Carrickfergus.A seaport town in the county of Antrim, Ireland. Its castle is supposed to have been built by Hugh de Lacy in 1178. The town surrendered to the Duke of Schömberg, August 28, 1689. The castle surrendered to Thurot, a French naval officer, in 1760.
Carrick’s Ford.Over the Cheat River, Virginia. On July 13, 1861, a force of Confederates under Gen. Garnett, retreating from Laurel Hill, were pursued and here attacked by Union troops under Gen. Morris, and after a few attempts to make a stand, were completely routed, and Gen. Garnett killed.
Carroccio(Ital.). A very large four-wheeled carriage, which was used by the Crusaders during the Middle Ages. On its platform, which was large enough to hold 50 persons, was erected a tower surmounted with a cross and a standard, and to it was attached a bell, which indicated the passing of the carroccio. Before engaging in battle, an effigy of Christ of life size was placed on the platform and at its feet an altar; then a mass was held. A number of knights guarded it, and it was drawn by oxen richly caparisoned. Its invention is attributed to the people of Lombardy.
Carron.A village in Stirlingshire, Scotland, on a stream of the same name, falling into the river Forth. It is noted for its extensive iron-works. The carronade, a peculiar kind of gun, derives its name from this place.
Carrousel.A species of knightly exercise in imitation of the tournament, common in the courts of Europe till the beginning of the 18th century. It usually consisted in tests of skill in horsemanship, and in the use of the lance, sword, and pistol, the competitors being mostly dressed as were the knights of former times.
Cart.In a military sense, is a vehicle mounted on two wheels, and drawn by hand or by horses or oxen. SeeHand-cart,Hand Sling-cart.
Cartagena.A city and fortified seaport of Spain, is in the province of Murcia, and on a bay of the Mediterranean. It was built by Hasdrubal, the Carthaginian general, 242B.C.; taken by Scipio, 210. It was subsequently taken by the Goths, and did not begin to rise into importance again till the time of Philip II. It was taken by a British force under Sir John Leake in 1706; retaken by the Duke of Berwick, 1707.
Cartagena, orCarthagena. A fortified city of New Granada, South America. It was taken by the French in 1544, and subsequently by the English under Sir Francis Drake, in 1585, who plundered it and set it on fire; pillaged by the French in 1697; bombarded by Admiral Vernon in March, 1740; and unsuccessfully besieged by the English in 1741. In the contest with themother-country, Cartagena was first besieged by Bolivar, and afterwards by Morillo, to whom it surrendered. It was subsequently reduced by the independent troops.
Carte, orQuarte. A movement of the sword in fencing, as tierce and carte. Also a movement of the rifle bayonet drill.
Carte-blanche.In a military sense, means a full and absolute power which is lodged in the hands of a general of an army, to act according to the best of his judgment, without waiting for superior instructions or orders. It likewise strictly means a blank paper, to be filled up with such conditions as the person to whom it is sent thinks proper.
Cartel.As a military term it is used to denote an agreement between two belligerents for the exchange of prisoners.
Cartel-ship.A vessel used in exchanging prisoners or carrying proposals to an enemy.
Carthage.An ancient and celebrated city in Africa, the renowned rival of Rome. It was founded by the Phœnicians, and was one of the latest settlements made by them on the African coast of the Mediterranean, about the middle of the 9th centuryB.C.No record of the early history of Carthage has been preserved. First alliance of Carthaginians and Romans, 509B.C.; the Carthaginians in Sicily were defeated at Himera by Gelo, 480B.C.; they took Agrigentum, 406B.C., and were defeated by Agathocles, 310B.C.The first Punic war began (which lasted twenty-three years) in 264B.C., and ended in 241B.C.Hamilcar Barcas was sent into Spain, and took with him his son, the famous Hannibal, 237B.C.Hannibal conquered Spain as far as the Iberus, 219B.C.The second Punic war began (which lasted seventeen years) in 218B.C., and ended in 201B.C.The third Punic war commenced 149 or 150B.C.; Carthage taken and burned by order of the senate, 146B.C.A colony settled at Carthage by C. Gracchus, 122B.C.; its rebuilding planned by Julius Cæsar, 46B.C., and executed by his successors; it was taken by Genseric the Vandal in 439; retaken by Belisarius, 533; taken and destroyed by Hassan, the Saracenic governor of Egypt, 698.
Carthage.The capital of Jasper Co., Mo., on Spring River. Near here, on July 5, 1861, an engagement took place between some of Gen. Lyon’s troops under Col. Sigel, and a superior force of Confederates under Gen. Rains and Col Parsons. The Union loss was 13 killed and 21 wounded.
Carthoun.The ancient cannon royal, carrying a 66-pound ball, with a point-blank range of 185 paces, and an extreme one of about 2000. It was 12 feet long and of 81⁄2inches diameter of bore.
Cartouch.A roll or case of paper, etc., holding a charge for a fire-arm.
Cartouch.In gunnery, a case of wood, about 3 inches thick at the bottom, bound about with marline, holding about 400 musket-balls, besides 8 or 10 iron balls of a pound each, to be discharged from a howitzer, for the defense of a pass, etc. It also implies an article made of leather, to sling over the shoulder of the gunner, who therein carries the ammunition from the tumbril for the service of the artillery, when at exercise in the field.
Cart-piece.An early battering cannon mounted on a peculiar cart.
Cartridge.For cannon, is the powder charge and its case. The case is a cylindrical bag of flannel, wildbore, or serge, in which the charge is placed. The mouth is closed by tying with twine, forming thechoke, which is always turned towards the muzzle when the gun is charged. For chambered pieces the mouth of the cartridge-bag is closed with acartridge-blockto give it a proper form. For some services the cartridge is attached to the projectile, in others it is carried separately. SeeOrdnance, Ammunition for.
Forsmall-arms, is the complete charge when the powder and lead are in the same case; if separate, it applies only to the powder and its case. A case containing powder only is called ablank cartridge. Cartridge-cases for military small-arms were formerly made of paper. In loading the gun the case was torn and the powder and ball put in separately. By using an inflammable paper the cartridge was afterwards used entire, especially in pistols and breech-loaders. Paper cases made very strong and reinforced by metallic heads are still much used in breech-loading shot-guns. Linen or cloth cases were also used at one period.
