HAVILDAR, or-HAVILDAUR,
a non-commissioned officer or serjeant among the East India sepoys. He ranks next to the Jemidar.
HAVOCK, carnage, slaughter.
HAVRESAC,Fr.SeeHaversack.
HAUSSE-col,Fr.an ornamental plate similar to the gorget. It is worn by infantry officers only.
UnHausse-cou,Fr.a neck piece.
HAUT-LE-PIED,Fr.a term used to distinguish such persons as were formerly employed in the French armies without having any permanent appointment.Commissaires hauts-le-piedwere known in the artillery during the monarchy of France. They were usually under the quarter-master general.
LeHautRhin,Fr.the Upper Rhine.
LeHauteSaxe,Fr.Upper Saxony.
HAUTBERT,Fr.a coat of mail, which covered the neck and arms, formerly worn by theseigneurs de haubert, or lords-paramount, in France, in lieu of thehausse-col,brassarts, andcuissarts.
HAUTBOY, (hautbois,Fr.) a wind-instrument, now almost universally adopted by the European armies, and which forms a part of the regimental bands.
HAUTES-payes,Fr.were soldiers selected by the captains of companies to attend them personally, for which service they received something more than the common pay.Haute-payebecame afterwards a term to signify the subsistence which any body of men superior to, or distinguished from the private soldier were allowed to receive.
HAUTEUR,Fr.in geometry, signifies elevation.
Hauteur,Fr.in architecture, the extreme height of any building. Thus,un bâtiment est arrivée à hauteursignifies that the last stones or bricks are laid ready for the roof to be covered in.
Hauteurd’appui,Fr.breast-height.
Hauteurde marche,Fr.The usual height which a man takes in stepping, being about six or seven inches above ground.
Hauteurd’un escadron, ou d’un battaillon,Fr.the depth of a squadron of horse, or battalion of foot. The wordhauteurin the French service is equivalent to depth in the English: as—an army consisting of many squadrons of horse and battalions of foot, one in front of the other and forming several columns, is said to stand that number of columns deep; the term being applicable in all services to the army collectively or separately considered from several columns to a mere rank and file.
HAUTS-officers,Fr.superior officers.
With respect to an army composed of several regiments, the following fall under the description ofhauts officiersaccording to the old French system: generals, lieutenant-generals, colonels, and lieutenant-colonels. Thehauts-officiers, or superior officers in distinct corps, were majors, aid-majors, captains, lieutenants, sub-lieutenants, and ensigns.
HAYE,Fr.a military disposition in which soldiers stood aside one another on a straight line.Se mettre en haie, is to standrank entire.Faire un double haie, to standtwo deep.Border la haie, is a disposition to which infantry has recourse when attacked by cavalry. SeeBorder la Haye.
HAZAREE, an East Indian term signifying a commander of armed men.
HEAD, in gunnery, the fore part of the cheeks of a gun or howitz carriage.
Headof a work, in fortification, is the front next to the enemy, and farthest from the place; as the front of a horn-work is the distance between the flanked angles of the demi-bastions: the head of a double tenaille is the salient angle in the centre, and the two other sides which form the re-entering angles. SeeFort.
Headof an army, or body of men, is the front, whether drawn up in lines, or on a march.
Headof a double tenaille, the salient angle in the centre, and the two other sides which form the re-entering angle.
Head-piece, armor for the head; an helmet, such as the light dragoons wear.
Head-of a camp, the ground before which the army is drawn up.
Head-Quarters, the place where the officer commanding an army or independent body of troops takes up his residence.
HEADSTALL, that part of the bridle which goes over the horse’s head.
HEAUME,Fr.A word derived from the German, which formerly signifiedcasque, or helmet. Theheaumehas been sometimes called among the Frenchsalade,armet, andcelatefrom the Latin word which means engraved, on account of the different figures which were represented upon it. Theheaumecovered the whole of the face, except the eyes, which were protected by small iron bars laid cross-ways.
The heaume was not only worn by the chevaliers or knights when they went to war, but also at tilts and tournaments. It serves as an ornament or helmet in coats of arms and armorial bearings. Various appellations have been given to this piece of armor, such ashabillement de tête, covering for the head, casque, helmet; and under Francis I. it was distinguished by the name ofarmet. It does not resemble themorion, thesalade, or headpiece, thepot, orbourgignote, burganet, which were worn only in the infantry. Theheaume, as we have observed above, covered the face. There was an opening opposite to the eyes which was guarded by small iron bars, or latice-work, and was a kind of visier. Theheaume, or helmet, is still preserved in heraldry, and is a distinguishing mark of nobility. In tournaments, the helmet was presented as a prize of honor to the most active champion, because it was the principal piece of defensive armor; but a sword was given to the assailants, as that was an offensive weapon.
HEBDOMADIER,Fr.The person whose week it is to be on duty.
HELEPOLIS, in the ancient art of war, a machine for battering down the walls of a place besieged. The invention of it is ascribed to Demetrius the Poliorcetes. Diodorus Siculus says, that each side of the helepolis was 450 cubits broad, and 90 in height; that it had 9 stages or floors, and was carried on four strong solid wheels, 8 cubits in diameter; that it was armed with huge battering rams, and had 2 roofs capable of supporting them; that in the lower stages there were different sorts of engines for casting stones; and in the middle, they had large catapulta’s for lancing arrows.
HELICOMETRY, an art which teaches how to draw or measure spiral lines upon a plane, and shew their respective properties.
HELIOIDparabola, is a curve arising from the supposition of the axis of the Apollonian parabola, being bent into the periphery of a circle, and is then a line passing through the extremities of the ordinates, which converge toward the centre of the circle.
HELIOSCOPE, a prospect glass to view the sun. The glass is colored in order to weaken the radiance of light.
HELIX, a spiral line.
