C.
CABAS,Fr.a basket made of rushes, used in ancient Languedoc and Roussillon, for the purpose of conveying stores and ammunition. This term is adopted in military inventories.
CABINETCouncil, a council held with privacy and unbounded confidence.
CABLEouChable,Fr.a large rope.
CADENCE, in tactics, implies a very regular and uniform method of marching, by the drum and music, beating time; it may not be improperly called mathematical marching; for after the length of a step is determined, the time and distance may be found. It is by a continual practice and attention to this, that the Prussians arrived at that point of perfection, once so much admired in their evolutions.
CadenceorCadency, in cavalry, is an equal measure or proportion, which a horse observes in all his motions.
CADET, among the military, is a young gentleman, who applies himself to the study of fortification and gunnery, &c. and who sometimes serves in the army, with or without pay, ’till a vacancy happens for his promotion. The proper signification of the word is, younger brother. SeeAcademy.
Cadet,Fr.differs in its signification from the term as it is used in our language. A cadet in the French service did not receive any pay, but entered as a volunteer in a troop or company, for the specific purpose of becoming master of military tactics.
In the reign of Louis XIV. there were companies of Cadets. The sons of noblemen and gentlemen of fashion were received into these companies, and when reported fit to undertake a military function, were nominated cornets, sub-lieutenants or ensigns. In the reign of Louis XV. a regulation was made, by which no cadet could be admitted unless he had passed his fifteenth year and was under twenty.
He was likewise obliged to prove his nobility by the testimony of four gentlemen. Officers’ sons, however, were admitted on proof being given, that their fathers had actually served, or had died in the service.
A chaplain was appointed to every cadet-company, whose duty it was to instruct the cadets in reading and writing. They had likewise a master in mathematics, a drawing master, a fencing master and dancing master.
Cadet,Fr.likewise means any officer that is junior to another.
CÆMENT,-CEMENT,
among engineers, a strong sort of mortar, used to bind bricks or stones together for some kind of moulding; or in cementing a block of bricks for the carving of capitals, scrolls, or the like. There are two sorts, i. e. hotcement, which is the most common, made of resin, beeswax, brick dust, and chalk, boiled together. The bricks to be cemented with this mixture, must be made hot in the fire, and rubbed to and fro after thecementis spread, in the same manner as joiners do when they glue two boards together. Coldcement, made of Cheshire cheese, milk, quick lime, and whites of eggs. Thiscementis less used than the former, and is accounted a secret known but to very few bricklayers.
CÆSTUS, in military antiquity, was a large gauntlet, composed of raw hides, used by pugilists at the public games.
CAGEde la Bascule,Fr.a space into which one part of the draw-bridge falls, whilst the other rises and conceals the gate.
CAIC,Fr.a skiff or boat belonging to a French galley.
CAIMACAN, in military history, an officer among the Turks, nearly answering to our lieutenant.
CAISSE,Fr.Battre la caisseis used in the French service to express the beating of a drum instead ofbattre le Tambour.
CAISSON, in military affairs, is a wooden frame or chest, made square, the side planks about 2 inches thick: it may be made to contain from 4 to 20 loaded shells, according to the execution they are to do, or as the ground is firmer or looser. The sides must be high enough, that when the cover is nailed on, the fuzes may not be damaged.Caissonsare buried under ground at the depth of 5 or 6 feet, under some work the enemy intends to possess himself of; and when he becomes master of it, fire is put to the train conveyed through a pipe, which inflames the shells, and blows up the assailants. Sometimes a quantity of loose powder is put into the chest, on which the shells are placed, sufficient to put them in motion, and raise them above ground: at the same time that the blast of powder sets fire to the fuze in the shells, which must be calculated to burn from 1 to 2¹⁄₂ seconds. When no powder is put under the shells, a small quantity of mealed powder must be strewed over them, having a communication with the saucisson, in order to convey the fire to the fuzes.
Caisson, is a covered waggon, to carry bread or ammunition.
Caisson,Fr.is variously used in the French service.
Caissondes bombes, is a tub which is filled with loaded shells and buried even with the ground. It is inclined a little on one side, and by means of a quantity of powder which is scattered on the top and connected with the bottom by a saucisson, an explosion may be effected so as to throw the shells into the open air towards any given point.Caissonswhich are buried in the glacis produce great effect.
Caissonpour les vivres,Fr.a large chest whose lid rises in the centre somewhat like the capital of a pillar, in order that the rain may run off. The following dimensions were adopted to contain eight hundred rations at least.
The caisson or chest must be 8 French feet 4 inches long at least, 3 feet 4 inches high from the bottom to the extreme point of the lid, or chapiter, 2 feet 6 inches from its square sides to the bottom, 2 feet 5 inches broad at the bottom, outside, 2 feet 9 inches broad at top, and the cover or lid must be 5 feet 4 inches long. Poplar trees afford the best wood for the construction of caissons, because that species has a close grain, and is calculated to keep out rain.
