Cicero has remarked a superstitious custom observed in these proceedings; that the first soldier pitched upon should for the omen’s sake, be such as had fortunate names, as Salvius, Valerius, and the like. Cic. de Divinat. lib. 1.
There were in those times, (as in the present with respect to the militia) many legal excuses which might keep persons from the list; as, in case they were fifty years old, for then they could not be obliged to serve; or if they enjoyed any civil or sacred office, which they could not conveniently relinquish; or if they had already made twenty campaigns, which was the time required for every foot soldier; or if, upon account of extraordinary merit, they had been by public authority, released from the trouble of serving for such a time; or if they were maimed in any part, and so ought not to be admitted into the legions; as Suetonius tells us of a father who cut off the thumbs of his two sons on purpose to keep them out of the army (Sueton. August. chap. 24.) and Valerius Maximus gives a relation of the like nature. (Val. Max. lib. 6. cap. 3.)
Otherwise they were necessitated to submit, and in case of a refusal, were usually punished either with imprisonment, fine or stripes, according to the lenity, or severity of the consul. And therefore it seems strange, that Machiavel should particularly condemn the Roman discipline, upon account of forcing no one to the wars, when we have in all parts of history, such large intimations of a contrary practice. Nay, we read too of theconquisitoresor impress-masters, who were commissioned upon some occasions, to go about, and compel the men to the service of the state.
Valerius Maximus (lib. 6. chap. 3.) gives one example of changing this custom of taking out every particular soldier by the tribunes, for that of chusing them by lot. And Appianus Alexandrinus (in Iberic.) acquaints us, that in the Spanish war, managed by Lucullus, upon complaint to the senate of several unjust practices in the levies, the senate thought fit to chuse all the soldiers by lot. Yet the same author assures us, that within five years time the old custom returned of making the levies in the manner already described.
However, upon any extraordinary occasion of immediate service, they omitted the common formalities, and without much distinction, listed such as they met with, and led them out on an expedition. These they calledMilites Subitarii. Kennett’s Ant. page 183, b. iv.
The French always followed the example of the Romans with regard to the first principles of levying men, which was effected by a proclamation from the court, called theban. This ban was addressed to the principal person belonging to a province, who, in pursuance to its instructions, assembled his vassals, and got them fit and ready for immediate service.
In England a similar rotation took place; and the balloting for militia-men still exhibits some remains of that feudal system. But when regular armies became necessary in Europe (necessary only from the ambition of contiguous and rival nations!) a different system was adopted, and the natural strength of the country was made a secondary object. Disposable means of offence and defence were resorted to by crowned heads; and as war was became a science, permanent bodies of armed men were kept on foot to answer the purposes of prompt and vigorous decision.
Charles VIII. was the first monarch among the French who dispensed with the service of his noblemen, in themselves and vassals; these he replaced by raising regular companies of gendarmes, who were paid out of his privy purse; in process of time cavalry and infantry regiments, with appropriate trains of artillery, &c. were formed into a military establishment, and have continued ever since.
During the existence of the old government in France, it was customary for the king to issue orders that a certain bounty should be offered to all recruits who would inlist; and when regiments, in time of war, suffered materially, men were frequently drafted out of the militia to complete their establishment.
With respect to the standing or permanent army of England, the first traces of it are to be found during the reign of Henry VII.; from that period until the present time the military establishment of Great Britain has been progressive. Levies have been made in various ways, upon various principles.
The French system of conscription is the most profound and perfect that has ever been devised; no man is exempted. And in this respect it is the only system in its principle adapted to a free state, where all individuals having equal rights, have also corresponding duties and obligations.
Levylikewise means inlisting money.
LICE,Fr.List for combats.
LICENCIEMENTdes troupes,Fr.At the end of a campaign this generally happened in France, when troops could notany longer keep the field owing to the severity of the weather. In former times it was usual, during the continuance of a war, for the French army to retire into winter quarters about the latter end of October. But since the revolution, hostilities have been carried on at all seasons, and under the most disheartening pressure of the weather.
Licenciementdes equipages des vivres,Fr.It was usual in the old French army, for an order to be issued by which the contractors and commissaries, for the time being, were discharged at the close of a campaign. The director general of the stores always preserved this order, as it formed the only final voucher, upon which the contractors could receive any demand against government. The greatest attention was paid to this important branch of military economy; and, if at the conclusion of a campaign, it was found necessary to retain any part of the establishment for the immediate subsistence of the troops in winter quarters, that part was minutely noticed in the order.
LICENCIER,Fr.to discharge.
LIDE,Fr.a warlike machine, which was formerly used to throw large stones against a fortified place, or upon an enemy.
