Iron cannon, however, are subject to a peculiar erosion by the gases, which Prof. Horsford explains by supposing that under the enormous tension and heat the sulphur in the gases unites with the iron, producing a friable sulphide of iron, which is successively formed and swept off by the gases. Wrought-iron guns are peculiarly subject to this erosion, cast-iron and steel less so. The amount of erosion is dependent upon the velocity with which the gases pass over the surface of the bore. In rifled wrought-iron guns having windage this action is fully illustrated, and the gun is soon disabled. The strong preference in many countries for steel as a bore lining is thus explained. By the use of expanding projectiles this action is largely prevented, the sabot acting as a gas-check. This system of projectiles is rapidly gaining favor for this and other reasons.
Inkerman.A small Tartar village in the Crimea, situated near the eastern extremity of the harbor of Sebastopol. It was once a celebrated city, and has numerous caverns cut in the rock, supposed to be the work of the monks in the Middle Ages. Near this place, November 5, 1854, was fought a battle between the allied English and French forces on the one side, and the Russians on the other, the former amounting to 25,000 or 30,000, the latter about 60,000. The Russians began the attack at dawn of day upon the intrenched lines of the English; but after a fierce and sanguinary contest of many hours, inflicting great loss on both sides, the Russians were finally driven from the field.
Inlist.SeeEnlistment.
Inlying Picket.A body of infantry or cavalry in campaign, detailed to march, if called upon, and held ready for that purpose in camp or quarters.
Inner.One of the circular rings on the Creedmoor target; a shot striking in this space counts three.
Inniskilliners, orEnniskilliners. In the British service, the officers and soldiers of the 6th Dragoons and the 27th Foot are so called, from the two regiments having been originally raised at Enniskillen (or Inniskillen), a town of Ulster, where the inhabitants distinguished themselves in favor of King William against James II.
Innuit.A name given by some ethnologists to the Indian races inhabiting the northwestern coast of North America. They differ in many respects from the Indians of the interior and farther south. The Aleuts and Esquimos are not included in the term.
Inofficial.Not official; not proceeding from the proper officer; not clothed with the usual forms of authority, or not done in an official character; not required by or appropriate to the duties of any office; as, inofficial intelligence.
Inquiry, Board of.A term used in contradistinction to a court-martial, to signify the meeting of a certain number of officers (who are not sworn) for the purpose of ascertaining facts that may afterwards become a matter of investigation on oath. There are also courts of inquiry; such courts in the armies of Europe, it would seem, derived their origin from the prerogative of the sovereign, and became part of the military judicature by custom and not by express law. From this fact it has been considered that the exercise of this authority, instead of being regarded as an assumption of power, is a favor to the accused, and it is thus stated by Capt. Simmons in his work on courts-martial. For the army of the United States, courts of inquiry have been specially authorized by legal enactment. (SeeAppendix,Articles of War,115to121.) The origin and purposes of such courts would naturally lead to the conclusion that they are of the essence of high command; and therefore the right to convoke them, under all the legal restrictions, is properly confined to the President of the United States, a general commanding an army, or a colonel commanding a department; and in the cases of enlisted men, the commanding officer of the regiment. SeeCourt of Inquiry.
Inroad.The entrance of an enemy into a country with purposes of hostility; a sudden or desultory incursion or invasion; attack; encroachment.
Inroll.SeeEnroll.
Insconced.In the military art, when any part of an army has fortified itself with a sconce, or small work, in order to defend some pass, etc., it is said to be insconced. SeeEnsconce.
Inscribe.To mark with letters, characters, or words, as, to inscribe the name of the battle on their colors.
Insecure.Not effectually guarded or protected; unsafe; exposed to danger or loss.
Inspect.To view and examine officially; as, troops, arms, etc.
Inspection.A strict examination; a close survey. It is of various kinds, and embraces general, regimental, and troop or company duties. A general inspection is made from time to time by inspectors-general designated by the commanding generals of military divisions or departments. Every regiment on this occasion is minutely looked into, and a faithful account is delivered by each commanding officer of the actual state of his regiment. The interior economy of the corps is not only investigated, but the discipline of the men is likewise examined.
