Truce, Flag of.SeeFlag of Truce.
Truce of God.A suspension of arms, which occasionally took place in the Middle Ages, putting a stop to private hostilities, at or within certain periods.
Truck.Wooden-wheels for the carriage of cannon, etc. The trucks of garrison-carriages are generally made of cast iron. Trucks of a ship-carriage are wheels made of one piece of wood, from 12 to 19 inches in diameter, and their thickness is always equal to the caliber of the gun.
Truck, Casemate.SeeImplements.
Trumpet, orTrump. A wind instrument, made of brass or silver, used in the cavalry and mounted artillery.
Trumpet-call.A call by the sound of the trumpet.
Trumpeter.A soldier whose duty it is to sound the trumpet.
Trumpet-Major.The non-commissioned officer in charge of the trumpeters of a regiment of cavalry.
Truncheon.A club; a cudgel; also, a staff of command. The truncheon was for several ages the sign of office. Generals were presented with the truncheon as the sign of investiture with command; and all those officers who belonged to the suite of the general, and were not attached to regiments, carried a truncheon, or staff, whence the name of officers of the staff.
Trunnion-gauge.SeeInspection of Cannon.
Trunnion-plate.In gunnery, is a plate in the carriage of a gun, mortar, or howitzer, which covers the upper part of the cheek, and goes under the trunnion.
Trunnions.In gunnery, are two cylinders at or near the centre of gravity of a gun, by which it is supported on its carriage. The axes are in a line perpendicular to the axis of the bore, and, in our guns, in the same plane with that axis. By means of the trunnions the piece is attached to its carriage; and by being placed at or near the centre of gravity, it is easily elevated or depressed.
Trunnion-square.SeeInspection of Cannon.
Truxillo.A town of the republic of Venezuela, capital of a province of the same name. Though now a poor, mean place, it is said to have been, previously to 1678, when it was pillaged by the buccaneer Grammont, one of the finest and wealthiest cities of America.
Tubantes.A people of Germany, allies of the Cherusci, originally dwelt between the Rhine and the Yssel. They are subsequently mentioned as a part of the great league of the Franci.
Tube-pouch.SeeImplements.
Tuberated.In heraldry, knotted or swelled out.
Tuck.A long, narrow sword.
Tudela(anc.Tutella). A city of Spain, province of Navarre, on the right bank of the Ebro, 52 miles northwest from Saragossa. Here the French under Marshal Lannes totally defeated the Spaniards, on November 23, 1808.
Tugenbund(“League of Virtue”). This league was formed in Prussia soon after the peace of Tilsit, June, 1807, for relieving the sufferers by the late wars, and for the revival of morality and patriotism, gradually became a formidable secret political society, opposed to the French predominance in Germany. It excited the jealousy of Napoleon, who demanded its suppression in 1809. It was dissolved at the peace in 1815.
Tuileries, Palace and Gardens of the.Are situated in the middle of Paris, on the right bank of the Seine. In 1793, the National Convention held its sittings in the Tuileries; and when Bonaparte became First Consul, he chose it for his official residence. It was the imperial residence of Napoleon III.; but was burned down by the Commune in 1871.
Tulwar.In the East Indies means a sword.
Tumbril.A covered cart on two wheels, for the carriage of ammunition, tools, etc., belonging to the artillery. The name obtained a melancholy celebrity from being applied to the carts which served to carry the unfortunate victims of the French revolution to the guillotine.
Tunic.A close-fitting coat, with short sleeves, worn in ancient times by the Romans. This sort of clothing was prevalent among the French after their return from the Crusades to the Holy Land. They adopted it from the Saracens, and seemed ambitious of appearing in a garb which bore testimony to their feats of valor. These tunics, which were converted into a sort of uniform, obtained the name ofsaladinesamong the French, in compliment to the emperor Saladin.
Tunis.One of the Barbary States forming a considerable territory or regency of the Ottoman empire, in Northern Africa. Its history is nearly identical with thecity of the same name(which see).
Tunis.A fortified city of Africa, and the capital of the country of that name, at the mouth of the Mejerdah, 400 miles east by north from Algiers. Tunis is situated about 3 miles to the southwest of the ruins of ancient Carthage, and it is itself a place of great antiquity. During the Punic wars it was repeatedly taken and retaken. In 439 it fell into the hands of the Vandals, but having been wrested from them about a century thereafter by Belisarius, it continued to be subject to the Greek empire till the end of the 7th century, when Northern Africa was overrun by the victorious armies of the Saracens and became a dependency of the caliphs of Bagdad. In 1286 Tunis became an absolute sovereignty under Aboo-Ferez, who soon added the greater part of Algiers and Tripoli. About this time it became notorious for its piracies, and in 1270, Louis IX. of France, in a chivalrous attempt to suppress them, lost both his army and his life. It remained under African kings till taken by Barbarossa, for Solyman the Magnificent. It was taken with great slaughter, and Barbarossa expelled, by the emperor Charles V., when 10,000 Christian slaves were set at liberty, 1535. The country was subjugated by the Turks (1574), who at first governed it by a Turkish pasha and divan, with a body of Janissaries sent from Constantinople, but were ultimately obliged to allow the Moors to elect their own bey, only reserving to themselves the power of confirming the election and exacting a tribute. The piracies of the Tunisians subjected them to severe chastisement, first from the Britishunder Admiral Blake, who reduced it, on the bey refusing to deliver up the British captives, 1655; and afterwards from France and Holland. During the 18th century it became tributary to Algiers. About the beginning of the 19th century, Hamuda Pasha threw off the Algerian yoke, subdued the Turkish militia, and created a native Tunisian army; in consequence of which Tunis virtually attained independence. An insurrection broke out April 18,1864, and in May, the European powers sent ships of war to protect their subjects.