HELM, or-HELMET,
an ancient defensive armor worn both in war and tournaments. It covered both the head and face, only leaving an aperture in the front, secured by bars, which was called the visor. The Carians first invented the boss of shields and the crest of helmets. In remembrance of this, a small shield and a crest were always buried with them.
HELMET-CAP,-HELMET-HAT,
a cap, or hat, the crown of which is shaped like the dragoon helmet.
HELVE, or-HAFT,
the wooden handle of a hatchet, hammer, or pick-axe.
ToHEMin, to surround.
HEMERODROMES,Fr.a French term taken from the Greek, signifying sentries or guards, which were employed among the ancients to protect and watch over fortified towns and places. As soon as the gates were opened they went out, and continued to patrole round the skirts of the town during the whole of the day. Frequently, indeed they advanced considerably into the country, in order to discover whether any hostile body of men was approaching in order to surprize the garrison.
HENDECAGON, a figure that has 11 sides and as many angles, each capable of a regular bastion.
HINDOO, orHINDU, the name by which the natives of Hindustan distinguish themselves from the inhabitants of other countries.
HEPTAGON, a figure consisting of seven sides and as many angles. If the sides be all equal, it is called aregular heptagon.
HEPTAGONALnumbers, are a sort of polygonal numbers, wherein the difference of the terms of the corresponding arithmetical progression is = 5. One of the properties of these numbers is, that if they be multiplied by 40, and 9 be added to the product, the sum is a square number.
HEPTARCHY, a government which consisted of 7 kings or sovereign princes. Such was the government under which England was ruled by the Saxon kings.
HERALD, an officer at arms, whose duty is to declare war, to proclaim peace, or to be employed in martial messages. The heralds in England are judges and examiners of that ridiculous jargon called heraldry, or coats of arms; they marshal all solemnities at the coronations, and funerals of their princes, &c. The origin of heralds is extremely ancient. It is reported that the Greek herald, Stentor, possessed such a powerful voice that it exceeded the united clamor of fifty men.
There are three heralds called kings at arms in England, each bearing a name peculiar to himself, and six heralds. The first king at arms is that of Garter, created by Henry V., that of Clarencieux, created by Edward IV. and that of Norroy, so called from the exercise of his functions north of the river Trent.
The heralds extraordinary are those of Windsor and Chester, created by Edward III., those of Somerset by Henry VIII. and those of York and Lancaster, created by the children of Edward III. They are pageants and sinecures.
HERALDSCollege, a corporation in England which consists of kings at arms, heralds, and pursuivants, in which the nonsense of heraldry is recorded.
HERAUT,Fr.herald. During the old monarchy of France there were thirty heralds each distinguished by the name of some particular province. The first of these who was king at arms, bore the title ofMontjoy St. Denis: he had the privilege of wearing a royal coronet over the fleur de luce. On solemn occasions the king and the heralds at arms appeared in their coats of arms made of violet colored crimson velvet, with three golden fleurs de luces before and behind, and as many on each sleeve where the name of the province stood, to which the herald belonged. They wore a black velvet cap ornamented with golden strings, and half boots, when they appeared on peaceable occasions, with whole boots on warlike or martial ones. In solemn funerals they had a long robe of black velvet. The only difference between the king at arms and the heralds with respect to dress, consisted in the richness of the embroidery, that of the former being more expensive. The coats of arms which were peculiar to the heralds were calledPlaques, those of the kings at arms were distinguished bythe name ofTunics. They carried a stick calledCaduceus(such as Mercury is represented to have borne in ancient mythology.) But this stick was not ornamented by a crown with fleurs de luce, it was only covered with crimson velvet, having a few fleurs de luce scattered here and there.
There was likewise a herald, whose particular functions were to carry the king’s orders. He was entitled to a coat of arms upon violet colored velvet, interspersed with fleurs de luce and gold embroidered flammes or pendants, together with the arms and collars both before and behind. He likewise wore the cross belonging to the order which was attached to a black silk cord borne cross-ways.
The author of the Dictionnaire Militaire derives the French termHerautfrom the GermanHérald, which signifies a man at arms,un Gendarme. Verstegan derives it from the Saxon. Other French writers derive it from an old Gallic wordharou, orhara, which was used as a challenge, a notification of fresh hostilities, a ban or general assembling of the people, a loud and public proclamation of battles fought and victories obtained; on which account heralds, according to Ducange, were formerly calledClarigarvisas well asHeraldus.
HERCOTECTONIQUE,Fr.a term in fortification signifying that branch of Military architecture which specifically points out the best means of defence and the surest method of providing stores. This word is derived from the Greek.
HEREFARE, an old term from the Saxon, signifying the same as warfare.
HEREGELD, a term derived from the Saxon, signifying a tax which was formerly levied for maintaining an army.
HERESLITA,-HERESILIA,
a term derived from the Saxon, signifying a soldier who abandons his colors, or leaves the army without leave.
HERETEQ,-HERETOQ,HERTZOG,
a term derived from the Saxon, signifying the leader of an army, a Duke, the same asduxin the Latin.
HERETUM, a court in which the guards or military retinue that usually attended the old British nobility and bishops were accustomed to parade or draw up.
HERISSON,Fr.a turnpike which is made of one stout beam that is fenced by a quantity of iron spikes, and which is fixed upon a pivot, in the manner that turnstiles are, so that it can turn in every direction.
Herisson, (foudroyant,Fr.) a sort of artificial firework which has several sharp points attached to it on the outside, and is filled with inflammable composition within. It is frequently used in breaches and retrenchments.
HERGATE, a term derived from the Saxon, signifying a tribute which was paid in ancient times to the lord of the soil, to enable him to carry on a war.
HERO. This name was given by the ancients to those men who became illustrious in war, and who were stiled Demi-Gods, from a general notion, that their actions entitled them to a place in heaven immediately after their decease.
The heroes of antiquity were divided into two classes, the one of mortal genealogy, the other of heavenly descent, being the offspring of some god or goddess who had connexion with the human species.