ToLIE, in a military acceptation of the term, to be in quarters, in cantonments, or to be in camp: the fourth regiment of foot, for instance,LIESencamped between Fort Adams and Orleans: or itLIESat Orleans. The light dragoonsLIEalong the frontier.
ToLIEin ambush, to be posted in such a manner as to be able to surprise your enemy, should he presume to advance, without having previously cleared the woods, hedges, &c.
ToLIEunder cover, to be under the protection of a battery, or to be sheltered by a wood, &c.
ToLIEin wait, to take a position unobserved by the enemy, and to remain under arms, in the expectation of suddenly falling upon his flanks or rear.
LIEU,Fr.League. There are three sorts of lieues or leagues in France, the great, middling, and small. The great French league contains three thousand geometrical paces, or two thousand five hundred toises; and the small league two thousand geometrical paces, that is, twice the extent of the Italian mile; which is so called, because it contains one thousand geometrical paces. According to an old existing regulation, the leagues of France were directed to contain two thousand two hundred toises, and two thousand six hundred and forty geometrical paces. SeeMeasure.
InLIEU. In the room, place, or stead of.
LIEUTENANT. This word is originally derived from the Latin legatus, locum tenens, and comes immediately to us from the Frenchlieu-tenant, supplying or holding the place of another. In a military sense it means the second person or officer in command.Lieutenant-general, the next in command to a general;lieutenant-colonel, the next to a colonel;captain-lieutenant, an intermediate rank; andlieutenant, the next to a captain, in every company of both foot and horse, and who takes the command upon the death or absence of his superior officer. Fuzileer corps, grenadiers, and light infantry, in the British service, have second lieutenants and no ensigns, a very absurd distinction.
Lieutenantof artillery. In the British service each company of artillery has 4; 1 first and 3 second lieutenants. The first lieutenant has the same detail of duty with the captain, because in his absence he commands the company: he is to see that the soldiers are clean and neat: that their clothes, arms, and accoutrements are in good and serviceable order; and to watch over every thing else, which may contribute to their health. He must give attention to their being taught their exercise, see them punctually paid, their messes regularly kept, and visit them in the hospitals when sick. He must assist at all parades, &c. He ought to understand the doctrine of projectiles and the science of artillery, with the various effects of gunpowder, however managed or directed. He should likewise be able to construct and dispose batteries to the best advantage; to plant cannon, mortars, and howitzers, so as to produce the greatest annoyance to an enemy. He is to be well skilled in the attack and defence of fortified places, and to be conversant in arithmetic, mathematics, and mechanics, &c.
SecondLieutenant, in theartillery, is the same as an ensign in an infantry regiment, being the youngest commissioned officer in the company. It is his duty to assist the first lieutenant in the detail of the company. His other qualifications should be the same as those required in the first lieutenant.
Lieutenantof engineers. SeeEngineers.
Lieutenant-colonel. SeeColonel.
Lieutenant-general. SeeGeneral.
Lieutenantdu Roi,Fr.During the monarchy of France there was a deputy governor in every fortified place, or strong town, who commanded in the absence of the governor, and was a check upon his conduct when present. This person was calledLieutenantdu Roi.
LieutenantReduced, (Lieutenant Reformé,Fr.) he whose company or troop is broke or disbanded, but who continued in whole or half pay, and still preserves his right of seniority and rank in the army.
Lieutenantde la Colonelle,Fr.the second officer, or what was formerly styled the captain lieutenant of the colonel’s company of every infantry regiment, was so called in France.
Lieutenansdes Gardes Francoises et Suisses,Fr.lieutenants belonging to the French and Swiss guards. During the existence of the monarchy in France they bore the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and took precedence of all captains.
LieutenansProvinciaux d’Artillerie,Fr.were certain officers belonging to the old French service, and immediately attached to the artillery, who bore the title or name of the particular province in which they were stationed. The majority of this description were employed in the ordnance department; another part superintended different artillery departments upon the frontiers. Some were excused from all duty on account of their age and seniority.
Several provincial lieutenants, who had military employments under the board of ordnance, received the rank of lieutenant general in the army from the king, and could rise to the most exalted stations in common with other officers.
LieutenantGénéral,Fr.The title and rank of lieutenant-general was of a more desultory nature in France under the old government of that country, than in other countries. High officers of justice were distinguished by the name; and all governors of provinces, as far as their jurisdiction extended, together with the persons who acted under them, were calledlieutenants généraux. There were likewise persons who bore the title of lieutenant-general of the kingdom at large. Every officer, moreover, that acted immediately under a general, and was next to him in rank, was styled lieutenant-general. It is the same, in this respect, in England. In both countries, however, (considering the subjects as appertaining to a monarchical institution) the title of general was only ostensible and honorary, as his functions were delegated to him by his sovereign, the real general and head of the army. So that intrinsically a general could only be considered as lieutenant-general to the king; but the lieutenant-general who acts under him, must be viewed as holding a relative rank inferior to both. The words of the two commissions sufficiently explain our observation. They are as follow for a lieutenant-general with the nominal rank of general:—We have made and constitutedN.our lieutenant-general, &c.and for those acting under him:—We have made and constitutedN.one of our lieutenant-generals. Which plainly indicates, that of the first class there can only be one who represents his sovereign; whereas there are and may be many of the other description. Lieutenant-generals, in the French service, did not receive any pay, in consequence of the rank they bore, unless they actually commanded some part of the army, and received a commission from the king for that purpose. This commission was renewed annually, according to his majesty’s pleasure.