Turin.A large city of Italy, capital of Piedmont, at the confluence of the Dora-Susina with the Po, 79 miles west-southwest from Milan. The foundation of Turin is generally attributed to a colony of Transalpine origin called Taurini, or Taurisci. Shortly after Hannibal crossed the Alps, he made himself master of the territory in which it is situated; but after his expulsion from Italy, the Romans resumed possession and converted Turin into a colony, which took the name ofColonia Julia. This name was afterwards changed into that ofAugusta Taurinorum. It was taken and sacked by the Goths under Alaric. To ward off similar disasters, it was shortly after surrounded by walls, but did not escape the ravages of the Longobards. Charlemagne, into whose hands it subsequently passed, bestowed it as feudal tenure on its bishops. In 1418 (1416) it was declared by Amadeo V. the capital of the states of Savoy, and ultimately rose to be the capital of the whole Sardinian states. The French besieged this city; but Prince Eugène defeated their army, and compelled them to raise the siege, September 7, 1706. In 1798, the French republican army took possession of Turin, seized all the strong places and arsenals of Piedmont, and obliged the king and his family to remove to the island of Sardinia. In 1799 the French were driven out by the Austrians and Russians; but shortly afterwards the city and all Piedmont surrendered to the French. In 1814, it was delivered up to the allies, who restored it to the king of Sardinia.
Turkey.Or the Ottoman empire, called by the TurksOsmanli Vilayeti, includes large portions of the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and consists of Turkey Proper, which is under the direct rule of the sultan, and of numerous dependent and tributary states, governed by their own princes. The existing Turkish empire dates only from the end of the 13th century, when it was founded by Osman, or Othman, a Turk of noble family, who had been driven westward from Khorasan by the invasion of Genghis Khan. Osman first invaded the Greek territory of Nicomedia on July 27, 1299; but the true era of the empire may be dated from the conquest of the city of Prusa, the capital of Bithynia, which surrendered to his son Orchan in 1326. Murad I. (Amurath) subdued, without resistance, the whole of Thrace from the Hellespont to Mount Hæmus, and made Adrianople the seat of vice-royalty. Murad was succeeded by his son Bajazet (Byazid), whose reign forms one of the most splendid epochs in the Turkish annals. His armies were victorious in every country that he undertook to conquer, until at last he encountered the famous Mogul chief, Tamerlane, who defeated the Turkish army and took Bajazet captive. After the death of Tamerlane, Solyman, the son of Bajazet, obtained the European dominions of his father and eventually assumed the title of sultan. At his death in 1421 he bequeathed an undivided empire to his successor, Amurath II., in whose reign the Turkish empire rose in splendor and opulence. He enlarged the empire by conquests, and was succeeded in 1451 by Mohammed II., the conqueror of Constantinople. Mohammed laid siege to Belgrade, three years after the taking of Constantinople, from which, after an obstinate resistance, he was at length repulsed with the loss of his large ordnance and 40,000 of his best troops. Abandoning his attempts upon Hungary, the sultan undertook an expedition into Greece, and about 1460 succeeded in subduing the whole of the Morea. Mohammed continued to overrun Europe with his victorious armies, until death stopped his triumphant career in 1481. A series of domestic broils continued to take place until Selim ascended the throne in 1512. He was a successful prince, and during his short reign conquered Egypt, Aleppo, Antioch, Tripoli, Damascus, and Gaza, and defeated the Persians. On the death of Selim, Solyman the Magnificent ascended the Ottoman throne, and like several of the preceding monarchs he continued to humiliate his enemies and add new territory to his dominions. His dominions extended from Algiers to the river Euphrates, and from the farther end of the Black Sea to the extremity of Greece and Epirus. The latter years of his reign were embittered by domestic dissensions and cruelties. He died while besieging Sigeth, a city of Hungary, in 1566. His son and successor, Selim II., besieged and took Cyprus; but in the famous sea-fight at Lepanto, in 1571, the Turkish fleet was utterly destroyed by Don John of Austria. Selim afterwards invested and took Tunis by storm. On his death Amurath III. ascended the throne, and extended his dominions. His son, Mohammed III., ascended the throne in 1595, but he was involved in a series of wars which proved disastrous to the Turkish arms, and the country continued to decline, although each successive monarch continued to wage war with the neighboring provinces, which nearly always ended disastrously to the Turkish arms; the country was also torn asunder by internal strife. The downward course of Turkey was for a time stayed by Mustapha II., who succeeded to the throne in 1695; he commanded his troops in person, and passed the Danube at the head of 50,000 men, carried Lippa byassault, and closed a campaign against the Austrians with success. But two years afterwards he was defeated by Prince Eugène, in the bloody battle of Zenta, where the Turks left 20,000 dead on the field, and 10,000 were drowned in their attempt to escape. Shortly after this disaster Mustapha was dethroned. During the reign of Mustapha III., in 1769, a destructive war broke out with Russia which lasted till 1774, when the Turks were compelled to make the dishonorable treaty of Kainargi. Another disastrous war broke out between Russia and Turkey in the autumn of 1787, in which Austria took sides with the former. This