The introduction of breech-loaders into the military service has led to the universal adoption ofmetallic cartridges. The cases are cylinders of copper or brass, closed at the breech end, and holding both powder and bullet, the latter being retained in the case by a slight crimp. A small quantity of fulminate in the base inflames the powder upon being struck by the firing-pin. England is behind all other nations in the use of theBoxer cartridge, the case of which is made by awrappingof thin sheet-brass. In the manufacture of metallic cartridges the United States leads the world. Millions were supplied the Turks in their late war with Russia by the Winchester Arms Company, of New Haven, Conn. Metallic cartridge arereloadingandsingle fire.Reloadingcartridges have an external primer, which can be renewed for successive loadings. Thesingle firehave the fulminate inside the base, and cannot readily be reloaded. The copper cartridges for the U. S. service rifle, made at Frankford Arsenal, Pa., are of this latter class.
Cartridge-bag.SeeCartridge.
Cartridge-bags.SeeOrdnance, Ammunition for, Ammunition for Field Service.
Cartridge-belt.A belt for carrying small-armcartridges. A form extensively used in the Western United States, called theprairie-belt, has a number of leather or canvas loops sewed on the outside in which the cartridges are stuck.
Cartridge-block.SeeOrdnance, Ammunition for, Strapped Ammunition.
Cartridge, Bottle.A metallic cartridge, so called from its shape. It contains a larger charge than the ordinary cylindrical cartridge for the same caliber. The cartridge used in the Martini-Henry is of this shape.
Cartridge-box.A leathern case, with cells for cartridges, which are protected by a flap of leather. This box is suspended by a leathern strap, which passes over the left shoulder and under the right arm of the wearer, or is suspended from the waist-belt, as in the U. S. service.
Cartridge, Buck-and-ball.A cartridge containing a round musket-ball and 3 buckshot, formerly much used in smooth-bore muskets.
Cartridge, Buckshot.Containing a charge of buckshot. Formerly used in muskets, but now obsolete for military purposes.
Cartridge, Centre Primed.A metallic cartridge in which the fulminate is placed in the centre of the cartridge head or base.
Cartridge, Multi-ball.A metallic cartridge recently proposed by Capt. E. M. Wright, U. S. Ordnance Corps, in which two or more bullets or pieces of lead are substituted for the ordinary bullet, with the idea of doing more execution at short ranges.
Cartridge-paper.A stout paper formerly used in making military cartridges.
Cartridge, Reloading.SeeCartridge.
Cartridge, Rim-fire.A metallic cartridge in which the fulminate is placed in the rim surrounding the head. This rim being struck at any point, explodes the powder. Formerly much used in pistols and magazine guns. These cartridges are notreloading.
Cartridge, Single-fire.SeeCartridge.
Casale, orCasal. A town of Piedmont, the capital of a province of the same name, on the river Po. Here the French defeated the Spaniards in 1640. In May, 1859, an Austrian reconnoitring party, who had advanced from Vercelli, were here repulsed by the Sardinian Bersaglieri (riflemen).
Casal Nova.A village in Spain, where a corps of Lord Wellington’s army had an affair with the French troops under Marshal Masséna, during their retreat from Portugal on March 14, 1811.
Cascabel.In gunnery, is the projection in rear of the breech, and is composed of theknob, theneck, and thefillet. It is used to facilitate the handling of the piece in mounting and dismounting it, and moving it when off its carriage.
Cascans.In fortification, are holes in the form of wells, serving as entrances to galleries, or giving vent to the enemy’s mines.
Case-hardening.The process of converting the surface of iron into steel. Formerly much used in making small-arms. The parts to be hardened, such as thehammer,tumbler, etc., were inclosed in an airtight iron box, filled with charcoal, bones, particles of horn, or other carbonizing substance. The box and its contents were then submitted to prolonged heat. The process is that of incompletecementation(which see).
Casemate.Was originally a loop-holed gallery excavated in a bastion, from which the garrison could fire on an enemy who had obtained possession of the ditch without risk of loss to themselves. The term was afterwards applied to a bomb-proof vault in a fortress, which is designed for the protection of the garrison, without direct reference to the annoyance of the enemy. A casemated battery consists of such a vault or vaults, with openings for the guns.
Casemate Carriage.A gun-carriage used in casemates. SeeOrdnance, Carriages for.
Casemate Gun.A gun mounted in a casemate.
Casemates Nouvelles(Fr.). Arched batteries which are constructed under all the openings of revetments or ramparts. The different forts of Cherbourg are defended by these casemates; the works erected around Dover Castle come likewise under this description; the works at Fort Columbus, N. Y., are erected on the same principle.
Casemate Truck.Consists of a stout frame of wood mounted upon three barbette traverse wheels. The front wheel is pivoted so as to change direction. It is used to move cannon and heavy weights through posterns and along casemate galleries.
Casernes.In fortification, are buildings for the soldiers of the garrison to live in; generally erected between the houses of fortified towns and the rampart. In a general acceptation, casernes signify barracks.
Case-shot.In the U. S. service, a case-shot is a hollow cast-iron projectile filled with musket-balls. The projectile has thinner walls than the ordinary shell. To fill it a tube is inserted in the fuze-hole, the balls are introduced, and melted sulphur or rosin is poured in to fill up the interstices and keep the balls in position. When this has solidified the tube is withdrawn, leaving a vacant space for a small bursting charge. This description answers for the two kinds used,—the spherical case for the 12-pounder smooth-bore and the oblong case for rifle guns. Case-shot should be burst in the air a short distance in front of the troops fired upon. Time-fuzes are, therefore, used with both; the Bormann-fuze for the former, and the paper fuze for the latter. In Europe this ammunition is calledshrapnel, from the inventor. There the term case-shot is applied to what is called in the United Statescanister,—thatis, a thin case filled with bullets, used for short range without fuzes, the case being disrupted in the gun.
Cashier.To dismiss from the service with ignominy. An officer thus dismissed is understood to be excluded from the service thereafter. A dismissed officer may be restored; a cashiered officer is deemed unworthy of the indulgence.
Cashmere.A province of Northern India; was subdued by the Mohammedans in the 16th century; by the Afghans in 1752; by the Sikhs in 1819; and ceded to the British in 1846, who gave it to the Maharajah Gholab-Singh, with a nominal sovereignty.