Inspection of Cannon, Instruments for.These are used to verify the dimensions of cannon, and to detect the presence and measure the size of cavities in the metal. Thestar-gaugeis an instrument for measuring the diameter of the bore at any point. Thecylinder-staffis used to measure the length of the bore. It is supported by a rest of a T-form at the muzzle, and the extremity inserted in the gun is armed with ameasuring-pointand aguide-plate. Thecylinder-gaugeis a cylinder of cast iron, turned to the exact or true diameter of the bore. When used it is attached to the end of the cylinder-staff. Thesearcherconsists of four flat springs turned up at the end, and attached to a socket which is screwed on to the end of the cylinder-staff. It is used to feel for cavities in the surface of the bore. Thetrunnion-gaugeverifies the diameters of the trunnions and rimbases. Thetrunnion-squareis used to verify the position of the trunnions with regard to the bore. Thetrunnion-rulemeasures the distance of the trunnions from the rear of the base-ring.Calipers, for measuring exterior diameters. Astandard-rule, for verifying other instruments. Thevent-gaugesare two pointed pieces of steel wire, 0.005 inch greater and less than the true diameter of the vent, to verify its size. Thevent-searcheris a hooked wire, used to detect cavities in the vent. Arammer-head, shaped to the form of the bottom of the bore, and furnished with a staff, is used to ascertain the interior position of the vent. Awooden rule, to measure exterior lengths. Amirror, awax taper,beeswax;rammer,sponge, andpriming-wire.Figureandletter-stamps, to affix the required marks. The objects of inspecting cannon are to verify their dimensions, particularly those which affect the accuracy of the fire, and the relation of the piece to its carriage, and to detect any defects of metal and workmanship that would be likely to impair their strength and endurance.
Inspection of Projectiles.The principal points to be observed in inspecting shot and shells are, to see that they are of proper size in all their parts; that they are made of suitable metal; and that they have no defects, concealed or otherwise, which will endanger their use or impair the accuracy of their fire.
Inspection of Shot.—The instruments are onelargeand onesmallgauge, and onecylinder-gauge; the cylinder-gauge has the same diameter as the large gauge; it is made of cast iron, and is 5 calibers long. There are also, onehammerwith a conical point, sixsteel punches, and onesearchermade of wire. The shot should be inspected before they become rusty; after being well cleaned each shot is placed on a table and examined by the eye, to see that its surface is smooth and that the metal is sound and free from seams, flaws, and blisters. If cavities or small holes appear on the surface, strike the point of the hammer or punch into them, and ascertain their depth with the searcher; if the depth of the cavity exceeds 0.2 inch, the shot is rejected; and also if it appears that an attempt has been made to conceal such defects by filling them up with nails, cement, etc. The shot must pass in every direction through the large gauge, and not at all through the small one; the founder should endeavor to bring the shot up as near as possible to thelarge gauge, or to the true diameter. After having been thus examined the shot are passed through thecylinder-gauge, which is placed in an inclined position, and turned from time to time to prevent its being worn into furrows;shotwhichslideorstickin the cylinder are rejected. Shot are proved by dropping them from a height of 20 feet on a block of iron, or rolling them down an inclined plane of that height against another shot at the bottom of the plane. The average weight of the shot is deduced from that of three parcels of 20 to 50 each, taken indiscriminately from the pile; some of those which appear to be the smallest should also be weighed, and they are rejected if they fall short of the weight expressed by their caliber more thanone-thirty-secondpart. They almost invariably exceed that weight.
Inspection of Grape- and Canister-shot.—The dimensions are verified by means of a large and small gauge attached to the same handle. The surface of the shot should be smooth and free from seams.
Inspection of Hollow Projectiles.—The inspecting instruments are alargeandsmall gaugefor each caliber, and acylinder-gaugefor shells of 8 inches and under.Calipersfor measuring the thickness of shells at the sides.Calipersto measure the thickness at the bottom.Gaugesto verify the dimensions of the fuze-hole and the thickness of the metal at the fuze-hole. Apair of hand-bellows; awooden plugto fit the fuze-hole, and bored through to fit the nozzle of the bellows. Ahammer, asearcher, acold chisel,steel punches.
