S.
SABLE,Fr.Sand.
SABLONIEREouSABLIERE. Any spot from which sand is drawn. It likewise means a sand-pit.
SABORD,Fr.a port-hole.
SABRE, (Sabre,Fr.) a kind of sword, or scimetar, with a very broad and heavy blade, thick at the back, and of a shape falcated, or curved, but sharp at the point. It is generally worn by heavy cavalry and dragoons. The grenadiers, belonging to the whole of the French infantry, are likewise armed with sabres. The blade is not so long as that of a small sword, but it is nearly twice as broad. French hussars wear the curved sabres somewhat longer than those of the grenadiers. The broad straight sword is best adapted for infantry of every kind.
Sabre-Tasche. From the Germansabel, sabre, andtasche, pocket. An appointment or part of accoutrement of hussars, which consists of a pocket which is suspended from the sword-belt on the left side, by three slings to correspond with the belt. It is usually of an oblong shape, scolloped at the bottom, with a device in the centre, and a broad lace round the edge. The color of it always corresponds with that of the uniform.
SABRER,Fr.To cut to pieces.
SACd’une ville,Fr.The storming and plunder of a town.
Mettre une ville àSac,Fr.To give a town up to the plunder of the soldiers.
Sac,Fr.a bag
Sacà poudre,Fr.A bag of gunpowder. These bags are frequently used in war, for the purpose of intimidating an enemy, and of setting fire to places. They are of different sizes and dimensions; some to be thrown by the hand, and others out of a mortar. A French work, intituledle Bombardier Francois, gives a full account of both.
Sacà terre,Fr.Sand-bags, or bags filled with earth.
Sacà amorce,Fr.A small leathern bag which is used for the purpose of carrying gunpowder to the different batteries to prime the pieces.
Sacà laine,Fr.A bag made of or stuffed with wool and other soft materials. It is larger than a sand-bag. Every army should be provided with a certain quantity of these bags, in order to supply the want of soil on critical occasions.
Un havreSac. A knapsack. SeeHavresack.
Cul deSac,Fr.A street or passage that has no outlet.
SACCADE,Fr.In the manege, a violent check or jirk, which the horseman gives his horse by drawing both the reins very suddenly. This is practised when the horse bears too heavy on thehand; but it ought to be done with great caution, as the frequency of it must eventually spoil the horse’s mouth.
SACHET,Fr.A pouch. It likewise signifies a bag in the diminutive sense. A satchel.
Sachetsde mitrailles,Fr.Small bags filled with grape-shot, which are afterwards fired from cannon, or thrown out of mortars.
Sachetsde balles de plomb,Fr.Bags of bullets.
SACKS. SeeBags.
SACKERS. They who sack a town.
SACREou Sacret,Fr.A name formerly given to pieces of ordnance that carried balls of 4 to 5lb. weight. Each piece weighed from two thousand five hundred to two thousand eight hundred pounds. The same as Saker.
SADDLE. The seat which is put upon a horse for the accommodation of the rider.
SAFE-guard, inmilitary affairs, a protection granted by a general, for some of the enemy’s lands, houses, persons, &c. to preserve them from being insulted or plundered. SeeGuard.
SAFYNAMA,Ind.A certificate or writing, specifying any matter of dispute, which it is found necessary to have settled or cleared up.
SAGITTAL, belonging to an arrow.
SAGITTARIUS,orSAGITTARY. SeeArcher,Bowman.
SAGO,Ind.A tree of the palm species. A flour is made from this tree, which formed into bread and fresh baked, eats like hot rolls; when it grows stale it becomes hard, and requires to be soaked in water before it can be used. Three of the trees are found sufficient to give sustenance for one man during a whole year; and an acre properly planted, will supply food for one hundred for that period.
SAGUM. A woollen garment, which was formerly worn by the Roman soldiers when they took the field. It is said that the Gauls adopted the use of it.
SAH,Ind.A banker.
SAHEB,Ind.(pronouncedSaib.) Master, sir.
SAHOOKER,Ind.A merchant.
SAIGNEEdu fossé,Fr.The act of drawing off the water which is in the ditch or fosse of a town or fortified place. When this has been executed, clays or hurdles covered with earth, or bridges made with reeds, must be thrown upon the mud, to establish a firm footing.
Saigneede saucisson,Fr.The act of cutting off a part of a linen saucisson, which is filled with gunpowder, for the purpose of introducing the moine or cylindrical tube, in order to set fire to a mine.
SAIGNERune piéce,Fr.An expression used in artillery when a piece of ordnance, which is mounted on a carriage, has its breech carried away by the violence of the explosion. This sometimes happens when the discharge is made directly downwards, or from top to bottom.
Saignerune Riviére,Fr.To turn the current of a river, by partially drawing off some of its water.
SAILLANT,Fr.Salient. SeeSalient Angle. This word, as well asSaillie, signifies generally any part of a building that does not run up perpendicularly from its base, but projects or slopes out.
St.GEORGE’sGuard, a guard of the broadsword or sabre, used in warding off blows directed against the head. SeeBroadsword.
LaSAINTEbarbe,Fr.The gunner’s room.
SAKER, an old word forcannon. It carried a shot of five pounds and a quarter weight: the diameter of the bore was three inches and ⁹⁄₁₆ths; the length eight or nine feet. SeeCannon.
SALADE,Fr.This word literally means sallad. It likewise signifies a head piece. The French use it frequently in a figurative sense, viz.
Donner uneSaladeà quelqu’un,Fr.To give any one a good dressing.
Régiment deSalade,Fr.A term of ridicule which the French frequently applied to small new-raised corps; such as independent companies which were levied for rank only.
SALE. State of being venal; price.
Saleof Commissions. The sale and purchase of commissions is of general usage in the British service. Commissions in the British army are sold for various purposes; sometimes to indemnify individuals for their original purchase; sometimes, as was shewn in 1809, as the fund for paying princely prostitutes.