CALATRAVA, a Spanish military order so called from a Fort of that name. The knights of Calatrava bear a cross; gules, fleur-de-lissed with green, &c.
CALCULATION, in military affairs, is the art of computing the amplitudes of shells, time of flight, projectile curve, velocity of shots, charges of mines, &c. together with the necessary tables for practice.
CALIBER, in gunnery, signifies the same as the bore or opening: and the diameter of the bore is called the diameter of its caliber. This expression regards all pieces of artillery.
Caliber-Compasses,-Calliper-Compasses,
the name of a particular instrument used by gunners, for measuring the diameters of shot, shells, &c. as also the cylinder of cannon, mortars, and howitzers. They resemble other compasses, except in their legs, which are arched, in order that the points may touch the extremities of the arch. To find the true diameter of a circle, they have a quadrant fastened to one leg, and passing through the other, marked with inches and parts, to express the diameter required: the length of each ruler or plate is usually between the limits of 6 inches and a foot. On these rulers are a variety of scales, tables, proportions, &c. such as are esteemed useful to be known by gunners. The following articles are on the completest gunners-callipers, viz. 1. The measure of convex diameters in inches. 2. Of concave ditto. 3. The weight of iron shot from given diameters. 4. The weight of iron shot from given gun bores. 5. The degrees of a semicircle. 6. The proportion of troy and avoirdupois weight. 7. The proportion of English and French feet and pounds. 8. Factors used in circular and spherical figures. 9. Tables of the specific gravity and weights of bodies. 10. Tables of the quantity of powder necessary for proof and service of brass and iron guns. 11. Rules for computing the number of shot or shells, in a finished pile. 12. Rule concerning the fall of heavy bodies. 13. Rules for raising of water. 14. Rules for firing artillery and mortars. 15. A line of inches. 16. Logarithmetic scales of numbers, sines, versed sines and tangents. 17. A sectoral line of equal parts, or the line of lines. 18. A sectoral line of plans, and superficies. 19. A sectoral line of solids.
CALIBRE,Fr.SeeCaliber.
Calibre,Fr.signifies, in a figurative sense, cast or character; asun homme de ce calibre, a man of this cast.
CALIBRER,Fr.to take the measurement of the calibre of a gun. A particular instrument has been invented for this purpose. It resembles a compass with curved branches, which serve to grasp and measure a ball.
CALIVER, an old term for an arquebuse or musket.
CALOTE,Fr.a species of scull cap which officers and soldiers wear under their hats in the French cavalry, and which are proof against a sabre or sword. Calotes are usually made of iron, wick, or dressed leather, and every officer chuses the sort he likes best. Those delivered out to the troops are made of iron.
CALQUING,-CALKING,
the art of tracing any kind of a military drawing, &c. upon some plate, paper, &c. It is performed by covering the backside of the drawing with a black or red colour, and fixing the side so covered upon a piece of paper, waxed plate, &c. This done, every line in the drawing is to be traced over with a point, by which means all the outlines of the drawing will be transferred to the paper or plate, &c.
CALTROPS, in military affairs, is a piece of iron having 4 points, all disposed in a triangular form: so that 3 of them always rest upon the ground, and the 4th stands upwards in a perpendicular direction. Each point is 3 or 4 inches long. They are scattered over the ground and passages where the enemy is expected to march, especially the cavalry, in order to embarrass their progress.
CAMARADE. SeeComrade.
CAMION,Fr.a species of cart or dray which is drawn by two men, and serves to convey cannon-balls. These carts are very useful in fortified towns.
CAMISADEorCamisado, in military transactions, implies an attack by surprise, either during the night, or at break of day, when the enemy is supposed to be in their shirts asleep, or off his guard. The attack on Cremona was a camisade; the Irish regiment of Macguire, fought in theirshirts, and frustrated the attack.
CAMOUFLET, in war, a kind of stinking combustibles blown out of paper cases, into the miners faces, when they are at work in the galleries of the countermines.
CAMPEMENT,Fr.an encampment. This word is also used to denote a detachment sent before the army to mark out the ground for a camp.
CAMP. With some trifling variations, camps are formed after the same mannerin all countries. This principle seems general, that there should not be more ground occupied by the camp of a body of men, in front, than the extent of their line when drawn out in order of battle. Intervals are however generally left between battalions of infantry of about one eighth their front, and between squadrons of cavalry of thirty or forty paces. An army is sometimes encamped in two lines, and sometimes in three; the distance between the lines varies according to the face of the country, from 200 to 600 yards, or more.
In the distribution of the front of a camp, two feet are generally allowed for every file of infantry, and three feet for each file of cavalry. When the ground will admit of it, the infantry are usually arranged in rows perpendicular to the front; each row containing the tents of one company; and the cavalry in the same position, each perpendicular row containing the horses of a troop.
The grenadiers and light infantry are usually placed in single rows on the flanks, and the battalion companies in double rows.
A single row, or one company, occupies in front, nine feet; and a double row, or two companies, twenty-one feet, if formed of the old pattern rectangular tents, which hold only five men each. But if the new bell tents are used, 15 feet must be allowed for a single row, and 30 feet for a double row in front.
