Naas.A town of Ireland, in the county of Kildare, 18 miles southwest from Dublin. Here the insurgent Irish were defeated by a body of the king’s forces, May 24, 1798; the insurgents lost about 300 killed and many wounded.
Nabatæi, orNabathæ(in the Old TestamentNebaioth). An Arabian people, descended from the eldest son of Ishmaël, had their original abodes in the northwestern part of the Arabian peninsula, east and southeast of the Moabites and Edomites. After the Babylonian conquest of Judæa, the Nabathæans extended west into the Sinaitic peninsula and the territory of the Edomites. They resisted all the attacks of the Greek kings of Syria. Under Augustus the Nabathæans are found, as nominal subjects of the Roman empire, assisting Ælius Gallius in his expedition into Arabia Felix; under Trajan they were conquered by A. Cornelius Palma, and Arabia Petræa became a Roman province, 105-107. The Mohammedan conquest finally overthrew the power of the Nabathæans.
Nachod.A town of Bohemia, near where the Prussians, under their crown prince, defeated the Austrians after a severe conflict, June 27, 1866. In this battle, the superiority of the Prussian Uhlans over the Austrian cavalry was demonstrated.
Nafels.A small town of Switzerland, in the canton of Glarus, 4 miles north from Glarus. Here in 1388, 1500 men of Glarus, under Matthias am Buhl, overthrew an Austrian force of from 6000 to 8000 men The event is still celebrated yearly.
Nagarkana.In the East Indies, the place where all the drums and war-music are kept, is so called.
Naggur(Ind.). The principal drum in Asiatic armies, commonly allowed only to persons of high dignity; the bass drum.
Nagpore,Nagpur, orNagpoor. A city of British India, capital of the province of the same name, 430 miles in a direct line east-northeast from Bombay. The rajahs of Nagpore, now an extinct dynasty, were the rulers of a state which was a branch of the great Mahratta confederacy. Its founder was Parsojee, originally a private soldier. Ragojee, one of the successors of Parsojee, united his forces in 1803 with those of Scindia in the war against the British consequent on the treaty of Bassein. The victories of Assaye and Argaum compelled him to sue for peace, and by a treaty concluded in 1804, he surrendered the province of Cuttack. Appa Sahib, his successor, concluded a treaty with the British government, but on November 26, 1817, he made an attack on the British troops at Seetabuldee, an eminence on the outskirts of the town of Nagpore. The British force, only 1400 strong, under Col. Scott, was opposed to a body of 20,000 native troops;but the best dispositions which the suddenness of the attack allowed were promptly made. A noble charge, headed by Capt. Fitzgerald with a small party of cavalry, upon a large body of the enemy’s horse, decided the fortune of the day, which ended in the defeat of the natives.
Naigue,Naick, orNaik. A native non-commissioned officer among Indian and Anglo-Asiatic troops, whose functions are somewhat analogous to those performed among European troops by the drill-sergeant.
Nail Cannon, To.SeeSpike Cannon, To.
Nail-ball.A round projectile with an iron pin protruding from it, to prevent its turning in the bore of the piece.
Nairs.A native military tribe of the Malabar coast. They affirm that they are the oldest nobility in the world. Their pride on this supposition is greater than that of the Rajpoots. In 1755, the king of Travancore, with the assistance of a French officer called Launoy, disciplined 10,000 Nairs in the method of European infantry.
Najera.A town of Spain in the province of Logrono. Near this place Edward the Black Prince defeated Henry de Trastamere, and re-established Peter the Cruel on the throne of Castile, April 3, 1367.
Naked Bullet.Groovedorcanneluredbullet as distinguished from thepatched bullet.
Namur.A city of Belgium, capital of the province of the same name, 33 miles southwest from Liège. It has been fortified from the earliest period of its history; in 1692 its defensive works were repaired and strengthened by Coehorn; was taken in the following year by Louis XIV. and Vauban, the latter of whom added considerable to its original strength; in 1695 it sustained a long siege against William III. of England, and was taken; seized by the French in the beginning of the 18th century, but ceded to Austria in 1713. In 1781 the emperor Joseph expelled the Dutch garrison. In 1792 it was occupied by the French, but retaken by the Austrians in 1793. In 1794 it was again occupied by the French, who kept it till the Netherlands were given up by the French government in 1814; and after having been gallantly defended by its French conquerors in 1815, against the Prussians under Pirch, it was finally restored to the Netherlands after the battle of Waterloo, and at once put into thorough repair. The works were demolished again in 1866 with the exception of the citadel.
Nana.In the East Indies, the title which is given to a chief of the Mahrattas. It more properly signifies the acting head of the government, and general of the forces.
Nancy.A city of France, the capital of the department of the Meurthe, situated on the Meurthe, 30 miles south from Metz; it was the capital of Lorraine and the residence of the dukes of that country in the 13th century. After taking Nancy, November 29, 1475, and losing it, October 5, 1476, Charles the Bold of Burgundy was defeated and slain beneath its walls by René II., duke of Lorraine, and the Swiss, January 5, 1477. Nancy on the retreat of MacMahon’s army, and expecting the German army, surrendered to four Uhlans, August 12, 1870.
Nankin,Nanking,Kianning-Foo, orKiangning-Fu. The ancient capital of China, now the chief town of the province of Kiangsu, is situated about 3 miles from the south bank of the river Yang-tse-Kiang, about 100 miles from its mouth. On August 4, 1842, the British ships arrived at Nankin, and were kept before this place till the final treaty of August 29, between China and Great Britain, was signed and ratified. The rebel Tae-pings (Taipings) took it on March 19-20, 1853. It was recaptured by the imperialists, July 19, 1864.
Nantes(anc.Condivicnum, afterwardsNamnetes, orNannetes). An important commercial town of France, capital of the department of Loire-Inférieure, on the right bank of the Loire, about 30 miles from its mouth, 208 miles southwest of Paris. The history of Nantes reaches back to the time of the Romans, in whose hands it seems to have remained until the beginning of the 5th century, when they were driven from the town. In 445 it valiantly withstood a siege of sixty days by the Huns. It was captured by the Normans in 853 and 859, and held in possession by them for nearly a century, after which the town suffered many sieges,—in 1343 by the English; in 1380 by the Earl of Buckingham, when it was relieved by Oliver of Clisson; and again in 1491 by Charles VIII. It suffered much from the Vendéan civil war of 1793. In June of that year the Vendéan army, 50,000 strong, under Cathelineau, laid siege to the city, then defended by Gens. Beysser and Canclaux, but were repulsed with great loss,—their general being among the slain. Here took place the wholesale drowning (termedNoyades) of the royalists in the Loire, by command of the brutal Carrier, one of the leaders of the republicans, November, 1793. It was from Nantes that Prince Charles Edward embarked for Scotland in 1745.
Nantes, Edict of.The name given to the famous decree published in that city by Henry IV. of France, April 13, 1598, which secured to the Protestant portion of his subjects freedom of religion.