Lieutenant-General d’Artillerie. SeeLieutenant-general of theOrdnance.
Lieutenant-General des Armèes Navales du Roi.Fr.an officer in the old French service, belonging to the naval department. He took rank of all chefs d’escadre, or commodores, and issued orders through them to inferior officers.
LIFE GUARDS.—SeeGuards.
LIGHT BOBS, a familiar term used for the light infantry.
LIGHT HORSE. All mounted soldiers, that are lightly armed and accoutred for active and desultory service, may be considered under this term. Thus light dragoons, hussars, mounted riflemen, &c. are strictly speaking light horse.
LIGHT INFANTRY, an active, strong body of men, selected from the aggregate of battalion companies, and made up of the most promising recruits that are occasionally inlisted.
When the light infantry companies are in line with their battalions, they are to form and act in every respect as a company of the battalion; but when otherwise disposed of, they may loosen their files to six inches
The open order of light infantry is usually two feet between each file.
The files may be extended from right, left, or centre; in executing it, each front rank man must carefully take his distance from the man next to him on that side from which the extension is made: the rear rank men conform to the movement of their file leaders.
When light infantry men fire in extended order, it is to be a standing rule, that the two men of the same file are never unloaded together; for which purpose as soon as the front rank man has fired, he is to slip round the left of the rear rank man, who will take a short pace forward, and put himself in the other’s place, whom he is to protect while loading.
The extended order of light infantry varies according to circumstances and situations. They may sometimes loosen their files to three times the distance of open order. But the general rule is to allow convenient intervals for the rear rank men to slip by, and return after they have fired.
All movements of light infantry, except when firing, advancing, or retreating, are to be in quick time.
The officer commanding the company in line will be on the right, covered by a serjeant; the next on the left also covered by a serjeant. The youngest officer in the rear. In extended order the post of the officers and serjeants is always in the rear at equal distances.
In marching by files the officer commanding leads: by divisions each officer leads one. The supernumerary officer, if there be one, is in both cases with the officer commanding, ready to obey any directions he may receive from him.
The arms of light infantry in general are carried sloped, when the bayonets are fixed. Flanking or advanced parties, however, or parties in particular situations, may carry them trailed, and without bayonets, for the purpose of taking a more cool and deliberate aim.
When the light infantry is ordered to cover the line to the front, the divisions will move from their inner flanks round the flanks of the battalions, and when at the distance of fifty paces, the leading flanks will wheel towards each other, so as to meet opposite the centre of the battalion, opening their files gradually from the rear, so as to cover the whole extent of the battalion.
The files are not to wait for any word of command, but to halt and front themselves. In this position, and in all positions of extended order, the post of the officer commanding is in the rear of the centre, and the movements are to be regulated by the company belonging to the battalion, which governs those of the line. SeeAm. Mil. Lib.
Light infantry men, like hussars, are frequently detached to act as scouts on the flanks, in the front, or with the rear guard of the body of troops to which they belong. They then acquire the appellation of skirmishers, and being previously told off for that specific duty, they advance and form in the front in rank entire; which is effected by each man from the rear rank placing himself on the left of his file leader. The rank entire may be resorted to for various purposes during the movements of one or more battalions, since it may serve not only to cover them from the enemy’s observation, but in some cases, especially in foggy weather, will itself appear a larger body than it really is. Too much attention cannot be given to the organization of light troops on foot. They are very properly called the eyes of an army, and ought always to be considered as indispensibly necessary.
LIGHT TROOPS. By light troops are generally meant all horse and foot which are accoutred for detached service.
LIGNE,Fr.SeeLine.
LIGNEd’Eau,Fr.a term used in aquatics. It is the hundredth and fortieth portion of an inch of water, and furnishes or supplies one hundred and four pints of water, Paris measure, in twenty four hours.
Lignede moindre résistance,Fr.is the line that being drawn from the centre of thefourneauor chamber of a mine, runs up in a perpendicular direction to the nearest outward surface.