Modern authors make a distinction between a hero and a great man; the former appellation being given to one who distinguishes himself by feats of hardihood in military enterprize, and the latter to a person eminent for his virtues and extraordinary talents in civil life.
HEROINE, a term generally applied to women who have given exemplary proofs of courage and virtue.
HERRISON. SeeHerisson.
HERSE, in fortification, a grated door formed by strong pieces of wood, jointed cross-ways like a lattice or harrow, and stuck full of iron spikes. It is usually hung by a rope and fastened to a molinett, which is cut in case of a surprise, or when the first gate is forced by surprise or with a petard, to the end that it may fall and stop the passage of a gate or other entrance of a fortress.
These herses are also often laid in the roads, with the points upwards instead of the chevaux-de-frize, to incommode the march of both horse and foot. Common harrows are sometimes made use of in cases of emergency, with their points upwards.
HERSILLON, a strong beam, whose sides are stuck full of spikes, which is thrown across the breach made by an enemy to render it impassable.
HESSIAN, a substitute, a deputy, one employed to do base or dirty work for another.
HESSIANS, troops belonging to the country of Hesse-Cassel in Germany. They have been frequently hired by Great Britain, particularly in the war of American independence, when they were sold at 40l.sterling a head; nine pounds of which was to be repaid if they returned alive. Hesse has been since made subject to France, forming part of the kingdom of Westphalia.
HETMAN,Fr.sometimes called Atteman, a word derived from the German, which signifies thehead-man, the chief of a troop. The chief general or grand general in Poland is calledHetman Wielki, and the second generalHetman Polny.
The chief or general of the Cossacks is likewise invested with this title by the sovereigns of Russia.
HEURTEQUINS,Fr.two pieces of iron resembling a knocker, which are placed over the trunnions, or axis of a cannon.
HEXAEDRON, (Hexaedre,Fr.) a solid geometrical figure, consisting of six equal sides.
HEXAGON, a figure of 6 sides and as many angles, capable of being fortified with 6 bastions. If the sides and angles be equal, it is called a regular hexagon. The side of a regular hexagon inscribed in a circle, is equal to the radius of that circle; hence a regular hexagon is inscribed in a circle, by setting the radius of 6 times upon the periphery: as 1 to 1.672, so is the square of the side of any regular hexagon to the area therefore, nearly.
TannedHIDES, are always carried along with an army, especially in the laboratory’s stores, to protect powder or shells from rain; they are also used in batteries and in laboratories.
HIERARCHY, church government.
HIEROGLYPHICKS, (hieroglyphes,Fr.) certain mysterious characters of creatures or letters used among the Ægyptians, by which they explained to one another the principles of their religion and their maxims of philosophy, without divulging them to strangers. Arbitrary signs which represent things: the signs used in almanacs for the planets and other phenomena are hieroglyphicks.
HIGHLANDER, any person from a mountainous country.
Highlanders, the people of the north of Scotland, who wear a dress peculiar to themselves.
HILT, the handle of a sword.
HINGES, are two iron bands, with a joint, nailed to the doors or lockers of gun carriages to fasten them and move them backwards and forwards.
HINGUET,Fr.SeeGinguet.
HIPPODROME,Fr.a French term derived from the Greek, signifying a spot where horses used to run, properly speaking a race-ground. The Hippodrome or course at Constantinople was much celebrated in ancient days. The spot still exists under that name.
HIRCARRAH, orHIRCARRA, an Indian term for a messenger, guide, footman, or spy.
HISTORY, a narration or description of the several transactions, or events of a state, king, or private person, in the order in which they happened.
MilitaryHistory, a narrative of military transactions, campaigns, battles, sieges, marches, &c. of an army: likewise a relation of the heroic actions of great generals, &c.
HIVERNER,Fr.a sea phrase among the French signifying to winter.
HOCHEBOS,Fr.certain soldiers among the ancients, who were so called from their brandishing the pike. This word has likewise been applied to the pike itself.
HOGSHEADS, filled with earth, sand, &c. are sometimes used in lieu of gabions, to cover men.
HOLD. SeeFastnesses.
ToHOLDout, to maintain any place, ground, &c. resolutely against an enemy.
HOLLOWsquare, the form in which a body of foot is drawn up, with a vacant space in the middle for the colors, drums, baggage, &c. SeeSquare.
HOLLOWtower, a rounding made of the remainder of two brisures, to join the curtain to the orillon, where the small shot are played, that they may not be so much exposed to the view of the enemy.
HOLLOWway, any pass or road, both sides of which are commanded by heights.
HOLSTERS, cases for a horseman’s pistols, affixed to the pommel of the saddle.
Order of theHOLY-GHOST, formerly the principal military order in France, instituted by Henry III. in 1569. It consisted of 100 knights, who were to make proof of their nobility for three descents.
HOME-SERVICEconsists in military operations and arrangements for the immediate defence of our own country, should it be threatened by invasion, or by domestic broils or insurrections.
As there is a great affinity between the following general regulations for home-service, and those that are generally prescribed for foreign, we have thought it right to class the whole, including carriages, baggage, &c. under one head.
The carriages allowed, if circumstances will permit, to be with each regiment of infantry, of 10 companies at 80 each, are
3 Bread waggons; each to carry 4 day’s bread for 400 men, or 2400lb.
2 Ammunition caissons.
2 Battalion guns.
1 Waggon spare.
1 Cart with entrenching tools.
2 Sutler’s carts.
1 Waggon for sick; or more as may be permitted.
The carriages allowed to be with each regiment of cavalry, of 10 troops of 76 each, are
3 Bread waggons; each to carry 4 day’s bread for 400 men, or 2400lb.
2 Ammunition caissons.
2 Sutler’s carts.
2 Forage carts.
2 Carriages for sick.
Regiments on lower establishments to be allowed carriages in proportion to their effective strength.