Naples.A province of Italy, occupying the southern part of the Italian peninsula, formerly the continental division of the old kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It began with a Greek colony named Parthenope (about 1000B.C.), which was afterwards divided into Palæpolis (theold) and Neapolis (thenewcity), from which latter the present name is derived. The colony was conquered by the Romans in the Samnite war, 326B.C.Naples, after resisting the power ofthe Lombards, Franks, and Germans, was subjugated by the Normans, under Roger Guiscard, king of Sicily, in 1131. Naples was conquered by Theodoric the Goth in 493; retaken by Belisarius in 536; taken again by Totila in 543; retaken by Narses in 542; conquered, and the kingdom of the Two Sicilies founded by Roger Guiscard II. in 1131. Here occurred the massacre called theSicilian Vespers(which see), March 30, 1282. The territory was invaded by Louis, king of Hungary, in 1349; seized by Alphonso V. of Aragon in 1435; conquered by Charles VIII. of France in 1494; and by Louis XII. of France and Ferdinand of Spain, who divided it in 1501. The French were expelled from Naples in 1504; insurrection of Masaniello, occasioned by the extortions of the Spanish viceroys, July, 1647; Masaniello slain by his own followers a few days later; another insurrection suppressed by Don John of Austria, October, 1647. Naples was conquered by Prince Eugène of Savoy for the emperor in 1706; the king flies on the approach of the French republicans, who establish the Parthenopean republic, January 14, 1799; Nelson appears; Naples retaken June, 1799; the Neapolitans occupy Rome, September 30, 1799. Ferdinand is compelled to fly to Sicily, January 23, 1806; the French enter Naples, and Joseph Bonaparte made king, February, 1806; Joachim Murat made king, July 15, 1808; Joachim declares war against Austria, March 15, 1815; defeated at Tolentino, May 3, 1815; successful insurrection of the Carbonari under Gen. Pépé, July 13, 1820; the Austrians invade the kingdom; Gen. Pépé defeated, March 7, 1821; insurrection of the Carbonari suppressed, August, 1828; great fighting in Naples; the liberals and the national guard almost annihilated by the royal troops, aided by thelazzaroni, May 15, 1848; a martial anarchy prevails, 1849; Italian refugees, under Count Pisacane, land in Calabria, are defeated, and their leader killed, June 27-July 2, 1857; insubordination among the Swiss troops at Naples, many shot, July 7, 1859; Garibaldi lands in Sicily, May 11, 1860, and defeats the Neapolitan army at Calatafimi, May 15, 1860; state of siege proclaimed at Naples, June 28, 1860; Garibaldi defeats Neapolitans at Melazzo, July 20; enters Messina, July 21, and the Neapolitans agree to evacuate Sicily, July 30, 1860; the army proclaim Count de Trani king, July 10, 1860; Garibaldi lands at Melito, August 18, 1860; takes Reggio, August 21, 1860; he enters Naples without troops, September 7, 1860; Garibaldi gives up the Neapolitan fleet to the Sardinian admiral Persano, September 11, 1860; repulses the Neapolitans at Cajazzo, September 19, 1860, and defeats them at the Volturno, October 1, 1860; the king of Sardinia enters the kingdom of Naples, and takes command of his army, which combines with Garibaldi’s, October 11, 1860; Cialdini defeats the Neapolitans at Isernia, October 17, and at Venafro, October 18, 1860; Garibaldi meets Victor Emmanuel, and salutes him as king of Italy, October 26, 1860.
Naples(Lat.Neapolis, It.Napoli). A city of Italy, the capital of the province of Naples, situated on the Bay of Naples, near the foot of Mount Vesuvius. In 1799 it was taken by the French, who evacuated it shortly after, but again occupied it in 1806. In 1848 it was plundered by thelazzaroni, of whom 1500 lost their lives. The history of this city is nearly identical with that ofthe province of the same name(which see).
Napoleon Gun.In 1856 it was proposed to increase the power of the light, and diminish the weight of the heavy field artillery, by the introduction of a single piece of medium weight and caliber; such is the new field or Napoleon gun. It has no chamber, and should therefore be classed as a gun. Its exterior is characterized by the entire absence of molding and ornament, and in this respect may be at once distinguished from the old field-cannon. The first reinforce is cylindrical, and it has no second reinforce, as the exterior tapers uniformly with the chase from the extremity of the first reinforce. The size of the trunnions and the distance between the rimbases are the same as in the 24-pounder howitzer, in order that pieces may be transported on the same kind of carriage. The diameter of the bore is that of a 12-pounder, the length of bore is 16 calibers. The weight is 100 times the projectile, or 1200 pounds. The charge of powder is the same as for the heavy 12-pounders (pattern of 1840), or 21⁄2pounds for solid and case-shot, and 2 pounds for canister-shot. It has, therefore, nearly as great range and accuracy as the heaviest gun of the old system, and, at the same time, the recoil and strain on the carriage are not too severe. The new gun and carriage weigh about 500 pounds more than the 6-pounder and carriage, still it has been found to possess sufficient mobility for the general purposes of light artillery. It is proposed to retain the 12-pounder howitzer in service, to be employed in cases where great celerity of movement is indispensable. The effect of this change is to simplify thematérielof field artillery, and to increase its ability to cope with the rifle-musket, principally by the use of larger and more powerful spherical case-shot. The principal objection to an increased caliber for light field-guns is the increased weight of the ammunition, and consequent reduction of the number of rounds that can be carried in the ammunition-chests.
Narbonne.A city of France, in the department of the Aude, 32 miles east of Carcassonne. The modern town of Narbonne occupies the site of the ancientNarbo Martius, a Roman colony founded in 118B.C.After the first colonization of Narbo, many of the soldiers of Cæsar’s Tenth Legion were settled here, from whom the town derivedthe name ofDecumanorum Colonia. It was taken by the Visigoths in 462, by the Burgundians in 508, by the Franks in 531, by the Saracens in 719, and by the Moors in 779. Charles Martel defeated the Moors under its walls, but the town held out until it was taken by Pepin in 759. In 859 it fell to the arms of the Northmen.
Narisci.A small but brave people in the south of Germany, of the Suevic race, dwelt west of the Marcomanni and east of the Hermunduri. Their country extended from the Sudeti Montes on the north to the Danube on the south.
Narni(anc.Narnia). A town of Central Italy, on the Nera, or Nar, about 45 miles northeast of Rome. During the second Punic war an army was posted here to oppose the threatened advance of Hasdrubal upon Rome. The town bore an important part in the civil war between Vitellius and Vespasian. It was occupied by the generals of the former to check the advance of Vespasian’s army, but the increasing disaffection towards Vitellius caused the troops at Narnia to lay down their arms without resistance. Its natural strength and commanding position rendered it also of great importance during the Gothic wars of Belisarius and Narses. The town was sacked by the Venetians and its garrison put to the sword in the 16th century, since which time it has been a place of little importance.