Lignesen forme de Crémaillère,Fr.Indented lines, or lines resembling the teeth of a saw, or stairs: they are connected with one another like crotchets; or united by small flanks comprising fourteen or fifteen toises each. M. de Clairac has given a particular account of their construction in hisIngenieur de Campagne. The effect, observes that writer, which is produced by the concentrated fire that may be poured from these lines, is perhaps unexampled. One advantage is certain, that of being able to increase your efforts of defence, in proportion as the enemy advances; since it must be evident, that constructed as the flanks are, and enchasing one another, the execution becomes multiplied in every quarter. It may moreover be stated among other advantages, that as the salient points are double in number, and are flanked within half a distance of musquet shot, without stretching far into the country, they must of course be less exposed to the enemy’s approaches. From the figure of these lines the troops are enabled to keep up an uninterrupted and regular direct fire; and it is the only construction from which an equal discharge of ordnance or musquetry may be served in every quarter at once.
LIMBER, inartillery, a two-wheel carriage with shafts to fasten the trail of travelling carriages by means of a pintle or iron pin, when travelling, and taken off on the battery, or when placed in the park of artillery; which is called unlimbering the guns.
LIME, inmilitary architecture, is made of all kind of stones, that will calcine: that which is made of the hardest stone is the best, and the worst of all that which is made of chalk.
Lime will not be sufficiently burnt in less than 60 hours. The signs of well burnt lime are, that its weight is to that of the stone in a sesquialterate proportion; that it be white, light, and sonorous; that when slaked, it sticks to the sides of the vessel, sending forth a copious thick smoke, and requires a great deal of water to slake it.
In some countries, as the East Indies and the United States, they make good lime of shells of fish, which dries and hardens in a very short time; and when it is mixed with Dutch terras, is fit for all kind of aquatic works.
Lime should always be burnt with coals, and never with wood, the coals being strongly impregnated with sulphureous particles, which, mixed with the lime, make it more adhesive. SeeMortar.
LIMINARQUE,Fr.an office of distinction, which existed in the Roman empire. The persons invested with it were directed to watch the frontiers of the empire, and they commanded the troops that were employed upon that service.
LIMITARY, a guard or superintendant, placed at the confines or boundaries of any kingdom or state.
LIMITS, in a military sense, is that distance which a sentry is allowed on his post, namely 50 paces to the right, and as many to the left.
LINCH-pin, in artillery, that which passes through the ends of the arms of anaxle-tree, to keep the wheels or trucks from slipping off in travelling.
Linch-clout, in artillery, the flat iron under the end of the arms of an axle-tree, to strengthen them, and to diminish the friction of the wheels.
LINDEN TREE. The wood used in artificial fire-works, &c.
LINE, in geometry, signifies length, without any supposed breadth or depth. Astraight or right lineis the shortest way from one point to another. Acurved or crooked lineis that which deviates from the shortest way, and embraces a greater space between one point and another. Aperpendicular lineis a straight line, which falling upon another line does not incline either to one side or the other.Parallel linesare lines which are at equal distances from one another, in such a manner, that although they may be prolonged ad infinitum, they never can meet.
Euclid’s second book treats mostly of lines, and of the effects of their being divided, and again multiplied into one another.
HorizontalLineis that which is spread upon the plane of the horizon; such, for instance, are those lines that may be supposed to form the level surface of a plain.
InclinedLine, (ligne inclineé,Fr.) is that line which leans or is raised obliquely upon the plane of the horizon, and which might resemble the sloping or declivity of a hillock.
ObliqueLine, (ligne oblique,Fr.) a straight line which leans more to one side than another the instant it is brought into contact with any other line.
Linetangent, (ligne tangente,Fr.) a straight line, which, without intersecting it meets a curve at one point, and does not enter, but barely touches it.
VerticalLine, (ligne verticale,Fr.) a line which is raised perpendicularly above or below the horizon. Of this description are all lines that express height or depth.
TheLine. This term is frequently used to distinguish the regular army from other establishments of a military nature. All numbered or marching regiments are called the line. The marines, militia, and volunteers, do not come under the term. It is, however, a corruption of the word, since the true import of line in military matters, means that solid part of an army which is called the main body, and has a regular formation from right to left. Thus in the seven years war, when prince Ferdinand commanded the allied army, the British troops under the marquis of Granby did not belong to the line, because they were always detached and acted in front of the main body. Grenadiers and light infantry, when from their several corps, cannot be called the line, but the instant they are incorporated they become so. According to this explanation, and we think it a correct one, the word is very generally misapplied, as it cannot strictly be used to distinguish any particular establishment from another.
Line, orline of battle, is the arrangement or disposition of an army for battle: its front being extended along a straightlineas far as the ground will permit, in order that the several corps of cavalry and infantry which compose it, may not be cut off or flanked by the enemy.
