Williamsburg.A city, capital of James City Co., Va., 60 miles east of Richmond, and 68 miles northwest of Norfolk. It is situated on a level plain between James and York Rivers, 6 miles from each. It was first settled in 1632, is the oldest incorporated town in the State, and was the colonial and State capital till 1779. A battle was fought here between Gen. McClellan and the Confederates on May 5, 1862, which resulted in victory to the former.
Wilmington.A city and port of North Carolina, in New Hanover County, and situated on the Cape Fear River. It was captured by the Union forces in February, 1865, Fort Fisher, its principal defense, having been taken by storm on the 15th of the month preceding.
Wiltshire, orWiltonshire. An inland county of England. When Cæsar invaded England, Wiltshire was occupied by the Belgæ; and the Wansdyke is pointed to as a portion of the defenses which they constructed. It was afterwards included in the province of Britannia Prima, and important Roman stations were established, of whichthe chief was placed at Sorbiodunum (Old Sarum). The Saxons under Cedric were defeated by Arthur and his famous knights, but conquered the country when led by Cynric, and annexed it to the kingdom of Wessex. It became the battle-field between Saxon and Dane for many long years of warfare. A great council was held at Sarum in 1086, by William the Conqueror, which firmly fixed upon the conquered land the feudal system of the Normans. During the civil war, many important engagements took place in various parts of the county, and especially at Devizes and Malmesbury, between Roundheads and Cavaliers.
Winch.An axle turned by a crank-handle for raising weights, as from mines and the like; a windlass.
Winchelsea.A town of England, in Sussex, 37 miles northeast from Brighton. It is a place of great antiquity, and was twice pillaged, first by the French and again by the Spaniards, who landed near Farley Head.
Winchester(Rom.Venta Belgarum). A town of England, capital of Hampshire. It is a very ancient town, whose erection may reasonably be ascribed to the Celtic Britons. It was taken by the Saxons in 495, and by the Danes in 871-73; and was ravaged by Sweyn in 1013. Winchester was several times taken and retaken between 1641 and 1643; it was taken by Cromwell, and the castle dismantled in 1645.
Winchester.A city and capital of Frederick Co., Va., in the valley of the Shenandoah, 150 miles north-northwest of Richmond, 71 miles west by north from Washington. On March 12, 1862, it was occupied by the Federal general Banks, and during the war was the scene of frequent conflicts, and occupied in turn by the Federal and Confederate armies.
Winchester Rifle.SeeSmall-arms, andMagazine Guns.
Windage.Is the space left between the bore of a piece and its projectile, and is measured by the difference of their diameters. The objects of windage are to facilitate loading, and to diminish the danger of bursting the piece; it is rendered necessary by the mechanical impossibility of making every projectile of the proper size and shape, by the unyielding nature of the material of which large projectiles are made, by the foulness which collects in the bore after each discharge, and by the use of hot and strapped shot. Thetrue windaqe, which is the difference between the true diameters of the bore and projectile, increases slightly with the size of the bore, and is greater for solid shot, which are sometimes fired hot, than for hollow projectiles, which are never heated.
Loss of Force.—The ordinary windage of smooth-bore cannon, used in the U. S. service, is about1⁄40of the diameter of the bore, and the loss of force arising from the escape of gas through this windage amounts to a very considerable portion of the entire charge. The amount of loss in any case depends on: (1) The degree of windage; (2) The caliber of the gun; (3) The length of the bore; (4) The kind of powder; (5) The charge of powder; (6) The weight or density of the ball. It is probable that the influence which some of these causes exert on the force of the charge is very slight. It has been determined by experiment, that the loss of velocity by windage is proportional to the windage. It may be stated that the loss of velocity by a given windage is directly as the windage, and inversely as the diameter of the bore, very nearly.
Wind-gauge.In a military sense, is an attachment to the sight (either front- or rear-sight) of a fire-arm by which an allowance for the effect of wind on the projectile can be made in aiming. Though usually calledwind-gauge, it is also used to counteractdriftor any other deviation which can be anticipated. In the old model target-rifles, the front-sight is capable of a slight movement. Some of the more recent military arms have a wind-gauge attached to the rear-sight. In thepeep-sights, the sight-piece is moved by a screw. In the present U. S. service rifle the sight-piece is moved by hand. It has graduations to guide the marksman. The wind-gauge is frequently attached to breech-sights of cannon in Europe. In this country the Parrott gun is similarly equipped.
Wind-gun.A gun discharged by the force of compressed air; an air-gun.
Windlace.Formerly an apparatus for bending the bow of an arblast or cross-gun.