Narragansetts.A tribe of Algonkin Indians who formerly inhabited a tract of country nearly corresponding to the present State of Rhode Island. They were generally friendly to the early white settlers, and were sworn enemies of theMohegans(which see). In 1637, when the Pequots were attempting to induce them to join in a general war upon the whites, they were dissuaded from doing so by Roger Williams, who had great influence with their chief, Canonicus. In King Philip’s war (1675) they were suspected of playing false to the settlers, and of sheltering the enemy that wasted their settlements. It was accordingly resolved to treat them as enemies, and 1000 colonists marched against their chief fort, which was situated on a swamp island near what is now the village of Kingston, R. I. The fort was taken by storm and burned, all the winter supplies of the Indians and many of the aged and helpless, it is said, perishing in the flames. Hunger and distress followed; but the Narragansetts still maintained the contest under their chief, Canonchet, until he was taken prisoner and put to death. They subsequently merged into the dominant race, and only a few of the tribe now exist.
Narva.A town of Russia in Europe, in the government of St. Petersburg, on the Narova, 8 miles from its mouth, and 90 miles southwest from St. Petersburg. Near this town on November 30, 1700, Charles XII. at the head of 8000 Swedes, defeated Peter the Great with about 80,000 Russians. It was taken by Peter in 1804.
Nasamones.A powerful but savage Libyan people, who dwelt originally on the shores of the Great Syrtis, but were driven inland by the Greek settlers of Cyrenaica, and afterward by the Romans.
Naseby.A parish and village of England, in the county of Northampton, 12 miles north of the town of that name. The battle of Naseby, between Charles I. and the Parliamentary army under Fairfax and Cromwell, took place here, June 14, 1645. It resulted in the total defeat of the royalists, the king being compelled to flee, after losing his cannon and baggage, and nearly 5000 of his army as prisoners.
Nashville.A city and capital of the State of Tennessee, situated on the left bank of the Cumberland River, about 200 miles from its mouth. During the civil war, after the fall of Fort Donelson, it was occupied by the Union forces, February 24, 1862. Within a few miles of the city was fought the memorable battle which bears its name, between the Confederate forces under Gen. Hood and the Union troops under Gen. George H. Thomas, December 15-16, 1864. The battle commenced by a feint on Hood’s right and a real attack on his left, which resulted in driving it a distance of 8 miles, and the capture of over 1000 prisoners, 20 wagons, and 16 pieces of artillery. During the ensuing night, Gen. Hood contracted his lines, and next day the battle was renewed with vigor, towards the afternoon becoming close and obstinate. Near dusk the Confederates gave way, and a total rout soon followed. Some 4000 prisoners were captured, over 50 pieces of artillery, and an immense number of small-arms. On the 17th the pursuit of the enemy was continued and many more prisoners captured. Hood escaped with a mere wreck of his army, and was soon after relieved of command.
Nasir-Jung(Ind.). Victorious, or triumphant in war.
Nassau, House of.A noble family of German origin, which produced many great men, and derived its title from Nassau, on the Rhine. In the 16th century the family acquired the principality of Orange, in the southeast of France; after which the counts of Nassau took the title of Prince of Orange.
Natchez, orNatches. A tribe of Indians who formerly occupied four or five villages situated east of the Mississippi in a tract of country which embraced the site of the city of that name. They were generally friendly to the early French settlers; but in 1729, being enraged by the brutal avarice of Chopart, the commander of the garrison, who demanded as a plantation the very site of their principal village, they concerted a general massacre of the French, which they effected November 28, killing about 200 and holding the women and children captives. The French took a bloody and terrible revenge. Under the leadership of Le Sueur, a Frenchman, 700 Choctaws broke upon the slumbers of the Natchez on the night ofJanuary 28, 1730, liberated the captives, and with a loss of but two of their number, brought off 60 scalps and 18 prisoners. On February 8 following the French under Loubois completed the ruin of the tribe. Some fled to the neighboring tribes and some crossed the Mississippi to the vicinity of the Natchitoches. They were pursued and their places of refuge taken. Of the scattered remnants some remained with the Chickasaws, others settled with the Muskogees, and about 400 were shipped to San Domingo and sold as slaves. Thus perished the Natchez as an independent tribe.
Natchitoches.A tribe of Indians allied to the Caddos, who formerly lived on Red River, La. They were dispossessed of their territory by the fugitive Natchez in 1731, and settled permanently with the Caddos, with which tribe a few still exist.
National Armory.SeeArmory, National.
National Cemeteries.In the United States, are the burial-places for soldiers. They are called national because they belong to and are cared for by the general government.
National Flag.SeeFlag.
National Guards.The militia organizations of several States of the United States and of some foreign countries are so called. In the United States they are authorized by State laws, and may be called into the service of the general government. After the destruction of the Bastile, a similar organization, called thegarde nationale, was formed in Paris from the bourgeois class in 1789, under Lafayette as colonel-general. Napoleon subsequently defeated and dispersed it, but it was again organized by him in 1814. The national guard was adopted as an institution under the Restoration, and the Comte d’Artois appointed colonel-general. By decree of 1852 the government reserved the right of organizing or suppressing the national guard incommunes, and also of nominating all the officers, who up to this time had been elected. The French national guard fought in the war of 1870-71, and also participated in the Communist struggles.
National Military Homes.SeeSoldiers’ Homes.
National Salute.In the United States, a salute of one gun for each State in the Union.
National Troops.Are those raised under the authority of Congress, in contradistinction to the militia, which may be called State troops, being organized by the several States.
Native Cavalry.A body of natives in the East Indian army, formed into light dragoons.
Native Infantry.A body of native troops in the East Indian army.
Natural Angle of Sight.The angle which the natural line of sight makes with the axis of the piece.
Natural Fortification.SeeFortification.
Natural Line of Sight.SeeLine of Metal.
Natural Steel.SeeOrdnance, Metals for, Steel.
Naumburg.A town of Prussia, province of Saxony, 18 miles south-southwest from Merseburg. It was besieged in 1482 by the Hussites under Procopius; but they were induced to raise the siege by the entreaties of the children of the town. Naumburg was a place of importance in the Thirty Years’ War, as well as in the campaigns of 1806 and 1813.
Nauplia.A small fortified town and seaport in the Morea, Greece. At an early period it was the port and arsenal of Argos; occupied by the Venetians in the 13th century; taken by the Turks in 1540, and again in 1715. The Turks lost it on the outbreak of the Greek insurrection.
Navajo Indians.A numerous and warlike tribe of the Shoshone family, who are located to the number of about 12,000 on a large reservation in New Mexico. They were for a long time at war with the whites, but have at length been thoroughly subdued, and are gradually adopting semi-civilized habits. They are famous for the manufacture of a peculiar blanket of excellent quality which bears their name.
Naval Camp.In military antiquities, a fortification, consisting of a ditch and parapet on the land side, or a wall built in the form of a semicircle, and extended from one point of the sea to the other. This was beautified with gates, and sometimes defended with towers, through which they issued forth to attack their enemies. Towards the sea, or within it, they fixed great piles of wood, like those in their artificial harbors; before these the vessels of burden were placed in such order, that they might serve instead of a wall, and give protection to those without; in this manner Nicias is reported by Thucydides to have encamped himself. When their fortifications were thought strong enough to defend them from the assaults of enemies, the ancients frequently dragged their ships on shore. Around these ships the soldiers disposed their tents, as appears everywhere in Homer. But this seems only to have been practiced in winter, when their enemy’s fleet was laid up, and could not assault them; or in long sieges, and when they lay in no danger from their enemies by sea, as in the Trojan war, where the defenders of Troy never once attempted to encounter the Grecians in a sea-fight.