The Ottoman troops are generally drawn up on a curve line, or half-moon, for the purpose of surrounding their enemies by superior numbers. European armies are usually drawn up in three lines; the first being named thevan, (avant-garde,Fr.) the second,main body, (corps de bataille,Fr.) and the third, which was formerly the weakest, is called thereserve, orrear-guard. (Corps de réserve, ou arrière-garde,Fr.) Each of these lines is so drawn up, that the wings or extremities are always composed of some squadrons of horse, whose intervals are likewise supported by infantry platoons. The battalions are posted in the centre of each line; sometimes they are intermixed with squadrons of horse, when there is a considerable body of cavalry attached to the army. The space of ground, which in each line separates the different corps from one another, is always equal in extent to the front that is occupied by them. These intervals are left in order to facilitate their several movements, and to enable them to charge the enemy without being exposed to confusion and disorder. It must be observed, as a general rule, that the intervals or spaces which are between each battalion and squadron belonging to the secondlineshould invariably correspond with the ground that is occupied by the battalions and squadrons, which constitute the firstline; in order that the firstline, on being forced to fall back, may find sufficient ground to rally upon, and not endanger the disposition of the secondline, by precipitately crowding on it.
Each line is divided into right and left wings. Each wing is composed of one or more divisions. Each division is composed of one or more brigades. Each brigade is formed of two, three, or four, or more battalions.
Battalions are formed in line at a distance of twelve paces from each other, and this interval is occupied by two or more cannon, which are attached to each battalion. There is no increased distance betwixt brigades, unless particular circumstances attend it. In exercise, should there be no cannon betwixt the battalions, the interval may be reduced to six paces.
Line,how regulated. Its regulating body in movement is, in general, the battalion of that flank which is nearest to, and is to preserve the appui, or which is to make the attack. There are very few cases in which the centre ought to regulate, although the direct march of the line in front appears to be the easiest conducted by a battalion of the centre. It is theflank, however, that must preserve the line of appui in all movements in front, if the line is thrown backward or forward, it is generally on a flank point.
It may not be superfluous to remark, that the termline, as expressing a military disposition for battle, was not known until the sixteenth century.—Before that period when armies were ranged in order of battle upon three lines; the firstlinewas calledadvanced guard, (avant garde,) the second,main body only, (corps de bataille,) and the third,rear guard, (arriére garde.)—These terms are never used in modern times, except when any army is on its march; when drawn up for action, or in the field for review,columns, orlinesare substituted.
Linesof support, are lines of attack, which are formed to support one another. Where there are several, the second should outflank the first, the third the second; the advanced one being thereby strengthened and supported on its outward wing.
Lineof march. The regular and tactical succession of the component parts of an army that is put in motion.
Linesof march, are bodies of armed men marching on given points to arrive at any straight alignement on which they are to form. The general direction of such alignement is always determined before the troops enter it, and the point in that line at which their head is to arrive, must next be ascertained. SeeAm. Mil. Lib.
The line is said to be well dressed, when no part is out of the straight alignement. That this may be effected, at the worddress, which is given by the commander, it is immediately to commence from the centre of each battalion, the men looking to their own colors, and the correcting officers lining them upon the colors of their next adjoining battalion.
Line-firings, are executed separately and independently by each battalion.
Inversion of the line, in formation. This is a manœuvre which ought only to be resorted to on the most urgent occasions, as it is prudent to avoid the inversion of all bodies in line. The inversion is effected by facing a battalion or line to the right about, instead of changing its position by a counter march; sometimes, indeed, it may be necessary to form to a flank with its rear in front. The column with its line in front may arrive on the left of its ground, and be obliged immediately to form up and support that point, so that the right of the line will become the left. Part of a second line may double round on the extremity of a first line, thereby to outflank an enemy. These, and various other movements, may be found necessary, and they can only be practised with safety and expedition by the inversion of the line.
Linesadvancing to engage an enemy. Lignes marchant à l’ennemi,Fr.According to Marshal Puységur, all lines should take the centre for the regulating point of movement, and not the right, as others have maintained. He grounds his opinion upon a known fact, that the more extended a line is, the more difficult it must prove to march by the right. By making the centre the directing portion of the line, more than half the difficulty is removed. To which it may be added, that the centre is more easily discernible from the right and left, than the right is within the just observation of the left, or the left within that of the right.
When thelineadvances it must uniformly preserve a convexity from the centre, so that when it halts, the right and left may have to dress up; but this convexity must be scarcely perceptible. Were the line to be concave on approaching the enemy, a necessity would occur of throwing the wings back, perhaps even of putting several corps to therightabout, during which operation the whole army might be endangered.
When lines are marching forward they must be occasionally halted: in which cases the centre halts first, and when the line is ordered to advance again, the centre steps off though in an almost imperceptible manner, before the right and left.