Windlass.An axis, or roller of wood, square at each end, through which are either cross-holes for handspikes, or staves across, to turn it round, by which operation it draws a rope, one end of which is attached to a weight, which is thus raised from any depth.
Windsor, Knights of.SeeKnights, Military.
Wing.The right or left division of an army, regiment, and the like. The word is sometimes used to denote the large sides of horn-works, tenailles, and other outworks.
Wing.An ornament worn on the shoulder;—a small imitation epaulette or shoulder-knot.
Winged.In heraldry, represented with wings, or having wings, of a different color from the body.
Winnebagoes.A tribe of Indians who lived around Lake Winnebago in 1639, and were engaged in the war of Pontiac against the English in 1762. In 1794 they were severely defeated by Gen. Wayne, and were engaged in the Black Hawk war of 1831. They were removed to Minnesota in 1848, from thence to Dakota in 1863, and in the following year to Nebraska. SeeIndians and their Agencies.
Winter-quarters.The quarters of an army during the winter; a winter residence or station.
Wire-cartridge.A cartridge strengthened by wire ligaments.
Wires, Pointing-.SeePointing-wires.
Wisby.A once famous seaport of the Swedish island of Gothland, capital of the island, and situated on its west coast, about 130 miles south of Stockholm. In 1361, Valdemar III. of Denmark took this town by storm, and, plundering it, obtained an immense booty.
Wisconsin.One of the Northwestern States of the United States of America; it is 302 miles from north to south, and 258 from east to west. Wisconsin is bounded on the north by Lake Superior and the State of Michigan, east by Lake Michigan, south by Illinois, and west by Iowa and Minnesota, from which it is separated by the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. This State was explored by French missionaries in the latter part of the 17th century, and Indian trading-posts were also established. It was organized as a Territory in 1836, and admitted into the Union as a State in 1848. During the late civil war it filled its quotas cheerfully for the Union cause.
Wissembourg, orWeissenbourg. A small fortified town of Alsace, in what was formerly the French department of Bas-Rhin, situated on the Lauter. It was formerly an imperial city, was seized by Louis XIV. in 1673, and annexed to France by the treaty of Ryswick, 1697. The “lines” of Wissembourg, erected by Villars, in 1705, were taken by the Austrians and retaken by the French, 1793, after Hoche’s victory at Geisberg. On August 4, 1870, the crown-prince of Prussia crossed the Lauter and gained a brilliant but bloody victory over the French (a part of MacMahon’s division), storming the lines and the Geisberg. Gen. Abel Douay was mortally wounded, and about 500 prisoners were made. The killed and wounded on both sides appear to have been nearly equal. The German army, composed of Prussians, Bavarians, and Würtembergers, were, it is said, about 40,000, against about 10,000 French, who fought with desperate bravery.
Witepsk, orVitepsk. A city of Russia in Europe, where a battle was fought between the French under Marshal Victor, duke of Belluno, and the Russians commanded by Gen. Wittgenstein. The French were defeated after a desperate engagement, with the loss of 3000 men, November 14, 1812.
Withstand.To oppose; to resist; as, to withstand the attack of troops.
Witness.One who testifies in a cause, or gives evidence before a judicial tribunal; one who gives testimony. Every judge-advocate of a court-martial or court of inquiry has power to issue the like process, to compel witnesses to appear and testify, which courts of criminal jurisdiction within the State, Territory, or District where such military courts are ordered to sit may lawfully issue. For oath administered to witnesses, depositions, etc., seeAppendix,Articles of War,91,92, and118.
Wittenberg.A fortified town of Prussian Saxony, capital of a circle of the same name in the government of Merseburg, on the Elbe. It has suffered several times from sieges, particularly in 1756 and 1814, having on the latter occasion been taken by storm from the French after a siege of ten months.
Wolf-hole.SeeTrou de Loup.
Wolgast.A seaport of Prussia, in Pomerania, situated on the Peene, about 10 miles from its entrance into the Baltic. It is a very old town, and was strongly fortified as early as the 12th century. It was taken and retaken five times between 1628 and 1675; the Russians plundered and burned it in 1713, and the Swedes retook it in 1715.
Women and Domestic Relations, Protection of.SeeAppendix,Articles of War,58.
Wood.The most useful timbers in the United States are: the hickory, which is very tough and inflexible; white oak, tough and pliable; white ash, tough and elastic; black walnut, hard and fine-grained; white poplar, soft, light, fine-grained wood; white pine and other pines, for building; cypress, soft, light, straight-grained, and grows to a large size; dogwood, hard and fine-grained. The timber growing in the centre of a forest is best.