Naval Crown.In heraldry, a rim of gold, round which are placed alternately prows of galleys and square-sails. A naval crown supporting the crest in place of the wreath, occurs in various grants of arms in the early part of the present century to naval heroes. The crest of the Earl of St. Vincent, bestowed on him after his victory over the Spanish fleet in 1797, is issuing out of a naval crown or, enwrapped by a wreath of laurel vert, a demi-pegasus argent manedand hoofed of the first, and winged azure, charged in the wing with a fleur-de-lis or.
Navarre.A province, and formerly a kingdom, of Spain, is bounded on the north by France, on the south and east by Aragon, and on the west by the Biscays. It was occupied in ancient times by the Vascones, who were subdued by the Goths in the 5th century: After having become gradually amalgamated with their conquerors, the people continued to enjoy a species of turbulent independence under military leaders until the 8th century, when they were almost annihilated by the hordes of Arabs who were rapidly spreading their dominion to all parts of the peninsula. Navarre was conquered from the Saracens by Charlemagne, 778. In 1076, Sancho Ramorez of Aragon seized Navarre. During the war of independence and the civil war, the province produced bands of formidable guerrilleros.
Nave.In gun-carriages, that part of a wheel in which the arms of the axle-tree move, and in which the spokes are driven and supported.
Nave-boxes.Are boxes which are placed in the naves; they were formerly made of brass, but experience has shown that those of cast iron cause less friction, and are much cheaper. There are two, one at each end, to diminish the friction of the axle-tree against the nave.
Nave-hoops.Are flat iron rings to bind the nave; there are generally three on each nave.
Navel.A lug with a hole through it on the under side of a carronade, used to connect it with its carriage.
Naxos, orNaxia. An island in the Ægean Sea, and the largest of the Cyclades; is situated nearly half-way between the coasts of Greece and Asia Minor. It was conquered by Pisistratus, who established Lydamis as tyrant of the island about 540B.C.The Persians in 501 attempted, at the suggestion of Aristagoras, to subdue Naxos, but failed; Aristagoras, fearing punishment, induced the Ionian cities to revolt from Persia. In 490 the Persians, under Datis and Artaphernes, conquered Naxos, and reduced the inhabitants to slavery. The Naxians recovered their independence after the battle of Salamis (480). They were the first of the allied states whom the Athenians reduced to subjection, 471. After the capture of Constantinople by the Latins in 1204, the Ægean Sea fell to the lot of the Venetians; and Marco Sanudo in 1207 took possession of Nuxos, and founded there a powerful state under the title of duchy of the Ægean Sea. His dynasty ruled over the greater part of the Cyclades for 360 years, and was at length overthrown by the Turks in 1566. Naxos now belongs to the kingdom of Greece.
Naxos.A Greek city on the eastern coast of Sicily, south of Mount Taurus; was founded 735B.C.by the Chalcidians of Eubœa, and was the first Greek colony established in the island. It carried on a successful war against Messina, and was subsequently an ally of the Athenians against Syracuse. In 403 the town was taken by Dionysius of Syracuse, and destroyed.
Nebraska.One of the Central States of the United States, lying west of the Missouri River. Nebraska formed a part of the great grant of the Mississippi Valley to Crozart in 1712, and was part of the territory included in Law’s celebrated Mississippi scheme. It came into possession of the United States in 1803, as a portion of the Louisiana purchase. In 1804, Lewis and Clarke explored the interior and western parts of the State. In 1854 it was erected into a Territory, and in 1867 admitted as a State.
Necessaries.The articles issued to the British soldier, such as boots, shirts, stockings, razor, etc., which are requisite for his comfort and cleanliness, are technically termed regimental necessaries. Non-commissioned officers are not allowed to sell regimental necessaries to the soldiers. Every article is directed by the regulations to be marked with the owner’s name, the letter of his company, and the number of his regiment; and the sale or injury of them renders him liable to be tried by court-martial and punished.
Neck.The elbow or part connecting the blade and socket of a bayonet.
Neck Line.An old term in fortification signifying the gorge.
Neck of a Cascabel.The part joining the knob to the base of the breech.
Neck of a Gun.The small part of the piece in front of the chase.
Needle.A slender bar of steel, usually pointed, and resting on a vertical pivot, in a mariner’s, or other compass, so as to turn freely towards the magnetic poles of the earth by virtue of the magnetic polarity with which it has been artificially endued; called also themagnetic needle.
Needle-Gun(Ger.Zundnadelgewehr). Is a breech-loading gun, so constructed that by pulling the trigger a stout needle or wire is thrust through the base of the cartridge, parallel with its axis, into the detonating charge behind the ball, causing explosion and the ignition of the cartridge. This gun was the regulation arm of the German infantry until it was replaced by the Mauser, a gun somewhat similar. The gun was invented by Nicolaus Dreyse, of Sömmerda, Prussia, where it is manufactured. It was first used by the Prussians in 1848, and again in the Italian war of 1866, when it proved a fearful instrument of destruction, and to it may be ascribed in a great measure the success of its employers.
Neemuch.In Hindostan, a town with a British cantonment, in the territory of Gwalior, or possessions of Scindia. The native troops stationed at this place participated in the general mutiny of the Bengal army. The rising took place on the night of June3, 1857, when a general massacre of the Europeans took place. The work of slaughter was commenced by the artillery, and all the native troops joined heartily in it. A native officer opened the gate of the fort and gave entrance to the rebels. Having committed the most frightful enormities, and outraged every law of humanity, a large body of the miscreants marched in the direction of Agra.
Neerwinden.A village of Belgium, in the province of Liège. William III. of England was defeated by the Duke of Luxemburg between this place and Landen in 1693; the French were also defeated here in 1793 by the Austrians.
Neeshungpat(Ind.). A violent assault without bloodshed.
Negapatam.A considerable seaport in the south of India, and province of Tanjore. In 1660 it was taken from the Portuguese by the Dutch. It was a very flourishing city in 1781, when it was besieged and taken by the British with about 4000 troops, and finally ceded to them at the peace of 1783.
Negative.This term is sometimes used to express the result of measures or enterprises which, though not entirely successful, are not productive of serious or mischievous consequences. Hence the British expeditions to Spain and Walcheren may be considered as having had negative success.
Negative Penalty.Deprived of command; a bar to indulgence; a reprimand; etc.
Neglect of Duty.Is total omission or disregard of any prescribed service, or unsoldier-like execution, which is punishable at the discretion of a court-martial. SeeAppendix,Articles of War,62.
