Fire, Reverse.Is that which strikes the rear of a parapet or body of troops.
Fire, Ricochet.SeeFire.
Fire, Slant.Is when the shot strikes the interior slope of the parapet, forming with it a horizontal angle, not greater than 30°.
Fire Stone.A composition placed in a shell with the bursting charge, to set fire to ships, buildings, etc. It is made by stirring nitre, sulphur, antimony, and rosin in a mixture of melted tallow and turpentine. It is cast in molds made of rocket-paper. A priming of fuze composition is driven in a hole to insure its ignition.
Fire-swab.The bunch of rope-yarns sometimes secured to the tampion, saturated with water to cool the gun in action, and to swab up any grains of powder.
Fire, Tables of.In artillery, are tabulated statements for each piece, showing the range and time of flight for each elevation, charge of powder, and kind of projectile. Their purpose is to assist the artillerist in attaining his object without waste of time and ammunition, and also to regulate his aim when the effect of shot cannot be seen on account of the dust and smoke of the battle-field. The first few shots generally produce a great effect on the enemy, and itis very important that they should be directed with some knowledge of their results, which, in the field, can only be attained by experience, or from the data afforded by a table of fire. Tables of fire for different kinds of cannon may be found in the Ordnance and Artillery Manuals.
Fire, Vertical.SeeFire.
Fire-workers.In the British service, were formerly subordinate to the fire-master and his mate; had afterwards the rank of youngest lieutenants in the regiment of artillery, but now that rank is abolished, and they are all second lieutenants. They were supposed to be well skilled in every kind of laboratory-work, which knowledge is an essential qualification in every officer of that branch of the service.
Fireworks.Are various combustible preparations used in war. SeePyrotechny.
Firing.The act of discharging fire-arms.
First Sergeant.The ranking non-commissioned officer in a company. He has immediate charge of all enlisted men of the company and company property; has command of it during formations, and calls the roll. He also makes all details, keeps the roster, etc. SeeOrderly Sergeant.
Fishguard.A seaport town of South Wales, county of Pembroke. About 21⁄2miles south of this town a French force of 1400 men, under Gen. Tate, landed on February 22, 1797, and next day surrendered to a few militia and volunteers not half their number.
Fishtail Wind.A term in target practice with small-arms for a rear wind which is variable in direction.
Fish Torpedoes.SeeTorpedoes.
Fissure.A narrow chasm where a small breach has been made, as in a fort, citadel, etc.
Five Forks.A name given to a locality in Dinwiddie Co., Va., the junction of the White Oak and Ford’s road with the one leading to Dinwiddie Court-house. An important battle was fought here April 1, 1865. The possession of this radiating centre was one of great strategic importance, inasmuch as by Ford’s road the Southside Railroad could be reached, and, indeed, the whole country which the intrenched Confederate lines were intended to cover. The attempt to gain possession of this position had been made (March 30-31) by Gen. Sheridan, with momentary success (March 31), during the absence of most of the Confederate force, engaged in fighting Warren on the White Oak road, but which now being recalled, regained possession, driving Sheridan back towards Dinwiddie Court-house. On the morning of April 1 Sheridan renewed the attempt, and after a day of very severe fighting compelled the surrender of nearly all the Confederate force, pursuing such as escaped till after dark. Over 5000 prisoners were captured with 5 guns. The Union loss was not above 1900 all told. The effect of this decisive battle was to determine Lee to abandon Petersburg, which he did undercover of night (April 2), but not before his entire outer line of works had been carried during the day. One week later Lee surrendered his army at Appomattox Court-house.
Fix Bayonets.A word of command in the manual exercise, whereby the bayonets are fixed on the rifles.
Fixed Ammunition.Consists of a projectile and its cartridge which are attached to the same block of wood called asabot. SeeOrdnance, Ammunition for.
Flag, Black.A flag of a black color, displayed as a sign that no mercy will be shown to the vanquished, or that no quarter will be given.
Flag, Garrison.In the U. S. army the garrison flag is the national flag, and is 36 feet fly and 20 feet hoist. It is furnished only to very important posts, or those having large garrisons, and is hoisted only on gala days and great occasions.
Flag of the Prophet(Sanjak-Sheriff). Is the sacred banner of the Mohammedans. It was originally of a white color, and was composed of the turban of the Koreish, captured by Mohammed. A black flag was, however, soon substituted in its place, consisting of the curtain that hung before the door of Ayeshah, one of the prophet’s wives. This flag is regarded by the Mohammedans as their most sacred relic; it was brought into Europe by Amurath III. It was covered with forty wrappings of silk, deposited in a costly casket, and preserved in a chapel in the interior of the seraglio, where it is guarded by several emirs, with constant prayers. The banner unfolded at the commencement of a war, and likewise carefully preserved, is not the same, although it is believed by the people to be so.
Flag of Truce.A white flag carried by an officer sent to communicate with the enemy. The flag signifies his errand, but the enemy are not bound to receive him, though it would be a violation of the rules of war to injure the messenger, unless he persisted in his endeavor to communicate after due warning given. The term is often extended to the party which accompanies the flag, which consists generally of an officer, a trumpeter or bugler, who sounds to attract attention, and sometimes of an additional soldier who carries the flag.