Each commanding officer must place himself in the centre of that proportion of the line which he has under his immediate orders, unless he should be otherwise directed. The centre is always the most convenient point, from whence every thing that passes on the right and left may be observed. When the line advances in charging order, he must march at the head of his battalion or squadron, taking care, that he is followed by his troops with an equal cadenced step, and regulating his own movement by that of the divisions which are formed on his right and left. The greater the extent of line proves, which is composed of several battalions and squadrons that advance forward with the same front, the more difficult will be the movement of the several bodies; but as we have already observed, a great part of this difficulty is overcome when the centre is made the directing body. The right and left must be invariably governed by it.
RetiringLine, are bodies of armed men that have advanced against an opposing enemy in order of battle, withdrawing themselves with regularity from the immediate scene of action. On this occasion it is of the greatest importance, that the line should be correctly dressed before it faces to the right about; and the battalions will prepare for the retreat in the manner prescribed for the single one by receiving the caution, that theline will retire.
To form theLine, in land tactics, is to arrange the troops in order of battle, or battle array.
To break theLine, to change the direction from that of a straight line, in order to obtain a cross fire.
Turning out of theLine, in a military sense. The line turns out without arms whenever the general commanding in chief comes along the front of the camp.
In the British army the following is the usage:
When thelineturns out, the private men are drawn up in a line with the bells of arms; the corporals on the right and left of their respective companies: the piquet forms behind the colors, with their accoutrements on, but without arms.
The serjeants draw up one pace in the front of the men, dividing themselves equally.
The officers draw up in ranks, according to their commissions, in the front of the colors; two ensigns taking hold of the colors.
The field officers advance before the captains.
The camp colors on the flanks of the parade are to be struck, and planted opposite to the bells of arms; the officers espontoons are to be planted between the colors, and the drums piled up behind them; the halberts are to be planted between, and on each side the bells of arms, and the hatchets turned from the colors.
Full or closeLines, (lignes pleines,Fr.) Marshal Puységur in hisArt de la Guerreis a strong advocate for full orclose lines, in his disposition of the order of battle, provided the ground will admit it. He proposes, in fact, that the battalions of infantry and the squadrons of horse should form one continuity of line, without leaving the least interval between them.
Linesthat are close and open, (lignes tant pleines que vuides,Fr.) When troops are drawn up in order of battle with intervals between the battalions and squadrons, the lines are said to beclose and open.
Line,or camp courts-martial. These courts-martial are frequently resorted to, and differ from regimental ones, in as much as they are composed of the officers belonging to different corps, and the ratification of the sentence is vested in the general or commanding officer of the camp. So that no time is lost in waiting for the commander in chief’s approbation, when he is delegated by him; nor has the colonel or commanding officer of the regiment to which the offender may belong, any power to interfere. The sentences of line or camp, field, and garrison courts-martial, are confined to corporeal punishments, but they can neither affect life, nor occasion the loss of a limb. The proceedings are read by the adjutant of the day; the surgeon is from the regiment to which the prisoner belongs, and the punishment is inflicted in front of the piquet by the drummers of the different corps under the direction of the drum-major, who is from the regiment to which the adjutant of the day belongs. Field and drum-head courts-martial, may be considered in the same light, when an army is on its march; with this difference, that the prisoner is tried either by officers belonging to his own corps, or by a mixed roster. A circle is formed at a short distance from the men under arms, and the sentence is written upon a drum-head; whence the appellation of drum-head courts-martial is derived. When there are several regiments present, the same forms are attended to in punishing prisoners as are observed in line or camp courts-martial; and when there is only one regiment, the examination and the punishment of the prisoner or prisoners take place within itself.
Lines, in fortification, bear several names and significations; such as,
Lineof communication. (Ligne de communication,Fr.) That space of ground in a fortified place which joins the citadel to the town.
Linesof communication, are trenches that unite one work to another, so that men may pass between them without being exposed to the enemy’s fire: thence the whole intrenchment round any place is sometimes called aline of communication, because it leads to all the works.
InsideLines, are a kind of ditches towards the place, to prevent sallies, &c.
OutsideLines, are a kind of ditches towards the field, to hinder relief, &c.
CapitalLineof the half moon. (Ligne capitale de la demi-lune,Fr.) That which is drawn from the flanked angle of a half moon, to the rentrant angle of the counterscarp on which it is constructed.
Lineof counter approach. (Ligne de contre-approche,Fr.) A sort of trench which the besieged make, and push forward from the glacis, for the purpose of counteracting the enemy’s works. SeeApproaches.
Lineof defence. (Ligne de dèfense,Fr.) SeeFortification.
Lignemagistrale,Fr.SeeCapital lineinFortification.
Lineof circumvallation. (Ligne de circonvallation,Fr.) SeeFortification.
Lineof directionin gunnery, is a line formerly marked upon guns, by a short point upon the muzzle, and a cavity on the base ring, to direct the eye in pointing the gun.