Negrais.An island, harbor, and cape of the Eastern Peninsula, situated on the southwest extremity of the kingdom of Pegu. In 1687 a settlement was founded here by the British; it was soon after abandoned; again occupied by the British in 1751; it was attacked by the Burmese in 1759, and nearly all the inhabitants were put to death.
Negropont.SeeChalcis.
Nelli-Cotah.A fort situated about 40 miles to the south of Tinnevelly, East Indies. This fort has been rendered memorable by the manner in which it was carried by the English in 1755, and the barbarity with which the garrison was treated which had not killed a man and had called for quarter, and yet men, women, and children, to the number of about 400, were massacred.
Nepaul, orNipal. An extensive country of Hindostan. It is said to have been completely subdued in 1323 by Hurr Singh, one of the princes of Oude, who was driven out of his own possessions by the Patans. Runjeet Mull was the last of the Surya Bansi race that reigned in Nepaul. He formed an alliance with Purthi Nirain, which ended in the loss of his dominions, of which he was stripped by his ally in 1768. It was in his reign that Capt. Kinloch with a British force endeavored to penetrate into Nepaul, but from the sickness of the troops, and the difficulty of the country, the enterprise was abandoned. In 1790 the Nepaul government became involved in a war with the emperor of China, who sent against them an army of 70,000 men, and defeated the Nepaulese in repeated battles. A peace was at last concluded, though on terms ignominious to the Nepaulese, who were compelled to become tributaries to the Chinese. In the year 1814 the British commenced a war against the Nepaulese, and, after a long and arduous struggle, during which the British suffered a number of reverses, the Nepaulese were compelled to sue for peace.
Nervii.A nation of Gallia Belgica, whose territory was situated north of the Ambiani. On receiving intelligence that Cæsar was advancing into their country, the inhabitants sent away their old men, women, and children to a place of refuge among the marshes by the sea-shore, and posted themselves in ambush on the banks of the Sabis (Sambre). The invaders had approached to the place of concealment, and, unsuspicious of any danger, were engaged in forming a camp, when they suddenly found themselves attacked by 60,000 fierce barbarians. The Romans would have been immediately routed, had not the invincible genius of Cæsar been there to sway and turn the tide of battle. After a hard-fought contest, the Nervian forces were almost annihilated; but the Nervii were not yet subdued. In 54B.C.they assisted the Eburones in the unsuccessful attack upon the camp of Quintus Cicero; and it was not until the following year that they finally submitted to the Romans.
Neshaumburdar(Ind.). An ensign.
Netherlands, Kingdom of the.A country in the northwest of Europe. The name of the Netherlands was, for several centuries, applied to the countries which now form the kingdoms of Belgium and the Netherlands and part of the north of France. The greater portion of this territory was held by the Spaniards until Marlborough, the general in command of the allied forces, gained the memorable victory of Ramilies in 1706. After this, Brussels, the capital, and great part of these provinces acknowledged Charles VI., afterwards emperor of Germany, for their sovereign. They were held by the German house until the war of 1741, when the French made an entire conquest of them, except part of the province of Luxemburg. They were restored, however, by the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, in the year 1748. In 1794 Holland was overrun by the troops of the French republic, and annexed to the French empire in 1810, after having been formed into the Batavian republic, and subsequently into a kingdom under Louis Bonaparte. In 1814 the royal family of Holland was restored, and two years after Holland and Belgium were once more reunited under the common title of the Netherlands; but in 1830 Belgium became a distinct kingdom. SeeBelgium,Holland, andFlanders.
Netley, Royal Victoria Hospital at.Is a superb building on the shore of Southampton Water, Hants, England, for the reception of invalids from the army on foreign service, and from among the troops serving in the adjoining military districts. In times of peace, it is only necessary to use a portion of the vast structure; but in the event of a European war, in which the British army should take part, the exigencies of the service would probably tax its accommodation to the utmost. There is provision for 1000 patients, with power to increase the number. The establishment has a complete medical staff. Netley is also the headquarters of the female nurses of the army, who are under the control of a lady stationed here as superintendent-general. Complete arrangements have been made for the landing of wounded men in front of the hospital, and for conveying them thither with the least disturbance. SeeMedical School.
Nettoyer les Magazins(Fr.). In artillery, signifies to remove the different pieces of ordnance, for the purpose of having them carefully examined, etc., and to have the stores and ammunition so arranged as not to receive damage.
Nettoyer les Tranchées(Fr.). To scour or clear the trenches. This is effected by means of a vigorous sally which the garrison of a besieged place make upon the besiegers; when they beat in the guard, drive off the workmen, level the parapet, break up and choke the line of circumvallation, and spike or nail the cannon.
Neusatz.A town of Hungary, on the Danube, opposite Peterwardein. On June 11, 1849, it was taken from the Hungarian insurgents by the imperial troops, and was almost wholly destroyed.
Neutral.Not engaged on either side; not taking part with either of contending parties; neuter.
Neutral.A person or nation that takes no part in a contest between others.
Neutral Powers.By the treaty of Paris, signed by the representatives of Great Britain, France, Austria, Russia, Prussia, Turkey, and Sardinia, on April 16, 1856, it was determined that privateering should be abolished; that neutrals might carry an enemy’s goods not contraband of war; that neutral goods not contraband were free even under an enemy’s flag; and that blockades to be binding must be effective. The President of the United States acceded to these provisions in 1861.
Neutrality.In international law, the state of a nation which takes no part between two or more other nations at war with each other. Neutrality consists in the observance of a strict and honest impartiality, so as not to afford advantage in the war to either party; and particularly in so far restraining its trade to the accustomed course, which is held in time of peace, as not to render assistance to one of the belligerents in escaping the effects of the other’s hostilities. Even a loan of money to one of the belligerent parties is considered a violation of neutrality. A fraudulent neutrality is considered as no neutrality.
Neutrality, Armed.SeeArmed.
Nevada.One of the Pacific States of the United States. Nevada is a part of the territory ceded to the United States by Mexico in 1848. It was at first a part of California Territory; it was subsequently attached to Utah; in March, 1861, was organized as a Territory; and on October 31, 1864, was admitted as a State.
Nevers.A town of France, the capital of the department of Nièvre, situated on the right bank of the Loire, 153 miles south-southeast from Paris. The town is ancient, and is mentioned by Cæsar under the name of Noviodunum. Here that general, in 52B.C., fixed his headquarters, and here he left his hostages, supplies, baggage, and military-chest. After his defeat at Gergovia, the people of Noviodunum rose against the Romans, massacred all of them who were in the town, and plundered the stores.
Neville’s Cross(or Durham),Battle of. Fought between the Scots under King David Bruce, and the English under Philippa, consort of Edward III., and Lord Percy, October 12 or 17, 1346. More than 15,000 of the Scots were slain, and their king taken prisoner.
Nevis, orNievis. One of the West India Islands, belonging to Great Britain, and separated from the south extremity of St. Christopher by a channel about 2 miles in width. It was taken by the French February 14, 1782; restored to the English in 1783.