In the cavalry, a row or troop occupies in front as follows:
The breadth of a row in front, whether of infantry or cavalry, being multiplied by the number of rows, and the product subtracted from the whole extent of front for a battalion of infantry, or a squadron of cavalry, will leave the space for the streets, which are generally divided as follows:
For the infantry, 59¹⁄₂ feet each.
For the cavalry, 30 feet each between the tents.
For the cavalry, 46 feet each between the horses.
The following is the distribution of the depth of a camp of infantry or cavalry, when the ground permits.
If the ground on which the camp is to be formed will not, from a swamp in the rear, or any other circumstance, admit of each troop or company being formed in one row perpendicular to the front, the distribution of the front of a battalion orsquadron must be more contracted than the above, and laid out as follows: Find how many perpendicular rows will be required, by dividing the number of men in the battalion or squadron by the number the ground will admit of in one row; then the number of rows being multiplied by the breadth of one in front, will give that part of the front to be occupied by the rows: and the difference between it and the whole front allowed for the battalion or squadron, will be left for the streets; which, if the streets are to be equal, must be divided by their number, to find a breadth of each; or is otherwise easily divided into streets of unequal breadths. When two guns are attached to a battalion, they are posted on the right in the following order: from the right of battalion to the centre of the first gun, four yards—from this to the second gun, 6 yards.—The muzzles of the guns in a line with the serjeants’ tents.
The subaltern of artillery, if any, in a line with the subalterns of infantry. The rear of the gunner’s tents in a line with the rear of the battalion tents.
For the proper positions for camps, see the wordReconnoitring; and for the encampment of a park of artillery, see the wordPark.
Camp, in military affairs, is the whole extent of ground, in general, occupied by an army pitching its tents when in the field, and upon which all its baggage and apparatus are lodged. It is marked out by the quarter-master-general, who allots every regiment its ground. The extent of the front of a regiment of infantry is 200 yards, including the two battalion guns, and depth 520, when the regiment, contains 9 companies, each of 100 private men, and the companies tents in two rows; but when the companies tents stand in one row, and but 70 private men to each row, the front is then but 155 yards. A squadron of horse has 120 yards in front, and 100 for an interval between each regiment.
The nature of the ground must also be consulted, both for defence against the enemy, and for supplies to the army. It should have a communication with that army’s garrisons, and have plenty of water, forage, fuel, and either rivers, marshes, hills, or woods to cover it. An army always encamps fronting the enemy, and generally in two parallel lines, besides a corps de reserve, about 500 yards distant from each other; the horse and dragoons on the wings, and the foot in the centre. Where, and how the train of artillery is encamped, seePark of artillery, andEncampment of a regiment of artillery, under the wordArtillery. Each regiment posts a subaltern’s guard at 80 yards from the colors to the officers tent, called thequarter guard, besides a corporal’s guard in the rear: and each regiment of horse or dragoons, a small guard on foot, called thestandard-guard, at the same distance. The grand guard of the army consists of horse, and is posted about a mile distant towards the enemy.
In a siege, thecampis placed all along the line of circumvallation, or rather in the rear of the approaches, out of cannon-shot: the army faces the circumvallation, if there be any; that is, the soldiers have the town in their rear.
One thing very essential in the establishing acamp, and which should be particularly attended to, if the enemy is near; is, that there should not only be a commodious spot of ground at the head of the camp, where the army, in case of surprise, may in a moment be under arms, and in condition to repulse the enemy: but also a convenient field of battle at a small distance, and of a sufficient extent for them to form advantageously, and to move with facility.
The arrangement of the tents incamp, is nearly the same all over Europe, which is, to dispose them in such a manner, that the troops may form with safety and expedition.
To answer this end, the troops are encamped in the same order as that in which they are to engage, which is by battalions and squadrons; hence, the post of each battalion and squadron in the line of battle, must necessarily be at the head of its own encampment. Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden, was the first who formed encampments according to the order of battle.
By this disposition, the extent of thecampfrom right to left, of each battalion and squadron, will be equal to the front of each in line of battle; and consequently, the extent from right to left of the wholecamp, should be equal to the front of the whole army when drawn up in line of battle, with the same intervals between the several encampments of the battalions and squadrons, as are in the line.
There is no fixed rule for the intervals: some will have no intervals, some small ones, and others are for intervals equal to the front of the battalion or squadron. The most general method is, an interval of 60 feet between each battalion, and of 36 feet between each squadron.
Hence it follows, 1st, That the front line of thecampmust be in a direction to face the enemy; 2dly, That at the head of the encampment of each battalion and squadron, there must be a clear space of ground, on which they may form in line of battle; and 3dly, That when the space taken up by the army is embarrassed with woods, ditches, and other obstructions, a communication must be opened for the troops to move with ease to the assistance of each other.