Casing.The cast-iron case ofconverted guns(which see).
Casks, Raft of.SeeRaft of Casks.
Casque, orCask. A piece of defensive armor, to cover and protect the head and neck in battle; a helmet.
Cassano.A town of Lombardy, 16 miles from Milan, on the river Adda. In 1259, Eccelino Romana, chief of the Ghibelines, was here defeated and killed. In 1705 the French under the Duke of Vendôme gained a victory over the Imperialists, commanded by Prince Eugène; and in 1799, Suwarrow inflicted a defeat on the French under Moreau.
Cassel.A city of Germany, 90 miles northeast from Frankfort-on-the-Main. It was the capital of Westphalia under Napoleon I.; besieged by the allies in 1761; taken by the allies November 1, 1762; captured by the Russians in September, 1813.
Cassel.A town of France, department of the North. On April 11, 1677, the Marshal de Luxemburg near here defeated the Prince of Orange, who lost 4000 dead and 3000 prisoners. The French occupied Cassel, June 19, 1707.
Casse-tête(Fr.). A mace or war-club, made of very hard wood, used formerly in savage warfare.
Cassine.A small house, especially in the open country; applied also to a house standing alone, where soldiers may lie hid, or may take a position.
Cas, St.A village on the coast of France, in the department Côte du Nord. Here, in 1758, a landing of the British under Lord Cavendish was repulsed, and 100 years afterwards a column was inaugurated to commemorate the event.
Castalla.A town of Spain, 24 miles northwest of Alicante. The Spaniards under O’Donnell were here defeated by the French under Delort, August 21, 1812.
Casteggio.A town of Northern Italy, in the division of Alessandria. On June 9, 1800, the battle of Montebello was gained by the French under Lannes over the Austrians in the neighborhood of this place. On May 20, 1859, another engagement was fought here between the Austrians under Count Stadion and the French and Sardinian troops, in which the latter were victorious.
Castel-a-Mare.A seaport town of Sicily. Richelieu defeated the Spanish fleet here in 1648; and in 1799 a battle was fought between the French under Marshal Macdonald and the allied English and Neapolitans.
Castel Fidardo.Near Ancona, Central Italy. Near here Gen. Lamoricière and the papal army of 11,000 men were totally defeated by the Sardinian general Cialdini, September 18, 1860. Lamoricière with a few horsemen fled to Ancona, then besieged; on September 29 he and the garrison surrendered.
Castellan.A governor or constable of a castle.
Castellated.Adorned with turrets and battlements, like a castle.
Castellation.The act of fortifying a house and rendering it a castle. Now obsolete.
Castelnaudary.A town of France, department of Aude. It suffered greatly in the wars of the Middle Ages, and under its walls the Duke of Montmorency was made prisoner by the royal troops in 1632.
Castiglione.A fortified town of Lombardy, 22 miles northwest from Mantua. Here, in 1796, the French under Augereau gained a decisive victory over the Austrians. The French commander was afterwards made, on account of this battle, Duc de Castiglione. In 1859 the battle of Solferino also occurred in its neighborhood.
Castillejos.In Northern Africa; here, in January, 1860, was fought the first decisive action of the war between Spain and Morocco. Gen. Prim, after a vigorous resistance, repulsed the Moors under Muley Abbas, and advanced towards Tetuan.
Castillon.A town of France, in the department of Gironde. It is celebrated as the scene of the battle between the forces of Henry VI. of England and Charles VII. of France, in July, 1453, in which the English met with a signal defeat, their leader, the Earl of Shrewsbury, and his son being slain.
Casting.The rejection of horses deemed unfit for further cavalry use.
Casting Cannon.SeeOrdnance, Construction of.
Cast Iron.SeeOrdnance, Metals for.
Castle.A name given to a building constructed as a dwelling, as well as for the purpose of repelling attack. The name is especially given to buildings of this kind constructed in Europe in the Middle Ages, and which were generally surrounded by a moat, foss, or ditch.
Castlebar.A town of Ireland. French troops under Humbert landed at Killala, and, assisted by Irish insurgents here, compelled the king’s troops under Lake to retreat, August 27, 1798; but were compelled to surrender at Ballinamuck.
Castlecomer.A town of Ireland; in the rebellion of 1798 this town was attacked by the rebels, and nearly destroyed by fire.
Castle-guard.The guard which defends a castle.
Castles.In heraldry, castles are often given as charges in the shields of persons who have reduced them, or been the first to mount their walls in an assault.
Cast-metal Gun.SeeOrdnance, Cast-metal Cannon.
Castrametation.Is the art of laying out camps, and of placing the troops so that the different arms of the service shall afford support to each other in the best manner.
Cast Steel.SeeOrdnance, Metals for.
Casualties.In the military service, is a word which includes all losses in numerical strength of officers by death, dismissal, or resignation, and of enlisted men by death, desertion, or discharge; also all losses in fighting strength caused by wounds.
Casus Belli.A Latin phrase used with reference to any event, or complication between sovereign powers, which gives rise to a declaration of war.
Catafalco.In ancient military architecture, a scaffold of timber, decorated with sculpture, paintings, etc., for supporting the coffin of a deceased hero during the funeral solemnity.
Catalans.The inhabitants of Catalonia, Spain. Their language, costume, and habits are quite distinct from those of the rest of their countrymen. In energy, industry, and intelligence they greatly surpass the rest of the Spaniards. They were considered brave warriors.
Catalaunian Plain.The ancient name of the wide plain surrounding Châlons-sur-Marne, in the old province of Campagne, France, celebrated as the field of battle where the West Goths, and the forces under the Roman general Aetius, gained a great victory over Attila in 451. A wild tradition tells that three days after the great fight, the ghosts of the fallen myriads appeared on the plain, and renewed the conflict.
Catalonia.An old province of Western Spain, was settled by the Goths and Alani about 409; conquered by the Saracens, 712; recovered by Pepin and Charlemagne; united with Aragon in 1137. It formed part of the Spanish marches and the territory of the Count of Barcelona.
Catania(anc.Catana). A town near Mount Etna, Sicily. The ancient city was founded by the Phœnicians or Greeks, and was nearly as old as Rome. It was taken by the Athenian general Nicias about 413B.C., and was an important city under the Romans. In August, 1802, the town was held by Garibaldi and his volunteers, in opposition to the Italian government. He was captured on August 29.
Cataphract.The old Roman term for a horseman in complete armor.
Cataphracta.In the ancient military art, a piece of heavy defensive armor, formed of cloth or leather, fortified with iron scales or links, wherewith sometimes only the breast, sometimes the whole body, and sometimes the horse too, was covered.
Catapult(Lat.catapulta). An engine of war used by the ancients, somewhat resembling a cross-bow. In the catapult a string or rope, suddenly freed from great tension, gave a powerful impulse to an arrow placed in a groove. There were great catapults, fixed upon a scaffold with wheels, which were used in sieges, and small ones, carried in the hand, which were employed in the field.
Cataract.A portcullis.
Catawba Indians.A tribe of aborigines who formerly inhabited the Carolinas. A remnant still exists on a reservation on the Catawba River. SeeIndians and their Agencies.
Cateau Cambresis.In Northern France, where on April 2 and 3, 1559, peace was concluded between Henry II. of France, Philip II. of Spain, and Elizabeth of England. France ceded Savoy, Corsica, and nearly 200 forts in Italy and the Low Countries to Philip.
Caterva.In ancient military writings, a term used in speaking of the Gaulish or Celtiberian armies, denoting a body of 6000 armed men. The word is also used to denote a party of soldiers in disarray; in opposition tocohortorturma, which signify in good order.
Cat-o’-nine-tails.An instrument of punishment formerly used to flog offenders in the army, consisting of nine pieces of line or cord fastened to a piece of thick rope, and having three knots at intervals.
Cattaro.A fortified town of Dalmatia, Austria, at the bottom of the Gulf of Cattaro. This town was captured by the British in 1813, and till 1814 belonged successively to Austria and France.
Catti.An ancient German tribe, attacked but not subdued by the Romans; absorbed by the Franks in the 3d century.
Caudine Forks.Two narrow mountain-gorges or defiles near the town of Caudium, in ancient Samnium. They are celebrated in connection with a humiliating disaster which the Roman army suffered in 321B.C.
Caution.An explanation given previous to the word of command, by which soldiers are called to attention, that they may execute any given movement with unanimity and correctness.
Cavalcade.In military history, implies a pompous procession of horsemen, equipages, etc., by way of parade, to grace a triumph, public entry, or the like.
Cavalier.Originally meant any horse-soldier, but in English history is the name given to the party which adhered to King Charles I., in opposition to the Roundheads, or friends of the Parliament.
Cavalier.In fortification, is a defense-work constructed on the terre-plein, or level ground of a bastion. It rises to a height varying from 8 to 12 feet above the rampart, and has a parapet about 6 feet high. Its uses are to command any rising ground held by the enemy within cannon-shot, and to guard the curtain, or plain wall between two bastions, from being enfiladed. A cavalierbattery—used in siege operations—is a battery of which the terre-plein, or platform of earth on which the gun stands, is above the ordinary level of the ground.
Cavalot.An obsolete cannon carrying a ball weighing one pound.
Cavalry.That part of a military force which consists of troops that serve on horseback. In European armies cavalry are generally classed as heavy, medium, and light,—cuirassiers and dragoons, lancers, hussars, etc. In the U. S. service all mounted soldiers are simply called cavalry.
Caveating.In fencing, implies a motion whereby a person in an instant brings his sword, which was presented to one side of his adversary, to the opposite side.
Cavesson.A sort of nose-band of leather or iron, which is put on the nose of a horse, to assist in breaking or training him.
Cavin.In military affairs, implies a natural hollow, sufficiently capacious to lodge a body of troops, and facilitate their approach to a place. If it be within musket-shot, it is a place of arms ready made, and serves for opening the trenches, free from the enemy’s shot.
Cavriana.A village of Northern Italy. The tower of this place formed one of the principal positions of the centre of the Austrian army, from which it was driven by the Franco-Sardinian forces, under Napoleon III. and Victor Emmanuel, at the battle of Solferino, June 24, 1859.
Cawnpoor, orCawnpore. A town of Hindostan, on the right bank of the Ganges. It is an important British military station. It was garrisoned during the mutiny in June, 1857, by native troops under Sir Hugh Wheeler; these troops broke out into revolt. Nana Sahib, who had long lived on friendly terms with the British, joined the rebels; he took Cawnpoor, June 26, after a three weeks’ siege, and in spite of a treaty, massacred great numbers of the British, without respect to age or sex, in the most cruel manner. Gen. Havelock defeated Nana Sahib July 16, at Futtehpore, and retook Cawnpoor, July 17. Sir Colin Campbell defeated the rebels here on December 6, following.
Cayenne.French Guiana, South America; settled by the French, 1604-35. It afterwards came successively into the hands of the English (1654), French, and Dutch. The last were expelled by the French in 1677. Cayenne was taken by the British, January 12, 1809, but was restored to the French in 1814.
Cedar Creek.In Northern Virginia. While encamped on this creek on the morning of October 19, 1864, the army of Gen. Sheridan was suddenly attacked before daylight by the Confederate troops under Gen. Early, its left flank turned, and the whole line driven back in confusion about 4 miles, with the loss of 24 pieces of artillery. Gen. Sheridan, who was at Winchester on his return from Washington, on hearing of this disaster, hastened to the scene of action, reformed his corps, and awaited the attack of the enemy, which was made and handsomely repulsed about 1P.M.About 3P.M.Sheridan attacked the enemy and completely routed him, recovering his own artillery and capturing 30 pieces besides, thus converting into a brilliant victory what threatened to be a great disaster. About 2000 prisoners and 300 wagons and ambulances fell into Sheridan’s hands, and many of his own men who had been taken prisoners in the morning were recovered.
Cedar Mountain.A sugar-loaf eminence about 2 miles west of Mitchell’s Station, Culpeper Co., Va. On August 9, 1862, a sanguinary conflict took place here between the Confederate forces under Gens. Jackson and Ewell, and part of Gen. Pope’s army under Gen. Banks, night putting an end to the contest. The Federals being largely outnumbered, suffered severely, and fell back about a mile, but without disorder. Their loss was about 1500, 300 of whom were taken prisoners. A considerable quantity of ammunition, stores, etc., also fell into the hands of the Confederates.
