Received Rules.
1.If before the right flank—The right platoon will move on, the rest of the battalion will face to the right, and march in file, the divisions will successively front and follow the leading one, and each other.
2.If behind the right flank—The whole face to the right andmarch, the right division instantly countermarches to the rear,fronts, and moves forward, followed in the same manner by every other division, till the whole is in column.
But the following method of passing in open column, would save a great deal of time which is unnecessarily lost by countermarching each division separately, as they successively arrive on the ground where the right division stood before it marched off to the rear.
1st. Countermarch the whole of the divisions at the same time, and on the same ground which they severally occupy in the line.
2d. Face the whole (except the right division) to the left, which moves forward on the wordmarchfrom the chief. The divisions as they successively arrive on the ground from which the first division marched, will halt andfront, follow the leading one and each other, till the whole are in column.
Received Rules.
3.If before any central point, or the left flank—The battalion makes a successivecountermarchfrom the right flank towards the left, and when the right division arrives at the point from whence it is to advance, it againcountermarchesto its right,a space equal to its front, then faces and moves on, and is thus successively followed by part of the battalion. The other part of the battalion beyond the point of advancing,facesinwards, when necessary, makes a progressive march in file, then fronts, and follows by divisions as it comes to the turn of each, till the whole are in column.
A different Method.
Instead of passing according to the above method, much time may be gained, by the divisions on the right of the defile facing to the left, (commencing with the right division) march in file till opposite, and in full front of the division which is opposite the defile, or where the column is to advance from, then front, march forward, followed by the other divisions; the divisions on the left of the defile will face inwards, and when necessary, make a progressive march in file, followed as before, till the whole are in column.
Received Rule.
4.If behind the centre or the left flank.—The right part of the battalioncountermarchesfrom the right by files successively by the rear; and the other part of the battalion, as is necessary, makes a progressive march by files from its right to the central point, and there begins to countermarch at that point, the leading and each other division, fronts into column, and moves on.
A different Method.
To avoid loss of time in countermarching the divisions on the left as they successively arrive at the point they march from. Countermarch those divisions first on the ground they severally stand on, then face to theleft; and when it comes to their turn march in file, front, and following in column, as they progressively and successively arrive opposite the point where the right division entered the defile.
It must be observed that in allcountermarchesof divisions on the ground they severally stand on, when passing to the rear, the division which stands opposite the point from which they are to march, mustcountermarchat the same time with the other divisions. SeeAm. Mil. Lib.
PASSAGEof Lines. In narrow grounds, where there are redoubled lines, and in many other situations, it becomes necessary for one battalion topassdirectly through another, in marching either to front or rear. This must particularly happen, when a first line, which has suffered in action, retires through, and makes place for a second line which has come forward to support it; or, the second line remaining posted, when the first falls back, and retires through it, and thus alternately, till a safe position is attained.
PASSAGEof the Traverse, an opening out in the parapet of the covert-way, close to the traverses, that there may be a ready communication with all parts of the covert-way.
Passage, in the manege, an action wherein the horse raises a hind and fore leg together; then setting these two on the ground, he raises the other two: and thus alternately, never gaining above a foot of ground at a time.
Passage,Fr.. to passage, a term used in the manege.
Passagerun cheval,Fr.to make a horse passage. It is likewise used as a neutral verb, viz.un cheval passage, a horse passages.
PASSANDEAU,Fr.. an ancient piece of ordnance, which carried an eight pound ball, and weighed three thousand five hundred pounds.
CheminPASSANT,Fr.. a thoroughfare.
PASSAVANT,Fr.. a pass. This term is not used in a military sense, but relates chiefly to commercial matters.
PASSE,Fr.. SeePass.
PASSES-Balles,Fr.boards or machines made of iron or brass, used in disparting cannon, and fitted to every species of calibre.
PASSE-Mur,Fr.a piece of ordnance formerly so called, which carried a sixteen pound ball, and weighed four thousand two hundred pounds.
Passe-par-tout,Fr.a large saw, the teeth of which are irregularly made, for the purpose of cutting forest trees asunder.