Thecampsof the Greeks and Romans were either round, square, or oval, or rather of an oblong square figure, with the sharp corners taken off; and to secure them against surprises, it was the prevailing custom to surround them withintrenchments. Thecampsof the Anglo-Saxons and Danes were generally round, as likewise those of the Anglo-Normans. Thecampsof the ancient Britons were of an oval form, composed of stakes, earth, and stones, rudely heaped together: but the practice of the present times is quite different; for the security of ourcamps, whose form is a rectangle, consists in being able to draw out the troops with ease and expedition at the head of their respective encampments.
Campof a battalion of infantry, is the ground on which they pitch their tents, &c.
The principal object in the arrangement of acampis, that both officers and men may repair with facility and expedition to the head of the line; for which reason the tents are placed in rows perpendicular to the front of the camp, with spaces between them, called streets. The general method is, to form as many rows of tents as there are companies in the battalion; those for the private men in the front, and those for the officers in the rear. In the British service the several companies of a battalion are posted in camp, in the same manner as in the line of battle; that is, the company of grenadiers on the right, and that of light-infantry on the left; the colonel’s company on the left of the grenadiers, the lieutenant-colonel’s on the right of the light-infantry, the major’s on the left of the colonel’s, the eldest captain’s on the right of the lieutenant-colonel’s; and so on from right to left, ’till the two youngest companies come into the centre.
The battalion companies are posted two by two: that is, the tents of every two of these companies are ranged close together, to obtain, though they be fewer in number, larger and more commodious streets: the entrances of all the companies tents face the streets, except the first tent of each row belonging to the serjeants, which faces the front of the camp.
The number of tents in each perpendicular row, is regulated by the strength of the companies, and the number of men allowed to each tent, which is 5 men to 7 men: thence it follows, that a company of 60 men will require 9 to 12 tents, a company of 75 men 11 to 15 tents, and a company of 100 men 15 to 20 tents; but as it always happens, that some are on duty, fewer tents may serve in time of necessity.
When the battalion is in the first line of encampment, the privies are opened in the front, and at least 150 feet beyond the quarter-guard; and when in the second line, they are opened in the rear of that line.
To distinguish the regiments, camp colors are fixed at the flanks, and at the quarter and rear guard.
The colors and drums of each battalion are placed at the head of its own grand street, in a line with the bells of arms of the several companies. The officers espontoons were formerly placed at the colors, with the broad part of their spears to the front. The serjeants halberts were placed between, and on each side of the bells of arms, with their hatchets turned from the colors.
When two field-pieces are allowed to each battalion, they are posted to the right of it. Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden, was the first who ordered two field-pieces to each battalion, which are generally light 6 pounders.
Distribution of the front and depth of theCampfor a battalion of infantry. The present mode of encampments differs from what was formerly adopted. The front of thecampfor a battalion of 10 companies of 60 men each, is at present 400 feet, and during the late wars only 360 feet; the depth at present 759 feet, and during the late war 960. The front of thecampof a battalion of 10 companies of 100 men each, is at present 668 feet, and formerly only 592. The breadth of the streets from 45 to 55 feet, excepting the main street, which is sometimes from 60 to 90 feet broad.
Of theCampof a battalion by a new method. This is, by placing the tents in 3 rows parallel to the principal front of thecamp; which is suitable to the 3 ranks in which the battalion is drawn up: the tents of the first row, which front thecamp, are for the men of the front rank: the tents of the second row front the rear, and are for the men of the second rank; and the tents of the third row, which front the centre row, are for the men of the rear rank.
Campof Cavalry.The tents for the cavalry, as well as for the infantry, are placed in rows perpendicular to the principal front of thecamp; and their number is conformable to the number of troops. The horses of each troop are placed in a line parallel to the tents, with their heads towards them.
The number of tents in each row, is regulated by the strength of the troops, and the number of troopers allotted to each tent is 5: it follows, that a troop of 30 men will require 6 tents, a troop of 60 men 12 tents, and a troop of 100 men 20 tents. The tents for the cavalry are of the same form as those of the infantry but more spacious, the better to contain the fire-arms, accoutrements, saddles, bridles, boots, &c. SeeTents.
Distribution of the front and depth of aCampof cavalry. Supposing the regiment to consist of 2 squadrons, of 3 troops each, and of 50 men in each troop, the extent of the front will be 450 feet, if drawn up in 2 ranks; but if drawn up in 3 ranks, the front will be only 300 feet, the depth 220, and the breadth of the back streets 30 feet, and the other streets 46 feet each. In the last war 600 feet were allowed each regiment of cavalry infront, 774 feet for the depth, and the breadth of the streets as above.
The standard-guard tents are pitched in the centre, in a line with the quarter-master’s. The camp colors of the cavalry are also of the same color as the facings of the regiment, with the rank of the regiment in the centre: those of the horse are square, like those of the foot; and those of the dragoons are swallow-tailed. The dung of each troop is laid up behind the horses.
Campduty, consists in guards, both ordinary and extraordinary: the ordinary guards are relieved regularly at a certain hour every day (generally about 9 or 10 o’clock in the morning) the extraordinary guards are all kinds of detachments commanded on particular occasions for the further security of thecamp, for covering the foragers, for convoys, escorts, or expeditions.