Celeres.The life-guards which attended Romulus in the infancy of Rome, were so called. They were laid aside by Numa Pompilius. Celeres were properly distinguished from other troops, by being lightly armed and acting always on foot.
Cells.Places of solitary confinement in which soldiers are placed, as punishment for serious crimes.
Celtiberi, orCeltiberians. An ancient and warlike people of Spain, who are renowned in history for their long and obstinate resistance to the Romans. In the second Punic war, after giving important aid to the Carthaginians, they were induced by the generosity of Scipio to accept the alliance of Rome. They revolted against Rome in 181B.C., but were appeased by Gracchus in 179. War was renewed in 153, and continued with varying success until after the capture of Numantia, 134B.C.In spite of this great blow the Celtiberi again renewed the war under Sertorius, and it was only after his fall that they began to adopt the Roman language, dress, and manners.
Cement.Hydraulic cements are much used in building permanent fortifications. The cement used by the Romans in their great sea-walls, aqueducts, etc., which are still standing as monuments of their civil engineering, waspozzuolana, a volcanic earth from nearBaiæ, Italy. It is still an article of export from Italy. The most noted modern cement is Portland, made artificially in England by burning a mixture of the chalk and clay from the valley of the Medway.
Cementation.In metallurgy, is the process of converting metals by absorption under great heat. Specially applied to the conversion of iron into steel by causing it to absorb carbon. The iron bars are imbedded in charcoal and exposed to prolonged heat in a closed furnace. The qualities of the resultingsteel vary with the degree and duration of the heating. The bars, when removed, are calledblistered steelfrom their appearance. SeeOrdnance, Metals for, Blistered Steel.
Cenotaph.The empty tomb of a hero, or monument erected in honor of a person, without the body of the deceased being interred in or near it.
Centesimation.In ancient military history, a mild kind of military punishment, in cases of desertion, mutiny, and the like, when only every one hundredth man was executed.
Central America.Includes the republics ofGuatemala,San Salvador,Honduras,Nicaragua, andCosta Rica(which see). They declared their independence September 21, 1821, and separated from the Mexican Confederation July 21, 1823. The states made a treaty of union between themselves March 21, 1847. There has been among them since much anarchy and bloodshed.
Centre.A point equally distant from the extremities of a line, figure, or body; the middle point or place of anything.
Centre of an Army.The body of troops occupying the place in the line between the wings. SeeTarget.
Centre of Gravity.The point of a body about which all its parts are balanced. This is a matter of great importance in cannon, both for mechanical manœuvres and for ordinary handling. In all large guns in the United States, and in many in Europe, the axis of the trunnions passes through the centre of gravity of the gun. Such guns have no preponderance, and need no support in firing except the trunnions. This innovation was introduced by the genius of Rodman, and brought many advantages in the handling of heavy guns. In projectiles, thecentre of gravity, orinertia, is also a thing of moment. Spherical projectiles in which this point does not coincide with thecentre of figureare said to be eccentric, and are subject to certain deviations (seeProjectiles);deviationof the relative position of these points influences the flight also of rifle projectiles.
Centre of the Bastion.In fortification, is the intersection made by the two demi-gorges.
Centrifugal Gun.A form of machine gun in which balls are thrown from a chambered disk rotating with great speed.
Centrobaric Method.The method ordinarily used to determine by calculation the centre of gravity of a projected gun. The principle used is that the volume generated by any surface in revolving about a fixed axis is measured by the product of the surface into the path described by its centre of gravity. The moments of the weights of the several parts are referred to an axis usually taken tangent to the knob of the cascabel. The sum of these moments, divided by the weight of the piece, gives the distance of the centre of gravity from the assumed axis. In homogeneous guns, the volumes of the several parts can be used instead of the weights.
Centurion.A military officer among the ancient Romans, who commanded a (centum) hundred men.
Century.In an ancient military sense, meant a hundred soldiers, who were employed in working the battering-ram.
Cephalonia.One of the Ionian Islands; was taken from the Ætolians by the Romans 189B.C., and given to the Athenians by Hadrian in 135. It was conquered by the Normans in 1146, afterwards passed into the possession of the Venetians, and was taken by the English in 1819.
Cephisus.A river in Attica, near which Walter de Brienne, duke of Athens, was defeated and slain by the Catalans in 1311.
Cercelée, orRecercelée. In heraldry, is a cross circling or curling at the ends, like a ram’s horn.
Cercle(Grand-cercle), Fr. A form observed under the old government of France, by which it was directed that every evening at a specific hour the sergeants and corporals of brigade should assemble to receive orders, the former standing in front of the latter. Subsequent to the grand cercle, a smaller one was made in each regiment, when general or regimental orders were again repeated to the sergeants of each regiment, and from them communicated to the officers of the several companies.
Ceremonies, Stated Military.Exercises, such as parades, reviews, inspections, escorts of the color, escorts of honor, funeral honors, guard-mounting, etc.
Cerignola.A town of South Italy, in the province of Capitanata. Here, in 1503, the French were defeated by the Spaniards, and the Duke of Nemours, who commanded the former, was slain.
Cerro Gordo.A celebrated mountain-pass in Mexico, about 60 miles northwest of Vera Cruz. Here an army of about 12,000 Mexicans under Santa Anna was totally defeated by about 8000 U. S. troops under Gen. Scott, April 18, 1847. The Mexicans lost about 1000 killed and wounded, besides 3000 prisoners; the American loss was 431 killed and wounded.
Certificate of Disability.SeeDisability.
Certificate of Merit.SeeMerit, Certificate of.
Cessation of Arms.An armistice or truce, agreed to by the commanders of armies, to give them time for a capitulation, or for other purposes.
Ceuta.A fortified seaport of Morocco, opposite Gibraltar. The castle stands on the highest point of the ancientAbyla, one of the pillars of Hercules, terminating a peninsula. This was a Mauritanian town under the Romans, and in 1415 was taken from the Moors by the Portuguese. In 1580 it passed into the possession of the Spanish, in whose hands it afterwards remained.
