or renegade Christians, who have obtained the rank of horse-guards to the Grand Seignior.
Carisbrooke Castle.In the Isle of Wight, England; it is said to have been a British and Roman fortress; was taken in 530, by Cerdic, founder of the kingdom of the West Saxons. Here Charles I. was imprisoned in 1647.
Carizmians.Were fierce shepherds living near the Caspian Sea; having been expelled by the Tartars, they invaded Syria in 1243. The union of the sultans of Aleppo, Hems, and Damascus was insufficient to stem the torrent, and the Christian military orders were nearly exterminated in a single battle in 1244. In October they took Jerusalem. They were totally defeated in 1247.
Carlaverock Castle.In Southern Scotland; it was taken by Edward I. in July, 1300.
Carlisle.A frontier town of England, in the county of Cumberland, wherein for many ages a strong garrison was kept. Just below this town the famous Picts’ wall began, which crossed the whole island to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and here also ended the great Roman highway. The castle was destroyed by the Danes, 875, restored in 1092 by William II.; was the prison of Mary, queen of Scots, in 1568. Taken by the Parliamentary forces, in 1645, and by the young Pretender, November 15, 1745; retaken by the Duke of Cumberland, December 30, same year. The cathedral was almost ruined by Cromwell in 1648.
Carlisle.Capital of Cumberland Co., Pa. This town was shelled by the Confederates, July, 1863.
Carlow.A town in Southeastern Ireland; the castle, erected by King John, surrendered after a desperate siege to Rory Oge O’Moore, in 1577; again to the Parliamentary forces in 1650. Here the royal troops routed the insurgents, May, 1798.
Carlowitz, orKarlowitz. A town of the Austrian empire, on the Danube. Here, in 1699, a treaty was concluded between Turkey and Austria; and here Prince Eugène defeated the Turks in 1716.
Carlsruhe, orKarlsruhe. Capital of the grand duchy of Baden; built by the Margrave Charles William, 1715. It was occupied by the Prussians, June 25, 1849, who aided to suppress the revolution, and enabled the grand duke to return, August 18, 1849.
Carmagnola.A town of Piedmont, on the river Po. It was captured by Catinat troops in 1691; taken by the French Republican troops in 1795.
Carmel, Knights of the Order of Our Lady of Mount.A semi-religious order of knighthood instituted by Henry IV. of France, and incorporated with the order of the Knights of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem. The order consisted of 100 gentlemen, all French, who were to attend the king in his wars, and had considerable revenues assigned them.
Carnatic.A district of Southern Hindostan, extending along the whole coast of Coromandel. Hyder Ali entered the Carnatic with 80,000 troops in 1780, and was defeated by the British under Sir Eyre Coote, July 1 and August 27, 1781, and decisively overthrown,June 2, 1782. The Carnatic was overrun by Tippoo in 1790. The British have possessed entire authority over the Carnatic since 1801.
Carnifex Ferry.Over the Gauley River, West Virginia. A force of about 5000 Confederates under Gen. Floyd, who occupied a strong position here, became engaged with a Federal brigade of the troops under Gen. Rosecrans on the afternoon of September 10, 1861, when some severe fighting occurred until night put an end to the contest. The Federals intended to renew the attack in the morning with a stronger force, but during the night Gen. Floyd withdrew his troops across the river, burned the ferry-boats and the bridge which he had constructed, thus cutting off pursuit, but leaving his camp, baggage, small-arms, and munitions of war in the hands of the Federals.
Carolina, North.SeeNorth Carolina.
Carolina, South.SeeSouth Carolina.
Caroling.A custom of the ancients before going to war, which consisted of singing, etc.
Carpet Knight.A man who obtains knighthood on a pretense for services in which he never participated.
Carpi.In Northern Italy; here Prince Eugène and the Imperialists defeated the French, July 9, 1701.
Carquois(Fr.). A quiver of iron, wood, leather, etc., which was worn slung over the right shoulder.
Carrago.A kind of fortification, consisting of a great number of wagons placed round an army. It was employed by barbarous nations, as, for instance, the Scythians and Goths.
Carreau,Quarreau, orCarre(Fr.). A bolt or dart, with a large steel head, for a cross-bow.
Carriage.A gun-carriage is designed to support its piece when fired, and also to transport cannon from one point to another. It consists of two cheeks, connected together and with a stock by assembling bolts. The front part supports the piece, and rests upon an axle-tree furnished with wheels, the rear end of the stock or trail resting on the ground. SeeOrdnance, Carriages for.
Carriage, Casemate.SeeOrdnance, Carriages for, Sea-Coast Carriages.
Carriage, Field-.SeeField-Carriage.
Carriage, Mountain.SeeOrdnance, Carriages for.
Carriage, Prairie.SeeOrdnance, Carriages for.
Carriage, Sea-coast.SeeOrdnance, Carriages for.
Carriage, Siege.SeeOrdnance, Carriages for.
Carrical, orKarical. A seaport town of Hindostan, on the coast of Coromandel. It was formerly strongly fortified, but is now thoroughly dismantled. It came into possession of the French in 1759; was taken by the English in 1803; and restored to the French in 1814.
Carrick.An old Gaelic term for a castle or fortress, as well as for a rock in the sea.