war, which was concluded in 1792, was a series of terrible conflicts, in which much desperate valor was displayed on the one side, and many brave actions were performed on the other; but in which Turkey lost much territory. Turkey was drawn into the French revolutionary war by the invasion of Egypt by the French, and in 1807 she was convulsed by a sanguinary insurrection, which cost Selim his throne, and raised Mahmoud to it. During the event of this insurrection, a war which had been going on with Russia had languished; but on the accession of Mahmoud, the armies on both sides were augmented, and the contest was carried on with great ferocity. The campaign of 1811 was short, but disastrous to the Porte, the main body of the Ottoman army having surrendered as prisoners of war. In 1821 began that celebrated insurrection which, after a bloody war of eight years, terminated in the complete emancipation of the Greeks from the Turkish yoke. In 1828 war again broke out between Turkey and Russia. The first campaign was unfavorable to Turkey, but not completely decisive; it ended with the loss of Varna; but, in 1829, the Russians having crossed the Balkans, a treaty of peace was concluded, which was both humiliating and injurious. Shortly after occurred that rupture between the sultan and Mehemet Ali, the pasha of Egypt, which shook the Ottoman empire to its foundation. In every conflict the Turkish troops were overthrown. The battle of Homs decided the fate of Syria, and the victory at Konieh placed the sceptre almost within the grasp of the ambitious pasha. In this extremity the sultan was reduced to apply to Russia for aid. A peace was concluded by which the pasha augmented his territory. In 1839 the Turks were again defeated in several battles by the Egyptians; but the latter were reduced to subjection by the allied powers, Britain, Austria, Russia, and Prussia, and compelled to pay an annual tribute to Turkey. In October, 1858, the Porte declared war against Russia, and in 1854 the French and English entered into the contest as allies of Turkey. In the latter part of this war, Sardinia also sent an army to co-operate with those of the allies. The result of this war, which was virtually ended by the treaty of Paris signed on March 30, 1856, was, that Turkey gained some territory, and took her place as a member of the European confederation of states. A revolution took place in Constantinople in 1876, which resulted in the deposition of Abd-ul-Aziz, and the accession to the throne of Murad V., who in his turn was superseded by Hamid II. For important battles, etc., which occurred in Turkey, see names of towns, places, etc., under separate headings in this work.
Turks.The name of a numerous, important, and widely-spread family of the human race, members of which are to be found as well on the banks of the Lena in Siberia, as on those of the Danube and the shores of the Adriatic in Europe. They consist of many different tribes, but speak very nearly the same language. For history of the Turks, seeTurkeyand other countries inhabited by them.
Turma.In the Roman cavalry, a troop consisting of 30 horsemen. There were 10turmæin every legion, and 3decuriæin everyturma.
Turn.To give another direction, tendency, or inclination; to direct otherwise; to deflect.To turn a hostile army, to turn the enemy’s flank, and the like, to pass round and take a position behind it, or upon the side of it.To turn tail, to retreat ignominiously.
Turn Out, To.To bring forward, to exhibit; as, to turn out the guard; to turn out so many men for service. Toturn in, to withdraw; to order under cover; as, to turn in the guard.
Turnau(Boh.Turnov). A walled town of Bohemia, circle of Jung-Bunzlau, on the east bank of the Iser, 50 miles northeast from Prague. Here was fought, in July, 1866, a battle between the Prussians and Austrians, in which the former were victorious.
Turnhout.A well-built town of Belgium, province of Antwerp, 34 miles east-northeast from the city of Antwerp. Turnhout is historically noteworthy as the scene of two battles, the first won January 22, 1597, by the Netherlands, under Maurice, prince of Orange, over the Spaniards; and the second October 27, 1789, by the patriots, under Van der Mersch, over the Austrians.
Turning.In tactics, a manœuvre by which an enemy or position is turned.
Turning and Boring.SeeOrdnance, Construction of.
Turret.In military antiquity, a movable building, of a square form, consisting of 10 or even 20 stories, sometimes 120 cubits high, usually moved on wheels, and employed in approaches to a fortified place, for carrying soldiers, engines, ladders, casting bridges, and other necessaries.
Turtukai, orTortokan. A town of Turkey in Europe, in Bulgaria, situated on the Danube. It is opposite Oltenitza, where the Russians were defeated by the Turks in a series of battles which extended over three days, in November, 1853.
Tuscany(Ital.Toscana). A former grand duchy of Italy, hounded on the north by the duchies of Parma and Modena, and the Papal States; east and south by the Papal States; west by the Mediterranean. Tuscany embraces the far greater part of ancient Etruria, shared the common fate of all the other Italian states, and fell under the Romans about 280B.C.From the Romans it passed first to the Goths, next to the Lombards, and then to Charlemagne, who governed it by counts. After numerous vicissitudes, the whole of Tuscany became united, in 1557, under the Medici family. In 1737 the Medici became extinct and the grand duchy passed to the Duke of Lorraine. It was declared by Napoleon I. an integral part of the French empire; but, on his downfall in 1814, it was restored to the Archduke Ferdinand. On August 20, 1860, the National Assembly at Florence unanimously voted its annexation to and it now forms part of the new kingdom of Italy.