The ordinary guards are distinguished into grand guards, standard, and quarter guards; rear guards, picket guards, and guards for the general officers; train of artillery, bread waggons, pay-master general, quarter-master general, majors of brigade, judge advocate, and provost marshal.
The number and strength of the grand guards and out-posts, whether of cavalry or infantry, depend on the situation of thecamp, nature of the country, and the position of the enemy. The strength of general officers guards is limited.
Campmaxims, are 1. The principal rule in forming acamp, is to give it the same front the troops occupy in order of battle.
2. The method of encamping is by battalions and squadrons, except the several corps of artillery, which are encamped on the right and left of the park of artillery. SeeArtillery park, andEncampment of a regiment of artillery.
3. Each man is allowed 2 feet in the ranks of the battalion, and 3 feet in the squadron: thence the front of a battalion of 500 men, formed 3 deep, will be 324 feet; and the front of a squadron of 150 men, formed 2 deep, will be 225 feet.
4. The depth of thecampwhen the army is encamped in 3 lines, is at least 2750 feet; that is, 750 feet for the depth of each line, and 250 feet for the space between each of those lines.
5. The park of artillery should always be placed on a dry rising ground, if any such situation offers; either in the centre of the front line, or in the rear of the second line; with all the train horses encamped in the rear of the park.
6. The bread-waggons should be stationed in the rear of thecamp, and as near as possible to the centre, that the distribution of the bread may be rendered easy.
7. When the commander in chief encamps, it is generally in the centre of the army; and the town or village chosen for his residence is called head quarters.
8. That general is inexcusable, who, for his own personal accommodation, makes choice of quarters that are not properly secured, or at too great a distance to have an easy communication with thecamp.
9. If the ground permits, the troops should be encamped as near to good water as possible.
10. When there are hussars or rifle corps, they are generally posted near the head quarters, or in the front of the army.
11. The ground taken up by the encampment of an army, should be equally distributed, and, if possible, in a straight line; for then the whole will have more room: for a crooked line, and an inequality of disposition, afford a very unpleasing view both of the camp, and of the troops when they are under arms.
12. Cleanliness is essentially necessary to the health of acamp, especially when it is to remain for any length of time. To maintain this, the privies should be often filled up, and others opened; at least every 6 days. The offal of cattle, and the carcasses of dead horses, should be buried very deep: and all kinds of corrupt effluvia, that may infect the air and produce epidemical disorders, should be constantly removed.
Choice ofCamps. 1. At the beginning of a campaign, when the enemy is at too great a distance to occasion any alarm, all situations forcampsthat are healthy are good, provided the troops have room, and are within reach of water, wood, and provisions. More ground should be allowed to the troops incampsof duration, than in temporary ones.
2.Campsshould be situated as near as possible to navigable rivers, to facilitate the conveyance of all manner of supplies; for convenience and safety are the principal objects forcamps.
3. Acampshould never be placed too near heights, from whence the enemy may overlook it; nor too near woods, from whence the enemy may surprise it. If there are eminences, not commanded by others, they should be taken into thecamp; and when that cannot be done, they should be fortified.
4. The choice of acampdepends in a great measure on the position of the enemy, on his strength, and on the nature and situation of the country.
5. A skilful general will avail himself of all the advantages for acamp, which nature may present, whether in plains, mountains, ravines, hollows, woods, lakes, inclosures, rivers, rivulets, &c.
6. The disposition of the troops incampshould depend on the nature and situation of the ground: as there are occasions which require all the infantry to encamp on the right, and the cavalry on the left; and there are others which requirethe cavalry to form in the centre, and the infantry on the wings.
7. Acampshould never be formed on the banks of a river, without the space of at least 2 or 3000 feet, for drawing out the army in order of battle: the enemy cannot then easily alarm thecamp, by artillery and small arms from the other side.
8.Campsshould never be situated near rivers that are subject to be overflowed, either by the melting of the snow, or by accidental torrents from the mountains. Marshy grounds should also be avoided, on account of the vapors arising from stagnant water, which infect the air.
9. On the choice ofcampsand posts, frequently depends the success of a campaign, and even sometimes of a war.
Campguards. They are of two sorts, the one serves to maintain good order within thecamp; and the other, which is stationed without thecamp, serves to cover and secure it against the enemy. These guards are formed of both infantry and cavalry; and in proportion to the strength of the army, situations of thecamp, and disposition of the enemy. Sometimes it is required, that these guards should consist of the 8th part of the army; at others, of the 3d part; and when an attack from the enemy is apprehended, even of the half.
Manner of stationing theCampguards. It is of the utmost consequence to station the guards in such places, as may enable them to discover easily whatever approaches thecamp.
2. The guards of the cavalry are generally removed further from thecamp, than those of the infantry; but never at so great a distance, as to endanger their being cut off: within cannon-shot is a very good distance. They are often stationed in highways, in open places, and on small heights; but, they are always so disposed, as to see and communicate with one another.