The carriages of the general officers allowed with or near the column of the army will be: for lieutenant-generals, 1 chaise and 2 carts—for major-generals, 1 chaise and 1 cart.
The carriages of head quarters will be exceedingly limited by the commander in chief.
All other private carriages whatever to be considered as belonging to the heavy baggage of the army, and ordered to a great distance in the rear, and if at any time found near the army, to beordered to be destroyed by the baggage-master general.
All other baggage therefore, whether tents, blankets, or necessaries for the officers, to be carried on bat horses.
The number of horses which officers of each rank may have in common situations in the field, to be specified by regulation. But as it is impossible in any service that may occur, to calculate for the carriage or use of large tents, or other conveniences which officers are generally allowed when in the field; it is always recommended to each officer to make his arrangements for moving in the lightest manner possible.
The personal baggage of each officer must be contained in a small portmanteau. One small tent is all that the officers of each company or troop should calculate upon. To carry the above, blankets, provisions, 3 or 4 days grain and other useful necessary articles, 2 bat horses per troop or company will be sufficient.
The bat horses of each regiment of infantry of 10 companies, at 80 each, should therefore be,
Regiments on a lower establishment, allowed bat horses in proportion.
The bat horses of each regiment of cavalry of 10 troops of 75 each, will therefore be,
and in proportion for regiments on a lower establishment.
The infantry to carry tents at the rate of 16 men per new tent, and the cavalry 12 men per tent. The necessary outlying guards and detachments, and the readiness of hutting and other cover that a woody country affords, will make this a sufficient number. The troop and company bat horses can therefore easily carry the tents, poles, and pins. The blankets of the cavalry may be divided and carried under the men’s saddles. The blankets of the infantry must be divided and carried by the men, unless some other provision be made.
The picket ropes of the cavalry to be carried on the bat horses. Half the usual number of pickets must be considered as sufficient, and be carried by the men. The camp kettles will be carried by the men, if horses are not provided for that purpose.
A reduction and critical inspection of what every soldier should carry as his baggage should be made in time, and every thing superfluous destined to be lodged with the heavy baggage, which should remain in the last quarters of the regiment, till otherwise ordered to be disposed of. Three shirts, 2 pair of shoes 2 pair of pantaloons, 2 pair of socks, a fatigue frock and cap, combs, brushes, (and a horseman what is necessary for the care of his horse) is all a soldier ought to carry.
The heavy baggage of the army, including every thing not mentioned above, under a proper escort, should be ordered to some place of security. Each regiment of infantry will be allowed to send a serjeant and 6 men, and each regiment of cavalry 1 corporal and four dismounted men as a guard; such men must be the least fit for marching duties, but should be fully adequate to the service, and by no means convalescents recovering from long indisposition. Proper officers should be ordered to command the whole, and no part of this baggage will be allowed to join the army but by public orders. If at any time carriages not allowed in this regulation should be found in the army, they must be conducted to head quarters, and there destroyed or confiscated to the advantage of those who make the discovery.
Four battalion guns with two waggons will be attached to each regiment of infantry. Should it be necessary, two bat horses will be allowed for the artillery detachment.
Such artillery as remains in the park to be limited as to the number of guns, carriages, and according to the specification given to the commanding officer of the artillery.
The bat men allowed are two for each company and troop, also two for the surgeon and staff of each regiment.
Each battalion to give a non-commissioned officer and 8 men; each regiment of cavalry to give a non-commissioned officer and 6 men, as a guard to their bat horses.
The following number of men on the several after-mentioned duties of the regiment will never exceed
Each regiment of infantry will receive 20 pick-axes, 20 spades, 20 shovels, 40 bill-hooks, 10 axes, amounting in weight to about 400lb. These tools to be carried in the cart allotted for that purpose, and that cart at all times, and in all situations, to march at the head of the regiment.
Each regiment of cavalry will receive 10 pick-axes, 10 spades, 10 shovels, 16 bill-hooks, and 10 axes. These tools will be carried on horseback, and on a horse with hampers allotted for that purpose,and will at all times march at the head of the regiment.
These tools are meant to be ready at all times for making the openings so necessary in an embarrassed country, consequently should be kept in the front of each regiment or column.
Spare appointments and arms of every kind must of course remain with the heavy baggage.
The battalion guns will always march at the head of the regiment, which ever flank leads. The ammunition waggons and carts will immediately follow the troops of the column.
The place of march of the artillery of the park and carriages will be specified in the order of march.
It is to be wished, that at all times each soldier be provided with 4 days bread in his haversack, and 4 days more carried in the regimental carriages. When this is delivered out, those carriages, under the guard of a serjeant and 4 men per battalion, and a corporal and 2 men per regiment of cavalry, will be sent to the bakery to be again loaded.
Each infantry soldier will always carry 20 rounds in his pouch, and 40 in his knapsack or magazine. Each horseman his cartouch box full.
The cavalry will always carry 2 days grain if it can be got, and hay according to circumstances.
Order of March.
When a corps moves in one column, the following will in general be the order of march, if not otherwise ordered, and exclusive of the more particular van or rear guards.
Advancing.
Advanced guard consisting of the picquets of the infantry and cavalry, and new grand guard, followed by the camp-color men.
Pioneers.
1 Reg. light dragoons.
Infantry.
Cavalry.
Regimental ammunition waggons and carts.
Bat horses in the order of their regiments, artillery of the park.
General officers’ carriages, bread carriages.
Cavalry forge cart and ammunition cart.
Sutlers’ carts.
Sick carriages.
Squadron of cavalry.
Old grand guard and small out-posts and detachments which will be ordered to join it, will form the rear guard.
Retreating.
Advanced guard consisting of the new grand guard, guard for head quarters, one infantry picquet, camp color-men.
Pioneers.
Sick carriages.
Sutlers’ carriages.