Wooden Fuze.SeeLaboratory Stores.
Woolwich.A town of England, in Kent, and is the most ancient military and naval arsenal in England. It is celebrated for its royal dock-yard, where men of war have been built so early as the reign of Henry VIII., 1512. The royal arsenal was formed about 1720; it contains vast magazines of great guns, mortars, shells, powder, and other warlike stores; a foundry with several furnaces for casting ordnance; and a laboratory where fireworks, cartridges, grenades, etc., are made for public service. There is also a royal artillery barracks here which can accommodate nearly 4000 men. About 10,000 persons are employed in Woolwich Arsenal.
Woolwich Gun.SeeOrdnance, Construction of.
Woordie-Major.The native adjutant of an Indian irregular cavalry regiment.
Worcester.The capital of Worcestershire, England, situated on the left bank of the Severn. It is one of the most ancient cities of the kingdom, and was formerly strongly fortified, as it had to resist frequent attacks from the Welsh, and in turbulent periods of English history was often the object of assault by contending parties. In the civil war the final great battle between the Puritans and the cavaliers took place here. This battle, which Cromwell called his “crowning mercy,” was fought on September 3, 1651, between the Parliamentary troops, commanded by Cromwell in person, and the Scotch army of Charles II. The battle lasted several hours, and at its closethe Scotch were utterly routed, nearly all of them being killed or made prisoners.
Worcestershire.An inland county of England, forming part of the west midland division. Its early history cannot be determined with accuracy. Under the Saxons the county was included in the kingdom of Mercia. It shared in all the great civil wars of England; it was frequently the scene of contests between the Saxons and the Danes; the great battle which decided the fate of Simon de Montfort was fought in the vale of Evesham; and during the civil war Worcestershire was disturbed by frequent skirmishes. The battle which settled Cromwell in possession of the government was fought under the walls of the chief city. SeeWorcester.
Words of Command.Are certain terms which have been adopted for the exercise and movement of military bodies, according to the nature of each particular service. Words of command are classed under two principal heads, and consist of those which are given by the chief or commander of a brigade, or division, and of those which are uttered by the subordinate officers of troops or companies, etc.Cautionary words, are certain leading instructions which are given to designate any particular manœuvre. The cautionary words precede the words of command. SeeCommands.
Working Party.A body of soldiers told off, by command, to perform certain work or labor foreign to their ordinary duties. The men generally receive additional pay while performing this labor.
Works.Are the fortifications about the body of a place. This word is also used to signify the approaches of the besiegers, and the several lines, trenches, etc., made round a place, an army, or the like, for its security.
Works, Advanced.SeeAdvanced Works.
Works, Detached.SeeDetached Works.
Works, Field-.SeeField-works.
Worm.SeeImplements.
Worm a Gun, To.To take out the charge of a fire-arm by means of a worm.
Worms.A city of Western Germany, grand duchy of Hesse, near the left bank of the Rhine, 26 miles southeast of Mayence. This is one of the oldest, and in the early history of Germany was one of the most important, towns in the country. After its destruction by Attila the Hun about the middle of the 5th century, it was rebuilt by Clovis in 496. It afterwards became the seat of many Frankish and Carlovingian kings. Worms was also the seat of many imperial diets, the best known of which is that of 1521, when Luther appeared before the emperor Charles V. In 1689 it was burned by order of Louis XIV.; and was taken by the French under Custine, October 4, 1792. Here, in 1743, an offensive and defensive alliance was entered into by Great Britain and Austria with Sardinia.
Worst, To.To defeat; to overthrow; to put to the rout.
Wörth.A village of Alsace, at the junction of the Sulzbach und the Sauerbach, is noted as the point where the first decisive encounter took place between the French and German armies, August 6, 1870. After storming Wissenbourg on August 4, 1870, the crown-prince of Prussia with the 3d army (about 120,000) marched rapidly forward and surprised part of the French army under Marshal MacMahon, including the corps of Canrobert and Failly (about 47,000), and defeated it in a long, desperate, and sanguinary engagement near this place. The battle lasted from 7A.M.till 4P.M.The chief struggles occurred in the country around Reichshoffen and in the village of Frœschweiller; the French are said to have charged the German line eleven times, each time breaking it, but always finding a fresh mass behind. The ridge on which Wörth stands was not captured until the French were taken in flank by the Bavarians and Würtembergers. Nearly all MacMahon’s staff were killed, and the marshal himself unhorsed, fell fainting into a ditch, from which he was rescued by a soldier. He then, on foot, directed the retreat towards Saverne, to cover the passes of the Vosges. The victory is attributed to the very great numerical superiority of the Germans (about 130,000) as well as to their excellent strategy. The French loss has been estimated at 20,000 killed and wounded, and about 6000 prisoners, 2 eagles, 6 mitrailleures, 30 cannon, and much baggage. The Germans are stated to have had above 8000 men puthors de combat. It was admitted that MacMahon had acted as an able and brave commander.