3. The vedettes to the out-posts should be double: for, should they make a discovery, one may be detached to inform the officer commanding the out-post, and the other remain on duty: they should not be at too great a distance from their detachment: probably, about 50 or 60 paces will be sufficient.
4. The guards of infantry have different objects, and are differently stationed: their duty is, to receive and support the guards of cavalry in cases of need: to protect the troops sent out for wood, forage, or water; in short to prevent any approaches from the small parties of the enemy. Some are stationed in the churches or the neighboring villages, in barns, houses, and in passages and avenues of woods: others are stationed on the borders of rivulets, and in every place necessary to secure thecamp. Guards that are stationed in churches, in woods or among trees, barns, and houses, should if possible, be seen from the army, or at least from some grand guard in its neighborhood, that signals may be readily perceived and repeated.
5. The guards of infantry are generally fixed; that is, they have the same post both day and night, except such as are to support and protect the guards of cavalry, and to cover the forage grounds. All out-guards should have intrenching-tools with them.
6. The guards of cavalry have generally a day-post and a night-post; the latter is seldom more than 4 or 500 paces from thecamp; one third should be mounted, one third bridled, and one third feeding their horses; but when near the enemy, the whole guard should be kept mounted during the night.
7. The security and tranquillity of acampdepending upon the vigilance of the guards, the officers who command them cannot be too active in preventing surprises: a neglect in this particular is often of fatal consequence. Though an officer should, at all times, be strictly attentive to every part of the service, yet he should be more particularly watchful in the night than in the day. The night is the time most favorable for surprises: as those who are not on duty, are generally asleep, and cannot immediately afford assistance; but in the day time, the attention of all the troops is turned to the movements of the enemy: they are sooner under arms, sooner in readiness to march, and in much less danger of being thrown into confusion. Those who wish to be better acquainted with the nature and mode of encampments, may read Mr. Lochée’s usefulEssay on Castrametation.
Concerning the healthiness of the different seasons of a campaign, the ingenious Dr. Pringle has the following observations. The first 3 weeks is always sickly; after which the sickness decreases, and the men enjoy a tolerable degree of health throughout the summer, unless they get wet clothes. The most sickly part of the campaign is towards the end of August, whilst the days are still hot, but the nights cold and damp with fogs and dews; then, if not sooner, the dysentery prevails; and though its violence is over by the beginning of October, yet the remitting fever, gaining ground, continues throughout the rest of the campaign, and never entirely ceases, even in winter quarters, ’till the frost begins. He likewise observes, that the last 14 days of a campaign, if protracted ’till the beginning of November, are attended with more sickness than the two first months of the encampment. As to winter expeditions, though severe in appearance, he tells us, they are attended with little sickness, if the men have strong and good shoes, warm quarters, fuel, and provisions enough.
Camp-Color-men. Each regiment has generally 6, and sometimes 1 per company:they always march with the quarter-master, to assist in making the necessary preparations against the arrival of the regiment in a new encampment. They likewise carry the camp-colors.
Camp-Fight, an old term forCombat.
Flying-Camp, or army, generally means a strong body of horse and foot, commanded for the most part by a lieutenant-general, which is always in motion both to cover its own garrisons, and to keep the enemy’s army in a continual alarm. It is sometimes used to signify the ground on which such a body of men encamps.
Camp-Utensils, in war time, are hatchets, shovels, mattocks, blankets, camp-kettles, canteens, tents, poles and pins: that is, each company has 10 shovels, and 5 mattocks; each tent 1 hatchet, 2 blankets, 1 camp-kettle, with its linen bag; and each soldier 1 canteen, 1 knapsack, and 1 havre-sack.
Camp-diseasesare chiefly bilious fevers, malignant fevers, fluxes, scurvy, rheumatism, &c.
Campis also used by the Siamese and some other nations in the East Indies, to express the quarters where the persons from different countries, who come to trade with them, usually reside.
CAMPUSMaii, an anniversary assembly which was observed by ancient pagans on May-day, when they mutually pledged themselves to one another for the defence of the country against foreign and domestic foes.
CampusMartius, a public place so called among the Romans from the God Mars.
CAMPAIGN, in military affairs, the time every year that an army continues in the field, in war time. We also say, a man has served so many campaigns, i. e. years: the campaign will begin at such a time; this will be a long campaign, &c. The word is also used for an open country before any towns, &c.
CANNIPERS. SeeCallipers.
CANNONorpieces ofOrdnance, in the military art, imply machines having tubes of brass or iron. They are charged with powder and ball, or sometimes cartridges, grape and canister shot, &c.
The length is distinguished by three parts; the first re-inforce, the second re-inforce, and the chace: the first re-inforce is ²⁄₇ths, and the second ¹⁄₇th and a half of the diameter of the shot. The inside hollow, wherein the powder and shot are lodged, is called the bore, &c.