Lineof distance, the interval between two things, either in regard to time, place, or quantity.
Lineof gravitation, of any heavy body, is a line drawn through its centre of gravity, and according to which it tends downwards.
Lineof swiftest descent, of a heavy body, is the cycloid. SeeCycloid.
Lineof projectile. SeeProjectiles.
Lineof the least resistance, (ligne de moindre resistance,Fr.) that line, which being drawn from the centre of the furnace or the chamber of a mine, takes a perpendicular direction towards the nearest superficial exterior.
Lineof fire, (ligne de feu,Fr.) in fortification. This term admits of two distinct acceptations; first, when it is found necessary to give an idea of the manner in which a rampart, or an entrenchment overwhelms and crosses any space of ground by the discharge of ordnance or musquetry, lines must be drawn to express the distances which have been traversed by the shot, &c. These lines are called lines of fire, being an abbreviation of those lines of direction which have been given to the shot.
In order to convey a more just and accurate conception of this species of line of fire, it is recommended to give a profile, which shall not only shew the curves of the trajectories, but likewise point out the intersections and impressions which have been made by such fire upon a rampart, entrenchment, ground, or fortification of any description.
In the second place, all that extent of a rampart or entrenchment, from whence the shot of ordnance or musquetry is discharged, is understood to be a line of fire.
If, for instance, it were to be said that a reserve or oblique direction was taken against a long extent of rampart or entrenchment, by means of ajettéeor any great work thrown up, so as to out-flank or take it in the rear, it might be concluded that those points would be supplied with a long line of fire.
Lineof direction, (Ligne de direction,Fr.) In mechanics any straight line down which a heavy body descends. There are likewise lines of direction which relate to powers; they are then straight lines by means of which a power draws or urges on a weight for the purpose of supporting or moving it.
CapitalLineof the bastion, (Ligne capital du bastion,Fr.) a line which is drawn from the centre angle of a bastion to its flanked angle. In regular fortification this line cuts the bastion in two equal parts.
Linesof entrenchment, (Lignes retrenchées,Fr.) all lines which are drawn in front of a camp, &c. to secure it from insult or surprize are so called. Whenever an army is not sufficiently strong to run the hazard of being attacked, the general who commands it, must have the precaution to dig a ditch in front measuring three toises at least in breadth and two in depth. He must likewise throw up a parapet with redans, or have it flanked at intermediate distances by small bastions two toises thick, made of strong close earth, and get it covered and supported by fascines, with a banquette behind sufficiently high to cover the soldiers tents. If water can be got into the ditch from a neighboring stream or rivulet, an additional advantage will be derived from that accession. When thelinesare constructed for any space of time, it will then be proper to make a covert-way in the usual manner.
Otherlinesare likewise constructed for the purpose of communicating with different quarters; great care must be taken lest any of them be exposed to the enemy’s enfilade. To prevent this they must be supported by redoubts, or by works belonging to the neighboring forts; for the enemy might otherwise make good his ground within them, and use them as a trench.
If an army is so weak as to be withinlines, you take care to have communications between the villages, and small parties of light horse patroling towards the enemy, and to have videttes and sentries posted so near one another, that you may have intelligence of all their transactions.
Linein fencing, that part of the body opposite to the enemy, wherein the shoulders, the right arm, and the sword, should always be found; and wherein are also to be placed the two feet at the distance of 18 inches from each other. In which sense, a man is said to be in his line, or to go out of his line, &c.
Line, also denotes a French measure, containing ¹⁄₁₂th part of an inch. It is of late frequently made use of in calculations.
Line of Science, is substituted for the old and awkward oblique step; movements to a flank oblique are now byhalforquarter facing, that is, the whole who are to move in the required direction are faced on a line midway between a front and full faced position; so thatquarter facedto the right, the right shoulder of the second man is behind the left shoulder of the right file; and so on each along each rank have their right shoulders behind the man on their right: so if the movement is to be oblique to the left, they are quarter faced to the left, and the files will stand successively with their left shoulders in the rear of the right of those who stood on their left.
ToLine, from the Frenchaligner, is to dress any given body of men, so that every individual part shall be so disposed as to form collectively a straight continuity of points from centre to flanks.
ToLinemen. Officers, and non-commissioned officers, are said to line the men belonging to their several battalions, divisions, or companies, when they arrive at their dressing points, and receive the worddressfrom the commander of the whole.
When a single battalion halts, it is dressed or lined on its right centre company, and must of course be in a straight line. When several battalions dress fromthe centre of each on its next colors, the general line will be straight, provided all the colors have halted regularly in a line. On these occasions every thing will depend upon the two centre guides of each battalion.