Newark.A town of England, in Nottinghamshire, on the Newark River, 16 miles northeast from Nottingham. Here, in the midst of troubles, died King John, October 9, 1216; here the royal army under Prince Rupert repulsed the army of the Parliament, besieging the town, March 21, 1644; and here, May 5, 1646, Charles I., after his defeat at Naseby, put himself into the hands of the Scotch army, who afterwards gave him up to his enemies.
Newbury.A town of England, in Berkshire, on the Kennet, 15 miles southwest from Reading. Near here were fought two desperate battles: (1) On September 20, 1643, between the army of Charles I. and that of the Parliament under Essex; it terminated somewhat favorably for the king. (2) A second battle of dubious result was fought between the royalists and the Parliamentarians, October 27, 1644.
New Caledonia.An island of the South Pacific Ocean, discovered by Cook on September 4, 1774; seized by the French September 20, 1853. The French government in December, 1864, redressed the outrages committed on British missionaries at a station established here in 1854.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne.A river-port and the chief town of the county of Northumberland,England, 14 miles north from Durham. The Romans had a stationary camp here, calledPons Ælii, one of the chain of forts by which the Wall of Hadrian was fortified. Newcastle surrendered to the Scotch in 1646, who here gave up Charles I. to the Parliament in 1646. The town occupied by Gen. Wade in 1745.
New England.The name given by Capt. John Smith, in 1614, to the territory granted by James I. to the Plymouth Company for colonization, which now comprises the States ofMaine,New Hampshire,Vermont,Massachusetts,Rhode Island, andConnecticut. For history of New England, see these States under appropriate headings.
Newfoundland.A large island of British North America, at the mouth of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Newfoundland is supposed to have been discovered by the Norwegians, or Northmen, about the year 1000; it was rediscovered by John Cabot on June 24, 1497; a settlement was subsequently formed here by some Portuguese adventurers, who were in their turn expelled by Sir Francis Drake in the reign of Elizabeth. After this period numerous English colonies were established from time to time along the east coast, and several French along the south coast, in the Bay of Placentia. The French often tried to conquer the island, and during the French and English wars it was the scene of many bloody events. In 1713, Newfoundland and its dependencies were declared, by the treaty of Utrecht, to belong wholly to Great Britain; the French reserving a right to fish on certain parts of the coast. In 1728 the island was made a province of Great Britain.
New Grenada(nowUnited States of Colombia). A republic in the northwest of South America, discovered by Ojeda in 1499, and settled by the Spaniards in 1536. It formed a part of the new republic of Bogota, established in 1811, and combined with Caracas, formed the republic of Colombia, December 17, 1819. (SeeColombia, United States of.) A struggle took place between the conservative partisans of the old government and the liberals, January, 1861, and Gen. Mosquera (liberal) deposed Ospina and seized the government, July 18, 1861. Mosquera invited Venezuela and Ecuador to join the confederation, August, 1863; Ecuador declined, which resulted in a war, which commenced November 20, 1863. The troops of Ecuador were defeated, December 6; peace ensued, and Ecuador remained independent, December 30, 1863; Mosquera declared himself dictator, by acoup d’état, March 11, 1866; he was deposed by Santos Acosta, May 23, 1867; Gen. Ponce was made provisional president, July, 1868, and was succeeded by Correoso, August 29, who defeated his opponents, November 12, 1868.
New Hampshire.One of the Eastern States, and one of the original thirteen of the American Confederacy. New Hampshire was first visited in 1614, and was settled near Portsmouth in 1623. It was several times connected with Massachusetts up to 1679, when it became a royal province, but renewed its connections with Massachusetts in 1689, and was for a short time attached to New York; finally, in 1741, it became an entirely separate province, and so remained till the Revolution. New Hampshire was much harassed by the Indians, and in 1689 a party of them sacked Dover, killed many of the whites, and burnt the town. No important action took place on the soil of this State, either in the war of the Revolution or that of 1812. The State contributed greatly to the cause of the Union in the late civil war.
New Jersey.One of the Middle Atlantic States, and one of the original thirteen of the American Confederacy. Settlements were made at Bergen, in New Jersey, soon after their arrival in New York, by the Dutch, between the years 1614 and 1624. The whole of the region lying between the Delaware and the Hudson was claimed by them, although the Swedes had made some settlements in the western part of the same country. These claims, however, were disregarded by the British; and in 1664, Charles II. granted to the Duke of York the whole of this country, and in the same year the duke sold it to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, in honor of the latter of whom, a native of Jersey, it received the name which it still bears. The Dutch again got possession of it in 1673, but resigned it on the conclusion of peace in the following year. New Jersey escaped the inroads of the savage tribes which desolated and afflicted most of the older colonies; but in the war of the Revolution it suffered greatly, and was the scene of many important battles, such as Trenton, Princeton, Millstone, Red Bank, and Monmouth. In the late civil war, New Jersey contributed greatly to the cause of the Union, and her regiments were distinguished on many important battle-fields.
New Matter(in military courts). Should either party, in the course of their examination of witnesses, or by bringing forward new ones for that purpose, introduce new matter, the opposite one has the right of calling other witnesses to rebut such new matter. A prosecutor, however, cannot be allowed to bring forward evidence to rebut what has been elicited by his own cross-examination, but must be confined to new matter introduced by the accused, and supported by the examination-in-chief of the accused. The court should be very circumspect to see and prevent new matter from being introduced, either in the prosecution or defense. But the accused may urge in his defense mitigating circumstances, or examine witnesses as to character or service, and produce testimonials of such facts, without its being considered new matter; and if any point of law be raised, or any matter requiring explanation, the judge-advocate may explain; no other reply is admitted.
New Mexico.A Territory of the United States, bounded on the north by Colorado, east by Texas, south by Texas and Mexico, and west by Arizona. The country was explored by the Spaniards in 1537, and was taken possession of by the viceroy of Mexico in the name of the king of Spain towards the latter part of that century. About 1680, the natives, who were an industrious people of Aztec race, provoked by the oppression of their rulers, rose against them and succeeded in driving them from the country. The Spaniards, however, soon regained their foothold, which they succeeded in maintaining until 1822, when Mexico and its dependencies threw off the yoke of Spain. In 1846, Gen. Kearney captured Santa Fé, the capital of New Mexico, and soon after became master of the whole Territory, which was ceded to the United States in 1848, and in 1850 organized as a Territory. In 1854 another portion of Mexican territory gained by purchase was added to it, and subsequently the Territory of Arizona was set off from it, and another portion added to Colorado. During the civil war New Mexico was the theatre of some desperate and hard-fought battles. On February 21, 1862, a Confederate force of Texans about 2500 strong, under Gen. Sibley, defeated the Union forces under Col. Canby at Valverde, about 10 miles from Fort Craig, and captured their guns. The loss of his battery compelled Col. Canby to fall back to Fort Craig, but the enemy was so crippled that he did not attempt to follow, but proceeded to Albuquerque and Santa Fé, both of which towns were evacuated by the Union troops. Soon afterwards a force of 400 Texans going north to reinforce Gen. Sibley were captured by Col. Canby. On March 26, 1862, an engagement took place at Apache Pass, in which 100 Texans were captured, between 300 and 400 killed, and 50 wagons burned. Another engagement took place on the 28th, at Pigeon’s Ranche, 25 miles north of Santa Fé, in which the Confederates lost more prisoners. About the middle of April, Col. Canby concentrating his forces attacked the Texans at Parillo, on the Rio Grande, and after a short action defeated them with great slaughter, and compelled them to fly to the mountains. From this point until they reached Fort Bliss, Texas, their retreat was a succession of disasters. They left in New Mexico more than one-half of their original number as killed, wounded, or prisoners, and every place which they abandoned in their retreat was immediately occupied by Union troops.