Passe-par-tout,Fr.a master key.
Passe-vogue,Fr.Any extraordinary effort that is made in rowing is so called.
Passe-Parole,Fr.This expression is used among the French in an absolute sense, and signifies to give the parole, order, or countersign. When troops are on service, or upon duty, they have frequent occasion to adopt it, especially during the rounds.Avance passe-parole. Advance, and give the parole or countersign.
Passe-Volant,Fr.any man that is not really in the service, and who stands to be mustered for the purpose of completing the supposed number of effectives in a regiment, or on board a ship of war. They are likewise calledsoldats prêtés,Borrowed soldiers. During the existence of the old French government, the strictest regulations were made to prevent the gross impositions that were sometimes practised by means ofpasse-volansor faggots.
Passe-Volanslikewise means those wooden pieces of ordnance which are made to resemble real artillery, and fill up the vacant places in a ship. They were first adopted by the French, in consequence of a regulation which was made by M. de Pontchartrain, when he became minister of the marine department. He gaveorders, that no vessels, except such as carried 16 guns, should sail to and from America. In order to comply, at least in outward appearance, with this regulation, the merchants had recourse topass-volans, or wooden substitutes, they are called by usquaker guns. More advantages than one are indeed derived from this invention, which has been adopted in every civilized country.
Passe-chevaux,Fr.ferry for horses.
PASSER,Fr.to pass. This word has various significations both in French and English, but chiefly in the former language.
Passeren revue,Fr.to muster.
Passerà compte,Fr.to allow in reckoning.
Passerau fil de l’épée,Fr.to put to the sword.
Passerpar les baguettes,Fr.to run the gauntlet.
Passerpar les armes,Fr.to be shot.
Passerà la montre,Fr.to pass muster.
Passerpar la main du bourreau,Fr.to be flogged, or otherwise punished, by the public hangman.
Passerla riviére,passer la ligne,Fr.to cross the river, to cross the line.
Passerpar les courroies,Fr.to be picketed.
Passerun homme à un officier,Fr.to allow an officer the pay and subsistence of a private soldier for the maintenance of a servant. The term is also used to express the receipt of any public allowance for sinecure places.
Passersur le ventre à une armée,Fr.to defeat an army.
PASSEUR,Fr.a ferryman.
PATACHE,Fr.This word sometimes means an advice boat; but it more generally signifies an armed tender, or a revenue cutter.
PATE,Fr.in fortification, a sort of horse-shoe, that is, a platform, or terre-pleine, irregularly built, yet generally constructed in an oval form. It is surrounded by a parapet, without any thing to flank it, and having no other defence than what is front or fore-right.Patesare usually erected in marshy grounds to cover the gate of a fortified town or place.
PATERERO, a small cannon managed by a swivel.
PATIENCE, the power or faculty of suffering; indurance; the power of expecting long, without rage or discontent; the power of supporting faults or injuries, without revenge; long suffering. In military life patience is an essential requisite. Without patience half the toils of war would be insupportable; with patience there are scarcely any hardships but what coolness, courage, and ability may overcome. It is one of the greatest virtues, indeed, in an officer or soldier patiently to support, not only the rigor of discipline, but the keen and vexatious circumstances of disappointment. Rousseau says,La patience est amêre, mais son fruit est doux. Patience is a bitter root, but its fruit is sweet.
PATOMAR,Ind.a two mast vessel: each mast carries one sail of four unequal sides. It likewise means a messenger.
PATRICIAN, from the LatinPatricius, one descended from a noble family. The term was used among the Romans, to distinguish the higher class of the inhabitants of Rome from the lower, who were called plebeians. Romulus, as soon as the city of Rome was tolerably well filled with inhabitants, made a distinction of the people. The names Peter, Patrick, are frompatera father; the Roman senate were calledPatresconscripti. SeePatron.
Order of St.PATRICK. There is only one order of knighthood which belongs to Ireland; it is that of St. Patrick, and was created by Geo. III. for corrupt purposes.