Tuscaroras.A tribe of North American Indians, who at the settlement of North Carolina had fifteen towns on the Tar and Neuse Rivers, and 1200 warriors. In 1711, they began a war with the settlers, and after a series of savage encounters were defeated, and joined the Iroquois in New York, where they became the allies of the English. About 400 of them still reside on a reservation in the western part of the State of New York.
Tusculum.An ancient city of Latium, on a western prolongation of the Alban hills, about 15 miles east-southeast of Rome. It was one of the most strongly fortified places in all Italy, both by nature and art. After the expulsion of the Tarquins from Rome, Octavius Mamilius, the chief man in Tusculum, is said to have supported their cause, and led an army against the Romans; but he was totally defeated and slain at the small lake Regillus, near Tusculum. Thereupon an alliance was formed between Tusculum and Rome, which lasted unbroken for 140 years, until, in 357B.C., the whole of the Latin cities, and Tusculum among the rest, joined in a war with Rome, which ended in their entire and final subjection to that power. The ancient city continued to exist amid all the vicissitudes of the times till near the end of the 12th century, when it was demolished by the Romans, and the town of Frascati rose in the vicinity.
Tuttlingen.A town of Würtemberg, on the right bank of the Danube, 20 miles west-southwest from Sigmaringen. Tuttlingen is historically notable as the scene of a battle in 1643, during the Thirty Years’ War, in which an Austrian Bavarian force under Hatzfeld and Mercy defeated the French.
Twist.This term is employed by gun-makers to express the inclination of a groove at any point, and is measured by the tangent of the angle made by the groove with the axis of the bore.
Two-handed.Used with both hands; as, a two-handed sword.
Tyana(ruins atKiz Hisar). A city of Asia Minor, stood in the south of Cappadocia, at the northern foot of Mount Taurus, on the high road to the Cicilian Gates. It was a position of great natural strength, which was improved by fortifications. Under Caracalla it was made a Roman colony. It was taken in 272B.C.by Aurelian, in the war with Zenobia, to whose territory it then belonged.
Tycocktow Island.An island in the Canton River, China, 8 miles long and 6 miles broad. It is situated at the entrance of the Bocca Tigris, a few miles below Canton. The British took the fort on this island in 1841.
Tykoczin.A town of Russia in Europe, situated on the Narew, 17 miles northwest from Bialystock. A battle was fought between the Russians and Poles here in 1831.
Tyler’s Insurrection.Arose in opposition of the poll-tax imposed on all persons above fifteen, November 5, 1380. One of the collectors acting with indecent rudeness to Wat Tyler’s daughter, the father struck him dead, June, 1381. His neighbors took arms to defend him, and in a short time almost the whole of the population of the southern and eastern counties were in a state of insurrection, extorting freedom from their lords, and plundering. On June 12, 1381, they gathered upon Blackheath to the number of 100,000 men. On June 14, they murdered Simon of Sudbury, archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Robert Hales, the royal treasurer. The king, Richard II., invited Tyler to a parley, which took place on the 15th at Smithfield, where the latter addressed the king in a menacing manner, now and again lifting up his sword. On this the mayor, Walworth, stunned Tyler with a blow of his mace, and one of the king’s knights dispatched him. Richard temporized with the multitude by promising them a charter, and thus led them out of the city, when Sir R. Knollys and a band of knights attacked and dispersed them with much slaughter. The insurrection in Norfolk and Suffolk was subdued by the bishop of Norwich, and 1500 of the rebels were executed.
Tympanum.A drum, a musical instrument which the ancients used, and which consisted of a thin piece of leather or skin, stretched upon a circle of wood or iron, and beat with the hand. Hence the origin of our drum.
Tyrant.A name given in modern times to an arbitrary and oppressive ruler, but originally applied, not necessarily to one who exercised power badly, but merely to one who had obtained it illegally, and therefore equivalent to our word usurper. If the one who thus rose to power as a “tyrant” happened to be a man of sense, and wisdom, and generosity, his “tyranny” might prove a blessing to a state torn by the animosities of selfish oligarchs, and be the theme of praise in after-ages, as was the case with the “tyrannies” of Pesistratos, Gelon, andothers; but if he was insolent, rapacious, and cruel, then he sought to reduce the citizens to a worse than Egyptian bondage, and his name became infamous to all time. Such has been the fate of most of the “Thirty Tyrants of Athens.” It was the method of exercising authority pursued by these and similar usurpers that latterly, even in ancient times, gave the word tyrant that evil significance it has ever since uninterruptedly retained.