New Model.In the United States, all cannon made since 1861 are on the new model. This is characterized by the absence of all ornament on the exterior,—the outline is made up of gentle curves as far us possible,—on the inside the bottom of the bore is a semi-ellipsoid.
New Orleans.Capital of the State of Louisiana, and commercial metropolis of the Gulf States. It was founded in 1718 by Bienville, the governor of the province of Louisiana under the French, who caused it to be laid out, and levees built, under the direction of the engineer De la Tour. On January 8, 1815, was fought the battle of New Orleans, a few miles below the city, between Gen. Andrew Jackson at the head of the American forces, and the British under Gen. Pakenham, ending in the defeat of the latter with a loss in killed and wounded of nearly 3000 men. The American loss was but 13. In the late civil war, New Orleans held out until 1862, when it surrendered to the Union forces. Gen. Butler was placed in command, but on December 16, 1862, was relieved by Gen. Banks.
New Ross.A town in Wexford Co., Southeast Ireland, where Gen. Johnston totally defeated the insurgent Irish under Beauchamp D. Bagenal Harvey, June 4, 1798.
Newry.A town in Down Co., Ireland, which was reduced to a ruinous condition in the rebellion of 1641; it was surprised by Sir Con. Magenis, but was retaken by Lord Conway. After the restoration the town was rebuilt. It was burnt by the Duke of Berwick when flying from Schomberg and the English army, and only the castle and a few houses escaped, 1689.
Newtown-Butler.A town in Fermanagh Co., Ireland, where, on July 30, 1689, the Enniskilleners under Gustavus Hamilton thoroughly defeated the adherents of James II. commanded by Gen. Maccarty, whom they captured with his artillery, arms, and baggage.
New Trial.The privilege of a new trial does not seem to be denied. The provisions therefore are borrowed from common law, and are not held, in either civil or military tribunals, to preclude the accused from having a second trial on his own motion. Officers who sat on the first trial should not be detailed for the new trial; they have formed and expressed opinions. New, or second trial, can only be authorized where the sentence adjudged upon the first trial has been disapproved. After a sentence has been duly approved and has taken effect, the granting of a new trial is beyond the power of a military commander, or the President.
New York.One of the Middle States of the United States, and one of the thirteen of the original confederation. The earliest explorations of New York by Europeans were in 1609, by Hendrik Hudson, who took possession of the country on the river which bears his name for the Dutch, and by Champlain, a Frenchman, who explored Lake Champlain from Canada. The English, however, claimed the right of prior discovery, which led to frequent conflicts. The first white settlements were made in the State in 1713, and the early settlers suffered greatly from Indian depredations. In 1690, Schenectady was taken and burned by the savages, and many of the inhabitantsmassacred. The massacre of the garrison at Fort William Henry by the Indians in 1757 will long be remembered in the annals of New York. The State took an active part in the war of independence, and was the theatre of many important military events. The defeat of Washington at Long Island and at White Plains in the autumn of 1776, the surrender of Burgoyne in October, 1777, and the taking of Stony Point by Wayne in July, 1779, are the most important actions that took place here during the Revolutionary contest. The sanguinary naval battle of Lake Champlain in the war of 1812, in which McDonough defeated the British after a hard-fought action, and several other minor engagements, took place within the limits of New York in the last struggle with Great Britain. During the civil war New York took an active and prominent part in aiding the government in the suppression of the rebellion; her quotas of troops were promptly filled, $40,000,000 being paid in bounties to her volunteers.
New York.The chief commercial city of the United States, and the most populous, is situated at the southern extremity of Manhattan Island, at the junction of the Hudson River and the extension of Long Island Sound, known as the East River, about 18 miles from the Atlantic. It was founded in 1613 by Dutch traders, who built two trading forts and four houses on Manhattan Island, and called the settlement New Amsterdam. It was taken by the English in 1664, and its name changed to New York in honor of the Duke of York, brother of Charles II. Nine years later it was recaptured by the Dutch, and its name changed to New Orange in honor of the prince of that title; but in February, 1674, the English obtained possession of it by treaty, and restored the name which they had formerly given it. During the Revolutionary war New York was occupied by the English troops after the battle of Long Island, and was evacuated by them November 25, 1783. In the civil war the city was among the first in manifesting its loyal disposition, and furnished over 116,000 men in support of the Union cause.
New Zealand.A group of islands lying in the South Pacific Ocean, discovered by Tasman in 1642. The right of Great Britain to New Zealand was recognized in 1814. An insurrection of the natives (Maoris) took place in March, 1860; several indecisive actions took place between the natives and the militia, March 14-28, 1860; war broke out at Taranaki, and the British were repulsed with loss on June 30; Gen. Pratt defeated the Maoris at Mahoetahi, and destroyed their fortified places November 6. The Maoris were defeated December 29, 1860, January 23, February 24, March 16-18, 1861; the natives surrendered March 19, 1861. The Maoris again resorted to war in May, 1863; Gen. Cameron defeated them at Rangariri November 20; and forced the Maori king to capitulate December 9, 1863. The British were repulsed at Galepa (the gate pah) with loss of officers and men, April 29, 1864. The Maoris were again severely defeated January 25 and February 25, 1864. The Maoris continued in a state of insurrection, but were finally overcome in 1865.
Nez Percés Indians(“pierced noses”). A tribe of aborigines of the Sahaptin family, who were located on a reservation in Northern Idaho. In 1877 they broke into open hostilities against the whites, and after a sanguinary struggle under their chief Joseph they were at length captured by Gen. Miles and transported to Indian Territory. Some few escaped to the British possessions, where they still remain.
Niagara.Chief town of Lincoln County, in the Canadian province of Ontario, on Lake Ontario. It was burnt down in December, 1813, by the American general McClure on his retreat; it was afterwards rebuilt.
Niagara, Battle of.SeeLundy’s Lane.
Nicæa(anc.Nicæensis,Nicensis). Formerly one of the most celebrated cities of Asia, stood on the eastern side of Lake Ascania (nowIznik), in Bithynia. At the battle of Nice, 194, the emperor Severus defeated his rival, Niger, who was again defeated at Issus, and soon after taken prisoner and put to death. Under the later emperors of the East, Nicæa long served as a bulwark of Constantinople against the Arabs and Turks; it was taken by the Seljuks in 1078, and became the capital of the sultan Soliman; it was retaken by the first Crusaders in 1097. After the taking of Constantinople by the Venetians and the Franks, and the foundation of the Latin empire there in 1204, the Greek emperor, Theodorus Lascaris, made Nicæa the capital of a separate kingdom, in which his followers maintained themselves with various success against the Latins of Constantinople on the one side, and the Seljuks of Iconium on the other, and in 1261 regained Constantinople. At length, in 1330, Nicæa was finally taken by Orchan, the son of the founder of the Ottoman empire, Othman.