PATRIOT, a sincere and unbiassed friend to his country; an advocate for general civilization, uniting, in his conduct through life, moral rectitude with political integrity. Such a character is seldom found in any country; but the specious appearance of it is to be seen every where, most especially in Europe. It is difficult to say, how far the term can be used in a military sense, although it is not uncommon to read of acitizen soldier, and apatriot soldier. Individually considered the term may be just, but it is hardly to be understood collectively.
PATROL, any party or round of soldiers, to the number of five or six, with a serjeant to command them. These men are detached from the main guard, picquet, or quarter-guard, according to circumstances, to walk round the streets of a garrison town, &c. for the purpose of taking up disorderly persons, or such as cannot give an account of themselves. It is their duty to see, that the soldiers and inhabitants of the place repair to their quarters and dwelling-houses, (in conformity to specific directions which are given out to that effect) and that alehouses and sutlers’ booths are shut up at a seasonable hour. They are likewise to take up every person they meet without a light, and that cannot give the watchword or countersign when he is challenged. All such persons must be conducted to the guard-house, and a report made of them to the commandant or governor of the place, by the town-major.
Patrolesare formed out of the infantry as well as the cavalry. When a weak place is besieged, and there is reason to apprehend an assault, strong patroles are ordered to do duty; these on foot keep a good look out from the ramparts, and those that are mounted take care of the outworks.
PATRON, one who countenances, supports, or protects. Every superior officer, from the commander in chief to the lowest non-commissioned officer, may, in a military sense, be called a patron; for it is the duty of all persons, in authority, to countenance, support, and protect every executive member in the service. Partialities on the other hand, (whatever may be their sources) are the bane of order and good discipline. In proportion as merit finds patrons among the good and great, indolence and inability should be discountenanced and degraded.
Kennett in his Roman Antiquities, page 97, has the following passage, on the origin of theword:—
Romulus, as soon as his city was tolerably well filled with inhabitants, made a distinction of the people according to honor and quality; giving the better sort the name of Patres or Patricii, and the rest the common title of Plebeii. To bind the two degrees more firmly together, he recommended to the patricians some of the plebians, to protect and countenance; the former being stiledPatroni, and the latterClientes. The patrons were always their clients’ counsellors in difficult cases; their advocates in judgments; in short, their advisers and overseers in all affairs whatever. On the other side, the clients faithfully served their patrons, not only paying them all imaginable respect and deference, but if occasion required, assisting them with money towards the defraying of any extraordinary charges. But afterwards when the state grew rich and great, though all other good offices continued between them, yet it was thought a dishonorable thing for the better sort to take any money of their inferiors. (VideDionys. lib. 2,Liv. lib. 1.Plutarch in Romulo.) Hence the origin of patrons. But the case is altered in modern times with respect to pecuniary interest. Gold, or something more solid in the sale of liberty and good sense, buys a patron now.
PATRON,Fr.Among the French the captain of a trading vessel is so named. There were likewise sea-faring men calledofficiers mariniers, who served on board the French ships of war, and who were entrusted with the management of sloops and barges. These were generally called patrons.
PATRONS, (Galére patrons,Fr.) The galley which was second in rank at Marseilles, was so called. It was commanded by the lieutenant-general of the gallies, who took precedence in that line in the same manner that the vice-admiral of the French fleet did among ships of war.
PATROUILLE. SeePatrol.
PATTE,Fr.a term used in mining. When a well or excavation is made in loose or crumbling earth, and it becomes necessary to frame it in, the rafters must be laid horizontally to support the boards in proportion as the workmen gain depth. The ends of the rafters that are first laid, run ten or twelve inches beyond the borders of the well, for the purpose of sustaining the platform. These supports are calledOreilles; consequently, that every subsequent frame may be supported, the second is attached or made firm to the first by means of the ends of boards which are nailed together. In this manner the third is joined to the second, and the fourth to the third. These ends are calledpattesor handles.
PATTEd’Oie,Fr.a term used in mining to describe three small branches which are practised, or run out at the extremity of a gallery. They are so called from their resemblance to the foot of a goose.