Wounded, The.All the individuals belonging to an army who may have been maimed, or otherwise hurt in battle.
Wreath,Wreathed. In heraldry, a wreath is a twisted garland of silk of different colors, otherwise called a torce, on which it has, since the 14th century, been usual to place the crest. The side-view of a wreath exhibits six divisions, which are generally tinctured with the living colors,—that is, the principal metal and color of the shield. Every crest is now understood to be placed upon a wreath, except when it is expressly stated to issue out of achapeauorcoronet. A wreath, when represented alone, shows its circular form. A Moor’s head is sometimes encircled with a heraldic wreath. A wreath is always understood to be the twisted garland of silk above explained, unless otherwise specified; but wreaths of laurel, oak, ivy, etc., sometimes occur, and savages used as supporters are often wreathed about the head and middle with laurel. Ordinaries are occasionally wreathed, otherwise calledtortille, in which case they are represented as if composed of two colors, twisted as in the heraldic wreath; as in the coat of Carmichael, argent, a fess wreathed azure and gules.
Wright-fuze.SeeLaboratory Stores.
Wrong.To guard against injustice and oppression in the army, the Articles of War (seeAppendix,Articles of War) clearly point out the mode of redress to every individual in the service, who considers himself wronged by his superiors.
Wrought Iron.SeeOrdnance, Metals for.
Würtemberg, orWirtemberg, Kingdom of. A state in the southwest of Germany, which was erected into a kingdom in 1806. It was originally part of Suabia, and was made a county for Ulric I., about 1265, and a duchy in 1495. Würtemberg has been repeatedly traversed by hostile armies, particularly since the revolution of France. Moreau made his celebrated retreat October 23, 1796. This kingdom opposed Prussia in the war of 1866, but made peace on August 31, following. On November 5, 1870, it joined the other German states in the formation of the German empire.
Wyandot Indians.SeeHuron Indians.
Wyoming.A Territory of the United States, organized July 25, 1868, from a region attached to Dakota, but formerly included in Idaho, and still earlier known as part of Nebraska. Its average length from east to west is 355 miles, and its breadth 276 miles. This Territory has been overrun several times by hostile Indians, but under the strong hand of the military the country is becoming rapidly settled.
Wyoming Valley.A beautiful fertile valley on the Susquehanna River, in Pennsylvania. It is 21 miles long by 3 wide, and surrounded by mountains 1000 feet high. It was purchased about 1765 by a Connecticut company from the Delaware Indians; but the settlers were soon dispersed by hostile savages. In 1769, forty families came from Connecticut, but found a party of Pennsylvanians in possession, and for several years there were continual contests of the settlers with the Indians, and with each other. In 1776, the settlers armed for their own defense against the English and their Indian allies; but in 1778 most of their troops were called to join the army under Washington. On June 30, a force of 400 British provincials, or “Tories,” and 700 Seneca Indians, led by Col. John Butler, entered the valley, and were opposed by 300 men, under Col. Zebulon Butler. On July 3, the settlers were driven to the shelter of Fort Forty (so called from the original number of families), with the loss of two-thirds of their number, many soldiers and inhabitants being murdered. On the 5th, the remnant of the troops surrendered, and they and the inhabitants were either massacred or driven from the valley, which was left a smoking solitude.
Wyvern.A fictitious monster of the Middle Ages, of frequent occurrence in heraldry. It resembles a dragon, but has only two legs and feet, which are like those of the eagle.
Xanthica.A military festival observed by the Macedonians in the month called Xanthicus (our April), instituted about 392B.C.
Xanthus.The most famous city of Lycia, stood on the western bank of the river of the same name, 60 stadia from its mouth. Twice in the course of its history it sustained sieges, which terminated in the self-destruction of the inhabitants with their property, first against the Persians under Harpagus, and long afterward against the Romans under Brutus. The city was never restored after its destruction by the latter.
Xeres de la Frontera.A town in the southwest of Spain, in the province of Cadiz, 14 miles northeast from Cadiz. At the battle of Xeres, July 19-26, 711, Roderic, the last Gothic sovereign of Spain, was defeated and slain by the Saracens, commanded by Tarik and Muza.