Inspection.—The surface of the shell andits exterior dimensions are examined as in the case of shot. The shell is next struck with the hammer, to judge by the sound whether it is free from cracks; the position and dimensions of the ears are verified; the thickness of the metal is then measured at several points on the great circle perpendicular to the axis of the fuze-hole. The diameter of the fuze-hole, which should be accurately reamed, is then verified, and the soundness of the metal about the inside of the hole is ascertained by inserting the finger. The shell is now placed on a trivet, in a tub containing water deep enough to cover it nearly to the fuze-hole; the bellows and plug are inserted into the fuze-hole, and the air forced into the shell; if there be any holes in the shell, the air will rise in bubbles through the water. This test gives another indication of the soundness of the metal, as the parts containing cavities will dry more slowly than other parts. The mean weight of shells is ascertained in the same manner as that of shot. Shot and shells rejected in the inspection are marked with an X made with a cold chisel,—on shot near the gate, and on shells near the fuze-hole.
Inspector-General.A staff-officer of an army, whose duties are those of inspection, and embrace everything relative to organization, recruiting, discharge, administration, accountability for money and property, instruction, police, and discipline. In the French army, a certain number of general officers are annually designated to make inspections.
Inspector-General of the Cavalry.In the British service, a general officer whose particular duty is to inspect all cavalry regiments, to report the state of the horses, and to receive specific accounts from the different corps of their actual state. He communicates directly and confidentially with the commander-in-chief. Inspector-general of the recruiting service is an officer of rank, through whom the field-officers of districts, and colonels of regiments (when they personally manage the recruiting service of their own corps), transmit their several returns to the adjutant-general’s office.
Inspector-General’s Department.In the United States, the law provides for one inspector-general, with the rank of brigadier-general; two inspectors-general, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel; and two with the rank of major. Also, that the Secretary of War may, in addition, detail officers of the line, not to exceed four, to act as inspectors-general.
Installation.The act of investing any one with a military order.
Instruction.The education or training of soldiers in military duties. In the U. S. service the colonel has general charge of the instruction of his regiment.
Instructions.Military directions or orders.
Instruments, Military Musical.The instruments which are peculiar to the cavalry of most nations are the trumpet and bugle. In France, dragoon regiments in general formerly adopted the drum in common with the infantry; they now use the trumpet for garrison, and the bugle for field service. A certain number of fifers are likewise allowed in foot regiments. In the U. S. army, the drum, fife, and bugle are used by foot, and the trumpet by mounted troops. There is allowed a band of musicians to each regiment, which usually serve at regimental headquarters, and is partly maintained by the regimental fund. (SeeFund.) There is also a band employed at the West Point Military Academy, which is maintained by the government. In the U. S. navy there is a band allowed to each commander-in-chief of a fleet, which is also maintained by the general government.
Instruments, Warlike Musical.The Turks made use of wind and clashing instruments of different shapes and sizes; all, except one wind instrument, are better calculated for pomp and ceremony, than adapted to military service. The clashing instruments, which the French callinstrumens à choc, consist of two sorts of drums, and an instrument which is made of two plates of metal. Their wind instruments consist of a winding or crooked trumpet, and of a wooden fife. The big drum which they calldaul, stands 3 feet high. It is carried by a mounted drummer, who makes use of a thick stick, with which he strikes the upper part, and a small one, with which he plays upon the lower part; these he applies alternately, with much dexterity of hand and great gravity of countenance. This is the only instrument which the Turks use in military exercises or manœuvres, and is constantly beaten when the enemy is near, and round all the outposts, in order to keep the sentinels on the alert. On these occasions the drummer exclaims with a loud voice,Jagda Allah!that is, “God is good!”
Insubjection.Want of subjection; state of disobedience to government.
Insubmission.Want of submission; disobedience.
Insubordinate.Not submissive; not submitting to authority.
Insubordination.The quality of being insubordinate; want of subordination; disorder; disobedience to lawful authority; a serious military offense.
Insubres.A Gallic people, who crossed the Alps, and settled in Gallia Transpadana, in the north of Italy. Next to the Boii, they were the most powerful and warlike of the Gallic tribes in Cisalpine Gaul. They were conquered by the Romans shortly before the commencement of the second Punic war.
Insufficiency.The quality of being insufficient; want of sufficiency; deficiency; inadequateness; as, the insufficiency of provisions for a garrison.
Insult, To.In a military sense, is to attack boldly and in open day, without goingthrough the slow operations of trenches, working by mines and saps, or having recourse to those usual forms of war, by advancing gradually towards the object in view. An enemy is said to insult a coast when he suddenly appears upon it, and debarks troops with an immediate purpose to attack.