Nicæa.A fortress of the Epicnemidian Locrians on the sea, near the pass of Thermopylæ, which it commanded. From its important position it is often mentioned in the wars of Greece with Macedonia and with the Romans. In the former its betrayal to Philip by the Thracian dynast Phalæcus led to the termination of the Sacred war, 346B.C.; and after various changes it is found at the time of the wars with Rome in the hands of the Ætolians.
Nicaragua, Republic of.Formerly a State in the Central American Confederation, from which it withdrew in 1852. The inhabitants of the country are Indians andmestizoes, with a scattering of a few whites and negroes. It has been the scene of many revolutions for the last thirty-five years.
Nice(It.Nizza, anc.Nicæa). Chief town since 1860 of the department of the Maritime Alps, France, on both sides of the river Paglione, 100 miles south-southwest from Turin. It was the seat of a colony from Massilia, now Marseilles, and formed part of the Roman empire. It first became important as a stronghold of the Christian religion, which was preached there by Nazarius at an early period. In the Middle Ages it was subject to Genoa, and suffered from the frequent wars, being taken and retaken by the Imperialists and French. It was taken by the Austrians under Melas, 1800; seized and annexed to France, 1792; restored to Sardinia in 1814; again annexed to France in virtue of the treaty of March 24, 1860. The French troops entered April 1, and definite possession was taken June 14 following. Garibaldi protested vehemently against this annexation. The town of Nice is remarkable as the birthplace of Masséna, one of the most famous of Napoleon’s generals.
Nicomedia(now ruins atIzmid, orIznikmid). A celebrated city in Asia Minor, capital of Bithynia, built by King Nicomedes I., 264B.C., at the northeast corner of the Sinus Astacenus (nowGulf of Izmid). Like its neighbor and rival Nicæa, it occupied an important place in the wars against the Turks; it is memorable in history as the scene of Hannibal’s death. It surrendered to the Seljukian Turks, 1078, and to Orchan and the Ottoman Turks in 1338.
Nicopolis, orNikopoli. A town of Turkey in Europe, in Bulgaria, situated on the Danube. The Hungarians under Sigismund were defeated here in 1396 by the Turks.
Nicosia, orLefkosia. The capital of Cyprus, stands near the centre of the island, on the right bank of the Pedia. In 1570 it was stormed by the Turks, who on that occasion put to the sword about 20,000 of the inhabitants.
Niemen, orMemel. A large river of Lithuania, which rises a few miles south of Minsk. Napoleon I. and Alexander of Russia held an interview on the waters of this river in 1807.
Nieuport.A fortified town of Belgium, in the province of West Flanders, 11 miles southwest from Ostend. This place has often been besieged and taken and retaken by the French and English.
Nigher(Ind.). Any fortified city measuring at least 8 coss, or 8 English miles, in length and breadth.
Night-firing.When a fixed object is to be fired at by night, the piece should be directed during the day, and two narrow and well-dressed strips of wood (to prevent injury to the strips from the recoil, they should be nailed at such a distance from the carriage that the space can be filled up with a strip that can be removed before firing) laid on the inside of the wheels, and two others outside of the trail of a siege carriage, and nailed or screwed to the platform. In case of a barbette carriage, the traverse wheels should be chocked in the proper position. To preserve the elevation, measure the height of the elevating-screw above its box, or take the measure between a point on the gun and another on the stock; cut a stick to this length and adjust the gun on it at each fire.Directionof fire may be secured at night with mortars by nailing or screwing two boards to the platform outside of the cheeks, and theelevationby drawing a line across one of the trunnions, or by inserting a wedge-shaped block of the proper inclination below the mortar and the front transom or step. Night-firing with guns should be limited to a small number of rounds, as it consumes ammunition to little advantage.
Night-signaling.An important branch of signaling. It may be effected in various ways. In ordinary service two torches are used,—one on the ground and the other attached to a staff, which is used precisely as the flag for day signals. Lanterns held in the hands can also be used. For long distances and when stations cannot be seen on account of intervening obstacles, such as woods, signal-rockets, candle-bombs, and other pyrotechnic devices are used.
Nihilists.The name given to a political party in Russia. Beyond the extinction of imperialism it is difficult to give their creed.
Nijni-Novgorod, orNijnei-Novgorod(Lower Novgorod). A fortified town and the capital of the government of the same name in Russia. It is an ancient town, and was founded in 1221 by Prince Yury Vsevolodovitch as a stronghold against the invasions of the Bulgarians and the Mordva. It was devastated on several occasions by the Tartars; and in 1612, during the civil dissensions in Russia, when it was on the point of falling a prey to Poland, Minin, the famous butcher of Nijni-Novgorod, collected an armed force here, which, under Prince Pojarsky, drove the invaders from the capital.
Nikolsburg, orMikulov. A town of Austria, in the south of Moravia, 27 miles south of Brunn. Here were signed, July 26, 1866, the preliminaries of a peace between Austria and Prussia.
Nile, The.A river of Northeastern Africa, and one of the most powerful, most interesting, and most celebrated rivers on our globe. Near Rosetta, at the mouth of the Nile, a naval battle took place, August 1, 1798, between the Toulon and British fleets, the latter commanded by Lord (then Sir Horatio) Nelson. Nine of the French line-of-battle ships were taken, two were burnt, and two escaped. The French ship L’Orient with Admiral Brueys and 1000 men on board, blew up, and only 70 or 80 escaped. This engagement is also called the battle of Aboukir.
Nimeguen, orNymwegen. TheNoviomagumof the Romans, called by TacitusBatavorum oppidum, and in the Middle AgesNumaga, is the principal city of the district of the same name, or the Betuwe, in Holland, province of Guelderland. Nimeguen is celebrated for the great peace congress of the European powers which was held here, and, August 10, 1678, concluded a treaty between Spain and France on September 17, between France and the United Netherlands, and between the German empire and France, and the same empire and Sweden, February 5, 1679. The French were successful against the British under the Duke of York before Nimeguen, October 28, 1794; but were defeated by them November 8.
Nimes, orNismes(anc.Nemausus). A city of France, and the chief town of the department of the Gard, 30 miles northeast from Montpellier. Previously to the Roman invasion, it (supposed to have been founded by a colony from Massilia) was the chief city of the Volcæ Arecomici. It surrendered to the rule of the Visigoths between 465 and 535, and afterwards to that of the Franks; subsequently, it became a possession of Aragon; but was finally restored to France in 1259 by the treaty of Corbeil. In 1791 and 1815, bloody religious and political reactions took place here. The treaty termed the Pacification of Nimes (July 14, 1629) gave religious toleration for a time to the Huguenots.