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 CHAPTER XII.

FIELD-ARTILLERY.

Origin,-- Gustavus Adolphus seems to have originated the field or light artillery, using very small calibres, 1610 to 1622.  Frederick the Great improved the system, enlarged the calibre, and introduced horse –artillery into his armies, 1740 to 1786.

When first used in the French service, no system of manoeuvres was adopted; the artillery was transported by contract; and, the teams being required only in time of war, no opportunity was afforded for the necessary instruction. The teamsters who were employed, often abandoned the pieces in times of danger, on. account of which a large number of cannoneers were employed and provided with bricoles, to move the pieces on the field of battle in case of necessity, a means now seldom resorted to.

Napoleon, in 1801, having created his corps of drivers, field artillery became much more perfect, and was manoeuvred with more ease and boldness, especially after the adoption of a regular system of instruction under Gen. Foy. Gribeauval introduced the battery formation.

The manoeuvres first based upon the movements of infantry, were afterwards established on the principles of cavalry drill.

Use.- Light artillery has now become an indispensable arm in all armies; and it is brought to such perfection that no troops, however brave and well -disciplined, can do without it. Napoleon said, even before the many recent improvements were introduced, that no body of infantry without the help of artillery could march for 1,000 or 1,200 yards against a battery of sixteen well -placed and well -served pieces, without being destroyed.

Artillery becomes of so much more importance when placed with raw and undisciplined troops; when the batteries, well posted and served, will atone, n Some measure, for the deficiencies of the rest of the troops. In this case, the capacity of a general is exhibited by his knowing how to place, upon the point of attack, the few good troops at his disposal, and to protect the others with powerful batteries, which the enemy would in then attempt to carry. But in order to succeed with such means, the genius of the chief must be capable of atoning for the moral inferiority of his troops, and his artillery possess a marked superiority over that of the enemy. Probably there never has been a battle fought in which this fact was rendered more apparent than it was at Buena Vista, where the batteries of Washington, Bragg, and Sherman performed such signal service, and atoned so well for the absence of a large well -disciplined force. Artillery may be also made to supply the want of a cavalry force, as well as to arrest a charge of cavalry, which can produce but little effect when made under the fire of well -posted and well–served batteries.

When serving with troops of the very best kind, artillery, although less important, is an arm the use of which cannot be dispensed with in battles of any size. Posted along the front of the line, it serves to maintain the combat; to spare the rest of the troops; to support their movements, and to make an opening for them to act. A portion of it, held in reserve, appearing at a decisive moment, produces, by its rapid and terrible effect, the most important results.

In a flat, open country, with numerous roads, field -artillery is of the most importance, as by its mobility and power of concentration, it neutralizes the importance and effect of the fixed positions of an enemy, and atones for the want of them on one's own side.

Its importance is diminished in a broken or mountainous country, where war is reduced to attacks on fixed positions; but even in this kind of war, where infantry plays the most important part, it is still of the greatest use in forcing difficult passages, setting fire to towns, and battering down houses or other obstacles.

The principal advantages of the fire of artillery over that of infantry, are -- that the striking of the shot and shell gives a means, not possessed by small -arms, of correcting the fire. The dust thrown up by a shot striking may be seen at a distance of more than 1,000 yards. The moral effect due to the power of artillery is increased by the noise of the explosions, which can be heard in the midst of the most active firing of small -arms.

Artillery is used against troops, either deployed or in squares, by forming opening preparatory to a charge of cavalry. It also repulses the enemy's columns of attack, throwing them into disorder. The efficiency of the fire is, under similar circumstances, in proportion to the calibre; and fur this reason a battery of 12 -pdrs. produces greater effect than one of smaller pieces. The new 12-pdr. being calculated to throw shells as well as shot, and being light enough to pass over ordinarily rough ground, has many advantages over lighter pieces. Artillery -fire is useful only within the limits of distinct vision. The greatest cannonading usually takes place at from 800 to 900 yards

Artillery is of the greatest use in attacking posts and intrenchments; and a city which would resist troops without artillery, would quickly yield after receiving a few shot and shell.

Shells act by percussion and explosion both; but the firing with them is much less accurate than solid shot. The noise, however, made by them and the fear of seeing them burst, add much to their moral effect. They act electively against cavalry in column or in several lines, by frightening the horses and demoralizing the men.

Whatever be the kind of piece used, it is apparent that success will depend upon the skill and address exhibited by the gunners in charge of it.

Quantity.- The quantity of artillery attached to an army is determined by the nature of the theatre of the war, the kind of troops, their number relative to that of the enemy, the

character of the war, the size of the pieces, and their mobility. It varies usually from one to three pieces to 1,000 men. The latter number has been adopted in our service, two per 1,000 for service with the troops, and the third held in reserve.

The n umber of guns should be double that of the howitzers; and for a defensive war, from one-fourth to one-fifth of the pieces should be 12 -pdr. guns and 24 or 32 -pdr. howitzers. For an offensive war, from one -seventh to one -eighth only should be of these calibres, otherwise the batteries would not have sufficient mobility.

As a general rule, the number of the artillery -troops should be about one -half that of the cavalry; though, as regards this, no fixed rule can be laid down, since artillery frequently supplies the place of cavalry.

Divided.- The following is the most recent division of the United States artillery into kinds according to its duties. Heavy or foot-artillery is that portion which takes charge of and manoeuvres the siege, sea -coast, and mountain -artillery. Light or field-artillery, is that portion which manoeuvres field -pieces with troops in the field. It is divided into horse-artillery and mounted batteries. In horse-artillery, the cannoneers, of which there are eleven to each piece, are mounted on horses, from which they have to dismount before attending on the piece, the two extra men holding the horses of the rest. In the mounted batteries, formerly called foot -artillery, the cannoneers are on foot, and. remain so during the manoeuvres of the battery, except when it is desired to move at a very rapid rate, when they are mounted on the ammunition -boxes.

The horse-artillery was originally and is still designed for service with cavalry, receiving the lightest guns, which enables it to move at the same rate as the cavalry, and to keep it up for a considerable time.

In time of peace, or in the state of preparation for war, a battery of field -artillery is to be composed of four pieces. In time of war, of six or eight. In peace, each battery will have 76 men and 44 horses. In preparing for war, 100 men and 80 horses; and in war, 150 men and 110 horses. This supposes the battery to be formed of pieces of the smallest calibre, viz., 6-pdr. guns and 12 -pdr. howitzers. For the new 12 -pdr. or other heavy pieces, of course these numbers would have to be increased.

Fire.- It is of the first importance that the fire of a battery be delivered at a good range, with calmness and intelligence, those impetuous exhibitions of dashing bravery encouraged in other arms being more out of place in this. There are some circumstances, however, where several pieces, well harnessed, may advance to within 300 yards of an enemy and overwhelm him with a storm of grape or canister -shot; but theses cases are very rare, and require much tact and resolution to know how to profit by them. One of the most brilliant feats of this kind probably ever performed on a field of battle, occurred at the battle of Palo Alto, with Col. Duncan, who, by a well -timed movement of two pieces of his battery, unlimbered in front of a large force of Mexicans attempting to turn the left flank of our line, and by a rapid and well -sustained fire, drove them back in confusion.

The pieces should fire slowly at distances beyond 600 or 700 yards, in order to render their shots certain. They cease firing beyond 1,000 or 1,200 yards; otherwise the enemy, experiencing no damage from the shot, gains confidence, and advances with more boldness.

Within 600 yards, the firing should be rapid, as it is then very sure, but it is only at the decisive moment that the rapidity is increased to its greatest limit. By wasting the ammunition, the supply destined for a whole campaign may be expended in a few hours' firing, preliminary to a battle. Generally, the rate of firing should be much less than one shot per minute; for the whole supply of a six -pounder being about 400 shots, if the firing were at the rate of one per minute, the whole provision for a campaign would be consumed in about seven hours.

The firing should rather be too low than too high, in order to take advantage of the ricochets, and, besides, a ball which ricochets in front of a line produces o, greater moral effect than one which passes directly through it. Volleys should not be fired, especially with small batteries, as the enemy is enabled to take advantage of the intervals between them, to charge.

In changing position, advantage is taken of obstacles and favorable ground, to deceive the enemy as to the number of batteries he has opposed to him. An habitual slowness in firing renders this manoeuvre very easy. The principal object of artillery is, to sustain the troops in attack and defense; to facilitate their movements and oppose the enemy's; to destroy his forces as well as the obstacles which protect them; and to keep up the combat until an opportunity is offered for a decisive blow. Our mounted batteries have been so much perfected and increased in mobility, that they can move almost with as much celerity as horse -artillery; and the latter has been practically abandoned in the United States.* The men should be mounted on the boxes only when it is absolutely necessary, to avoid breaking down the horses. This rapid gait cannot, however, be kept up any length of time, as it can in horse -artillery.

* Several of our batteries are now equipped as horse -artillery.

Horse-artillery is, in France, considered indispensably necessary for service with cavalry, which having but little or no fire of its own, and acting simply by the shock of its charge, requires that the enemy should be kept at a distance, and first broken by the fire of artillery in order that the charges made may result in any practical good. Instances might be cited where the absence of its co –operation resulted in inflicting upon the enemy simply a few sabre cuts, when he ought to have been annihilated. This kind of artillery is, however, very costly, consuming a large number of horses, and should therefore be proportionally small in quantity. It should, however, be excellent in quality, bold, well -manoeuvred, even vent uresome, appearing at and disappearing from different points, and multiplying, as it were, its action, which should be short and decisive. In France the horse -artillery is nearly one -sixth of the artillery force.

Organization .- In our service, but two companies in each of the four regiments of artillery, are authorized by law to be equipped as mounted batteries, and of these but seven companies are now actually so equipped. The remaining forty -one companies are equipped and serving as infantry, much to their detriment as an artillery force, and not very much to their improvement as infantry.

COMPOSITION OF BATTERIES.

In batteries of only four pieces, it is usual to have one or two howitzers, and when there are two, it is well to have them together. But should the number of pieces be increased to eight, and there is a, probability of the battery being divided, the howitzers should be distributed through it.

The light 12-pd. field-gun of the new pattern, if adopted throughout the service, as it is probable it will be, will do away entirely with the use of howitzers in field -batteries, the pieces being amply supplied with shells and spherical case.

To avoid accidents, only the objects absolutely necessary for use are brought into line during the battle, namely, the six pieces and the six caissons. These carriages constitute what is called the battery of manoeuvre. Sometimes, but one caisson to every two pieces is placed in line; and if possible, the whole of them are kept out of fire by taking advantage of the inequalities of the ground, &c.

The carriages not employed, constitute the reserve -battery, and are kept out of range during the battle. The reserve furnishes supplies of men, horses, ammunition, and material.

In the French service, the two howitzers of a battery are both placed in the centre section, in order that their fire, less accurate than that of guns, may not extend over a front greater than that embraced by the fire of the whole battery. In our service, it is customary to place one in each of the wing sections, in order to distribute the effect of the shells as much as possible, and have the benefit of shell-firing in case it becomes necessary t o detach one of the sections.

The composition of the field -equipage for an army depends upon the number of pieces to be taken. The batteries are provided with all the accoutrements, small stores, and spare parts necessary for their service.

Besides the carriages composing the batteries, there are others which march in the rear, and form what are called the parks. There are two kinds of these; the reserve parks of divisions, or parts of an army, and general or grand parks. These parks contain the caissons for the transportation of the artillery and infantry stores, spare gun -carriages, battery wagons, park wagons, and forges. The caissons and spare carriages are drawn by only four horses.

The supplies of ammunition are fixed by allowing 400 rounds for each piece in round numbers for a campaign, distributed as follows: 200 with each piece in the batteries, 100 in the reserve parks of divisions, and 100 in the general park.  Additional supplies of all ordnance stores are placed in depots convenient to the line of operations. These include pieces, projectiles, powder, gun -carriages, wagons, and all sorts of stores, and horses.

Batteries derive all their value from the courage and skill of the gunners; from their constancy and devotion on difficult marches; from the quickness and capacity of the officers; and especially from the good condition and vigor of the teams, without which nothing can be undertaken.

Marches.- As an officer has frequently charge of the convoys of artillery and other carriages, he must know how to conduct them properly, and keep everything in good condition. He may be obliged to provide, himself, from the means at hand, transportation for his supplies. To be able to do this, he should know the amount of work a horse is capable of performing, according to the condition of the roads, the distance, and the rapidity with which he has to travel.

A horse of medium strength can draw a load of 3,000 lbs. from 20 to 23 miles per day, over a paved road, and about 1,900 lbs. over a macadamized road. This includes the weight of the carriage. From 1,500 to 1,600 lbs., not including the weight of the carriage, is therefore a proper load for a horse over ordinary roads; and in case rough, broken ground is to be passed over, he should not be required to draw more than 1,100 lbs.

A horse moving at a trot can draw at the same rate as above, a weight of 800 lbs., not including the carriage, the weight of which would bring the load up to about 1,100 lbs.

These numbers comprise the maximum load; and if the carriage is to move at a trot across fields, or in the open country, the weight, including everything, should not exceed 733 lbs.; or, if the carriage is not well constructed, 600 lbs.

A horse carrying a rider, loses his power of drawing in proportion to the increase of gait. This diminution, which is about one -half when the horse is at a walk, becomes two –thirds when he trots. Thus a team of five horses with a single driver seated on the carriage, will draw more than six horses, two of which are mounted with drivers.

In artillery carriages, half the horses carrying drivers, a team of six horses, moving at a trot, actually experiences a loss in traction of 3x2/3 or two horses.

Admitting that the labor of the horse is inversely proportional to the road passed over, the labor of the off -horse moving at a trot at the rate of 20 miles a day, is reduced to 1,100 lbs., and that of a pair to 1,100 lbs.+ 1100/3 =1,466 lbs., or 733 lbs. for each horse. Now, the weight for horse -artillery carriages not exceeding 660 lbs. for each horse, the horses are capable of moving at a trot for long distances, and in mounted batteries they can move very rapidly for short distances.

In proportion as the number of horses is increased, the relative force of each couple diminishes, in consequence of the difficulty of making them act together, and the results obtained are respectively:: 9: 8: 7: 6, according as the teams are composed of 2, 4, 6 or 8 horses. More than 10 horses in a team are very difficult to manage. Hence, we conclude that teams are relatively stronger as their number is decreased.

For transporting short distances or over roads in good condition, the horses may be loaded more heavily. Wagoners make their teams draw more than 2,200 lbs. per horse.

Before starting on the march, the inventory of the convoy should be verified. The carriages should be inspected, and the wheels especially examined to see that they are sound, and the tires not loose. When the spokes are loose and withdrawn from the nave, or the felloes separated on the exterior instead of the interior of the joints, the tires should be taken off, shortened, and replaced. The manner in which the loads are distributed, and teams harnessed, should be examined, and care taken that the traces are of the same length. The strongest horses should be placed in the wheel teams, the weakest in the middle, and a spirited horse should. not be coupled with one of a contrary disposition. Those coupled together should be, as near as possible, of equal strength, and of the same character and appetite, otherwise one is soon disabled from excessive fatigue, or want of nourishment.

In order to facilitate the inspection of the convoy it is divided into portions, which, under the command of officers or non -commissioned officers, are subdivided into parts, composed of a certain number of carriages, each inspected by a noncommissioned officer or trusty soldier. In this way the drivers are overlooked, and the carriages assisted in their march, either by manning the wheels or chocking them, or by the use of the shovels and picks.

Before starting on the march, the commandant of a convoy should prescribe to all portions of his command what is to be done in case of an attack. He should procure all the information possible in regard to the country he has to pass through; the obstacles which may interrupt his march; the number and condition of the roads which lead to his destination, and the probability of meeting the enemy. If necessary, he takes, forcibly or otherwise, one or several guides, and from the information he collects, distributes his force in the advance guard, the escort, and the rear -guard. The advance -guard, the head

of which is formed of cavalry, precedes at a considerable distance the head of the column. It reconnoitres the country, occupies the defiles, communicates with the commandant of the convoy by means of mounted men distributed along the route, repairs the roads, and searches the valleys and other positions. The escort marches on the flank, on the enemy's side. The rear guard brings up the rear.

The carriages should march as close together as possible, and in two files if the road permits it. Pieces may, according to the importance of the convoy, be placed in the front, in rear, or on the flanks, or be given to the advance -guard, if it is large enough to derive any advantage from them.

The advance-guard marches with a certain number of sappers to repair the road; or, for the want of these, the laborers of the country may be called upon for the purpose. Marching through a friendly country, this work is done under charge of an officer sent in advance, and in an enemy's country, is confided to the commander of the advance -guard.

The carriages march usually in single file, at about 2 1/2 miles an hour. The distance between the carriages on good roads, is one yard; on bad roads, from five to six yards. If the distances were not increased the carriages would run into each other, and cause accidents. The forges are placed at the end of the column, in order to facilitate the necessary repairs. The most rapid rate at which a well -harnessed convoy can travel, marching at a slow trot, is five miles an hour. This gait can be kept up only for half the marching distances, and the teams should bc brought to a walk an hour before reaching camp, and fifteen or twenty minutes before each halt.

The carriages should be conducted in such a way as to allow of being turned in their positions in case of need; and fur this purpose they should keep the right of the road, unless it should happen to be very wide. As soon as a carriage becomes disabled, it should be at once withdrawn from the column, repaired if possible, and if not, its load transferred to the neighboring carriages, leaving it to proceed empty; or even abandon it, if in the vicinity of an enemy. Care should be taken to lock the wheels going down hill, and chock them, at times, going up, to allow the horses time to breathe and recover their strength. Short halts of ten minutes every hour roust be made for resting, and allowing the rear carriages to come up.

The commander of the convoy, and those of the different divisions, stop frequently and allow their teams to pass them, to satisfy themselves that everything is in order. Forage is the only thing allowed to be placed on the carriages, and no smoking is permitted, especially in the vicinity of the powder wagons.

On long and difficult marches, and during hot weather, a halt of an labour in the middle of the day is made, convenient to water, so as to allow the horses to drink and eat a little forage. In an enemy's country, but half of the teams are unharnessed at once, for watering, in order not to be taken by surprise.

With new material, ditches are passed in a, direction perpendicular to their length; with baggage wagons and old carriages, they must be cut diagonally. It is better, when practicable, to fill up ditches with fascines and straw, to avoid upsetting the carriages.

Common agricultural carts, with the wheels removed, make very good bridges by which to cross ditches.

To ascend very steep hills, the column is halted, and the teams of the front half of the convoy doubled. These carriages are halted at the top of the hill, and the others brought up in the same way. The whole resume the march after a short halt.

Difficult fords are passed in the same way, except that the drivers remain on their horses instead of dismounting, as in the other case. If the wheels become embedded in the sand, they are disengaged by applying men to them. The teams are not allowed to stop to drink.

In very steep descents, covered with snow and ice, simply locking the wheels is frequently not sufficient. The horses should be rough -shod; anywhere the ice covers the ground in the most difficult parts, it should be cleared away by the world -men. It is sometimes necessary to unharness a, part of the teams, and place them in rear of the carriages, to hold back and prevent them from running down too rapidly.

In night marches, it is necessary to watch the drivers attentively, and see that they do not fall asleep on their horses. At every halt, the harness is inspected to see that it is not tangled, which can be ascertained by stretching the traces.

The usual manner of marching a battery, is in column of pieces, each piece followed by its caisson, and the other carriages at the end of the train. In the vicinity of the enemy, the latter are kept back sortie distance, and the battery is reduced to twelve carriages, six pieces and six caissons, which then occupy a length of about 190 yards for the heavy batteries harnessed with six horses, and for light ones harnessed with four, about 132 yards.

Artillery should never march directly at the head or tail of a column, but should always have at least a battalion of infantry, or two squadrons of cavalry, in front and in rear of it, in order that in case of necessity it may have time to form in battery.

When a convoy composed of artillery carriages is obliged to enter a very narrow defile, the column should be followed by an extra limber, so that if obliged to retreat, each limber and rear train could be turned separately on its own ground, and the retrograde movement performed; which could not be done with ordinary wagons.

Horses should not be allowed to fall in harness, from fatigue, before they are replaced. The near horse becomes tired, usually, sooner than the other, and should be specially looked after and replaced when he begins to exhibit signs of fatigue.

Horses should not be worked immediately after eating, especially if they have to travel at a rapid gait. They should never be watered when heated, unless the march is to be immediately resumed. If they are watered from wells, the water should be drawn beforehand, and agitated so as to take the temperature of the air, or mixed with a little bran to render it less injurious.

A horse in harness, properly cared for and well fed, cannot travel more than 35 or 40 miles a day, and not this distance for any great length of time.

When regular forage has not been distributed, or cannot be obtained along the route, and the horses are obliged to subsist on green forage, the ration should be 80 lbs. per horse.

Vegetables, such as turnips, carrots, and beets, are very nourishing, and do not debilitate the horses too much. If obliged to use the cereals, but few of the beards of wheat, and none of those of barley or rye should be given to the horses. Lucern, clover, and grass, are very heating, and should be given with judgment, otherwise they ruin the horses by foundering them. With such food, the same amount of work cannot be expected from horses as when they are properly fed, especially when in addition they are exposed to all kinds of weather in the bivouac.

The shoulders of the horses and all other parts in contact with the collars, should be frequently rubbed with wisps of straw, to restore the circulation of the blood. If the parts begin to swell, the horse's position in the team is changed. lifetime permits, the packing of the collar may be modified so as to change the points of contact. Without these precautions, the horses would commence to gall after seven or eight days of marching.

On arriving in camp, the teams are unhitched, the girths and breast -straps are loosened, and cruppers taken as. If the horses are very warm, straw should be placed under the blankets and the horses rubbed down. If they are covered with dust, sponge out their eyes, noses, mouths, fundaments, and sheaths. In summer, when the roads are muddy, their legs should be washed and afterwards rubbed down with straw. When they are cool, unsaddle them, rub their backs dry, and examine them with care. Inspect the shoes closely every day. Horses sometimes refuse to eat, on account of thirst. They should be watered as soon as possible, which, in hot weather, is about an hour after reaching camp.

When the marches are long, shorten the time for grooming, or even dispense with it in the morning altogether, to allow the horses rest. If they sweat much, use wisps of straw principally in grooming them. In muddy weather, more time should be spent on the legs. (The tails should be tied up.) In dry and dusty weather, use the sponge and comb more freely. River bathing should be frequently used, when the temperature permits, unless the horse's hoofs are inclined to peel off, in which case they should be well greased.

Mountain Artillery .- With mountain artillery, each mule should be followed by a cannoneer, to observe the motion of the load, especially in ascending and descending  lopes, and correct its position if necessary. The saddles should not be taken off until two  hours after halting. Inspect the mules; apply remedies for any bruises; observe the defects of the saddles, and modify the padding if necessary. Dry the pack -saddles in the sun, and when dry, beat the padding lightly with a stick. The padding should be re -made every three or four months, and the upper part replaced when a saddle is changed from one mule to another. The saddle is carried by taking hold of the arcs of the tree, in order not to derange the padding. When the mules are heated and stopped in hot, wet weather, they should be sheltered as much as possible by covering them with cloths, sacks, &c.

If a mule falls, he is kept down by holding his head close to the ground, until he can be relieved of his load. In halts long enough to relieve the mules, the girths should be loosened, and tightened again before starting, care being taken to adjust the saddle -cloths. When a piece or carriage mule is wounded, or when in the vicinity of an veiny, the pieces should be drawn instead of carried. A. cannoneer then attends each piece, holding by a rammer –staff which is run into the muzzle, which enables him to give assistance in passing over rough places, and prevents the carriage from upsetting. The staff should be withdrawn when crossing narrow ditches, to avoid breaking the handle. In case of a sudden attack, when the material is carried, a minute is sufficient, with well -drilled cannoneers, to unload, place in battery, and fire one round. The wheels should be greased at least once every two days, and the carriages should be drawn as little as possible during night marches.

Forage.- Common wagons should be made use of as much as possible to transport forage. A few horses can easily transport enough forage for a large number. With indifferent wagons and over bad roads, 4 horses can draw the rations of 40 for 24 hours. The ration is 14 lbs. of hay, and 12 lbs. of oats, barley, or corn.

Ammunition .- At the halting -places, the caissons should, if there is time, be opened, to see if the loads are in good condition. All necessary repairs to the carriages and harness should be made at the same time. The axletree should be greased every five days.

If powder is carried in any of the wagons, and especially if the barrels or caissons leak, every precaution should be taken to avoid accidents. For this purpose pavements should be avoided, passing through towns, and the carriages kept 40 or 50 paces apart. No fires should be allowed in the vicinity, and if the weather is hot and dry, the wheels will be occasionally wet with water.

Parking.- The columns of artillery or batteries are parked within reach of the troops, and at least 100 yards from any houses. The carriages are placed 4 yds. from axis to axis, the pieces in the first line, their caissons in the second. The reserve caissons, forges, and battery-wagons in the third and fourth. The distance between the lines is about 16 yards. If the forges are to be used, they should be placed at least 100 yards to the leeward of the battery, to avoid accident. This. rule also applies to the campfires. The number of sentinels to be posted over a park depends upon the number of carriages. A battery requires at least two, and during the night these are doubled. No one is allowed to enter the park without permission.

The position of the bivouacs will depend on the locality. The fires should be to the leeward of the battery; the ground easy of access and within reach of water and forage; a dry and sheltered position should be chosen for the horses. The camp being established, a portion of the horses should be sent on a foraging party, the rest unharnessed as heretofore directed, placed under shelter, when it is possible without compromising the safety of the park, and well groomed. Batteries, when forming a part of a line of battle, are encamped or bivouacked upon the same line with the rest of the troops.

Attacked .- In case of attack by light cavalry, the column is formed in two files, a convenient distance apart, and the front and rear closed, either with two pieces or with platoons of infantry. Thus formed, the march is continued, taking care to keep the carriages well closed up; and in case the enemy exposes himself, he is routed by a fire delivered at short range.

But if he has infantry, and the attack becomes serious, the artillery should be placed in position for acting, the escort formed in line, and the enemy kept at a distance, whilst the convoy continues its march. If closely pressed, and there is hope of assistance, the carriages are placed in several ranks, and a square formed by facing the horses inwards, in order to protect them better, and; prevent them from being stampeded. Recourse should be had to this means only in the last extremity, as it is much better to continue the march towards the point of destination than to halt, whereby time is lost and the command weakened. When the square has to be formed, care must be taken to avoid being surprised and overwhelmed by the enemy before the carriages get into position. An advantageous position should be chosen, where resistance would have to be offered only at a few points. The drivers all dismount. Pieces in battery are placed at the angles, the caissons and powder -wagons being in the interio r of the square, and the escort delivers its fire from behind the outside carriages. If the convoy contains nothing but powder, the escort must then cover it by forming a distance in front sufficient to protect itself from explosions. This requires that the escort of such a convoy be larger than that for an ordinary one.

If obliged to yield to superior forces, a vigorous resistance should be made, whilst preparing to abandon a part of the convoy, and carry off the remainder with as many horses as possible. The portion abandoned should be first as much damaged as circumstances will permit.

When the convoy is parked, a chain of posts is established around it in such a way as to protect it from surprise, and be a support to each other in ease of attack. The points of attack can, if necessary, be strengthened by cutting ditches, and obstructing the roads and pathways leading to the park, with abattis, fallen trees, &c. The commandant with the escort takes a central position, or leaves a detachment there in case no serious attack is anticipated.

Tactics.- A. battery going into line with other troops, is usually formed in column of sections, and deployed into line as the enemy is approached. Under ordinary circumstances the best formation is the column doubled on the centre section, as the deploy is then towards both wings at the same time, and more promptly performed. Unless in extreme cases, the cannoneers should never be mounted on the boxes when the battery is within range of the enemy, as the explosion of a caisson might destroy nearly every cannoneer belonging to a piece.

When several batteries are united, they are formed by sections in one or several parallel columns, or in double columns on the centre, or still better, in two columns joined, and presenting a front of four pieces with the same intervals as in line. Sometimes they are formed in close column with a front of four or six pieces, and the batteries being spaced a distance apart equal to the interval between two pieces. When deployed, the distance between the batteries is double this. When horse-artillery and mounted batteries are placed together, the former are placed on the wings, and the distances and intervals of the whole conform to those of horse -artillery; as in manoeuvering no regard is paid to inversions, it frequently happens that the batteries change their relative positions, and it is then necessary that each space should be large enough to contain a horse -artillery battery.

A close column of several batteries is deployed in the same manner as a column of cavalry; the leading battery moving off at an increased gait, and the others, obliquing to the right or left, gain their intervals and form in line or battery to the front as usual.

The changes of front to fire to the right and left, are made on the wings in the same manner as with a single battery; but it is better to make these changes on the centre battery. But four of these changes are practicable, viz., two to fire to the right by throwing the left wing to the front or rear, and two to fire to the left by throwing the right wing to the front or rear. In the other four changes of front, the pivot pieces would be masked by the rest of the carriages, and could not commence their fire soon enough. On this account the pivot -carriages in these changes should be on the side towards which the fire is to be delivered.

In defensive battles, the contour of the ground is of the first importance, and if properly taken advantage of, may be made to double the force and importance of artillery. Artillery cannot defend itself when hard pressed, and should always be sustained by either infantry or cavalry. The proposition made to arm the cannoneers with small -arms, such as revolvers, short rifles, &c., is calculated to do more harm than good. They should be taught to look upon their pieces as their proper arm of defense, to be abandoned only at the very last moment. The fate of many a battle has turned upon the delivery of a few rounds of grape or canister at short range upon an advancing column; and if they have the means, how natural for men to resort to them for personal safety in time of extreme danger, forgetting for the moment that the fate of the whole army, may be imperiled whilst they are defending themselves only to let the rides, therefore, be given to the infantry, and the sabres and revolvers to the cavalry; guard the artillery with these arms, and teach them that their salvation is in sticking to their pieces.

In a flat, open country, artillery is best sustained by cavalry, which is placed on the wings ready to charge the enemy in flank before be can get through the line of pieces. With very large batteries it is often necessary to place the supporting force in the rear where they should take every advantage of the formation of ground, to protect themselves frown the enemy's fire. In a broken country, artillery is more properly defended by infantry.

It is formed in squares on the flanks and in rear of the centres of the batteries, so as to be able to move forward when necessary to meet the enemy. Infantry marching at a double quick, requires two minutes to pass over a distance of 200 yards, and cavalry at a gallop passes over the same space in one -half minute. From these data the supporting troops are arranged so that they may reach the enemy before he arrives at the line of pieces, as the greatest disorder results should he succeed in forcing his way through the battery.

Batteries are usually placed at least sixty yards in front of the intervals between regiments and brigades, and upon their Ranks, so as not to offer two marks for the fire of the enemy, or subject the troops placed in rear to a fire directed against the artillery. When the troops form in squares, the caissons are placed on the interior, and the pieces at the angles; and if the squares flank each other, the batteries may be placed on the dead ground on the prolongation of the diagonals.

The pieces may be fired in retreat, when the ground is sufficiently smooth, by using the prolonge, by which means the men may be mounted on the boxes immediately after firing, and the piece has simply to halt in order to open fire again, thus saving all the time necessary for limbering up, unlimbering, and coming into battery again; but, everything considered, it may be questioned whether this method of retreating (undoubtedly preferable to any other in manoeuvering with the old heavy carriages, so difficult to limber and unlimber) is to be preferred to the ordinary One, now that the carriage and means Of connecting it with the limber have been so improved. Retreating with the prolonge, should it be necessary to make a hasty retreat, the operation would be much delayed securing the prolonge and limbering up.

The commander of a battery should be acquainted with the movements which the troops are to perform, in order to be able to support them in case the orders of the general should not immediately reach him.

If the positions of the batteries are not definitely fixed, every circumstance capable of rendering their fire more effective and of protecting them from the enemy's, should be taken advantage of. For this purpose, the battery commanders, or several commissioned and non-commissioned officers, should reconnoitre with a view of giving each piece the most advantageous position.

Advantage is taken of the inequalities in the ground to protect the pieces and caissons, without regard to alignment or distances. A. rise of from two to two and a half feet in front of a piece, sometimes protects it entirely from the enemy's fire. The ground in front of a battery should be clear and destitute of bushes or depressions within rifle range, to shelter the enemy's skirmishers. The approaches to the position should be minutely inspected, in order to know how properly to conduct an advance, or defend a retreat. An undulating surface is very advantageous, as the shot which strike the summit will generally ricochet over the battery; and as the dust raised by them cannot be seen by the enemy, he is apt to imagine he is firing too high, and thus loses many shots practicing for the range.

Attack.- Artillery should not be placed on rocky soil, in consequence of the splinters formed by the enemy s shot; nor, in the offensive, should it be placed on slippery or marshy ground, nor on ground intersected with hedges or ditches, which would interfere with its movements.

Several batteries should be so placed as to converge their fire upon the point of attack, whilst others check the troops opposed to them. Reserve batteries are placed on distant points (usually heights) to support the flanks of the attack.

Defense.- On the defensive, broken ground is sought for, to cover the front and flanks and keep the enemy for a longer time under the fire of the battery. The largest pieces and batteries of position are placed at the points where the enemy will probably make his chief attempts. Batteries, instead of being placed directly in front of the objects to be fired at, should be established obliquely so as to take the enemy's line or artillery slantingly, thereby producing greater damage.

A battery should not be established on a height the foot of which it cannot command, otherwise pieces have to be placed half -way down, in order to prevent the enemy from forming there in force for the purpose of storming the position. It is sometimes advantageous to withdraw to a greater distance, in order to avoid too plunging a fire. A well-practiced eye may then discover a position where the fire becomes grazing; but of course such selections can seldom be made, in consequence of other controlling considerations.

Firing from above to below is not very accurate at ordinary distances. At great distances, the range is increased. The most advantageous command. is 1/100, of the distance, which gives a grazing fire and numerous ricochets. These positions should be sought after, and those avoided which give a command of more than 7/100.

In a combat with an enemy's artillery, the pieces should be separated, and given if possible a position more direct than usual, to diminish the chances of being struck. In general, the distance between the pieces should be a little greater than the maximum deviation of the fire, in order that the enemy, in firing upon one piece, quay not strike the next one to it. The fire of two or three pieces ought to be directed on o, single one of the opposite battery, to try to take it in flank, or obliquely, in order to dismount it. If possible, fire should be opened on the enemy's artillery just as he is bringing his pieces around to form into battery. This kind of a contest should, however, be avoided as much as possible, and the pieces fired against the troops, particularly if they are in deep columns, in order to retard their movements and throw them into disorder.

An oblique fire should be obtained on the line, and a converging fire directed to a single point, in order to make a sensible break, the moral effect produced by such a result being still more terrible than the physical. Cannonade incessantly the enemy whilst deploying his columns, no matter how terrible the fire of his guns. If his calibres are the largest, shorten the distance as much as possible, keeping beyond range of grape-shot. In this way, the enemy, as he fires within point -blank ranges loses a part of his advantage.

Projectiles . - The kind of projectile to be used, will depend upon circumstances. Shot and shell should be fired against troops taken in flank or obliquely, against deep columns, and against artillery. The horizontal fire should be used against troops advancing in mass to force a bridge or defile, or marching over very smooth ground. Shot had better be used against infantry, and shells and schrapnell against cavalry, as this' latter arm presents the highest mark, and enables the pieces of the bursting shells to do more execution. Moreover, the noise of the explosions frightens the horses and demoralizes the men. Against houses occupied by the enemy, or troops covered by the undulations of the ground, shells are used also. A. charge, when within short range, may be received by firing from each piece a solid shot on top of which is placed a round of canister. The firing is then as rapid as possible, sponging may be dispensed with, within 150 yards, and as the enemy approaches nearer, canister alone is used, pointing very low at very short ranges, so that the projectiles may ricochet and scatter more. Canister should not be fired at distances greater than 300 or 400 yards. Schrapnell should be used against troops deployed, or in column, by division, or by squadron. Schrapnell and shells produce a greater moral effect, generally, than grape or canister.

The batteries should fire up to the last moment, if it is necessary for the protection of the troops. They ought never to expose their flank, unless to execute an essential movement; and then only when sure of performing it before being overwhelmed by the fire of the enemy. On going into action, but one caisson at a time for two pieces should be opened, reserving to the last the ammunition in the limber -boxes of the pieces, in case they should be separated momentarily from their caissons. The pieces should never be without a, supply. As soon as a caisson is emptied, it is sent to the reserve park.

If the pieces are dismounted, they are lashed under the limbers of the gun -carriages or caissons, and carried off. The enemy's pieces may be carried os in the same manner.

Woods, attacking .- In attacking a wood, 12 -pdr. guns should be used to destroy abattis, and counter-batter the enemy's artillery. The pieces should be covered, either by the undulations of the ground, or by parapets hastily formed of earth, fascines, or the bodies of trees. The enemy's artillery should, if possible, be battered obliquely or in flank.

Defending .- The position of a battery near a wood is not tenable, unless the wood is in our possession, and, within range, occupied by skirmishers. In defending it, the trees should be cut off at a distance of three feet from the ground, within a radius of at least 300 yards, and at most of 600. The position should be covered by abattis, and the pieces placed in barbette, enfilading the points of attack as completely as possible.

Defiles Attacking .- A defile is attacked by placing the largest calibres in, advantageous positions to counter -batter and dismount the enemy's artillery, whilst the lightest pieces endeavor to turn it, or batter it obliquely or in flank.

Defense.- Artillery should not be placed in front of a defile which it is to defend, as it might be stormed or cut off by the enemy. The best position is at 100 or 200 yards in rear, and should then be disposed in a curve, to obtain a converging fire on the defile. If a bridge at the end of a long causeway is to be defended, shot and shell should be fired horizontally. If the bridge has been cut, grape and canister will be fired at the enemy, whilst he is stopped by the cut. If the pieces are obliged to be placed in front of the defile, they should be strongly sustained on the flanks, to prevent being turned. If the defile is very long, an advantageous position for the artillery is chosen in the interior near the entrance.

Posts, Towns, &c., Attacking .- If a position is surrounded by a wall, it is breached with the largest pieces at hand by placing them at 400 or 500 yards, directing the fire so as to cut the wall near its foot. To set the place on fire, shells are used. In the absence of these, make use of shot heated in the travelling forges, or otherwise. If it is designed to occupy the place after it is taken, it should not be burnt.

Defense.- In defending a town or post, it is not necessary to place the artillery on the interior, unless it is fortified, or it is intended to hold it to the last extremity. In these cases, cut embrasures in the walls of entrenched buildings, propping up the floors if they are to support cannon. Defend the principal streets and all the approaches, by placing the largest pieces at the points where the greatest ranges are to be obtained, and under the protection of works susceptible of the longest resistance. Flank the approaches with small calibres, converging and crossing their fire on all the roads leading to the position to be defended. Place in advance only such light pieces as can be easily moved. Butter the neighboring valleys and thickets with shells, and unite the greatest amount of means upon the point of attack. In all cases set fire to the place if obliged to abandon it to the enemy.

Entrenchments, Attack .- A battery of 12 -pd. guns and 24 -pd. or 32-pd. howitzers, is established at from 400 to 500 yards, and covered, if there is time, by sinking a trench 20 in. deep, forming a parapet of the earth. Other batteries, composed of guns and howitzers, are established on the prolongation of the faces to enfilade and take them in reverse. Howitzers are placed to fire along the capitals, so as to burst the shells in the entrenchment. Under protection of these batteries an attempt is made to open a breach, for which purpose the parapet is knocked down with 12 -pdrs., commencing at the top, and taking advantage of the embrasures, which serve as a commencement for the opening. Shells fired into the parapet crumble down the earth, and when the thickness is reduced sufficiently to allow solid shot to pass completely through, the breach soon becomes practicable.

The breach made, canister-shot is fired upo n the troops defending it; the columns of attack are supported by troops drawn up in échelon on their flanks, and arrangements made to prevent the enemy from retaking the offensive.

Defense.- When entrenchments have sufficient command over the surrounding ground, either from the strength of the profile or the position which they occupy, the salients should be armed with large guns and howitzers, firing in barbette in order to expose to fire all the surrounding points. The smallest calibres are reserved for the armament of the flanks, and are fired through embrasures. This disposition will prove advantageous if the different parts of the entrenchments project beyond each other much; but if the works form almost a straight line, or are composed of parts projecting but little, placed on a horizontal site, and with a profile of small dimensions, the pieces had better be placed in the re -entering angles, and even in barbette, on the curtains.

In this position in fact the pieces command at almost as great a distance as when in the saliments; they are less exposed to ricochet shots, and can fire up to the last moment, and at decisive periods; advantages which they would not possess if placed in the salients.

Field-batteries are established on the natural surface, are sunk or raised, and fire through embrasures or in barbette, according as time and the position occupied. will allow.

The parapet of field -batteries is from 10 to 12 ft. thick. The height of the interior crest 8 ft. ; that of the genouillere about 2 1/2 ft., which is also the height of the barbette parapet. The width of the embrasure -necks is about 20 in.; that of the exterior opening at the bottom, is half the length of the directrix. The cheeks are vertical on the interior, and have on the exterior a slope of 1/3 their height. The bottom of the embrasure is so arranged that canister can always be fired upon the columns of attack. It should never mask the line of sight, nor the fire of the piece. The distance between the pieces is 16 ft.; and the width of the terreplein 24 ft.

Ordinarily the terreplein of the barbette -battery is raised to within 2 1/2 ft. of the interior-crest, which requires a large amount of filling in, for the terreplein should not be less than 24 feet wide. Besides which, platforms leave to be laid, or the wheels will soon form ruts in the newly thrown -up earth. It has, in consequence, been proposed to form barbettes on the natural surface, and cover them with a parapet 2 1/2 ft. high, and 10 ft. thick. In this way no platforms are required, or nothing more than thick planks laid under the wheels; trenches may be dug on the right and left of the pieces for the cannoneers to stand in, to protect them from the enemy's fire.

Batteries sometimes consist simply of mounds hastily thrown up, when a few hours suffice for their construction.

The surface occupied by a piece or caisson drawn by six horses is twenty -eight square yards.

That occupied by a limber and its teams, twenty -two square yards. The front of all the carriages is two yards.

The artillery of entrenchments fires shot upon the enemy's batteries; canister and shells against the columns of attack; and at short distances canister is placed on top of the other shot.

Retreat.- The retreat of troops is defended with a fire of canister; and in such a case, horse-artillery marching with the reserves, may be of great assistance, by furnishing its mounted cannoneers to charge upon the pursuing enemy.

Batteries execute a retreat with a fire by battery or by half batteries. They should retire slowly, and without confusion. specified number of pieces occupy rapidly positions  selected in advance, and protect the movement of the troops by enabling them to rally or pass through narrow defiles. These pieces, whose fire should be rapid and well directed, should retain their position until the last extremity, and ought not to retire until a formal order to do so is received. Villages are obstinately defended, set fire to when abandoned, and the enemy kept out as long as possible, by throwing shells into them. If all hope of retaking the offensive is given up, the bridges on the route are blown up, and every other possible means taken to retard the advance of the enemy.

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