Insurgents.Soldiers or people generally in a state of insurrection. The term, however, admits of one exception. Hungarian insurgents (Insurgenten die Ungarischen) mean the Hungarian militia, called out or summoned by general proclamation, as under the old feudal system.
Insurrection.A rising against civil or political authority; the open and active opposition of a number of persons to the execution of law in a city or state; a rebellion; a revolt.
Intenable.Incapable of being held; untenable; not defensible; as, an intenable fortress.
Intendant, orIntendant Militaire. An officer in the French army charged with the organization and direction of all the civil services attending a force in the field. The officers acting under his orders are those in charge of all the finance services, the provisions, stores, hospitals, artillery train, and transport departments, besides the interpreters, guides, and such like temporary services. Theintendant-en-chefof an army is the representative of the minister of war; and, short of superseding the general’s orders, can exercise, in case of need, all the functions of that high officer of state. The intendance is divided into intendants, ranking with general officers, sub-intendants with colonels, and assistant-intendants with majors; besides these there are cadets, who receive no pay, and constitute a probationary grade.
Intercept.To interrupt communication with, or progress towards; to cut off; as, to intercept the march of an army.
Intercombat.A combat between.
Interior.A word of varied application; as, theinterior flanking angleis formed by the curtain and line of defense.Interior radiusis that part of anoblique radiusextending from the centre of the polygon to the centre of the bastion.Interior sideis the line of the curtain produced to the two oblique radii of the front, or a line drawn from the centre of one bastion to that of the next.
Interior Form of Cannon.The interior of cannon may be divided into three distinct parts: 1st, thevent, or channel which communicates fire to the charge; 2d, theseat of the charge, or chamber, if its diameter be different from the rest of the bore; 3d, thecylinder, or that portion of the bore passed over by the projectile. See alsoGrooves for Rifle Cannon.
Interior Guards.Are police guards, guards of property, etc., who are liable to come in contact with the enemy.
Interior Slope.Is the inclination towards the inner part of a work which is given to the earth forming the rampart or parapet.Interior crestis the crest of the interior slope.
Interval.In military dispositions and manœuvres, any given distance or space. In tactics the term is used to signify taken parallel to the front, as opposed to distance or space perpendicularly to the front.Interval between two battalionsis the space which separates them when they are drawn up for action or when they are encamped. This space is generally wide enough to admit the march of another regiment; that is to say, it is equal to the extent of its front when in line.Interval between the line and the campcomprehends the space which lies between the camp and the line of intrenchments. It is generally from 180 to 200 toises in breadth; so that the different sections of troops which are necessary for the security of the camp, may have room to move in, while sufficient ground is left in rear for troops to pass and repass as occasion may require. The same observation holds good with respect to contrevallation.
Intrench.Is to make secure against the attack of an enemy by digging a ditch or trench, etc.To intrench upon, to invade, to make encroachments upon the property or territories of another.
Intrenched Camp.A large space capable of containing an entire army, surrounded by works of fortification. Frequently an intrenched camp joins a fortress, in which case it is protected by permanent works of considerable strength—detached forts, for instance.
Intrenching Tool.An implement used for intrenching. In view of the deadly fire of modern small-arms it is a matter of great importance that the soldier should be able to get cover. For this reason it has been proposed to make an intrenching tool a part of the soldier’s equipment. In the United States army a combination bayonet and intrenching tool is used. SeeTrowel Bayonet.
Intrenchment.Is generally a ditch or trench with a parapet. The earth removed to form the ditch is used to construct the parapet. Fascines, with earth thrown over them, gabions, hogsheads, or bags filled with earth, are often employed to revet or strengthen the work when the earth is loose or sandy.Intrenchments of armiesare the whole works or obstacles by which an army or large body of troops cover themselves for their defense.
Intrepidity.An unqualified contempt of death; an indifference to fortune as far as it regards personal safety; a fearlessness of heart, and a daring enterprise of mind.
Inundation.The act of letting water into a country so that it shall be overflowed, to prevent the approach of an enemy. It is among the most considerable of the various methods which have been devised for impedingthe approach to a field-work, or indeed, any fortification.
Invade, To.To make a forcible or clandestine entry into the territory of another state; to pass the regular line of frontier of any country, in order to take possession of the interior.