Tyre(ruins atSur). One of the greatest and most famous cities of the ancient world, stood on the coast of Phœnice, about 20 miles south of Sidon. The Assyrian king Shalmanezer laid siege to Tyre for five years (713B.C.), but without success. It was again besieged for thirteen years by Nebuchadnezzar, and there is a tradition that he took it (572B.C.), but the matter is not quite certain. At the period when the Greeks began to be well acquainted with the city, its old site had been abandoned, and a new city erected on a small island about half a mile from the shore, and a mile in length, and a little north of the remains of the former city, which was now called Old Tyre. In 322B.C.the Tyrians refused to open their gates to Alexander, who laid siege to the city for seven months, and united the island on which it stood to the main land by a mole constructed chiefly of the ruins of Old Tyre. After its capture and sack by Alexander, Tyre never regained its former consequence. It recovered, however, sufficiently to be mentioned as a strong fortress and flourishing port under the early Roman emperors; it even took an active part (193) in the contest between Septimius Severus and Pescennius Niger, which, resulting in the success of the former, brought back to it some of its ancient distinction. In St. Jerome’s time it was again one of the noblest and most prosperous cities of the whole East. In the 7th century it came under the dominion of the Saracens; and so remained until taken by the Crusaders. On February 11, 1124, the Christian army encamped before it, and on June 15 it fell into their hands. The strength of its fortifications, the splendor of its houses, and the excellence of its harbor, excited their admiration. On the evening of the day on which Acre was taken by the Mohammedans (May 19, 1291), Tyre was abandoned by the Crusaders, and the Saracens entered it the following morning. It was captured by the French, April 3, 1799; and by the allied fleet, during the war against Mehemet Ali, 1841.
Tyrol.The most western province of the Austrian empire, is bounded on the north by Bavaria, on the east by Salzburg, Carinthia, and Venetia, on the south by Italy, and on the west by Switzerland and Italy. In early times Tyrol formed part of Rhætia, was conquered by the Romans, 15B.C.Subsequently it was overrun by various German tribes; still later the southern valley fell to the share of the Lombards, and the northern valleys to the Bavarians. The dukes of Austria acquired possession of it in 1363. The French conquered Tyrol in 1805, and united it to Bavaria, much to the discontent of the population; but in 1809 an insurrection broke out, headed by Andreas Hofer, an innkeeper, who drove the Bavarians out of the Tyrol, and thoroughly defeated some French detachments, but was overpowered at last by reinforcements sent from France. The Tyrolese riflemen were very effective in the Italian war in 1859.
Tyrone.An inland county of the province of Ulster, in Ireland. According to some authorities the Erdini, and to others the Scoti, were the earliest known inhabitants of this district. The chief town of Tyrone was Dungannon, which, though several times taken and sacked by the English forces in their attempts to reduce the country to obedience to the royal authority, continued to be of importance until the close of the reign of Elizabeth, when it was burned by Hugh O’Neill, earl of Tyrone, to prevent its falling into the hands of the English. The insurrection of 1641 may be said to have had its commencement in this county, by the capture of Charlemont Fort and Dungannon by Sir Phelim O’Neill; and in 1646 the Parliamentary forces under Gen. Munroe received a signal defeat from Hugh Roe O’Neill at Benburb. During the greater part of the war between King William and King James, this county was in the possession of the forces of the latter, and suffered much from the partisan warfare carried on chiefly by the townsmen of Enniskillen.
Ucles.A fortified town of Spain, in the province of Cuenca, 40 miles southwest from the town of that name. It stands at the foot of a hill crowned by a famous monastery which belonged to the military order of Santiago or St. James of Spain. It was taken by the French in 1809.
Uglitch.A town of European Russia, in the government and 60 miles west-southwest from Jaroslav, on the right bank of the Volga. It was destroyed by the Lithuanians in 1607.
Uhlans(a Tartar word signifying “brave”). Light cavalry of Asiatic origin, were introduced into the north of Europe along with the colonies of Tartars, who established themselves in Poland and Lithuania. They were mounted on light active Tartar horses, and armed with sabre, lance, and latterly with pistols. Their lance was from 51⁄2to 61⁄2feet in length, and, like that of the modern lancers, was attached to a stout leather thong or cord, which was fastened to the left shoulder and passed round behind the back, so as to allow the lance to be couched under the right arm. Immediately below its point was attached a strip of gaudy-colored cloth, the fluttering of which was designed to frighten the enemies’ horses. The early dress was similar to that of the Turks, and the regiments, orpolks, were distinguished from each other by the red, green, yellow, or blue color of their uniforms. The Austrians and Prussians were the first to borrow this species of cavalry from the Poles. In 1734, an attempt was made by Marshal Saxe to introduce uhlans into France, and a “polk” of 1000 men was formed; but it was disbanded at the author’s death. At the present time, Russia, Prussia, and Austria are the only powers which possess uhlan regiments. In the British army, the place of the uhlans is occupied by hussars.
Ukraine.The name given in Poland first to the frontiers towards the Tartars and other nomads, and then to the fertile regions lying on both sides of the middle Dnieper, without any very definite limits. The Ukraine was long a bone of contention between Poland and Russia. It was ceded to the Cossacks by Poland in 1672, and was obtained by Russia about 1682. The country was divided, Poland having the west side of the Dnieper, and Russia the east. The whole country was assigned to Russia by the treaty of partition in 1795. SeePoland.
Ulans.SeeUhlans.
Ulm.The second city of Würtemberg; was, till the war in 1866, a stronghold of the Germanic Confederation. Here a peace was signed, July 3, 1620, by which Frederick V. lost Bohemia (having been driven from it previously). Ulm was taken by the French in 1796. After a battle between the French and Austrians, in which the latter under Gen. Mack were defeated with dreadful loss by Marshal Ney, Ulm surrendered with 28,000 men, the flower of the Austrian army, October 17-20, 1805.
Ulster.A province of Ireland, the most northern of the four into which that kingdom is divided. The northeast portion, the present county of Down, was, early after the invasion, overrun by the English under De Courcy, and was subsequently held by Hugh De Lacy. Although various efforts were made by the English to effect a permanent settlement in the north and northwest, their success was little more than nominal until the reigns of Elizabeth and James I., when the well-known plantation of Ulster was attempted.
Ulster Badge.On the institution of the order of Baronets in England by James I., a sinister hand, erect, open, and couped at the wrist gules, the armorial ensign of the province of Ulster, was made their distinguishing badge, in respect of the order having been intended for the encouragement of plantations in the province of Ulster. This badge is sometimes borne in a canton, sometimes on an escutcheon, the latter placed either in the fess point or in the middle chief point, so as to interfere as little as possible with the charges of the shield.
Ulster King-of-Arms.The king-of-arms or chief heraldic officer of Ireland. A king-of-arms called Ireland existed in the time of Richard II., but the office seems to have fallen into abeyance in the following century. Ulster was created to supply his place in 1552. Ulster holds his appointment from the crown, and acts under the immediate direction of the lord-lieutenant of Ireland; the professional staff under him consists of 2 heralds, 4 pursuivants, 1 registrar, and 1 clerk of records. The official arms of Ulster king-of-arms are: Argent, St. George’s cross gules, on a chief of the last a lion passant gardant between a harp and a portcullis or.
Ultimatum.A term used in military negotiations, to express the final conditions upon which any proposition or treaty can be ratified.
Umbon(Fr.). The pointed boss or prominent part in the centre of a shield or buckler.
Umbria.A district of Italy, the chieftowns of which were Arminum, Fanum, Fortunæ, Mevania, Tuder, Narnia, and Spoletium. Under Augustus, it formed the sixth Regio of Italy. Its inhabitants, the Umbri, were one of the most ancient races of Italy, and were connected with the Opicans, Sabines, and those other tribes whose languages were akin to the Greek. The Umbri were at a very early period the most powerful people in Central Italy, and extended across the peninsula from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhene seas. They were afterwards deprived of their possessions west of the Tiber by the Etruscans, and confined to the country between this river and the Adriatic. Their territories were still further diminished by the Senones, a Gallic people, who took possession of the whole country on the coast, from Arminum to the Æsis. The Umbri were subdued by the Romans, 307B.C., and after the conquest of the Senones by the Romans in 283, they again obtained possession of the country on the coast of the Adriatic. This district, however, continued to be calledAger Gallicusdown to a late period.
Umbriere.The visor of a helmet, a projection like the peak of a cap, to which a face-guard was sometimes attached, which moved freely upon the helmet, and could be raised like a beaver.
Unarm.To strip of armor or arms; to disarm.
Unbreech.To free the breech of, as a cannon, from its fastenings or coverings.
Uncase, To.To display or exhibit the colors of a regiment.
Uncock.To let down the cock of, as a gun.
Unconditional.At discretion; not limited by any terms or stipulations; as, an unconditional surrender.
Unconquered.Not subdued or defeated; in opposition to conquered or defeated.
Uncover, To.When troops deploy, the different leading companies or divisions, etc., successively uncover those in their rear, by marching out from the right or left of the column.
Undaunted.Not appalled by fear; valiant.
Under.A preposition of varied military application, in combination with other words. Thus troops are said to beunder arms, when assembled in a state of military array, and having the necessary weapons of offense and defense, as rifles, swords, etc. To beunder commandis being liable to be ordered on any particular duty. To beunder coveris to be shielded or protected. To beunder contributionis being liable to give, in money or kind, what may be authoritatively called for. Countries are sometimes put under contribution for the support of an army. To beunder fireor becoolis not being disconcerted by the apprehension of death in battle. To beunder sentenceis the liability to punishment, according to sentence passed; as, under the sentence of a general court-martial; under sentence of death.
Under Canvas.In a military sense, it is to be lying in tents.
Undermine.To dig an excavation under any fort, house, or other building, so as to cause it to fall down or to blow it up with powder.
Under-officer.An inferior officer, one in a subordinate situation.
Undisciplined.Not yet trained to regularity or order; not perfect in exercise or manœuvres.
Undress.In the military service, is the authorized habitual dress of officers and soldiers when not in full uniform.
Unfix, To.To take off; as, to unfix bayonets, on which the soldier disengages the bayonet from his musket, and returns it to the scabbard.
Unfortified.Not strengthened or secured by any walls, bulwarks, or fortifications.
Unfortunate Peace, The.A name given by historians to the peace of Chateau Cambresis (April 2, 1559), negotiated by England, France, and Spain. By this treaty Henry II. of France renounced all claim to Genoa, Corsica, and Naples, agreed to restore Calais to the English within eight years, and to give security for 500,000 crowns in case of failure.
Unfurled.A standard or color when expanded and displayed, is said to be unfurled.
Ungentlemanlike or Unofficerlike. Not like a gentleman or officer. Conduct unbecoming the character of either is so called. This clause, which will be always found to depend on the state of morals and manners, affords a vast latitude to a military court, which, after all, is not more free from prejudice or influence than any other tribunal, though they are both jurors and judges. Officers convicted thereof are to be dismissed from the service. SeeAppendix,Articles of War,60,61.