Flag, Post.In the U. S. army, is the national flag, and is 20 feet fly and 10 feet hoist; it is furnished to all posts garrisoned by troops, and is hoisted only in pleasant weather.
Flag, Red.Is frequently used by revolutionists as an emblem of defiance. It is used in the U. S. service as a danger-signal at target practice, and on a man-of-war as a signal that the ship is receiving or discharging her powder.
Flags.SeeColors,Standards, etc.
Flags.The national flag of the United States consists of 13 horizontal stripes, alternatelyred and white; the union to consist of 20 stars, white, in a blue field; one star to be added to the union on the admission of every new State; the addition to be made on the 4th day of July succeeding such admission. There are flags which are symbols of individual authority. Among such are royal standards, flag-officers’ flags, etc. An admiral’s flag is usually the flag of the country which such admiral serves, with the exception of the union. The flag of the admiral, vice-admiral, and rear-admirals of the United States is rectangular and consists of 13 alternate red and white stripes. The admiral hoists this at the main; the vice-admiral at the fore; the rear-admiral at the mizzen. Should there be two rear-admirals present, the junior hoists a flag at the mizzen similar to the one described, with the addition of two stars in the upper left-hand corner. The commodore’s flag differs from that of the admiral’s in form alone, it being a swallow-tail instead of a rectangular. Should the President go afloat, the American flag is carried in the bows of his barge or hoisted at the main of the vessel on board of which he may be. In foreign countries the royal standard is worn at ceremonies in honor of the sovereign or at which the sovereign may be present. The highest flag in the British navy is the anchor and cable, the next is the union, and the lowest the blue. Flags are said to be at half-mast when they are hoisted but half the height at which they are ordinarily worn, and in this position designate mourning.To strike or lower the flag, to pull it down upon the cap, in token of respect, submission, or, in an engagement, of surrender.Dipping the flagis a salute to a fort or passing vessel by lowering it slightly and hoisting it again.
Flag-staff.The staff on which a flag is fixed.
Flag, Storm.In the U. S. army, is the national flag, and is 8 feet fly and 4 feet 2 inches hoist; it is furnished to all occupied military posts and national cemeteries, and will be hoisted in stormy or windy weather. It is also to be used as a recruiting flag.
Flam.A peculiar tap upon a drum. This word was formerly made use of in the British service, signifying a particular tap or beat upon the drum, according to which each battalion went through its firings or evolutions.
Flambeau.A kind of torch made of thick wicks, covered with wax, and used in the streets at night, at illuminations and in processions.
Flanchière(Fr.). A part of horse armor which covered the flanks and croup as far as the houghs.
Flanconade.In fencing, a thrust in the side.
Flanders.The principal part of the ancient Belgium, which was conquered by Julius Cæsar, 51B.C.It became part of the kingdom of France in 843, and was governed by counts subject to the king, from 862 till 1369. Flanders was subjected successively to Burgundy (1384), Austria (1477), and Spain (1555). In 1580 it declared its independence, but afterwards returned to its allegiance to the house of Austria. In 1792 the French invaded imperial Flanders, and occupied it till 1814. In 1814 a portion of Flanders was given to the king of the Netherlands. Since the revolution of 1831, it has belonged to Belgium.
Flank.A word of very extensive application in military matters. It literally means sides or ends of any fortification, or encampment, or body of troops. Thus a writer has described flanks as “certain proportions of offensive or defensive forces extended to the right and left of a main body.” In fortification the term means any part of the work defending another by a fire along the outside of its parapet.
Flank Casemate Carriage.Is a gun-carriage which is especially adapted to the mounting of the 24-pound iron howitzer in the flanks of casemate-batteries, for defending the ditch.
Flank Company.A certain number of men drawn up on the right or left of a battalion. Thus when there are grenadiers they compose the right, and the light infantry the left flank company. Grenadiers and light infantry are generally called flank companies, whether attached or not to their battalions; rifle corps are always flankers.
Flank, Concave.Is that which is made in the arc of a semicircle bending outwards.
Flank, Covered.The platform of the casemate, which lies hid in the bastion. These retired flanks were a great defense to the opposite bastion and passage of the ditch; because the besiegers could not see nor easily dismount their guns.
Flank Defense Carriage.SeeOrdnance, Carriages for, Sea-coast Carriages.
Flank, Directing.In drill, that by which companies march,—i.e., that at which is placed the guide, who directs and regulates the march.
Flank En Potence.Is any part of the right or left wing formed at a projecting angle with the line. SeePotence.
Flank Files.Are the two first men on the right and the two last men on the left of a battalion, company, etc. When a battalion is drawn up three deep, its flank files consist of three men, or, as the French call it, file and demi-file. When four deep, the flank files are termed double files; so that a column formed from any of these alignments will have all its relative flank files, be the depth of formation what it may.