Invalid.A soldier who has been wounded, or has suffered in his health, and in consequence of his good conduct has been recommended to a certain provision for life. Chelsea Hospital is the place allotted for the reception of such objects of public gratitude and benevolence in England; the Soldiers’ Home, in Washington, D. C., in the United States, and the Hôtel des Invalides, at Paris, France. In England numbers of invalids are, however, allowed to reside where they choose, and are then known as “out-pensioners.”
Invalides.Wounded veterans of the French army, maintained at the expense of the State. SeeHôtel des Invalides.
Invaliding.Signifies the return home, or to a more healthy climate, of soldiers or sailors whom wounds or the severity of foreign service has rendered incapable of active duty. The man invalided returns to his duty as soon as his restored health justifies the step.
Invasion.In war, is the entrance or attack of an enemy on the dominions of another.
Inventory of Effects of Deceased Officers and Soldiers.SeeAppendix,Articles of War,125,126.
Inverness.A royal burgh of Scotland, capital of a county of the same name, situated on both sides of the river Ness. It was a city of the Picts up to 843; taken by Edward I.; retaken by Bruce, 1313; burnt by the Lord of the Isles, 1411; taken by Cromwell, 1649; and by Prince Charles Edward in 1746. The latter was defeated at Culloden, about 5 miles from Inverness, April 16, 1746.
Inversion.A movement in tactics by which the order of companies in line is inverted, the right being on the left, the left on the right, and so on.
Invest.To invest a place is to seize upon all the avenues leading to a town or fortress. On the occasion of an investment, the hostile troops are distributed on the principal commands, to prevent any succor from being received by the garrison, and to keep the ground until the rest of the army, with the artillery, can arrive to form a regular siege. To invest a place is, in fact, to take preparatory measures for a blockade or close siege.
Invincible.Incapable of being conquered or overcome; unconquerable; insuperable; as, an invincible army, etc.
Inwall.To inclose or fortify with a wall.
Iona,Icolmkill, orHii. The most famous of the Hebrides, in Argyle Co., Scotland. It is about 3 miles long, and varies in breadth from a mile to a mile and a half. It was founded by Saint Columba, a native of Ireland, in the 6th century, and long remained the chief seat of learning and the centre of missionary enterprises undertaken by the Culdees. In 795, 802, 806, 825, and 986 the island was ravaged by Norsemen, by whom its monks were martyred in the three latter dates.
Ionia.In Asia Minor. About 1040B.C., the Iones, a Pelasgic race, emigrated from Greece, and settled here and on the adjoining islands. They were conquered by the great Cyrus about 548B.C.; revolted in 504, but were again subdued. After the victories of Cimon, Ionia became independent and remained so till 387, when it was once more subjected to Persia. It formed part of the dominions of Alexander and his successors; was annexed to the Roman empire, and conquered by the Turks.
Ionian Islands.A group of islands running round the west coast of Epirus, and west and south of Greece. After the division of the Roman empire these islands were included in the eastern half, and so continued till 1081, when the Duke of Calabria took possession of them. From this time they underwent a continual change of masters till the commencement of the 15th century, when they by degrees came into possession of the Venetians, who in 1797 ceded them to France. They were seized by Russia and Turkey in 1800, by France in 1807, by Great Britain in 1809, and November 15, 1815, they were formed into a republic under the protectorate of the latter power. In May, 1864, they were formally annexed to Greece.
Ionie Indians.A tribe of aborigines allied to the Caddos, who resided in Texas, and were generally peaceable and friendly.
Iowa.One of the Central States of the United States, lying between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. It originally formed a portion of the Louisiana Territory; and permanent settlements commenced to be formed in it about 1833; organized as a Territory in 1838, and admitted as a State in 1846. During the civil war it contributed its full quota of troops to the cause of the Union.
Iowa Indians.A tribe of aborigines of Dakota stock, who inhabited the State which now bears their name. They were closely allied to the Sacs and Foxes.
Ipsara, orPsara. A small island in the Grecian Archipelago, west of Scio; belongs to Turkey. It was taken by the Turks in 1824.
Ipsus.A town of Phrygia, in Asia Minor. Here in 301B.C., a battle was fought between Antigonus, king of Asia, and the forces of Cassander, Lysimachus, Ptolemy, and Seleucus, which resulted in the defeat and death of Antigonus.
Ipswich.The chief town of the county of Suffolk, England, situated on the Orwell. This town was destroyed by the Danes about 1000.
Ireland.Anciently namedIerneandHibernia, is said to have been first colonized by Phœnicians. Some assert that Partholani landed in Ireland about 2048B.C.; that the descent of the Damnonii was made about 1403B.C.; and that this was followed by the descent of Herber and Heremon, Milesian princes, from Galicia, Spain, who conquered Ireland, and gave to the throne 171 kings. The Danes and Normans invaded Ireland in 795; but were totally defeated by Brian Boriomhe at Clontarf, April 23, 1014. In 1172, King Henry II. of England invaded Ireland with a formidable armament, and received homage from several of the minor native chiefs, and from the chief Norman adventurers, granting to the latter charters authorizing them, as his subjects, to take possession of the entire island in his name; which they partially succeeded in accomplishing. Subsequently the authority of the English crown became limited to a few towns on the coast, and the district termed “the Pale,” comprising a small circuit about Dublin and Drogheda. Henry II. received the title of “king of Ireland” in 1541, by an act passed by the Anglo-Irish Parliament in Dublin; and about the same period, some of the native princes were induced to acknowledge him as their sovereign, and to accept peerages. The attempts of the English government to introduce the reformed faith stirred up dissensions in Ireland. Among the first to revolt was the Earl of Desmond, after whose death, in 1583, his vast estates in Munster were parceled out to English settlers. Soon after the chief clans of Ulster took up arms; and in opposing them, the forces of Queen Elizabeth, commanded by officers of high military reputation, encountered many reverses, the most serious of which was that in 1598 at the battle of the Yellow Ford, where the English army was routed and its general slain. Philip III. of Spain, at the solicitation of the Irish chief, dispatched a body of troops to their assistance in 1601, which landed in the extreme south, instead of in the north, as had been expected, were unable to effect anything, and were constrained, to surrender. Although Elizabeth was supported by numbers of native Irish, the northern chiefs, O’Neill and O’Donnell, held out till the queen’s government came to terms with them in 1603, recognizing them as earls of Tyrone and Tirconnell. In 1608 these noblemen having apprehensions for their personal safety quitted Ireland, and retired to the continent. Their withdrawal enabled James I. to carry out that project of parceling out the north of Ireland to Protestant Scotch and English settlers. The Irish took advantage of the contentions in England to rise in insurrection (1641) and massacre the Protestants. It is believed that nearly 40,000 fell victims to their fury. The country continued in a state of anarchy till 1649. when Cromwell overran it. At the revolution the native Irish generally took the part of James II., the English and Scotch “colonists” that of William and Mary; and the war was kept up for four years (1688-1692). The Irish again rebelled in 1798, and were not suppressed until 1800. Ireland was incorporated with England and Scotland in 1801. Several insurrections have taken place since the latter date but were quickly suppressed. For important military events in Ireland, see separate articles.
Irish Brigade.A body of men who followed the fortunes of James II., and were formed into regiments under the monarchy of France.
Iron Cross.A Prussian order of knighthood, instituted on March 10, 1813, by Frederick William III., and conferred for distinguished services in the war which was then being carried on. The decoration is an iron cross with silver mounting. The grand cross, a cross of double the size, was presented exclusively for the gaining of a decisive battle, or the capture or brave defense of a fortress. It was revived by William I. in the Franco-Prussian war, and awarded by him to his son for his victory at Weissembourg, August 4, 1870.
Iron Crown.The crown of the ancient Lombard kings; is a broad band of gold set with jewels, within which is a thin plate or fillet of iron, and is declared by tradition to have been hammered from one of the nails of the true cross. It has been used at the coronation of 34 different monarchs, including Charlemagne, Henry VII. of Germany, Charles V., and Napoleon. After the peace of Vienna in 1866, the crown was presented by the emperor of Austria to Victor Emmanuel, king of Italy.
Iron Ores.Character of Pig-iron.—Ores suitable for “gun-metal” should be reduced in the smelting-furnace, with charcoal and the warm blast, varying from 125° to 300° Fahr., depending upon the ore used. Iron thus made, or pig-iron, should be soft, yielding easily to the file and chisel; the appearance of the fracture should be uniform, with a brilliant aspect, dark gray color, and medium-sized crystals.Character of Gun-metal.—When remelted and cast into cannon, it should approach that degree of hardness which resists the file and chisel, but not so hard as to be bored and turned with much difficulty. Its color should be a bright, lively gray; crystals small, with acute angles, and sharp to the touch; structure uniform, close, and compact.Magnetite.—Octahedral Iron Ore.—Color iron-black. Streak black. Brittle. The black streak and magnetic properties distinguish this species from the following:Specular Iron Ore.—Hematite.—Often massive granular; sometimes lamellar or micaceous. Also pulverulent and earthy. Color, dark steel-gray or iron-black, and often when crystallized having a highly splendid lustre; streak-powder cherry-red or reddish-brown. The metallic varieties pass into an earthy ore of a red color,having none of the external characters of the crystals, but perfectly corresponding to them when they are pulverized, the powder they yield being of a deep red color, and earthy or without lustre. Sometimes slightly attracted by the magnet.Limonite.—Brown Iron Ore.—Usually massive, and often with a smooth botryoidal or stalactitic surface, having a compact fibrous structure within. Also earthy. Color, dark brown to ochre-yellow; streak, yellowish-brown to dull yellow. Lustre, sometimes sub-metallic; often dull and earthy; on a surface of fracture frequently silky.Spathic Iron.—Carbonate of Iron.—Chalybite.—Usually massive, with a foliated structure, somewhat curving. Sometimes in globular concretions or implanted globules. Color, light grayish to brown; often dark brownish-red, or nearly black on exposure. Streak, uncolored. Lustre, pearly to vitreous; translucent to nearly opaque.
Irons.Fetters or instruments made of iron, with which a prisoner is shackled.To be put in irons, is to be handcuffed and confined in fetters.
Ironsides.A strong man. A cuirassier;—applied also to Cromwell’s cavalry.
Iroquois, orSix Nations. The name given by the French to the Indian confederacy of the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas, to which were afterwards added the Tuscaroras, after being driven from their hunting-grounds in North Carolina. This once formidable confederacy is now nearly extinguished, but remnants of it are still found scattered through the State of New York.
Irregular.Not regular; not according to common form or rules; as, an irregular building or fortification. SeeFortification, Irregular.
Irregular Cavalry.A term now almost obsolete. It applied a few years ago to regiments of horsemen raised under certain conditions in the East Indies. These conditions were that each man should provide his own horse, arms, accoutrements, and clothing, receiving in return a monthly sum, which also included his pay. To these regiments only three English officers were appointed, the other officers being natives. These regiments are still paid in the same way, but they are clothed, armed, and equipped in a uniform manner; the number of British officers is increased, and they are no longer styled irregular cavalry.
Irregularity.A violation of the customs of service,—a delinquency which is subject to censure but not serious enough to be brought before a court-martial.
Irun.A town of Spain, near the left bank of the Bidassoa. It is a place of great antiquity, having been in existence in the time of the Romans. The Carlists were defeated by the British Legion, under Gen. Sir de Lacy Evans, in the battle of Irun, May 16, 1837.
Isabella the Catholic, Order of.A Spanish order of knighthood, founded by Ferdinand VII., March 24, 1815, as a reward of loyalty, for the defense of the possessions of Spanish America. At present, it is conferred for all kinds of merit. The sovereign is the head of the order, which is divided into the three classes of Grand Crosses, Commanders, and Knights.
Isauria.A province in Asia Minor, the inhabitants of which were a wild and semi-barbarous race, who lived by rapine and plunder. The Romans surrounded Isauria with a chain of fortresses, but the Isaurians broke through them and remained as untamable as before. Under the empire, army after army was sent against Isauria, which stood to Rome, and afterwards to Constantinople, very much in the relation that Circassia now does to Russia. In the 8th century their national vanity was gratified by a countryman of their own being appointed to the throne. From this date they gradually ceased to be formidable.
Ischia.An island in the Gulf of Naples, 6 miles from the coast, and 17 miles west from Naples. In 1807, Ischia was taken by a British and Sicilian force.
Isernia.A place in Southern Italy, on the west slope of the Apennines, where the Sardinian general Cialdini defeated the Neapolitans, October 17, 1860.
Isle of France.SeeMauritius.
Ismail, orIsmailov. A strong town of Turkey in Europe, on the north side of the Kilia arm of the Danube. This place was long in the possession of the Turks; it was stormed by the Russians, under Suwarrow, in 1790. It remained in the possession of Russia until 1856, when it was restored to Turkey by the removal of the Russian frontier.
Isolé(Fr.). This word is used among the French, to express any body or thing which is detached from another. It is variously applied in fortification. Thus a pavilion or a barrack which is not joined to any other wall or building is called isolé, because it stands alone, and a person may walk entirely round it. A parapet is also said to be isolé when there is an interval of 4 or 5 feet existing between the rampart and its wall; which interval serves as a path for the rounds.
Ispahan.A famous city of Persia, capital of the province of Irak-Ajemi, situated on the Zendarud. In 1722 it was taken by the Afghans, and in 1729 was retaken by Nadir Shah. It has fallen gradually into decay.
Issue.Event; consequence; the ultimate result of any undertaking; the termination of any contest. A term also applied to the distribution of supplies; as, issue of rations, issue of clothing, etc., to troops.
Issues.In the British service, are certain sums of money which are, at stated periods, given to public accountants for public service; and for the honest distribution of which, every individual so intrusted is responsibleto Parliament.Regimental issuesare moneys paid by regimental agents, acting under the authority of their respective colonels, for regimental purposes.
Issus.An ancient city and seaport in Cilicia, in Asia Minor, close to the frontier of Syria, on or near the head of the Sinus Issicus, now the Gulf of Scanderoon. It was in the neighborhood of this city that Alexander the Great annihilated the Persian army under Darius in 333B.C.Here too was fought (194A.D.), the bloody battle between Septimus Severus and Pescennius Niger, by virtue of which the former became sole master of the Roman empire. The exact site of Issus has not yet been discovered.
Istalif.A town of Afghanistan, province of Cabul (Cabool). It was taken and partly destroyed by the British in 1842.
Italy.A peninsula in the south of Europe. The invading Pelasgians from Greece, and the aborigines (Umbrians, Oscans, and Etruscans), combined, formed the renowned Latin race still possessing the southern part of Europe. The history of Italy is soon absorbed into that of Rome, founded 753B.C.Previous to the 15th century it was desolated by intestine wars and the interference of the German emperors; since then, Spain, France, and Germany have struggled for the possession of the country, which has been divided among them several times. Spain predominated in Italy during the 16th and 17th centuries; but was compelled to yield to the house of Austria at the beginning of the 18th century. The victories of Bonaparte in 1797-98 changed the government of Italy; but the Austrian rule was re-established at the peace of 1814. In 1848 the Milanese and Venetians revolted and joined Piedmont, but were subdued by Radetzky. The hostile feeling between Austria and Piedmont gradually increased till war broke out in April, 1859, in which the Austrians were defeated, and the kingdom of Italy was re-established in 1861. Another war with Austria was declared in June, 1866, but peace was signed in October, same year, and Venetia was ceded to Italy. For other details, seeRomeand the various Italian cities throughout this volume.
Ithome.A mountain fortress of Messenia, memorable for the defense there made for many years against the Spartans in the first Messenian war. It was afterwards the citadel of Messene, when that city was founded by Epaminondas.
Itinerairies(Fr.). Itinerary movements or days of march. A technical phrase among the French to denote the order and the disposition which a body of men or an army is directed to observe in its march from one camp to another, or to any particular quarter or destination.
Itzehoe.An ancient town in the duchy of Holstein. The original castle around which Itzehoe was built by Charlemagne in 809. This town was twice taken by Tilly in the Thirty Years’ War, and in 1657 a great portion of it was burned down by the Swedes.
Ivry-la-Bataille.A town of France, department of Eure, 40 miles west of Paris. It is celebrated for the decisive victory which was gained by Henry IV. of Navarre over the forces under the Duke of Mayenne in 1590.
Ixcaquixtla.A town in the southern part of the state of Puebla, Mexico. It is noted in Mexican history as the scene of a sharp battle fought January 1, 1817, between Mexican insurgents under Gen. Mier of Teran, and the Spanish troops under La Madrid.
Izucar.A city of the state of Puebla, Mexico. Near here Gen. Matamoros, lighting for the independence of his country, gained a victory over the Spaniards, February 24, 1812.