Unguled.In heraldry, a term applied to the tincture of the hoofs of an animal;e.g., Azure, a stag trippant or, attired and unguled gules, the arms of the family of Strachan in Scotland.
Unharnessed.Disarmed; divested of armor or weapons of defense.
Unhelmed.Divested of the helmet or helm.
Unhorsed.Thrown from the saddle; dismounted.
Unicorn(Lat.unum cornu, “one horn”). An animal, probably fabulous, mentioned by ancient Grecian and Roman authors as a native of India, and described as being of the size of a horse, or larger, the body resembling that of a horse, and with one horn of a cubit and a half or two cubits long on the forehead, the horn straight, its base white, the middle black, the tip red. The body of the animal was also said to be white, its head red, its eyes blue. It was said to be so swift that no horse could overtake it. The unicorn is perhaps best known as a heraldic charge or supporter. Two unicorns were borne as supporters of the Scottish royalarms for about a century before the union of the crowns; and the sinister supporter of the insignia of the United Kingdom is a unicorn argent, armed crined, and unguled or, gorged with a coronet composed of crosses patée and fleurs-de-lis, with a chain affixed, passing between the fore legs, and reflexed over the back, of the last.
Unicorn.The old name for the howitzer, as improved from the licorn, borrowed from the Turks during the last century by the Russians, and from the latter by Europe generally.
Uniform(one form). In its military sense, means the particular dress and equipment assigned by proper authority to each grade of officers and men. The clothing consists of one prevailing color, variously ornamented and “faced” according to the rank and corps.In full uniform, wearing the whole of the prescribed uniform; not in undress.
Uniform Sword.An officer’s sword of the regulation pattern prescribed for the army or navy.
Union.The national colors are called theunion. When there is a blue field with white stripes, quartered in the angle of the American colors, that is, of the colors composed of red and white stripes, that blue field is called theunion; and a small color of blue with white stars is called aunion-jack.
United States Military Academy.SeeMilitary Academies, andWest Point.
United States Sea-coast Fuze.SeeLaboratory Stores.
United States, The.A Federal republic, composed of thirty-eight sovereign states and eleven territorial governments, occupying the temperate portion of North America. It is bounded on the north by British North America, east by New Brunswick and the Atlantic Ocean, south by the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico, and west by the Pacific Ocean. Its greatest length from the Atlantic to the Pacific, on the parallel of 42°, is 2768 miles, and its greatest breadth, from Point Isabel, Texas, to the northern boundary near Pembina, is 16011⁄2miles. The northern frontier is upward of 3350 miles in length, the Mexican 1500. The ocean coast, including the larger indentation, is estimated at 22,609 miles, of which 6861 are on the Atlantic, 3461 on the Gulf of Mexico, 2281 in California, 8000 on the coast of Alaska, and about 2000 on the Arctic Sea. This area has been obtained by successive annexations of territory, either by purchase, right of discovery, or conquest. In 1783, the territory ceded by Great Britain was confined to the country east of the Mississippi River, and north of Florida, having an area of 815,615 square miles. To this Louisiana was added by purchase from France in 1803; Florida, ceded by Spain, in 1821; Texas, annexed in 1845; Oregon, as settled by the treaty of 1846; California, etc., conquered from Mexico, 1847; New Mexico, etc., by treaty with Mexico, 1854; and Alaska, by purchase from Russia, 1867. For full description of the States and Territories, and histories appertaining thereto, see the articles respectively.
Unkiar-Skelessi.A small town on the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus, in the neighborhood of Scutari, gives its name to a treaty concluded between Turkey and Russia, July 8, 1833. This treaty, which consisted of six articles, was one of mutual defensive alliance; but a separate and secret article was subjoined, by which the sultan, in place of the military or naval aid which, by the first article of the treaty, he was bound to furnish to Russia, agreed to close the Strait of the Dardanelles, allowing no foreign vessels of war to enter it under any pretext whatever. In consequence of this treaty, Russia landed 15,000 men at Scutari, and stopped the victorious career of Ibrahim Pasha. The secret article was soon after divulged to Britain and France, both of whom regarded the treaty with dislike; and by the terms of that concluded at London, July 13, 1841, the stipulations of Unkiar-Skelessi were annulled.
Unload.To take the powder and ball out of a piece of ordnance or a musket.
Unmilitary.Contrary to rules of discipline; unworthy of a soldier.
Unsheathe.To draw from the sheath or scabbard, as a sword; hence, to unsheathe the sword, sometimes signifies to commence or make war.
Unshot.To remove the shot from, as a piece of ordnance; to take out the shot of.
Unsling.To take off the slings; to release from the slings; unsling knapsacks, etc.
Unspike.To remove a spike from, as from the vent of a cannon.
Untenable.Not to be held in possession; incapable of being defended.
Untrained.Not disciplined to exercise or manœuvre.
Unvanquished.Not conquered or defeated.
Unwarlike.Not fit for or used to war.
Upbraid.Any officer or soldier who shall upbraid another for refusing a challenge, shall himself be punished as a challenger. SeeAppendix,Articles of War,28.
Upon.Denoting assumption; as, he took the office of commander-in-chief upon him. Also, to incur responsibility; as, the general took everything upon himself.
Up-sar-o-ca.SeeAbsorokas.