Ximena(Southern Spain). The site of a battle between the Spanish army under the command of Gen. Ballasteros, and the French corps commanded by Gen. Regnier, September 10, 1811. The Spaniards defeated their adversaries; the loss was great on both sides.
Yager.One belonging to a body of light infantry armed with rifles. Written alsojager.
Yankton Indians.SeeDakota Indians.
Yataghan.A Turkish poniard having a Damascus blade, straight or crooked. It has a double edge, and sharp point, with a ridge in the middle of its whole length; the handle and scabbard are generally highly ornamented and costly.
Yeomanry.A volunteer force of cavalry in Great Britain, numbering about 14,000 men, and costing the country annually about £85,000. It was originally formed during the wars of the French revolution, and then comprised infantry as well as cavalry; but the whole of the infantry corps, and many of the cavalry, were disbanded after the peace of 1814. The organization of the corps is by counties, under the lords-lieutenant. The men provide their own horses and uniform, in consideration of which they receive annually a clothing and contingent allowance of £2 a man, are exempt from taxation in respect to the horses employed on yeomanry duty, and draw during the annual training 2s.a day for forage, besides a subsistence allowance of 7s.a day. If called out for permanent duty they receive cavalry pay, with forage allowance. The yeomanry are available in aid of the civil power; and in time of invasion, or apprehended invasion, the sovereign may embody them for service in any part of Great Britain, under the provisions of the Mutiny Act and Articles of War.
Yeomen of the Guard.A veteran company, consisting of 100 old soldiers of stately presence, employed on grand occasions, in conjunction with the gentlemen-at-arms, as the body-guard of the sovereign. These yeomen were constituted a corps, in 1485, by King Henry VII., and they still wear the costume of that period. Armed with partisans, and in the quaint uniform, the men present a curious sight in the 19th century. The officers of the corps are a captain (ordinarily a peer), a lieutenant, and an ensign. There is also a “Clerk of the Cheque and Adjutant.” All these appointments are held by old officers, and are considered as important prizes. The whole charge is borne by the sovereign’s civil list. The headquarters of the corps is at the Tower of London, where the men are popularly known as “Beef-eaters.”
Yermuk(Syria). Near here the emperor Heraclius was totally defeated by the Saracens, after a fierce engagement, November, 636. Damascus was taken, and his army was expelled from Syria.
Yesawul.In India, a state messenger; a servant of parade, who carries a gold or silver staff; an aide-de-camp.
York.The capital of Yorkshire, England, is situated at the junction of the rivers Ouse and Foss. Before the invasion of the Romans it formed one of the chief cities of the Brigantes, the most powerful of British tribes; and it is supposed that on their subjugation by Agricola, he founded here about the year 79 the Roman city of Eboracum, which became the great “Colonia” of the Romans in Britain, the seat of imperial government, and the “Altera Roma.” On the departure of the Roman cohorts, about 409, it became a prey to the wars which prevailed between the Picts and the Britons, and between the latter and the Saxons; and also to the invasions of the Danes; but under these vicissitudes it still maintained its distinction as one of the chief cities of the kingdom. William the Conqueror was long unable to overcome this stronghold of the north. One Norman garrison, numbering 3000 men, was put to the sword in 1069; but William exacted a terrible vengeance in the following year, when he laid waste the whole country between York and Durham. During the insurrections consequent upon the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII., York was seized by the insurgents of the “Pilgrimage of Grace”; and in its immediate neighborhood, Fairfax, in 1644, conquered Prince Rupert on Marston Moor; after which battle York was taken (July 16) for the Parliament.
York(Upper Canada, founded in 1794; since 1834 named Toronto). In the war between America and Great Britain, the U. S. forces made several attacks upon the province of Upper Canada, and succeeded in taking York, the seat of the government, April 27, 1813; but it was soon afterwards retaken by the British.
York and Lancaster, Wars of.SeeRoses, Wars of the.
Yorkshire.The largest county of England, is situated in its northern part. The history of the county in early times may be mainly read in that of its chief city. In the troublous times which preceded the Conquest, many battles were fought against the invading Danes, and generally with success. At Stamford Brig, a few miles from York, Harold, the last of the Anglo-Saxon kings, defeated the united Danish and Norwegian armies, three weeks before he fell before theNormans on the fatal field of Hastings. Among the more notable events of later history, may be named the battle of Wakefield, where the Duke of York was defeated by Queen Margaret in 1460; the battle of Towton Field, near Tadcaster, fought on Palm-Sunday in 1461, the most sanguinary conflict of the bitter war between the rival Roses; and that of Marston Moor, which gave the final blow to the falling fortunes of Charles I. Since that time, with slight exceptions, its history has been one of peace and prosperity.
Yorktown.Capital of York Co., Va., situated on the right bank of the York River, 70 miles from Richmond. This locality was the theatre of one of the most important events in American history,—the surrender of Lord Cornwallis to Gen. Washington, which occurred on October 19, 1781. Yorktown was besieged during the civil war in April, 1862, but before the Federals opened fire on the town, the Confederates evacuated it.
Youngsters.A familiar term to signify the junior officers of a troop or company.
Ypres, orYperen. A fortified town of Belgium, province of West Flanders, 30 miles south-southwest from Bruges. Ypres in the 9th century, when only a strong castle, was destroyed by the Normans. It was rebuilt in 901; and was first walled in 1388. Louis XIV., in 1688, made it one of the strongest fortresses of the Low Countries. In the great European wars, it seldom escaped a siege or bombardment.
Yucatan.The most eastern department of Mexico, Central America. It is in the form of a peninsula, jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico. It was discovered in 1517, and conquered by Spain in 1541, and retained until 1821, when it became a department of Mexico. This department declared itself independent of Mexico in 1846, but it subsequently annexed itself to Mexico.
Yumas.A tribe of North American Indians, located on the Colorado River, near the village of Yuma. In 1781 they massacred a number of white settlers, and again in 1853 they rose and committed depredations. Since the latter date they have generally been peaceable. They numbered in 1876 about 900.
Yvres.NowIvry-la-Bataille(which see).
Zabern, Rhein, orRhein-Zabern. A town on the Erlenbach, in Rhenish Bavaria. It is noted for the two battles fought here and at the village of Jokgrin, about 2 miles farther south, between the Austrians and the French, June 29 and August 20, 1793.
Zagaie.A long dart or lance in use among some African tribes, particularly the Moors, while fighting on horseback. It is armed with a sharp stone and thrown like a javelin. The savages of New Holland are still armed with it.
Zaikany.A village of Austria, in Transylvania, 38 miles from Deva. It was here that Trajan won his third victory over Decebalus, a part of whose treasure was discovered, as it is supposed, in 1543.
Zaim.High caste among the Turks, who are bound to maintain a proportion of militia according to their revenue, viz., one horseman for every 5000 aspres.
Zama Regia.A strongly-fortified city in the interior of Numidia, on the borders of the Carthaginian territory. It was the ordinary residence of King Juba and was the scene of one of the most important battles in the history of the world, that in which Hannibal was defeated by Scipio, and the second Punic war was ended, 202B.C.
Zamora.A very ancient town of Spain, of the province of that name, on the right bank of the Douro, 132 miles northwest of Madrid. Zamora was of great importance in the Moorish times, and is said to have been inclosed by seven lines of walls, with a moat between each. Sir J. Moore urged the Junta of Salamanca to repair the defenses of Zamora, and receive there his stores; but his retreat had commenced before they had done deliberating. The French afterwards got possession of it, and although no resistance was made, the town was sacked, neither age nor sex was spared, and the principal persons were executed. It was again plundered by the French, and has never recovered these visitations.
Zamosc, orZamosz. A town of Russia in Europe, in the kingdom of Poland, in the province of Lublin. This place is strongly fortified, and has long been considered a military station of importance. In 1656 it was unsuccessfully besieged by the Swedes; in 1715 it was surprised by the Saxons; and in the civil contests of 1771 the Poles were defeated in its vicinity by the Russians. In 1812 it was one of the few towns in which the French left a garrison after their retreat from Russia.
Zanzibar, orZanguebar. An island in the Indian Ocean, near the east coast of Africa, belonging to the sultan of Zanzibar. In 1784 the island was taken by the imaumof Muscat, in whose family the government remained until 1858.
Zaym.In the East Indies, a feudal chief, or military tenant.
Zeithun.A town and district in the highlands of Cilicia, inhabited by a community of Armenian Christians, virtually independent of the Turkish government, and forming in fact an Asiatic republic. The Zeithumlus can muster an army from 7000 to 8000 men to defend the mountains against the Turkish pashas; and they are in alliance with a neighboring Turcoman chief, also independent of the Turks, who brings 10,000 men into the field. It was not till after the Crimean war that the massacres in the East called special attention to the existence of Zeithun. An attempt by the Turks to settle Circassians near Zeithun, gave Aziz Pasha of Marash an opportunity of attacking the Christians, and the atrocities committed remind one of the worst excesses of Cawnpore. The inhabitants defended themselves, however, with the greatest gallantry, twice defeating in the field large Turkish forces; and the struggle was at length terminated by the interference of the French and English governments at Constantinople, and the recall of the pasha.
Zela, orZiela. A city in the south of Pontus, not far south of Amasia, and four days’ journey east of Tavium. It stood on an artificial hill, and was strongly fortified. At Zela the Roman general Valerius Triarius was defeated by Mithridates; but the city is more famous for another great battle,—that in which Julius Cæsar defeated Pharnaces, and of which he wrote this dispatch to Rome:Veni: Vidi: Vici.
Zenta, orSzenta. A town of Hungary, on the right bank of the Theiss, 120 miles south-southeast from Pesth. Near here Prince Eugène defeated the Turks, September 11, 1697 (1696). This victory led to the peace of Carlowitz, ratified January, 1699.
Zierikzee.A town of Holland, in the province of Zealand, situated on the southeast of the island of Schouwen. It suffered severely in the contests between Flanders and Holland for the possession of Zealand. In 1303, the Flemings besieged it with a large army, but were compelled by Count William of Holland to retire, on August 10, 1304. In the long war of independence, after an obstinate defense, the Spaniards took Zierikzee in July, 1576.
Zigzags.In fortification, are trenches or paths, with several windings, so cut that the besieged are prevented from enfilading the besieger in his approaches.
Ziyamut.In the East Indies, a fief bestowed for military services.
Zizarme.A sort of ancient pike or lance.
Znaym, orZnaim. A town of Austria, situated on the Thaya, 34 miles southwest from Brunn. A conflict took place here in 1809, between the Austrians and the French.
Zoarque.A soldier who had charge of an elephant among the ancients.
Zone of Defense.A term used in fortification, signifying the belt of ground in front of the generalcontourof the works within effective range of the defenders.
Zone of Operations.The strip of territory which contains the lines of operations—or lines on which an army advances—between the base and the ulterior object. SeeStrategy.
Zorndorf.A village of Prussia, province of Brandenburg, 4 miles north of Kustrin, and was the scene of the bloodiest of the many desperate conflicts of the Seven Years’ War. The Russians having for the second time been ordered by the czarina Elizabeth to invade Prussia, advanced towards Berlin, committing frightful devastations, while Frederick the Great, with the bulk of his forces, was engaged with the Austrians in Silesia and Saxony. The Russians, under Fermor, were 50,000 strong, and easily drove before them Dohna’s little Prussian army of 15,000; but Frederick hastened northwards with such reinforcements as raised the army to 30,000; and after taking care, by the breaking down of bridges, etc., to cut off their retreat, engaged the invaders. The battle was commenced at eight on the morning of August 25, 1758, and lasted till evening, consisted mainly in a succession of furious charges, accompanied with a tremendous artillery-fire, and was not decided till Seidlitz, by an able movement, turned the Russian flank. The next morning Fermor drew off his forces, diminished by 20,000 men, 103 cannon, and 27 standards; having inflicted on the Prussians a loss of 13,000 men, 26 cannon, and a few standards.
Zouaves(Arab.Zwawa). A body of troops in the French army, which derives its name from a tribe of Kabyles, inhabiting the mountains of Jurjura, in the Algerian province of Constantine. Long previous to the invasion of Algiers by the French, these Kabyles had been employed as hired mercenaries in the service of the rulers of Tripoli, Tunis, and Algiers; and after the conquest of the last-named country in 1830, the French, in the hope of establishing a friendly feeling between the natives and their conquerors, took the late dey’s mercenaries into their service, giving them a new organization. Accordingly, Gen. Clausel created, in 1830, two battalions of zouaves, in which each company consisted of French and Kabyles in certain proportions, officers, subalterns, and soldiers being selected from either race; the zouaves, though retaining their Moorish dress, were armed and disciplined after the European fashion; and the battalions were recruited by voluntary enlistment. Afterwards the native element was eliminated, and since 1840 they may be considered as French troops in a Moorish dress. They now number about 15,000, and are divided into four regiments. They are recruited from the veterans of the ordinary infantry regiments who are distinguished for their fine “physique” and tried courage and hardihood.Their uniform is very picturesque. There is one regiment of zouaves incorporated in the Guards. The name was also given to several regiments of volunteers in the Union army during the American civil war (1861-65), who were clad in zouave uniform.
Zullichau(Prussia). Here the Russians under Soltikow severely defeated the Prussians under Wedel, July 23, 1759.
Zululand.The country lying northeast of the colony of Natal, between its east boundary, the Umtugela and Umzimyati Rivers, lat. 29° 10′ E., and Delagoa Bay, lat. 26° S., long. 32° 40′ E., is generally known under the name of Zululand, or the Zulu country, inhabited by independent tribes of Zulu Kaffirs. The Zulu is by nature social, light of heart, and cheerful; his passions are, however, strong, and called out when in a state of war. He is hospitable and honest, yet greedy and stingy; and whatever the better nature of his impulses may be, yet when his great chief commands war, he is converted into a demon. It is from the Zulu country, however, that those terrible tyrants who so long devastated Southeastern Africa, the chiefs Chaka, Dingaan, Moselikatze, etc., issued. The training of their subjects to a peculiar mode of warfare spread desolation and havoc for many years among the Betjuana and other tribes of the interior. These chiefs with their thousands of followers, fighting, like Homer’s heroes, hand to hand, armed with stabbing assagais and shields of ox-hide, the colors of which distinguished the different regiments they were formed into, melted away with broken power into comparative insignificance before the terrible rifles of a few hundred emigrant Dutch Boers, who, in their turn, gave way to the energetic action of the British authorities. The Zulus often have serious intestine wars among themselves. The principal Zulu tribes are the Amazulu, the Amahute, Amazwazi, and Amatabele. The last, under the chief Moselikatze, have emigrated far to the north, where, among the mountains which separate the valley of the Limpopo from the basin of the Zambesi, they still issue forth, and carry their depredations as far north as the Lake Nyassa, where they were found by Dr. Livingstone. A war broke out in the latter part of 1878, or beginning of 1879, between the British and the Zulus, and on January 22, 1879, the British were defeated with terrible slaughter about 10 miles in front of Rorke’s drift; their loss in killed being put down at 30 officers, about 500 enlisted men of the Imperial troops, and 700 enlisted men of the Colonial troops. It seems that the troops were enticed away from their camp, as the action took place about one mile and a quarter from it. The camp containing surplus ammunition, etc., of the British force was taken by the Zulus, but was occupied after dark the same night by British troops. About the same time Rorke’s drift was attacked by some 3000 or 4000 Zulus; its defense by some 80 men of the 24th Regiment was most gallant, 370 bodies lay close around the post; the loss of the Zulus was estimated at 1000 here alone. At the camp where the disaster occurred, the loss of the Zulus was computed at over 2000. The Zulus are even more formidable than the military authorities expected; they are well drilled, great numbers are armed with breech-loaders, and they fight courageously. It is now known but too well how large a force they can mass at one point. Lord Chelmsford, the commander of the English forces in Zululand, after suffering some additional reverses, was superseded in June, 1879, by Sir Garnet Wolesley. Eugene Louis Jean Napoleon, prince imperial of France, participated as a volunteer with the British forces against the Zulus, and was killed (about the end of May or the beginning of June) while on a reconnoissance under the command of Col. Wood; he was suddenly beset by Zulus and assagaied, receiving no less than seventeen wounds. Prince Napoleon was born in Paris on March 16, 1856. He received his “Baptism of Fire” at the battle of Saarbruck, August 2, 1870, during the Franco-German war, in company with his father, the emperor. After the fall of the empire and the death of his father he resided in England, and graduated with high honors at the Military Academy at Woolwich. The war was terminated in the latter part of 1879, by the total defeat of the Zulus and the capture of the king Cetawayo.
Zumbooruks(Pers.Zumboor, “wasp”). Diminutive swivel artillery, carried on the backs of camels.
Zurich.A town of Switzerland, capital of the canton of the same name, at the northern extremity of the Lake of Zürich, 60 miles northeast from Berne. The Swiss defeated the Austrians near this town in 1443, and in 1799 the French defeated the Russians and Austrians before it. In 1859 a treaty between Austria, France, and Sardinia was signed here, and Lombardy sold by Austria to the king of Sardinia for £10,000,000.
Zutphen.An inland town of Holland, in the province of Gelderland, on the Yssel, 16 miles northeast from Arnheim. It is fortified and rendered peculiarly strong by its situation, which is in the midst of drained fens. It formerly belonged to the Hanseatic League, and was taken by Don Frederick of Toledo in 1572; by Prince Maurice in 1591; and by the French in 1672. The gallant and accomplished Sir Philip Sidney, author of “Arcadia,” was mortally wounded in the battle fought here on September 22, 1586, between the Spaniards and the Dutch. He was serving with the English auxiliaries, commanded by the Earl of Leicester.
Zypersluys(Holland). Here Sir Ralph Abercromby defeated an attack of the French under Brune, September 9, 1799.