History ofCannonorpieces ofOrdnance. They were originally made of iron bars soldered together and fortified with strong iron hoops; some of which are still to be seen, viz. one in the tower of London, two at Woolwich, one in the royal arsenal at Lisbon, they are numerous in all parts of Asia; and baron Tott describes them in Turkey. Others were made of thin sheets of iron rolled up together, and hooped; and on emergencies they were made of leather, with plates of iron or copper. These pieces were made in a rude and imperfect manner, like the first essays of many new inventions. Stone balls were thrown out of these cannon, and a small quantity of powder used on account of their weakness. These pieces have no ornaments, are placed on their carriages by rings, and are of cylindrical form. When or by whom they were made, is uncertain; however we read ofcannonbeing used as early as the 13th century, in a sea engagement between the king of Tunis and the Moorish king of Seville. The Venetians usedcannonat the siege of Claudia Jessa, now called Chioggia, in 1366, which were brought thither by two Germans, with some powder and leaden balls; as likewise in their wars with the Genoese in 1369. Edward III. of England made use ofcannonat the battle of Cressy in 1346, and at the siege of Calais in 1347.Cannonwere made use of by the Turks at the siege of Constantinople, then in possession of the Christians, in 1394, or in that of 1452, that threw a weight of 500lb. but they generally burst, either the first, second, or third shot. Louis XII. had one cast at Tours, of the same size, which threw a ball from the Bastille to Charenton. One of those famouscannonwas taken at the siege of Diu in 1546, by Don John de Castro, and is in the castle of St. Juiliao da Barra, 10 miles from Lisbon: its length is 20 feet 7 inches, diameter at the centre 6 feet 3 inches, and discharges a ball of 100lb. It has neither dolphins, rings, nor button, is of a curious kind of metal, and has a large Hindustanee inscription upon it, which says it was cast in 1400.
Ancient and present names ofCannon. Formerly they were distinguished by uncommon names; for in 1503, Louis XII. had 12 brass cannon cast, of an uncommon size, called after the names of the 12 peers of France. The Spanish and Portuguese called them after their saints. The emperor Charles V. when he marched before Tunis, founded the 12 Apostles. At Milan there is a 70 pounder, called the Pimontelle; and one at Bois-le-duc, called the devil. A 60-pounder at Dover castle, called Queen Elizabeth’s Pocket-pistol. An 80-pounder in the tower of London (formerly in Sterling castle) called Mounts-meg. An 80-pounder in the royal arsenal at Berlin, called the Thunderer. An 80-pounder at Malaga, called the Terrible. Two curious 60-pounders in the arsenal at Bremen, called the Messengers of bad news. And lastly an uncommon 70-pounder in the castle of St. Angelo at Rome, made of the nails that fastened the copper plates which covered the ancient Pantheon, with this inscription upon it:Ex clavis trabalibus porticus Agrippæ.
In the beginning of the 15th century these uncommon names were generally abolished, and the following more universal ones took place, viz.
Moyens, which carried a ball of 10 or 12 ounces, &c.
Rabinet, which carried a ball of 16 ounces.
These curious names of beasts and birds of prey were adopted, on account of their swiftness in motion, or of their cruelty; as thefalconet,falcon,saker, andculverin, &c. for their swiftness in flying; thebasilisk,serpentine,aspik,dragon,syren, &c. for their cruelty. See the Latin poet Forcastarius.
At presentcannonor pieces of ordnance take their names from the weight of the ball they discharge: thus a piece that discharges a ball of 24 pounds, is called a 24-pounder; one that carries a ball of 12 pounds, is called a 12-pounder; and so of the rest, divided into the following sorts, viz.
Ship-guns, consisting of 42, 32, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6, and 3 pounders.
Garrison-guns, of 42, 32, 24, 18, 12, 9, and 6 pounders.
Battering-guns, of 24, 18, and 12 pounders.
Field-pieces, of 18, 12, 9, 6, 3, 2, 1¹⁄₂, 1, and ¹⁄₂ pounders.
The British seldom use any of lower calibre than 6 in the field.
The metal of which brass cannon is made, is in a manner kept a secret by the founders; yet, with all their art and secrecy, they have not hitherto found out a composition that will stand a hot engagement without melting, or at least being rendered useless. Those cast at Woolwich bid fair towards this amendment. The respective quantities which should enter into this composition, is a point not decided; every founder has his own proportions, which are peculiar to himself. The most common proportions of the ingredients are the following, viz. To 240lb. of metal fit for casting, they put 68lb. of copper, 52lb. of brass, and 12lb. of tin. To 4200lb. of metal fit for casting, the Germans put 3687³³⁄₄₁lb. of copper, 204¹³⁄₄₁lb. of brass, and 307³⁶⁄₄₁lb. of tin. Others again use 100lb. of copper, 6lb. of brass, and 9lb. of tin; and lastly, others 100lb. of copper, 10lb. of brass, and 15lb. of tin. With respect to iron guns, their structure is the same as that of the others, and they generally stand the most severe engagements, being frequently used on shipboard. Several experiments have taught that the Swedish iron guns are preferable to all others in Europe.