Uruguay, orBanda Oriental del Uruguay. A republic of South America, bounded north and northeast by Brazil, east by the Atlantic, south by the Rio de la Plata, and west by the Uruguay. Banda Oriental was, during the Spanish rule, the name of that portion of the vice-royalty of Buenos Ayres which lay to the east of the river Uruguay, and comprehended the present Uruguay and the territory formerly known as the Seven Missions. When Buenos Ayres declared itself independent of Spain, Banda Oriental formed a part of the new republic. In 1821, however, it was taken possession of by Brazil, and unitedwith that state under the name of Provincia Cisplatina. By the treaty of 1828 between La Plata and Brazil, the southern and larger portion of Banda Oriental was formed into the republic of Uruguay. A civil war broke out in consequence of the invasion of the ex-president, Gen. Venancio Florès, June 26, 1863; Gen. Florès marched towards the capital in June; in February, 1865, Florès became provisional president. During an insurrection of the Blanco party (headed by Berro), at Montevideo, Gen. Florès was assassinated. The troops remained faithful. The insurrection was soon suppressed, and Berro shot, February 19, 1868.
Usages of War.SeeWar.
Usbegs, orUsbeks. A people of Turkish race, who, at the close of the 15th century, invaded and conquered the numerous principalities into which Turkestan was at that time divided, and have ever since maintained dominion over the country. At the present day, they are for the most part a settled people, and are scattered over both Independent and Chinese Turkestan.
Usher of the Black Rod.SeeBlack Rod.
Usher of the Green Rod.One of the officers of the order of the Thistle, whose duties consist in attendance on the sovereign and knights when assembled in chapter, and at other solemnities of the order. The rod from which the title is taken is of green enamel, 3 feet in length, ornamented with gold, having on the top a unicorn of silver, holding before him an escutcheon charged with the cross of St. Andrew.
Usipetes, orUsipii. A German people, who, being driven out of their abodes by the Suevi, crossed the Rhine and penetrated into Gaul; but they were defeated by Cæsar, and compelled to recross the river. They were now received by the Sygambri, and allowed to dwell on the northern bank of the Lippe; but we afterwards find them south of the Lippe; still later they became lost under the general name of Alemanni.
Utah.A Territory of the United States, which is bounded on the north by Idaho and Wyoming, east by Colorado, south by Arizona, and west by Nevada. Utah is an immense basin, from 4000 to 6000 feet above the level of the sea, surrounded by mountains, which at some points reach the altitude of 8000 to 13,000 feet. Utah was acquired by the United States from Mexico by the treaty of 1848, and was erected into a Territory in 1850. There have been serious difficulties between the U. S. government and the Mormons, who first arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1847. A terrible massacre of settlers took place at Mountain Meadows, Utah, by Indians, who it is said were instigated to commit the terrible atrocity by the Mormons. In order to put an end to all the disturbances in Utah, the President dispatched, in 1857, an expedition against Brigham Young, who was treated as an open rebel. Owing to the inclemency of the weather and other causes, the expedition did not arrive in Utah until May, 1858, when the governor, Cumming, reported to the President that Brigham Young had given up all hopes of resistance. The Territory has remained quiet ever since.
Utahs, orUtes. A tribe of North American Indians, who inhabit Utah, Nevada, part of Colorado, and New Mexico. They are at present peaceable, but do not engage in agriculture. SeeIndians and their Agencies.
Utensil.That which is used; an implement; an instrument; especially, an instrument or vessel used in a kitchen, or in domestic use. Utensils for camp and garrison are styled camp and garrison equipage, and are furnished by the quartermaster’s department.
Utica(ruins atBow-Shater). The greatest city of ancient Africa, supposed to be older than Carthage. Like others of the very ancient Phœnician colonies in the territory of Carthage, Utica maintained a comparative independence, even during the height of the Punic power, and was rather the ally of Carthage than her subject. It stood on the shore of the northern part of the Carthaginian Gulf, a little west of the mouth of the Bagrades, and 27 Roman miles northwest of Carthage; but its site is now inland in consequence of the changes effected by the Bagrades in the coast-line. In the third Punic war, Utica took part with the Romans against Carthage, and was rewarded with the greatest part of the Carthaginian territory. It afterwards became renowned to all future time as the scene of the last stand made by the Pompeian party against Cæsar, and of the glorious, though mistaken, self-sacrifice of the younger Cato. It fell into the hands of the Vandals in 439; but its final destruction is due to the Saracens, who twice captured the town.
Utrecht(the RomanTrajectum ad Rhenum). A town of Holland, capital of a province of the same name, on the old Rhine. The union of the Seven United Provinces began here in 1579. The treaty of Utrecht, which terminated the wars of Queen Anne, was signed by the ministers of Great Britain and France, and all the other allies, except the ministers of the empire, April 11, 1713. This treaty secured the Protestant succession in England, the separation of the French and Spanish crowns, the destruction of Dunkirk, the enlargement of the British colonies and plantations in America, and a full satisfaction for the claims of the allies. Utrecht surrendered to the Prussians May 9, 1787; was acquired by the French January 18, 1795, and restored at the peace.
Uxii.A warlike people, of predatory habits, who had their strongholds in Mount Parachoathras, on the northern border of Persia, in the district called Uxia, but who also extended over a considerable tract of country in Media.