ToLinea Coast. To line a coast well under the immediate pressure of invasion, requires not only great ability and exertion in the commanding officer of the particular district against which an insult may be offered, but it is moreover necessary, that every individual officer in the different corps should minutely attend to the particular spot on which he may be stationed. The English coast, especially where there are bays, is almost always intersected by narrow passes through the rocks or sandhills. On this account, when any body of men receives orders to line a specified extent of ground, the officers who are entrusted with the several parts of a battalion or brigade, should take care to make the most of their men, and to extend their files in such a manner, as not only to present an imposing front from the crown of the hill, but to be able, at a moment’s warning, to carry their whole strength to prevent the enemy from getting upon the flanks by suddenly rushing up the gap. Much coolness is required on these occasions.
ToLinehedges, &c. to plant troops, artillery, or small arms, along them under their cover, to fire upon an enemy that advances openly, or to defend them from the horse, &c.
ToLinea street or road, is to draw up any number of men on each side of the street or road, and to face them inwards. This is frequently practised on days of ceremony, when some distinguished person is received with military honors on his way through places where troops are stationed.
This is the usage also in funerals, when the corps under arms form a lane, by the ranks being faced to theright and left inward; and the partyrests on arms reversed.
ToLine, in a fortification, is nothing more than to environ a rampart, parapet, or ditch, &c. with a wall of masonry or earth.
LINCE,et chaussure du soldat,Fr.necessaries belonging to a soldier. During the monarchy of France, a sol or one English half-penny per day, was added to the pay of each serjeant, and about six deniers or three English farthings to that of each corporal, anspessade or lance-corporal, grenadier, private soldier, and drummer, to enable them to keep up a certain list of necessaries. On any deficiency being discovered it was in the power of the commanding officer of the regiment to reduce the soldier’s subsistence to four sols or two-pence English per day, until the full complement was made up.
LINGERER, one who pretends to be indisposed, in order to avoid his tour of duty—a skulker. Hence the term malingerer, or a soldier who avoids duty in a disreputable manner.
ToLINKtogether, to tie together. Cavalry horses are frequently linked together when it is found necessary for the men to dismount. When the word of commandlink your horsesis given, the right hand files are to move up into the intervals, slip their bridoons and dress by the right, standing in front of their own horses’ heads; the left files slipping the bridoons in their hands at the same time, and stepping to the front of their horses’ heads. As soon as up and dressed, the whole advance their left feet by a motion from the right, and by another motion from the right, the whole go to the left about together, and link; as soon as done linking, the left hand man of each rank falls back, two paces from his horse, and the whole dress well to him, with the carabine in the trailing position. But before they do this they must put their belts and plates in order.
It ought to be recollected, that when the right hand files come up, they must take care not to bring their horses past the others; and in order to dress with the left files they must slip the bridoon to the left hand, leaving the horse in his place in the rank.
When dragoons are ordered to dismount, and are to mount again immediately, without moving from their horses, the word of commandunlink your horsesis made use of; in which case the dragoon drops his carabine, which is then in a trailing position, on his left arm, and unlinks: as soon as that is done, he takes his carabine in his left hand, the horse in the right, by the right bridoon rein, waiting for the wordprepare to mount.
LINKS, in the art of war, are distinct reins, or thongs of leather used by the cavalry to link their horses together, when they dismount, that they may not disperse. Every tenth man is generally left to take care of them.
LINS-pins. SeeLinchpins.
LINSTOCK. (Boute-feu,Fr.) In gunnery, a short staff of wood, about three feet long, having at one end a piece of iron divided into two branches, each of which has a notch to hold a lighted match, and a screw to fasten it there, the other end being shod with iron to stick into the ground.
LIS,Fr.A warlike machine was formerly so called: it consisted of a piece of wood or stake, about the size of the human body, which was made smaller at the top than at the bottom, and resembled a lilly not yet blown. Several of these were tied together with ozier or willow twigs, and were used for the security of a camp. They were not unlike the palisades of the present day.
Fleur deLis,Luce,Fr.A flower borne in the ancient arms of France, and adopted by the English kings until the French insisted on its abandonment, which wasdone on the consummation of the union with Ireland. The electoral cap, as emblematic of Hanover, and the shamrock for Ireland, have been substituted in their stead.
Fleur-de-Lis, during the French monarchy signified also a mark of infamy, which was made with a hot iron, upon the back of a malefactor.
LISSE,Fr.Any smooth and unornamented piece in architecture is so called by the French.
LISSOIRE,Fr.fromlisserto smooth. This word was particularly applied in France to an operation which gunpowder went through in order to make coarse grains smooth and round. This was effected by tying several barrels together and by means of a mill, turning them round, so as to occasion considerable friction within.
LISTS, in a military sense, a place inclosed, in which combats are fought.
To enter theLists, is to contend with a person.