Cavalry forge carts and ammunition cart.
Bread carriages.
General officers’ carriages.
Artillery of the park.
Bat horses in the order of their regiments.
Regimental ammunition waggons and carts.
Cavalry.
Infantry.
1 Squadron light dragoons.
Rear guard consisting of the infantry and cavalry picquets, old grand guard, out-posts of cavalry or infantry ordered to join.
Two or more pieces of cannon will always march with the advanced guard when retiring.
When the tents are ordered to be struck, the advanced guard and camp color-men will always assemble at the head of the regiment of infantry in advancing, or of the cavalry in retiring, which leads the columns, or of such regiment as will be specified when marching in more columns than one. The general officers will each send a proper person with the camp color-men, to take possession of quarters when they can be marked.
When the army marches in more than one column, the columns will generally be composed of both cavalry and infantry; the particulars of rear and advanced guards will be specified, the generals who command them will be named, and the particular corps in the manner they follow in each column. It is always the business of general officers leading columns, to take care that every part of that column falls properly into its place of march.
When the army marches from its left, every regiment marches from its left; and when the army marches from its right, every regiment marches from its right.
When the army retires, the carriages, except such artillery ones as are specified, will in general be ordered under a proper escort to precede the march of the army.
When the army is to march, the particular detail and disposition of march will not always be given out in public orders. Should the only notice given be, the army will march the —— exactly at —— o’clock; an hour before the time fixed for the march, the tents must be struck; the regiments will then form, and the baggage be loaded and ready in the rear of each.
Guides will be sent to the head of the regiments that lead columns and a sealed disposition of march, there to be opened by the general or oldest field officer present. In consequence of which, by him the advanced guard will be ordered to form; the regiments and carriages to close in to the leading regiments, according to the order of march, and when the whole are ready, the column, or columns, will move off in the manner then prescribed, and at the appointed hour.
In general a rendezvous will be appointed for the bat horses and carriages, thatthey may the more readily be directed into the line of march.—One subaltern per brigade will attend the bat horses; one subaltern per brigade will attend the carriages.
The aids-de-camp and majors of brigade will always regulate their watches by head quarters, at orderly time, that regularity of movement in the troops may be observed.
Commanding officers of battalions, squadrons, and brigades of artillery, will be responsible that they are formed, tents struck, and the baggage loaded in half an hour, from the time that the signal for the march was given them, and for this purpose it is necessary that they should exercise their men to it where they have opportunities.
The battalions are to march by subdivisions, and the cavalry by subdivisions, or ranks by three’s or two’s. If the narrowness of the route obliges them to diminish this front, they must be ordered to form up again as soon as the route permits.
Every officer must remain with his division, and never quit it on any account. No soldier to be permitted to leave his rank. No horses or carriages suffered to interrupt the march of the column. The distance between divisions never to exceed the front of divisions. Commanding officers of brigades will take care that the battalions and squadrons march at their proper ordered distance. When the formation in order of battle may be expected to the flank, the divisions will march at wheeling up distance; when the formation may be expected to the front, the divisions will march at half or quarter distance. Officers on command will remain with their brigades, and punctually observe the order of march, and the execution of every article prescribed.
If a carriage breaks, it must be drawn aside, the road cleared, and a proper escort left with it, that the march of the column be not interrupted. If it can be repaired in time, it will follow; if not, the loading must be divided among the nearest carriages, who are hereby ordered to give this reasonable assistance.
The troops at most may march three miles in an hour and a quarter.
The guides serve only to shew the way for the columns; pioneers ordered must make the necessary openings and repair the roads. But the generals must not trust to those precautions, they must gain the most exact knowlege of the route they are to march, and themselves reflect on the most proper means to avoid all difficulties that may embarrass the march.
It is always time well employed to halt the head of a column, and enlarge an opening or repair a bad step in the road, rather than to diminish the front and lengthen out the line of march.
No individual is ever to presume to march on a less front than what the leader of the column directs, and all doublings therefore must come from the head only; and the proper closeness of the march on all occasions, is a point of the highest consequence, and it is a most meritorious service in any officer to prevent all unnecessary doublings, or to correct them as soon as made, and on all occasions whatsoever, in an inclosed country, when in column, to march on the greatest, front the roads or openings will allow, although the regiments or divisions before them may be marching on a narrower front.
The carriages must be obliged to march two a breast when the roads will allow, and the bat horses to be as connected, and take up as little space as possible. In short, it should be the study and attention of every one to contract the line of march to its just length, for notwithstanding every possible exertion it will be much too extended.
Whenever the baggage is ordered to be sent away, all carriages whatever are comprehended, except such as are particularly specified.
The instant that a regiment comes to its ground, it must make openings of communication both to its front and flanks.
The line of carriages must at no time stop, whatever accident may happen to any individual one, but such carriage must instantly be drawn on one side, and repaired if possible, while the rest proceed. The officers commanding the several divisions of carriages will be answerable for the strict observance of this article, a failure of which might stop and endanger the whole army.
Whenever the regiments encamp, or take up any extended position in front, it will always be the business of commanding officers to find out, and to make the most convenient passages to the great routes by which the column is afterwards to march. And on many occasions, where there will not be time to open and occupy an extensive front, the army will encamp parallel to and along the great route, covered by an advanced corps on the flank next the enemy.
At all times when commanding officers see, that there are likely to be impediments from the nature of the ground to the movements or march of their regiments, they should always detach officers in advance to reconnoitre and point out the means and passages by which such obstacles are to be avoided, and at no time are such helps so necessary as when regiments are acting in line in broken ground, and when their movements are combined with those of others.
Whenever the army moves, the majors of brigade are made responsible, that all advanced and detached posts are called in at the proper times to their places in the column of march.
It must be observed that this is the old British system of march; the war of theFrench revolution has brought this part of the art of war to a degree of perfection, which would have rendered the insertion of this unnecessary if their system were published.
HOMME,Fr.a man.
Hommede mer,Fr.a seaman.
Hommed’armes,Fr.a military phrase among the French, signifying a gentleman or cavalier who belonged to one of the old companies, was armed cap-a-pied, and always fought on horseback. In ancient times every man of this description was accompanied by two horsemen independent of his servants. One of the mounted attendants was armed with a cross-bow, and the other with a common bow or battle-axe; so that one hundredhommes d’armescomposed a body of three hundred horse. It was a species of cavalry which existed from the reign of Louis XI. until the reign of Henry II. Charles VII. had begun to form the French nobility into regular corps of cavalry, dividing them into different troops. Out of these he established a body of fifteen hundredhommes d’armesor armed bowmen, and he gave the troops or companies according to their sizes, to the princes and most experienced captains in his kingdom. For particulars we refer the curious to Le Gendre and Gaia,Traité des armes, L. 14, and to Fauchet, L. 2. C. 1.de son Traité de la milice et des armes.
EtreHommede Cheval,Fr.a term in French equitation, signifying, that a man is completely master of his horse, or knows how to manage him thoroughly and according to prescribed rules and regulations. ThusIl est suffisamment homme de cheval pour d’etre point embarrassé de celui qu’il monte en commandant sa troupe—He is sufficiently master of his horse, or he is horseman enough, not to be in the least embarrassed by the one he rides in exercising his troop.
HONDEAANorHUNDYVEAAN, an Indian term signifying commission on bills of exchange.
HONEY-Combs, incannon, flaws in the metal, a fault in casting, which renders it extremely dangerous in firing. The British board of ordnance rejects all guns (on proof) having an honey-comb of ¹⁄₉th of an inch deep, as being unfit for service.
HONIsoit qui mal y pense,Fr.evil be to him that evil thinks. The motto of the English order of the Garter.
HONNEUR,Fr.honor.
HonneursMilitaires,Fr.military honors. It was directed by a general instruction in the French service, that whenever an officer saluted or paid a military honor to a general officer, he should make his troop or company invariably face towards the enemy. The same practice prevails in our service.
Honneursfunebres.Fr.funeral honors. SeeBurials.
HONOR, in amilitary sense, is an expression, to which custom has given different meanings. Honor consists in the constant practice of virtue. Aristotle calls it the recompence of virtue; the testimony of the excellence of a man who distinguishes himself by virtue. An Italian writer calls it a state of inviolable dignity, above all calumny, and all suspicion. Honor gives many advantages: it procures us the consideration of the public; it advances our fortunes. The best recompence of a brave action is, undoubtedly, the satisfaction of having done it; but nevertheless the honor resulting to us from it is a real good, which should be dear to us.
Honor, in a general acceptation may be properly called a consciousness of worth and virtue in the individual, and a lively desire to preserve the reputation of virtue. As a term it is variously used in military life, and frequently misunderstood by young and unexperienced officers in their first outset. As a quality of the mind, it cannot be too much encouraged or too much cultivated among military men of all ranks and descriptions. The possession of it is a guarantee for good conduct, a bond of fidelity, and a certain barrier against military corruption. Men are excited to deeds of valor and enterprize by a sense of honor, who would otherwise remain inactive, or only perform the mere drudgery of service. This species of honor, is in fact, the root of thatEsprit de corpswhich makes the whole body of an army tenacious of reputation, and solicitous to preserve it unsullied from the colonel down to the lowest drum boy.
This term may likewise be considered as esteem, reputation, the glory which is attached by mankind to talents and the virtues.
Affair ofHonor. We have already given a general outline of this term underDuelling. The propriety or impropriety, as well as the legality or illegality of which mode of terminating human differences is thus explained by the celebrated English lawyer John Selden. His words are under the headDuel; we shall quote them under that ofaffair of honor.
“A Duel may still be granted in some cases by the law of England, and only there. That the church allowed it anciently appears by this, in their public liturgies there were prayers appointed for the duellists to say, the judge used to bid them go to such a church and pray, &c. But whether this is lawful? If you make any war lawful, I make no doubt but to convince you of it. War is lawful, because God is the only judge between two, that is supreme. Now if a difference happen between two subjects, and it cannot be decided by human testimony, why may not they put it to God to judge between them, by the permission of the prince? Nay, what if we should bring it down for argument’s sake, to the sword men; one gives me the lie: it is a great disgrace to take it the law has made noprovision to give remedy for the injury, (if you can suppose any thing an injury for which the law gives no remedy) why am not I in this case supreme, and may therefore right myself.
“A duke ought to fight with a gentleman; the reason is this: the gentleman will say to the duke, it is true you hold a higher place in the state than I; there is a great difference between you and me, but your dignity does not privilege you to do me an injury; as soon as ever you do me an injury, you make yourself my equal; and as you are my equal I challenge you; and in sense the duke is bound to answer him.”
In addition to what Selden has said upon duelling, we shall quote a passage from Dr. Robertson’s History of the reign of Charles the V. which will shew that this mode of determining private disputes is extremely ancient.
“It is evident” observes that author, “from Velleius Paterculus, lib. ii. c. 118, that all questions which were decided among the Romans by legal trial, were terminated among the Germans by arms. The same thing appears in the ancient laws and customs of the Swedes, quoted by Jo. O. Stiernhook de jure Sueonum et Gothorum vetusto, 4to Holmiæ 1682, lib. i. c. 7. It is probable, that when the various tribes which invaded the empire were converted to Christianity, their ancient custom of allowing judicial combats appeared so glaringly repugnant to the precepts of religion, that for some time, it was abolished, and by degrees, several circumstances which I have mentioned led them to resume it.
“It seems likewise to be probable from a law quoted by Stiernhook in the treatise which I have mentioned, that the judicial combat was originally permitted in order to determine points respecting the personal character or reputation of individuals, and was afterwards extended not only to criminal cases, but to questions concerning property. The words of the law are ‘If any man shall say to another these reproachful words ‘You are not a man equal to other men’ or, ‘You have not the heart of a man,’ and the other shall reply ‘I am a man as good as you,’ let them meet on the highway. If he who first give offence appear, and the person offended absent himself, let the latter be deemed a worse man even than he was called; let him not be admitted to give evidence in judgment either on man or woman, and let him not have the privilege of making a testament. If he who gave the offence be absent, and only the person offended appear, let him call upon the other thrice with a loud voice, and make a mark upon the earth, and then let him who absented himself be deemed infamous, because he uttered words which he durst not support. If both shall appear properly armed, and the person offended shall fall in the combat, let a half compensation be paid for his death. But if the person who gave the offence shall fall, let it be imputed to his own rashness. The petulance of his tongue hath been fatal to him. Let him lie in the field, without any compensation being demanded for his death. Lex Uplandica ap. Stiern, p. 76. Martial people were extremely delicate with respect to every thing that affected their reputation as soldiers. By the laws of the Salians, if any man called another ahare, or accused him of having left his shield in the field of battle, he was ordained to pay a large fine. Leg. Sal. tit. xxxii, § 4. 6. By the law of the Lombards, if any one called anotherarga, i. e. a good-for-nothing fellow, he might immediately challenge him to combat. Leg. Longob. lib. i. tit. v. § i. By the law of the Salians, if one called anothercenitus, a term of reproach equivalent toarga, he was bound to pay a very high fine, tit. xxxii. § i. Paulus Diaconus relates the violent impression which this reproachful expression made upon one of his countrymen, and the fatal effects with which it was attended. De Gestis Longobard. lib. vi. c. 24. Thus the ideas concerning the point of honor, which we are apt to consider as a modern refinement, as well as the practice of duelling, to which it gave rise, are derived from the notions of barbarians.” See Robertson’s History of Charles V. pages 271, 272.
We shall not take leave of our learned author without giving two or three instances out of his proofs and illustrations relative to the termination of private feuds by judicial or private combat.
This mode of trial was so acceptable, that ecclesiastics, notwithstanding the prohibitions of the church, were constrained not only to connive at the practice, but to authorize it. A remarkable instance of this is produced by Pasquier, Recherches, lib. iv. ch. i. p. 350. The abbot Wittikindus considered the determination of a point of law by combat as the best and most honorable mode of decision.
In the year 978, a judicial combat was fought in the presence of the emperor. The archbishop Aldebert advised him to terminate a contest which had arisen between two noblemen of his court, by this mode of decision. The vanquished combatant, though a person of high rank, was beheaded on the spot. Chronic. Ditmari. Episc. Mersb. chez Bouquet Recueil des Hist. tom. x. p. 121. Questions concerning the property of churches and monasteries were decided by combat. In the year 961, a controversy concerning the church of St. Medard, whether it belonged to the abbey of Beaulieu or not was terminated by judicial combat. Bouquet Recueil des Hist. tom. ix. p. 729. ibid. p. 612, &c. The emperor Henry I. declares that this law, authorizing the practice of judicial combats, was enactedwith consent and the applause of many faithful bishops. Ibid. p. 231. So remarkable did the martial ideas of those ages prevail over the genius and maxims of the canon law, which in other instances was in the highest credit and authority with ecclesiastics. A judicial combat was appointed in Spain by Charles V. A. D. 1522. The combatants fought in the presence of the emperor, and the battle was conducted with all the rites prescribed by the ancient laws of chivalry. The whole transaction is described at great length by Pontus Heuterus Rer. Austrica. lib. viii. C. 17. p. 205.
The last instance which occurs in the history of France, of a judicial combat authorized by the magistrate, was the famous one between M. Jarnac and M. de la Chaistagnerie, A. D. 1547. A trial by combat was appointed in England, A. D. 1571, under the inspection of the judges in the court of Common Pleas; and though it was not carried to the same extremity with the former, queen Elizabeth having interposed her authority, and enjoined the parties to compound the matter, yet in order to preserve their honor, the lists were marked out, and all the forms, previous to the combat, were observed with much ceremony. Spelm. Gloss. Voc.Campus, p. 103. In the year 1631, a judicial combat was appointed between Donald lord Rea, and David Ramsay, Esq. by the authority of the lord high constable and earl marshal of England; but that quarrel likewise terminated without bloodshed, being accommodated by Charles I. Another instance occurs seven years later. Rushworth in Observation on the Statutes, &c. p. 266.
It manifestly appears from these extracts, that in former times not only the property of individuals was considered, but their feelings, as men of honor, were consulted. Law, however, soon obtained the entire ascendancy, and judicial or private combats were not only laid aside, but were moreover strictly forbidden. The military character alone seems to have retained a sort of tacit privilege to make appeals to the sword, in cases where the nice sensibility of the heart breaks through the trammels of legal disquisition, and establishes points of honor which can only be determined by personal exposure. Thus we find that although premeditated duels were severely punished in France,Rencontresor accidental quarrels were always overlooked, whatever their issue might be. Frederic the Great of Prussia seems to have set his face against duelling altogether. Yet it is singular, that notwithstanding his severe prohibition, a Prussian officer was under the necessity either of vindicating his wounded honor by an appeal to the sword or pistol, or was disgraced for having suffered a personal affront. In England the same hardship exists. Lord Kenyon declared from the bench, that he would personally interfere as expounder of the British laws, should any minister recommend mercy to his majesty on the conviction of an individual who had murdered his fellow creature in a duel. SeeDuel.
Word ofHonor, (parole d’honneur,Fr.) A promise or engagement that is made or entered into by word of mouth, the breach of which entails disgrace upon the violator.
Point ofHonor, (point d’honneur,Fr.) A delicacy of feeling, which is generally acquired by education, and strengthened by an intercourse with men of strict integrity and good conduct. It is likewise very frequently the offspring of peculiar habits, received notions, and established etiquettes. The French familiarly say,Ils se sont battus pour un point d’honneur, they fought for a point of honor; they likewise say,Il y va de son honneur, his honor is at stake.
To die upon the bed ofHonor, (mourir au lit d’honneur,Fr.) is a term particularly applied to military men, who die in battle fighting in their country’s cause.
A court ofHonor. Although a court of honor may be said, in some degree, to resemble a court of inquiry, nevertheless it cannot be strictly so; for a court of honor has not only the power of ascertaining the degree of guilt which may be attached to misconduct, but it can entail ignominy upon the guilty person; whereas a court of inquiry only investigates the matter and circumstances, and determines whether there be sufficient ground to try the accused before a general court martial; which is the last resort of military jurisdiction, and unites within itself all the qualities and powers of the other two courts.
A debt ofHonor, an obligation which among honorable men, especially officers, is more binding than those engagements or contracts that are guaranteed by law. The reason is manifest.
Honorsby Guards, as a compliment to general officers, &c. with the detail of officers and men they are entitled to in the English army:
The commander in chief, if a field-marshal or captain-general, has 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 ensign, 2 serjeants, 2 drummers, 2 fifers, and 50 privates, with colors.
A general of horse and foot has 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 2 serjeants, 2 drummers, 2 fifers, and 50 privates.
A lieutenant-general of horse and foot has 1 lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 1 drummer, 1 fifer, and 30 privates.
A major-general of horse and foot has 1 ensign, 1 serjeant, 1 drummer, 1 fifer, and 20 privates.
A brigadier has 1 serjeant and 12 privates.
A quarter-master general has 1 serjeant and 12 privates.
Majors of brigade encamped together, have 1 serjeant and 2 privates.
A judge advocate has 1 serjeant and 7 privates.
A provost-marshal has 1 serjeant and 18 privates.
A provost-marshal, when he has prisoners, has 1 lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 1 drummer, 1 fifer, and 48 privates.
MilitaryHonors. A field-marshal in the British service is to be saluted with the colors and standards of all the forces, except the horse and foot guards, and excepting when any of the royal family shall be present; but in case a field-marshal is colonel of any regiment, or troop of horse or foot guards, he is to be saluted by the colors or standards of the regiment or troop he commands.
Generals of cavalry and infantry, upon all occasions, are to have the march beat to them, and to be saluted by all officers, those bearing the colors excepted.
Lieutenant-generals of cavalry and infantry are, upon all occasions, to be saluted by all officers. They are to have three ruffles given them, with presented arms.
Major-generals are to have two ruffles with presented arms.
Brigadier-generals are to have one ruffle with presented arms.
To colonels their own quarter-guards in camp turn out, and present their arms, once a day, after which they only turnout with ordered arms.
To majors their own guards turn out with ordered arms once a day; at other times they stand by their arms.
When a lieutenant-colonel or major commands a regiment, their own quarter-guards pay them the same compliment as is ordered for the colonel.
Honors to be paid by the cavalry.—A general of cavalry or infantry is to be received with swords drawn, kettle drums beating, trumpets sounding the march, and all the officers to salute, except the cornet bearing the standard.
A lieutenant-general is to be received with swords drawn, trumpets sounding twice the trumpet flourish, as in drawing swords, and all the officers to salute except the cornet bearing the standard; but the kettle drums are not to beat.
A major-general is to be received with swords drawn, one trumpet of each squadron sounding once the trumpet flourish, as in drawing swords; no officer to salute, nor kettle drum to beat
A brigadier-general is to be received with swords drawn; no trumpet to sound, nor any officer to salute, nor kettle drum to beat.
All officers in the command of forts or garrisons, have a right to the complimentary honors from the troops under their command, which are due to the rank one degree higher than the one they actually possess.
Manner of paying honors.—In the British service the king’s standard or color in the guards, is never carried by any guard except that which mounts on his majesty’s person.
The first standard, guidon, or color of regiments, which is the union color, is not carried by any guard but that on the king, queen, prince of Wales, or commander in chief being of the royal family; and, except in those cases, it always remains with the regiment.
When general officers, or persons entitled to a salute, pass in the rear of a guard, the officer is only to make his men stand shouldered, and not to face his guard to the right about, or beat his drum.
All sentries are to pay a due respect to every officer who passes by their posts, but are to keep their proper front while paying the compliment.
All governors, whose commissions in the army are under the degree of general officers, shall have, in their own garrisons, all the guards turn out with rested arms, and beat one ruffle; and though the main guard turns out with rested arms every time he passes, yet they give him the compliment of the drum but once a day; but all the other guards beat as often as he appears near them.
If they are general officers likewise, they are then to have the further compliments paid them, by the several beatings of the drum, as practised in the army.
Regulation of honors to be paid to admirals.—Admirals, with their flags on the main-top, are to have the same respect from the troops as generals of cavalry and infantry; that is, upon all occasions to have a march beat to them, and to be saluted by all the officers, those bearing the colors excepted.
Vice admirals are to have the same respect as lieutenant generals of cavalry and infantry; that is, upon all occasions be saluted by all the officers in the garrison, the drummers beating 3 ruffles.
The rear admirals are to have the same respect as major generals, who have two ruffles, and not to be saluted by any officer.
Commodores with broad pendants have the same respect as brigadier-generals; which is, to have one ruffle.
Rank and precedence between sea and land officers.—The admiral or commander in chief of his majesty’s fleet is to rank with a field-marshal of the army.
The admirals with their flags on the main-top mast-head, are to have rank with generals.
Vice admirals are to have rank as lieutenant-generals.
Rear admirals are to have rank as major-generals.
Commodores with broad pendants are to have rank as brigadier-generals.
Captains commanding post ships, after three years from the date of their first commission for a post ship, are to have rank as colonels.