Flank, Inner.That which is nearest the point on which a line rests, or which is farthest from the enemy. In drill, it is that nearest the point from which the line is dressed.
Flank, Leading.When the line breaks into column in order to attack an enemy, it is the flank which must always preserve the line ofappuiin all movements in front. Thefirst battalion, or company of every column which conducts, is called the head or leading flank of that column.
Flank, Oblique.Or second flank, in fortification; that part of the curtain from whence the face of the opposite bastion may be discovered, and is the distance between the linesrasantandfichant, which are rejected by some engineers, as being liable to be ruined at the beginning of a siege, especially when made of sandy earth. This second flank defends very obliquely the opposite face, and is to be used only in a place attacked by an army without artillery.
Flank of a Bastion.In fortification, that part which joins the face to the curtain, comprehended between the angle of the curtain and that of the shoulder, and is the principal defense of a place. Its use is to defend the curtain, the flank, and the face of the opposite bastion, as well as the passage of the ditch; and to batter the salient angles of the counterscarp and glacis, from whence the besiegers generally ruin the flanks with their artillery.
Flank, Outward.Of a line or battalion, the extreme file on the right or left of a division, subdivision, or section, according to the given front, when the battalion is at close or open column, and which is the farthest wheeling point from line into column, or from column into line. It is likewise called thereverseflank.
Flank, Prolonged.In fortification, is the extending of the flank from the angle of the epaule to the exterior side, when the angle of the flank is a right one.
Flank, Second.SeeFlank, Oblique.
Flank, To.In fortification, is to erect a battery which may play upon an enemy’s works on the right or left without being exposed to his line of fire. In evolutions, to take such a position in action as either to assist your own troops, or to annoy those of your enemy by attacking either of his flanks, without exposing yourself to all of his fire. Tooutflank, a manœuvre by which an army, battalion, troop, or company outstretches another, and gets upon both or either of his flanks. In an extensive acceptation of the term, when applied to locality, it means to possess any range or opposite parts, or territory, whence you might invade your neighbors.
Flanker.A fortification jutting out so as to command the side or flank of an enemy marching to the assault or attack. Riflemen and all light troops are also called flankers, from the fact of their acting on the flanks.
Flanker, To(Fr.flanquer). In fortification, to fortify the walls of a city with bulwarks or countermines.
Flanking.Is the same in fortification as defending.
Flanking Angle.In fortification, that composed of the two lines of defense, and pointing toward the curtain. SeeTenaille.
Flanking Party.Any body of men detached from the main army to act upon the flanks of an enemy. SeeFlanker.
Flanks of a Frontier.Are certain salient points in a national boundary, strong by nature and art, and ordinarily projecting somewhat beyond the general line. The effect of these flanks is to protect the whole frontier against an enemy, as he dare not penetrate between, with the risk of their garrisons, reinforced from their own territories, attacking his rear, and cutting off communication between him and his base.
Flash.The flame which issues from any fire-arm or piece of ordnance on its being fired.
Flash in the Pan.An explosion of gunpowder without any communication beyond the vent. When a piece is loaded, and, upon the trigger being drawn, nothing but the priming takes fire, that piece is said to flash in the pan.
Flask, Powder-.A measure formerly made of horn, used to carry powder in, with the measure of the charge of the piece on the top of it.
Flathead Indians.A tribe of aborigines, so called from the practice which prevailed among them of binding some solid substance on the foreheads of their children so as to cause a depression of the skull. They are located on an agency in Montana. SeeIndians and their Agencies.
Flaw.A crack or small opening in a gun or its carriage is so called.
Fleau d’Armes(Fr.). An ancient offensive weapon; the part used for striking was armed with sharp iron spikes.
Flèche.Literally an arrow; but applied in fortification to a work resembling a redan, except that it is raised upon the terre-plein without a ditch. It is in short a field-work, having faces and small flanks hastily run up to shelter a small number of men, and form an outwork to some more powerful fortification.
Fleece, Order of the Golden.One of the most eminent orders of knighthood in Europe, was founded in 1430 by Philip III., duke of Burgundy. By its foundation his successors were declared hereditary grand-masters; and thus the title passed to the imperial house of Austria with the Burgundian inheritance, and thence to the Spanish line of the same house after the death of the emperor Charles V. When the Spanish Netherlands, however, became Austrian, and the Bourbons became monarchs of Spain, the grand-mastership was claimed by the archdukes of Austria. Hence at present the Spanish and Austrian sovereigns alike confer the order, and at both courts it gives the highest rank.
Fletch, To.To feather an arrow.
Fletcher.The man who made or repaired the military bows was so called. Also calledbowyer.
Fleur-de-lis(Fr.). This celebrated emblem is derived from the white lily of the garden, or from the flag or iris. The Franks of old had a custom at the proclamation of their king, to elevate him upon a shield or target, and place in his hand a reed or flagin blossom, instead of a sceptre; and from that time the kings of the first and second race in France are represented with sceptres in their hands like the flag with its flowers, these flowers subsequently becoming the armorial bearings of France. In later times their arms were azure, three fleur-de-lisor. Many English and Scotch families bear the fleur-de-lis in some portion of their arms, and generally with some reference to France.
Fleurus.A small town in Belgium, in the province of Hainault. It has been the scene of several conflicts, the last and most important being the battle fought June 26, 1794, between the army of the French republic under Jourdan and the allies under the Prince of Saxe-Coburg. The allied forces were compelled for a time to evacuate Flanders.
Flight.Is used figuratively for the swift retreat of an army or any party from a victorious enemy. It is likewise applicable to missile weapons or shot; as, a flight of arrows, a flight of bombs, etc.
Flight, Time of.In gunnery, the flight of a shot or shell is the time during which it is passing through the air from the piece to the first graze.
Flight, To Put to.To force your enemy to quit the field.
Flint.In the flint-lock musket, the stone which was fixed to the cock or gun-lock by which the sparks were elicited that discharged the piece.
Flint-lock.A musket lock with a flint fixed in the hammer for striking on the cap of the pan; also the musket itself.
Flint Weapons.Believed to have been used by the primitive inhabitants, have from time to time, in more or less number, been turned up with the plow and the spade, and dug out from ancient graves, fortifications, and dwelling-places. They do not differ in any material respect from the flint weapons still in use among uncivilized tribes in Asia, Africa, America, etc. The weapons of most frequent occurrence are arrow-heads, spear-points, dagger-blades, and axe-heads, or celts.
Flo.An arrow was formerly so called.
Floating Batteries.These are used in defending harbors, or in attacks on marine fortresses. The most remarkable instance of their employment was by the French and Spaniards against Gibraltar, in the memorable siege which lasted from July, 1779, to February, 1783. During the Russian war, 1854-55, they rendered good service before Kinburn. Now they are only used for defensive purposes.
Floating-bridge.A kind of double bridge, the upper one projecting beyond the lower one, and capable of being moved forward by pulleys, used for carrying troops over narrow moats in attacking the outworks of a fort. SeeBridge, Flying.
Flodden Field.The last point of the Cheviots, the place where King James IV. of Scotland, after crossing the border on August 22, 1513, with an army of over 30,000 men, took up his position, and where, on September 9, the bloody battle was fought in which the king was killed, and the Scottish army destroyed.
Flogging.A barbarous punishment formerly inflicted in the British army and navy. It was generally administered with a whip, or “cat-of-nine-tails,” on the bare back. This mode of punishment formerly existed in the American army and navy.
Flood-gate.In fortified towns, is composed of 2 or 4 gates, so that the besieged by opening the gates may inundate the environs so as to keep the enemy out of gunshot.
Florent, St.A fortified seaport town of Corsica, on the gulf of the same name, 6 miles west from Bastia. This town was taken by the British in 1793.
Florida.One of the United States of America, which was discovered by Sebastian Cabot, in the year 1497. Its conquest was accomplished by the Spaniards in 1539. It was plundered by Sir Francis Drake in 1585; and by Davis, a buccaneer, in 1665. It was invaded by the British in 1702; and again by Gen. Oglethorpe in 1740. In 1763 it was ceded to Britain, but in 1781 was recovered by Spain, and confirmed to her by the peace of 1783. In 1821 it was purchased from Spain by the United States. A war with the Seminole Indians commenced in 1835. After great trouble and expense they were subdued and emigrated to the Indian Territory in 1842. In 1839 its constitution was formed, and in 1845 it was admitted into the Union. Florida seceded from the Union on January 10, 1861, and was one of the first to return to the Union, October 25, 1865.
Flourish.The waving of a weapon or other thing; a brandishing; as, the flourish of a sword.
Flourish.To execute an irregular or fanciful strain of music, by way of ornament or prelude, as, a flourish of trumpets.
Flugelman.The leader of a file; one who stands in front of a body of soldiers, and whose motions in the manual exercise they all simultaneously follow; a fugelman.
Flushed.A term frequently applied when men have been successful; as, flushed with victory, etc.
Flushing.An important seaport of the Netherlands, in the island of Walcheren, on the north side of the Scheldt, where that river enters the North Sea. It was the first town which declared against the Spaniards in 1572. In 1585 the Prince of Orange pledged it to Queen Elizabeth as security for a loan which she made to the people of the Netherlands in their struggle against Philip II. of Spain. The English held it till 1616. At the commencement of the 19th century it came into the possession of the French, and in 1809 was bombarded by the British composing the Walcheren expedition, under Lord Chatham, when it suffered severely. Admiral Ruyter was born here in 1607.
Flute.A wind instrument which is sometimes used in military bands, but never in service.
Fly.The length of a flag. The dimension at right angles to the staff. The other dimension is called thehoist.
Flying Army.A strong body of cavalry and infantry which is always in motion, both to cover its own garrisons and to keep the enemy in continual alarm.
Flying Artillery.Artillery trained to very rapid evolutions. In passing from one part of the field to another, the men spring upon their horses in horse artillery, or on the ammunition-chests in light artillery.
Flying Bridges.SeePontons.
Flying Camp.A camp or body of troops formed for rapid motion from one place to another.
Flying Colors.Colors unfurled and left to wave in the air. Hence to return or come off with flying colors is to be victorious, to get the better.
Flying Party.A detachment of men employed to hover about an enemy.
Flying Sap.SeeSap.
Flying Shot.A shot fired at something in motion, as a bird on the wing, a ship under sail, etc.; also, one who fires thus.
Flying Torch.The torch used on a staff in signaling.
Fodder.SeeForage.
Foe.An enemy in war; a national enemy; a hostile army; an adversary.
Foeman.An enemy in war.
Fogey.An old-fashioned or singular person; an invalid soldier or sailor.
Foil.A long piece of steel of an elastic temper, mounted somewhat like a sword, which is used to learn to fence with; it is without a point, or any sharpness, having a button at the extremity covered with leather.
Foil.To render vain or nugatory as an effort or attempt; to frustrate; to defeat; to baffle; to balk; as, the enemy attempted to pass the river, but wasfoiled; hefoiledhis adversaries.
Foin.A thrust with a pike or sword.
Foissonnement.A term used in fortification to signify the increase in bulk of earth after its excavation. This increase varies from one-eighth to one-twelfth generally.
Folding Boat.A boat of a jointed framework covered with canvas, used in campaigning and by voyageurs.
Followers, Camp-.SeeCamp-followers.
Follow Up.To pursue with additional vigor some advantage which has already been gained; as, to follow up a victory.
Fone.Formerly the plural of Foe. Now obsolete.
Fontainebleau.A town and parish of France, in the department of the Seine and Marne, 37 miles southeast from Paris. There is a celebrated royal palace here encompassed by parks and gardens, mentioned in history, ever since the 13th century, as the residence of the monarchs of France. This place was entered by the Austrians, February 17, 1814. Here Napoleon resigned his dignity, April 4, and bade farewell to his army, April 20, 1814.
Fontenoy.A village in Belgium, in the province of Hainaut, 5 miles southwest of Tournay. Here was fought the most famous contest in the War of the Austrian Succession, on May 11, 1745, between the French under Marshal Saxe and the allies (English, Dutch, and Austrians) under the Duke of Cumberland. After a hard-fought battle the allies were forced to retreat. The loss on both sides was stated at about 7000 men.
Food.Food has two functions, building up the body, and supplying it with force. Substances used as food may be divided into elements which are oxidizable and those conducive to chemical changes. Milk contains all the necessary elements in the best form. The nourishing elements of foods are usually classed under the heads of albuminates, fats, carbo-hydrates, and salts. In regard to the part played by the condiments used in flavoring and seasoning, and such things as tea, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, etc., little is positively known beyond the fact that some of them are useful in exciting the salivary and alimentary secretions. The amount of food necessary to health and vigor varies with the kind and amount of occupation, the character of the climate, and specifically with the individual. Playfair and Parkes give the following as the average daily allowance of anhydrous food for an adult, in avoirdupois ounces:
In quietude.
Hard labor or campaigning.
European standard, for moderate work.
From 70 to 90 ounces of water in addition to this are usually consumed per day.
The ration of the U. S. army resolved into anhydrous elements gives the following:
Soft bread, with2⁄3fresh beef,1⁄3salt pork and beans.
Same with rice instead of beans.
Hard bread,2⁄3fresh beef,1⁄3salt pork and beans.
Hard bread, bacon and beans.
The following table, compiled from standard authorities, gives an alimentary analysis of 100 parts of various substances used as food, by means of which the nutritive value of all ordinary diets may be calculated:
Foot.The foot-soldiers; the infantry, usually designated as the foot, in distinction from the cavalry.
Foot.To gain or lose ground foot by foot, is to do it regularly and resolutely; defending everything to the utmost extremity, or forcing it by dint of art or labor.
Foot Artillery.Artillery troops serving on foot. Heavy artillery.
Foot-band.A band of infantry.
Foot-bank.SeeBanquette.
Foot-boards.The transverse boards on the front of a limber, on which the cannoneers rest their feet when mounted.
Foot-fight.A conflict by persons on foot; in opposition to a fight on horseback.
Foot Guards.Guards of infantry. The flower of the British infantry, and the garrison ordinarily of the metropolis, comprise 3 regiments, the Grenadier, Coldstream, and Scots Fusilier Guards, in all 7 battalions, and 6307 officers and men of all ranks.
Footing.To be on the same footing with another, is to be under the same circumstances in point of service; to have the same number of men, and the same pay, etc.
Footman.A soldier who marches and fights on foot.
Foot-pound.In mechanics, is the unit of work. It is simply a contraction for “one pound raised through a height of one foot.” SeeWork.
Foot-soldier.A soldier that serves on foot.
Foot-ton.In England the power of modern ordnance is estimated by the energy of the shot in foot-tons, divided by the number of inches in the shot’s circumference. The formula for calculating it is
E=WV22πr.g
in whichWis the weight of the shot in tons (English),Vis the velocity, 2πr, the circumference of the shot in inches, andgthe force of gravity;WV2gis the living force of the shot, and is equal to twice the quantity of work it is capable of doing. This divided by the circumference gives a very fair estimate of its power in penetrating armor, as the resistance to penetration increases with the size of the projectile. This unit is also used to estimate the resisting power of armor-plating against shots of various sizes.
Forage.The hay, corn, fodder, and oats required for the subsistence of the animals in the army. The allowance of forage in the U. S. army is fixed by regulations at 14 pounds of hay and 12 of grain to each horse, and 14 pounds of hay and 9 of grain to each mule in the public service. Generals, field-officers, staff-officers, and cavalry officers receive forage for a certain number of private horses while actually kept in service.
Forage.To collect supplies both for man and beast, from an enemy by force, from friends by impressment, but giving to friends receipts, to be paid ultimately.
Forage Cap.A small low cap worn by soldiers when not in full dress.
Forage-master.SeeWagon-master.
Foragers.A detachment of soldiers who forage or collect stores for an army.
Foraging.Is properly the collection of forage or other supplies systematically in towns or villages, or going with an escort to cut nourishment for horses in fields. Such operations frequently lead to engagements with the enemy. Foraging parties are furnished with reaping-hooks and cords. The men promptly dismount, make bundles with which they load their horses, and are prepared for anything that may follow. The word foraging is sometimes inaccurately used for marauding.
Forbach.A small town of France, in the department of the Moselle, now a part of German Lorraine. It was occupied by the Prussians, January 10, 1814. During the Franco-Prussian war it was taken by the German generals Von Goeben and Von Steinmetz, after a fierce contest, in which the French were defeated and compelled to retreat, August 6, 1870.
Forcat.A rest for a musket in ancient times.
Force.In its military application, signifies an army of all branches,—artillery, cavalry, and infantry. It is sometimes used in the plural number, but with the same signification; as, “commander of the forces;” and occasionally we find the word used in another sense, thus, “He is in great force.” To force, in broadsword exercise, is to break an adversary’s sword-guard, and either wound him or expose him to a wound.
Force.To obtain or win by strength; to take by violence or struggle; specifically, to capture by assault; to storm, as a fortress. Also to impel, drive, wrest, extort, get, etc., by main strength or violence; with a following adverb, asalong,away,from,into,through,out, etc.
Force.To provide with forces; to reinforce; to strengthen by soldiers; to garrison.
Force of Gravity.The force by virtue of which all terrestrial bodies fall to the earth when unsupported. As a terrestrial force it may be considered constant for the same place, but as it is practically the resultant of the earth’s attraction and the centrifugal force arising from its rotation, and as the earth is neither homogeneous nor a perfect sphere, it will vary slightly with the latitude, being greatest at the poles and least on the equator, and it will also vary in an insignificant degree from place to place in the same latitude. Gravity is distinguished in dynamics as the only constant force with which we have to do. It differs also from all others in this, that its measure is independent of mass. Other forces are measured by the product of the mass moved into the velocity imparted in the unit of time; but as gravity impresses the same velocity upon all masses, great or small, mass is properly omitted in its measure. The velocity impressed by it during each second of its action, or theacceleration, is about 32.1808 feet in latitude 45°, about 32.0977 at the equator, and 32.2629 at the poles. This number in gunnery is indicated by the algebraic symbolg. Its exact value at any place is best determined by the length of the simple second’s pendulum at that place. The value forgfor bodies falling in the air is very nearly true for dense substances presenting small surfaces, when the fall is limited by a few seconds. For the ordinary time of flight of projectiles it can be used without material error.
Force, To.To force an enemy to give battle, is to render the situation of an enemy so hazardous, that whether he attempts to quit his position, or endeavors to keep it, his capture or destruction must be equally inevitable. In either of such desperate cases, a bold and determined general will not wait to be attacked, but resolutely advance and give battle, especially if circumstances should combine to deprive him of the means of honorable capitulation. Toforcea passage, is to oblige your enemy to retire from his fastnesses, and to open a way into the country which he had occupied. This may be done either bycoup de main, or renewal of assaults. In either case, the advancing body should be well supported and its flanks be secured with the most jealous attention.
Forced.Exerted to the utmost; urged; hence, strained, urged to excessive or unnatural action; as, a forced march.
Forces, Effective.All the efficient parts of an army that may be brought into action are called effective, and generally consist of artillery, cavalry, and infantry, with their necessary appendages, such as hospital staff, wagon-train, etc. Effective forces of a country; all the disposable strength, vigor, and activity of any armed proportion of native or territorial population. The navy of a country must be looked upon as part of the effective force of the country, to which is added the marines.
Forcing.The operation of making a bullet take the grooves of a rifle. This was formerly effected in various ways, by flattening the bullet in its seat with the ramrod, by using a patch, etc. (SeeProjectiles,Bullets.) The term is not much used at the present day.
Ford.A place in a river or other water where it may be passed by man or beast on foot, or by wading. A ford should not be deeper than 3 feet for infantry, 4 feet for cavalry, and 21⁄2feet for artillery. These limits must be lessened if the stream be swift. A bottom of large stones is bad for cavalry and impracticable for carriages; gravel is the best bottom; a sandy bottom, though good at first, is apt to deepen when many troops pass.
Ford.To pass or cross, as a river or other water, by treading or walking on the bottom; to pass through by wading; to wade through.
Fordable.Capable of being waded or passed through on foot, as water.
Fording.The act of passing over a ford.
Fore.In advance; at the front; in the part that precedes or goes first.
Fore-arm.To arm or prepare for attack or resistance before the time of need.
Fore-fence.Defense in front. The term is now obsolete.
Forefront.The foremost part or place; as, the forefront of the battle.
Foreign.Not of one’s country; not native; alien; from abroad.
Foreign Enlistment Act.59 Geo. III. c. 69 (1819), forbids British subjects to enter the service of a foreign state, without license from the king or privy council, and also the fitting out or equipping ships for any foreign power to be employed against any power with which the British government is at peace. In 1606 Englishmen were forbidden to enter foreign service without taking an oath not to be reconciled to the pope. The act was suspended in 1835 on behalf of the British Legion.
Foreign Legion.Foreigners have frequently been employed as auxiliaries in the pay of the British government. An act (18 & 19 Vict. c. 2) for the formation of a Foreign Legion as a contingent in the Russian war (1855) was passed December 23, 1854. On the peace, in 1856, many of the Foreign Legion were sent to the Cape of Good Hope.
Foreign Service.In a general sense, means every service but home. In a more confined and native acceptation of the term, it signifies any service done out of the United States or the depending territories.
Foreland.In fortification, a piece of ground between the wall of a place and the moat.
Fore Rank.The first rank; the front.
Fore-spurrer.One who rode before. This term is now obsolete.
Foreward.The van; the front.
Forfeit.To render oneself by misdeeds liable to be deprived of; as, a soldier forfeits pay by sentence of court-martial for offenses committed.
Forge.Every field-battery is provided with a forge. It consists, besides the limber, of a frame-work, on which are fixed the bellows, fire-place, etc. Behind the bellows is placed the coal-box, which has to be removed before the bellows can be put in position. In the limber-box are placed the smith’s tools, horseshoes, nails, and spare parts (iron) of carriages, harness, etc. The weight of the forge equipped for field-service is 3383 pounds for the battery, and 3370 pounds for the reserve. A forge for red-hot shot is a place where the balls are made red-hot before they are fired off. It is built about 5 or 6 feet below the surface of the ground, of strong brick-work, and an iron grate, upon which the balls are laid, with a very large fire under them.
Forlorn Hope.Officers and soldiers who generally volunteer for enterprises of great danger, such as leading the attack when storming a fortress, etc. Formerly it was applied to the advanced guard before the enemy, even on a march. SeeEnfans Perdus.
Form.To form, in a general acceptation of the term, is to assume or produce any shape or figure, extent or depth of line or column, by means of prescribed rules in military movements or dispositions. Toform onis to advance forward, so as to connect yourself with any given object of formation, and to lengthen the line.
Formation of Troops.The term formation is applied to that particular arrangement of the troops composing any unit, when this latter is ready for battle, or is prepared to execute a movement.
That portion of the formation on the side towards the enemy is called thefront; the side opposite to the front is termed therear; the lateral extremities are calledflanks.
Any row of soldiers placed parallel to the front is called arank; a row perpendicular to the front is called afile; the number of ranks measures thedepthof the formation.
Troops drawn up so as to show an extended front, with slight depth, are said to bedeployed; when the depth is considerable and the front comparatively small, they are said to be inployedformation. SeeOrder,Order of Battle,Concave,Order of Battle,Convex.
Formers.Are round pieces of wood that are fitted to the diameter of the bore of a gun, round which the cartridge-paper, parchment, lead, or cotton is rolled before it is served.
Formigny.A village of France, in the department of Calvados, 10 miles northwest from Bayeux, where a battle was fought in 1450, between the French and English, the latter being defeated, and thereby forced to abandon Normandy.
Formosa.An island in the China Sea belonging to China. The Dutch became masters of it in 1632, but they were expelled by the pirate Coxinga, whose successors ruled it till 1683. It was invaded by the Japanese in 1874, to avenge the murder of some of their people.
Fornova(Parma, Italy). Near here Charles VIII. of France defeated the Italians, July 6, 1495.
Fort.Technically applied to an inclosed work of the higher class of field fortification; but the word is often used in military works much more loosely.
Fort Adams.A fortification situated on Brenton’s Point, 1 mile west of the town of Newport, R. I., and commanding the entrance to the harbor. It was first garrisoned in 1841, and is established on the old fort which formerly occupied the position.
Fort Adjutant.In the British service, is an officer holding an appointment in a fortress,—where the garrison is often composed of drafts from different corps,—analogous to that of adjutant in a regiment. He is responsible to the commandant for the internal discipline, and the assignment of the necessaryduties to particular corps. Fort adjutants are staff-officers, and receive additional pay.
Fort Ann.A village of Washington Co., N. Y., on the Champlain Canal. A fortification, from which the place derives its name, was erected here during the wars with the French, in 1756. It was captured from the Americans about 1779.
Fort Barrancas.Situated on the north side of the entrance to Pensacola harbor, and has been occupied since October 24, 1820, when it was ceded by Spain to the United States. During the civil war it was captured by the Confederates (1861), and held by them until the following year.
Fort Caswell.An old brick work situated on Oak Island, at the mouth of Cape Fear River, North Carolina. On the outbreak of civil war it fell into the hands of the Confederates, who held it until the fall of Fort Fisher, in 1865.
Fort Columbus.SeeGovernor’s Island.
Fort Constitution.Is situated in Portsmouth harbor, N. H. It was established in 1808, and garrisoned by U. S. troops; but as early as 1806 the post was occupied. It consisted of an earthwork, built by the English government, and named William and Mary. A new work was commenced in 1863, having its foundation outside the old one.
Fort Covington.A village of Franklin Co., N. Y., on Salmon River, about 18 miles northwest of Malone. Here the American army suffered greatly during the winter of 1813-14.
Fort Delaware.A casemated fort on Pea Patch Island, in the Delaware River. It was a military prison during the civil war.
Fort Donelson.SeeDonelson, Fort.
Fort Duquesne.SeePittsburg.
Fort Erie.In Upper Canada; this fort was taken by the American general Browne, June 3, 1814. After several conflicts it was evacuated by the Americans, November 5, 1814.
Fort Fairfield.A village of Aroostook Co., Me. It contains a barrack, and is chiefly interesting from its having been a military post during our trouble with England in 1839.
Fort Fisher.A strong earthwork on the east side of Cape Fear River, about 20 miles south of Wilmington, N. C., and one of the principal defenses of that port. On December 24-25, 1864, the forces of Gen. Butler attempted to take it, but unsuccessfully; but on January 15, 1865, it was taken by storm by the Union army and navy, and over 2000 Confederate prisoners and 169 pieces of artillery were captured.
Fort George.A fortification in Inverness, Scotland, on the extremity of a low peninsula, projecting upwards of a mile into the Moray Firth. It has barracks for about 3000 men, and is the most complete fortification in Great Britain.
Fort George.SeeFort William Henry.
Fort Griswold.An old Revolutionary fort near New London, Conn. The traitor Arnold massacred the garrison and burned the town in 1781.
Fort Hamilton.A strong fortification on the Narrows, defending the entrance of New York harbor.
Fort Independence.A fortification on Castle Island, in Boston harbor, Mass., which forms one of the defenses of the harbor. It was commenced in 1833, and completed in 1851.
Fort Jackson.A fort on the right bank of the Mississippi River, about 80 miles below New Orleans. On April 18, 1802, Admiral Farragut, then captain, commenced the bombardment of this fort and Fort St. Philip on the opposite bank of the river, and after six days’ and nights’ continuous firing, succeeded in passing with his fleet; and destroying the Confederate flotilla, the forts surrendered.
Fort La Fayette.A fort surrounded by water in the Narrows, at the entrance of New York harbor, immediately in front of Fort Hamilton. It was used during the civil war as a prison. This fort was recently destroyed by fire.
Fort Lee.A village of Bergen Co., N. J., on the Hudson River, at the foot of the Palisades. It was once a noted military post, and was captured by the British in 1776.
Fort McAllister.SeeMcAllister, Fort.
Fort McHenry.Is situated on Whetstone Point, a peninsula formed by the junction of the northwest branch of the Patapsco with the main river, about 3 miles from Baltimore, Md. The site was first occupied as a military post by the erection of a water-battery in 1775 for the defense of the town. In 1794 the fort was repaired, and a star or pentagon fort of brick-work added, when it was ceded to the United States and called by its present name.
Fort Mackinaw.SeeMackinaw.
Fort Macon.Situated on the eastern extremity of Bogue Banks, near Beaufort harbor, N. C. It was surrendered to Gen. Burnside after a siege of about two weeks, in which he was aided by the blockading gunboats, April 25, 1862.
Fort-Major.A commandant of a fort in the absence of the governor. Officers employed as fort-majors, if under the rank of captains, take rank and precedence as the junior captains in the garrisons in which they are serving. He is a staff-officer.
Fort Marion.At St. Augustine, Fla.; was erected by the Spaniards more than 100 years ago, and formerly called the Castle of St. Mark.
Fort Mifflin.Is one of the old Revolutionary fortresses, situated near the junction of the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. It is one of the defenses of the city of Philadelphia.
Fort Monroe.A massive work of granite surrounded by a moat, situated at Old Point Comfort, Elizabeth City Co., Va. Itwas established in 1818, in which year a reservation of about 250 acres for defensive purposes was here ceded to the United States by the State of Virginia. It is the largest military work in the United States, and during the civil war was an important naval rendezvous. The artillery school of the army is established at this post.