PATTERN, a part shewn as a sample for the rest. In a late regulation relative to the inspection of the clothing of the British army in general, it is particularly directed, that regular inspectors, or the inspectors for the time being, do view and compare with the sealed patterns the clothing of the several regiments of cavalry and infantry, as soon as the same shall have been prepared by the respective clothiers; and if the clothing appear to be conformable to the sealed patterns, the said inspectors are to grant two certificates of their view and approval thereof, one of which certificates is to be delivered to the clothier, to be sent with the clothing to the head quarters of the corps; and the other to be lodged with the clothing board, as the necessary voucher for passing the assignment of the allowance for the said clothing.
APatternRegiment, a phrase of distinction, which is applied to a corps of officers and soldiers, who are remarkable for their observance of good order and discipline.
PATURE,Fr.SeeForage.
Patureur,Fr.Forager, one who goes on a foraging party.
PAVALUNGE,Ind.the name of a year.
PAUDSHAU,Ind.King.
PAVESSADES,Fr.large portable hurdles, behind which the archers and bowmen were formerly posted. According to Froissart, these hurdles were used long before the reign of Philip Augustus, king of France. Father Daniel, the Jesuit, in hisHistoire de la Milice Francoise, describes them as bearing the figure of a shield; but the chevalier Folard, in hisCommentaire sur Polybe, informs us, that they were mantlets which were disposed in parallel or oblique lines, from the camp to the nearest works belonging to theCorps de Place, behind which the soldiers and artificers, &c. could in safety, make a small fosse or ditch that was sufficiently deep to preserve them strait and firm. Hurdles, constructed in this manner, were used during the operationsof a regular siege; but when it was found expedient to insult a place, those of less dimension were adopted. Father Daniel describes theRetranchment Portatif, which was used many centuries before the days of Philip Augustus, under the latter head.
PAVILION, inmilitary affairs. SeeTent.
PAVILLON,Fr.SeeTent.
Pavillon,Fr.Flag, standard, or colors.
Vaisser lePAVILLON,Fr.to strike, to yield.
VaisseauPavillon,Fr.Flag ship.
Pavillon,Fr.This word likewise signifies the swell or broad part of a speaking trumpet.
PAULETTE,Fr.a certain tax or pecuniary consideration which all persons who held public situations under the old government of France, were obliged to pay at the commencement of every year, to the king. This enabled them to sell or dispose of their appointments, and to leave the amount to their heirs, if they happened to die in the course of the year. It is so called fromPaulet, the name of the person who first suggested the measure.
PAVOIS,Fr.an ancient weapon of defence. It was the Clypeus or broad shield of the Greeks and Romans.
PAUSE, a stop, cessation, or intermission. It is essentially necessary for all officers to accustom themselves to a most minute observance of the several pauses which are prescribed during the firings. Accordingly the pause betwixt each of the firing words,make ready—aim,—fire, is the same as the ordinary time, viz. the 75th part of a minute, and no other pause is to be made betwixt the words.
In firing bycompanies by wings, each wing carries on its fire independent, without regard to the other wing, whether it fires from the centre to the flanks, or from the flanks to the centre. If there are five companies in the wing, twopauseswill be made betwixt the fire of each, and themake readyof the succeeding one. If there are four companies in the wing, threepauseswill be made betwixt the fire of each, and themake readyof the succeeding one. This will allow sufficient time for the first company to have again loaded, and shouldered at the time the last company fires, and will establish proper intervals betwixt each.
In firing by grand divisions, three pauses will be made betwixt the fire of each division, and themake readyof the succeeding one.
In firing bywings, one wing will make ready the instant the other is shouldering. The commanding officer of the battalion fires the wings.
In firing companies byfileseach company fires independent. When the right file presents, the next makes ready, and so on. After the first fire, each man as he loads comes to the recover, and the file again fires without waiting for any other; the rear rank men are to have their eyes on their front rank-men, and be guided by, and present with them.