Cannonis now generally cast solid, and the cavity bored afterwards by a very curious machine for that purpose, where the gun is placed in a perpendicular position; but of late these machines have been made to bore horizontally, and much truer than those that bore in a vertical form. This new machine was first invented at Strasburg, and greatly improved by Mr. Verbruggen, a Dutchman, who was head founder at Woolwich, where probably the best horizontal boring machine in Europe has been lately fixed; it both bores the inside, and turns and polishes the outside at once. For length and weight of French and English cannon seeGuns.
Names of the several Parts of aCannon.
The grand divisions exterior, are as follows, viz.
First re-inforce, is that part of a gun next the breech, which is made stronger, to resist the force of powder.
Second re-inforce.This begins where the first ends, and is made something smaller than the first.
The chace, is the whole space from the trunnions to the muzzle.
The muzzle, properly so called, is the part from the muzzle astragal to the end of the piece.
Small divisions exterior.
The cascable, the hindermost part of the breech, from the base-ring to the end of the button.
The cascable-astragal, is the diminishing part between the two breech mouldings.
The neck of the cascable, is the narrow space between the breech moulding and the button.
The breech, is the solid piece of metal behind, between the vent and the extremity of the base-ring, and which terminates the hind part of the gun, exclusive of the cascable.
The breech-mouldings, are the eminent parts, as squares or rounds, which serve only for ornaments to the piece, &c.
The base-ring and ogee, are ornamental mouldings; the latter is always in the shape of an S, taken from civil architecture, and used in guns, mortars, and howitzers.
The vent-field, is the part from the vent to the first re-inforce astragal.
The vent-astragal and fillets, are the mouldings and fillets at or near the vent.
The charging cylinder, is all the space from the chace-astragal to the muzzle-astragal.
The first re-inforce ring and ogee, is the ornament on the second re-inforce.
The first re-inforce astragal, is the ornament between the first and second reinforce.
The chace-girdle, is the ornament close to the trunnions.
The trunnions, are two solid cylindrical pieces of metal on every gun, which project from the piece, and by which it is supported upon its carriage as an axis.
The dolphins, are the two handles, placed on the second re-inforce ring of brass guns, resembling the fish of that name: they serve for mounting and dismounting the guns.
The second re-inforce ring and ogee, are the two ornaments joining the trunnions.
The second re-inforce astragal, is the moulding nearest the trunnions.
The chase-astragal and fillets, the two last-mentioned ornaments jointly.
The muzzle-astragal and fillets, the joint ornaments nearest the muzzle.
The muzzle-mouldings, the ornaments at the very muzzle of the piece.
The swelling of the muzzle, the projected part behind the muzzle-mouldings.
Interior Parts.
The mouth, or entrance of the bore, is that part where both powder and ball are put in, or the hollow part which receives the charge.
The vent, in all kinds of fire-arms, is commonly called the touch-hole; it is a small hole pierced at the end, or near it, of the bore or chamber, to prime the piece with powder, or to introduce the tube, in order, when lighted, to set fire to the charge.
The chamber, which is only in large calibers, is the place where the powder is lodged, which forms the charge.
Tools for loading and firingCannon, are rammers, sponges, ladles, worms, hand-spikes, wedges, and screws.
Coins, orWedges, to lay under the breech of the gun, in order to elevate or depress it.
Hand-spikes, serve to move and to lay the gun.
Ladles, serve to load the gun with loose powder.
Rammers, are cylinders of wood, whose diameter andaxisare equal to those of the shot: they serve to ram home the wads put upon the powder and shot.
Sponge, is fixed at the opposite end of the rammer, covered with lamb skin, and serves to clean the gun when fired.
Screws, are used to field-pieces, instead of coins, by which the gun is kept to the same elevation.
Tools necessary for provingCannon, are, a searcher with a reliever, and a searcher with one point.
Searcher, is an iron, hollow at one end to receive a wooden handle, and on the other end has from four to eight flat springs of about eight or ten inches long, pointed and turned outwards at the ends.
The reliever, is an iron flat ring, with a wooden handle, at right angles to it. When a gun is to be searched after it has been fired, this searcher is introduced; and turned every way, from end to end, and if there is any hole, the point of one or other of the springs gets into it, and remains till the reliever, passing round the handle of the searcher, and pressing the springs together, relieves it.
When there is any hole or roughness in the gun, the distance from the mouth is marked on the outside with chalk.
The other searcher has also a wooden handle, and a point at the fore end, of about an inch long, at right angles to the length: about this point is put some wax, mixed with tallow, which, when introduced into the hole or cavity, is pressed in, when the impression upon the wax gives the depth, and the length is known by the motion of the searcher backwards and forward: if the fissure be one ninth of an inch deep, the gun is rejected. SeeInstruments.
N. B. The strength of gunpowder having been considerably increased by Col. Congreve, of the British Artillery, the quantity for service has been somewhat reduced. That for proof remaining as heretofore.