Ceylon(anc.Taprobane). An island in the Indian Ocean. It was invaded by the Portuguese Almeyda, 1505, but it was known to the Romans in the time of Claudius, 41. The Dutch landed in Ceylon in 1602; they captured the capital, Colombo, in 1503. Intercourse with the British began in 1713. A large portion of the country was taken by them in 1782, but was restored in 1783. The Dutch settlements were seized by the British, 1795. Ceylon was ceded to the British by the peace of Amiens in 1802. The British troops were treacherously massacred or imprisoned by the Adigar of Candy, at Colombo, June 26, 1803. The complete sovereignty of the island was assumed by England in 1815.
Chæronea(Bœotia). Here Greece was ruined by Philip, 32,000 Macedonians defeating 30,000 Thebans, Athenians, etc., August 6 or 7, 338B.C.Here Archelaus, lieutenant of Mithridates, was defeated by Sylla, and 110,000 Cappadocians were slain, 86B.C.
Chain.A chain made of a kind of wire, divided into links of an equal length, is made use of by military engineers for setting out works on the ground, because cord lines are apt to shrink and give way.
Chain-ball.SeeProjectile.
Chain-mail.A kind of armor made of interlaced rings, both flexible and strong; much used in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Chain-shot.SeeProjectile.
Chair.SeeOrdnance, Carriages for, Nomenclature of Artillery Carriage.
Chalcedon.In Asia Minor, opposite Byzantium, colonized by Magarians about 684B.C.It was taken by Darius, 505B.C.; by the Romans, 74; plundered by the Goths, 259A.D.; taken by Chosroes the Persian, 609; by Orchan the Turk in 1338.
Chalcis.An ancient Greek city, of great antiquity, the capital of the island of Eubœa. It rose to great eminence, but finally became a tributary of Athens, from whose sway it revolted several times, being as often, however, subdued, and held until the downfall of the Athenian empire at the close of the Peloponnesian war. In later times it was successively occupied by the Macedonians, Antiochus, Mithridates, and the Romans. It joined the Achæans in the last war against the Romans, and the town was in consequence destroyed by Mummius. The modern city of Egripo, or Negropont, built on its site, for a time in possession of the Venetians, was taken by the Turks in 1470.
Chalgrove.In Oxfordshire, England. At a skirmish here with Prince Rupert, June 18, 1643, John Hampden, of the Parliament party, was mortally wounded. A column was erected to his memory, June 18, 1843.
Challenge.The act of a sentinel in questioning or demanding the countersign from those who appear at his post.
Challenge.SeeAppendix,Articles of War,26,27, and28.
Challenge of Members of Courts-martial.When a member shall be challenged by a prisoner, he must state his cause of challenge, of which the court shall, after due deliberation, determine the relevancy or validity, and decide accordingly; and no challenge to more than one member at a time shall be received by the court.
Châlons-sur-Marne.A town of France, in the department of Marne. Here the emperor Aurelian defeated Tetricus, the last of the pretenders to the throne termed the Thirty Tyrants, 274; and here in 451 Aetius defeated Attila the Hun, compelling him to retire into Pannonia.
Chamade.A signal made for parley by beat of drum.
Chamber.Of a mine, that place where the powder is deposited.
Chamber.In howitzers, and mortars of the old model, was the smallest part of the bore, and contained the charge of powder. In the howitzers the chamber was cylindrical, and was united with the large cylinder of the bore by a conical surface; the angles of intersection of the conical surface with the cylinders of the bore and chamber were rounded (in profile) by arcs of circles. In the 8-inch howitzer, the chamber was united with the cylinder of the bore by spherical surface, in order that the shell might, when necessary, be inserted without a sabot. The chamber is omitted inallcannon of the late models, the cylinder of the bore terminating at the bottom in a semi-ellipsoid. The old chambers were subcaliber. The first use of a chamberlargerthan the bore occurred, it is believed, in a gun invented by an American named Ferris. The gun had a great range. One of the most important improvements in recent ordnance consists in the use of this chamber. The English, who deserve the credit of first appreciating it, now use it in all their largest guns. SeeOrdnance, History of.
Chambersburg.The capital of Franklin Co., Pa. This place was the scene of several exciting incidents during the civil war. It was occupied by a party of Confederate cavalry under Gen. Stuart in 1862, by a part of Gen. Ewell’s forces in June, 1863, and next month almost totally destroyed by fire by a party of Confederate cavalry under Gen. McCausland.
Chamfron, orChamfrain. The frontlet of a barbed or armed horse, usually having a spike between the eyes.
Champ de Mars.An open square in front of the Military School, Paris, which was used for the great meetings of the French people, reviews, etc.
Champigny.A town of France, department of the Seine, 8 miles east-southeast of Paris. On November 30, 1870, a force of 120,000 French under Gens. Trochu and Ducrot, who made a sortie from Paris, were met near here by the Germans, and some severe fighting ensued, with great loss on both sides, the French holding the takenpossessions until the contest was renewed, December 2, when the French were compelled to retreat.
Champion Hills.In Hinds Co., Miss., west of Jackson. Here the Confederate forces under Gen. Pemberton were defeated by the Union troops under Gen. Grant, May 16, 1863.
Champlain, Lake.An extensive body of water forming part of the boundary between the States of Vermont and New York, and extending northward a few miles beyond the Canada line. It was the scene of engagements between the Americans and British during the war of independence. On its waters also, in 1814, Commodore Macdonough gained a victory over the British fleet.
Chancellorsville.A small village of Spottsylvania Co., Va., near the Rappahannock River, about 65 miles north by west from Richmond. This place was the scene of several sanguinary conflicts between the Federal army of the Potomac under Gen. Hooker and the Confederates under Gen. Lee. On April 28, 1863, the Federal army crossed the Rappahannock; on May 2, Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson furiously attacked and routed the right wing, but was mortally wounded by his own party firing on him by mistake. Gen. Stuart took his command, and after a severe conflict on May 3 and 4, with great loss to both parties, the Federals were compelled to recross the Rappahannock. The struggle was compared to that at Hougoumont during the battle of Waterloo.
Chandelier.In military engineering, a wooden frame, which was filled with fascines, to form a traverse in sapping.
Chanderee, orChandhaire. A town of India in the province of Malwa. Its fortress, formerly deemed impregnable, consists of a strong rampart of sandstone flanked by circular towers, and is situated on a high hill. During the native wars, being a place of importance, it was frequently besieged.
Chandernagore.The principal settlement of the French in Bengal, which is encompassed by the British district of Hooghly. In 1757 this settlement was taken by the British, but restored in 1763. In 1793 it was again taken by the British, but restored to the French a second time in 1816.
Chandore.A fortified town of British India, 130 miles northwest from Bombay. In 1804 and 1818 this place capitulated to the British.
Chantier(Fr.). A square piece of wood, which is used for the purpose of raising anything. It serves to place barrels of gunpowder in a proper manner, and frequently to try pieces of ordnance instead of frames.
Chantilly.A post-village of Fairfax Co., Va. Here, on September 1, 1862, the Confederate troops of Gen. Lee attacked a part of Gen. Pope’s army, under Gens. Reno, Stevens, and Kearney, and a severe conflict ensued, lasting into the night, and resulting in the death of Gens. Stevens and Kearney.
Chape.The metallic part put on the end of a scabbard, to prevent the point of the sword or bayonet from piercing through it.
Chapeau.In a military sense, a hat, cap, or other head-covering.
Chapeau Bras.A military hat which can be flattened and put under the arm.
Chaperon.A hood or cape worn by Knights of the Garter.
Chaplain.A clergyman with a military commission, giving him the spiritual charge of soldiers. There are 30 post and 4 regimental chaplains in the U. S. army.
Chaplain-General.In the British service, the officer at the head of the chaplain’s department.
Chaplet.In heraldry, is always composed of four roses, the other parts being leaves.
Chappe(Fr.). A barrel containing another barrel, which holds gunpowder. It likewise means a composition of earth, horse-dung, and wad, that covers the mouth of a cannon or mortar.
Chapultepec.A strong fortress of Mexico, situated about 2 miles southwest of the metropolis. It consists of an eminence rising to the height of about 150 feet, with a strong castle on top. During the Mexican war it was deemed necessary by Gen. Scott, for strategic reasons, to capture this last outward defense of the capital prior to the attack on the city itself. This was gallantly effected on September 13, 1847, and next day the city was entered by the American forces, thus virtually ending the war. Preparations for the assault were commenced on the night of September 11, and before the evening of the 12th, owing to the skillful arrangement of Gen. Scott’s artillery, the exterior defenses began to give way. Next day was determined on for the attack. The American forces were so placed that the assault could be made simultaneously from different sides at a preconcerted signal, which would be the temporary cessation of the cannonade from their batteries. It was given, and the attacking forces advanced, Gen. Quitman’s division from the south, and Gen. Pillow from the wooded slope on the west, Gen. Smith’s brigade supporting Quitman, Pillow supported by the division of Gen. Worth, and the batteries throwing shells into the fort over the heads of their friends. Under a heavy fire of musketry the attacking forces advance, and step by step they gain every disputed point, scaling-ladders are brought into requisition, an entrance effected, and the defeated Mexicans, dislodged and retreating, are pursued to the very gates of their capital. The American loss during the three days was 833 killed and wounded.
Charcoal.One of the ingredients of gunpowder. It is made by distilling small sticks of wood in closed retorts. Willow, alder, poplar, and dogwood are some of the woods used. In distilling the heat should be kept below redness. Charcoal should be light in weight, and have a velvety fracture. It inflames at about 460° Fahr. Its compositionand properties vary with the nature of the wood and mode of distillation employed.
Charcoal obtained from light wood is the best for gunpowder, as it is more combustible and easy to pulverize, and contains less earthy matters. Willow and poplar are used for this purpose in the United States and black elder in Europe. The wood must be sound and should not be more than 3 or 4 years old, and about 1 inch in diameter; branches larger than this should be split up. It is cut in the spring when the sap runs freely, and is immediately stripped of its bark. The smaller branches are used for fine sporting powder.
The operation of charring may be performed in pits, but the method now almost universally used in making charcoal for gunpowder is that ofdistillation. For this purpose the wood is placed in an iron vessel, generally of a cylindrical form, to which a cover is luted; an opening with a pipe is made to conduct off the gaseous products, and the wood is thus exposed to the heat of a furnace. The progress of distillation is judged of by the color of the flame and smoke, and sometimes bytest-sticks, which are introduced through tubes prepared for the purpose.
Properties.—The charcoal thus obtained should retain a certain degree of elasticity, and should have a brown color, the wood not being entirely decomposed. As it readily absorbs one-twentieth of its weight of moisture, which diminishes its inflammability, it should be made only in proportion as it is required for use. Wood generally contains 52 per cent. of carbon, but distillation furnishes not more than 30 to 40 per cent. of charcoal.
As it is desirable to have charcoal for gunpowder very combustible, it must be prepared at a low temperature, and must be light.
Accidents.—When recently prepared charcoal is pulverized and laid in heaps, it is liable to absorb oxygen with such rapidity as to cause spontaneous combustion. This has been the cause of serious accidents at powder-mills, and hence it is important not to pulverize charcoal until it has been exposed to the air for several days. When charcoal has not absorbed moisture, and is mixed with oxidizing substances, it may be inflamed by violent shocks or by friction. This is the principal cause of the accidents which occur in the preparation of explosive mixtures which contain charcoal. SeeGunpowder.
Chard.A town of England, in Somersetshire. Here the royalists were defeated in the civil wars between Charles I. and the Parliament.
Charenton.A town of France, in the department of the Seine. It stands on the Marne, over which there is a bridge, which was frequently the scene of bloody conflicts between the citizens and the soldiers during the French revolutions. It now forms a portion of the fortifications of Paris.
Charge.The act of rushing on the enemy with a view to come to close fighting. It is also sometimes applied to the temporary command of a detachment, troop, company, or battery. A charge likewise means the statement of the crime for which an officer or soldier is brought before a court-martial.
Charge.The quantity of powder with which a piece of artillery is loaded. The charge corresponding to the maximum velocity in the projectile is called themaximum charge. The longer the gun the greater the maximum charge. In the early days of artillery, when powder was used in the form ofdust, a very large charge was necessary. After the introduction of grained powder it was reduced gradually to about one-fourth the weight of the shot. At the time of the recent departures in ordnance, the charge for smooth-bore guns was from one-fifth to one-eighth the weight of the projectile; for howitzers, from one-eighth to one-twentieth; for mortars the charge varied with the range, the largest being about one-ninth. For rifle guns the disproportion was greater than for smooth-bores, the average being about one-tenth. In small-arms, the charge for the old smooth-bore musket was about one-third the weight of the ball. When the rifle was introduced, this proportion was retained till the oblong bullet began to be used, when the charge was relatively much diminished, till it fell to about one-tenth. The tendency lately has been to increase it. In some of the best-known rifles of the present day the charge is about one-fifth,—a majority use more than one-sixth. The same tendency is still more observable in heavy ordnance. The largestKrupp,Woolwich, andArmstrongguns use a charge greater thanone-fourththe weight of the projectile.
Charge.The position of a weapon fitted for attack; as, to bring a weapon to the charge.
Charge.In heraldry, the figures represented on a shield are called charges, and a shield with figures upon it is said to be charged. The charges in a shield ought to be few in number, and strongly marked, both as regards their character and the mode of their representation. The family shield belonging to the head of the house almost always is simpler,—i.e., has fewer charges than the shields of collaterals, or even of junior members.
Charger(Fr.cheval de bataille). A horse kept by an officer for military purposes.
Chariot.In antiquity, a war car or vehicle.
Charleroi.A strongly fortified town of Belgium, in Hainaut. This place was fortified by Vauban. Several great battles have been fought near this town, especially in 1690 and 1794. Charleroi was besieged by the Prince of Orange, 1672 and 1677; but he was soon obliged to retire. Near here, at Ligny, Napoleon attacked the Prussian line, making it fall back upon Wavres, June 16, 1815.
Charleston.A port of entry and the chief city of South Carolina, founded in 1672. On Sullivan’s Island, about 7 miles below, communicating with the harbor, a garrison of about 400 Americans under Col. Moultrie sustained an assault from 9 British ships of war, and gallantly repulsed them, on June 28, 1776. The city was afterwards besieged, and after a gallant resistance of nearly six weeks surrendered to the British, May 12, 1780, being held by them till 1782. In the civil war (1861-65) it was here the first gun was fired, which resulted in the reduction of the famous Fort Sumter. In the latter part of the war it was bombarded and besieged by the Federal troops. Its evacuation by the Confederates and its occupation by the Federals followed, February 18, 1865.
Chase.In gunnery, is the conical part of the gun in front of the reinforce.
Chase-ring.In gunnery, is a band at the front end of the chase.
Chassepot.A species of rifle. SeeSmall-arms.
Chasseurs.A French word signifying “hunters,” applied in various forms to light troops in the French service, organized at different times, either as infantry or cavalry, aschasseurs à pied,de Montague,de Vincennes, for infantry, andchasseurs à cheval,d’Afrique,Algeriens, etc., for cavalry. They have organizations in other armies also corresponding to these, such as thejägersin the Austrian army, and thecacciatore dei Alpiof the Garibaldian troops in the Italian war of 1859-60.
Chassis.A traversing frame or movable railway, along which the carriage of a heavy gun in barbette, or casemate, moves backward and forward in action. SeeOrdnance, Carriages for, Sea-coast Carriages.
Chastleton.A parish of England, in Oxfordshire, 5 miles from Chipping Norton. Here, in 1016, Canute defeated Edmund Ironside.
Châteaudun.An old city in Northwest France, the residence of the heroic Dunois, who died in 1468. Here were massacred July 20, 1183, about 7000 Brabançons, fanatic mercenaries who had been hired to exterminate the Albigenses by the Cardinal Henry, abbot of Clairvaux, in 1181. They had become the scourge of the country, and the “Capuchons” were organized for their destruction. Châteaudun was captured by the Germans after a severe conflict of about 9 hours, October 18, 1870. Barracks had been erected in the town, and the Garde Mobile fought bravely. The town was re-occupied by the French, November 6.
Château Thierry.A town of France, in the department of Aisne. It is built on the slope of a hill, capped by the ruins of a castle, which is said to have been erected by Charles Martel in 730. In 1814 this place was the scene of several conflicts between the allied army and the French troops.
Chatham.A town of England, in the county of Kent, on the Medway. It is a principal station of the royal navy. There is a fine station and military arsenal close to Chatham, containing vast magazines and warehouses, in which there are all kinds of stores, and where all the operations necessary for building and fitting out ships of war are carried on. There are also extensive barracks for infantry, royal marines, artillery, and engineers. Chatham is defended by forts on the heights, by which it is partly surrounded. There are also very extensive fortifications about Chatham, called the Lines, which are defended by ramparts, palisades, and a broad, deep ditch. On June 10, 1667, the Dutch fleet under Admiral Ruyter sailed up to Chatham and burnt several men-of-war. The entrance into the Medway is now defended by Sheerness and other forts.
Chatillon-sur-Seine.A town of France, department of Côte-d’Or, 43 miles north-northwest of Dijon, on the Seine. Here a congress was held by the four great powers allied against France, at which Caulaincourt attended for Napoleon, February 5, 1814; the negotiations for peace were broken off on March 19, following.
Chattanooga.A village of Hamilton Co., Tenn. During the civil war it was the scene of many exciting incidents between the contending forces. It was attacked by Gen. Negley in June, 1862; occupied by Gen. Rosecrans, July, 1863, and in the same year were fought in its vicinity a succession of the most momentous battles of that eventful epoch, commencing September 23, 1863, with Gen. Grant’s attack on Gen. Bragg. The movements were under direction of Gens. Sherman and Thomas, and resulted, after three days’ severe fighting around Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, and Lookout Mountain, in the total defeat of the Confederates, and their pursuit back into Georgia.
Chaumont, Treaty of.Entered into between Great Britain, Austria, Russia, and Prussia, and signed by these powers respectively March 1, 1814. This treaty was succeeded by the celebrated treaty of Paris, April 11, following, by which Napoleon renounced his sovereignty over France.
Chausses.In the armor of the Middle Ages, were defense-pieces for the legs. Some were made of padded and quilted cloth, with metal studs; some of chain-metal, some of riveted plates, and some of banded mail. It was not unusual to fasten them by lacing behind the leg.
Chauvinisme(Fr.). An exaggerated idea of the qualities of a leader, as Chauvin, a character in a French play (from whom the name is derived), is represented to have had of his leader, Bonaparte.
Checky.In heraldry, when the field of any charge is composed of small squares of different tinctures, it is said to bechecky.