SALIENTangle, infortification, that whose points turn from the centre of the place. SeeFortification.
SALLEd’armes,Fr.A fencing school.
Salled’armes dans un magazin,Fr.An armory or particular room where fire-arms, &c. are regularly disposed. Of this description is the armory in the Tower.
SALLESEE,Ind.Arbitration.
SALLIS,Ind.An arbitrator.
SALLY. SeeSiege.
Sally-ports, orpostern-gates, as they are sometimes called, are those underground passages, which lead from the inner to the outward works; such as from the higher flank to the lower, to the tenailles, or the communication from the middle of the curtain to the ravelin. When they are constructed for the passage of men only, they are made with steps at the entrance and outlet. They are about six feet wide, and 8¹⁄₂ feet high. There is also a gutter or sewer made under thesally-portsthat are in the middle of the curtains, in order that the water which runs down the streets may pass into the ditch; but this can only be done when they are wet ditches. Whensally-portsserve to carry guns through them for the out-works, instead of making them with steps, they must have a gradual slope, and be eight feet wide.
SALA-MA-NAZEER,Ind.The salutation of victory.
SALOOTER,Ind.A farrier.
SALOOTEREE,Ind.The business of a farrier.
SALTING-boxes, inartillery, are boxes of about four inches high, and 2¹⁄₂ in diameter, for holding mealed powder, to sprinkle the fuzes of shells, that they may take fire from the blast of the powder in the chamber; but it has been found that the fuze takes fire as well without this operation, so that theseboxesare now laid aside.
SALTPETRE,Fr.SeeNitre.
SALTPETRE, or nitre, the principal ingredient for making gunpowder; it is found in great plenty in some of the East-India provinces, and in some parts of Europe. The necessities of the French revolution, when attacked by all Europe, forced the French to have recourse to their chemists, to supply nitre which could not be obtained from abroad; they scraped the walls and floors of their cellars and vaults, and out of the washed earth extracted nitre; they also extracted nitre from vegetable substances, such as the horse chesnut. In some natural caves discovered inKentucky, vast quantities, sufficient for every demand of war and commerce can be procured. SeeGunpowder,Nitre, &c.
SALPETRIERE,Fr.A particular spot in an arsenal where there are pits, &c. for the purpose of making saltpetre.
SALPETRIERS,Fr.Men employed in making saltpetre.
SALVE,Fr.A salute, a volley. It generally means a discharge of heavy ordnance and other firearms in concert.
Saluerde la mousqueterie,Fr.To fire a volley, or discharge of musquetry only.
Saluerdu canon,Fr.To salute by the discharge of ordnance.
Saluerde la voix,Fr.To huzza. To cry out, asvive le roi!God save the king!vive la république!long live the republic! This manner of saluting generally appertains to the mob of a country, which lavishes its applause upon every man that happens to be in power. It has, however, been customary, both in Rome, Greece, France, and other countries, for whole battalions of soldiers to saluteà vive voix; in which case they generally take off their hats, and give three huzzas.
Saluerdu pavillon,Fr.To salute with the colors.
Saluerà boulet,Fr.To salute with ball.
SALUT,Fr.The salute.
Salutdu sponton,Fr.The spontoon salute.
Salutde l’épée,Fr.The sword salute.
Salutde mer,Fr.The deference and respect which are shewn at sea by ships of inferior force to those of superior rate. This is done by lowering the flag. The British flag claims to be paramount to all others, and requires to be saluted by foreign ships at sea. This salute has been made the subject of clauses in treaties.
SALUTE, a discharge of artillery, or small arms, or both, in honor of some person; the men presenting their arms. The colors salute chief magistrates, and generals commanding in chief; which is done by lowering the point within one inch of the ground. In the field, when a regiment is to be reviewed by a general, the drums beat a march as he passes along the line, and the officers salute one after another, pointing their swords downwards. The ensigns salute together, by lowering their colors. When the word of commandto shoulder, is given, the officers recover their swords, and the ensigns raise the colors.
SAMBUCUS, (Sambuque,Fr.) An ancient musical instrument of the wind kind, resembling a flute. It probably derives its name from Sambucus, the Elder tree; being made of that wood.
Sambucuswas also the name of an ancient engine of war used by Marcellus in besieging Syracuse. Plutarch relates that two ships were required to carry it. A minute description of this engine may be seen in Polybius.
SAMPODAR,Ind.A treasurer or cashkeeper.
SAND,in military architecture. The best sand for good mortar, is that whose grain is not too small, and must be clear of the earthy particles. Sand found in rivers is esteemed the best, as having a coarse grain, and being free from earth and mud. SeeMortar.
SANDbags. SeeBags.
Sand bagsare made about 27 inches long, and 15 diameter; 250 of these are required for each fathom of battery, or about 1680 for two guns or mortars. SeeTonnage.
SANGIAC. A situation or appointment of dignity in Turkey. The Sangiacs are governors of towns or cantons, and take rank immediately after theBeglerbeys, who are viceroys in that country, and give the name ofBeglerbatorBeglerbeyto a militia which they support at their own expence.
SANS-Culotte,Fr.A revolutionary term which was first given by the French to the national guards; it was an unfortunate effusion of contempt expressed by the queen as the militia passed along; it soon became known, and was calculated to increase popular antipathy against her. It means, literally, a man without breeches.
SAP, (Sappe,Fr.) insieges, is a trench, or an approach made under cover, ten or twelve feet broad, when the besiegerscome near the place, and the fire from the garrison grows so dangerous, that they are not able to approach uncovered.
There are several sorts ofsaps: the single, which has only a single parapet; the double, having one on each side; and the flying, made with gabions, &c. In allsaps, traverses are left to cover the men.
The sap generally commences about the second parallel, and sometimes sooner; and if the fire of the besieged is much slackened, may proceed both day and night. The sappers are usually divided into brigades of 8, and sub-divided into divisions of 4 each; being the greatest number that can work at the sap at the same time. The leading sapper excavates 18 inches deep, and as much wide; the second, third, and fourth deepen the trench, each in succession 6 inches, and widen it as much; so that the four make a trench of 3 feet wide and three feet deep; after which the common workmen follow, and increase it in breadth and depth equal to the other trenches. The sap may proceed at the rate of 80 fathoms in 14 hours. As this work is very hard, the half brigades relieve each other every hour, and each sapper in his turn takes the lead. The whole brigade is relieved at the end of 6 hours. It is always customary in this dangerous work, to give the pay of those that are killed to the survivors. Sappers are generally armed with a helmet and breast plate. SeeTrenches,Parallels.
SAPPERS, (Sappeurs,Fr.) are soldiers belonging to the artificers or engineers, whose business it is to work at the saps, and for which they have an extraordinary pay. A brigade ofsappersgenerally consists of eight men, divided equally into two parties. Whilst one of these parties is advancing the sap, the other is furnishing the gabions, fascines, and other necessary implements; they relieve each other alternately.
SARISSA, the Pike.
SAROT,Fr.A sort of frock which was worn by the drivers of mules, and other persons employed in the French armies.
SARRAZINE,Fr.SeeHerse.
SARDAR,Ind.A chief, a leader.
SARAT. The breaking up or ending of the rains, is so called in India.
SASCE,Ind.The moon.
SASH. A mark of distinction, generally made of crimson silk for the officers, and of crimson mixed with white cotton for the serjeants. It is worn round the waist. Sashes are erroneously said to have been invented for the convenience and ease of wounded officers, in case any of them were so badly wounded, as to render them incapable of remaining at their posts, they might be carried off with the assistance of two men; but though they may have been so used, they are only an ancient remnant of military ornament, and correspond with thekummerbaund, worn by all Asiatics even to this day; they are of considerable use to the soldier during fatigues or marches; and the “girding up the loins,” as noted in scripture, would be found now not an unwise practice for the soldier in action. The American cavalry tie the sash on the left; the infantry on the right side. The sashes for the Austrian army are of crimson and gold; the Prussian army, black silk and silver; the Hanoverian were yellow silk; the Portugueze, crimson silk, with blue tassels. The modern French have their sashes made of three colors, viz. white, pink, and light blue, to correspond with the national flag.
SATELLITE, (Satellite,Fr.) A person who attends on another, either for his safety, or to be ready to execute his pleasure.
SATELLITES,Fr.Certain armed men, of whom mention is made in the history of Philip Augustus, king of France. The word satellite itself, which we frequently find in ancient historians, signifies a guard or attendant about the person of a prince. It is derived from the Latin wordsatelles, which comes from the Syriac term for a companion. The Satellites of Philip Augustus were men selected from the militia of the country, who fought on foot and horseback. The servants or batmen who attended the military knights when they went into action, were likewise calledsatellites, and fought in their defence mounted or on foot.
SATISFACTION. When an officer or other person goes out to fight a duel with one whom he has offended, or by whom he has been offended, he is said togiveortakesatisfaction!
SAUCISSE,-SAUCISSON,
inmining, is a long pipe or bag, made of cloth well pitched, or sometimes of leather, of about 1¹⁄₂ inch diameter, filled with powder, going from the chamber of the mine to the entrance of the gallery. It is generally placed in a wooden pipe, called anauget, to prevent its growing damp. It serves to give fire to mines, caissons, bomb chests, &c.
Saucisson, is likewise a kind of fascine, longer than the common ones; it serves to raise batteries, and to repair breaches. Saucissons are also used in making epaulements, in stopping passages, and in making traverses over a wet ditch, &c.
Saucissonde brulot,Fr.A machine made use of to set fire to the different compartments in a fire-ship.
Saucissonsd’artifice,Fr.Saucissons used in artificial fireworks.
Saucissonsvolans,Fr.Flying saucissons; a species of sky-rocket.
SAUF-conduit. A pass.
SAUT,Ind.An hour.
Saut,Fr.This word is used in hydraulics to signify a considerable fall of water, such as the falls of Niagara, &c.
SAUTER,Fr.To leap.
Sautera l’arbordage,Fr.To leap upon the deck, or on any part of an enemy’s ship, for the purpose of boarding her.
Sauteren selle,Fr.To get on horseback. To jump upon your saddle.
SAUVE-garde,Fr.Safe-guard. Protection.
Accorder desSauve-gardes,Fr.To grant protections.
Envoyer une garde enSauve-garde,Fr.To send out a party for the purpose of escorting persons, or of protecting any particular quarter.
Sauvequi peut!Fr.Let those escape that can. This expression is familiar to the French, it was employed in an early part of the revolution, by the royalists to produce panic in the ranks of the revolutionary army; and was used with success particularly in the corps under gen. Dillon in Flanders.
SAVAN,Ind.The name of an Indian month, which corresponds with July.
SAW. A dentated steel instrument with which wood or metal is cut by attrition. Each pioneer is provided with one.
SAYON,Fr.A kind of coarse habit in which soldiers were formerly clothed among the French.
SCABBARD, (Fourreau,Fr.) A case commonly made of black leather, with a ferrel at the end, in which a sword, sabre, &c. may be sheathed.
BayonetScabbard. A leathern sheath made in a triangular form to correspond with the shape of the bayonet.
Scabbard-button. A brass button or hook by which the scabbard is attached to the frog of the belt.
The wordscabbardhas been sometimes used in a figurative sense to distinguish those persons who have obtained rank and promotion in the army without seeing much hard service, from those who have fought their way through all the obstacles of superior interest, &c. Hence the favourite expression of the late sir William Erskine—Some rise by the scabbard, and some by the sword!Which meansmorethan we are at liberty to illustrate, but which may be easily applied tocases in point.
SCALADE, from the FrenchEscalade, a furious attack upon a wall or rampart, contrary to form, and with no regularity, frequently carried on with ladders, to insult the wall by open force.
SCALE, a right line divided into equal parts, representing miles, fathoms, paces, feet, inches, &c. used in making plans upon paper; giving each line its true length, &c. See alsoBalance,Escalade, &c.
SCALENE,Fr.A term used in geometry to express a triangle whose three sides and three angles are unequal to one another.
SCALING-ladder. SeeLadders.
SCALLOP, any segment of a circle.
ToSCALP. To deprive the scull of its integuments. A barbarous custom in practice amongst the Indian warriors, of taking off the tops of the scalps of the enemies sculls with their hair on. They preserve them as trophies of their victories, and are rewarded by their chiefs, according to the number they bring in.
ToSCAMPER, (Escamper,Fr.) To run away precipitately.
SCARF, SeeSash.
SCARLET, the national color for the dress of the British. The British artillery, cavalry, and some of the light infantry, are clothed in blue; rifle corps in green; and the cavalry for foreign service in light blue. SeeUniform.
SCARPE. SeeEscarpe.
SCENOGRAPHY, (Scenographe,Fr.) The representation of a building, town, &c. as it appears in prospective or from without, with all its dimensions and shadows.
SCHEDULE, an inventory, a list; also something referred to by numbers or letters; as the oaths of the recruit and magistrate, marked A and B at the end of the mutiny act.
SCHOOL, (école,Fr.) A house of discipline and instruction; a place of literary education; an university. It is a more general and comprehensive term than college or academy. The French have made a great distinction on this head with respect to their military institutions. Thus the great receptacle for military genius was calledL’école Militaire de Paris; the military school of Paris; whereas the subordinate places of instructions and the preparatory houses, were termed colleges, viz. colleges de Soreze, Brienne, Tivon, Rebais, Beaumont, Pont-le-roy, Vendome, Effiat, Pont-a-Mousson, Tournon.
British Royal Military School or College.
A new institution under the direction of the commander in chief, for the time being.
This establishment consists of twodepartments:—
The first, or senior department, is calculated to instruct officers, who have already acquired a sufficient knowlege of regimental duties, &c. in the higher branches of their profession. Their attention is particularly directed to those functions which relate to the quarter-master-general’s department in the field.
The second, or junior department, is meant for the education of young men, who have not yet received any commissions in the army, but who are intended from early life for the profession of arms.
The following particulars constitute the general outline of this praise-worthyinstitution:—
The commander in chief for the timebeing is always to be considered as the chief governor of the establishment. He is president of the supreme board of the college; the members of which are the secretary at war, and such general and staff officers as the king may, from time to time, nominate. It is their peculiar province to see, that the regulations of the institution be duly observed, and unequivocally fulfilled, and that the whole be conducted with economy and credit to the country.
There is constantly resident in the college a governor and a lieutenant-governor, who must both be military officers. The former not under the rank of major-general, and the latter not under that of lieutenant-colonel in the line. These are the immediate functionaries of the place, and to them is intrusted the entire direction of the establishment; subject only to the instructions and orders that may occasionally be issued from the supreme board of the college.
At the head of each department are placed a commandant and a director of instruction. These must likewise be military men, and bear the king’s commission. They are at all times accountable for their respective departments, being under the immediate control of the governor and lieutenant-governor of the college.
The commandants of departments, in conjunction with the directors of instruction, form a collegiate board, at which the resident governor, or, in his absence, the lieutenant-governor constantly presides.
Public examinations are made, at stated periods, by this board, in order to ascertain the progress of learning, and the degrees of improvement. The president and members of it likewise enter into the interior economy of the place, control the expenditure of the establishment, and maintain the statutes of the college; subject nevertheless to the control and occasional direction of the supreme board, to which the collegiate one is in every respect subordinate.
The staff and other officers of each department are under the immediate orders of their respective commandants, who are enjoined to conduct their departments in strict conformity to the existing rules and discipline.
The establishment is founded upon principles of the strictest economy; and the expence of being at the institution, with all the advantages of theoretical instruction and practical improvement, does not exceed the necessary charges and disbursements to which every officer is subject when he lives with his regiment.
It is a standing order of the institution, that officers must constantly appear in uniform; and they must in all respects conform to the rules and regulations.
Leave of absence is granted, during the months of December and January, to officers studying in the senior department of the college; but at no other season of the year, except for a few days, and then only under circumstances and in cases of urgent necessity.
Senior department.
The number of officers which can be admitted, at a time, to the studies of the senior department, is limited to 30; and it is required, as indispensibly necessary, that they should be perfectly conversant in all the details of regimental duty.
They must likewise have made themselves masters of the French language, be versed in mathematics, and in the science of field fortification and castrametation; and be well instructed in the drawing of military plans, &c.
Every thing which relates to the different branches belonging to the senior department, is conveyed in French, in order that officers may be enabled to improve the knowlege they acquire at the establishment, by reading with facility, the military writers that are most in estimation. The majority of such authors being found among the French, that language is, of course, most cultivated; by which means the first object of acquirement will not only be obtained, but will ensure to the general staff of the army a disposable body of intelligent officers, that are conversant in a continental tongue.
The instruction is not elementary or given upon first principles only. The attention of the officers is directed to higher branches, and the lessons they receive are exemplified by practice in the field; by taking ground, &c.
The particular and more immediate duties, appertaining to the general staff, to which the faculties of the mind are principally applied, consist in taking (à coup d’œil, or at sight) military surveys of ground without any mechanical process, or aid of instruments; and to express the same on paper with the most accurate perspicuity.
It is, therefore, necessary that the officers of the senior department should be able to judge of the advantages and disadvantages of ground relative to offensive and defensive operations; to employ geometrical and trigonometrical operations on the ground; to chuse the scite or position of entrenchments and batteries, by which every part of a camp may be defended, and its leading avenues, &c. putà l’abri de surprises. They must likewise be masters of a theory which may be adapted to every case in which field fortification can be employed: to trace camps on the ground, and to prick out the lines of entrenchments, &c. with dispatch and accuracy, in conformity to the strict rules of castrametation: to be thoroughly conversant in the theory of camp out-duties, and of the grand guards of armies: to know how to reconnoitre ground for a given number of columns moving in route ofmarch, and to place or distribute the same with attention to the conveniences of forage and water, and to the security of the magazines.
To reconnoitre the route of a column inadvancing, to estimate the labor of opening the several communications, to calculate the number of artificers that are requisite, and the time that is necessary to clear the route for the march of a column, and to detail the same in an accurate manner upon paper.
To reconnoitre the route of a column inretreat, specifying, in a clear and succinct manner upon paper, the several points in retreat that are favorable to each arm composing the rear guard, when they may halt, and act as covering parties to the retreating column.
To reconnoitre and take up ground for a given number of troops on adefensiveposition, and to place the same; to establish a chain of posts, to construct batteries, throw up abbatis, and other means of defence, adapted to the particular circumstances of the ground made choice of for the position.
To reconnoitre the ground upon which any given number of troops might be encamped under circumstances of aggression. In taking this position for the purpose of actingoffensively, particular attention must be paid to the future movements of the army, by providing the readiest means of directing and supporting its operations.
Marches and movements constitute so essential a branch in military tactics, that on them almost wholly depends the issue of a campaign. It is consequently expected, that every officer belonging to the senior department, should be able to calculate the march of a column under all the various and desultory circumstances which are attendant on the movements of troops. He must accurately ascertain the ground, the defiles, the width of roads, &c. the length of the several columns. The hours occupied in marching, defiling, passing obstacles, &c. must come within this calculation.
It must be remarked, that this is a route of march which has in view only to convey a body of troops from one position to another, without being connected with military operations relative to the enemy.
To calculate the march of several columns with respect to each other.
To reconnoitre routes for the march of several columnsin advancing; to form the columns of march so as to correspond with the field of battle which they are to occupy, and to point out the routes by which they are severally to arrive. The remark which we have already made applies to this part likewise.
To regulate an order of march, and to ascertain the arrival of several columns on the field, with regard to the appropriate manner of deploying, and their relative dispositions, whether with a view to their encamping, or to forming in order of battle.
To reconnoitre routes for the march of several columns inretreat, for the purpose of forming columns of march according to the circumstances of the retreat, and in conformity to the ground to which they retire.
To regulate the retreat and relative support of the rear guards attached to the several columns.
In order to add practical knowlege to theory, and to adapt the observations of established military writers to local experience, every survey or reconnoitring of country, for the retreat or advance of columns; for offensive or defensive positions; for encampments, or the construction and erection of batteries, &c. is made upon spots that are actually in the neighborhood of the establishment; and every object of instruction is applied to the local circumstance of the ground as it actually exists. It is required, that plans of these different surveys, &c. should at all times accompany and be given in with the lesson of instruction.
Officers of the senior department must not only be well acquainted with these particulars, but they must further know how to regulate the cantonments of an army.
To estimate the resources of a country, in green and dry forage, in cattle, grain, horses, and carriages, together with the population.
To draw out plans of resources, general plans of operations and subordinate ones of position, and of cantonments.
According to the season of the year, and the state of the weather, officers are employed in acquiring the theory, or applying in practice on the ground, the several points of instruction to which their attention has been directed.
It is required of them, individually, to reconnoitre a given tract or line of country.
The military positions they take up, as well as the disposition they make of troops, whether in camp or in order of march, are invariably represented by plans in drawing, and all instruction is exemplified by applications which are made in the field, and are adapted to the local circumstances of ground. In order to render the different lessons familiar to the mind, and to make them practically easy, imaginary marches are made from one supposed camp to another, and the various orders which relate to the movements of troops are given out and explained, as if they were to be actually carried into effect. Points of attack or defence are taken up, ambuscades are laid, and all the chicane of what the French so justly callle petite guerre, is entered into with as much promptitude and caution, as if the enemy were in the neighborhood of the college. The manœuvres of light troops are particularly practised; and the differentinstructions which have been published in French on that branch of military tactics by Mons. Jarry, are practically taught, as time and circumstances permit.
The elements of field fortification, and the higher branches of attack and defence, are not only inculcated with the greatest perspicuity, but they are reduced to practice by imaginary lines of circumvallation and contravallation; by posts and positions suddenly taken, and quickly fortified; whilst the manifold feints and stratagems of war which have been practised by the best generals, are locally attempted, for the double purpose of applying practice to established facts, and of seizing some new idea that may grow out of ancient practice.
Whenever an officer has completed his studies, he is reported to the commander in chief, as having qualified himself for the quarter-master-general’s department; and returns to his regiment, having had his name previously registered at the college, in order that he may be employed on the general staff of the army when his services are required.
When an officer wishes to be admitted to the military college, his application must be addressed to the commander in chief, for the time being, through the medium of the colonel or commanding officer of his regiment, who sends it, under cover, to the official or public secretary at the Horse Guards, with his own certificate of the good conduct of the applicant.
When an officer, thus admitted, is found deficient in any of the branches of elementary knowlege, which he is expected to have acquired previous to his entrance into the senior department, he may have the advantage of instruction from the professors and masters of the junior department. It would, however, be more gratifying to all parties, were such officers to qualify themselves before they quit their corps.
The same allowances which are established for troops in barracks, are made to officers who attend the instructions of the senior department.
Every officer admitted to this department is required to have a horse to attend his duty in the field, and regular rations of forage, &c. are issued to him for his keeping.
The officers of the senior department mess together, and their table is regulated by specific statutes of the college.
Junior department.
This department is calculated to receive three hundred students from the age of fourteen to sixteen. Fifty out of this number may be cadets of the hon. East India company’s service; one hundred the sons of noblemen and gentlemen who are intended for the army; one hundred the sons of officers actually in the service; and fifty the sons of officers who have died, or have been disabled in his majesty’s service, and are left in pecuniary distress.
The students are formed into four companies; and proper persons are appointed for their care and superintendance.
They are to wear an established uniform, and to be conducted as a military body; regard being had to their youth, and certain instructions adapted for its government.
The course of study which is arranged for this department is of a preparatory nature, leading gradually to branches of a higher class that are fitted for the staff; and adding to classical knowlege, every accomplishment that is required to form the character of a perfect gentleman and officer.
The students are taught the several branches of mathematics, field fortification, together with the general principles of gunnery and artillery service. They are instructed in drawing military plans, military movements, and perspective. They are also made acquainted with the first rudiments of war, the science of military manœuvre, with geography and history, as well as with the German and French languages. Professors and masters are appointed to teach the Hindoo and Persian tongues, as being immediately necessary to the service of India. Masters are likewise provided to instruct cadets in the geography of India, and to make them familiarly acquainted with the local knowlege of the settlement for which they are severally intended.
The directors of instruction are made particularly responsible for the proper management of the studies, and different elementary branches which constitute an essential part of the establishment.
The professors and masters are employed generally to instruct in both departments, under the control of the chief director.
The whole establishment, which has military knowlege and improvement for its basis, is conducted upon strict military principles, and in scrupulous conformity to the rules and discipline which are issued by authority for the government of the army at large.
A sufficient number of masters are constantly resident in the college, for the instruction of such students as may wish to continue their classical studies. Frequent lessons are given them on moral and natural philosophy.
They are likewise taught riding, swimming, fencing, and the sabre and sword exercise.
The instruction of the department is divided into two parts, forming a junior and senior division of study.
Public examinations are held in this department, in order to remove students from the lower to the higher division of study; and also for the purpose of granting certificates to such as are qualified toact as commissioned officers in the service, at an age under what is required by the present regulations of the army.
From this department students will join the regiments into which they severally enter; and after having obtained some experience, by going through the different duties of a regimental officer, they will be qualified to return to the college, and to enter into the senior department, if they are disposed to study the service of the general staff.
The public examinations are held in presence of one or more visitors or inspectors, nominated by the commander in chief; and it is required, that they should be members of the supreme board of the college.
The expence attending the education of a young gentleman in this department, is according to the foundation on which he is admitted to the college.
The sons of noblemen and gentlemen pay 80l.per annum.
The sons of officers in service pay 40l.per annum; and orphans, who are the sons of officers that have died in the service, or the sons of those that have been disabled and are straitened in circumstances, are educated, clothed, and maintained free of all expence.
The board, clothing, and accommodation, are included in the several sums above specified.
There are two vacations in the course of twelve months, viz.—At Christmas and Midsummer, for a term not exceeding one month each vacation.
The administration of the funds of the establishment, is under the direction of the collegiate board.
The accounts are balanced at the expiration of six months in every year, and are laid before the supreme board; at which periods, reports of progress made in the several branches of literature and technical science, and of the public examinations, are made before the committee. These documents, accompanied by well digested remarks and seasonable suggestions, for the preservation of good order, &c. and the improvement of the institution, are laid before the king by the commander in chief, as president and governor of the college.
The supreme board of the college is composed in the following manner:
The commander in chief for the time being, president.
Secretary at war.
Governor.
Master-general of the ordnance.
Governor of Chelsea college.
Quarter-master-general.
And two honorary members.
Barrack-master general.
Lieutenant colonel Le Marchant, as lieutenant governor.
General Jarry as commandant of the senior department.
These are the members of the supreme board, and such others may, from time to time, be named.
A secretary to the supreme board.
A president to the college.
The militarySCHOOLat Paris, (école royale militaire de Paris,Fr.) This celebrated establishment, which for so many years supplied France with superior talents, and to which Bonaparte is indebted for the solid groundwork of that military knowlege that has astonished and conquered Europe, owes its origin to Henry IV. who first erected a public building in Anjou, for the free education of the children of poor noblemen; it was called the college ofLa Fléche, wherein one hundred young boys of the above description were supported, &c. at the king’s expence. They were there taught Latin and the liberal arts by the Jesuits, whose learning, and aptitude at teaching others to learn, have been so deservedly admired in every quarter of the globe. This order, however, having been banished out of France in 1770, by Louis XV. because the members interfered with the government (whilst all their crimes consisted in being too virtuous to countenance the debaucheries of that weak monarch); the direction of the college was entrusted to the secular priests, and the number of students was increased to 350. On this occasion it was distinguished by a particular mark of royal favor, and was called the royal college.
In addition to this provincial establishment, Louis XV. instituted the royal military school in the neighborhood of Paris, where 250 young lads received a regular education under the most able masters; particularly in those branches which contributed to military knowlege. During their vacations, and at periods of intermission from classical pursuits, they were attended and instructed by experienced officers. They generally remained until the age of 18, and were after that distributed among the different regiments with appropriate commissions. They were then distinguished by being permitted to wear a cross, which was tied to a crimson piece of riband, and hung from a button-hole in their coat. The cross, on one side, represented the figure of the Virgin Mary; and on the other, there was a trophy adorned with three fleurs de lis. They had likewise an annual pension of 200 livres, (about 40 dollars) which was paid them without deduction, until they obtained the rank of captain, provided they had a certificate of good behaviour from the staff or état major of their corps. They received, moreover, when they quitted the school, a small kitt of linen, a hat, sword, and an uniform coat. They were replaced in the military school by an equal number of youths who came from the college of La Fléche, for that purpose, at the age of 13 or 14.
Both these establishments underwent a considerable alteration during the administrationof the count de St. Germain, in April 1776. This minister persuaded Louis XVI. that great public benefit might be derived from increasing the number of these colleges, and admitting youths from every class of his subjects. When these alterations took place in the royal military school, all the young men that were 18 years old were incorporated with the regiments of gentlemen cadets. These enjoyed all the advantages which their predecessors had possessed; with this exception, that they did not wear the uniform of their corps, nor the cross. Those lads who had not reached the period in question, were placed in different corps, and several remained in the military school who were afterwards provided for on another footing. The number of young men was gradually increased, not only by fresh arrivals from La Fléche, but by the admission of several others for whom a yearly pension was paid by their parents. The latter, were not, however, entitled to any advantage or indulgence beyond what was generally allowed.
On the 28th of March 1776, the king gave directions, that ten colleges should be established, over the gates of each of which was written—Collége Royale Militaire; royal military college. These colleges were under the immediate care and instruction of the Benedictine monks, and other religious persons.
The secretary of state held the same jurisdiction over these colleges that he possessed over La Fléche, and the military school at Paris.
There were always 50 at least, and never more than 60 young men placed for education in each of these colleges, at the expence of the king; amounting annually per head to 700 livres, about 150 dollars. For this sum each student was supplied with a blue coat with red cuffs, and white buttons, a blue surtout or great coat, two white waistcoats, two pairs of black breeches, twelve shirts, twelve handkerchiefs, six cravats, six nightcaps, two dressing-gowns, two hats, two pairs of shoes, combs, and powder-bag. These articles were, in the first instance, to be provided by the young man’s parents or friends, and when he quitted, he was furnished with the same articles at the expence of the college. Travelling expences, postage of letters, &c. were defrayed by the parents or friends of the different students. The secretary of state’s letter, conveying the king’s approbation, was the voucher for admission; but no child could be received unless he had previously learned to write and read. Candidates for admission, underwent a close examination on the very day they arrived, and if they were found deficient in any of the necessary qualifications, they were sent back to their friends with directions not to return until the year following, provided they got properly instructed during that period. No person could be admitted who was lame, or otherwise deformed; and certain proofs of nobility were to be established and given in, as well as proofs of property, vouched for by two gentlemen who lived in the neighborhood of the applicant, and confirmed by the intendant of the province, or by the governor. And in order to afford the parents ample time to collect the necessary vouchers, the preliminary consent of the king was forwarded to them six months before July, announcing that their children might be presented to the college on the 7th of September next following.
The king’s students, or those young lads for whom 700 livres (150 dolls.) were annually paid out of his privy purse, were taught in the subordinate colleges, as in the military school at Paris, every thing that could be useful to a military character, besides music and other accomplishments. They were, moreover, regularly supplied with foils for fencing, and with mathematical and musical instruments. In order to excite emulation, prizes and rewards were distributed according to merit; and an allowance for pocket money was made in the following manner:—20sols, or 10d.English per month, to each boy under twelve; and 40sols, or 20d.to all above that age. The royal pensions and allowances were paid every quarter, commencing on the 1st of April 1776. These payments were regulated by specific returns, which were regularly forwarded on the 15th of each month preceding the expiration of the quarter, to the secretary at war, and were signed by the heads or superiors of each college, accompanied by an exact muster-roll of all the students. By direction of the secretary at war, every species of necessary furniture and utensil that was found for La Fléche, and the military school at Paris, was distributed, in equal proportions, among the subordinate colleges; a preference, however, was uniformly given to the calls and necessities of those two establishments. The colleges that were appointed to pass the final examination of students received a double quantity of each article.
Every student who was admitted into any of the subordinate colleges at eight or nine years old, was obliged to remain there six years before he could appear at the final examinations; that period being thought necessary to complete his education. With respect to those who were entering into their tenth or eleventh year, and even those who were orphans, they were not forced to fill the term of six years instruction, provided they had already acquired sufficient knowlege to entitle them to a favorable report from their superiors.
The king directed that the pensions for 50 students upon the establishment, should be paid three months in advance to the several colleges, for the purpose ofenabling them to complete the necessary buildings, &c. Each of those students was allowed a small separate apartment, with a key to the door. They were distributed in a particular quarter of the building, that they might be more easily attended to; having no other communication with the honorary pensioners, or those who had an allowance from their parents, than what was absolutely necessary to carry on the public instruction and discipline of the place.
The college of Brienne, a small town in Champagne, was fixed upon for the admission of the young lads whose pensions were paid by their parents. The latter likewise defrayed the expences of the journey; but they were entitled to the same indemnification that was afterwards granted to the king’s students. The same rules and method of instruction were pursued by the different colleges, in order that all the candidates might be brought together at the same time for examination. This examination was made in the presence of the principal, and under inspector of the schools, and of other literary men, who were appointed by the secretary of state for that purpose, and received 1200 livres, or 250 dollars, as a gratification for their attendance, besides board and lodging at the king’s expence. Theconcours, or meeting for examination, took place every year, and lasted from the 1st to the 15th of September; the original one commencing in September 1778. The young men that passed the examination to the full satisfaction of these gentlemen, were placed in different regiments, and received commissions accordingly.
The four best informed and most able of the young candidates, received pensions or temporary allowances in the following manner:—The two first got 150 livres, between 6l.and 7l.sterling; and the two next 100 livres, equal to 4l.odd per annum, until they were promoted to companies. They were further entitled to wear the ancient cross of the military school. If any of them quitted the service before they had obtained the above rank of captain, the pension ceased. They likewise received, (in common with all the other students that left the establishment) 200 livres, between 8l.and 9l.on their becoming lieutenants in the army.
The young men that were not found sufficiently instructed to join a regular corps, as gentlemen cadets, remained at theCollége de Concours, or college of examination, until the following year, when they were again questioned as to every particular which regarded a military education. But, let their success on this occasion be what it might, they ceased to be entitled to those marks of distinction and temporary allowances which were given to the first successful candidates. Those boys, who were brought by their parents, and for whom a pension was to be paid, lost all pretensions to the notice of government if they failed to give satisfaction at this final hearing. Proper representations of their incapacity were made by the inspector of military schools to the secretary of state, which representations were formally attested and corroborated by the opinion and judgment of the superior of the college of Brienne, in order that an accurate account might be given to his majesty, and that the parents might be officially directed to send or come for their children.
The superior or head of each subordinate college was directed, from the 1st of July 1778, to send, under cover to the secretary at war, an effective return of those students that had finished their course of education, and were prepared for examination. An order was then issued from the war-office for their attendance at the college of Brienne.
The heads of colleges were enjoined to transmit, annually, to the secretary of the war department, an analysis of the various elementary tracts which they had perused, accompanied by comments and observations thereon, together with original suggestions of their own. 6000 livres, or 1250 dollars, were allowed out of the annual revenue of the military school at Paris, for the specific purpose of rewarding those writers who should publish the best treatises relative to the military education of youth; and when this intent was fulfilled, the surplus or the sum entire was appropriated to the purchase of books, which were equally distributed among the different colleges, each of which had a separate library for the convenience and improvement of the students.
The king left it to the discretion of the different religious orders, to select such persons, as were best calculated to undertake the direction of the colleges, and to chuse the different masters and professors. He reserved, however, to himself the power of displacing any of them, if, upon mature and correct representation they were found inadequate to the trust.
The four professors, belonging to the colleges in which the four successful candidates at the general examination had been educated, received four golden medals, each worth 150 livres, 25 dollars, as a testimony of his majesty’s approbation. The king’s likeness was on one side of the medal, and on the other was engraved,Prix de bon Instructeur; the good teacher’s prize. With the laudable view of collecting the best and most able masters, various rewards were imagined, and occasionally distributed among the different persons employed in the instruction of young beginners.
The different vacancies which occurred in consequence of the public examination that took place once a year, were regularly filled up at that period.
The secretary of state transmitted tothe heads of colleges a list, containing the names of the young men that were to succeed.
Louis XVI. exclusively of the 600 students who were placed in the different colleges pursuant to the new regulations, restored the ancient foundation of La Fléche, which had originally been established by Henry IV. for the benefit of 100 poor boys, who were of noble families, and whose parents had rendered some service to the state in the civil, military, or ecclesiastical line. They were educated according to the bent of their talents and disposition, and fitted to any of those professions; provisions and regulations having been made in the college of La Fléche for these purposes, which differed from the general system pursued in the other military colleges.
Those boys, who at 13 or 14 years old, discovered a partiality to civil or ecclesiastical functions, left the subordinate colleges, and repaired to La Fléche. Their number was limited to five, who might annually be admitted in consequence of an order for that purpose from the secretary at war; which order was obtained by their parents, on a representation being made to him of their talents and dispositions, confirmed and vouched for by the inspector general, and by the heads and superiors of each college.
An extraordinary allowance was made by the king to enable these students to acquire a knowlege of law, and to become acquainted with every species of theological learning.
These students were never permitted to leave college under a pretext of seeing their friends or parents, however near the residence of the latter might be.
The heads or superiors of each college transmitted every quarter to the secretary of state for the war department, and to the inspector general of schools, a minute account of the actual state of the college, and of the progress which each student had made in the several branches of education. If any extraordinary occurrence happened, these communications were to be made forthwith, and at broken periods, without waiting for the regular expiration of three months. They were likewise instructed to communicate with the parents of such children, as were paid for by them, giving an account of their progress in education, and stating what they had written on that subject to the secretary of state.
The inspector and under inspector-general went every year to the different colleges, to examine personally into every thing that concerned the management of each institution, and to report accordingly to his majesty.
The secretary of state for the war department was directed by the king to be present at the annual distribution of prizes, which were given in each college, in order to give every aid and consequence to these public marks of royal attention. In case of the secretary’s death or sickness, the inspector-general of the schools attended for the same well judged purpose.
On the 26th of July 1783, an order appeared, by which the king directed, that the young gentlemen who, by a former regulation could only be admitted into the royal colleges between the ages of eight and eleven, should be received from the age of seven to that of ten. Orphans alone could be admitted as late as the full completion of twelve years. The parents of such children as had been approved of by his majesty, were, without delay, to send in proofs and certificates of their nobility; in failure whereof one year after their nomination, they were deprived of the situation which had been destined for them.
No family could solicit a letter of admission for more than one child at a time; and when it was granted, no application could be made in favor of another child until the first had completed his education, and was provided for in a regiment, or elsewhere.
The wisdom of this regulation is manifest. It was calculated to prevent every species of partiality and undue influence, and it kept the door open for many a meritorious youth, that might otherwise be deprived of the advantages of this useful institution. Like every other system, however, of that ill-fated monarchy, the principles were gradually perverted; and what was intended as a general good, became subservient to the intrigues of Versailles, the secret views of inspectors and commissaries, and the venal pliancy of individuals that acted under them. This evil was not confined to France. It has existed, and does still exist in other nations: the transactions in the case of the duke of York, in England, shews the profligate venality with which the sale of military offices was conducted. So strict was the regulation in France to prevent any monopoly of interest or patronage, that particular instructions were issued to commissaries to repair into the different provinces in which the several colleges stood, and to see that no students were sent to the general examination at Brienne, who had any brother or brothers under the same establishment.