When troops march to music, apausein the mind before the latter strikes off, will contribute greatly to that uniformity of step, without which no line can move correctly. In some regiments the music does not play until one step has been taken. SeeStep off.
PAY, orpay of the army, is the stipend or salary allowed for each individual serving in the army; first established by the British government in the year 1660.
FULL PAYOf the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Privates in the British army.
Rank.LifeGuards.Cavalry.FootGuards.Infantryof the line.Artillery.Horse.Foot.£.s.d.£.s.d.£.s.d.£.s.d.£.s.d.£.s.d.Colonel116—11210119—126—236Colonel en Second————1981391st. Lieut. Colonel111—13—18601511158—1992d. Lieut. Colonel———01511——16101st. Major16——19314—-0141-1—9—14102d. Major—————Captain—16——147—166095—154—911Captain Lieutenant-011——9——710058-010——7—1st. Lieutenant09——6—2d. Lieutenant—————8——5—Cornets—86—8—————Ensigns———510—48——Pay-Master——15———15———Quarter-Master—6—56—58—58—6——6—Adjutant—11——5———5——5——5—Surgeon—12——12——12——95—1110—911Assistant Surgeon——5——76—5——6——5—Veterinary do.——8—————Serjeant-Major—————34—32Quarter-Master do.—————210—Serjeant——2——110³⁄₄—16³⁄₄—24—22Corporal—26¹⁄₄—17¹⁄₄—14³⁄₄—12¹⁄₄—22¹⁄₄—2¹⁄₄Bombardier—————2¹⁄₄—110¹⁄₄1st. Gunner——————172d. Gunner—————15¹⁄₄—13¹⁄₄Private—111¹⁄₄—13—11—1———Farrier and Smith—————34³⁄₄—Collar Maker-—————2³⁄₄—WheelerTrumpeter-—26—17—12¹⁄₄—11¹⁄₄—21³⁄₄—13¹⁄₄Drummer
FullPAY. The pecuniary allowance which is made to officers and non-commissioned officers, without any deduction whatsoever. Since the abolition of arrears in the British service, which took place in 1797, commissioned and warrant officers, &c. receive their full pay, or daily subsistence. The private soldiers are subject to temporary deductions, for the purpose of appropriating part of their pay and allowances to the expence of their messes, including vegetables, &c. and to a stoppage not exceeding 1s.6d.per week, for necessaries; which stoppage is to be accounted for monthly, as stated in their regulations of 1st September, 1795, and the remainder being 1s.6d.must be paid, weekly to each soldier, subject to the accustomed deduction for washing, and for articles to clean his clothing and appointments.
The full pay of the British army is given in advance on the 25th of every month, and accounted for to government by the several district and regimental paymasters, through army agents appointed for that purpose. For further particulars, seeMilitary Finance, page 48, &c. Non-commissioned officers and private soldiers serving as marines, are not liable to any deduction whatsoever from their full pay, on account of provisions. It will be further observed, that although the British army is now paid its full pay, in consequence of the abolition of the distinction between subsistence and arrears, that pay is nevertheless subject to the usual deductions on account of poundage, hospital, and agency. This will explain the mutilated appearance of the different rates of pay. Thus a captain of infantry, who is nominally supposed to receive 10s.per diem, gets only 9s.5d.the 7d.going for the above deductions. The full pay of the subaltern officers has been very judiciously increased, but that of the captains, &c. remains as it was in the reign of Queen Anne. For the several rates of full pay, seeMilitary Finance, page 66, &c.
HalfPay, (Demi solde,Fr.) a compensation or retaining fee which is given to officers who have retired from the service through age, inability, &c. or who have been placed upon that list in consequence of a general reduction of the forces, or a partial drafting, &c. of the particular corps to which they belonged. The half pay becomes due on the 25th of June, and on the 25th of December in each year, but it is seldom issued until three months after the expiration of each of those periods. The only deduction from the half pay is the poundage, two and an half per cent. SeeMilitary Finance, page 113.
IrishHALF-PAY. Every officer upon the Irish establishment, when reduced to half pay, must swear to, and sign the following certificate: