STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS 1915 (REVISED EDITION. 1916) PREPARFJD BY DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY ART THE ARMY SERVICE SCHOOLS FORT LEAVENWORTH SPECIAL REPRINT FOR TRAINING CAMPS WASHINGTON .OVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1917 Class. Book^ STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS 1915 (REVISED EDITION, 1916) PREPARED BY DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY ART THE ARMY SERVICE SCHOOLS FORT LEAVENWORTH SPECIAL REPRINT FOR TRAINING CAMPS WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1917 D. of D, 'UL 16 1917 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS 1915 PREFACE. There having been an insistent demand for Studies in Minor Tactics, and the edition of 1908 being out of print, it was decided that the Department of Military Art should prepare a new book on the subject along somewhat different lines. With this purpose in view, Capt. E. D. Scott, Field Artillery; Capt. Le Roy Eltinge, Cavalry, and Capt. H. B. Fiske, Infantry, were designated to prepare these studies, each in his own arm. This they have ably done, and the results of their labors appear in the following pages. It has been the aim to teach the principles of minor tactics by applying them in a practical way to the handhng of small units, varying in size from a patrol to a regiment. This has been done by a series of troop-leading problems in which the various phases of field operations are set forth and commented upon, ordere being given for aU the units involved down to the smallest patrol. It is believed this book wiU prove of great value to those officers seeking information as to the practical handling of small units in field operations and of marked assistance to those preparing themselves for admission to the Army Service Schools. The authors desire to make grateful acknowledgment to Lieut. Aristides Moreno, Infantry, for his valuable assistance in correcting and proof reading the manuscript. Those por- tions of the studies referring to the sanitary dispositions are the work of Maj . Wilham N. Bispham, Medical Corps, to whom grateful acknowledgment is made. W. A. HOLBROOK, Lieutenant Colonel, Cavalry, Senior Instructor, Department of Military Art. The Army Service Schools, Fort Leavenworth, Kans., November 30 , 1915. 5 INTRODUCTION. In using this text nothing wiU be gained by casual or hurried reading. If any benefit is to be derived therefrom it can only be as the residt of careful and painstaking study of every detail. The reasons submitted for each action should be weighed in comparison with others that may appeal to the student. If the latter can not agree with the action taken he should come to a definite conclusion as to a better procedure. In no case shoidd the student uncritically accept the conclusions of the text. If he does not like an order as written, he should actually draft the one he prefers. By such criticism of the text he will work hirnself thoroughly into the spirit of the situation and, by the tactical thought required, gain the instruction which the authors hope to furnish simply by suggestion. When studying the text the student should break off whenever a decision or order is called for and himself write out that decision or that order before reading further in the text. He should then compare his work with the text and decide whether or not he is wrong, remembering that no two men will solve the same problem in exactly the same way and that he may be right and still differ materially from another who is also right. The map furnished with the text is a photographic reduc- tion of the 3-inch map of the same ground. Those who find the map trying on the eyes would do well to purchase the larger map, which may be obtained from the book depart- ment, the Army Service Schools for $1, mounted on muslin. In these pages the attempt has been made in each of the 12 parts to carry a small unit of one of the three arms through a number of continuous situations covering a more or less extended period. By varying incidents presented to the commanders concerned the several primary forms of tactical procedure required of and proper for small detached units are illustrated and discussed and the manner indicated in which in service the commander's problems must shade into each other and liis solutions be connected into the com- plete leading of his troops. 6 INTRODUCTION. 7 For example: Part I deals with an Infantry regiment which detrains, advances, reconnoiters, and attacks an enemy in position, pursues, halts for the night, estal)lishes outposts^ prepares and occupies a defensive position, withdi'aws there- from, and retreats. The whole covers a period of three consecutive days. The troop leading of thq regiment and all of its parts, from its reconnoitering, combat, and security patrols, through its company and battalion to regimental headquarters, is illustrated by quoting the orders issued, except where to do so would be a mere repetition of those given elsewhere. When an important decision is required, involving a radical change in tactical procedure, as from the offensive to the defensive, the commander's complete estimate of the situa- tion appears. When the new action is more in conformity with previously determmed policy, brief reasons only for the action are stated. When the reasons are obvious, the orders issued are permitted to speak for themselves. Finally, where the maim^er in which a decision is carried mto effect, for mstance, the conduct of the attack, does not sufficiently explain its technique, that phase concludes with detailed ex- planatory comment. To make the study complete in a par- ticular frequently neglected, the manner of handling the regi- ment's sanitary personnel, including its bandsmen, is de- scribed in detail and discussed. In Part II a detached battalion in charge of a convoy is con- sidered. Opportunity is there found for discussion of the details of outposting such an unwieldy body; of police arrangements necessary therewith; of those for secmity while on the march; and of a position of a battahon for the defense of the convoy. As an mcident to this study, the conduct of a distant reconnoitering patrol is described at some length. Part III jumps to the other side of the situation set forth in Part II, and deals with a battalion the mission of which is the attack of this convoy. In this part, also, a recon- noitering patrol is followed during some houi^. The part culminates with the reconnaissance of the battalion and the attack of an enemy in position. Following the general plan of Parts I to III, wliich deal with mfantry. Parts IV to VIII, which deal with cavalry, take up, in succession, a distant rccomioitering patrol; a squadron covering infantry to which it is attached, both on the march and in battle; a squadron acting alone; and a regiment acting as divisional cavalry. 8 INTBODUCTION. It is important that officers not belonging to the artillery, but who may have organizations of that arm in their com- mands, shall have a clear understanding of what artillery can accomphsh, in order that they may not assign tasks to it which are beyond reasonable expectation of accomplish- ment, and on the other hand not neglect to take advantage of the valuable assistance which in nearly aU cases artillery can render. This requirement necessitates first, a knowledge of the effects of artillery fire, and approximately the time and amount of ammunition needed to obtain desired results; secondly the kind of positions needed by the artillery to best fulfill its functions. It is of course entu'ely unnecessary for officers not belonging to the artillery to have technical knowledge as to the manner in which the guns are actually handled, but they should thoroughly imderstand the tactics of the artillery, and what it can and can not do, and be prepared to issue orders for its joint action with other arms and assume full responsibility for such orders. Artillery has no independent role on the battlefield. Minor tactics, as the term is applied to the operation of troops that are able to maintain such a r61e, is scarcely the correct designation for the minor operations of the artillery. In general, the tactics of artillery means those operations necessary to get the artillery into such position that it can by fire action assist in the carrying out of a tactical idea in cooperation with other troops. With this feature of artillery tactics aU officers of other arms are concerned. Without mtelligent understanding of it, they are not able to appreciate the possibilities of the arm or its limitations, to evaluate the reports and recom- mendations of the artillery commander, and to make proper decisions thereon. The fire tactics of artillery calls for a technical training that officers of other arms have no opportunity to receive, and it will be well to leave it to the artillery, merely indicating what is desired. In the parts of this book devoted to artillery, the attempt has been made to illustrate some of the various activities of that arm with which officers of other arms should be familiar. Fire tactics has not been considered except in so far as it may affect the distribution and location of fire units. Parts VIII and IX are battery problems; Parts X, XI, and XII are battalion problems. All have been used in INTRODUCTION. 9 The School of the L'mc, and three are followed by comments suggested by students' solutions. To facilitate an imderstanding of the text, simple sketches on which the troops are placed at important periods have been mterspersed through the pages; orders, messages and reports are set off from the context and placed in small type; and important hours are carried into the margin for ready reference. The orders, quoted throughout the text, are not pre- sented as those best fitting the circumstances; nor should they, by any means, be considered or used as models. They are simply submitted as ones which would probably initiate in a competent manner the action decided upon. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Part I. — An Infantry Regiment. Page. Situation -15 An advance i5 Battalion covering detraining 16 Battalion orders for a march 16 A company in advance guard 17 A position in readiness 17 incidents and actions to 1 p. m 19 Regimental commander 's estimate of the situation 21 His orders for a march forward 23 Dispositions of the field train 23 A battalion in advance guard 24 A company as advance party 24 A flank patrol ' 25 A company as flank guard 26 A platoon as advance guard of a company 27 A march outpost 27 An attack 28 Preliminary reconnaissance by advance guard • 28 Reconnoitering patrols 31 Regimental commander 's estimate of the situation 34 His attack orders and arrangements 36 Actions and orders, First Battalion 37 Actions and orders, Company A 38 Actions and orders. Second Battalion 40 Actions and orders, Company E 41 Progress of the attack — 4.45 to 5.15 p. m 42 Actions and orders, Third Battalion, and progress engagement to its conclusion 43 The pursuit 44 Comment , 47 Sanitary arrangements 51 Comment 53 Halt for the night 55 Arrangements and orders, regimental headquarters 55 Outpost arrangements and orders 56 Comment 59 A defense 61 Situation 61 Regimental commander 's estimate of the situation 61 Actions and orders, regimental headquarters 65 11 12 TABLE OF CONTENTS. A defense — Continued. Page, Outpost arrangements and orders 66 Dispositions and orders, Company C 07 Dispositions and orders, picket No. 1 C8 Dispositions and orders, Company D 69 Comment 71 Actions and orders. Second Battalion 74 Orders and arrangements, Company E 75 Actions and orders, Third Battalion 76 Orders and arrangements, Company L 77 Events of the morning to 9.30 o'clock 78 Orders, regimental commander for defen.se of the position 79 Orders, battalion commanders 81 Withdrawal from action 83 Orders, regimental commander 83 Remarks 84 Actions and orders, Third Battalion 86 Actions and orders. Company 1 87 Actions and orders. Company M 88 Actions and orders. Second Battalion 89 Actions and orders. First Battalion 91 A retreat 95 Orders, regimental commander 95 Orders, commander rear guard 96 Orders, commander support 96 A halt 97 Actions and orders, regimental commander 97 A march outpost, orders, commander rear guard 98 A halt for the night 99 Actions and orders, regimental commander 99 Outpost 100 Actions and orders, outpost commander 100 Actions and orders, support commander 101 Sanitary arrangements 104 Part II. — An Infantry Battalion. Escorting a convoy 107 Battalion commander's estimate of the situation 107 An Infantry patrol 115 Orders, battalion commander 121 A company as advance guard 1 22 Arrangements and orders, commander of the convoy 123 A battalidn in defense 125 The battalion commander's estimate of the situation 125 Actions and orders of the battalion commander 128 The withdrawal 130 Part III. — An Infantry Battalion. Attack of a convoy 131 Battalion commander 's estimate of the situation 131 Actions and orders, battahon commander 133 Orders, commander advance guard 134 An Infantry patrol - - - 135 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 13 Attack of a convoy — Continued. - Page. A battalion attack 139 Advance guard reconnaissance 139 Battalion commander 's estimate of the situation 140 His orders for attack 142 Part IV. — Cavalry Patrol. An officer 's patrol 145 Preliminary arrangements. 145 Provision for transmitting information that may be gained 148 A ruse 150 Change of route 151 Simultaneous reconnaissance in several directions 151 Combat of a patrol 154 Disposition made of a prisoner 155 Observation of hostile main body 157 Sending back important information 157 Utilizing friendly inhabitants to gain information 159 Going around hostile flank to send information by wire 159 Part V. — Reconnaissance and Flank Protection by a Squadron. Reconnaissance 161 Distant patrols 1G2 An advance guard action 169 Squadron supports its advance guard 170 Pursuit prevented 172 Flank protection 174 Estimate of the situation 174 Decision 177 Covering the front during a change of position 177 Preparations for an attack 177 Part VI. — Squadron Combat. Mounted action by a squadron 179 Approaching the enemy 183 Guarding the flanks of the squadron 184 Instant action required 186 Orders for a mounted attack 186 Part VII. — Cavalry Regiment. Combat by a regiment 189 Supporting a contact troop ' 189 Action when the advance guard is seen to form for attack 190 Advantages of the different kinds of possible action 194 Dispositions and orders for the attack 196 Use of the reserve 196 Part VIII. — Light Artillery. A battery in rencontre — Enemy on the offensive 199 Orders of the commander of the force 199 Estimate of the situation 200 Discussion of possible battery positions 201 Decision of the battery commander 204 Conduct of an infantry support 204 Battery commander's orders and actions 205 Observation and communication 205 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Part IX. — Light Artillery. A battery in recontre — Enemy on the defensive 207 Orders of the commander of the force 207 Preliminary orders of the battery commander 208 Estimate of the situation 208 Reconnaissance and selection of a position 208 Use of reconnaissance officer and scouts 210 Comment on students' solutions 210 Part X. — Light Artillery. A battalion in observation 213 March situation 213 Orders of the commander of the force. 213 Discussion of the situation 214 Preliminary orders of the battalion commander 215 Reconnaissance and selection of a position 216 Orders to a battery commander 217 Occupation of its position by a battery 217 Further reconnaissance by the battalion commander 219 Orders to other battery commanders 220 Final assignment of duties 221 Discussion of the position 221 Observation and fire direction 221 Part XI. — Light Artillery. A battalion in surprise attack 225 The march situation 225 Information en route 226 Orders of the commander of the force 227 Actions and orders of the battalion commander 227 Conduct of a detached battery 229 Conduct of the infantry support 230 Comment 230 Part XII. — LiciHT Artillery. A battalion in defense and attack 233 The march situation 233 Orders of the commander of the force 234 Preliminary orders of the battalion commander 234 Reconnaissance by the battalion commander 235 Establishment of observation 236, 237, 238 Communication with the defensive position 237 Assignment of batteries to positions 237 Orders to battery commanders 237 . Information officers with the attacking infantry 238 Observation and communication with the advance 238 PART I.— AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. Situation. [General map, Gettysburg-Anfietam, 1 inch= 10 miles, and topographical map, 3 inches = 1 mile.] The Pennsylvania-Maryland line separates hostile States. The northern State (Blue) is concentrating its first divi- sion by rail at Carlisle. To cover this concentration it has ordered the First Infantry to Gettysburg. Red points of concentration and intentions are uncer- tain, although the former seem most likely to be Baltimore and Frederick. The First Infantry, on June 17, was moving south on the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Raih^oad in fom* sections, one hour apart. The leading section detrained at Table Rock Station, 5 miles north of Gettysburg, upon receipt of a telegram from the Gettysburg station agent in which he reported that a thousand Reds had just entered that tov/n from the south. An Advance. Col. A read the telegram to the major of the First Bat- talion, and directed : Move south toward Golden\ille to cover the detraining of the remainder of the regiment. I will remain at this station until the next section comes in. With the fourth section there were five days' rations for the regiment. These were in addition to those required on the train, m the ration section of the field train, and on the person. The regiment had three ambulances. The regimental quartermaster was imloading the wagons and animals, the wagons by a ramp at the end of one car, and the animals by another ramp on to the station plat- form. Prepared ramps had been brought on the train. The quartermaster was assisted by the teamsters, the company quartermaster sergeant, cooks, artificer, clerk, and four men from each company. The work proceeded with the utmost rapidity since the train had to get back to Aspers, some 5 miles north, to find a siding long enough to permit the prompt passage of the second section. 15 16 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. The colonel reported his action in detraining at once to the division chief of staff in Carlisle. In sending this tel- egram and the necessary railroad ones for the passage of the following trains by the empties, Gettysburg, needless to say, was cut out of the hne. A COVERING BATTALION. 8.15a.m. Maj. B assembled his officers at 8.15 a. m., and directed: A thousand Reds are reported to have entered Gettysburg this morning. This l)attalion marches on Goldenville to cover the detraining of the remainder of the regiment. Lieut. K, battalion adjutant, will patrol with his orderly to the Hamil- ton farmhouse, about a mile south of Goldenville, taking station for obser- vation in that vicinity. Company A will constitute the advance guard, and will march at once by the railroad to Goldenville, and thence across coimtry to knoll 651. Companies B, C, and D, in the order named, will follow at 500 yards. Sergt. L, the battalion sergeant major, will take the ammunition wagons as soon as they are imloaded, via Table Rock schoolhouse and the unim- proved road, to join the battalion near Goldenville. I will march between the advance guard and the main body. The major, before starting to issue this order, spread his map on the station platform. He issued his order slow- ly, pointing out each place as he named it, but permitting no interruption until the complete order was given. He then answered the questions of those who had failed to grasp any part of it. 8.40 a. m. Lieut. K informed his orderly of the enemy's presence in Gettysburg. He then moved, at 6 miles an hour, via Texas and the Carlisle road. At 8.40 a. m. the lieuten- ant, leading by 50 yards, approached the Hamilton farm- house. He stationed the orderly, momited, near road fork 646, watcliing down both roads to the south, tied his horse at the gate, and, using the farm telephone, tried to get Gettysburg. Failing there he tried the farmhouse on the same party line to the south, but without result. Then going to the orderly, he directed: Stay at this point, observing particularly down the right-hand road (toward C. Topper). I am going to the clump of timber on that knoll (pointing to 6G4) and will show myself to you as soon as I get there. If you see anything unusual, come to me, under cover, to report. The lieutenant then took station just under cover of the southern edge of the timber, whore he could keep both branches of the Carhsle Road and his orderly in view. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 17 A COMPANY IN ADVANCE GUARD. The officers of Company A immediately upon receipt of ^-^^ ^- ™- the major's order rejoined the company; the noncommis- sioned officers and other scjuad leaders were assembled and, at 8.25 a. m., the captaia ordered: A thousand Reds are reported to have entered Gettysburg this morning. Our battalion marches to the south to cover the detraining of the re- mainder of the regiment. Lieut. K. has gone with his orderly to take station a couple of miles down the road toward Gettysburg. This company forms the advance guard. Lieut. N., -with the first platoon, as advance party, will precede the re- mainder of the company by 400 yards. March by the railroad to Golden- ville, and thence across country to the crest a half mile to the southeast. Move rapidly until your distance is gained. Sergt. J. (left guide), will be on the alert for signals from the rear. The musicians will march with me at the head of the company. Squad leaders will tell their men of the enemy's presence in Gettysburg. (The musicians are kept in observation of the terrain, one to the right, the other to the left of the road.) The captain put the company in march as soon as the advance party had its distance. At 8.45 a. m., near the farm road crossing of the rail- '^•^s a. m. road north of Goldenville, the captain directed Corpl. Y., of the fifth squad : Take your front rank and patrol to the top of that hill (707). Remain there in observation to the west and south. I will establish a semaphore station on one of those houses to the south (Goldenville). Get connection with that station. At 8.50 a. m., in Goldenville, to Corpl. R., of the sixth '^^o ^^- "- squad : Take your front rank and j^atrol east along this road (the Goldenville- Hunterstown) to the first crossroads about -| mile east of this place (Golden- ville). Remain in that vicinity in observation to the cast and south. The company marches on that low knoll (651) a half liiile to the southeast. A POSITION IN READINESS. At 8.47 a. m., Maj. B directed the captain of Company Ar^''^ *■ -^■ The battalion, less your company, will assemble east of Goldenville. Your company ^viIl take station on knoll 651, and provide security to include both branches of the Carlisle Road. Get semaphore connection vdth. Gold- enville, and connect vdih Lieut. K, who should be near Hamilton's. By 9.20 a. m., the battalion was disposed as f oUows : 'J-^o a. m. Companies B, C, and D were east of Goldenville and between it and the near-by stream line. Arms were stacked and packs removed, but the men remained close at hand. A signal station was on the western building of Goldenville. 98755°— 17 2 18' STUDIES liSr MINOR TACTICS. One musician thereat was watching knoll 654, another hill 707 and Table Rock station, and a third, the farmhouse 700 yards east of Goldenville. The combat wagons had joined and were in column, facing south, on the unimproved road. The main body of Company A was in the saddle between knolls 654 and 651, but north of the crest. One squad was marching to relieve Lieut. K, on knoll 664. (The lieutenant, when relieved, left his orderly as messenger with this sc|uad, and went back to report to the major.) A cossack post was at the northwestern corner of the patch of timber between knolls 654 and 664. A semaphore station was on knoll 654 in communication with Goldenville. And two signallers were on the house one-half mile east of Goldenville for com- munication with the cossack post south of crossroads 608. A sentry squad was on knoll 651, and another near the south- east edge of the timber one-half mile southeast of knoll 651. A cossack post was on hill 707. (See sketch No. 1.) Maj. B. has taken up a position in readiness at Goldenville, from which pomt he can move on short lines to meet the enemy in whatever direction the latter may advance. The eastern branch of the Carlisle Road is the direct one to that town, and therefore the one most likely to be used by an enemy movmg agamst it. That road is covered from knoll 651, by the greater part of one company which will be able to offer sufficient resistance to give time for the coming up of the remainder of the battalion. If the enemy advances by the western branch, the major will not go out to fight near Hamilton's, since he would bo getting entirely too far from the rest of the regiment, but will take a position east of hill 707, across the Carlisle Road. And in the unlikely case of a hostile advance by roads east or west of these most direct routes, suitable positions withm short distances of Golden- ville arc to be found for opposing the enemy. With the excellent views obtained from hill 707 and the Hamilton — 651 ridge, but few and small detachments are needed to provide ample security. It is sufficient to keep the bulk of the command together in one place, provided prompt information is forwarded as soon as the detachments in observation catch sight of the enemy. Only four and one-half squads altogether are detached from Company A to fm^nish a Ime of observation, but the glycates t care is taken to organize a system of communication through Vv^'hich there will be prompt receipt of the information obtained by these groups. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 19 INCIDENTS AND ACTIONS TO 1 P M. The second section containing the Second Battalion reached Table Kock Station about 9 a. m. By 9.30 it had 9 a. m. unloaded and was ready to march. The quartermaster was left at the station to forward the remaining troops as they came in, get his field train together, and store the extra five days' rations. The colonel marched with the Second Bat- talion to Goldenville, where he arrived at 9.50 a. m. The 9-5o a. m. Second Battalion assembled north of the First. Nothins: SKETCH No.f. Position in Readiness. June 17. further had been heard of the enemy, and no one had been able to get into communication with Gottysbui*g or any of its nearby farms by telephone or by telegraph. Col. A's most pressing need is for information. The report of the number of hostile troops in Gettysbui'g may be grossly exaggerated, as is so likely to be the case with civilian estimates. If so, a good deal of time is being lost and unnec- essary labor performed. But the inability to obtain tele- phone or telegraph comimunication with Gettysburg or its 20 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. neighborhood, corroborates the operator's telegram at least to the extent that the enemy certainly has some force therein. It would not do, of course, to proceed farther by rail until Gettysburg is clear of the enemy nor, in the present uncertainty about the enemy's strength and intentions, would the colonel be justified in marching before he has his whole regiment together. Even if all of the sections come in on time the regiment can hardly be assembled at Golden- ville before 12 or 12.30. At best then it can not march before the hour last named. Meantime information must be obtained as to the situation in Gettysburg. The position of the First Infantry is very unusual in that the regiment has been detached to a considerable distance from support, without any attached cavaby to do its distant reconnoitermg. But, while Col. A. sadly misses the mounted troops, there is nothing to be gained by bemoaning the fact; he has simply to take his problem as it has developed and obtain the best solution with the means available. The distance to Gettysburg is too great for the use of dismounted patrols unless no other means can be found. That town is two hours' march away. If the patrol marched straight there and back, with no delay of any sort, what it learned would not be at hand before the middle of the afternoon. And patrols, naturally, can not obtain informa- tion by such simple and direct procedure. But there are the momited orderlies and the mounted officers. The colonel accordingly selected the adjutant of the second battalion to lead a patrol by giving him four of the regimental orderlies, and directed him: The Gettysburg agent of the P. & R. telegraphed me a little before 8 o'clock that a thousand Reds were then entering the town. We have been unable since to get Gettysburg either by telephone or telegraph. I want you to take four of the headquarters orderlies and proceed thereto by routes entering town from the west to learn the hostile strength and dispositions. Let me have a report by 12.30 p. m. I will remain here till the last com- panies are up, which will be about that hour. About 12.30 p. m. the colonel received the following mes- sage: No. 1, Knoll ^ Mile "West of Penn College, 17 June, 11. SO a. m. 12. 3G p. m. ^,^^ ggg j^g^ troops intrenching north of Penn College. Retired Blue soldier tells me Red regiment came into town from south about 8 a. m.; two battalions went through to north; a third is collecting money and supplies and loading onto impressed transportation. Blue soldier had overheard men this battalion talking, his impression regiment half recruits. Remain here in observation. L., Lieutenant. AN INFANTRY EEGIMENT. 21 By 1 o'clock, the rogimont was united at Golden ville. i.oo p. m. The men had lunched. THE REGIMENTAL COMMANDER's ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. Lieut. L. was exceedingly fortmiate in obtaining so promptly such detailed information, which from its source can be accepted as accurate. With that information at hand Col. A. has to decide upon his future action. His mission is to cover the detraining of the division at Carlisle. To perform that he was ordered to Gettysburg. But he must not take his orders too literally. His important duty is to remain between any hostile force and Carlisle. Shall he carry that out by remaining where he is, making prepa- rations only for fighting defensively if the enemy comes north, or shall he move aggressively on Gettysburg and attempt to throw the Reds out of that town ? While the enemy is intrenching north thereof, it is prob- able, nevertheless, that only a temporary occupation of Gettysburg is intended, and that the Reds will withdraw as soon as they have got their booty beyond reach, since Gettys- burg itself is of no particular value to them miless they are starting a general advance. That such may be the case, although no news of any further hostile troops have been received, is, of course, a possibility, and must be kept in mind. Initial successes upon the outbreak of war very greatly affect the morale of both sides, and are consequently of considerable importance. To obtain success in this case by attacking seems very possible for the Blues, if there should be in Col. A.'s front a single Red regiment, com- posed largely of recruits, and hampered also, as the Reds are, by their convoy and the hostile town behind them. If, on the other hand. Col. A. contents himself with holding his regiment supinely near by while a Red regiment works its will upon a large Blue town, the moral effect upon the Blue troops and the civil population will be anything but good. While keeping his main mission of covering the remainder of the division very carefully in view, the colonel, therefore, believes himself justified in an aggressive advance to attack the Red troops in Gettysburg. He must next decide upon a route. The direct road is now by way of Boyd schoolhouse. It has the advantage also over the eastern branch of the Carlisle road that the march of the regiment will probably be concealed a little longer from hostile view. The route farther west by the C. Topper farm and the Mummasburg road is a mile longer. 22 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. The more promptly he can close with the enemy the better, because the chances of preventing the escape of the hostile convoy are thereby increased, and because the day is already advanced, and daylight is necessary for securing the full fruits of victory. The enemy's work in intrench- ing seems chiefly designed to meet a Blue advance from the north. It is possible that a movement by the Mum- masburg Road would strike those trenches more or less in flank. The enemy's information in hostile comitry will be relatively poor. To come in by the Mummasburg road, the march of the regiment would be under cover of Oak Ridge until close at hand, and it is just possible that the enemy might not learn of th e Blue's approach until too late to construct or move into trenches in this direction. But the Reds can be expected to have a security detachment of some sort on Oak Ridge; and the probabilities are that the enemy would learn of the Blue approach in ample time to make the slight changes, on short lines, which would be required in his dispositions to oppose the Blues from the new direction. Nothing, then, would have been gained by the Blue detour. While the deployment to attack would be made from commanding ground, yet an envelopment of the enemy's left would have to proceed through timber shown by Col. A. 's map to have a heavy undergrowth. The consequent breaking up of the formations of the main attack and difficulties of communication would lessen the prospect of success very materially. An advance by the Mummasburg road would uncover Col. A.'s proper line of retreat, but, being in Bkie territory, this would make very little difference so far as the safety of the First Infantry alone is concerned. It could retreat toward Mummasburg in about as great safety as toward Carlisle. But, in doing so, it would uncover the main body of the division. The requirements of Col. A.'s larger mission, to cover the concentration of the division, must not be for- gotten. In the usual case such a mission can best be ful- filled by remaining squarely between the hostile forces and the point of concentration; and in this case to do so is more than usually expedient, because Col. A. is in some uncer- tainty as to what assistance the Red Regiment may receive from the south. If he strikes superior hostile forces, he wants to be able to retire directly toward Carlisle. On the whole, the advantages of the direct route toward Gettysburg outweigh those of any other. He decides to march by Boyd schoolhouse. AN INFANTE Y REGIMENT. 23 And ho must march in one column. To send a portion of his command directly on Gettysburg while the remainder made in effect a turnmg movement by the Mummasburg road would be an inexcusable dispersion in the face of an enemy at least equal m numbers. ORDERS FOR A MARCH FORWARD. He accordingly issued verbal orders at 1 p. m. to his three i p. m. majors, commanding officer machine gun company and staff, in Golden ville, as follows: Lieut. L. ia with two orderlies west of Gettysburg. He reports that the Reds are intrenching north of Penn College, and that they seem to have a total strength about Gettysburg of one regiment; half of its men are recruits. This regiment will march on Gettysburg. The fii-st battalion and the machine gun company will constitute the advance guard and will proceed at once by the Hamilton farm and Boyd schoolhouse. The remainder of the regiment in the order: Second battalion, third bat- talion, band, and ambulances, will follow at one-half mile. The field train will await orders at Texas. Regimental headquarters will march between the advance guard and the main body. DISPOSITIONS OF THE FIELD TRAIN. In comphance with the above instructions for the field train, the quartermaster, after storing the five days' surplus rations in the house and on the platform at Table Rock Sta- tion, left a corporal and three men of his detail m charge thereof. The remainder of the unloading detail was directed to march via Golden ville to join the regiment. The train then moved by the unimproved road westward till its head halted at the Texas crossroads, in which position it was so placed as to be able to move at once either north or south. The quartermaster sent a quartermaster sergeant and three men to HiU 707 in observation; put a signal station on one of the houses of Texas in commmiication therewith and in observation to the west; stationed a sergeant and three men at the edge of the timber midway between Texas and Table Rock Station, and another sergeant and three men at the road fork 100 yards west of Texas. The wagons were all drawn well to the left side of the road and closed mitil the leaders' noses were at the tailgate of the wagon ahead. The remainder of the men (company quartermaster sergeants, cooks, artificers, and clerks) stacked arms in the field oppo- site, and north of the middle of the train, and remained within a few yards of their pieces, except one sentry who was l.ia p. m 24 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. alert at the stacks. The quartermaster sent at once mounted men to reconnoiter the two bridges north and northwest of Texas, the roads as far north as Biglerville, and to find a place for watering. Receiving the report of the last, he had the teamsters unhook two of their animals at a time and sent them to water at the ford of the Conewago, 400 yards east of the CarUsle road. A BATTALION IN ADVANCE GUARD. Maj. B., rejoining his battalion, assembled the captains of Companies B, C, D, and the machine guns, and issued the following verbal orders at 1.10 p. m. Lieut. L. with two orderlies is west of Gettysburg. He reports that the Reds are intrenching north of Penn College, and that they seem to have a total strength about Gettysburg of one regiment; half of its men are recruits. Our regiment marches on Gettysburg. Tliis battaUon, reenforced by the machine-gun company, constitutes the advance guard. CompanyB, with Lieut. K. (battalion adjutant) and his orderly, will form the advance party, preceding the remainder of the battalion at 400 yards. The advance party will march at once by the railroad to the Carlisle road, and thence by the Stock Farm and Boyd S. H. Companies C, D, and the macliine gvms will follow in the order named as soon as Company B has its distance. Company C will regulate the pace. I will send Company A as left flank guard by the eastern branch of the Carlisle road . The combat wagons will proceed at once by the crossroads a quarter of a mile west of Goldenville and the Carlisle Road so as to join the tail of Com- pany D at the railroad crossing. I will march behind the advance party. Maj. B. then rode rapidly to Company A, and directed its captain : Lieut. L. with two orderlies is west of Gettysburg. He rejiorts that the Reds are intrenching north of Penn College and that they seem to have a total strength about Gettysbing of one regiment; half of its men are recruits. Our regiment marches on Gettysburg. The first battalion and the macliine guns constitute the advance guard. The rest of the battalion, Company B as advance party, is proceeding by the western branch of the Carlisle road. Your company will march as left flank guard by the eastern branch of the Carlisle Road. I will ride between the advance party and the support. A COMPANY AS ADVANCE PARTY. The captain of Company B assembled his officers and 1.17 p.m. noncommissioned officers, and, at 1.17 p. m., issued verbal AN INFANTKY REGIMENT. 25 orders to them and to Lieut. K. (battalion adjutant) as follows : Lieut. L. with two orderlies is west of Gettysburg. He reports that the Reds are intrenching a short distance north of that town, and that they seem to have a total strength about Gettysburg of one regiment; half of its men are recruits. Our regiment marches on Gettysburg, the first battalion and machine guns as advance guard. Company A will march as left flank guard by the first road east of tliis place (Golden ville). TMs company constitutes the advance party, and will march at once by the railroad and the west branch of the Carlisle Road. Lieut. K. with his orderly will trot ahead as mounted point to precede the company by about a mile. Lieut. M. (first lieutenant) will take the first squad as the point, preceding the company by 300 yards. He will move rapidly ahead to get his distance. The company will march as soon as the point has its 300 yards. Sergt. M. (left guide) will watch for signals from the rear. Approaching road fork 646, the captain directed Sergt. K., the company's right guide: Take the first two squads. Patrol down this road to the right till you strike the railroad about half a mile from this point, and thence along the railroad some two miles until you reach the Mummasburg road, a mile northwest of Gettysburg. Communicate by semaphore vrith the company at least once every mile. If you see nothing to report, simply signal "O. K.'' You are likely to find the enemy in some strength near the Mummasburg Road. Near the stock farm the captain sent a patrol of 2 men to the southeast to loioll 576 and to rejoin at the tail of the company. These two patrols were the only ones sent out during the first hour. The captain marched at the head of the company with its two musicians, one of whom kept track of the flank guard and watched the terrain to the east of the road, the other similarly kept track of the progress of Sergt. K.'s patrol and of the ground to the westward. Both were alert for and prepared to receive messages from the directions assigned them. FLANK PATROL. It may be of interest to see how Sergt. K. conducted his flank patrol. Turning off to the right with the designated squads at road fork 646, the sergeant halted his patrol as soon as it had cleared the mam road, and gave instructions as follows : This detachment moves as a flank patrol to the railroad half a mile down this road, and thence aloug the railroad a couple of miles farther. Corpl. L., take your front rank rapidly ahead as the poiiit. When you've gained 200 yards regulate your gait by miue. 26 STUDIES IIST MINOR TACTICS. The remainder of the detachment, right by twos, marcli. Open np the files, one going on each side of the road. Take 5 paces distance between men. Corpl. B, watch the ground to the right of the road; Private L., to the left of the road. The patrol moved at about a 4 J -mile gait along tlie desig- nated route, so as to get even with or ahead of the dis- mounted point on the main road. Near the crossing south- east of C Topper, it halted while a signaler caught the company, and got an acknowledgment of his O. K. During this halt, the sergeant came forward to direct the point to leave the railroad, and move along the crest of Oak Kidge. Through the light timber thereon, the patrol moved in much the same formation as it had previously, except that the distance of the point was cut down to about 100 yards, and the sergeant sent forward a connecting file. Two men were sent around the west side of the heavy patch of timber north of J. Forney to rejoin on knoll 642. On arriving at that knoll the point halted, deployed, at the timber's V-shaped opening south of the crest; two men from the main body of the patrol were sent through the orchard to the J. Forney house, and O. K. was again signaled to the company. The column was seen to be halted at the end of the first hour and during that halt the main body of the patrol rested north of the crest of knoll 642. A COMPANY AS FLANK GUARD. As soon as the captain of Company A received the major's order, he assembled his ofhcers and noncommissioned officers, including all squad leaders except those away with detach- 1.31p.m. ments, and at 1.30 p. m. directed: The enemy is believed to have one regiment in Gettysburg. Ovir regiment is marching on that town, the first battalion and machine guns as the advance guard. All but this company are moving by the road west of us. Company A marches as the flank guard. Lieut. J. (second lieutenant) and the fourth platoon will constitute the advance guard of this company and will march at once by the country road east of this knoll (651) and the east branch of the Carlisle Road. The advance guard will precede the rest of the company by 500 yards. The captain had the detachments on hill 707 and near road fork 608 signaled "Join company" and sent men to direct the detaclmients toward Hamilton's and a half a mile east of knoll 651, to join the company en route. He followed the advance guard at the proper distance with the main body of the company. AN" INFANTRY REGIMENT. 27 A PLATOON AS ADVANCE GUARD OF A COMPANY. Lieut. J. had the fourth phitoon full in immediately and marched it to the fence corner east of knoll 651. There he issued orders to the entire platoon as follows : Tlie Reds are believed to have one regiment in Gettysburg. Our regi- ment is marching against them, the first battalion as advance guard. All but Company A are going by the road west of us; Company A goes by this road to the south (pointing out the east branch). This platoon is the comj^any's advance guard. Sergt. M, with Corpl. K, and the corporal's front rank, will constitute our point, preceding the remainder of the platoon by 300 yards. March by this country road to the highway. Move rapidly until you get your distance; then regulate your march by my gait. Corpl. K. (at the tail of the platoon) will watch for signals from the rear. We are to keep about 500 yards ahead of the company. The point moved out at about a 4|-mile-an-hour gait, in double column of files, one file on each side of the road, and with some 10 yards distance between men. The segeant and the corporal were on the left side of the road, the ser- geant leading. The sergeant watched chiefly to the front, the corporal to the left front and left. The three privates were on the right of the road, the leader observing down the road, the next to the right front and right, and the third watched for signals from the roar. The platoon sent foi-ward single men as comiecting files, spacing them about 100 yards apart. The platoon itself marched in double column of files opened well out on each side of the road to make a poorer target from the front, but the men of each file took only about one yard of dis- tance. The lieutenant observed chiefly to the front, but he recjuired the men of each file to watch toward their proper side and his attention to anything they happened to observe. The company marched in column of squads, sending forward connecting files toward its advance guard. The advance guard sent out one patrol of four men at road fork 513, to move to the southeast across Rock Creek, and across country east of it, to come in again near road fork 511. No other patrols were used during the first hour's march. A MARCH OUTPOST. At 2.20 p. m., when the dismounted point of the right colum^i reached a point 600 yards northwest of the junction of the two branches of the Carlisle Road, a ten-minute halt was ordered. As Lieut. K. (the battalion adjutant) with the 28 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. mounted point rode over the crest cast of knoll 521, he was iirod upon from the direction of laioU 522 to the south. 2.20 p. m. j\^jjj i^Q j^.^(j jj^t 2.20 fallen back on the dismounted point to report this fact. The dismounted point did not halt at once when the signal to do so was received, but continued to the crest at knoU 521, deploj^ed, and lay down. Sorgt. K.'s two squads over on Oak Ridge, which wore about abreast of the pomt on the mam road, signaled ''O. K." from knoll 642, and remained thereat. Company B halted near the stream 400 yards northwest of its pomt. One musician remained m observa- tion to the east and southeast, the other to the west and southv\/^est. The point of Company A was about 300 yards south of crossroads 488, and its main body was east of the farmhouse 500 yards north of crossroads 488, with a patrol of two men 300 yards to the east. Companies C and D and the machine gmis were halted opposite the farmhouse 400 yards south of Boyd S. H. The head of the mani body of the regiment was 500 yards north of that school- house. Throughout the regiment the left half of the road was absolutely clear of officers, men, and animals, at the halt as it was on the march, in order to permit the passage of mounted messengers at the highest gaits, without neces- sity for drawing rein at any point. One man in each com- pany of the command watched for signals along the coluimi, and the gromid, as well, to both flanks. It is evident how very simple need be the arrangements to provide ample secmity during a short halt even when, as in this case, all indications are that the enemy is very close at hand. If the halt were at all prolonged, it would be neces- sary to make m.ore elaborate arrangements, occupying, for example. Oak Ridge with detachments both west of C and D companies, and west also of the main body of the regi- ment. The longer the stay is to be, the more elaborate, naturally, must the arrangements become because of the greater time given the enemy to move about and select a point of attack. The Attack. advance guard reconnaissance of an enemy in position. When the captain of Company B received Lieut. K.'s report that he had dra\\ai fire from knoll 522, he sent the lieutenant back to make the same report to the major, and went forward himself to the point. There he was shortly joined by Maj. B. AN" INFANTRY REGIMENT. 29 SKETCH No.2. March Ou+pos+. Ju«el7. 30 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. It then became necessary to determine wlietlier the enemy's main position was on the low ekvation containing knoll 522, or farther south, with simply an outpost near 522. And to get this information as promptly as possible was, of course, the business of the advance guard. Maj. B. accordingly directed the captain: We must locate the enemy's main position. Take the bulk of your com- pany straight south along the Carlisle road to drive in any hostile covering detachments. Send strong patrols to locate the enemy's flanks. I vriW bring the machine guns to this knoll for your support, and assemble the other companies at the orchard north of us. Lieut. K. (the battalion adju- tant) is sending an ammunition wagon up to your company. The major then rode back to order the machine guns to knoll 521, to report his actions and intentions to the colonel, and to bring forward the remaining companies of the fii'st battalion. 2.30 p.m. Capt. B, (commanding Company B) at 2.30 p. m. directed the lieutenant in charge of the point: I will send you another squad in a few minutes. "When it joins you, move your reenforced patrol east to Rock Creek, and thence south to locate the hostile right. I am going to take the company straight down this road to develop the enemy's main position. The captain next moved back, north of the crest, until he and a musician, who accompanied him, were perfectly concealed from the front, and told the musician to call Sergt. 2.35 p. m. K.'s patrol (the one on Oak Ridge). He then, at 2.35 p. m., gave the musician, word by word, as it was semaphored, the following message: Move south. Locate Red left. Returning to the company, he had extra ammunition is- sued, directed one squad to report to the first lieutenant 2.!5 p. m. (near knoU 521), and before marching at 2.45 p. m. informed the company: The Reds fired upon our advance from a point about three-quarters of a mile to tlie soutli. This company moves down the road we are on to locate the enemy's main position. Sergt. K., with two squads, is moving south along the ridge to the west, and Lieut. M., also with two squads, down the stream to the east. When we deploy, Corpl. B. will take C and aa a com- bat patrol to cover our right flank, K. will take L and M as a combat patrol to cover our left.. Both these patrols should keep several hundred yards to the front of the skirmish line and four or fi^'e hundred yards to the flank. The chief of each flank platoon caused one man to keep track of the progress and location of the adjacent combat patrol. AN INF ANTE Y EEGIMENT. 31 Approaching the crest east of knoll 521, the captain com- manded: "As skirmishers, guide right, 3 paces, march," and the company advanced steadily toward knoll 522. The captain made his reconnoitering patrols strong be- cause they would probably have to drive in detachments of Reds to get the desired information. The combat patrols were small because only information of the presence of hos- tile forces was desired from them. The patrols were eche- loned forward in order that the location of flanking groups of the enemy might be learned before the company line came under the fire of such. RECONNOITERING PATROLS. When the second squad joined, Lieut. M. (commanding the point) said to his men: The company is going down this road to find out what is in our front. This patrol will move east, and then south to locate the enemy's right. Corpl. B., you will go ahead with your front rank to the orchard east of us, and then toward that low knoll (pointing to Barlow). K., with the rear rank of that squad, will follow the corporal to the orchard, then go on east to the stream (Rock Creek), and then south near it. I will follow the cor- jioral at 100 yards. ' Corpl. C. will deploy his squad at three paces and follow me at 100 yards. All three parties will each have one man constantly watching me for signals. Barlow l-moU was found unoccupied. The patrol at once moved east under cover of the knoll to the Harrisburg Road. Starting toward Gettysburg thereon, it quickly drew fire from the county almshouse. Small Red groups were shortly afterwards seen retreating from the almshouse toward Get- tysburg. Meantime the patrol moved rapidly east to Rock Creek, and under shelter of its fringe of trees, thence on to the south. Four men, under Corpl. B., led at 150 yards, while two other men crossed the stream and moved as a flanking group just east of the timber beyond. The re- mainder of the patrol was in column of files, the lieutenant at the head. At the mouth of Stevens Run, the patrol again turned toward Gettysburg following the bed of the stream. But after going some 300 yards in this direction it was fired upon from the road fork at the letter H in Ilarris- l>urg. The patrol promptly took cover in the hght timber just south of Stevens Run and rapidly worked back to the east a hundred yards or so until it was sheltered by the small nose from the direction of the enemy's fire. Deploy- ing his advance party then at five paces, Corpl. B. moved quickly toward the York Turnpike exit of Gettysburg. Two 32 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. men were sent south to the railroad near 471-W. The re- mainder of the patrol deployed at 3 paces and lay down. Corpl. B.'s movement promptly drew fire from the buildings between the Hanover Road and the York Turnpike. His party was compelled to take cover in the small depressions afforded by the nearby ground. The lieutenant reinforced him wdth one squad and opened fire. The hostile reply was so heavy as to make certain the enemy had too many men to permit a further advance in that direction. He accord- ingly crawled over the nose on the right flank of his patrol and began searching with his glasses the ground north of Gettysburg. What he saw caused him to write the following message : No. 1, 100 Yards South Stevens Run, North op York Turnpike Exit Gettysburg, n June, 3.20 p. m. Red trenches visible extending Harrisburg road, 500 yards southwest almshonse, across Mummasburg road. Direction slightly north of west. Trenches full of men. Seems to be one company in support near Harris- burg road, 200 yards behind hostile right. I\Iy patrol held here by hostile fire from eastern exit Gettysburg. • M., Lieutenant. Tlie lieutenant moved back to his six men in reserve, and sent two with the message to find Company B. He then started a patrol of three men to the south to work into Gettysburg from that direction. The remainder of the men were gradually drawn back to better cover. Let us turn now to Sergt. K's patrol on the western flank. Upon receipt of the semaphored order, leaving four men as a reserve to follow at 300 yards, the sergeant deployed the 10 remaining (two men are at J. Forney) at three paces and advanced toward knoll 577. This movement drew fire from 15 or 20 rifles on 577 and in the edge of the timber east of that knoll. The patrol reached the ditch of the Mummasburg road. Tlie sergeant then directed the next in rank to hold the patrol in that position during his absence. With 3 men, he worked down the railroad to the farm road crossing thereof south of the Mummasburg road. From that point he could see a hostile trench to the southeast. A small hostile group behind a nose less than 400 yards to the south convinced the sergeant he could get no fartlier in that direction. Returning to the Mummasburg road, lie WTote the following message: AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 33 No. 1. MUMMASBURG RoAD SOUTII OP McLeAN FaRMHOUSE, n June, 3.10 p. m. From point 300 yards south of this, I have seen Red company trench on low knoll northwest of Penn College and about 500 yards to southeast of point where I was. No signs of trenches to south. Reds still at work in trench seen. Could locate no reserves. My patrol held southeast of J. Forney by hostile detachment 500 yards to south. K, Sergeant. Two men were sent with this north of knoll 522 to deliver it to Capt. B. The sergeant then started three men to work around to the west and into Gettysburg from the direction of the Lutheran Seminary. By 3.10 p. m. Company B was lying down on a front ofgj^ ^^ 300 yards along the 522 ridge and on both sides of the Car- hsle road. Only a few scattered shots met its advance thereto, these coming principally from knoll 522 and the direction of the Almshouse. After some minutes spent in careful observation to the south, the captain wrote the message quoted below: Carlisle Road, Northwest of Almshouse, 17 June, 3.25 p. m. 3.25 p. m. Maj. B: Hostile trenches visible along low crest about 700 yards south of crest I am on. Trenches seem to extend from Harrisburg road to include low knoll west of Miimmasburg road. Have drawn fire from central trenches due south this point. Only small hostile parties were on 522 ridge. B, Captain. The reports from the two flank patrols were sent back to the major as they came in. At 3 :30 p. m. Companies D, C, and A were in line of com- 3^0 p. m. panics in columns of foure at full intervals across the stream line midway between Barlow Knoll and knoll 521. The machine guns were in the drawhead northeast of knoll 521. Extra ammunition had been issued to the First Battalion. The conibat wagons, containing the packs of Companies A, C, and D, were east of the Carlisle road, north of the orchard north of knoll 521. The Second and Third Battahons were in column on the Carhsle road, with the tail of the Third Battahon near Boyd S. H. Extra ammunition was being issued, and the men's packs placed on the emptied combat wagons upon the order of the colonel. The colonel with his staff and majors was on Barlow Knoll. By 3.35 p. m. he had received the reports of Capt. B and of the two flanking patrols from Com- pany B. (See sketch No. 3.) 98755°— 17 3 34 ' STUDIES m MINOR TACTICS. REGIMEiSTTAL COMMANDER' S ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. Col. A estimates the situation somewhat as follows: The reports of Capt. B and those of his two flanking groups pretty definitely estabhsh the length and location of the hostile trenches. Their length, some 800 yards, indicates that at least two Red battalions are in position. In addi- tion, the whole or a part of the remaining battalion of the enemy's regiment may be in reserve. Some part of this last battalion, though, is almost certainly engaged in the work of requisitioning and guarding the supplies in Gettysburg, and it wiU hardly, therefore, be able to take part as a whole in the fight. But whatever the exact hostile dispositions may be, the odds, considering in addition to the above the reported character of many of the Red soldiers, rather favor the Blue regiment. With a reasonable prospect of success, the colonel would hardly be justified in permitting the Reds to escape with their booty through his failure to attack. In fact he has found conditions at Gettysburg exactly as expected when he marched from Goldenville. Deciding to attack, it is necessary next to consider how that attack should be made, whether frontally, or by en- veloping the right or the left flank. A purely frontal attack should only be made when the ground greatly favors such, or an envelopment is not practicable, or would require time that can not be spared. Usually that flank is enveloped which affords the best cover for the attacker. An envel- opment of the hostile left, with the main attack moving in the general direction of the railroad, would require an ad- vance over nearly flat and entirely open ground to long ranges. If the main attack moved west to cover behind Oak Ridge, either a portion of the enemy's trenches beyond the Blue left would not be engaged, or the regiment would be attacking on a dangerously broad front. In the first case, an opportunity would be offered the enemy to come out of his trenches and attack the exposed Blue left ; and in the second case, to attack and defeat the frontal or holding at- tack before the main attack was ready to strike. A further disadvantage of the attack by way of Oak Ridge lies in the close timber about knoU 582. Such timber, with heavy undergrowth to break up the attacker's formations and make all command and coordination extremely difficult, is a very positive disadvantage thereto. If the timber, on the other hand, were free from midergrowth and open in character, the cover afforded by it would be an equally posi- AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 35 SKETCH No. 3, S'ifua+ion a+ 330 p.m. June 17 Red Force i » Blue Force 36 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. tive advantage. In considering these disadvantages of an envelopment to the west, the colonel is simply rmming over the reasons that caused him at Goldenville to abandon the idea of a march along Oak Ridge. An envelopment of the hostile right is favored by considerable cover in front of that flank, and very much also by the low elevations paral- lel to the enemy's trenches, which furnish suitable inter- mediary objectives for advancing groups, on which to re- build the firing lines. The colonel decides to envelop the hostile right. He assigns the battalion in advance guard to the sec- ondary or frontal attack in order to get strong firing lines promptly into position, under the cover of which the deploy- ment of the main attack can be made without fear of hostile interference. And since this holding attack by the advance guard is to be largely by fire, and only to be pushed home when the enemy is about to break from the pressure on his flank, a very broad frontage will be assigned it. A conven- ient line to separate the objectives of the two attacks is fur- nished by the Carhsle Road. The First Battalion will be assigned the hostile trenches west thereof. The Second Bat- talion will be sent east of Barlow Knoll to attack the short front between the Carlisle and Harrisburg Roads and to make the envelopment east of that objective. The Third Battahon and machine guns will at first follow the Second Battalion, to be thrown in later as the progress of the action makes expedient. The Third Battalion will be used either to prolong the enveloping attack or to push the attack for- ward where hostile weakness has developed, and the machine guns at the decisive moment to bring an intense fire upon that portion of the hostile lines where seems to be the best chance of penetrating. HIS ORDERS AND ARRANGEMENTS. 3.45 p.m. At 3.45 p. m., the colonel issued verbal orders to the three majors, C. O. Machine Gun Company, and staff, on Barlow Knoll, as follows : The enemy is in an intrenched position on the low ridge 500 yards south of the almshouse, extending from the Harrisburg Road to a point about half a mile west thereof. Company B is deployed across the Carlisle Road on the Almshouse Ridge. It has two squads south of Stevens Run, covering our left flank, and two squads near the Mummasburg Road on Oak Ridge, covering our right flank. The regiment will attack, enveloping the hostile right. March conditions ceaee. AN INFANTBY REGIMENT. 37 The First Battalion will attack the hostile trenches from the Carlisle Road, inclusive, to the west. The strong patrols of Company B will be left on the duty of flank protection. The Second Battalion will proceed across country to the cover of Rock Creek and thence south by this knoll (Barlow) to the Harrisburg Road. It will then attack the hostile trenches from the Carlisle Road, exclusive, to the east and will envelop the enemy's right. The Third Battalion and machine guns, in reserve, will follow the Second Battalion to cover east of this (Barlow) knoll. No advance will be made from the 522, Almshouse ridge, until ordered by me. . Ambulances and combat wagons will assemble at Boyd S. H. The band is at the disposal of the surgeon. Messages to this point, with which all battalions will maintain sema- phore connection. At regimental headquarters the horses were held north of Barlow Knoll by orderlies not otherwise engaged. The colonel, lieutenant colonel, adjutant, and sergeant major were on the knoll. The sergeant major was in immediate charge of the details of communication. He had stationed one orderly to watch each battalion, keep track of its prog- ress, and transmit signal and semaphore messages. Two other orderlies, dismounted, were near at hand to carry written messages, and two were momited just north of the hill for the transmission of messages, where mounted delivery was practicable. The combat wagons were parked by a supply sergeant, off the road, with teamsters alert on the wagons and ready to move in either direction at a moment's notice. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, FIRST BATTALION. The colonel having completed his order, Maj. B moved rapidly to the center of his three companies, on the Carlisle Road, midway between Barlow and knoll 521, assembled the captains, and directed: The enemy occupies an intrenched position about three quarters of a mile south of this point. The regiment attacks. Company B has a strong patrol near the Mummas- burg Road, south of that wooded knoll (pointing to 642). This battalion will advance to attack. Company D will at once gain 500 yards to the west and will then follow the right of the firing line at 400 yards, in support. Companies C and A will gain ground to the west until Company C ia near the rail fence (pointing to the one 200 yards west of the road). They will then advance, Company C, the base company, moving up the little draw just east of the fence until I signal "Halt." The major sent the sergeant major to conduct the bat- talion ammunition wagons to Boyd S. H. 38 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. When Company A, on the left of C, was about 100 yards north of knoll 522, the major signaled to both companies, "Halt, lie down, captains join me," this last addressed to the captains of Companies C, A, and B. These three officers, the major, and his adjutant moved cautiously up to 522 and lay down behmd its crest. There the major pointed out the indications of hostile trenches less than 700 yards away. (The enemy had cut the orchard between knolls 522 and 527, and burned the farm buildings thereat.) The major ordered : The second battalion attacks the trenches east of the Carlisle road. Thia battalion will attack the hostile trenches from the Carlisle road, inclusive, to the west. Companies C, A, and B, in the order named from right to left, will each deploy upon a front of 125 yards, with 25 yards interval between companies, the right of Company C at first near that fence corner (pointing to the one 200 yards west of knoll 522). Objectives: Company B, the hostile trench from the Carlisle road, inclusive, to the fence corner about 150 yards west thereof (pointing to the one at G in Gettysburg); Company A, from that fence corner to include the Mummasburg road about seven fingers to the west; Company C, remainder of the hostile trenches. Deploy and signal me when you are ready to fire, but await my order to commence. Make no advance beyond this crest until ordered by me. Company B will leave its four squads out to cover our flanks. Company D is following the right of the firing line in support. I will be behind the center of the firing line. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, COMPANY A. The major havirig fhiished, the captain of Company A signaled his lieutenants and his sergeants to come up to the crest. The company was lying down in line of platoon columns about 100 yards to the north. The captain moved to the center of the front assigned his company for deploy- ment, lay down so that he could just see over the crest, with his four platoon commanders, first sergeant, and remaining duty sergeants lying close to him on both sides. All so equipped were usmg field glasses. The captain ordered: The regiment attacks. Catch the red college building at 12 o'clock, and then the hostile trench tile right of which is at 7 o'clock therefrom. Our objective is that trench. Its total length is about seven fingers. The first and second platoons will each cover by their fire the entire western half of the company's objective, and the third and fourth platoons will each cover the entire eastern half of that objective. Give me the range. Each man estimated the range. The first sergeant dropped back of the crest, and with the help of the musicians. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 39 quickly took range with the Weldon range finder to the fence corner near G in Gettysburg. The captain rejected the extreme estimates, took the mean of those remaining, and from this mean and the result obtained by the Weldon, de- cided upon 600 yards as the distance. Deducting 50 yards, so as to bring the sheaf of fire from the line of aiming points into the trenches, he announced: Aiming point, crest line just above trenches. Range, 550. The captain signaled to the company: "As skirmishers, march," and " Forward, march" ; then '' Halt, lie down," when the skirmish line was about 20 yards back of the crest. The platoon leaders caused their squad leaders to crawl up to the crest, pointed out the company objective to them, and assigned each squad its proportional part, using with them the sight leaf instead of "fingers" in designating the squad targets. Each squad leader then placed himself where the center of his squad was to be, and signaled his men to join him by crawling. The squad leader pointed out to his men the company and squad objectives, the aiming point, gave the range, and when certain that every man understood, signaled "Ready" to the platoon leader. These platoon leaders in turn signaled "Ready" to the captain when all corporals of the platoon had so reported. The captain, when aU four of his platoons had reported, signaled "Ready" to the major. As soon as ready aU men drew back from the crest and hugged the ground. The captain and his platoon leaders remained in observation of the foreground while awaiting the major's signal to commence firing. The deployment of Company C on the right was similar. This company sent four scouts as a combat patrol to work at first to the farmhouse on the Mummasburg Road southwest of 522. That patrol endeavored to keep thi-eo or four hundred yards south of the company, and a little farther than that to the flank, and to maintain touch with the two squads of Company B on the ridge to the west. One man on the right of the company watched this patrol, and the patrol kept at least one man always in sight of the company. Reports of the patrol were made by signals, or extremely abbreviated semaphore messages. Company B, on the left of the battalion, moved back from the crest and closed in to its right. Packs were dropped. The orders issued in this company were similar to those of Company A, except that, having a shorter objective as- signed, the captain ordered each platoon to distribute its fire over the company's whole objective, the idea being, of 40 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. course, to maintain a greater density of fire over the section of the objective immediately in front of a rushing platoon. Before leaving the First Battalion, let us go further into the arrangements therein for communication. The agents and means of communication were as follows: Each com- pany had one musician lying near the captain watching bat- tahon headquarters, the other musician similarly watched the four platoon leaders. The battalion had one of its two mounted orderlies holding the four horses in the stream line 500 yards north of knoll 522. The adjutant was 4 or 5 yards to the right of the major observing the enemy and the three companies of the firing line; the sergeant major, who had returned from conducting the empty combat wagons to Boyd S. H., was about the same distance to the left watching regimental headquarters on Barlow Knoll; and the second orderly from a position behind the major kept track of Company D (in support). AU of these agents were alert to transmit, both ways, forward and back, signals and semaphore messages, or in case of necessity to make personal delivery. Although every care had been taken in the deployment to keep under cover, the enemy's attention had nevertheless 4.25 p. m. been attracted, and he opened fire. By 4.25 p. m, several men in the three companies had been hit, and the men gener- ally were becoming rather nervous. To keep his battalion in hand, the major accordingly signaled, "Commence firing," without waiting longer for the deployment of the Second Battalion to be completed. The enemy's fire increased rapidly in intensity, so that in a few minutes the battahon was engaged in a very hot fire fight. Company B quickly found it necessary to bring some fire on the Red trench east of the Carhsle road, which formed part of the objective of the Second Battalion. Its captain did so by signaling to the leader of his left platoon, "Shift 5 fingers, left." ACTIONS AND ORDERS, SECOND BATTALION. Turning now to the Second Battalion, the head of which it will be remembered was near the farm road 650 yards 3.55 p.m. south of Boyd S. H., we find its major rejoining at 3.55 p. m., after having listened to the colonel's attack order. He saw that ammunition had been issued during his absence. The four companies had been drawn up in double column, each column of two companies on the sides of the road. The ammunition wagons then had driven down between the two columns, and the boxes were quickly dumped into the AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 41 road and their contents distributed. This issue required about 10 minutes. The major ordered the empty wagons to proceed to Boyd S. H. as soon as the Second and Third Battahons had passed to the south. He then conducted the battahon in column of squads across country slightly south of east to the steep banks bordering Rock Creek, and along these to the south. Nearing Rock Creek the major directed the leading company to double time a squad ahead to gain a couple of himdred yards on the battalion as its point, and to send a second squad across Rock Creek to march as a flank patrol east of the fringe of timber. The head of the battahon had arrived between Barlow KjioU and 474W when the heavy fire of the First Battahon opened. The major assembled his captains on the southeast nose of Barlow Knoll, and at 4.30 p. m. directed: '-'^ p- "• The right of the Red trenches is about a thousand yards down this road (Harrisburg). The regiment is attacking. The First Battalion is now engaged on our right. This battalion will envelop the enemy's right. Company E will deploy with its left on this road (Harrisburg), and will at once advance to attack the enemy's trenches between the Harrisburg (inclusive) and Carlisle roads (exclusive). Company F will deploy with its right on the road and will advance with Company E. Companies G and H in support, will continue south along Rock Creek at 300 yards. I will follow Company F. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, COMPANY E. The captain immediately doubled timed over to his com- pany and ordered: The enemy is intrenched about a thousand yards to the southwest. We attack straight down this road. Scouts out. He signaled, "As skirmishers, guide left." The second lieutenant and one scout from each squad double timed, deployed at about seven paces interval, for the Almhouse Ridge. The company followed in quick time at 200 yards. That ridge gained the scouts lay down. The heutenant dropped back to meet the captain, and reported that two orchards west and southwest of the Almhouse were down; that the enemy's trenches were in full view only five or six hundred yards away, and that the Almhouse Ridge would make a suitable position for opening fire. The preliminary orders and arrangements for firing were similar in Company E to those of Company A, previously described, although executed with much less dehberation than in the case of the 42 STUDIES IN MINOE TACTICS. 4.45 p. m. latter. At 4.45 p. m., Company E opened fii-e. Company F, east of the Harrisbm-g Road, with the exception of a few men on the extreme right, could not see the hostile trenches, and except the right squad, did not open fire with Com- pany E. At this time Companies G and H were in column of twos in the timber along Kock Creek, with the head of Company G at the fence corner somewhat north of east of the Almhousc. A patrol of four men from Company G was at the mouth of Stevens Run. The flanking patrol of one squad from Com- pany E was on the nose 400 yards east of Company G. PROGRESS OF THE ATTACK 4.45 TO 5.15 P. M. 4.45 p.m. At 4.45 p. m., the Third BattaUon and the Machine Gun Company were east of Barlow KnoU. The colonel verbally directed the captain of that company : Put your guns on the Almhouse Ridge between the First and Second Battalions and open fire. Target: The red trenches east of the Carlisle Road. The colonel had the Second BattaUon signaled to advance. Its major signaled "Forward" to Company F on the left of the firing line. That company moved steadily forward without halting until it reached the nose south of the Aim- house. The Reds met this movement by deploying a company east of the Harrisburg Road in prolongation of their trenches west thereof. And Company F and this new Red company immediately engaged in a hot fire with less than 400 yards separating their men. As soon as the Reds prolonged their firing hne in this manner, the major sema-. phored the leading company of his support, which had moved forward with Company F, "R. L. F." (customary abbreviation in the battalion for "reinforce left of Company F"). Thereupon Company G deployed from the timber along Rock Creek, moved forward until its skirmishers pro- longed the line of Company F to the eastward; and joined that company in its fire fight with the Red company east of the Harrisburg Road. Company E on the right of F advanced by platoon rushes to the orchard west of the road. Tlie machine guns opened fire from the knoll northwest 5.00 p. m. ^f the Almshouse at 5 p. m. Regimental headquarters, after ordering the Third Battahon to advance along Rock Creek to Stevens Run, moved forward to the crest north of the Almshouse. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 43 At 5.10 p. m., Red skirmish lines appeared north of the^-^"?'^- eastern exit of Gettysburg. Companies F and G by this time had gained a decided fire superiority over their Red opponents, and wore beginning to gain ground by platoon laishes from the left. The fire, however, of the fresh hostile skirmishers north of Stevens Run and of several machine guns which opened from the same direction with them quickly stopped the Blue advance; and the two companies were soon suffering severely, notwithstanding the active support of the Blue machine guns. Immediately upon the appearance of these red reinforcements, the colonel sent verbal orders by his adjutant, accompanied by one orderly, to the Third Battalion : Attack eastern exit Gettysburg at once. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, THIKD BATTALION. In compliance with this order, the major of the Third Battalion put the battalion in march to the south, and, at 5.17 p. m., standing 50 yards south of the mouth of Stevens ^"^^P" ™' Run, directed his leading captain: We attack the eastern exit of Gettysbui'g. Deploy, guide left, and advance at once witli your left marcliing on that white house (pointing to the nearest one of Gettysliurg on the York Turn- pike). Company K will deploy on your left. I win support you with the remaining companies. When the second company (K) came up, the major directed his captain: We are attacking the eastern exit of Gettysburg. Deploy, guide right, and prolong the left of Company I, which is the base company. The remaining companies will follow in support. I will follow the firing line at 50 yards. As the third and fourth companies came up he directed each captain: Companies I and K are attacking the eastern exit of Gettysburg. L and M, M on the left, will follow in support behind the left of K at 200 yards. M company will send a platoon at once to Benner's Hill to protect our left. Companies I and K advanced through the flanking patrol of Company B, and opened fire. To oppose them the enemy very soon deployed nearly an equal number of rifles. Each company (I and K) took roughly half of the front opposing them, and the platoons in like manner divided up the company's objective. The major almost immediately prolonged the firing line to the left by sending forward Company L. 44 STTJDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. By this advance of the Third Battalion the pressure on the Second Battalion was relieved. The major of the Second Battalion deployed his last company over the front of the whole battahon and sent it into the firing line. The First Battalion extended its right also with its last company. The fire of all the companies and of the machine guns rose rapidly in intensity. The hostile fire, on the other hand, everywhere immediately lost in effectiveness. Between the Carlisle Road and Stevens Run it, in fact, grew wild. The Second Battalion began to gain ground by company rushes from the left. The enemy in front of this battalion left his trenches, and ran to the rear. The colonel signaled "Charge" to all of the battalions, and the musicians throughout the regiment sounded the charge. As the lines rushed forward, the enemy broke everywhere except east of Gettysburg, and in the last trenches northwest of Penn College. In these last some 200 men hung on until aU of them were captured by the movement westward of portions of the Second Battalion. The colonel rushed the machine guns forward to take up the fire pursuit. While these quickly cleared the main north and south streets of Gettysburg, they were not able to do much damage elsewhere because of the cover afforded the enemy by the buildings in the town. THE PURSUIT. When it became evident at regimental headquarters that the end of the action was approaching, the horses were brought forward. The colonel and staff mounted and gal- loped up to the Red trenches on the Carlisle Road. There the First Battalion was found less disorganized than the Sec- ond; the Third was still engaged east of the town. The colonel therefore hastened to the major of the First Battalion, whose companies were assembling near the hostile trenches on w p. m. ^}jQ Mummasburg Road, and at 5.55 p. m. directed: The Third Battalion is still engaged east of town. Take up the pursuit at once through Gettysburg with your battalion and the machine-gun company. The colonel then had the adjutant send a mounted orderly with orders for the field train, still back at Texas, to come up to Gettysburg, and for the combat wagons to pick up the packs of Company B and also come on to Gettysburg. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 45 The major, First Battalion, assembled his captains at a double time, without interrupting the reorganization of the four companies, and, at 6 p. m., ordered: cp.m. The Third Battalion is still engaged with hostile forces east of Gettysburg. This battalion and the machine guns pursue at once. Company D will proceed by the Mummasburg road and the first street east of Penn College straight south through Gettysburg. SKETCH No.^. Posi+ion a+ 53-2 P.M.- Jixne 17. Blue Force Company B, to Carlisle road, and thence due south. Both companies will move rapidly. Companies A and C and the machine guns, in the order named, will follow Company D at 400 yards. Leave small details in charge of your prisoners, and to search for wounded. I will be at head of Company A. 46 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. The mkjor sent the battalion adjutant to the captain of the machine gun company to notify him that the colonel had attached his command to the First Battalion for the pursuit, and to direct him to follow Company C. Each leading company (D and B) moved out at once double timing a platoon 200 yards in advance. Each of these platoons hurried a squad 150 yards to its front. Both Companies D and B were throughout in double column of files, one colmnn on each side of the street. At the first cross street to the east. Company B, on the left, sent a platoon as left flank guard to the next north and south street. Com- pany D similarly sent a squad to right. In passmg through the town, the First Battalion picked up about 50 Reds, who were turned over to a couple of squads of the last company to be assembled at the central square. As soon as the advanced groups of Companies D and B emerged from the town, they received a hot fire from the national cemetery. These companies deployed immediately across the Taneytown and the Baltimore turnpikes. The major turned the main body west by the cross street just north of the race track, and southwest by the country road. Near the group of houses opposite the southern part of the race track, the major, halting the battalion, took his three captains to the nose a hundred yards still farther to the south, and directed: The machine guns will take station in this vicinity and fire on the ceme- tery. Companies A and B will deploy, Company B on the right, the left of Company A west of this point, and will then advance. Company B will direct its left upon that yellow house (pointing to the H, Bishop farmhouse). Company B will send a strong patrol to Seminary Ridge. I will follow the left of Company A. Under the fire of the machine guns, and upon the advance of Companies A and B, and of a portion of the Third Bat- talion across country east of Gettysburg, the hostile resistance quickly broke down. By 7 o'clock Cemetery Hill was in possession of the First Battalion, which was pursuing by fire down the Taneytown Road small rapidly retreating groups of the enemy. All the battalions sent parties to search, for wounded, the ground over which they had attacked. By early evening their reports mdicated that there had been some 121 casual- ties distributed about as follows: First Battalion— 1 officer, 6 men killed, 30 wounded. Second Battahon — 2 officers, 9 men killed, 45 wounded. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT, 47 Third Battalioii^l officer, 5 men killed, 20 wounded. Machine-gun company — 2 wounded. About 70 Red wounded were found. COMMENT. With reference to the whole conduct of the attack, certain things are to be noted. While prompt action was of great importance in prevent- ing the escape of the enemy with his booty, nevertheless the colonel did not throw his regiment into the fight until the reconnaissance of the advance guard had made it pretty certam just where the hostile trenches were located and what was their extent. The long range of modern rifles renders exceedingly difficult any change in the direction of attack of troops once committed to action. Unless it is known beforehand where the enemy is, troops can only by chance advance in the direction for striking him. A com- mand that attacks with an incorrect direction line will at best simply strike a blow in the air, and at worst will be anniliilated by flanking or enfilade fire from the enemy's real position. Moreover, unless the enemy has been rather definitely located, the attack can hardly be made syste- matically and upon a well-cbnsidered plan, but the troops will have to be sent piecemeal simply to meet the exigencies of the engagement as they arise. Such a haphazard attack, even if its direction lines happen to be right, will have little chance of success unless made with an overwhelming supe- riority in numbers. The colonel, having these principles in mind, curbed, therefore, his impatient desire to get the action started, and waited quietly for more than an hour while liis advance guard was clearing up the situation. Such quiet waiting can of course easily be carried to an excess. Probably no commander ever feels certain that he has learned the exact situation on the other side. The determination, consequently, of the proper moment for con- cluding that no more information can be awaited, but that from what has already been obtained a certain hostile situa- tion must be assumed to exist, and an attack based upon that assumption must be ordered, calls ordinarily for the exercise of the nicest judgment. It might be asked why the colonel did not take advantage of this long period of waiting for information to bring up the Second and Third Battalions from their halting place south of Boyd S. H. into assembly positions rather close behind the advance guard. The answer, of course, is that 48 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. the colonel had not yet made up his mind just how he would attack. By leaving the bulk of the regiment, mi til this decision was made, as far back as possible without dangerously isolating the advance guard, the movement then of these battalions to the right or left for deployment could be better covered irom hostile view, and the attack- ing battalions could be directed from a greater distance exactly toward their proper objectives, and so have all of their movements in deployment partake less of the nature and dangers of flank marches. The question of when to drop the packs, it is believed, will usually be a difficult one to answer. If as soon as an advance guard encounters a delaying lorce of the enemy, it immediately drops the packs, then, when the enemy is driven away, either much time is lost in going back for them, or they are left miles to the rear and are perhaps not seen again for many days, if at all. On the other hand, it is a great advantage in a prolonged engagement to relieve the men of this burden. In Col. A's engagement the fight promised to be serious enough to make it expedient to take them off, and there was hkely to be no difficulty in getting them up later, since he had no idea of a prolonged pursuit south of Gettysburg. But the colonel, and not one of his subordinates, was the proper one to make the decision. The method employed by the advance guard in its pre- liminary reconnaissance was the one that will ordinarily best serve. A detachment of considerable size must be deployed upon a broad front and sent straight toward where the enemy's main strength is thought to be, to drive in the groups by which he mil screen his dispositions, and so compel him to disclose his main position. In the case in question, a single company sufficed to lay bare the front of the enemy's position. It might have been necessary to deploy the greater part of the advance guard had the hos- tile covering detachments proved of greater strength, and Maj. B w^as prepared, and had grouped Ms other companies so as to be able to meet this necessity. While clearing up the front in this manner, strong patrols must be sent at the same time to the right and to the left to determine the hmits of the hostile position. Usually the general terrain and the previous idea of the strength of the opposing force will enable a guess to be made as to the location of the flanks. The patrols testing its accuracy are assigned routes which, if the guess is correct, will take them by the enemy. If the guess has not been correct, then other points still AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 49 farther to the flank must be promptly tested. The patrols should be strong so as to drive in the corresponding security detachments of the other side and be able to detach men for close examination of particular points. The two flank- ing patrols of this problem met exactly similar bodies and were unable to gain much ground. But they, nevertheless, got far enough to locate very accurately the extrem.ities of the Red line. Such reconnoitering groups must work boldly and rapidly, giving but little thought to their own safety, or the information they obtain, if any at all is obtained, will come in to headquarters too late to be of much value. Next should be noted the care taken by the colonel to secure a imited attack by ordering that no advance be made from the 522 ridge until further orders. Had the First Bat- talion attempted to move forward from that ridge before the Second Battalion was ready, the First would probably at best have suffered severely, or might even have been defeated, by the concentration upon it over perfectly open ground of the entire hostile fire. This coordination of the two attacks might also have been obtained by ordering the First Battahon to "support" the attack of the Second, which would have made the Second Battalion the guide of the movement. Such an order would, however, have required the First Bat- tahon to divert agents of communication from other duties to keep track of the progress of the Second Battalion, while the regimental headquarters was already most conveniently located and had the proper personnel for the performance of this duty. The initial deployment of the regiment was upon a front of shghtly over a thousand yards. This is not excessive for a regiment (at war strength be it remembered) acting alone, because an affair between regiments will last a comparatively short time, and there will consequently not be the same need for relatively large supports and reserves to replace losses and push the firing line forward that will be found in an engagement between larger bodies. After the attack- ing lines had compelled the enemy to throw in his reserves, and make his dispositions and intentions reasonably clear, there was no hesitation on the colonel's part to put in all of his men, and to meet the hostile extension by a very consid- erable extension of his own lines. He did not permit him- self to be prevented from so using all of his men by the possibility that the enemy still had other reserves, or that perhaps other hostile forces would soon be coming in to 98755°— 17 4 50 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. help the one Red regiment reported. Such risk had to be taken. War can not successfully be made without taking chances. Judgment is displayed by taking only those in which the risk is reasonable or necessary. As is usually the case in an enveloping attack, the enemy finally presented a salient in his lines near the Harrisburg Road, which broke under the concentrated fire the Blues were thereby enabled to bring upon it. Everyone concerned, from a captain of an outside com- pany through the majors to the colonel, kept the matter of flank protection constantly in mind. The regimental com- mander perhaps need not have said anything in his attack order about it, since the steps already taken by Company B in sending out two strong patrols incidentally could amply provide for security. But those patrols went out primarily for information. Having obtained that, and the company being assigned another task with no mention of the duty of security therein, it was possible that these patrols might be drawn in or might fail to realize that their mission had changed from reconnaissance to security. The matter was of too great importance to . run any chance of misunder- standing, and accordingly was provided for in the regimental order. Means of communication and connection throughout the command, from the squads to the regimental headquar- ters, were systematically and carefully provided in advance of the necessity for their use. For such purposes, agents of communication must be trained for specific duties, unless detachments are to be lost sight of, and a failure of com- munication to result. A careful organization of the whole system of information and commmiication, both in the bat- talion and in the regiment, must be provided by those directly responsible if these organizations are to be combined into a smoothly working team. For distances up to 1,200 yards, and even with favorable conditions of light up to a mile, the semaphore flag (which can be used prone or kneehng as well as standing) will quite frequently be of the utmost value. But in using it, as well as in using any other system of signahng, the messages must be highly condensed and abbreviated. And the agents must not simply have a fair knowledge of their systems but must be expert. When using the semaphore it must also be remembered that no one system is ordinarily sufficient to meet all demands for commimication. It is frequently advisable, even with a AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 51 most efficient system of signalling in existence, to make per- sonal delivery of certain messages. Whenever practicable, both in the battalion and in the companies, there was careful designation of objectives and of targets to secure proper distribution and accuracy of fire. These preliminary measures were hurried or omitted only when the exigencies of immediate action made it imperatively necessary to do so. Time spent in such measures for the adjustment of fire, unless carried to an excess, is ordinarily well expended. The machine guns were kept at first in reserve, to go into action only when the fight had progressed far enough to make rather certain where the attack had the best chance of getting home. Then the colonel put in these guns to obtain their powerful assistance in beating down the hostile fire over the limited front east of the Carlisle road. Finally, it is well to note tliat the colonel, after the attack order, remained quietly in one spot until the action was nearly over, issuing meantime comparatively few orders. After starting his battalions toward the enemy b)^ that initial order, he had practically nothing to do but to watch carefully the progress of the action and determine therefrom just when and wliere to put his reserves. Yet this decision was of such moment that it justified the absorption of liis entire thought. He permitted his subordinates to make their deployments and dispositions, with system and deUb- eration, and without hurrying by or interference from regi- mental headquarters. And in aU of his orders he assigned only tasks, carefully abstaining from any directions as to the manner of execution ; this must be left to the discretion of a competent subordinate. SANITARY ARRANGEMENTS. The sanitary personnel with a regiment consists of 4 officers, 4 noncommissioned officers, and 20 privates first class or privates. Before the command entrained at Car- lisle, the regimental surgeon, by direction of the colonel, distributed the sanitary personnel as follows: With each battahon, one officer, one noncommissioned officer, five privates, the latter including the officer's orderly. He him- self remained with the commanding officer and the rest of the personnel or aid-station party followed in the mixed section. When the regiment detrained, this formation was adhered to, and on the march each battalion was followed by its detachment. 52 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. The aid-station party with the three ambulances followed the regiment. As soon as the order for the attack on the Red position was given, the colonel placed the band at the disposal of the regimental surgeon. Each battalion detachment followed its battalion into the engagement, keeping as close to the firing line as the terrain permitted. During the fighting, all the wounded who could be reached were given first-aid treatment, and if possible they were removed to some pro- tected spot until further evacuation could be safely carried out. The aid station party and the band remained in the ravine in front of Barlow KnoU, and under the direction of the regimental surgeon established an aid station at that point when necessary. By 5.30 p. m. this aid station had been abandoned as the line advanced and was now established in the ravine at the county almshouse. A few slightly wounded had been received at the first station, and when the advance took place a noncommissioned officer of the band and a sanitary private were left in charge of them. At the second station the terrain was favorable to a partial collection of the wounded, and litter squads composed of bandsmen were sent out to the several battalions to bring in as many men as possible. As soon as the enemy was driven from his position and protection from rifle fire was no longer a factor the regimental surgeon moved the aid station to the county almshouse and sent his orderly to Boyd S. H. to direct that the ambulances repair immediately to the battle field. The sanitary person- nel of the First Battalion accompanied it in the pursuit and cared for the wounded who fell during the second engage- ment. The sanitary personnel and the band, with the assistance of the details from the combatant troops and the ambulances, collected the wounded into the regimental aid station. At that time it was found that there were 10 nontransportable, very severe cases; 39 moderately severe, but able to stand transportation; 48 slightly wounded, 13 of whom required very little attention and could immediately rejoin their companies. In addition to these there were 67 severely wounded Reds. The regimental surgeon requested that rail transportation be sent from Carlisle to Gettysburg on the morning of June 18 to remove 39 severely and 35 slightly wounded Blues, AN INFANTRY EEGIMENT. 53 and 54 severely wounded Reds. This was approved by the colonel and foi'warded to division headquarters. Pursuant to this request a train consisting of four baggage cars and one ordinary passenger coach arrived at 7 a. m. and by 9 a. m., with the use of the ambulances and vehicles, the wounded capable of being transported had been loaded on the train, which immediately started on its return journey to Carlisle. The 10 Blue and 13 Red nontransportable wounded were left in the almshouse, at which point a small temporary hospital was established. COMMENT. The distribution of the sanitary personnel with a regiment on the march and when preparing for an attack as outlined above is solely to provide for efficient assistance for all parts of the command without delay or confusion. By this arrangement a battalion ordered to some duty away from the regiment will always have its proper quota of sanitary assistance. Attention is called to the fact, as emphasized in this problem, that the regimental aid station is nothing more than a collecting point for the wounded. No elaborate treatment is contemplated and the administering of first aid is all that can be expected. This station is established whenever there is a sufficient number of wounded in a given area who can be collected in one protected spot, without undue exposure of the sanitary troops. This point is not fixed and there may be several such locations during an engagement as shown above. As the line advances the station advances, after collecting all the wounded in the first area. A point protected from direct rifle fire is selected as close to the line as possible and collection of the wounded into this station is begun at once. Wlien an advance of the station is ordered a detail sufficiently large to administer to the wants of the wounded is left at each location. A pursuit by a force of any size should be provided with some sanitary personnel. Casualties are very apt to occur and assistance would be needed at once ; therefore the person- nel attached to the First Battalion accompanied it in the pursuit, leaving the remainder of the detachment to collect and care for the wounded of the main engagement. After wounded are collected and dressed immediate efforts should be made to remove them to the rear. It might be said that the facilities presented in the town of Gettysburg 54 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS, for the care of the small number of wounded were ample, and no evacuation would be necessary. Though this is in part true, still several factors should be given more weight in considering this matter. In the first place the enemy might be reinforced and in turn compel the evacuation of the town, causing all of these wounded to fall into theh hands. Sec- ondly, the problem of supply for even a small command requires careful consideration, and if men are present who can not be used on the firing Mne for some time they should be removed as extra mouths to be fed without conunensurate services returned. The casualties in engagements are, unless more detailed information is provided, divided into their categories by the following percentages, which have been worked out accord- ing to the detailed reports of modern campaigns: Per cent. Killed 20 Severely wounded: Nontransportable 8 Transportable, sitting 20 Transportable, recumbent 12 Slightly wounded: Able to walk to dressing station or field hospital 28 Able to walk to advance depot 12 It should be noted that the Red wounded are aU classed as severe cases. This conclusion is arrived at by assuming that the slightly wounded have retreated with their own troops. A HALT FOR THE NIGHT. ARRANGEMENTS AND ORDERS, REGIMENTLAL HEADQUARTERS. At 6.15 p. m. the colonel directed the major, Second Bat- 6.15 p.m. talion : Leave one company to collect all the prisoners and confine them for the night in Penn College. Also leave detachments to search for your wounded. March the remainder of your battalion to the Taneytown Road at the southern exit of Gettysburg. The colonel then sent the adjutant to direct the Thii'd Battalion, the firing of which by this time had died away, to proceed to the Baltimore Turnpike at the southern exit of Gettysburg. The colonel, himself, went ahead in the direc- tion of the steady firing to be heard south of town, and from its outskirts watched the successful attack of the First Battalion. At its conclusion, he directed the battalion com- mander: Do not pursue farther. We will camp for the night east of the race track — the three battalions in the usual order from north to south. Wliich of your companies can best go on outpost? Company A, then, will take station in the vicinity of Cemetery Hill, and will secure the command from the Emmitsburg Road to the Baltimore Turnpike, both inclusive. Transmit this order to its captain. The adjutant will mark the company streets. Reserve rations to-night. The wagons will not be up for some hours. The combat wagons have been ordered to pick up the packs of Company B. The colonel then sent the adjutant to the Machine Gun Company, with orders for that organization to proceed to the race track. The colonel personally rode to the other two battalions and directed their majors: The enemy is retreating to the south in considerable disorder. We will camp east of the race track — battalions in the usual order from north to south. The adjutant is posting the company flags. Company A takes station on Cemetery Hill to secure the command from the Emmitsburg road to the Baltimore turnpike. Reserve rations to-night. The wagons will not be up for some hours. Your combat wagons have been ordered to bring up the packs. Go on to the camp ground. The colonel directed the major of the Third Battalion to have his adjutant report for duty with a reconnoitering 55 66 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. 7.30 p.m. patrol. When the adjutant reported, the colonel, at 7.30 p. m., directed: The enemy has retired by the Taney town road in. considerable confusion. We are going into camp south of Gettysburg. I want you to select four orderlies, follow the enemy, and remain in con- tact with him. Let me know where he camps to-night. While camp was being made the colonel directed the guard company to station a cossack post on knoll 574 of vSeminary Ridge, west of camp, a sentry south of camp and one at the picket line north of camp, and also to establish a signal station on the highest building immediately east of camp for observation of the surrounding country and for communication with the outpost. The ammunition supply was low, and very unequally distributed. There seemed to be an average of about 40 rounds per man, and some 2,000 rounds in the machine-gun company. The ordnance officer was directed to redistribute so as to equalize throughout the regiment. Two hundred and fifty Red unwounded prisoners had been captured, in addition to the 67 severely wounded. Five days' rations were still stored at Table Rock Station under a small guard. During the night the quartermaster hired seven civilian teams, which he sent at daybreak with the empty ration wagons to bring these rations from Table Rock to Gettysburg. The railroad officials reported the track intact to the north. The colonel forwarded the following telegraphic report : First Infantry, Gettysburg, 17 June, 9.20 p. m. Chief Staff, Carlisle: Found First Red Infantry in position north of Gettysburg. Attacked and defeated it. Enemy retired in disorder to south . Am now camped southern outskirts Gettysburg. Had 120 casualties. Captured 250 unwounded Reds and 67 severely wounded. Have average only 40 rounds ammunition. Request 300,000 rounds ammunition be shipped Gettysburg by rail to-night. Also cars for evacuation Red prisoners and 93 severely and 35 slightly wounded. A, Colonel. OUTPOST ARRANGEMENTS AND ORDERS. The colonel's order to establish an outpost having been transmitted to the captain of Company A, the latter marched that organization to the orchard about 300 yards south of Cemetery Hill, where he halted the company, and, AN INFANTRY EEGIMENT. 57 assembling Lis officers and noncommissioned officcre, directed: The enemy is retreating rapidly to the south. Our regiment camps east of the race track. This company will take station in this vicinity to furnish the outpost. Corpl. L, take your squad, as outguard No. 1, down the road to the right (Emmitsburg) about half a mile to the crossing of that road and the railroad. Sergt. M, take the second and third squads, as outguard No. 2, to the road fork about three-quarters of a mile south on the Taney town Road. Corpl. N, station your squad, as outguard No. 3, on the Baltimore Turn- pike, north of the stream which runs just north of those hills [pointing to Powers and McAllister Hills]. All outguards will get signal communication with the company station, which will be established on the house just south of us. Lieut. B will take charge of the company. Explain the situation to the men. Put an observatijon post at the house south of us. Establish com- munication with the outguards and with the camp of the Regiment. Get water from the farmhouse [pointing to one just to the south]. Put a sentry over the well. Collect rations and put men to work getting supper. Reserve rations to-night. Arrange to use the farmhouse range for cooking. Our wagons and packs will not be up for some hours. Check up our ammunition. Lieut. 0, prepare an outpost sketch. I will locate the troops thereon when I retiu'n from inspecting the outguards. Corpl. P, you and L, M, and N will come with me. I am going to visit the outguards from the right to the left. The captain first looked at the ground near by with a view to defense, and determined in case of hostile advance from the south or southwest to occupy the southern edge of the orchard on knoll 606, and if the enemy should advance along the Baltimore Turnpike, to move back to Cemetery Hill. He then started with Corpl. P and his men across country to the southwest. He found that Corpl. L, in charge of outguard No. 1, had posted his squad east of the road just south of the southernmost of the N. Codori houses, with one sentry 25 yards down the road. The corporal intended to cut wire to barricade the road just beyond the sentry. Two of his men had collected the rations and were arranging to cook supper in one of the farmhouses. One man was at the northernmost house to get semaphore connection with the Company. The captain notified Corpl. L that he need do no patrolling at night, except to investigate something suspicious. From outguard No. 1 the captain and his patrol pro- ceeded to No. 2, by the railroad track, southeast to the unimproved road, and thence along it between knolls 566 and 592 to the 545 road fork. The main body of Sergt. 58 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. M's picket was bivouacking in the southern edge of the orchard north of the road fork. A cossack post was on knoll 592 with its sentry up a tree in observation of the Taney- town Road. At dark the cossack post was to be drawn in to the picket. One sentry was posted at the picket. The two roads were barricaded about 25 yards out. After dark a sentry was to be posted near each barricade. As in the first outguard, the rations had been combined and supper was being prepared in the farmhouse north of the orchard. One signaler at that house had made semaphore connection with the company. The captain directed the sergeant to send a patrol of three men, every hour, 1 mile to the south, and upon a hostile advance in any strength greater than a recoimoitering patrol to fall back promptly mitil abreast of the company on the Taney town Road. The captain went to outguard No. 3 by the road to the east, and then north between Powers and McAllister Hills. The outguard was at the southern house with a sentry posted, one signaler on the northern house in communica- tion with the company, and two men in the last-named house getting the combined supper. The captain directed that the stream crossing be barricaded, and, in case of a hostile advance, that the outguard retire along the Balti- more Turnpike, delaying the enemy as much as possible. He informed the corporal that hourly patrols would be sent from the company by the route the captain had come, and directed the corporal to require each patrol leader to name himself before being allowed to cross the stream. All three of the outguards had either an electric torch or lanterns with which to signal a hostile advance in strength, and these means were to be used for no other purpose. The farmhouses near each outguard were required to be kept absolutely dark. The captain got back to the company about 8.30 p. m. He found that the packs had come up, and a bivouac of the company in one Ime just north of the two houses had been prepared. Semaphore connection fron one of the houses had been made with each outguard, and by flag with a house in Gettysbm'g, on which was the regimental station. The field wagons had not appeared. He ordered a barricade of the road 25 yards to the south and one sentry squad into the position, just south of the houses, in which, if re- quired, the company would fight at night. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 59 The captain thcii prepared the following report, the back of which carried Lieut. C's. sketch (No. 5) : Co. A, AT Farmhouse, 400 Yards South of Cemetery Hill, 8-15 p. m. n June, 8.45 p. VI. Colonel A : Comjiauy A posted as ou sketch. In case hostile advance on Taneytown Road will defend this locality; if on Baltimore Pike will defend Ceme- tery Hill. I have only 50 rounds ammunition per man. A, (Captain. This he sent to regimental headquarters by a messenger, directing the man after delivering the report to wait for the baggage wagon and come back on it. The baggage and ration wagons joined the company at 9.45, were unloaded, and returned to the regimental camp. The captain caused patrols of three men each to traverse hourly the route followed by him in visiting the outguards. The first three patrols sent out were each guided by one of the men that had gone about with the captain. COMMENT. With a badly beaten enemy, the regiment can safely trust to the simplest measures for securing its camp. In this case, though, as in all other cases, the prime requisite is that touch shall be maintained with the retreating enemy. Only mounted men can satisfactorily accomplish this mis- sion. That contact the colonel provides for by sending a single small patrol. After that, one company a short dis- tance to the south furnishes ample protection. In that company again the most simple measures, con- sisting only in placing three small detachments on the main roads to the south, are sufficient. Practically the only func- tion of these is to give the company a few minutes to get into position for action. In the absence of mounted men with the outguards, some system of signalling both by day and by night is required m order to give sufficient warning to the company of a hostile advance. Even if moimted men were available, the use of signals would stiU be the more rapid means. Under the circumstances, furthermore, no elaborate system of patrolling is called for. But little more is there- fore provided than a visiting patrol, which incidentally covers the ground between outguards frequently enough to have a reasonable prospect of discovering in time a hostile movement in strength across country. 60 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. Notwithstanding the fact that the regiment has had a considerable initial success, it is still in a dangerous situa- tion through its isolation so near the hostile territory, and before an enemy that has shoAvn himself by no means lack- ing in energy and aggressiveness. Col. A. may have to SKETCH No.5 Oufpost. Nighf June 17-18 light again to-morrow. If he does, with only 40 rounds of ammunition per man, he will stand little chance of success. To get at least enough ammunition to-night to refill the men's belts and the combat wagons, is therefore the most important matter now requiring the colonel's attention. THE DEFENSE. SITUATION. During the night of June 17-18 a train brought suffi- cient ammunition to refill the belts and ammunition wagons, and also empty cars which took the wounded and prisoners back to Carhsle. On the 18th the chief of staff telegraphed that the re- mainder of the First Brigade would be sent by rail to Gettys- burg, where its first train should arrive by 10 a. m. on the 19th. Three reports were received from the mounted patrol sent to the south — the first to the effect that the defeated Red regiment camped at Centennial S. H. for the night after the fight; the second that at 4 a. m. of the 18th it marched toward Emmitsburg; and the third, received at 10 p. m. of the 18th, that two fresh regiments marched from Em- mitsburg during the afternoon and camped at Fairplay on the Gettysburg road for the night of June 18-19. REGIMENTAL COMMANDER'S ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. In solving the new problem so presented to him, Col. A considered the questions involved about as follows: He must keep clearly in view his original mission, which was to secure the division concentration at Carlisle, some- thing over 25 miles north of Gettysburg. Any protection of Gettysburg must be made subservient to the primary mission, in which there has yet been nothing in circum- stances or orders to produce any radical change. The com- ing of the remainder of the brigade perhaps indicates some fear on the part of the division commander that Col, A wiU be unable to gain the required time with his regiment alone; and it may indicate also that he hopes to retain Gettysburg through this added strength. If the objective of the two new hostile regiments is Gettysburg, and they start from their night's camp at 5 o'clock, having about 6 miles to go, their advance, if unin- terrupted, would be in the neighborhood of the Blue outposts, as now located, between 7 and 7:30 a, m. Even on a long 61 62 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. June day they are not likely to start before 5 o'clock, and, of course, they may start much later. If the hostile reconnaissance upon gaining contact is promptly carried out, the enemy may have sufficient in- formation to determine in an hour thereafter his method of attack. His deployment for attack and advance to decisive ranges wiU take another hour, and to carry the attack through to a decision would probably take a third hour. So, Col. A can reasonably expect from one position to hold the two hostile regiments until somewhere near 10.30 a. m. By 10 o'clock the first section of the Blue reinforcements should reach Gettysburg, and its troops should arrive on the battle field within 15 or 20 minutes thereafter. The rein- forcement then received will probably consist only of one battalion. This will by no means place Col. A upon equal terms with his adversary, who not only seems to have two regiments now advancing toward Gettysburg, but may be able to reinforce them with some part of the beaten Red regiment. It is doubtful, therefore, whether, if the enemy advances aggressively in the morning, aU of the time required for uniting the First Brigade can be gained in one position south of Gettysburg. Col. A might advance at daybreak with his whole regiment in the direction of the enemy, to fight a series of delaying ac- tions, and so gain the necessary time for uniting the brigade and for saving Gettysburg from another hostile visitation. At first sight, the idea appears decidedly good. But the enemy may not march at an early hour in the morning, and his objective may not be Gettysburg at all; he may simply have moved out to cover Emmitsburg, The possibility of this last being the case seems greater when it is remembered that the beaten Red regiment was operating in hostile terri- tory, and without cavahy; and being so hampered in obtain- ing information, may have no very clear idea of the Blue strength opposed to it. Consequently, if Col. A remains near Gettysburg he may not have to fight at aU, or not until he has been strongly reinforced. An unnecessary fight, particu- larly against superior numbers, is always to be avoided. Wliile to conduct a series of delaying actions may on its face seem a simple proposition, yet in fact to carry such through against an enemy of twice his strength is an exceedingly dif- ficult and dangerous operation, in which Col, A, by the slightest false step or bad luck, might easily have his regiment destroyed. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 6'3 By advancing to meet the enemy the engagement would probably become a rencontre in which the hostile superiority in numbers would have every advantage. The ground west of the Round Tops has too much timber to favor delaying actions in which extended fields of fire are of the utmost value; yet, if the enemy marches promptly in the morning, that is the place where he is most likely to be met. Further- more, by such an advance Col. A would give up all time for intrenching, and the great advantage for the defense thereof. It would hardly do to evacuate Gettysburg, moving to the north, only perhaps to learn later that the enemy also was on the defensive and had no intention of advancing; or, that he advanced so slowly that the town might well have been saved from his retm^n. Some consideration is given to the occupation of a flank- ing position on Round Top, but this is promptly decided against because the position there is not strong to the west and south after the enemy begins to get anjrwhere near at hand, and because it is doubtful if it could be properly oc- cupied in time by the regiment. The long-range fire from a small detachment thereon would cause almost as much delay as would the regiment in a hurriedly occupied position which it did not intend to hold to the end. In view of all these considerations, it seems much better to make one fight, and that rather close in to Gettysburg, provided a suitable position is there to be found. And in making the fight alone, it must not be to a decision. If it becomes apparent that reinforcements are not going to reach him in time, Col. A, remembering that his primary mission is to cover the division, will withdraw to the north of Gettys- burg while still able to do so. In looking for a position, the colonel notes that every- where south of the J. Smith faiTu, within distances that might be considered, there is too much timber to obtain suitable fields of fire. North, however, of J. Smith's there is considerable open gromid. A fair position is there offered with its left on knoll 606, near the Taneytown Road, and extending nearly due west untO. the right is on Seminaiy Ridge. Over parts of this front the field of fire is excellent; over other portions it is rather restricted by the small folds of the earth. But machine guns judiciously posted can flank most of these folds that would otherwise afford shelter for attacking hues until very close in. Seminary Ridge must be included to prevent it from covering the enemy's main 64 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. attack while he is making his envelopment on the shortest and most natural lines. By occupying Seminary Ridge the position will become nearly 1,700 yards in length, entirely too long for the regi- ment to hold in a decisive engagement. But in a purely de- laying action, a position of considerable length is, on the other hand, an advantage since it makes the hostile recon- naissance more difficult, requires movements upon longer lines to prepare envelopments, and renders it much harder to determine what strength is" occupying the position. AU of these conditions add to the time taken before a decisive attack can be laimched. The position in question covers both the Emmitsburg and the Taneytown roads. To get into Gettysburg the enemy must either attack it or make a very considerable detour with consequent loss of much time. Behind its front there is considerable cover, both in the shape of folds in the ground and of timber, which will facili- tate withdrawal when such becomes necessary. Its flanks will be secured by fairly good fields of fire. On the whole, it is simply a fair position. Particularly in a delaying action, the field of fire should be very exten- sive. Yet in this one, in several places, it is considerably restricted. But the perfect position probably does not exit. Col. A simply has to make the best of what he can find; and this position is good enough to warrant its use under the circumstances. Now as to its occupation, it seems best not to use more than two battalions in the first line, since a strong reserve should be held well back to facilitate withdrawal in case such becomes necessary. The machine-gun company wiU be spht between the two first line battahons, one platoon going with each to compel the early deployment of the enemy, to flank those areas in which the enemy's lines could otherwise work forward imder cover to close range, and to bring a concen- trated fire to the flanks to hinder envelopment. Unhke the attack, the delaying action makes it expedient to bring the machine guns into action from the very first. Until the enemy shows his hand, the reserve will be held at the race track, whence it can quickly be moved under cover to which- ever flank is threatened. While preparing the main position with two of his bat- talions, shall he detach the reserve battahon, with the ma- chine guns perhaps, to the south to meet and compel the enemy to make a partial deployment, and so gain time ? Do- AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 65 ing SO would have all of the disadvantages inherent in the occupation of an advanced position. Unless the battalion sent forward were to break off its delaying action at exactly the right moment, it would find itself unable to do so, and in the presence of six times its numbers would, if it rejoined at all, come back a badly beaten command. Then not only would the battalion itself be unfit for much more that day, but the morale of the whole regiment as well would be greatly lowered by this partial defeat. The machine guns also can do better work by getting themselves well into posi- tion and intrenched for the main engagement. This does not, of course, mean that Col. A will fail to cover his working parties by outposts. But it does mean that these outposts will be so weak that they can do little more than send in timely warning of the enemy's approach in strength, and give his patrols some trouble in locating the main position. By the time Col. A had come to his decision it was nearly 11 o'clock. Shall he turn out the troops as soon as the order can be issued and have them work the remainder of the night in preparing the position ? He decides against the idea. Although at night there is much lost motion, he would perhaps have better trenches when the fight begins, but his men instead of being fresh would go into action to-morrow tired and disgusted. And it is men that will win the fight, not trenches. He decides to start the regiment at 4 o'clock, and ordered reveilled for 3. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS. The colonel immediately directed the quartermaster to pick up such tools for intrenching as could be found in Gettysburg, and have them at camp by 4 a. m. ; also to hire wagons for carrying the three days' additional rations still on hand. The outpost was notified at once of the new enemy. Then the colonel telegraphed as follows: First Infantry, Gettysburg, 18 June, 11 p. m. Chief Staff, Carlisle: Defeated Red regiment continued retreat to Emmitsburg to-day. Two fresli hostile regiments marched from Emmitsburg this afternoon, camped at Fairplay. I will intrench a position 1 mile south of Gettysburg at daybreak. If remainder brigade unable to get up in time, shall decline decisive engagement and withdraw north of Gettysburg. A, Colonel. 98755°— 17 5 66 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. 3.30 a. i;i. At 3.30 a, m., June 19, the colonel issued verbal orders to the assembled commanders of battalions, machine-gun com- pany, and staff, as follows : The Red regiment we defeated on the 17th has withdrawn in disorder to Emmitsburg; but two fresh hostile regiments marched from Emmitsburg yesterday afternoon and camped at Fairplay last night. The remainder of the First Brigade is coming to reinforce us. Its leading section should arrive by rail about 10 o'clock tliis morning. This regiment will prepare a defensive position extending from Seminary Ridge to the southern portion of knoll 606. The Second Battalion will prepare from Seminary Ridge, inclusive, to the southern portion of the large orchard 600 yards southwest of the E. Trostle farmhouse, exclusive. The Third Battalion, from that orchard, inclusive, to knoll 606, inclusive. The machine gun company will send a platoon to report to each of these battalions. Standing trench will be dug. The First Battalion will send Company B to the Second Battalion to assist in clearing the foreground along Seminary Ridge. I will order Com- pany A. to report to the Third Battalion for similar work as soon as it is relieved from outpost. The First Battalion (less Companies A and B) will march at 4 a. m. to take over the outpost duties, and will seciue the line J. Musser crossroads 580. Upon a hostile advance in strength the outpost will check the enemy, and, without becoming seriously engaged, will retire behind the flanks of the main line. The quartermaster has obtained tools in Gettysburg which he will divide among organizations in accordance with the duties allotted them. The field trains will assemble in this field ready to march at 5 a. m. Combat wagons when emptied will be returned to this field. Messages to E. Trostle. The colonel directed the quartermaster to load the surplus rations on hired wagons and add them to his field train. He caused regimental headquarters to be established at E. Trostle shortly after 4 o'clock; but followed the Second Battalion to Seminary Ridge, and, after learning from its commander of the manner in which he intended to prepare and hold his section, went then to- the Third Battalion for a similar conference there. He agreed with their dispositions, pointing out, though, to both the necessity for flanking the front by machine-gun fire, not only of their own companies, but in each case of the companies of the other battalion, as far as the ground permitted. OUTPOST ARRANGEMENTS AND ORDERS. Maj-. B, First Battalion, issued verbal orders to the cap- 3.45 a. in. tains of Companies A, C, and D, and his staff, at 3.45 a. m.: AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 67 The Red regiment that we defeated has retreated in disorder to Emmits- burg. Two fresh hostile regiments marched from Emmitsburg yesterday afternoon, and camped at Fairplay last night. We are to be reinforced to-day by the remainder of our brigade. The regiment will prepare a defensive position about a mile south of this camp. Company A will report to the Second Battalion to clear the foreground of the position of that battalion. Companies C and D, under my command, will secure the general line George Spangler — J. Musser — Pitzer, S. H. Company C will march at once to crossroads 580; whence it will provide security from Willoughby Run to the Peach Orchard, inclusive. Company D will proceed to J. Musser to secure the line Peach Orchard, exclusive. Round Top — J. Eckenrodes. The outpost will prevent hostile patrols from reconnoitering the position of the regiment, but will withdraw, at my order, upon the advance of the enemy in strength. Do not issue extra ammunition. Combat wagons will remain here. Field wagons will report, ready to march, to the quartermaster at 5 a. m. I will take station on Round Top, with which signal connection will be made. The signal F B addressed to a company will be the order for its withdrawal. DISPOSITIONS AND ORDERS, COMPANY C. The captain formed the company at 4 a. ra. in march kit, and proceeded by the Emmitsburg road. At N. Codori the company was halted while he questioned the outguard there for further information of the enemy. Nothing new having been learned, he issued orders, at 4.20 a. m., to his 4.20 a.m. lieutenants and noncommissioned officers, as follows: The Red Regiment, defeated by us on the 17th, has retreated in disorder to Emmitsburg. Two fresh hostile regiments marched from Emmitsburg yesterday, and camped at Fairplay, about 5 miles southwest of us. We are to be reenforced to-day by the remainder of our brigade. The regiment is preparing a defensive position on the rise behind us. Companies C and D outpost the command; Company D has the sector east of us. This company is assigned the sector from Willoughby Run to include some 500 or 600 yards east of this road (Emmitsburg). We will march now on crossroads 580, nearly a mile down the Emmitsburg road. Lieut. R (first lieutenant), take the first squad ahead as the point. Move rapidly until you have gained a distance of 400 yards, when the company will follow you. Approaching crossroads 580, the captain called up his second lieutenant, and at 4.40 a. m,, directed: 4.40 a. m. The company will take station near the crossroads a few hundred yards ahead . Take the last six squads and Sergt. L by the road to the right to a station, as picket No. 1, aboutmidway between Willoughby Run and this road). Secure from Willoughby Run to the first ridge west of the Emmitsburg 68 STUDIES IN MINOE TACTICS. Road, inclusive. Stop hostile patrols. If the enemy advances in strength, the company will fall back to Seminary Ridge through the timber to our right rear. You will join us near the southern corner of that timber (point- ing to the patch 600 yards northwest of J. Smith). The captain then had word passed up by the connecting files to the point for Lieut. R to join him, and at cross- roads 580 directed that officer: The company takes station here. Post Corpl. Y's squad (the point) on the next ridge, as outguard No. 2, and then rejoin. Lieut. S (second lieutenant) has taken the road to the right to secure from the first ridge west to Willoughby Run. Company D will probably have troops on Round Top and at Devils Den. The corporal will fire on any Red detachment. If the enemy advances in strength he will fa,ll back on the company. The captain directed the leading corporal of the main body: Station your squad, as outguard No. 3, at the southern comer of this orchard, east of the Emmitsburg Road and south of the road leading from this crossroad to the east. Prevent any hostile patrols from working through the timber from the south. Corpl. Y has a squad on the next ridge of the Emmitsburg Road (pointing toward J. Rose), the company will be on this knoll (587), and Company D will probably have men within 300 or 400 yards east of you, at Devils Den and on Round Top. He next conducted the company to the road just north of knoll 587, on which knoll he intended to deploy if resista,nce toward the south became necessary; posted a sentry thereon, and signallers to get connection by flag with Round Top, and by semaphore with Lieut. S (picket No. 1). He started a patrol of two men by the road to the east, to get connection with Company D and learn of its nearby disposi- tions. A sergeant with a couple of men was sent to recon- noiter the line of retreat across country to the north, and then by the unimproved road toward Seminary Ridge, and to cut all fences that might interfere with the withdrawal of the company. The remainder of the company stacked arms and rested nearby. DISPOSITIONS AND ORDERS, PICKET NO. 1. Lieut. S (second lieutenant) turned his squads to the right at crossroads 580, and clearing the Emmitsburg Road, halted them. He directed the leading corporal : Get 200 yards distance to the west with your squad, at double time, as point of this detachment. Take the left-hand road at the fork ahead. When clear of the woods southwest of knoU 589, the lieutenant halted the detachment, and directed: Corpl. R (who had the point), take your squad to a station near the western edge of this timber (the patch 300 yards south of east of Pitzer S. H.) AN INFANTEY REGIMENT. 69 and south of this road, from which you can watch the road along the stream (Willoughby Run) 600 or 700 yards west of us. Fire on any hostile patrols that attempt to work north. I am going with the bulk of the platoon beyond the timber to the south. Corpl. L, take your squad to the southern edge of that clump of timber (pointing to the one on the 589 ridge to the southeast). Establish sema- phore connection with the company at the crossroads where we left them, and with me in the timber south of this point Prevent the advance of any hostile patrols from the south. Corpl. M., double time ahead with your front rank through the timber directly south of us. Halt when you reach open ground on the other side. Leaving one man in the road to direct messengers to him, he then conducted the remainder of the detachment to the southern edge of the timber on the small nose 600 yards northeast of J. Diesecker. There he posted one man up a tree, with glasses, in observation to the south, a double sentry at the bend in the road through the timber 200 yards east of the platoon, one man north of the road to connect with the squad on the ridge to the east, and one at the timber corner 200 yards to the west, to connect with the squad watching Willoughby Run. The remainder of the men were in the farm road where it crosses the nose located above. DISPOSITIONS AND ORDERS, COMPANY D. Company D marched, at 4 a. m., straight south on the Taneytown road, and halted to question the outpost if any- thing further had been heard of the enemy. At the outguard near road fork 545, the captain assembled his officers and noncommissioned officers, and ordered : The Red regiment, defeated by us on the 17th, has retreated in dis- order to Emmitsbiu-g. Two fresh hostile regiments marched from Emmits- burg yesterday afternoon and camped at Fairplay, about 5 mUes to the southwest. We are to be reenforced by the remainder of the brigade to-day. Our regiment is preparing a defensive position north of us. Companies C and D outpost the command; Company G has the sector west of us. This company will secure the line Peach Orchard, exclusive, Round Top, wooded knoll three-fourths mile to the left front (532 near J. Ecken- rodes). The first six squads and Sergt. M., under Lieut. J. (first lieutenant), will proceed rapidly down the Taneytown road and will take station, as picket No. 2, on Round Top. Secure the sector from Devils Den, exclusive, to the Taneytown road, inclusive. Lieut. K. (second lieutenant) will take the next four squads by the farm road to the right to the knoll above Devils Den, as picket No. 1, and vnli secure from the nose just east of the Peach Orchard, inclusive, to the eastern fork of Plum Run. I will take station with the rest of the company at the J. Musser farm, about three-fourths mile south of this point. 70 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. Hostile patrols will be prevented from penetrating the screen. Watch the Emmitsbiirg road for opportunities to check the enemy by long-range fire. Upon a hostile advance in strength, the outpost will retire at the major's order. Company D will rendezvous at this road fork. Battalion headquarters is going to Round Top. Semaphore connection will be established with J. Musser. I will put a relay station for picket No. 1 on Little Round Top. The two pickets moved out at once on the routes assigned to them, each throwing out a point of one squad by orders similar to those used in Company C. The right picket (No. 1) sent one squad to knoll 548, just west of the Wheatfield, and one on to the nose and near the western branch of Plum Run, due west of knoll 561 (Devils Den), the lieutenant and three men took station on knoll 561, one watching Round Top and one the country to the southwest. The remainder of the picket was posted in the timber inside the fence corner just west of the crest of knoll 561. A patrol of two men was sent to connect with Company C. The picket on Round Top had an extended view in all directions. There the lieutenant posted one man in obser- vation of the ground from the Hoffman farm to Rock Creek, and another watching from the Hoffman house to Willough- by Run, paying particular attention to the Emmitsburg Road. He sent one squad due west to the nose 400 yards from the summit of Round Top, directing its leader: Take station on the nose about 400 yards west of this summit to prevent any hostile patrols from passing between Plum Run, below us, and this point. Fire on any Red patrols that you see. The enemy is likely to appeal" soon on the Emmitsburg road over there. When he does I shall open fire from this hill. The lieutenant and his range finders estimated the dis- tance to the J. A. Wolfe and the Vaughan farmhouses, and to crossroads 540 and 450. He noted the mean of the esti- mates obtained to each, for use if the enemy appeared in the vicinity. Battalion headquarters was established just north of the crest. Two signal stations were posted, for concealment, a short distance down the northern slope. One quickly es- tablished semaphore connection with the station of Company D on the J. Musser house, and the other by wigwag with Company C at crossroads 580. The sergeant major was in charge of these stations, the remainder of their personnel being furnished by the detachment of Company D. The horses of the battalion were held a little farther down the slope, and the two orderlies were kept in readiness to AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 71 deliver messages mounted, if for any reason, there was a hitch in the signals. The captain of Company D marched the six squads left with him about 500 yards behind the detachment going to Round Top. Approaching the J. Musser farm, he detached two men to the top of Little Round Top to relay messages from the Devils Den knoll. He sent a sergeant, two mu- sicians, and a private to the top of the J. Musser house. One musician there maintained connection with Round Top, and one with Little Round Top. The sergeant watched the Taneytown Road and the country to the south. A messenger was to be left on the ground, but he went first with the company to locate its station. The company halted in the road between the orchards west of knoll 532, stacked arms, and rested, except for one sentry thereat, and a cossack post on knoll 532 which ob- served the sector Taneytown Road — J. Eckenrode farm. The entire outpost was in position by 5.20 a. m. (See 5.20 a. m sketch No. 6.) COMMENT. In this outpost we find dispositions differing radically from those for the night of the 17th. Then, there was a beaten enemy whose only thought apparently was to escape. Three sentry squads in observation on the three roads by which the enemy might return, with an occasional patrol between these detachments, and a single mounted patrol to hang on to the defeated regiment, furnished ample strength for the first line. Now, with a superior enemy who can be expected to advance aggressively, no such simple measures will suffice. The present outpost has not only the duty of furnishing sufficient warning to the main body of a hostile approach but, since the whole desire of the regiment at present is to gain time, must interpose an effective screen against the reconnaissance of his detachments. These greatly different conditions require both much greater total strength in the outpost and a very different distribution of troops therein. With no intention of resisting the deter- mined advance of any large body of the enemy, no particular strength is required on the line of supports, and no reserves at all are necessary. But since every effort must be made to prevent the small patrols of the enemy from breaking through the first line to offer resistance — that is, the lino of observation — must be relatively strong and its parts weU connected up. 72 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. >SKETCH No.6. Oufpost. A.M.June 19 Z-*- AN INFANTEY REGIMENT. 73 The ground very much favors this work of screening. By the occupation of the Round Tops, and of the ground east and west of the northern one, the enemy can tell nothing of what is happening beyond them until he has penetrated or broken this line. Round Top itself, if rather strongly held, should alone cause the enemy considerable delay. For no large body can march by without first taking it, because long-range fire therefrom will reach the Emmitsbm'g Road, and the most convenient roads and crossroads directly south of it. The ground likewise facihtates withdrawal without loss. By dropping back a few yards, all of the detachments can place themselves under cover, and the companies can find convenient routes by which to pass by the flanks and uncover the front of the main position. The outpost commander has also taken an unusual posi- tion in front rather than behind his line of supports. His important duty is the determination when to withdraw. Unless that withdrawal is accurately timed, and the detach- ments move off practically together, some will be caught by the enemy and lost. The major has taken the position which most favors a proper decision and concerted move- ment. Exact coordination of this movement requires a sys- tem of prompt and unfailing communication. Great care is therefore taken in the establishment of such a system throughout the outpost. The flag will well serve to both companies. The semaphore, at 900 or at 1,000 yards, will have no diffi.culty in transmitting from battahon headquar- ters to Company D, and the larger flag, using the Morse Code, at about 1,900 yards to Company C. No attempt will be made, after once getting communication, to send any lengthy messages. The first appearance of the enemy will be reported from Round Top, and then the system kept clear for the withdrawal signal. If for any reason there is the slightest hitch with the flags, the major has in reserve the mounted messengers. The supports at crossroads 580 and at J. Musser are there not to reenforce the line of observation or to fight where they are; but by their fire simply to assist the with- drawal of their outguards if any of the latter require such assistance. But little patrolmg is required until the enemy beguis to appear. Then patrols will be used to ambush or drive off hostile patrols that are threatening to penetrate the screen. 4.20 a. m. 74 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, SECOND BATTALION. The Second Battalion was formed, in march kit, at 4 a.m. Company A reported. The major had previously directed the senoir captain to divide among the companies the tools obtained from the quartermaster and then to march the battalion by the farm road west of camp to southernmost end of the road. The major, with his adjutant and order- lies, galloped ahead for a hmTied reconnaissance of the ground. That completed, he sent his adjutant to meet the battalion, halt it south of the farm road it was marching on, and to direct its captains and the officer commanding the machine guns to join him on Seminary Ridge and to order the issue of ammunition. The major on that ridge (he is about at "n" m the word Seminary, 3-inch map), at 4.20 a. m., issued the following orders : The hostile regiment we defeated on the 17th has retreated in bad shape to Emmitsburg. But two fresh Red regiments marched from Emmitsburg yesterday afternoon and camped last night near Fairplay, about five miles south of this point. The remainder of the brigade begins to arrive in Gettysburg by rail at 10 o'clock this morning. Our regiment prepares a defensive position extending a Little south of east from this point. The Third Battalion is on our left with its right in that large orchard (pointing to the one 350 yards to the east). The First Battalion (less two companies) is outposting an east and west line a mile or more to the south. This battalion will prepare a position from the southern point of the large orchard, exclusive, to this ridge, inclusive. Company E will intrench the low rise, with its right about 250 yards southeast of this point. It will be prepared to fire to the south toward that low knoll (572) and up the draws to the southeast. It will also be able to bring the lire of not less than one platoon to the west into the draw south of this point. Company F will intrench across Seminary Ridge, at this point, to fire to the soiith. The macliine guns will be posted in the Company F line at the crest of the ridge and be prepared to bring fire over the whole sector from the wooded knoll (586) due west to the raikoad line to the east. Company G, with its left about 100 yards west of this point ("n" in Seminary), will intrench to fire to the south and southwest. Standing trench will be dug. All axes of these three companies will be tiu'ned over to Company H, which will clear Seminary Ridge in front of Company F to the cross fence north of the ravine. Company 11 will send one squad to intrench the battalion headquarters. It will also send a combat patrol of two squads to the bare knoll (552) a thousand yards to the west. Company A will start at the cross fence north of the ravine and clear to the south. Fill the ravine with timber. Construct a strong obstacle AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 75 along the stream line to the junction 400 yards west of the ridge. Station a small security patrol well to the south of your working parties. Battalion headc^uarters will be established at the fence corner 100 yards north of this point. Get semaphore connection therewith. The major then directed the adjutant to send the empty combat wagons back to the camp gromid, to intrench the headquarters station", to arrange the system of communica- tion with each first-line company and with Company H, which will probably be stationed north of the hedge to the right roar of Company G; and by semaphore or wigwag with regimental headquarters at the E. Trostle farmhouse. The major then rode the line from left to right to make cer- tain the company commanders had understood and were locating their trenches in accordance with his orders. Ho also carefully reconnoitered the timber and orchards on Seminary Ridge, north of the position of the battalion, with a view to withdrawal, if to do so became necessary. ORDERS AND ARRANGEMENTS, COMPANY E. Tlie commanding officer of Company E stacked arms and removed packs a few yards back of the position as- signed that organization, and with his platoon commanders roughly marked out the line to be intrenched. He then issued the following orders to his officers and noncommis- sioned officers: The Red regiment we defeated on the north side of Gettysburg has retired in disorder to Emmitsburg. Two fresh hostile regiments came out of Emmitsburg yesterday afternoon and camped last night about 5 miles southwest of us. The remainder of our brigade will reinforce us to-day. Our regiment prepares a defensive position along this line. Two companies of the First Battalion have an outpost a mile or more to the south. Company F is on Seminary Ridge to our right and the Third Battalion on our left. This company will dig a standing trench along the indicated line, by platoon, in order from the right: First, second, third, and ourth. Dig squad trenches first, and then connect around traverses. The first platoon will be prepared to fire into the ravine to the right and the fourth toward the farmhouses to the southeast (N. Codori). The third platoon will send a squad to construct shelter for the company commander. Corpl. K, with three men of his squad, will take station on the low knoll to the front (572) in observation of the country to the south thereof. Com- pany A will probably have a security detachment to your right. Sergt. M, with the remainder of Corpl. K's squad, will measure and mark distances to the crest to the south and southeast and into the ravine to the west. The musicians will get semaphore connection with battalion headquar- ters, which is to be established near that fence corner (pointing to one near "y") on Seminary Ridge. 76 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. The captain then indicated to the squad from the third platoon Avhere shelter, about 20 yards back of the center of the line, was to be constructed for the captain, and for the musicians, about 3 yards to his right and to his left. The right musician was entirely protected from the front, his whole business being to communicate with battalion headquarters. The left musician watched the platoons and constituted the agent of communication therewith. The platoon leaders were similarly intrenched 4 or 5 yards behind the centers of their respective platoons. Having watched the beginning of work, the captain, after the major's visit, went to the company of the Third Battalion which could be seen at work in the orchard, to find out if any other arrange- ments for support were desirable beyond the flanking fire of the left platoon, already provided for. Tlie orders and arrangements in the other companies of the battalion resembled those in Company E, and therefore need not be noted here. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, THIRD BATTALION. As soon as the major of the Third Battalion received the regimental order, he directed the senior captain to form the battalion at 4 o'clock, receive the tools from the quarter- master, and then march the battalion to E. Trostle. Like the commander of the Second Battahon, he then rode forward with his adjutant and orderlies to reconnoiter the gromid. 4.25 a. m. rpj^g battalion reached E. Trostle at 4.25 a. m. The captains, including the captain of Company B, and the commander of the machine guns, were assembled at the farmhouse on the western side of knoll 606, ammunition being issued during their absence from the battahon. Orders were issued as follows : The regiment we defeated on the 17th has retreated in disorder to Em- mitsburg. Two fresh regiments came out of Emmitsburg yesterday after- noon and camped some 5 miles south of us last night. The remainder of our brigade will reinforce us to-day. The regiment intrenches an east-and -west line through this point. The Second Battalion is on our right. Two companies of the First are covering us in the vicinity of Round Top. This battalion will intrench from the large orchard to the right, inclusive (pointing to the one 600 yards to the west), to this knoll (606), inclusive. Company I will intrench near the southern end of the orchard to lire to the south and southwest. Company K wUl intrench the nose to our right rear, with the left of the company about 100 yards west of the Emmitsburg road, to fire to the south. ("ompany L, with the machine guns, will intrench the southern end of this knoll (606) to fire over the sector included between the Emmitsburg AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 77 and Taneytown roads, both inclusive. The machine guns will also be prepared to bring flanking fire across the front of all trenches clear to Semi- nary Ridge. Company M will intrench the south slope of Cemetery Hill so as to be able to fire on both sides of the Taneytown Road and across the left of the trenches of Company L. This company will send one squad to battalion headquarters. Standing trench will be dug. Company A will clear the foreground of Company L to the south and southeast. Empty ammunition wagons will return to the camp ground. Battalion headquarters at this house. Semaphore communication there- with. The major then directed the adjutant to arrange bat- talion headquarters and open communication with the com- panies and regimental headquarters. Starting with Com- pany L, he inspected the locations selected by the companies. ORDERS AND ARRANGEMENTS, COMPANY L. Upon receipt of the major's order the captain of Com- pany L sent the musician that had accompanied him back to guide the company and the machine-gun platoon to the southern part of the orchard on knoll 606. The captain went himself to look over the ground. When the company approached, he had arms stacked, and packs removed. He called up several men with picks and rapidly drew out on the ground the line to be occupied, and marked the limits of the two sections into which he proposed to divide the line. He then assembled his officers, noncommissioned officers, and the commander of the machine-gun platoon, and di- rected : The Red regiment defeated by us north of Gettsyburg has retreated to Emmitsburg in bad shape. Two other Red regiments marched from Emmitsburg yesterday and camped last night about 5 miles southwest of us. We are to be reinforced by the remainder of the brigade to-day. Our regiment is preparing a defensive position extending to the west from this knoll. Part of the First Battalion has an outpost near Round Top. The Second Battalion is on our right. Company I is in the large orchard west of us, and Company K on the nose 500 yards to our right rear. This company will construct standing trench on the line I have marked out, the machine guns in the center, the first and second platoons, under Lieut. K, on the right, the third and fourth platoons, under Lieut. L, on the left. The right half will be prepared to fire over the ground from the low knoll to our right front (584), inclusive, to the one to the south (566), exclu- sive. The left half, from the draw to the south (toward A. Trestle's) to include the farmhouse southeast of us (Mrs. Buck). 8 a. m. Y8 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS, The machine guns will be intrenched to bring fire from the ravine through Seminary Ridge due west of us to the farmhouse southeast of us (Mrs. Buck). Sergt. B, with four men from the second platoon, will mark the ranges to the wooded knoll (592) to the south, and the low one with the farmhouse and orchard thereon to the southwest (pointing to J. Smith). The third platoon will send six men to this point to intrench the company commander's station. The musicians will establish semaphore connection with battalion head- quarters at the yellow farmhouse (pointing to the one south of E. Trostle). EVENTS OF THE MORNING TO 9.30 o' CLOCK. Hostile troops were seen from Round Top shortly be fore 6 o'clock marching north on the Emmitsburg Road 6.30 a. m. through Greenmount. By 6.30 the enemy's leading ele- ments were west of Round Top. The detachment thereon, shortly afterwards, opened fere with combined sights on what appeared to be the support of a battahon in advance guard. It seemed to obtain a few hits, and halted the ad- 6.40 a. m. yQ^iQ(jg, guard in some confusion. At 6.40, two or three Red companies started toward Round Top from the direction of J. A. Wolfe. By 8 o'clock, hostile detachments of some size were working up the southern and western slopes; while firing over on the Emmitsburg Road, indicated that the ene- my was also pushing his reconnaissance against Company C. The major then signaled "F.B." to each of his companies. The companies in turn signaled their detachments to with- draw, and the entire outpost began a nearly simultaneous movement straight to the rear along the previously selected and reconnoitered routes. The right company, C, moved rapidly in column due north to the orchard, 200 yards from crossroads 580 ; and then under its cover, down the draw into the timber 700 yards northwest of J. Smith. The squad that had been stationed as an outguard at J. Rose, followed as a rear point, deployed as skirmishers at 5 yards. The rear point halted on reaching the timber. The company moved up the road a couple of hundred yards, and waited for the six squads that had been on the 589 ridge to come in; then continued the march by the wood road and the draw west of Seminary Ridge. The left company (D) moved immediately upon receiv- ing the signal to withdraw by the Taneytown Road to cross- roads 545, and there waited for the detachments at Devils Den and Round Top, which came in promptly and without loss. The march was then continued north, leaving a single AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 79 squad on knoll 592 to remain in observation until a hostile advance should compel further withdrawal. The Red patrols closely followed the Blue outpost, and by 9.30 a. m. were feeling out, and had drawn fire from, the^-^'' ^- ™- Blue position from Seminary Ridge to the Taneytown Road. All of the Blue covering detachments to the front had come in. The working parties in front withdrew upon the ap- proach of the outpost companies. REGIMENTAL COMMANDEr's ORDERS FOR DEFENSE OF THE POSITION. As soon as Maj. B (outpost commander) was certain that his companies were starting the withdrawal, he and his staff rode rapidly north on the Taneytown Road and to regimental headquarters at E. Trostle. There at 8.25 a. m. he received s.so a. m. the following verbal orders from the colonel: We will defend the position we have prepared. Aesemble your battalion in reserve at the race track. Put a squad in observation on Culps Hill. Have them connect by flag with this building (E. Trostle). Send a platoon to the vicinity of Willoughby Run on the Hagerstown road. Get sema- phore connection from your battalion with this bviilding. At 8.30 a. m., the colonel had manifold copies of the^-^*^^-™- following delivered by mounted orderlies, to the Second and Third Battahons: First Inpantey, E. Trostle, 19 June., 8.S0 a. m. 8.30 a. m. F. 0. No. 10. 1. Our outpost has withdrawn before strong hostile forces advancing on Emmitsburg road. 2. We will defend the position as prepared. The First Battalion will assemble in reserve at the race track. It is sending patrols to Culps Hill and to Willoughby Run on the Hagerstown toad. A, Colonel. First Infantry, E. Trostle, 19 June, 8.45 a. rn. 8.45 a. m. Captain Q, Regimental Quartermaster: Enemy advancing in force on Emmitsbirrg road. We defend position. Send band and combat wagons, Second and Third Battalions, to Central Square, Gettysburg, at disposal surgeon. Conduct field train by western- most streets, Gettsburg to Boyd S. H. By order, Colonel A. X, Adjutant. Note. — Band had been left at the camp of the preceding night. 80 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. SKETCH No.7 Defence Posi+ion. June 19. Z-^ AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 81 ACTIONS AND ORDERS, BATTALION COMMANDERS. Upon receipt of the colonel's verbal instructions at 8.25 a. m., Maj. B (First Battalion) said to his adjutant: Bide over to Seminary Ridge. Dii-ect Companies B and C to proceed to the race track, where the battalion assembles in reserve. Have Com- pany send a platoon to Willoughby Run, on the Hagerstown road, to cover our right flank. Send your orderly with that platoon for messenger duty. I will direct Companies B and D to go to the race track. Company B was found on the Taneytown road, east of knoU 606, and directed to proceed to the race track. It was told to send immediately one squad with a flag to Gulps Hill to remain in observation to the south and west. This squad was to communicate directly by flag with regimental head- quarters at the E. Trostle house. The major of the Third Battalion received F. O. No. 10 at 8.32 a. m. At 8.35 a. m. he had signalers semaphore simul- taneously to the three first lines companies, and immedi- ately afterwards to Company M: Enemy advancing. Occupy trenches. The Second Battalion received the order at 8.35 a. m. ^-^^ ^- ™- Companies A and H had quit work and were then under cover 300 yards northwest of the station of battalion head- quarters, and their captains were with the major, where they had gone for instructions. The major had his three first- line companies (the machine guns are with the center com- pany) semaphored, ''Enemy advancing. Occupy trenches." He then read F. O. 10 to the officers with him, and said: Capt. A, go on to the race track. Capt. H, yoiu- company will take station in support north of the hedge to the right rear of Company G. Bring in your patrol from the right flank, as soon as the First Battalion gets a platoon out there. (See sketch No. 7 for details of position.) 98755°— 17 6 WITHDRAWAL FROM ACTION. At 10.15 a. m. the colonel received the following mes- 10.15 a. m. sage: Mount Holly Springs, 19 June, 9.30 a. m. Colonel A, Gettysburg. Mountain Creek bridge down. Am detraining at Mount Holly Springs. Can not move south before to-morrow. B, Brigadier General. By 10.20 a. m. the Reds had deployed a practically con-^^.^oa m. tinuous firing line extending from knoU 566, west of the Taneytown road, south of the N. Codori houses, over knolls 572 and 577, and into the large orchard southwest of Semi- nary Ridge. (Sketch 8.) Over nearly the whole front the opposing firing lines were rather hotly engaged. The message above leaves Col. A no choice but to with- draw. EQs chances for victory against at least twice his strength, if he should fight to a decision, would be anything but good. In trying to save Gettysburg he must not run the risk of a failure in his true mission, which requires him to keep an unbeaten regiment between the enemy and the rest of the division. Since he is going to withdraw, he must start to do so at once. The more closely he allows his command to become engaged, the more difficult and costly wiU be the withdrawal when finally made. His orders foUow at 10.20 a. m., by messenger: First Infantry, E. Trostle, 19 June, 10.20 a. m. ^°-^ " '"• Major B (Ist Bn.): Regiment withdraws. Place First Battalion vicinity Hagerstown road, west of Seminary Ridge, to cover withdrawal remainder regiment. A, Colonel. First Infantry, E. Trostle, 19 June, 10.25 a. m. 10-25 a. m. Captain Q (Regtl. Q.M.): Regiment withdraws. Conduct field trains at once via west branch Carlisle road to north side Oonewago. By order Col. A: X, Adjutant. 83 84 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. F. O. No. 11. First Infantry, E. Trostle, 10.30 a. m. 19 June, 10.30 a. m. 1. Remainder our brigade delayed north of Gettysburg. 2. Regiment will withdraw to Boyd S. H. 3. (a) Third Battalion at once via Gettysburg. (6) The Second Battalion will withdraw when Third Battalion clears Cemetery Hill. (c) First Battalion takes station on Hagerstown road, west of Seminary Ridge, to assist withdrawal Second Battalion. 4. Regimental headquarters will accompany the Third Battalion. A, Colonel. Manifold copies of Field Orders No. 11 were delivered by mounted messengers to the Second and Third Battalions, receipt being acknowledged at once by semaphore. The colonel then verbally directed the surgeon, who had heard these orders read before signature: "Start what wounded you have collected at once to the north." REMARKS. It seemed best to the colonel to break off the action rather in the customary manner, that is, by starting first the troops of the fighting hne that were farthest from the enemy, in this case the Third Battahon. If, on the contrary, he had caused the Second Battahon to lead, the enemy, who at 10.20 a. m 10.20 a. m. was only a few hundred yards from it, by follow- ing its retiring lines closely, would almost immediately have found himself on the flank of the Third Battahon. The right companies of the Third Battahon then would have had considerable difficulty in getting away. But with the Third Battalion retiring first, the enemy's hues behind that battahon had much farther to go, and consequently much more time must elapse before they could pass the flank of the Second Battahon. He might have started the two bat- tahons at the same time, but the Second Battahon, from the nature of the ground, would probably have gotten away a httle earher than the Third, with a somewhat greater chance, consequently, of trouble, for the Third Battahon. By moving off a battahon at a time the regiment wiU more naturally and promptly take up the march in retreat from Boyd S. H. under cover of a regularly constituted rear guard. By leaving the battahon most closely engaged to the last, he is continuing the troops now having the hardest duty, in the most responsible and difficult position. But, of course, Col, A's thought must be for the security of the greatest number. If to save two battahons it is necessary AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 85 to sacrifice tlie third, he must not hesitate to do so. In the case at hand, however, he is not making any such choice. By reason of the favoring ground behind most of the com- panies, and the assistance of the First Battahon, there should be no particular cUfficulty in the Second Battahon hanging on for some little time, and finally in getting away without much loss. The colonel, of course, might have made the escape of the First and Third Battahons absolutley safe, by starting them at once straight to the north, leaving the SKETCH No. 8. Si+ua+ion a+ I02p A.M. June 19. Red Force Blue Force Second to extricate itseK as best it could. That, however, would have jeopardized the Second Battahon to an entirely unnecessary extent. The First Battahon can quickly be gotten into position well out on the tlireatened flank, from which it can bring fire against the enemy as he comes into the present position of the Second Battahon, and thereby be of the utmost assistance to the latter. The First Battalion in turn w^U find the ground behind it well fitted for an orderly retirement. 86 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. It will be noted that the colonel ordered his regiment to retreat to Boyd S. H., or, in other words, he named that as the rendezvous or assembly point. Boyd S. H. is about 3| miles away. By the time the bulk of the regiment reaches that point it should have shaken off the enemy to the extent, at least, that an orderly retreat with a regular rear guard will be practicable thereafter. Such a point must be at a considerable distance, or the enemy may make it impossible for the fractions of the command to stop there. On the other hand, it should be no farther away than is necessary to make sure it will serve its purpose, since the command, as quickly as possible, should be reassembled and brought under control. That distance will naturally vary with the size of the command, aggressiveness of the enemy, ground, etc. No route to Boyd S. H. is assigned to the Second Battal- ion. What will be best for that battalion depends very largely upon what the enemy does, and therefore should be left to its immediate commander. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, THIRD BATTALION. 10.32 a. m. The order for withdrawal was received at 10.32 a. m. The major had Companies I and K semaphored: "Withdraw at once to racetrack," and Company L, "I and K withdraw. L and guns cover movement," and, finally, Company M, ^'Battalion withdraws. M covers movement." The major watched the withdrawal of Companies I and K. When the last men of Company I cleared the orchard, which that company had defended, he semaphored Com- pany L, "L and guns withdraw." He then sent his adjutant to the race track to bring Com- panies I and K into the Taneytown Road east of the race track, while he personally directed the captain of Company L: You will move rapidly on with your company to the Taneytown Road east of the race track, pick up Companies I and K, and continue the march with them to Boyd S. H. I am going to direct Company M to secure the march of the battalion and then I will join you. Send the machine guns to Company M on Cemetery Hill. Crossing over to company M, he directed its captain: The regiment is withdrawing to Boyd S. H., this battalion leading. Companies I and K are now near the race track. Company L is passing your right. The machine guns have been ordered to join you. Follow Company L as rear guard at one-half mile. From Cemetery Hill the major watched for a few minutes the enemy's advance and then galloped north in time to AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 87 join the battalion shortly after the three companies had united. The movement of the Third Battalion to the rear might have been expedited by starting Company M at the same time as I and K. But that would have left Company L to shift for itself; and if the enemy happened to realize at once what was being done and advanced rapidly from the N. Codori houses, unless he was checked by fire from the di- rection of E. Trostle or Cemetery Hill, Company L would have been placed in serious straits. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, COMPANY I. The trench of Company I was almost entirely within the large orchard, and about 10 yards back from its southern edge. The captain, at 10.40 a. m., signaled his platoon com- lo.wa. m. manders "Assemble personally." They ran in quickly to within earshot. The captain directed: The company withdraws. Detail one experienced man in each squad to remain behind under Lieut. X (first lieutenant). Lieut. X will cover our retirement by taking up rapid fire with these men until the comjiany has been gone five minutes and will then follow. When you have made up your details signal "Ready." The company will move to the rear at my signal "Cease firing; to the rear." At 10.45 a. m. the company started back, moved a hundred 10.45 a. m. yards in line of skirmishers, then in squad columns at a walk to the north edge of the orchard, and thence to the northeast. The main body of the company assembled in column of squads 400 yards northwest of H. Bishop and marched to the race track, Lieut. X's party followed at some 600 yards, deployed as skirmishers at six paces. Company K's movement to the rear was similar, cover being obtained at once behind the crest immediately north of the trenches. The machine guns with Company L were turned on the hostile lines in front of I and K to check any hostile tendency to follow them. When Company L received the signal to start, the machine guns were carried by hand to the animals, which were in the timber east of battalion headquarters. Company L followed almost immediately under cover of accelerated fire from a thin line left for a few minutes in the trenches. 88 STUmES IN MINOR TACTICS. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, COMPANY M. The trenches of Company M were high up the south- ern slopes of Cemetery Hill, just below the 620-foot contour, with the timber in front well thinned out. Upon receipt of the semaphore message from the major to cover the withdrawal of the remainder of the battalion, the captain directed his first lieutenant : The battalion is withdrawing; this company covers the movement. Take your platoon to the Emmitsburg Road near that farmhouse (pointing to E . Trosite) . Open fire whenever the enemy offers a target. I will remain here for the present. The captain assembled the remaining platoon com- manders, told them of the withdrawal and Company M's task, and then with them watched its progress. Immediately after the major had detailed the company as rear guard, the machine guns were brought up at a trot. The captain then u.cTa. m. ^t 11.07 directed: The machine guns will take station on the crest of this hill (Cemetery) and open fire at once upon any hostile target that is offered to the southwest or south . Lieut. K (second lieutenant), move north under cover east of the crest (of Cemetery Hill), with the third and fourth platoons to the nearest house of Gettysburg on the Baltimore Turnpike. Be prepared to support our withdrawal by fire when we move from this hill. The second platoon will remain in the trenches. Open fire at once on any hostile detachments that appear to the south. I will remain here. 11.18 a.m. j^j^ 11.18 a. m. Company L disappeared in the streets of Gettysburg. The captain of Company M immediately directed the machine-gun commander to trot north on the Baltimore Pike and go ahead of Lieut. K (the second lieu- tenant) through Gettysburg, and to tell Lieut. K to keep mov- ing directly on Boyd School House. He semaphored the first lieutenant, ''Withdraw; follow Company L," and when the movement had begun directed the second platoon to follow the bulk of the company by the Baltimore Turnpike as rear party. The captain then met the first lieutenant near H. Bishop and directed him to continue as right flank guard by the Taneytown Road and on tlirough Gettysburg. The cap- tain hurried ahead to join his third and fourth platoons. It wiU be remembered that the First Battalion had a patrol of eight men on Gulps Hill. These saw the first movements of the regiment in retreat. The noncommissioned oflftcer in charge realized, however, that his position f acihtated observa- tion of the hostile movements and that he had an excellent covered line of retreat up Rock Creek, which would probably AN INFANTRY EEGIMENT. 89 not be cut by the enemy for some time, or, when that was cut, he could cross Rock Creek and rejoin by a somewhat greater detour. He therefore remained in observation until the enemy's leading detachments were actually entering Gettysburg and a hostile patrol ascending Stevens HiU. No difficulty was then experienced in withdrawing along Rock Creek and joining finally his proper battalion some miles to the north. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, SECOND BATTALION, The commander of the Second Battalion received the regi- mental order to retire at 10.35 a. m. He immediately sema- lo. phored " E withdraw to north" ; then directed his adjutant — Meet Company E near the orchard to the northeast (pointing to the one at Q. McMillor house). Direct Capt. E to continue north to the railroad crossing of the Mummasburg road. Then go on yourself to the nose west of the national cemetery. I am ordered to withdraw when the Third Battalion clears the national cemetery. I want you to keep track of its progress and semaphore me when its last company passes the cemetery. Report your arrival on the nose. He next semaphored to Company F: "Guns help with- drawal Company E and Third Battalion." The following message was carried by the major's orderly to Companies F and G, in turn: Second Battalion, 10.45 a. m. Captains F and G: The regiment is withdrawing, Third Battalion leading. First Battalion takes station to our right rear to cover our withdrawal. Machine guns will assist retiring companies Third Battalion by heavy fire on the enemy in front those companies. Companies F and G will withdraw at my signal "To the rear." I will semaphore the machine guns to go just before the companies. Acknowledge receipt by semaphore. C, Major. The major watched the withdrawal of Companies I and K and saw enough of the movement of Company L to know when that company started. The Red firmg Hues were unable to make much progress between the N. Codori houses and knoll 572 to the west thereof because of the very effective flanking fire of the machine guns with Company F. At 11 a. m. he sent the following message to Company H, which by this time was firing against a considerable exten- sion of the Red lines to the west : Second Battalion, 11 a. m. Captain H: Regiment withdraws. First Battalion is west of Seminary Ridge on Hagerstown road to cover movement. Start your company at once by route near Seminary Ridge to Hagerstown road. C, Major. IC-lS a. m. 90 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. 11.30a. 111. At 11.30 a. m. he semaphored Company F, "Guns with- draw"; and three mmutes later he signaled, "To the rear," to Companies F and G. Company E moved promptly to the rear upon receipt of the major's semaphored order to withdraw, in line of skirmishers at a walk, under cover of the very rapid fire of two men from each squad and of the machine guns on Seminary Ridge. Wlien the company reached shelter along the railroad to the north the covering party followed, open- ing out to four or five paces between men. Nevertheless the company suffered severely, losing 10 men during the five or six minutes required to reach cover. The major wished he could get this company into position on the nose southwest of the racetrack to check the enemy with its fire if the Reds should follow Companies F and G too closely, but he recog- nized that Company E must drop many men in its move- ment to the rear and that an attempt to stop prematurely a shaken command might lead to an entire loss of control. He therefore placed its rendezvous point a good 2 miles to the rear. When the time came for the machine guns to go they were carried by hand under shelter of the timber along, the ridge crest to their animals, which were south of the Q. McMillor house. The platoon then trotted ahead to the Lutheran Seminary. At the major's signal, "To the rear" Companies F and G went rapidly back into the timber behind their trenches, taking advantage of the small folds in the ground for partial protection and covered, like most of the other companies, by the rapid fire of a thin line, left in this case to foUow at a couple of hundred yards only. In the timber the companies formed squad columns, and continued rapidly along the ridge. After starting these companies, the major hurried north to the horses near Q. McMiUor, found Company H, and ordered it to continue near the railroad toward Boyds S. H. At the Lutheran Semmary he directed Companies F and G to follow the first two (E and H), Company F leaving the equivalent of a platoon 600 yards behind as a rear guard. North of the Mummasburg road he halted the leading com- panies until the four had closed, and then continued, still with the small rear guard, to Boyds S. H., where the bat- i2.joa. m taUon arrived at 12.40 a. m. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 91 Near road fork 560 the major met the adjutant of the First BattaHon, from whom he learned of the dispositions of that battahon. The major then placed the machine-gun platoon at the disposal of the First Battalion. At the sug- gestion of the adjutant the machine gmis continued north to join Companies A and B. ACTIONS AND ORDERS, FIRST BATTALION. Maj. B received the order at 10.30 a. m. The company 10.30 p.m. stacks were east of the race track, in close line, facing south. The major had the battalion fall in and assembled his captains; then ordered: The regiment is withdrawing. This battaKon covers the movement from the Hagerstown road west of the Seminary Ridge. Lieut. Y (battalion adjutant), take my orderly and trot ahead to Seminary Ridge. We will issue ammunition at once. The issue made, he directed the empty wagons to pro- ceed at once to Central Square in Gettysburg, and report to the surgeon or his representative thereat. The major then conducted the battalion in column of squads straight for road fork 560. At road fork 560 the major directed his adjutant, who was waiting there, to examine the ground to the west to include knoll 559; and the captain of Company A, at 10.50 a. m.: Companies C and D will deploy on the rise a half mile west of this point to check the enemy. Take Companies A and B north by the Lutheran Seminary to the Chambersburg road, to a position for firing down the draw west of us, to support Companies C and D when they withdraw. At 11 a. m., when the center of Companies C and D was 11 a.m. directly north of hill 559, the major halted the battalion, assembled the captains on the crest, pointed out the indica- tions to the south of the engagement of the Second Battalion, and directed : Capt. C: Take command of these two companies. Deploy them along this crest (559), and open a heavy fire in support of the Second Battalion as Boon as the enemy gives you a target. Send parties from each company to reconnoiter and prepare routes for your withdrawal through the timber to the north (pointing it out). Notify your platoon on our right to fall back along Willoughby Run when you retire. I am going to place Companies A and B at the head of this draw (the one immediately east of 559) to sup- port you. I will return to you in a few minutes. The major then galloped north to knoll 574, which Com- panies A and B were then approaching from the southeast. 92 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. After a hurried reconnaissance of the vicinity the major assembled the captains and directed: The right of our Second Battalion is about 2,000 yards down this draw near the short strip of timber. Companies C and D, from the knoll where they now are (pointing to 559) will check the enemy and then withdraw through the timber to our right front. I want you, Capt. A, to assist the retirement of Companies C and D by the fire from A and B. Place an observation station on the wooded knoll east of us to watch Gettysburg and to the south. I want information of the progress of the Third Battalion through Gettysburg, and of the Second Battalion, which will probably come north by the Lutheran Seminary. Have that post also keep careful track of the enemy's progress in pursuit. I will leave you an orderly (mounted) to bring me word of what is seen. I am going to reconnoiter the ground behind us, and then go to Companies C and D. The orderly left was the one that had been with the platoon of Company C near Willoughby Run, The major rode rapidly back to J. Forney. He promptly decided to bring Companies C and D, upon retirement from knoll 559, into positions east of and about the J. Forney house, to assist Companies A and B, which would retire from 574 by covered routes a httle west of north. He then galloped back to the small knoll north of 559, where the sergeant major established battahon headquarters, and opened sema- phore communication with both wings of the battalion. The adjutant was sent with the remaining orderly to road fork 560 to report the passing of the Second Battalion. 11.10 a.m. The deployed companies on knoll 559, about 11.10 a. m. saw Company H start north along the western edge of the timber on Seminary Ridge, and hostile Unes about the same time moving north across the farm road west of the southern point of the ridge. Fire was opened in a few moments on the hostile lines, using combined sights at twelve and thirteen hundred yards. 11.10 a.m. At 11.40 a. m., the adjutant semaphored from the road bend west of the Lutheran Seminary, "Tail past." Red lines were about 800 yards away down the draw, but the enemy was evidently gaining ground more rapidly in the timber on Seminary Ridge. The flanking platoon, the fire of which had been heard for the last 20 minutes, was crossing 11.47 a.m. the Hagerstown road in retreat. At 11.47 a. m., when the enemy had gained another hundred yards in the draw, and was nearing the Hagerstown road to the southwest, the major signaled "To the rear." The companies immediately moved back in one Hne due north to the timber, and through it, by the routes previously recoimoitered. Each company was covered by half a dozen scouts who remained on 559 till AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 93 the company reached the timber, and then followed in a wide deployment. The major conducted these companies at a rapid pace up the draw west of knolls 574, 576, and 577. When the battalion (two companies) approached the Mummasburg road, the machine-gun platoon that had been with the Third Battalion, reported, its commander saying that the colonel had ordered it out from Gettysburg by the Mummasburg road. The major, at 12.12 p. m. directed: 12.12p.m. Companies A and B have an observation station at the wooded knoll (582) to the south. Company D will take station at the orchard east of this draw prepared to fire to the south, and to the southeast. Company C will take station near the house (J. Forney) west of us, to fire toward the knoll on which Companies A and B now are. The machine guns will go to the knoll to the north (642) and into position for firing on the sector from Barlow Knoll east of us to Willoughby Run to the west. I am going to Companies A and B, which will withdraw under cover of the nose west of us. By this time, the observation station on Imoll 582 had reported that both the Second and Third Battalions were past the J. Forney position, and that only small parties of the enemy had come north of Gettysburg. Companies A and B and the machine guns therewith were engaged with hostile Hues south of them. The major galloped back to the vicinity of knoll 574, directed the commander of the machine guns to move rapidly north under cover (west) of the J. Forney nose and join the remainder of the company on knoll 642. He caused the companies a few minutes later, to retire to the heavy timber to the north (the timber north- west of J. Forney). This withdrawal was made in much the same manner as that of the other two companies from knoll 559. By 12.35 p. m. Companies A and B were on the Mummas- 12.35 p.m. burg road, 300 yards northwest of J. Forney, with a sentry squad in observation at the southwest angle of the woods thereat, and a cossack post on the Mummasburg road at their western extremity. The machine guns and Companies C and D were, as the major had ordered, on and south of knoll 642. The enemy had not yet appeared in any strength in front of the J. Forney position. Battahon headquarters was on knoll 642. The major sent the following: First Battalion, J. Forney F'arm, N. W. Gettysburg, 19 June, 12.40 p. m. Colonel A.: First Battalion and machine guns in position on J. Forney farm. Have had few casualties. Enemy has to present time only patrols north of Gettysburo-, and has not yet advanced in any strength against my position here. If compelled to withdraw, shall do so along Oak Ridge. B., Major. THE RETREAT. Regimental headquarters had retired with the Third Battahon. When the northern Hmits of Gettysburg were reached the colonel directed the major of that battalion to send the machine guns out on the Mummasburg Road to Oak Ridge, to find and join the First Battahon. Even before the Second Battahon reached Boyd, S. H., it was evident that the regiment, as had been anticipated, could be assembled there and marched thence in route column under the protection of a regular rear guard. The field wagons, combat wagons, and ambulances with the wounded had long before disap- peared in the direction of the Conewago. At 12.50 p. m., 12.50 p.m. the Second and Third Battalions were resting at Boyd S. H., under the immediate protection of three small detachments, when Maj. B's (First Battalion) report of 12.40 came in. The following order was then issued verbally to the battahon commanders present: ORDERS, REGIMENTAL COMMANDER. The destruction of a railway bridge near Mount Holy Springs has com- pelled Gen. B to detrain there. The First Battalion and machine guns have withdrawn without much difficulty , and 10 minutes ago were at the southern end of Oak Ridge. The regiment will retire in the direction of Biglerville. The Second and Third Battalions, in that order, will march at once. The First Battalion and machine guns will follow as rear guard. I will march at the head of the Second Battalion. Form your battalions. The message below was returned by the orderly that had brought Maj. B's report: 1st Inf., Boyd, S.H., 19 June, 12.55 p, m. 12.55 p. m. Major B : The destruction of a railway bridge near Mount Holly Springs has compelled Gen. B to detrain there. The regiment is retiring toward Biglerville. First Battalion and machine guns, as rear guard, will follow upon receipt of this message. Leave patrol to maintain contact with the enemy. A, Colonel. 95 96 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. ORDERS, COMMANDER REAR GUARD. When the major received the colonel's message the enemy had two or three companies deployed along the fence through knoll 577 and in the timber east of 577 ; Com- panies C and D were partially deployed and firing on these troops, while the machine guns were holding several Red companies by fire on the 522— Almshouse Ridge. The cap- 1.10 p.m. tains assembled on knoll 642. At 1.10 p. m. the major ordered : The destruction of a railroad bridge near Mount Holly Springs has com- pelled Gen. B. to detrain there. The regiment marched about 15 minutes ago from Boyd S. H. toward Biglerville. We form the rear guard. Company A, the Machine Gun Company, and Companies B and C will constitute the reserve and will march at once, in the order named, along the crest of Oak Ridge and the railroad, to come into the Carlisle Road a mile and a half north of Boyd S. H. Company A will send a strong officers, patrol along the Mummasburg Road to the ridge half a mile west of this, and then north by the road on that ridge. Company D, as support, will follow at 500 yards. It will leave a patrol of four men to remain in contact with the enemy. I will be at the head of the support. Company D had one platoon deployed at the southern edge of the orchard west of the M. McLean farmhouse. The remainder of the company was in support on the north side of the orchard. The captain assembled his officers and the noncommissioned officers of the three platoons in support, 1.17p.m. and at 1.17 p. m. directed: Gen. B has been compelled to detrain at Mount Holly Springs by a broken railroad bridge. Our regiment is retiring toward Biglerville. The First Battalion constitutes the rear guard. Company A is sending a strong patrol along the ridge half a mile west of this one. The rest of the battalion is marching north along this (Oak) ridge. This company forms the support. The first platoon will constitute the rear party and will follow the com- pany at 200 yards. Sergt. B, take the fifth squad, under cover, to the farmhouse (J. Forney) west of us. Check any hostile troops that may attempt to advance from the south or southwest. Retire at the same time as the rear party and join it on top of the ridge north of us. The captain had the company fall in, started connect- ing files to keep in touch with the reserve, and then marched through the orchard west of knoll 642. When near the crest he directed Sergt. M: I want you to remain in touch with the enemy with three men of the sixth squad. Retire north along the ridge only as his advance compels you to, AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 97 and no farther than is necessary. Continuo on, however, to join the com- pany at dark. The regiment is marching by the west branch of the Carlisle Road. Information is wanted not only of the hostile movements on this ridge but of the enemy's movements to the east as well. The rear party sent connecting files, about 30 yards apart, to follow the company, and moved to the rear at the pre- scribed distance. A HALT — ORDERS AND ACTIONS, REGIMENTAL COMMANDER. At 2 o'clock the Second and Third Battalions were passing ap.m. over the eastern nose of hill 707. The field and combat trains had been reported as halted in column just north of the Conewago. The rear guard seemed to be a couple of miles behind. One message had been received from its com- mander, sent after passing west of Boyd S. H., which re- ported that although the rear guard had had no difficulty so far in its retirement, yet hostile troops were following both directly along Oak Ridge and on the Carlisle Road. The colonel decided to halt, not only to let his rear guard, which was becoming dangerously isolated, close up, but also to get a better idea of the enemy's intentions. He had no idea of continuing to run if there was not to be an aggres- sive pursuit by superior forces. Moreover, the ground that had been reached was well suited for administering a check to the enemy if necessary to help out the rear guard, or to make trouble for an inexpert pursuer. He accordingly massed the regiment in the field to the east of the road north of the 707 ridge, and directed the majors: We will halt here for at least one hour. The Third Battalion will place a squad in observation on the hill to the west (707) and another beyond the timber east of us. The colonel then sent the following message : First Infantry, 1 mile south of Texas, 19 June, 2.05 p. m. Major B: The regiment is halting for at least one hour. Close up the bulk of your rear guard to the crossroads, one-half mile west of Goldenville. A, Colonel. The adjutant then notified the quartermaster that the regiment would halt for at least one hour. 98755°— 17 7 98 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. A MARCH OUTPOST ORDERS, COMMANDER OF THE REAR GUARD. Maj. B received the order when near the Hamilton farm. For some time the battalion had seen no hostile detachments. The major dropped back at once to the captain of Company D, and directed: The regiment is making a long halt northwest of the large hill [pointing to 707]. This battalion will halt at the crossroads a mile north of us. Leave a. platoon on this ridge, and with the rest of your company join the battalion. I will direct one of the mounted orderlies to remain with that platoon for messenger duty. At crossroads 621 he turned the battalion west into the scattered trees nearby, formed close column, stacked arms, called out that time would be given here for lunch, and assembling the captains, when Company D came up, directed: The regiment halted beyond the crest north of us. Company D has left a platoon on the ridge a mile to the south. Company D will also send a squad to the crossroads 500 yards west of this point, and one to the nose a half mile east of Golden ville. It will place an observation station at the crossroads (621), and one on the hill (707) north of us. With the excellent view obtainable from hill 707 for a long distance to the south, 'very little is required for proper security. Nothing would be gained under the circumstances by leaving a company to the south, anywhere short of the Hamilton Ridge, since it could sec nothing from a station north of that ridge that can not be seen from hill 707. The major had no intention of offering resistance to a hostile advance in strength south of the Golden viUe-Mummasburg Road. The platoon at Hamilton was simply a patrol to keep in touch with the enemy, made strong enough to maintain its position in the face of the enemy's reconnoiter- ing patrols, but not so strong that it would be tempted to remain in the face of larger hostile forces. The two squads, east and west, were sent out, directly from the support, to stop any Red patrols that might work around the platoon at Hamilton's and escape detection from hill 707. In addition, the colonel covered the flanks of the main body of the regiment by two small detachments, the western one of which will now be relieved by the party Maj. B has ordered to hill 707. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 99 A HALT FOR THE NIGHT. At 3.10 p. m. report was received from the lieutenant 3.10 p.m. at Hamilton's that the enemy, except by small patrols, had made no advance north of the stock farm, or the knoll (636) one-half mile west of it. Whatever may be the intentions of the enemy, whether Gettysburg simply is his objective, or he intends ultimately to continue farther to the north, it is hardly likely that he will do the latter to-day. The colonel decides, therefore, to put his tired regiment into camp. To obtain somewhat greater safety for the main body, and also to give the men the benefit of the Conev/ago for bathing, he will take the main body to the north side. While that stream is not much of an obstacle, the division's advance later will still be facilitated if he can hold its crossings open. The colonel consequently will leave a strong outpost south of the stream. He issued, at 3.20 p. m., the following verbal orders to 3.20p.m. the three majors: Lieut. X, who is down near the Hamilton farm, reports that the enemy has not come north of the stock farm with anything stronger than small patrols. We will go into camp. The First Battalion and the Machine-Gun Company will camp near Texas and secure the heights (hill 707) south of us. If attacked, these heights will be held. The remainder of the regiment will camp in the field north of the Cone- wago and west of the Carlisle Road. Capt. A (adjutant) will ride ahead to place the company flags. The wagons will join the troops. Form your battalions. The colonel then marched the regiment to camp. At 4.30 p. m., he directs the majors of the second and third ^-sopm. battalions to send their adjutants to report for an all-night patrol. To them, he said: The enemy seems to have made no advance north of the stock farm except in small patrols. I want to know his strength and dispositions near Gettysburg, and whether other troo]:« are following- the detachment we met this morning. Lieut. K, get three orderlies from the detachment commander and pro- ceed at 6 p. m., by routes well to the east of Rock Creek until east of Gettys- burg, to obtain this information. Lieut. L, you will also take three orderlies and proceed at the same time, by routes generally west of Oak Ridge until west of Gettysburg, for the same purpose. Let me have reports by 5 a. m. tomorrow. The colonel started his rcconnoitering patrols at this hour, 6 o'clock, so as to allow time for the care and rest 100 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. of the animals and for the men to get their supper. The necessity for such improvisation of mounted patrols for an Infantry regiment is, of course, by no means frequent. This regiment is in a very abnormal situation in civilized warfare; first, in being detached; and, second, when de- tached, in not having some Cavalry with it. Tlic colonel forwarded the following telegraphic report from Biglerville : No. 2. IsT Inf., Camp just north of Conewago, South of Biglerville, 19 June, 5 p. m. General B., Mount Holly Springs: Two hostile regiments attacked my position south of Gettysburg thia morning. Upon receipt your No. 1, I started withdrawal. Effected with little loss. Enemy followed only some 2 miles north of Gettysburg. Have my outpost south of Conewago. Unless hard pressed will keep open nearby crossings that stream. My combat wagons are empty. Request at least two hundred thousand rounds ammunition be sent to Biglerville. A, Colonel. OUTPOST. Maj. B, after receiving the colonel's halt order, returned to his battahon near crossroads 621, assembled his captains, 3.38p.m. and at 3.30 p. m., directed: Lieut. X reports that no hostile detachments larger than patrols have come north of the stock farm. Our regiment is moving into camp just north of the Conewago. This battalion and the Machine-Gun Company outpost the command. Company C, and one platoon of the machine guns, will take station on the ridge north of this point (the 707 ridge) to secure the sector Golden- ville — 5 forks, 1,500 yards west of the Carlisle Road. In case of attack the company will hold the 707 ridge. Signal communication from the 707 hill to Texas will be established. A platoon will be sent to relieve company D's post at the Hamilton farm. The mounted orderly now there will re- main all night. The remainder of the outpost will camp at Texas. The rations and baggage of Company C will be sent to the company. Return the wagon immediately to Texas for the night. The major marched the battalion to Texas, and camped in the field northwest thereof. He had Company A place a cossack post on the unimproved road toward Table Rock Station at the bend 250 yards east of Texas, and one at the 703 road fork southwest of camp. He also placed a signal station on one of the houses of Texas for communication with liill 707. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 101 ACTIONS AND ORDERS, SUPPORT COMMANDER. The captain of Company C at 3.40 p. m. assembled his 3.40 p.m. officers and noncommissioned officers, and the lieutenant in command of the machine guns, and directed : Lieut. X reports that no hostile detachments larger than patrols have come north of the Stock Farm. The regiment camps north of the Conewago tlie remainder of the battalion at Texas, three-quarters of a mile north of tliis point. This company and the platoon of machine guns, as the support of the outpost, take station on the ridge to the north. The following outguards will be posted at once : Corpl. B, with his squad, as No. 1, at the five forks (679) three-quarters of a, mile west of us. Corpl. C, with J, K, and L, as No. 2, at the crossroads (648) 500 yards west of this point. M, with the remainder of Corpl. C's squad, as No. 3, at the road fork (621) on the Carlisle Road. Corpl. D, with N, O, and P, as No. 4, at the railroad crossing in Golden- yille. Lieut. B, with the fourth platoon, will relieve Lieut. X at the Hamilton Farm, a mile and a quarter south on the Carlisle road. The mounted orderly will remain all night with this post for messenger duty. Get flag communication also with hill 707. Send small patrols as far south as Boyd S. H. Lieut. R (machine-gun platoon) will reconnoiter positions on hill 707 for sweeping the approaches from the south. Corpl. R will take four signalers to the hill top (707), and establish com- munication with Texas, each of the outguards, and Lieut. B's detached post. The captain then conducted the company and the ma- chine-gun platoon to the north side of the small grove north- east of hill 707. Arms were stacked. One observer with glasses was put on the house, with a messenger below. The animals were taken, one-half at a time, to water west of Texas. Water for the men was obtained from the farm- house well, over which a sentry was posted. Fires for cook- ing were screened in the northern edge of the timber. The captain directed the fii'st lieutenant to make camp, and then explain the situation to the men. The captain himself looked over the ground to decide upon positions for defense, and then visited the outguards beginning with No. 1. At each station he made sure that the men understood the situ- ation, that the outguard was posted to best advantage; he indicated routes for messengers, patrols, and lines of re- treat if driven in; and pointing out the station on hiU 707, saw that the outguard had semaphore connection therewith. 102 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. Returning to the company, lie prepared the following report, and the sketch accompanying it (No. 9) : Company C, First Infantry, June 19, 4-SO p. m. Major B: Outpost as shown on sketch herewith. Detached post at Hamilton's instructed to send small patrols to Boyd S. H. C, Captain. This message was delivered by messenger to Maj. B, who forwarded it to Col. A, adding: First Battalion camped in field northwest of Texas. Will reinforce Company C in case of attack. Cossack posts for local security east and west of battalion camp. The reserve does no patrolling at all. Until dark none is done by the support. At night one patrol of three men goes each hour by Goldenville, crossroads 608, to the east, then toward Gettysburg by the east branch of the Carlisle Road to the farm road, and by knolls 651 and 654 to Hamilton, road fork 630 and crossroads 648. A second patrol, also of three men, goes hourly by crossroads 648, road fork 644, five forks 679, and road fork 703. The machine guns are on the Carlisle Road during the night. On the night of the 17th, with a beaten enemy in front, one company, or less than one-twelfth of the regiment, con- stituted its outpost. To-night, in a retreat, and wdth a nu- merically superior enemy in front, considerably more than one-third of the regiment is on the duty of security. But even in this case only one company, the one in support, is actually losing much rest, and of it, only about one-third of its members are on duty at a time. The three companies and a half at Texas will have about as good a night as those in the regiment north of the Conewago. But their presence there, with a comparatively short distance to go to reinforce the company in support, adds very greatly to the security of the remainder of the regiment, and to the prospect of hold- ing the position south of the Conewago. From these ex- amples, it is evident how little any set forms or rules can be applied to the dispositions of outposts, but on the con- trary, how absolutely these must depend upon the circum- stances of the particular case. AIT INFANTRY REGIMENT. 103 SKETCH No. 9 Disposi+ions Nighi June I9-20 104 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. SANITARY ARRANGEMENTS. Wlien the regimental surgeon received the information of the advance of the hostile force from Emmitsburg, he immediately requested that all civilian transportation that could be collected, be ordered to report at the county alms- house at 6 a. m. June 19. On the morning of June 19 one medical officer and six men were left with the wounded thereat, and with the approval of the colonel the regimental surgeon distributed the remaining personnel as follows: One medical officer with the First and Second Battalions. Tvv^o enlisted men with each company on the line. He, with the remaining two enlisted men, and the pack mule loaded with supplies necessary for an aid station, halted at E. Trostle. No aid station would be established at that time. The three ambulances and the combat wagons were or- dered to proceed to the Central Square, Gettysburg. When the band reported, he sent the principal musician and nine men to report to the officer left in charge at the temporary hos- pital to assist m moving the patients when evacuation be- came necessary. Of those remainmg, 10 men were ordered to report to the surgeon of the vSecond Battalion and 8 men he retained at regimental headcjuarters. When word was received that no more trams would come through to Gettysburg, the regimental surgeon im- mediately sent orders to the officer in charge at the county almshouse to evacuate to Holly Springs, in the impressed transportation, all patients able to travel, leaving with the non-transportable cases only sufficient personnel to care for their immediate wants. (Nearly all of the woimded on the 17th, of course, went out by rail on the 18th.) The surgeon, himself, remained with the regimental commander, but ordered two ambulances to advance to the Second Battalion as safety would permit. The remaming ambulance he ordered to E. Trostle. As soon as the Third Battalion, m its retirement, reached the latter place, the wounded who had been brought back with the command, were loaded in this ambulance and it proceeded north in advance of the retreatmg force. On the retirement of the Second Battalion, all womided who could be transported were placed in the two ambu- lances with that section of the command. AN INFANTRY REGIMENT. 105 The six men of the band and six sanitary soldiers then on duty with the Third Battalion were ordered to report to the surgeon of the First Battalion. "Wlien the outpost li^e was formed that night the sani- tary personnel on duty with the First Battalion remained with the battalion headquarters at Texas. COMMENT. The advance of the new Red force immediately aroused fears for the safety of the remaining wounded of tlie first engagement; and the regimental surgeon had to make pro- visions for their evacuation by road. Of course, he could transport a large number on the combat wagons, etc., be- longing to the regiment, but he desired to keep them as free as possible for the probable additional womided expected. The assignment of the sanitary personnel to the different elements of the intrenched command was made m such a way that each company would be provided with sanitary assistance. With such distribution, it was, of course, im- possible to remove some of the wounded from the field, but at least they received first-aid treatment. The regimental surgeon, himself, remained at headquar- ters, but this location was such that he also acted as surgeon of the Thii'd Battalion. The band was distributed in such a way that theii" services as litter bearers could be employed to the best advantage. The ambulances and wagons being placed in Gettysburg, were out of danger during the actual fighting and were so placed that they could be sent to either flank without delay. No aid station was established, as the line was so located that no one point could be selected for this work. The battalion detachments had to collect the womided to such points as were convenient to the actual firing line. The regimental surgeon, by ordering the immediate removal of the wounded by road, as soon as he was informed that the railroad was interrupted, provided for their safety; and at least all of the transportable cases could be removed to the rear. Every effort must be made to prevent wounded from falling into the hands of the enemy. The necessary attendants for wounded unable to be moved must always be provided for before a retirement takes place. By reinforcing the sanitary personnel with the First Batr- talion provision was made for the care of the wounded in j_QQ STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. the section of tlie command which was most liable to be en- gaged on the retreat. A larger nimiber of men than is nor- mally provided for was detailed, so that all the wounded possible could receive first aid and be removed from the field in advance of the rear guard. PART n.— A BATTALION OF INFANTRY. Escorting a Convoy. On May 5 a Blue army moving northeast in hostile terri- tory has reached the line Hunters Run to Newville (sketch No. 10), where it is confronted by the main Red forces. A depot for the service of the right of the Blue army is being established at Center Mills, The First Battalion, First Blue Infantry, has been collecting supplies therefor south- east of Littlestown. It camped for the night of May 5-6, about 9 p. m,, near 558 W, north of Littlestown, with a hundred impressed and heavily loaded wagons, the poor teams of v/hich are practically exhausted. Recent heavy rains have put all roads in bad condition. That of the Bal- timore Turnpike is exceptionally poor. Its bridge over Rock Creek is out. The nearest Blue troops are at Center Mills. The battalion came to Littlestown from Center Mills by way of Hunterstown and BoneauviUe. The feeling of the inhabitants is bitter against the Blues. Numerous small partisan corps exist. Othei^wise, except for a garrison at York, no Red troops are known to be nearer than those of the main Red army. About 10 p. m. Maj. A, commanding the battalion, learns that a Red battalion marched in from Hanover and camped at Brushtown late in the evening. BATTALION COMMANDER'S ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. Maj. A was sent out to bring to Center Mills such sup- plies as he could gather. He intends to accomplish that mis- sion if it is practicable to do so. In country exceedingly^ hostile to the Blues, the Reds are, without doubt, weU informed of the movements of the Blue battalion. Consequently, the Red detachment at Brush- to^\^l very probably has for its mission the capture of the Blue convoy. That battalion may be alone, or it may be the advance of some larger command. But at best, if the battalion is operating alone, the Reds have still a very considerable advantage over the Blues, hampered as the latter are by their slow moving and unwieldy convoy. 107 108 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. From Brushtown by Felty S. H. to knoll 647, northeast of Pleasant Hill S. H., is 3 miles; by crossroads 601 to the Small farmhouse, east of Whitehall, is about SJ miles; by Square Corner to the road fork north of the Shebley farm is about 4 miles; and to the houses midway between Square Corner and Boneauville is also about 4 miles. With Ked troops at any of these points, the convoy could not pass on the Pleasant Hill S. H. — Boneauville road. On this road, from 558 W to road fork 598 is 1 mile; to Whitehall is 2^ miles; to road fork 637 is slightly under 3| miles; SKETCH NO. 10. ONewville N Hunters o a Run 1 O Center Mills OYork O Hunters town O Gettysburg O Hanover o Littlestowo 5 10 15 ?0 23 M • and to Boneauville is 4]- miles. The convoy is roughly a mile long. If the enemy starts at the same time as the convoy and goes at the same rate, marching by Felty S. H., he will reach knoU 647 twenty minutes after the tail of the convoy passes road fork- 598; marching via road fork 606, he will reach knoll 607, southeast of the Small farmhouse, 5 minutes before the tail of the convoy enters Whitehall; via Square Corner, he wiU reach the road fork northeast of the Shebley farm a few minutes before the tail of the convoy passes BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 109 road fork 637; aj^aiii via Square Corner he will reach the houses midway between Square Corner and Boneauville while the head of the convoy is still east of Sweet Home S. 11. The enemy's best route for cutting off the convoy is, therefore, via Square Corner on Boneauville. ' Since this hostile action promises most trouble for the Blue battalion, it is well for Maj. A to make his own dispositions with it primarily in view. Now, all of these calculations are based upon the as- sumption that the convoy and the Red battalion start at the same time and proceed at the same rate. But Maj. A is well aware that the enemy, with a single unencumbered battalion in friendly territory, may start at a very early hour, or may, in fact, make a night march; and when started the Red battalion should march very much faster than the scratched up and unwiUing train in his charge. Notwith- standing the bad condition of the roads the Reds arc likely to do a full 3 miles an hour, while the convoy is having great difficulty in doing 2. From all of these considera- tions, it is evident that if the enemy's objective is the con- voy, the latter can hardly continue by Boneauville without finding some means for delaying the enemy east thereof. The first idea of Maj. A is to hook up and puU out at once; but that plan has to be rejected immediatel}^. His animals are nearly exhausted. Some hours' rest must be permitted before they start once more with their heavy loads through the mud. Moreover, the difficulties of a night march, even if the teams could stand it would be almost in- surmountable, through the favorable conditions extended by darkness for intentional delays and impediments upon the part of the impressed teamsters. To go at once is out of the question. But on the other hand the march must begin in tlic morning at the earliest practicable hour. Sunrise will bo at 5.22; dawn about an hour earlier or at 4.22. To get teams ready requires the men to be up from an hour to an hour and a liaK before the starting time. To move much before dawn would be very difficult with such a con- voy. Maj. A accordingly concludes that 4 o'clock is the very earliest practicable hour. If the convoy goes by Boneauville the Blue battalion wiU probably have to fight to obtain the time required for the escape of the convoy. Can any other route be used that will avoid the necessity for fighting? The Baltimore turn- pike is impracticable. If it were not since the convoys is only half a mile nearer the center of Gettysburg than is 110 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS, Brushtown, the Reds could easily cut it off at that point. Any route south of the turnpike adds to the length of the detour. Any such route would probably also be found in worse condition than the turnpike and the farther down Rock Creek a crossing is attempted the greater the chance there is of hinderance by broken bridges. While broken bridges would stop the convoy, they would have little effect upon the piu'suing Reds, who could undoubtedly cross al- most anywhere. To send the convoy by Germantown, Two Taverns, and the Low Dutch Road, while marching with the greater part of the battalion by T^Tiitehall and Boneauville, if the roads were good, at first sight would seem to offer a chance of escaping without a fight. But the Baltimore Turnpike is known to be in particularly bad condition. It crosses tlu*ee considerable streams, Alloway and Plum Creeks and Littles Run. The Low Dutch Road crosses a fourth. Each of these is an argument against the use of that route. Maj. A came down by Boneauville and Whitehall. He knows that road, and can make a pretty good estimate of its present condition. It runs along a ridge crossing the streams near their sources. It should consequently suffer comparatively little damage under the rains, and its surface should dry out quickly. Maj. A would hardly dare to start his convoy over the Baltimore Turnpike, Low Rutch route, without previous reconnaissance. That reconnaissance perhaps could be made to-night by one of his staff officers; but even if the partisans permitted the officer's return there would be little left in his horse for the necessarily hard work of to-morrow. To the junction of the Low Dutch and Hanover roads, by GeiTnantown and Two Taverns, from the convoy camp is about 8^ miles. To the same junction from Brushtown is less than 7 miles. While the distances to Boneauville, from the Blue and the Red camps, slightly favor the Blues, these distances to the junction of the Low Dutch and Han- over roads are considerably against them. The route by Germantown and Two Taverns would consequently require the enemy to be engaged by a delaying force for a much greater period. Another disadvantage of the Low Dutch route is the fact that for some hours the convoy and the bulk of the bat- talion marching by Boneauville would be separated by several miles, which in this very hostile territory might lead to the destruction of the convoy by partisan corps. BATTALION OF INFANTRY. Ill Tliere are no continuous intormediary routes to con- sider. Has Maj. A a reasonable prospect of getting by Bo- neauville with his convoy ? For, if the convoy does get by Boncauville without meeting the enemy, it will not be in much danger of being caught thereafter. Starting at 4 o'clock, and averaging 2 miles an hour, the convoy, having 4| miles plus its own length, 1 mile, or 5| miles to go, wiU clear that village a few minutes before 7 o'clock. If the enemy also starts at 4 o'clock, his advance, if uninterrupted, would reach there, at 2^ miles an hour, at 6 o'clock. For the convoy to escape, the enemy, therefore, must be delayed for something over an hour at the very least. Can this be done ? In answering the question it is necessary first to find out what Maj. A will have for a delaying force; and this requires the determination of the number of men that must be left directly with the convoy. The convoy is divided into four sections of 25 wagons each. Starting before daylight, every single driver 'must be carefully watched, or some wiU find means for seriously delaying the march. This requires a soldier for each wagon, or 100 men for this duty alone. Then each section should have in addition at least one squad. In furnishing the wagon sentries, the service squads of the companies — ^the quartermaster sergeants, cooks, clerks, and artificers— are available, and will help to the extent of some 20 men altogether. By using these men, it is evident that a single company might furnish the police details enumer- ated above and in addition scratch up a couple of squads for the absolutely necessary advance and rear guards. De- tailing one company only with the convoy would, however, leave the troops with it available for security entirely too few, and nothing in reserve for meeting an emergency. There must be something at hand to meet the unexpected, otherwise delays in tlie convoy's march are almost certain to occur. Maj. A believes it better therefore to detail one company plus a platoon of another as the immediate escort. That leaves two and three-fourth companies to be thrown toward the enemy to hold him up for something over an hour. If he has only four companies, and the Blue com- panies can get between them and the convoy and have room for one or two delaying actions, to gain the required time should not be found impossible. Having decided to interpose the bulk of the battalion between the enemy and the convoy, the first objective and 112 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. the route thereto must be selected. For the battalion to march by Felty S. H. on A. Rifle would be to run the risk of the enemy passing A. Rifle first, and then Maj. A would find the enemy between him and his convoy. Moreover, Maj. A does not wish to get any closer to Brushtown than is absolutely necessary, because the chances of a fight are constantly increasing as he a,pproaches that village, and he does not want to fight if a fight can be avoided. If the Blue battalion were to select the route at the other extreme, by Whitehall on Square Corner, the enemy might pick up the convoy behind the battalion by a march directly on White- hall. This might also happen if the battalion, marching by road forks 610, 611, 606, and 609, were to continue on to crossroads 601. But if the battalion marches to crossroads 609, near the Font farmhouse, and waits there in readiness, it wiU be able to stop the enemy if the latter marches by crossroads 601, or can quickly oppose him if he marches south by Felty S. H., or west toward Whitehall. Crossroads 609 can be reached in a few minutes over an hour. While the animals of the convoy are desperately tired, the men of the battaUon are not necessarily so, and anyhow they can be counted on to recuperate more rapidly with a httle rest. The battahon, therefore, can start con- siderably before the convoy. If it were to start at the same time as the convoy, that is at 4 o'clock, it would be 5 o'clock before it reached crossroads 609. Meantime the enemy, without an excessively early start, could have marched by on the Hanover road; 3 o'clock, therefore, is the latest that the Blue Battahon can start and have a reasonable prospect of arriving in time. Any earlier than that hour seems out of the question if the men, who only reached camp at 9 o'clock and will have to be up at least an hour before they march in the morning, are to have any real rest. Having considered all the ways of escaping with the convoy, Maj. A now asks himself, "Is the convoy worth the necessary sacrifice" ? Saving the convoy almost certainly means an engagement with the enemy; and an engagement, no matter how well conducted, means the loss of valuable lives. Are the stores worth so much? Would it not be better to destroy the convoy, and then with his unencum- bered battalion quietly slip away to the west? The major answers, no. The depot must be established and supphes therefor must be gathered. If a collecting detachment stops its work and runs every time an enemy threatens to interfere, not many supphes wiU get into the depot, and no very high BATTLION OP INFANTRY. 113 opinion of Blue courage will be formed in the minds of the enemy. The major may yet come to the destruction of the convoy, but not until he has at least made an attempt to get away with it. Whether any troops are back of the battahon in Brush- town must be learned, and the enemy's movements must be watched. It is, of course, particularly important to know when and in what direction he marches. Maj, A has only the prescribed battalion mounts mth him. These should be fresh to-morrow to perform the important duty of main- taining communication between the battahon and the con- voy. There is nothing left but a dismounted patrol; and, notwithstanding the great distance to the hostile camp, a dismounted patrol will have to be sent. Maj. A expects to divide his command to-morrow into two main detachments, a right flank guard and the convoy itself. If the whole command were larger, it would prob- ably be better for Maj, A to appoint a commander for the flank guard and content himself with the general command of the two detachments. But he will, in any event, be with the flank guard as the more important detachment and, while there, he prefers to retain the command in liis own hands rather than to detach a captain therefor from that ofiicer's company. His decision consecjuently is: Three companies (less 1 platoon) to march at 3 a. m., via roadforks 610, 611, 606 to crossroads 609. The convoy, under the immediate escort of one and one- fourth companies, to march at 4 a. m., via Whitehall and Boneauville. To send an officer's patrol at once to Brushtown. Except to the patrol, no orders will be issued to-night, because the enemy, by a night march, may make all of Maj. A's intended dispositions impracticable and leave nothing for him to do but turn to the west or destroy the convoy. He will simply have the troops quietly aroused at 2 a. m. Before proceeding with the major's orders it will be well to see what v/ere his camp arrangements for security. A large body of troops obtains most of its security to the flanks by the lateral extension of its outpost line, and frequently by bending it toward the rear. With such extension the detour required for any large hostile body to pass by an extremity of the outpost line and reach the main body in prohibitive. With a small body, however, that detour may not be very great, and for proper protection a small command 98755°— 17— 8 114 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. may, therefore, not simply outpost toward the enemy, but may have to bend back the flanks of that line until it is practically surrounded by its security detachments. In the case at hand, because of the Red partisans, Maj. A's enemies are on all sides ; moreover, he has them in his own camp in the persons of his impressed drivers. YVlien his outposts SKE TCH Nio.n. Con were established he knev/ of nothing to make the direction toward York very much more dangerous than any other. The wagons of the convoy v/ere in a square, with the poles and animals inside, immediately west of the clump of timber north of 558 W. The square was about 110 yards on a side. Eight sentries were posted about it. The battahon v/as camped north of the convoy. Four pickets of tw^o squads BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 115 each were stationed — one on the nose northwest of Pleasant Hill S, H.; one on the knoll 621, south of camp; one 200 yards northeast of 558 W. ; and one west of the clump of timber west of camp. The timber along the stream lines east and west of the camp and Ash Grove S. H. were fre- quently visited by patrols. One company furnished all details. No change was made in these dispositions after learning of the camp of the Red battahon at Brushtown. (See sketch No. 11.) AN INFANTRY PATROL. As soon as Maj. A learned of the hostile battahon at Brush- town, he directed the captain to send him Lieut. B of Com- pany A for patrol duty. When that officer reported, the major directed: A Red battalion came from the east into Brushtown thia evening and camped there. 1 Avant you to verify the Red strength and find out whether they are fol- lowed by other troops. Also I particularly want to know when they march from their present camp and by what route. Select five men from your company to go with you and get this informa- tion. Messages will reach me at this camp until 3 a. m.; after that, with the battalion which will march at that hour by Pleasant Hill S. H. and road forks 610, 611, and 606 to crossroads 609. Lieut. B immediately reported the orders he had received to his captain, and asked by name for a sergeant, a corporal, and three privates. He asked also to have the packs of these men carried the next day by wagon. He caused the men to take their rations, including one cooked meal, and to march in the hght kit. In addition to the prescribed equipment, the lieutenant took an electric torch, by which to read his map and write messages. The patrol assembled at 10.30 10.30 p.m. p. m. The lieutenant inspected to make certain that the mess equipment had been so covered that it would not rattle. He then instructed the men as follows: A Red battalion camped this evening at Brushtown, about 4 miles north- east of us. This patrol is ordered to Brushtown to verify the enemy's reported ftrength, learn if any other troops are behind that battalion, and in par- ticular, when the enemy marches and by what route. Messages are to be sent to this camp up to 3 o'clock; after that, to the Pleasant Hill S. H., road forks 610, 611, and 606 road, along which our battalion marches at that horn-. The Ueutenant issued this order with his map spread. He pointed out places and roads as they were named, trying to 116 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. leave a general idea of the lie of the important roads in the men's minds. He then marched the patrol to the picket north of Pleasant HiU S. H. The picket could tell him noth- ing new about the enemy. There he said to the members of the patrol: We will take the road to the right (the one passing over knoll 647). Sergt. B, with K, will march in advance. I \yill follow with S at 10 paces. Corp. L, with M, Avill follow as rear point at 10 paces from me. Take about a 3j mile gait. Move quietly on the side of the road. Be particularly careful when passing houses, the advance leaving the road whenever it seems best, in order to avoid awakening the occupants. Every- one should note the roads and landmarks as we go on, so as to be able to find his way back -svith messages. The patrol halted en route from time to time to hsten. Communication between its advance guard, main body, and rear guard were maintained verbally, in low tones. At crossroads 633 the heutenant halted, passed the word for all to join liim, then directed: We will move down the right-hand road to the east about a mile and a half until we reach the Littlestown-Hanover electric road. Three improved roads branch off before coming to the electric. The first one goes to the north a few hundred yards from this point ; the second one to the south a half mile out; and the third, near the electric, to the north. About half a mile west of us is a road which, with several big jogs, runs generally north and south. Our battahon marches by that road in the morning. Note the surroundings, as messages may have to be delivered to the battalion while thereon. Except for the excitation of some dogs, the march of the patrol to the vicinity of the electric road was without incident. In two or three places en route where the tele- phone lines could be reached, they were cut. At the electric, ii^a. m. the lieutenant, about 11.30 p. m., halted his men long enough to bring Sergt. B. back, to direct him to take the railroad tracks to the vicinity of the Little Conewago, nearly a mile to the northeast. Opposite 525 W the Heutenant signaled to move to the left of the raih'oad. Then he halted the patrol, the mem- bers of which immediately knelt or sat down, and going quietly up to Sergt. B. in a low tone, directed: The raihoad bridge is probably occupied by the enemy. Work qiuetly over with K. to find out. Don't be gone more than 15 minutes. I am going to send Corpl. L. to investigate the wagon bridge east of us. I will remain here then until you return. He then dropped back to the rear point and gave its corporal similar mstructions for the investigation of condi- BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 117 tions at the wagon bridge. The sergeant rotiirned shortly and reported: There are several men on the east end of the bridge. I could not see anyone, but I heard movements and some talking. The stream seems to be 20 to 30 feet wide, and has a sandy bottom. I didn't go into it to learn its depth. Corpl. L. also reportca that 525 W was occupied by at least a squad. He had seen seven or eight men and heard a little tallving. There was nothing to indicate that either the sergeant or the corporal had attracted the enemy's attention. The lieutenant then directed: We will move down the stream 300 or 400 yards below the raihoad bridge and ford it. No particular difficulty was experienced in effecting a crossing of the stream, whicli was found to be about waist deep. At 12.10 a. m., the patrol was in the timber just east 12aoa.n1, of the stream, with the point at the eastern edge of the tim- ber, some 30 or 40 feet in advance. The private of the point came back to the heutenant to report: "Some men are coming through the field to our left." The lieutenant directed his men to remain absolutely quiet where they were while he went up to the point. There he watched three Red soldiers file by a few feet outside of the timber and disap- pear in the direction of the railroad bridge. Needless to say, no effort was made to capture or molest any of the Red patrol, for firing or even shouting or a struggle would have attracted attention in the presence of the Blue patrol, which, of course, was about the last thing desired by Lieut. B. Even if it had been possible to make a certain capture of all three Reds without any commotion, nothing would have been gained to offset the burden so acquired. He then said to the sergeant: We are evidently on their outpost line. Bnishtown lies about off there [pointing] and can not be far away. We will go ahead in that direction as quietly as possible. After proceeding a few himdred yards they caught the sheen of some small fires behind scattered buildings immedi- ately ahead, and the outhnes of a grove of trees to the left (those west of road fork 547). The heutenant turned the patrol toward the timber and halted 50 yards outside, while the point went in to learn whether or not it was occu- pied. Upon its report of no enemy therein, the patrol 118 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. took station in the soutliv/ostcrn corner. The lieutenant then directd the sergeant: Take charge of the men here. Post one man in observation to the south and keep every one alert and quiet. Those fires are probably at the Red camp. I am going to take L. with me and find out. If we don't return in half an hour you will proceed to learn whether there are any other Red troops between Brush town and McSherrystown; and then return to watch this camp and report when and how the Red battalion marches to-morrow. WTien we come back one of lis will halt out there [pointing south] and whistle so [illustrating]. Answer by a low whistle. Then to L, who had heard the directions to the sergeant, "Follow me at about seven paces." The lieutenant moved rapidly, generally in a crouching attitude, but halting every few minutes to watch and listen for hostile sentries and patrols, by a route to the south, and well outside of the Brushtown inclosure. He distinctly made out four company streets, and as many vehicles, south of the V-shaped streets of the village. One sentry was seen in the street west of the camp and one south of it. He con- tinued far enough to the east to make certain that all of the camp south of the Hanover Road had been seen, and then north across that road until he was sure there were no fires toward the west. A faint mdbn, wliich came up about 12.40, helped in this reconnaissance. Returning then by the same route to the remainder of the patrol, wMch had not seen or heard anything during his absence, the lieutenant wrote the following message, lying flat on the ground, well withm the wood, and screening his electric torch by several hats : No. 1. 200 yds. west Brushtown, 1 a. m. 6 May, 1 a. m. Four companies are camped in angle streets Brushtown. No other Reds immediate vicinity. No indications j^et of an early march. B, Lieut enanl. This was read to M and K. The lieutenant then di- rected M: You M, in charge, and K will take this message to Maj. A. Go back to camp by tlie route we came. You should reach camp before the battalion marches out at 3 o'clock. Tell the major I am going east from this point to see if there are other Red troops following this battalion. Because of the possibility of the message falling into the hands of the enemy the sending detachment was not named therein, nor any address given, and the lieutenant did not put his further intentions in writing. Two messages were sent. One alone, with such a distance to go in very BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 119 hostile territory, would have too small a chance of getting through. The lieutenant said to the remainder of the patrol: We will now go on to the east to lind out whether there are any otlier troops behind these. Serg. B, move ahead as the point. Pass the Red camp about 300 yards to the south. They have a sentry in the street east of ua and one immediately south of their camp. S and I will follow you at 10 paces. Corpl. L will follow us at the same distance. East of Locust Grove S. H. the patrol took the Brush- town-McSherrystown Road. The outsldrts of the McSher- rystown were reached without discovering any indication of other enemies. The patrol then returned by the same route to the timber west of Brushtown, where it arrived at 2.30 a. m. 2.30 a. m. The patrol had obtained some negative information of value — i. e., that there were no other troops east of Brushtown at a distance to be expected if the Red battalion were simply the advance guard of a larger body. Shall the patrol leader send this in at once, or wait until he has learned something to indicate when the enemy is going to march ? His patrol is, of course, in a very dangerous situation. Its presence may be discovered at any moment, and the entire patrol may be captured, with the result that its news never gets back. But under the conditions, no message can be carried by less than two men, and there are now only four left in the patrol. Two important bits of information still remain to be ob- tained — when the enemy marches and his route. Each of these will probably require a separate delivery, and such can only be made if the strength of the patrol is not reduced. If the enemy is going to move at all near dawn, his camp must soon be astir. Then the news of his preparations for marching and that no other Reds are near Brushtown can be sent back in the same message. The lieutenant decides to keep the entire patrol together a little longer in the wood west of Brushtown. Within a few minutes after 2.30 it was evident that the fires were being rebuilt. The patrol believed that the Red cooks were at work. At this time the patrol was lying in the southeastern corner of the wood, with the leader watching toward camp, and a sentry in observation of the ground to the south. Men were heard approaching through the timber from the northwest. From the sounds, they seemed to be only two in number, to be somewhat intoxicated Red soldiers, and in some uncertainty as to where their camp lay. The sergeant 120 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. suggested that these men were probably unarmed, could easily be captured without noise, and could furnish consider- able information. The lieutenant prom.ptly vetoed the proposition. While he would like to question the men, the chances of capturing them without attracting the attention of other Reds were too small, and the difficulties of dispos- ing of them thereafter were too great. He therefore got his men to their feet and under cover close together, with instructions that he had no intention of bothering the Reds unless they noticed the Blue patrol; therefore the men would remain absolutely still except at his command, when the two Reds were to be jumped and secured by hand as quietly as possible. Fortunately, the Reds managed to find their way out of the wood without actually stumbling upon the Blue patrol. 3 a.m. By 3 a. m. it was evident that the Red camp had been aroused, and that the men were strildng tents and gettmg ready to march. But to make certain that the latter was' 3.20 a, m. the case, Lieut. B remained in observation until about 3.20. Then, since his messengers would have little chance of getting through the enemy's outpost after daylight, he decided to take the whole patrol to ground more favorable for escape, west of the Little Conewago, and send the information so far obtained back to Maj. A. Accordingly, he started back along the rail fence leading to the southwest, with the sergeant 7 or 8 ^mrds in advance, and the corporal as many yaj-ds in the rear. The lieutenant and Private S constituted the main body. Nearing the southwestern end of the fence, the sergeant suddenly crouched and a moment later told his ofhcor that several men, moving north along the timber from the south, were then imme- diately in front of the Blue patrol, while another party coming from the north was within a hundred yards of them. Some movement of the patrol in the moonlight must have attracted the Red attention, for there was a challenge from the party in front promptly followed by a shot. The lieutenant signalled the corporal to come up, and then in low tones said, "We'll charge those people in front and assemble vv^est of the Conewago. Don't shout." A few seconds after the hostile shot, the Blue patrol, as skirmishers, at 2 or 3 yards, went forward at a rim, without shouting, broke through the Red patrol and kept going imtil the men were across the stream. In the open field west of the Conewago, and south of the small stream that joins it a half mile from the Hanover Road, the patrol assembled. The sergeant was absent. BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 121 After calling for him a few times, the lieutenant decided he could not delay any longer, since the enemy's patrols ap- peared to be searching the whole neighborhood. So he directed : We will cross this stream (the small one, half a mile south of the ITanover Road), and move rapidly across coimtry due west. Corpl. L will lead, I will follow him, and S will come last. Take five paces between files. ' At 4 o'clock the patrol reached hill 607, between the **-™« Rebert and G. Martz farmhouses, where one man took station^ while the lieutenant, assisted by the remaining man in the timber west of the crest of the hill, wrote the following message : No. 2. Hill 607, NE. Felty S. H., 6 May, 4-05 a. in. My No. 1 reported four Red companies at Brushtown. These started to break camp about 3 a. m. Have been into outskirts McSherrj'stown. No indications Red troops beside battalion at Brushtown. Remain here in observation. My signal " N " will mean enemy takes Hanover Road, " S " he goes by Felty S. H. B, Lieutenant. Lieut. B repeated the information of his first message, because very possibly his messengers did not get through. He then took the patrol duo west into the open field north of the H. Felty farmhouse, pointed out to the corporal the direction of crossroads 609, and directed him to deliver the message to Maj. A, who should appear very soon in that neighborhood with the battalion, xlfter a few mmutes he returned with Private S to hill 607. There the lieutenant climbed a tree near the crest, and as soon as it grew at all light began searching with his glasses the ground to the east. He cjuickly made out the Red battalion on the Hanover Road. By 4.25 a. m. its advance guard was a hundred 4.25a.m. yards west of the A. Rifle roadfork, marching tovi^ard Square Corner. It being still too dark to signal crossroads 609 from his tree, the lieutenant, leading the private by 10 yards, started at a steady double for crossroads 609 through the field north of H. Felty. Noithwest of that house he was able to get his semaphored "N" acknowledged from one of the buildings at the crossroads. ORDERS, BATTALION COMMANDER. Let us now go back to the battalion near Littlestown. Maj. A had the cooks awakened, breakfast started at L30 i-so a. m. a. m., and the battalion awakened at 2 o'clock. The 2 a.m. 122 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. adjutant personally gave the following order to each com- pany commander and to the quartermaster: The battalion (less Company D) will march at 3 a. m. Company D and the convoy at 4 a. m. All preparations -will be made with the least 2.30 a. m. possible noise. The major will issue orders at 2.30 a. m. At 2.30 a. m, the major issued to his captains and staff verbal orders as follows: A Red battalion came into Brush town from the east last evening and camped at that place. Lieut. B started for Brushtowu at 10.30 p. m., in charge of a reconnoitering patrol. This battalion (less Company D and one platoon of Company C) will march at 3 o'clock on crossroads 609, to cover the passage of the convoy by Whitehall and Boneauville. Lieut. X (the battalion adjutant), with my orderly, will proceed rapidly by Felty S. H. toward the A. Rifle farm. I want the earliest possible information whether the enemy turns west or south at the A. Rifle croes- roads. Company C (less one platoon) will constitute the advance guard, marching by Pleasant Hill S.H. and road forks 598, 610, 611, and 606. Company C will send one platoon to report to Capt. D for duty with the convoy. Companies B and A, in the order named, will follow the advance guard at 300 yards. The convoy, directly escorted by C'ompany D and one platoon ox Com- pany C, will march at 4 o'clock by Whitehall, Boneauville, and Hunters- town. The march of the convoy will be expedited in every possible way. Let me know promptly when the convoy passes W^hitehall and again when it passes Boneauville. Capt. D will take the horse of the battalion adju- tant's orderly. The field train will march at the head of the convoy. I will be between the advance guard and the main body. We will form the battalion at 2.55. 2.55 a. m. When the companies reported at 2,55, the major directed Company C, "Get your distances and take up the march." A COMPANY AS ADVANCE GUARD. The captain of Company C assembled his officers and non- 2,40 a.m. commissioned officers and at 2.40 a m, ordered as follows: A Red battalion came into Brushtowu from Hanover last night and camped in that village. We have two reconnoitering patrols out in its direction. The convoy marches on Boneauville at 4 a. m., escorted by Company D and one platoon of this company. The remainder of the battalion marches to the north to cover the convoy. This company constitutes the advance guard. Lieut. R with the first squad as the point will precede the remainder of the company by 150 yards. March by Pleasant Hill S. H. and road forks 598, 610, 611, and 606 [pointing out the route on the map]. Sergt. IC (left guide) will be on the alert for signals from the rear. BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 123 Sergt. M, with the third platoou, will report to C'apt. D for duty with the convoy's escort. Platoon leaders will tell the men of the situation at the first opportunity. The company v/ill be formed 7 minutes before 3 o'clock. All distances were shortened because of the darkness. When the major directed that the march be taken up, the captain ordered the point to move out, following it by connecting files at every 30 yards. The company marched as soon as the point had its distance. ARRANGEMENTS AND ORDERS, COMMANDER OF THE CONVOY. Capt. D made sure at onco, upon receipt of his orders, that the battalion quartermaster, who was in direct charge of the convoy, had provided all necessary arrangements to have it ready by 4 o'clock, including continual inspection to prevent intentional delays on the part of the teamsters. The convoy was parked in a square, each side formed by a section. The first section was on the north side, the second on the east, the third on the south, and the fourth on the west. The captain sent for his officers and sergeants, who were pretty well scattered among the pickets of the outpost. Sergt. M reported with his platoon from Com.pany C. Verbal orders were issued at 3.20 a. m. as follows: 3.20a.m. A Red battalion, coming from the direction of Hanover camped last night at Brushtown, about 3^ miles northeast of us. Our battalion (less this company and a platoon of Company C) has gone to a position a mile northeast of WTiitehall, from which to cover the passage of the convoy. We escort the convoy by Whitehall and Boneauville on Hunterstown. The first platoon (it then had two squads near Pleasant Hill S. H.) of Company D, under Lieut. A, will constitute the advance guard, preceding the main body by three-quarters of a mile. It will march from Pleasant Hill S. H. at 3.50 a. m. It will station patrols of four men each successively on knolls 647 and 627 north of Pleasant Hill S. H., near the Schild farm- house southeast of Whitehall S. H., and near the Small farmhouse east of Whitehall, to remain until the convoy has passed, and then join the rear guard. It will send a patrol of four men to march opposite the center of the convoy by the road roughly one-half mile west of the Pleasant Hill S. H.,\Miitehallroad. The main body, in the order — one squad of the third platoon of Company C, field train of the battalion, first, second, third, and fourth sections of the convoy, and one squad of Sergt. M's detachment — will march from camp at 4 a. m. Details for the immediate guard of sections of the convoy will be as follows: First section: Platoon of Company C, and service detachment of Company C (Q. M. sergt., cooks, artificer, clerk). 124 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. Second: Sergt. K, fifth, sixth, and seventh squads of Company D, and service detachment of Company A. Third: Sergt. L, eighth, ninth, and tenth squads (eighth and ninth were then in the picket east of camp), and service detachment of Company B. Fourth: Sergt. M, eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth squads (eleventh and twelfth were then in the picket west of camp), and service detachment of Company D. The noncommissioned officer in charge of each section will be responsible that his section moves exactly on time and in its proper place. As soon as this order is finished he will locate his section at once. On the road he will require wagons to keep closed at all times. Sections will follow the preceding one at 20 yards. In each section one man will be detailed to walk beside and be responsible for the conduct of each wagon. The rear guard, composed of the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth squads (the fourteenth and fifteenth are now on knoll 621), Lieut. S, com- manding, will follow the main body at 1,000 yards. The rear guard will send a squad at once to the R. Sell farmhouse to remain there till the con- voy has passed Pleasant Hill S. H., and one to reUeve picket No. 4 (west of camp). It will have the timber along the stream, heading north of Pleasant Hill S. H., examined immediately. I will remain here till the convoy is on the road, and then ride near its center. There may be criticism of the above order upon the ground that it trespasses upon the province of subordi- nates by instructions in too great detail. It is beheved, though, that the pecuhar circumstances of the case require such detail. The commander of the advance guard is told just where to post and route certain patrols. But it will be noticed that these patrols are to be used not for the or- dinary purpose of advance guard patrols, in reconnaissance to the front, but entirely for flank protection, which, unless specifically mentioned in the order, the advance guard com- mander may consider lies outside of his province and is to be attended to by some one else. The matter is of too great importance to have any doubt whose duty it is, and therefore is provided for in the order. Similarly with the rear guard, v/hich is now largely taking over the functions of the outpost until the convoy has cleared camp, there must bo no doubt whatever as to who is responsible for security in certain important directions. Finally, the police detach- ments with the convoy require very definite instructions for the organization of the march, in order to prevent confusion in the unwieldly mass of wagons, where experience shows de- lays are so Hkely to arise. When the convoy is moving out of park, particularly as in this case before daylight, is a pecul- iarly favorable time for attack. If there happen to be no Red regulars yet in this vicinity, still some partisans may, very well, be lurking near for a favorable opportunity. Not BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 125 to give such a chance, the movement must proceed smoothly, upon a very definite and uniform plan throughout the sec- tions, and that, of course, must be the plan of Capt. D. A BATTALION IN DEFENSE. Maj. A received Lieut. B's first message from Brushtown just before leaving camp. The second report with its indi- cations of an early Red march reached him near crossroads 609 at 4.20 a. m. He halted the advance guard company *-^ ». m. at the above crossroads, except its leading squads, which were hurried on to crossroads 601, and caused Companies B and A to close on Company C. About 4.30 a. m. an ^-^o a. m. observation station, on the house north of the crossroads, reported that a Blue officer was running in across the field to the east and had semaphored ''N" a number of times. Almost immediately thereafter the detachment of Company C, sent on to crossroads 601, opened fire. A few minutes later the battalion adjutant raced in from the east to report that the hostile battafion had turned west at A. Rifle. THE BATTALION COMMANDER' S ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. There remains for the major but little time to spend in further consideration of the situation. In fact, imme- diate action must be taken, for the two battahons, the Red and the Blue, are already in contact. This does not mean, however, that the major is surprised by the developments of the morning, or has not given the matter of the orders now to be issued the most careful consideration. In fact, he has thought of little else during the preceding march. The reports from his patrols, Lieut. B's signals, and the fii'ing to the north indicate the exact situation the major had expected. The enemy's strength seems pretty accurately determined as one battalion; that battalion appears to be entirely alone; and its objective from its early march is evi- dently the major's convoy. The major's mission is just as definitely to defend the convoy, and get it away, or, if to do the latter is found impossible, then to destroy it. The major, of course, long ago determined to have a try at its defense. The only question . now to be answered is the manner thereof. In answering this he is sorry he has not had a little more time for a daylight recoimaissance of the ground. Had he amved well before the enemy, he would have taken up a position in readiness with the battalion at this cross- 126 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. roads, while he made a careful personal reconnaissance of the ground to the north, where he Ivnew the enemy was most likely to come; and then back to the southeast, to decide upon his action in that direction if the enemy happened to move that way. From crossroads 609 the major notes, in the rapidly increasing hght, that his map has given a very correct im- pression of the actual he of the ground. Before him for three-quarters of a mile to the northwest, north, and north- east are long gentle slopes practically unbroken, except for the two houses in the foreground. Near the 600-foot con- tour to the east, the ground falls away rather suddenly ; and would afford some cover for an attack from that direction. If the battalion were to continue its march, it could probably get into position squarely across the enemy's hne of advance at crossroads 601. A position there, however, has many disadvantages. The field of fire is short, because the gromid near the stream to the east drops away more rapidly that near 601, with dead spaces consequently not far out. Several folds north and south of the Hanover Road facilitate the covered advance of enveloping columns. The light timber east of Trostle enables an envelopment of the northern flank to get on that flank, and very close at hand mider perfect cover. A force enveloping the southern flank would tend to separate the battahon from the convoy and lay the latter bare. Finally, the position is a very poor one to v/ithdraw from because of the long glacislike slope behind it, which would have to be crossed under the enemy's fire. In Maj. A.'s situation a position wliich facilitates withdrawal is of importance, because nothing is gained by continuing the engagement after the convoy has safely passed St. Luke's church. A much better position is to be found right at hand, one facing northeast at the crossroads 609. It has an ex- cellent field of fu'e to its front and to both of its flanks. No advance toward Square Comer, except by a wide detour, can be made without attacking it. The road -on which the convoy is passing lies directly bchuid it, and more than a mile away. Any advance against this position will tend to drive the battalion toward its convoy and not to separate the two. Withdrawal is made very easy by the groves of timber immediately behuid, and the roUmg gi'omid and hghtly timbered stream lines farther to the west. An envelop- ment of its left is almost impracticable because of the wide expanse of perfectly open ground in that direction. An BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 127 onvelopmont of the right is easier, and woiikl bo the natural movement in attacking, unless the hostile battalion advances too far before learning where the Blues have taken position. Besides, if the enemy's combat reconnaissance is so insuf- ficient that he fails to locate the battalion in this flanking position, and starts his attack straight toward Square Corner, his incorrectly directed firing lines may be thrown into serious confusion, and much valuable time thereby be gained by the unexpected flanking fire from the Blue main position. The Reds should, if possible, be led into this en^or by a very wide deployment of the detachment at crossroads 601, and its early development of a heavy fire. The right flank is the weakest part of the position, because rather easily approached under cover from the east to close ranges. The support will, accordingly, be posted behind this flank. It is, of course, a further advantage, that the position can be occupied at once, and by covered routes. The major has two and three-fourths companies with which to defend it. To obtain from the outset a strong develop- ment of fire in this delaying action, he requires two full com- panies in the firmg Ime. The advance guard company will then be dra\Ma back into support. It is most convenient to send its leading units to crossroads 601 to check the enemy's direct advance, in retiring therefrom to cover the left of the battalion, and to hold off any small detachment the enemy may make to get at the convoy in that direction. This com- pany will also have to send a squad to roadfork 582 to cover the right flank. There is no time to entrench. In fact any movement to do so now would simply invite hostile attention to the real position. If the battalion can hold until the convoy has passed the Shebley farm, the latter can then be considered safe. At 4.30 a. m. the convoy's head is nearing roadfork 598, almost 2J miles from Shebley. To pass that point it will have to go 2i miles, plus 1 mile, its length, or 3| miles. The battahon then, with the convoy making 2 miles an hour, will have to hold its position for nearly two hours. Whether it can do so, without fighting to a decision, wiU depend very much upon the time taken by the hostile reconnaissance iji locating the Blue position. To be able to sweep the fold along the 600-foot contour the major is compelled to extend his right company to the 128 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS, first road bend soutlieast of the Font farmhouse. The left company will be astride the 601-609 road. His decision is to defend the position described above with companies A and B in the first line and Company C in support. THE BATTALION COMMANDER's ACTIONS AND ORDERS. Maj. A directed the commander of the advance guard 4.20 a. m. company at 4.20 a. m. : The enemy will very probably appear soon on the Hanover Road. The battalion halts at this crossroad. Send your two leading squads to the crossroads to the north on the Hanover Road to check the enemy when he appeal's. Halt the remainder of your company at this point and post small security detachments east and west of the battalion, which will be closed on Company C. When companies A and B came up they were halted, and directed to take cover in the timber west of the 601-609 road. The captains and staff were assembled at the cross- roads. 4.32 a. in. At 4.32 a. m. the major issued orders to those officers as follows : The enemy is marching west on the Hanover Road. His advance is already engaged with the detacliment of Coinpany C at the crossroads to the north. We will defend this crossroad. Company B will deploy between the Font farmhouse (pointing to it) and the first road bend to the southeast, to fire on tlie sector from the farmhouse to our right (the one northeast of road fork 594) to the one to the right front (pointing to the one 400 yards southeast of crossroads 601). Company A will deploy on both sides of this road (indicating the 609-601 road), to fire on the sector fi-om the farmhouse to the right front (400 yards southeast of crossroads 601) to the one to the left front (Wcntz). Both companies will take every care to avoid attracting hostile attention in occupying the position. Do not open fire until ordered by me. Company C will withdraw under cover to a station in support at the farm- house south of us (Gebhai'dt). It will send a squad across the stream east of that farmhouse to cover our right, and will direct the detachment now on the Hanover Road, upon withdrawing to cover our left from the vicinity of the orchard to the left front (Noel). Issue ammunition at once. Empty combat wagons and the ambulance will take station in the drawhead 400 yards west of this point, at the disposal, thereafter, of the surgeon. Battalion headquarters at this point, with which semaphore communica- tion will be maintained. The major then told the battalion adjutant to describe the situation to Capt. D, in charge of the convoy, and to impress upon him the necessity for permitting r^o delay in the march of the convoy. BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 129 SKETCH No. 12. SH-uation af 5 ^ A.M. May 6. Red Force 98755°— 17 9 Blue Force 130 STUDIES IN MINOK TACTICS. He notified the battalion surgeon that he would withdraw as soon as the convoy was safely by, and that any wounded must go with the battalion. (See sketch No. 12.) THE WITHDRAWAL FEOM ACTION. The two squads of Company C had been in position at crossroads 601 but a few minutes, when a hostile detachment came over the rise west of the Rebert farm.. Fire was opened at once upon the Reds. The latter promptly sent parties under cover north and south of the Hanover Road, so that by 5 a. m the Blue detachment was flanked and compelled to fall back to the Noel house. The enemy occupied the crest at 601 and opened fire upon the retreating Blues. A Red patrol from the direction of the H. Felty house ran into the position of Company B, and the enemy conse- quently became aware that the Blues had something at cross- 5a.m. roads 609. From 5 a. m. to 5.40 the Red patrols devel- oped an intense reconnaissance, the enemy evidently being in some doubt whether the Blues were to be found in strength 5.45 a. m. toward Square Corner or toward the Font farm. At 5.45 a. m. Red firing lines began to appear to the east. Shortly thereafter three of their' companies were deployed and fii-ing. Reports from the convoy indicated that its center was by this time (5.45) near St. Luke's Church. It was time to withdraw. The major accordingly issued orders as follows: F. 0. No. 9. First Battalion, 6 a. m. 6 May, 6 a. m. 1. The convoy has passed Wliitehall. 2. The battalion will withdraw to St. Luke's Church. 3. (a) The ambulance and combat wagons by farm road southwest of them and Whitehall at once. (6) Company C via Whitehall at once. (c) Companies B and A due west across country at my signal "To the rear." B, Major. This order was prepared between 5.30 and 6 a. m., the hour simply being left to be put in at the last. Copies were started simultneously for the three companies and for the surgeon. As soon as Company C and the ambulance and wagons had gained a few hundred yards the signal was given to Companies B and A, in turn, to start. Company A did not receive its signal till Company B was due south of 609. Each company was followed by a small rear guard. At road fork 637 the battalion assembled and continued the march under the protection of Company A as its rear party. PART III.— A BATTALION OF INFANTRY. Attack of a Convoy. On May 5 Red and Blue armies are confronting each other in Red territory, on the hne Hmitei-s Rmi-Newville (sketch 10 and Guide Map). The Blue invading army has advanced from the southwest. Blue line of communication troops have been collect- mg supplies southeast of Littlestown. The First Battahon, First Red Infantry, marched May 5 from York and camped at Brushtown about 8 p. m. It had been sent to drive off the Blue troops engaged in the work of coUectmg and to recapture any supphes they may have gathered. While the battalion is a regular organiza- tion its men are nearly 70 per cent recruits. The 20 mile march has pretty well exhausted these new men. By 9 p. m., through an extensive use of the telephone, the major in command has learned that the Blues, whose total strength is reported as 500 or 600 men, passed thi'ough Lit- tlestown earlier m the evening with a long convoy of im- pressed wagons; that they made camp a mile to the north of that town; and that the Blues came into Littlestown two days before from the northwest via Hunterstowii and BoneauviUe. Heavy rains have put aU roads in bad condition. The Red outpost consists of a squad at the Little Conewago crossing on the Hanover Road, another squad at 525 W, and a cossack post at the radroad bridge near 525 W; all from Company D. THE BATTALION COMMANDER's ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. The major's mission was clearly stated in his orders. Nothing has arisen to cause any change therein. Of the enemy he has reports that the hostile strength is 500 or 600 men and that the convoy is large. The estimate of the Blue strength, rendered by civilians, may be very far from the truth. Having come into Littlestown by way of BoneauviUe and Hmiterstown, the Blues will be likely, in 131 132 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. strange and hostile countiy, to return by the same route, unless they learn of the presence of the Red battalion. From Brushtown to Littlestown is about 4 miles as the crow flies. Since the Reds reached Brushtown late in the evening and the Blues likewise passed Littlestown late m the evening, it is very possible that the latter, in hostile comitry, have not learned of the presence of the Red battalion. If so, the Blues will probably move out at a customary hour to-morrow morning and along the route over which they came. If they learn of the Red's presence, they may march at a very early hour and perhaps by Gettysburg. In this case Maj. A will fail to catch the convoy unless he, too, marches to-night or at an exceedingly early hour in the morning. To march at once, however much he would like to do so, with his very tired troops, is out of the question. They have done from 20 to 22 miles over muddy roads, and are largely recruits. Even to march at dawn, which comes about 4.25 a. m., wdU work considerable hardship, since experienced men would have to be up an hour beforehand, and these recruit organizations will need perhaps half an hour more for preparation. The major concludes, that if he starts at 4 o'clock, he will require about all that is practicable from his men. More definite information about the Blue strength, dis- positions, and intentions must be obtained to-night. The men are too tired to be sent as a dismounted patrol. The adjutant and two mounted orderhes must, therefore, go on that duty. Assuming that the location of the hostile camp has been correctly reported, and having decided that he will march at 4 o'clock, the major must next decide what is to be the immediate objective of that march. If he proceeds directly towards Pleasant Hill S. H., or towards Wliitehall, the enemy, by moving early, may get by before the Red battalion arrives. If he marches towards BoneauviUe, he will have the best chance of intercepting the convoy, provided the Blues return as they came. If they go instead via Gettys- burg, and both Reds and Blues start at the same time, and inarch at the same rate, the first, having 10 f miles to go, and the latter 9|, the Reds, considering the probable length of the convoy, should be able to cut it off at Gettysburg. The Reds should have no difficulty, in reahty, in moving very much faster than the convoy. There would, however, be great danger for the Reds in working so far in toward the rear of the main Blue army. BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 133 It seems best, though, to determine upon the route nov/, only as far as crossroads 601 ; to send out to-night a mounted patrol to remain in touch with the enemy; and to start dis- mounted patrols at an early hour to strike the enemy's most likely line of march by Whitehall and Boneauville at the salient points, in the expectation that by the time crossroads 601 is reached, information will be at hand to determine the best course thereafter. If, at this point, the enemy seems to be still in camp, the Red battalion will march on Whitehall S. H. Wlien Whitehall S. H. is reached, if the convoy is . still in camp, the Red battalion will turn south to attack it. If it is then marching on Boneauville, the Reds wiU remain in position at WTiitehall S. H, If the Blues start west, on the Baltimore Turnpike, from their camp, there may be time to cut the convoy off by marching southwest between AUov/ay and Plum Creeks. If when crossroads 601 is reached, the enemy seems to have started for Gettysburg, the Reds will hurry their march by Square Corner and Boneauville. If he has started for BoneauviUe, the Red battalion, unless pre- vented by hostile covering parties, will continue via Square Corner. The major decides, therefore, to send a mounted patrol at once toward Littlestown, and three dismounted patrols at 3 a. m. for the Littlestown- Whitehall-Boneauville road, and to march the battalion at 4 a. m., provisionally on crossroads 601. THE BATTALION COMMANDER'S ACTIONS AND ORDERS. The major and his adjutant were together at the tele- phone central in Brushtown, when the information of the Blue movements was obtained from Littlestown, and they noted the houses that have telephones connections north of Littlestown and along the Hanover road. The major at 10 p. m. directed the adjutant: ^°p-"' I want you to take both our orderlies and proceed via Littlestown to learn the hostile strength and dispositions. It is particularly important to field out whether he will march to-morrow by Whitehall and Boneauville, or by the Baltimore Turnpike toward Gettysburg. The battalion will march at 4 a. m. to crossroads GOl. Its action thereafter will depend upon the movements of the Blues. Maintain telephone communication with me. I will leave messengers at each farmhouse as we pass. The major had the cooks awakened at 2 o'clock, and the battalion at 2.30. At 2 o'clock the major sent for the 2 a.m. captain of Company A and directed him : Littlestown reports that the enemy camped with a large convoy north of that town last night. We will march at 4 o'clock toward Boneauville. 134 STUMES IN MINOR TACTICS. Your company will be the advance guard. I want to send three patrols of aix men each, one under an officer, and all from your company, ahead at 3 o'clock. They will go by Square Corner toward St. Luke's Church, by crossroads 601 oq Whitehall S. H., and by Felty S. H. toward Pleasant Hill S. H. — the officer by the central route. Have them ready to march at 3 o'clock, and seod their leaders to me for ii^tructions about 10 minutes l>efore that hour. 2.50 a. m. At 2.50 a. m. he instructed Lieut, M, and Sergts. K and S, as follows: Five or six hundred Blues, in charge of a large convoy, are reported to have camped last night north of Littlestown. Lieut. K (battalion adju- tant) with two mounted orderlies s'tarted via Littlestown at 10 o'clock last night to reconnoiter the hostile camp. This battalion will march at 4 o'clock, provisionally on crossroads COl, about 2 miles west of Brushtowu on the road to Gettysburg. I want your patrols to proceed at 3 o'cloc'k to within sight of the Littlestown-Boneauville road and keep me informed of the hostile movements. Lieut. M will start the tkree patrols together. At the A. Rifle farm, about a mile west of Brushtowo, he will detach Sergt. S, with his five men, by Felty S. H. toward Pleasant Hill S. H.; at cross- roads 601, a mile farther to the west, he will detach Sergt, K, with his five men, by Square Corner toward St. Luke's Church; and will himself pro- ceed, with the remainder, by the Font farm toward WTiitehall S. H. Make every practicable use of telephones in reporting information obtained. I will station messengers at all telephones we pass on the Hanover road. 2a.m. At 3 a. m. the major assembled his captains and staff, less the adjutant, and ordered: Littlestown reports that 500 or 600 Blues camped last night, in charge of a large convoy, about a mile north of that town. Lieiit. K (battalion adju- tant), with two mounted orderlies, left at 10 o'clock last night to reconnoiter the enemy's camp. Three dismounted patrols from Company A are now starting toward St. Luke's Church, \Miitehall S. H., and Pleasant Hill S. H. We will march at 4 o'clock, provisionally on crossroads 601, 2 miles west of Brushtown on the road toward Boneauville, to attack that convoy. Company A will constitute the advance guard, and will clear the Brush- town road fork at 4 o'clock. This company will place men at each farm telephone, as passed, to receive and transmit messages fi'om our patrols. The main body of the battalion in the order — ^B, C, and D Companies — will follow at 600 yards. The outpost detachments will close in on the Hanover road in time to join their company at the crossing of the Little Conewago. The field train will be assembled in camp as soon as the battalion has gone, and will await orders. I will march with the advance guard. ORDERS, COMMANDER OF THE ADVANCE GUARD. The captain of Company A assembled that organization 3.50 a. m. ^t 3.50 a. m., marched it to the Brushtown road fork, halted it with its tail at that point, and directed: Littlestown reports that 500 or 600 Blues, escorting a large convoy, camped last night about a mile north of that town. Our battalion is marching to BATTALIOX OF INFANTRY. 135 attack the convoy. We have one mounted and three dismounted patrols out to the west and southwest. This company is the advance guard. The first platoon, as advance party, will precede the remainder of the company by 400 yards, marching by the Hanover road toward Boneauville. It will get its distiince at once. The first lieutenant immediately set his platoon in march. When he had gained 400 yards he halted the platoon, and directed his sergeant: Take the first squad forward as the point. Get 200 yards distance and halt until I signal, "Forward." Both the lieutenant and the captain sent connecting files forward at about 30 yards apart, for although there was a moon, it was not bright. Exactly at 4 o'clock the cap- tain signaled, "Forward march." At the A. Rifle road fork a patrol of four men was sent south to crossroads 581, thence west by the H. Felty farm and crossroads 609, to come back to the Hanover road at crossroads 601. AN INFANTRY PATROL. For the first hour the march of Lieut. M's reconnoitering patrols was without particular incident. The one, the route of which led by Square Corner, arrived in the vicinity of the road fork between St. Luke's Church and the Shebley farm at 4.20 a. m. ; and the one by Feltj^ S. H., in the vicinity of crossroads 633, northwest of Pleasant Hill S. H., at 4.10 a. m. En route this patrol was passed by two Blue hoi'se- men, one an officer. The Red patrol heard the enemy's horses in time to clear the road, and permitted the hostile patrol to pass without attempting a capture; but the fact of the Blue's passage was reported in the first message sent back. Lieut. M., with the central patrol, came to crossroads 609 about 3.50 a. m., and finding a countryman already up milk- 3.50 a. m. ing the cows at the nearby house, learned from the man that no Blues had been seen in the neighborhood, and that the night had been a quiet one. The patrol marched south from that point, with an advance guard of the corporal and one man, followed at 10 yards by the lieutenant and one man, while the other two, as the rear guard, were 10 yards behind the lieutenant. At road fork 606, as the patrol tm-ned toward the Small farmhouse, its passing disturbed some dogs at the house near 606. Their barking died away after the patrol had passed a hundred yards or so, but a few minutes later started up again most persistently. The lieutenant 136 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS, decided something was happening behind him which required investigation. He immediately signaled his patrol to move into the field to the north. After waiting quietly there for a short time, without anyone passing toward Whitehall and yet with the barking continuing at the crossroads, the lieu- tenant directed his patrol to stay where it was, while he with one man moved across the fields to the east. Crouching within a few yards of the 606-609 road, he watched some 100 Blue soldiers move north thereon, followed. at 200 or 300 yards by a couple of companies, three escort wagons, and one ambulance. The lieutenant waited 15 minutes to see whether other hostile troops were following them. By this time, 4.20 a. m., it was evident that dawn was near at hand. The patrol could not remain many minutes longer in the open field without great risk. The information the heuten- ant had just obtained was of the greatest importance, and must be sent to the major as promptly as possible. To get that information back would not, however, warrant his re- turning vnih the whole patrol. His mission v/as by no m.eans completed. He had not yet located the convoy, and did not know where the Blue battahon v\^as going. The first thing, though, to do before proceeding to obtain more information, was to get his patrol into some sort of cover, then write and forward his report of what had just been seen. To find out where the convoy was, would require a movement westward while the Blue battalion was marching north, and his reports had to be sent to the east. To split his patrol in the three directions while attempting to attend to all of these matters at once, was higldy inadvisable, as upon his personal obser- vation and leadership must very largely depend the value of the information obtained, and the likelihood of its getting safely back. The most important immediate duty was to get his message started to the east, and it would seem to have a better chance of safe arrival, if he moved the whole patrol east of the hostile line of march before detaching his messengers. But before starting to put this decision into effect, on the chance of being able to telephone, he moved back to the farmhouse, 400 yards northwest of 606, where he learned not only that they had no telephone, but that none was to be found in any of the nearby houses. Returning then to the main body of the patrol, he conducted it rapidly to the south of the 606, Small road, and thence east into the light timber southeast of road fork 611 . The patrol worked BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 137 into the northern part of the grove. One man climbed a tree a few yards south of the 611-582 road to observe to the north, in the direction the enemy's battalion had gone. And one man was stationed, some 10 yards out, on each of the remaining sides. The lieutenant, in the center of the group, wrote the following message: No. 1, Near Road Fork 60G, One Mile East of Whitehall, May 6, 4-30 a. m. Three Blue companies passed road fork 606 marching toward 609 at 4.10 a. m. M., Lieutenant.- Two of the men were directed to take this to the bat- talion, by moving along the stream hne heading east of the timber in which the patrol was then. They were to tell the major that Lieut. M. intended to follow the enemy. Within five minutes after the departure of the messengers the lookout called to the lieutenant that he could see the hostile transportation halted a few hundred yards up the road to the north. The lieutenant joined the lookout. As it grew lighter, he made out two Blue companies in the road southwest of crossroads 609. A little later these, evidently, drew their extra ammunition; then the wagons and ambu- lance disappeared in the timber west of the road, Avhile one company deployed across the road east of the crossroads (609), and another deployed farther to the east, with its left at the Font farmhouse. Presently a weak compan}'^ came back from the crossroads and took station in the clump of timber east of the inclosure about the Gebhardt farmhouse. This was the Blue situation as the Red patrol leader saw it at 4.45 a. m. He had obtained very definite information of the greatest possible value, provided it could be got to the major without delay. He had seen the enemy take up a position that flanked the proper hne advance of the Red battalion and which might cause the battalion a maximum of trouble unless promptly detected. Lieut. M must, of course, hurry in his report. Shall he take his whole patrol back to effect the delivery, or simply send another pair of messengers? Two men should be able to shp through with less chance of detection than four men, and the heutenant has yet a part of his mission to accomphsh. While the convoy is probably coming by Whitehall, he has not seen it, and the major will want facts from him, not guesses. He decides to send a written message by two men, and then 138 STUDIES IN MINOK TACTICS. work over to the west with the remaining man, to locate the convoy. No. 2, Near Road Fork 606, One Mile East of Whitehall, 6 May, 5 a. m. Two Blue companies have deployed on line crossroads 609, Font farm- house. A third company is in support at Gebhardt farmhouse. Sketch on back. Am moving west to locate convoy. M, Lieutenant. The corporal and one man were sent with this by the route of the first messengers. They were cautioned that they were likely to meet hostile patrols, but that it was of the utmost importance, not only to get through, but to get through very promptly, or the information would reach the major too late to be of value. The lieutenant with the one remaining man, moved to the southern part of the wood, then up the draw to the south- west, and into the timber west of road fork 599, where he 5.10 a.m. arrived at 5.10. Climbing a large tree, he saw the whole mile-long convoy stretched out on the Littlestown-Boneau- ville road with its head nearing Whitehall. He had now ob- tained all of the information he had sent for, and there seemed nothing further to be learned that would warrant his delaying a moment in starting back with what he had just acquired. To use a single messenger, even in this very friendly country, would not be advisable, because any route by which the message could be carried without a wide detour, must be made very dangerous by the enemy's pa- trols. The lieutenant started back via the wood and stream southeast of the Gebhardt farm. Near road fork 599 he found an intelligent farmer who told him the telephone lines in the vicinity had been cut by the Blues, but that he would be glad to go to the houses to the south, and try to get the lieutenant's message through from there. The follow- ing was hurriedly penciled and handed him: Major A: Hanover road between Wentz and Rebert farms. Convoy moving on Boneauville. Head nearing Whitehall at 5.10 a. m. M, Lieutenant. The lieutenant proceeding rapidly along the route de- cided upon, fell into an ambuscade that the Blues had set for him near road fork 582, was captured with the soldier fol- lowing him, and some time later had the mortification of join- ing his second pair of messengers near the Gebhardt farm. He had obtained definite insight into all of the enemy's dispositions, but, as will be so frequently the case, was un- able to get the information to the headquarters where it was BATTALION OF li^'FANTRY. IS'O needed. It is one thing to obtain information, but anotlier, and frequently a much more difficult matter to transmit it. A BATTALION ATTACK ADVANCE GUARD RECONNAISSANCE. At 4.30 a. m. the point of the battalion, coming over the 4.30 a. m. rise west of the Rebert farm, received such a fire from the crest half a mile to the west that the men were compelled io take cover from and return it. The lieutenant in com- mand of the advance party deployed a second squad along- side the first, and started his remaining one and one-half squads; four men of his platoon had been sent south at A. Rifle, in two patrols to work west under cover of the stream lines, north and south of the Hanover road. The rest of Company A turned up the southern stream line, and follovv^ed the left patrol, which by that time was some 400 yards up the draw. At 4.50 a. m. this patrol reached the house and 4.50 a. m. orchard 400 yards southeast of crossroads 601, immediately deployed, and opened fire toward 601. By 4.55 a. m,, when the company was about a hundred yards east of the farm- house, the captain ordered his second platoon into the orchard to reinforce the patrol then there. Upon the deploy- ment of this platoon, the enemy's fire at once slackened, and by 5 o'clock had entirely stopped. The second platoon 5 a.m. advanced a hundred yards beyond the crossroads, and again ojiened fire toward the west. From the farmhouse the cap- tain, a few minutes before this, had seen one man of his flanking patrol in the field north of the H. Felty house. He concluded, therefore, that if the enemy had anything near crossroads 609, that fact would be determined before many moments by the flanking patrol. Meantime, and until the leading platoon had also gained a little more ground to the west, he would hold the company under cover east of the farmhouse. About 5.10 a. m. a single man came running in s.io a. m. from the southeast to report that the other three men of his patrol had been captured by a number of Blues, about 500 yards southeast of crossroads 609; that he had been the rear point of the patrol, and by hard running had escaped, although several shots were fired at him. A noncommis- sioned officer, from crossroads 601, also reported that whea the platoon went over the crest from 12 to 15 widely ex- tended Blues were in rapid retreat about 600 yards west of that point; that these disappeared immediately in an orch- ard (Noel), from which fire was opened a few minutes later; and that the second platoon was now gaining some ground in that direction, but not at all rapidly. 140 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. The captain of the advance guard company, altlioiigh much time had been lost already, had so far not been a])le to do very much toward clearing up the situation. The enemy might liave only a strong patrol in front of him and another toward crossroads 609. And yet, since the enemy might be in strength in either of these directions, the bat- talion could hardly advance till more had been learned. 6.12 a.m. f]^Q captain accordingly issued orders at 5.12 a. m. to his first lieutenant, who had come up v/ith the bulk of the orig- inal advance party, to vSergt. Y, and Corpls, B and C, as follows : The second platoon is driving a party of Reds along the Hanover Road toward Square Corner. Our left flank patrol found a number of Blues near that farmhouse (Font) to the southv/est. We must determine at once where the enemy's strength is. Sergt. Y will reinforce the second platoon with the ninth and tenth squads. The first platoon will move up this draw west of us, and advance straight toward the crossroads (609) to the southwest. Corpl. B, with three men of his squad, will work rapidly over to the house (Wentz) a half a mile west of us, and thence to the southwest. Corpl. C, with three of his men, will move by the house due south of this point (indicating the one northeast of road fork 594). Messages to this house (400 yards southesat of 601). The second platoon by 5.25 a. m. bega,n to gain ground toward the west by long rushes; the first platoon had reached the house 350 yards southwest of crossroads 601 and was stopped there by heavy fire from both sides of the 601-609 road; the patrol working southwest from the Wentz house also was stopped by fire from the inclosure 300 yards northwest of crossroads 609, and the patrol to the south had not been able to get beyond the house 200 yards northeast of road fork 594. THE BATTALION COMMANDER' S ESTIMATE OF THE SITUA- TION. Turnincr now to the battalion commander we find that the major received reports somewhat as follows: At 4 o'clock, from the battalion adjutant by telephone, that the hostile battalion marched north at 3 o'clock; and about 5 o'clock, also by telephone, that the convoy marched on Whitehall at 4 o'clock. No reports were received from either of the dismounted patrols by Square Corner or by Felty S. H. At 5.10 a. m., Lieut. M's No. 1 came in, re- porting that three hostile companies had passed road fork 606 at 4.10 a. m. C.25 a. m. BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 141 During the advance-guard reconnaissance the main body- was assembled west of the stream line west of the Rebert farm. The three captains joined the major at the farmhouse 400 yards southeast of crossroads GOl. The latter, by 5.10 a. m., had a pretty clear idea of the enemy's general dispositions. The Blues had apparently sent three companies out to meet the Red battalion while the convoy was passing by Whitehall and Boneauville, At first, while the enemy still held the 601 crest, there was con- siderable doubt but that he would be fomid with the greater part of his three companies directly m front of the Reds. As soon as the flanking patrol to the south reported that a number of Blues were in the direction of crossroads 609, and that the crossroads at 601 had been cleared of the enemy, the major concluded that they were probably in strength at 609: It would not do to wait much longer for exact informa- tion. The hostile convoy had been on the road for more than an hour and would soon be beyond reach. If the major attacks toward crossroads 609, and the Blues happen to be in the direction of Square Comer, no harm Vv^ill be done, because he should still be able, by a rapid advance, to strike the convoy on the WhitehaU-Boneauville road. But on the other hand, if the Blues are in strength at 609, and he attempts to march by, toward Square Corner, the battalion wiU be stopped by the fire from the enemy's position. Any thought of a detour to the north, with the idea of striking the convoy somewhere north of Boneauville, is at once dropped. The best way to get at the convoy is to beat its escort, and that escort appears now to be offering an engagement. While the major is considering the matter, the platoon of Company A starts toward 609, and draws a heavy fire there- from. That removes the last doubt in the major's mind that the Blue battahon is at 609. An envelopment of the hostile left would require too great a detour to get troops in position for attacking, and the ground m front of that flank is open to long ranges. An envelopment of the hostile right is favored by the stream line, which permits the attacking column to get fairly close in, under good cover. But it has the disadvantage that the two attacks wiU be separated by too great a distance, since the weak advance-guard company should continue its attack do\vn the 601-609 road. It seems better, therefore, to make a frontal attack with three companies, while causing 142 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. the fourth company to follow along tlie stream to envelop, if to do so becomes expedient as the attack proceeds. In attackmg a convoy, it is usually advisable to make a detachment the sole function of which is to get the convoy. While eveiyone's attention is attracted by the events of the engagement, that detachment will, quite frequently, find its opportunity somewhe-re. The present case does not differ in this respect from the normal. Company A has six squads, under an officer, that are rapidly driving an inferior Blue force toward Square Comer, in which direction there should now also be the patrol of six men that left Brush- town at 3 o'clock. If assigned the mission of getting the convoy, this detachment may, very likely, assisted by the timber along the stream lines south and southwest of Square Corner, be able at least seriously to delay it. The major decides to attack frontally with three com- panies ; To have the fourth follow the left of the attacking line along the stream by H. Felty; and To assign the reinforced Second Platoon of Company A the mission of stopping the convoy. THE BATTALION COMMANDER's ATTACK ORDER. He accordingly issued orders to the four captains, at 5.20 a. m. 5.20 a. m., as follows: The enemy appears to have three companies in position from the cross- roads (609) southwest of lis to the road bend 200 yards southeast of the red (Font) farmhouse. The convoy marched to\yard BoneauAdlle at 4 a. m. We will attack at once. Company A (less its reinforced second platoon) toward the crossroads (609) to the southwest. I will order that reinforced second platoon to move rapidly west to get the convoy. Company B, deploying with its right 50 yards southeast of this house (one 400 yards southeast of crossroads GOl), will attack the red (Font) farmhouse. Company C will advance up the draw 400 yards southeast of this house (one 400 yards southeast of crossroads 601) to attack in the direction of the yellow house (Gebhardt). Company D, in support, will follow Company C at 200 yards along the stream line to the south. Issue ammunition at once and move out promptly. Empty ammuni- tion wagons will assemble at the Rebert farmhouse (the sergeant major attends to this) . I will go with the support. BATTALION OF INFANTRY. 143 SKETCH No.l3. Si-fua+ion a-|- 6'5 A.M. Ma/ 6 144 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. First Battalion, 6 May, 5.25 a. m. Commander Second Platoon, Company A: Blue Battalion is in position on Font farm. Convoy left camp at 4 a. m.j and is marching via \Miiteliall. Our battalion attacks Blue Battal- ion. Your reinforced platoon will proceed rapidly west and stop the convoy. B, Major. The captains started for their companies at 5.25 a. m. Extra ammunition was issued by 5.35 a. m., and the deploy- ment began. Company A did not attempt to draw ammuni- 6.45 a. m. tion. By 5.45 a. m. three companies were deployed on the hne of the farmhouse, 400 yards southwest of crossroads 601 and H. Felty, and had opened fire. Twenty minutes later it was plain that the hostile lines were withdrawing. The major urged everything forward, but the ground fa- vored the hostile retirement too greatly to permit the attack to bring them again to bay. (See sketch No. 13.) PART IV.— CAVALRY PATROL. Situation. A foreign (Red) Army has taken possession of Baltimore and Washington. A Blue Army is being assembled to the northwest of the territory occupied by the Reds, and has sent forward covering detachments, one of which is at Carlisle, 30 miles north of Gettysburg. On June 30 the commanding general at Carlisle sent for Lieut. A, First Cavalry, and gave him the following order at 5 p. m. : Small hostile parties, probably all cavalry, were reported to be very active in the general vicinity of Gettysburg this morning. All wire com- munication with that place ceased at noon to-day, and inhabitants sent south in. automobiles have been either held or, learning ©f hostile parties on the road they were on, have turned back. The Carlisle-Center Mills road, as far as Center Mills, was free of the enemy at the last report a few moments ago. Your squadron will be Pssembled this evening at Carlisle and will march on Center Mills early in the morning. Yovir troop will be relieved of its present duties and will go with the squadron. In the meantime you will take two noncommissioned officers and eight men of your troop and patrol toward Gettysburg, starting as soon as you can get ready. I desire accurate informationof the strength and movements of the enemy that has appeared around Gettysburg. Send reports to me here. Return when you have cleared up the situation. The weather is warm and clear; roads dusty; streams low; moon rises at 10 p. m. The main road from Carlisle to Gettysburg runs through Center Mills. REQUIRED. (a) Details of the assembly and march of the patrol till Center Mills is reached, no enemy being encountered up to that time. (h) Lieut. A's reasons for the action taken. PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS. Lieut. A first obtained from his captain the men and horses that were to accompany him. The horses were next inspected to see that they were in good physical con- dition and well shod, the captain's assistance being requested 98755°— 27 10 145 146 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. n, in replacing poor horses and in substituting suitable animals for those of conspicuous color or those that were known to neigh when alone. The horses finally selected were then inspected, and the captain requested to have the horseshoer tighten or reset all loose shoes. The horses were then watered and fed, and the men instructed to get their supper. As soon as they had finished eating, the men were in- structed to obtain a cooked meal to take with them, to fill their canteens with cofi"ee, and to provide themselves with a half feed of grain, to be carried in nose bags; to leave their extra clothing, toilet articles, and shelter tent equipment tied up in bundles in charge of the troop quartermaster sergeant, but to take with them their slickers and one reserve ration each. While the men were making these preparations, Lieut. A ate his supper and then tried to secure for his men as many as possible of the following articles: Six wire cutters, so that he and every other man would have a pair. For each of his noncommissioned officers, the following: Pad of message blanks, pencil, compass, map, and field glasses. AU of these articles were obtained, except the field glasses and maps. However, Lieut. A made for each noncommis- sioned officer a tracing of his own map which indicated the roads and streams and the higher hills. Lieut. A had his own kit complete, including a pocket flash light. The patrol then saddled up and mounted, and the Ueutenant inspected each man to see that he carried just the articles he was told to take, and no others, and that arms and equipments were so disposed that they would not rattle. The situation and Lieut. A's intentions were then explained to the whole patrol. We will assume that these preparations were completed by 6.30 p. m. Just before starting Lieut. A inquired at headquarters whether any further information had been received. The patrol then moved out by the main road in the fol- lowing order: Point, Corpl. X and one private (distance 200 yards); Lieut. A and the remainder of the patrol, less two privates (distance 100 yards); two privates. The march to Center Mills was made at a rate of 5 to 5 i miles per hour, the distances being reduced by half as dark- ness fell. CAVALRY PATROL. 147 REASONS. Lieut. A is starting on a ride of indefinite duration. He must take the time for careful preparation before starting, in order to insure physical conditions that will admit of accomplishing his mission. More time would eventually be lost than gained by rushing off with men and horses hungry, and otherwise unprepared for extreme exertion. If the men had already eaten supper and horses had been fed, as would frequently be the case at 5 p. m., a much earlier start could be made. Lieut. A has authority to exchange unfit horses or men, or to take the horseshoer from the work assigned him by the captain, or to add to the load of the troop baggage wagon. For these arrangements he must consult his cap- tain, who will render aU the assistance the situation of the troop, as a whole, warrants. Should Lieut. A's patrol be gone for several days, as seems not unlikely, he will have to subsist his men and horses off the country; but this will not be difficult in friendly farming country, and will be better than burdening the horses with the weight of rations and grain. On the other hand, it is best always to have ready one meal for men and horses, so it may be consumed when needed without delaying to pro- cure it. It win then be replaced at the first favorable op- portunity. The time of year, state of the weather, and conditions of the march thus enable the horses to be relieved of much weight, which will increase their speed and endurance. As the road as far as Center Mills is reported free of the enemy, Lieut. A will not waste time and energy in elaborate measures for the protection of his march, but will proceed by the main route, merely putting out a couple of men in advance so he will not be surprised and captured, should conditions have changed before he reaches Center Mills. This will require no extra exertion of horses and men, and is a necessary precaution. Over this roUing country in hot weather a gait of 5 to 5^ miles per hour is as fast as the horses can go and still retain sufficient energy for a long-continued march or a burst of speed in an emergency. Situation (continued) : Lieut. A reached, without incident, the northern outskirts of Center MiUs at 10.15 p. m., and found the village quiet and most of the houses dark. 148 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. Required: Conduct of the patrol at Center Mills. On approaching Center Mills, Lieut. A sent a man forward to his point with this order: Join Corpl. X and tell him that his party is to trot straight through the village, while the patrol halts here. He will then halt as a march outpost and send you back with a message, if all is clear, in which case the patrol will move into the village and halt there for a few minutes, while Corpl. X and companion remain on watch at the first road fork south of the creek that runs through the village. 10.30 p. m. On return of the man from Corpl. X, Lieut. A rode with his patrol into the village, dismounted it, after posting one man as a lookout, called and questioned some of the inhab- itants, and telephoned to detachment headquarters at Carlisle a report of his arrival at Center Mills, a summary of the statements of the inhabitants, and a statement that the patrol would continue south at once. Mail in the post office was not examined, as the people were friendly and willing to give all possible information. PROVISION FOR TRANSMITTING INFORMATION. The owner of two good horses was found and instructed to hide the horses, so that no hostile patrols could find them, and to be ready to turn them over to any messengers Lieut. A might send back. The above was done in case the tele- phone failed to work, and the messengers' horses should be exhausted. The telephone office and the place where the owner of the horses could be found was then pointed out to aU the members of the patrol. Situation (continued) : At Center Mills it was learned that aU wire connection south of the Conewago had ceased during the afternoon, and that farmers living just north of the Conewago had reported seeing numerous small parties of the enemy late in the afternoon, but that no hostile party seemed to have come closer than about 2 miles to Center Mills. 10.45 p. m. At 10.45 p. m. Lieut. A is ready to proceed. Required: (a) Conduct of the patrol from Center Mills to the Conewago. (b) Reasons for action taken. Lieut. A moved the patrol forward till he was in touch with Corpl. X, and then ordered: To Pvt. Z— Fall back until the patrol is about 100 yards in front of you and retain that position. Watch to the rear so that we shall not be surprised from that direction, and should the patrol encounter the enemy, keep out of the CAVALRY PATROL. 149 fight. Should the patrol be ambushed and captured, you will hasten to Center Mills and telephone a report of the matter to headquarters at Carlisle, and then proceed back along the route we have come, and join our squadron. Do not rush off with a report that the patrol has been captured till you are sure that no part of the patrol, which you could join, has escaped and gone off in a different direction. Repeat your instructions. All right. Take your place. To Sergt. Y— Take charge of these six men, as the main body of the patrol, and follow the point at about 150 yards. Have the men ride on the grass at the side of the road, so the horses will make little noise. Talking and smoking are forbidden. I will be with the point. Should the point hastily fall back toward you, you will gallop to the rear till I can join you and reorganize the patrol. Lieut. A then joined Corpl. X and his companion, and having directed them to move noiselessly on the turf beside the road, proceeded south on the main road, at a walk. REASONS. Lieut. A moves at a walk, because the enemy may soon be encountered, and he does not wish to be ambushed. Trotting horses can be heard for a considerable distance, and thus at night, when hearing is the sense most used, the enemy would know the patrol was coming, in time to lay a trap for it. Furthermore, when riding at a trot, one's own horse makes so much noise, that one can hear nothing else, unless the sound be very loud. Until he knows the direct road is barred, Lieut. A will keep to it, as being shortest and but little more danger- ous than any other; besides, it is necessary to know just where the enemy does bar this main road, and by keeping on it the possibility of getting lost is removed. On meeting the enemy, the patrol may be fired upon, but night firing is generally ineffective. To patrol to the right and left at each crossroad be- fore proceeding, would greatly delay the patrol, which, moreover, passes such a point in a short time and does not stand so much in need of this precaution as would a longer column. Situation (continued): At 1L20 p. m. Lieut. A's patrol "^op. m. reached crossroad 600 (near Hill 646, three-quarters of a mile north of Table Rock) without incident. Here Lieut. A dismounted and, using his pocket light, made a careful study of the tracks on the road. He could tell that a few mounted men had passed in both directions along each of the road branches, but could not determine how old the 150 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. tracks were, because the artificial light made their color quite different from the appearance of tracks in dayhght, and the dew had not yet affected the dust in the road. As farmers in this vicinity seldom ride, and it was known that no Blue troops were near, Lieut. A judged that hostde patrols had been on these roads during the afternoon or evening. The patrol then proceeded to the top of Hill 646. Here Corpl. X and his companion were sent, as a march out- post, 300 yards south on the road, the patrol has halted, and the inhabitant of the house on the hill was wakened and questioned. The latter stated that a few hostile patrols had been seen late in the afternoon, gomg sometimes in one di- rection and sometimes in the other. A small party of the enemy had entered his yard and house and looked about; but except from stealing a few edibles and destroying his telephone, had not molested the inhabitants. The last hostile party seen had passed toward Table Rock at about 8 p. m. No inhabitants had come north smce about 4 p. m., when the first hostile party had appeared. A RUSE. Lieut. A mounted his patrol and led it to where Corpl. X had halted. The corporal reported nothing observed, except that there was a loose horse grazing along the road about 300 yards to the south. The corporal stated that he had been much exercised about the movements of this horse, and finally investigated and found that the animal was lame and wore no harness or equipment of any kind. The patrol, in its previous formation, then proceeded to road junction 553, the old horse keeping just ahead of the patrol as it advanced. Here Lieut. A directed Sergt. Y: Halt here with the patrol. I am going to take Corpl. X and reconnoiter the bridge. Should we be driven back and pursued, we will turn up the west fork of the road, and you can then, as a surprise, charge any one who pursues us. As the old horse kept constantly ahead of Lieut. A and his companion and could not be quietly passed or caught, Lieut. A dismomited and acquired a handful of stones which he threw at the animal, thus causing it to keep a considerable distance ahead of him on the road, along which members of the party rode in such manner as to keep as much as possible under cover of the weeds and bushes. Suddenly they were challenged in a foreign language; whereupon Lieut. A and the corporal stopped, but made no reply. At once the old horse wheeled about and came CAVALRY PATBOL. 151 back toward them. As the old horse passed, Lieut. A and his companion allowed their horses to turn and follow for a little way and then halted and Hstened. A few words in a foreign language were heard, followed by a laugh. By taking advantage of an unforeseen circumstance, Lieut. A had gained information without disclosing the presence of his patrol. First, he had learned that the bridge was guarded by the enemy, and, second, that the guard was composed of cool, dangerous men, who did not shoot whenever they thought something moved, but quietly waited till they were sure they had seen an enemy. A CHANGE OF ROUTE. Lieut. A quietly rejoined his patrol, cut the fence, and taking his previous formation moved across country to the southwest. By midnight the patrol had forded the Conewago, and was at the junction of the country roads, 400 yards east of Table Rock station, which was found to be free of the enemy. Required: Action and orders of Lieut. A. SIMULTANEOUS RECONNAISSANCE IN SEVERAL DIRECTIONS. Lieut. A posted a lookout on each of the three branches of the road, at a distance of 200 yards from the road junction, assembled the remainder of the patrol behind a bush, and had them look at his map by the aid of the flash-light, the glow from which was hmited by holding a slicker over it. He then ordered: Sergt. Y, take Pvts. and with you and go by the country' road to the west till you strike the main north and south road at Texas, about a mile west of here. I want to know whether or not the bridge across the Conewago, about one-half mile north of Texas, is held l)y the enemy, and whether or not a party of the enemy is at or near Texas, or at the cross- road three-quarters mile south of that place. I am going east to the main road we just left, and then north. Pvts. and will accom- pany me. Corpl. X, you and Pvts. and will accompany me east to the main road, then go south and find out whether or not there is any party of the enemy at the main crossroad, about a mile south of where we enter the main road. Pvts. and will recross the ford and remain on the north of the stream, prepared to cover the crossing of any of our three parties, should one be driven back.' 1 Leaving these two men at the ford is objectionable because it splits up the patrol too much. For this reason they might well be kept with Lieut. A. Left where they are, they would give warning by firmg should the patrol unexpectedly be trailed by a hostile party; would afford a well-marked point for reassembly in the darkness, and, should all the parties south of the stream be cut off, would insure word of their capture being sent back. 152 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. I will be back here in an hour and a half and will expect the other two parties either to be at the ford, where we just crossed, or to send a report there by that time. Mount up and move out. Lieut. A and one private then preceded the remainder of his own and Corpl. X's parties by about 100 yards, and moved quietly to road junction 1,000 yards southwest of Table Rock. No enemy being found there, Corpl. X and party turned south, and Lieut. A and party turned north in the formation — Lieut. A, distance 20 yards; one man, distance 100 yards; the other man. Road junction 567 was reached without incident, no enemy being found there. Required: (a) Lieut. A's estimate of the situation (brief and informal). (6) Further conduct of his party. {a) Lieut. A knows that the bridge at Table Rock is held by the enemy, whether by infantry of cavalry, a small party or a large one, he does not know, but wishes to find out. As no firing has been heard to the south, he thinks it likely that Corpl. X found no enemy at Table Rock schoolhouse, but this is not certain. He knows that there is no enemy at 567 or at the road junction between that place and Table Rock schoolhouse. He, therefore, estimates that the party at the Table Rock bridge is rather isolated and probably not large, or the bivouac of its main body would have been encountered by now. Coming upon this enemy from the rear, he woidd probably be mistaken for a friendly patrol or messenger, and might ride boldly into their camp with little danger. By so doing he would however, probably spread alarm, and pursuit of him might easily cut off Corpl. X. On the other hand, should Corpl. X be attacked and pursued, Lieut. A can easily cut the fence and rejoin the patrol north of the river, by fording the stream and working up its course. He therefore decides to cut the fence, conceal his horses in the orchard opposite 567, and try to approach dismounted tiU he can determine the strength and composition of the hostile party, without liimseK being discovered. (6) He therefore moved about 100 yards off the road, and, leaving his men and horses concealed in the edge of the orchard, went alone through the field toward the bridge, observing toward the road and the village of Table Rock as he advanced. Situation (continued) : Lieut. A found what he estimated to be 20 horses, with men bivouacked near them, in the CAVALRY PATEOL. 153 fork of the road in Table Rock village. By using his glasses he was able to make them out quite distinctly without himself being discovered. (Any good field glass of moderate power is capable of being used as a "night glass.") He returned to his horses, mounted, and started to return the way he had come. On the return journey he kept his men close to him, as the road to the rear is known to be closed, and united action can be better obtained with the men close to the leader. As he approached the road junction between 567 and Table Rock schoolhouse, a few horsemen were heard ap- proaching along the road from the south. They appeared to be south of the road junction, and nearer to it than was his own party when they were first observed by Lieut. A. Required: Action of Lieut. A, and his reasons therefor. Lieut. A dropped back to his two men and whispered: We will ride at a walk toward those fellows. Should they prove to be hostile, I will charge. Be ready to go with me. Do not speak. He then rode forward noiselessly at a walk. REASONS. This is most likely Corpl. X and his party, but it must be quickly and silently identified. To go quietly to meet it, will make a mistake in identification impossible, and will avoid any possibihty of two Blue patrols engaging in an encounter with each other in the dark. Should the party prove to be hostile, it will most hkely think Lieut. A's party a friendly one, tiU it is suddenly surprised by a charge and so scattered as to enable the Blue patrol to escape. Lieut. A's best route back to his rendezvous point is by the road beyond the point where he will meet the approaching party. A sudden charge would probably open that route, and would not, in case of failure, make it much more difficult to go back to 567, ford the stream near the orchard, and return to his party by that route. Another fine of action would have been to halt and wait to see whether the other party turned west at the road junction; thus giving additional color to the supposition that it was Corp. X. In circumstances such as these, a quick decision, followed by bold action on the hne adopted, is of more importance than a fine balancing of the advantages and disadvantages of the different possible courses of action. 154 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. COMBAT OF A PATROL. The party developed to be hostile, was charged, and re- treated rapidly to the south. At Table Rock schoolhouse the enemy took the branch of the road that leads to the southwest, and Lieut. A halted his men. One of the enemy, on a slow horse, was captured. He was disarmed, and the patrol quickly returned with the prisoner to the rendezvous, Lieut. A questioning him en route. Owing to imperfect knowledge of the foreign language, aU Lieut. A could learn was that the prisoner belonged to the First Red Cavalry; that he had been a member of the patrol that was keeping up connection between different parts of liis squadron, which was on contact duty; and that the prisoner's regiment, starting from Baltimore, had been marching for the past two days, but that he did not know where any part of it, except his squadron, was to-night. On reaching the rendezvous Corpl. X was found there. He had been up to the crossroads (608) as directed, found no one there, and had returned without incident, probably having passed the road junction where Lieut. A encountered the hostile patrol a few moments before that occurrence. 1 45 a. m. j^^ J 45 a. m. Pvt. T, who had been with Sergt. Y, returned alone and reported that the remainder of his party had been captured. Sergt. Y, he reported, had turned south, after reaching the main road (Texas), and had advanced about a mile when the party was challenged just as it stumbled upon a hostile bivouac. Pvt. T saw a long hne of horses there, he thinks more than 100, with men bivouacked beside them. His party hastily retreated, pursued by mounted men; but before it regained the crossroad, another hostile party rode into it from the north. He escaped by jumping his horse over a fence beside the road, and, after some wandering, returned to the rendezvous. The others were captured. Required: Further actions and orders of Lieut. A. By the aid of his flash light held under a shcker Lieut. A wiote the following message: No. 1. From Patrol First Cavalry, at , near Table Rock Station. 1 July 2 a. m. To Commander Carlisle. Hostile cavalry is observing the crossing of the Conewago north of Gettys- burg. I saw about 20 hostile cavalry at Table Rock Bridge. Pvt. T saw about a hostile squadron (foreign) bivouacked just west of Goldenville. Have encountered hostile connecting patrols south of the Conewago on both roads to Carlisle. Prisoner from First Red Cavalry, sent herewith, reports his regiment marched from Baltimore the 29th. Have lost Sergt. Y and Pvt. , captmed. I go south. A, Lieutenant. CAVALRY PATROL. j- 155 DISPOSITION OF A PRISONER. He then ordered Pvt. T and Pvt. (whose horse is weakening) : Take this prisoner in charge, move northeast until you strike the main road by which we came, and then go to Center Mills. There telephone to our detachment headquarters the following message: "This is Lieut. A's patrol. Lieut. A found hostile cavalry observing the crossings of the Conewago, with a hostile squadron near Goldenville in their support. I am bringing back a prisoner from First Red Cavalry. Lieut. A is going south. ' ' After telephoning, go on back and deliver the prisoner and this written mes- sage to the first Blue officer you encounter and ask him to help you. If you are in danger of capture at any time, destroy the message and give instead the one I told you to telephone. When you are relieved of the prisoner, rejoin your squadron. Move at alternate walk and trot after reaching the main road. Repeat to me the message you are to telephone. All right; now repeat yoiu* instructions. All right. Move out. The horses were then offered water, and the patrol mounted and moved out in the formation: Lieut. A and one private, distance 100 yards; Corpl. X and three pri- vates, distance 100 yards, one private. The patrol moved south across country till the Mummasburg-Hunterstown Road had been crossed and then took the main road toward Gettysburg. At 2.40 a. m. the vicinity of hill 527 was 2.40 a. m. reached, and Lieut. A decided to give his horses a rest and feed and wait for daylight. (Horses can do more than these animals have done, but they have already had to stand the heat of yesterday, and then work nearly all night. To keep them in condition for further severe exertion they must have a rest now. With all the rest and care he can give them, Lieut. A's horses will be so exhausted by a few days of this kind of work that they wiU require weeks to recover. If not given frequent rests, feed, and, above all, in this hot weather, water, it wiU take but a few hours to so exhaust them that they will be in- capable of taking a fast gait for more than a moment or two, and thus will be rendered entirely useless in an emergency.) Lieut. A went to the farmhouse south of hill 527, which is off the main road, woke the farmer, and obtained some hay, which was carried inside the small orchard. He then placed one man on watch, had the others loosen cinchas, feed the hay to their horses, and rub the horses' legs. (Oats could not be safely fed until the horses had rested and cooled. Hay wiU not hurt them now, and will partially fill their stomachs and blunt their appetites, so that they wiU not bolt the oats when fed a httle later. The horses could graze at this time of the year, but when hay is available, it should 156 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. be fed as being less likely to cause running of the bowels and consequent weakness.) The men were then directed to eat their cooked meal, feed to the horses the oats they had with them, and rest until called; the man on watch being relieved from time to time. Having quickly given orders for the above, Lieut. A, while eating his own meal, talked with the farmer and from him learned the following: Hostile cavalry yesterday afternoon requisitioned a wagon load of grain from the farm; a large force of cavalry and ar- tillery camped just north of Gettysburg at dark last night, their bivouac being visible from the attic windows of the house; the hostile forces came from the southeast, the main body arriving at Gettysburg about 2 p. m. Accompanied by the farmer, Lieut. A went to the upper windows. From there he could see enough camp fires to be sure that the bivouac was still occupied. Required: Decision of Lieut. A and his reasons. Lieut. A decides to remain as at present until daylight, allowing his horses and men to rest as previously planned. REASONS. Lieut. A, at dayhght, which will begin in about an hour, can learn much by observation from his present location, and indications are that he will be able, from here, to get information back to the command. Should he go farther toward the hostile camp, he is in danger of encountering the hostile exterior guard, runs additional risk of capture, and may so arouse the hostile observing parties as to jeopardize any chance of further success. Having come to a decision that his horses and men need rest, he should stick to it. There is nothing which so quicldy exhausts and demorahzes a command, be it large or small, as constant changes of plan by the commander. Having once come to a decision, a commander should stick to it until absolutely forced to change. Situation (continued): As day began to break and the details of the terrain could be seen, Lieut. A had liis patrol move to the small woods 500 yards northeast of hill 527 and remain in hiding there. Accompanied by the farmer, he remained in observation of the camp. An orderly, tying his horse and that of the lieutenant in a shed near the bouse, kept a sharp lookout to prevent a surprise by any hostile party. CAVALRY PATROL. 157 While waiting for something to happen in the hostile bivouac, Lieut. A wrote the following message in triplicate: No. 2. From Patrol, First Cavalry, at 2 miles north of Gettysburg, Pa., 1 July, , a. m. To Commander Carlisle: My No. 1 reported hostile cavalry observing line of Conewago. Hostile cavalry, accompanied by artillery, bivouacked last night just north of Gettysburg. I estimate . After daylight the enemy had breakfast, saddled up, and, what appeared to be an advance guard started north a little later. OBSERVATION OF HOSTILE MAIN BODY. Through his glasses Lieut. A was never able to see the whole bivouac, on account of intervening objects, but he could see that such a bivouac was on the small hill near the almshouse, and from the portions he could observe was able to tell approximately its whole size. By 4.15 a. m. he had added to his written messages, "I estimate one brigade of cavalry and one battery, from what I can see at a distance of 2 miles." As soon as the hostile advance guard began to move out at 4.45 a. m., Lieut. A added to his messages, "Hostile advance guard has just started north. I remain in observation ; " then signed the messages, filled in the time in their date lines, and hastened to his horse. Quickly mounting, Lieut. A and his orderly, screened by the house and the orchard, galloped to the patrol, where Lieut. A ordered: SENDING BACK IMPORTANT INFORMATION. To Pvt. R : You and Pvt take this message. Ride at alternate trot and gallop. Go northeast along the bed of this stream till you come to its head, then northwest from there to Center Mills. At Center Mills get fresh horses, at the place I pointed out to you while we were there, and continue on by the main road toward Carlisle till you meet your squadron. If you are in danger of capture, destroy the message and make this verbal report: "Hos- tile cavalry brigade with a battery marched north from Gettysburg at 5 a. m. " While you are changing horses at Carlisle try to telephone that same message to headquarters at Carlisle. Each of you repeat the message. All right; mount and move out. ToCorpl. X: You and Pvt take this message. Ride at about 6 miles per hour, unless you can later get fresh horses, when you may go as fast as the gi'ound permits. Take this by-road to the northeast and then go by the 158 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. pike that leads in the same direction. When approaching the Conewago, keep off the roads and cross by fording. Near Plainview (pointed out on the corporal's sketch) turn northwest. Go east of Chestnut Hill, and then work toward the Carlisle Road. Get the message to headquarters at Carlisle and to our squadron. Ask any Blue officer to assist you. If you are in danger of capture, destroy the message and in its place make this report: "Hostile cavalry, brigade with a battery marched north from Gettysburg at 5 a, m. " Repeat the message. All right; move out. To the remaining two privates : Mount and follow me. Lieut. A followed the wooded stream lines, keeping as much as possible under their cover, and moved at alter- nate trot and gallop, first southeast to the stream fork, then northeast to the next fork, then along the south branch of that fork to the foot of Granite Hill. On Granite Hill the horses were held under cover of the woods, while Lieut. A spent 20 minutes in observing through his glasses in all directions. He saw nothing except that on the Gettysburg- Center Mills road clouds of dust, gradually moving north, showed that the lieutenant had not been mistaken in beheving the party he observed going north to be an ad- vance guard. He was relieved to observe this, as he had previously had to report from indications only; a thing that should not be done if verification is possible before the re- port must be sent. Otherwise, the indications only should be reported, not the conclusions drawn from them. After sending off the report from near hill 527 Lieut. A realized that the hostile party moving north might be an independent party or a flank guard. His statement that it was an advance guard, and the verbal reports he had ordered, to the effect that the whole hostile force was moving north, were both unjustified. It requires a cool head to avoid making such unjustified reports, which may lead a superior commander into making most serious tactical errors. From Granite HiU Lieut. A moved south and, by inquiry among the inhabitants, learned that the enemy came yesterday by the Baltimore Pike; so he turned southeast by that route, reaching Littles town without incident at 8 a. m. Here it was learned that wire communication had been interrupted in all directions but that no enemy had been aeen or heard of since noon yesterday, when the tail of a hostile cavalry brigade accompanied by artillery had passed through the town going toward Gettysburg. He also learned that there were several automobiles in the town. Required: Further action of Lieut. A. CAVALRY PATROL. 159 UTILIZING FRIENDLY INHABITANTS. Lieut. A had his men care for and feed the horses in Littlastown and then rest, while the citizens kept watch to see that no enemy approached unobserved. He then as- sembled several citizens who had automobiles, and induced them to ride out in all directions. They were instructed to go about 20 miles, find out from the inhabitants whether or not any enemy had been seen, learn where wire communi- cation with Carhsle could be obtained, and then return and report. In case any enemy should be encountered they were to give business in the nearest town as their reason for being out; to remain silent about Lieut. A's patrol, but to teU about having seen hostile cavalry, in order to give an air of truth to their statements. SITUATION (continued). By 11 a. m. Lieut. A learned that no enemy could be found on any road within 20 miles of Littlestown ; that from Spring Grove, 15 miles northeast of Littlestown, the wires were open to Carlisle; and that the last of the enemy had left Gettysburg before 9.30 a. m., when one of the automobiles passed through that place, all having gone north according to the reports of inhabitants. Required: Lieut. A's estimate of the situation (brief and informal) and his decision. Lieut. A estimates that a hostile cavalry brigade with a battery is making either a raid or a reconnaissance; that it is not followed by other troops; and that the alteration in the direction of its march on leaving Gettysburg was made either in compUance with fresh orders received, the informa- tion they had gathered, or a desire to confuse the Blues and thus gain freedom of action, while spreadmg alarm over a wide area. As main roads lead in all directions from Gettysburg, the stop of the Reds at that place would not indicate their objective; and had they originally intended moving toward Carhsle, advance by way of Gettysburg would thus be advantageous, and would leave the direct Carhsle-Baltimore road available for a return journey. GOING AROUND HOSTILE FLANK TO SEND INFORMATION. With jaded horses and tired men, Lieut, A can not pro- ceed, mounted, far enough to do any service. He can go by motor to Spring Grove m an hour and report direct to 160 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. his commander by wire. From the rear of the hostile force he is in a position to learn much, and is able to transmit the information by motor and wire. It may be that the com- mander will desire him to remain in rear of the enemy. On the other hand, some other service may be more important. DECISION. To leave his patrol to rest in Littlestown while he goes by auto to Sprmg Grove and reports by wire to the commander. PART v.— RECONNAISSANCE AND FLANK PROTECTION BY A SQUADRON. Reconnaissance and Flank Protection by a Squadron. general situation. The Conewago is the boundarjT^ between two small hostile States — Red, north ; Blue, south. War was declared Novem- ber 24. SPECIAL SITUATION (bLUE). On the night of November 24 orders were received at Gettysburg for the troops at that place, consisting of First Infantry Brigade, First Field Artillery Battalion, and First Squadron, First Cavalry, to move rapidly to Carlisle and destroy the important railroad junction at that place. (Carlisle is 30 miles north of Gettysburg. Both wagon road and railroad directly connect the two places). At 1 a.m., November 25, the detachment commander gave Maj. A, commanding First Blue Squadron, the following instructions : Oiu- detachment is ordered to marcii to Carlisle and destroy the railroad junction at that place. Carlisle is known to be garrisoned by not less than 1,000 of the enemy. The detachment will march at 6 a. m. by the Gettysburg-Table Rock- Center Mills-Carlisle Road. I expect to march about 15 miles to-day. Your squadron will march at 5.30 a. m. You will reconnoiter sufficiently far in advance of the brigade to give ample security, but I do not desire to alarm the enemy unnecessarily by the appearance of your squadron beyond points which must be occupied to proAdde security for the night. The march order, when issued, will designate your squadron as inde- pendent cavalry. One noncommissioned oflScer and nine troopers will report to the brigade adjutant at 5.45 a. m. I will march at the head of the main body. Note. — The ground is bare and damp, temperature 40 degrees, weather clear. The officers of the squadron have the s^zhrs Geological Survey Map. Required: (a) Maj. A's orders for the march exactly as issued. (6) Briefly, the reasons for the dispositions made. To his adjutant, verbally : Notify the troops that breakfast will be at 4.30 a. m., and that the troop will be formed ready to march at 5.25 a. m. All officers will report for orders at 5.15 a. m. Have Second Lieut. B and Sergt. of Troop A report to me now for orders. 98755°— 19— 11 161 162 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. DISTANT PATROLS. To Lieut. B and Sergt. C, on their arrival, verbally: It is reported that Carlisle, about 30 miles north of here, is occupied by the enemy. Our detachment marches to-day at 6 a. m., on Carlisle, by the Gettysburg-Table Rock-Center Mills-Carlisle Road, but will advance only about 15 miles to-day. Our squadron will march in advance of the detachment, but will not approach nearer than 10 miles to Carlisle. Lieut. B, you will obtain six selected men from your troop and march at 4.30 a. m., by way of Plain view and Heidlersburg, and thence generally north, keeping several miles east of the route of the detachment. I desire early information of the movements of any hostile bodies larger than patrols. If any such body is discovered I wish to know its size and the direction of its movement. I shall expect a report at the crossroads 2 miles north of the Conewago, on the Table Rock-Center Mills Road, covering the fol- lowing points: Conditions along your route for at least 5 miles north of the Conewago; state of roads and bridges; information of the enemy. I expect to reach that crossroad about 7.15 or 7.30 a. m. Should I move on before a message is received from you, I shall leave a post there to direct messen- gers. After this first report, send messages only when you have something of importance to report. Keep concealed and do not approach closer than 5 or 6 miles to Carlisle. Return to the squadron by dark, before which time new patrols will be sent out. Unless the action of the enemy pre- vents, a post for directing messengers and returning patrols will be estab- lished where the railroad crosses the Center Mills-Carlisle Road 3^ miles north of Center Mills. To Sergt. C similar orders were given, except that he was sent by way of Biglerville-Brysonia-Bendersville. (Benders- ville is 4 miles northeast of Brysonia.) To assemble officers at 5.15 a. m.: It has been learned that the enemy, at least 1,000 strong, occupies Car- lisle. Oirr detachment marches at 6 a. m. on Carlisle, by the Gettysburg Table Rock-Center Mills-Carlisle Road, but will advance only 15 miles to-day. To avoid unnecessarily alarming the enemy, our patrols should not go closer than 5 or 6 miles to Carlisle to-day, and should keep concealed when beyond the point where the detachment will camp. Lieut. B and Sergt. C are now out with patrols well to the flanks of our line of march. Both patrols will send reports to meet the squadron about 2 miles north of the Conewago. Troop A will send one noncommissioned officer and nine men to report to the brigade adjutant at 5.45 a. m. This squadron, as independent cavalry, marches at once by the route to be taken by the detachment. Troop A (less detachments) will constitute the advance guard. It will keep a small patrol 2 or 3 miles to its front. The advance guard should average about 4 miles per hour, including halts. The main body, in the order, Troops B, C, and D, will follow the advance guard at about half a mile. All wheeled transportation will join the detachment trains. I will ride at the head of the main body. KECONNAISSANCE AND FLANK PROTECTION. 163 REASONS. The ordinary routine would not call for such an early- breakfast. Horses also must be fed earlier than usual. Troops must, therefore, be notified at once of the intended march, so that the cooks and stable crews may attend to these matlers in time. Lieut. B and Sergt. C are to start earlier than the squadron. They also must be notified at once, so they can secure and inspect their details, feed their horses, and have breakfast for their men in advance of the rest of the squadron. It takes time for patrols to do their work, and it also takes time for their messages to be transmitted to the com- mander. To permit information to be gathered by patrols and transmitted to the commander in time to be of use to him, these patrols must have an early start, or the rate of advance of the column must be very slow; or time allowed by a combination of these two methods. Patrols do not go at a fast gait dii-ect to the only point from which they may see anything, arrive there at the exact time when the most can be seen, and send a message at high speed to the exact point where the commander will have just arrived to receive it. Troop horses are not of a quality to stand this kind of pace. The patrol has to search for its information, spend- ing much time in quiet observation from available points be- fore anything is seen; and probably moving to verify what it has guessed from the few things observed. Messen- gers can not find the most du"ect route. Accidents happen to horses. Bridges are found destroyed or fords impass- able, and a route has to be searched for and found. The commander has to be hunted up after the messenger does get in contact with some troops of the column. If these things are not considered, the commander's patrols may gain some information, but they will never be able to trans- mit it in time to be useful. While, in general, patrols do not send m messages unless some positive information has been gained, in this situation it is desirable to have reports as to the condition of the roads and bridges in the valley of the Conewago, and to know that the patrols, on crossing the border, have found no hostile troops. For these reasons, Lieut. B and Sergt. C are ordered to send messages to meet the squadron. At least six men must go with the leader of each of the above patrols, as a message requiring a double messenger (in hostile coimtry) is required from each patrol; also 164 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. enough men to keep up the observation, after one additional message has been sent, should be provided. As patrols of this size will probably just be able to do the work required of them, they should not be larger. Larger patrols are more conspicuous, and, what is worse, the detachment of large pa- trols soon greatly depletes the effective strength of the main fighting force. Until the enemy has been encountered it is best to keep a small patrol well m front of the advance guard. Such a patrol will greatly facilitate the orderly march of the column. Knowing that the comitry for 2 or 3 miles in front of the advance guard is passable, apparently free of the enemy, and contains no important and unexpected conditions to be met by the command, the commander can designate crossroads in advance where patrols are to send reports; can make his march at a regulated gait; can stop to water, in security, at the most favorable place; and can be advised of broken bridges or impassable places in the road in time to turn the column off by a passable route without coimter- marching. Such a patrol lends security to the column, but, above all, it conduces to an orderly, well-regulated march, which conserves the strength of the command. It is quite possible that the advance guard commander would send this patrol ahead without specific orders; but the practice of sending such a patrol ahead of the advance guard is not sufficiently well established in oiu* serv- ice to make it certain that he would do so. Hence, Maj. A gives specific instructions to the advance guard commander to have a small patrol precede the advance guard. Wlien the commander marches at the head of the main body it is usually better to tell the advance guard commander at what rate to march, rather than impose on him the very difficult task of regulating his inarch on the head of the main body. The latter method is difficult and imsatis- factory, and requires the advance guard commander to keep his attention to the rear instead of to the front, where it should be centered . When near the enemy, cavalry commands smaller than a brigade must not be hampered by wheeled transportation. If a severe encoimter is to be anticipated, extra ammu- nition must be issued before starting and carried on the horses. If supplies can not be brought up in the evening, the cavalry must live off the country. The mission, how- ever, must be borne in mind when making a decision about transportation. For example, a squadron sent to a distance BECONNAISSANCE AND FLANK PROTECTION. 165 to work some particular destruction to the enemy's line of commimications, might be obliged to carry witli it the neces- sary tools and explosives, even though the only practicable method of so doing would be in wagons. Situation (continued): At 5.30 a. m. the squadron started pursuant to above order. Required: Conduct of the advance guard mitil a point 2 miles north of the Conewago is reached, nothing of impor- tance having been discovered in the meanwhile. At 5.30 a. m. Capt. A, commandmg Troop A, momits his troop and issues the foUowmg order: To troop, verbally: Our detachment marches north to-day by the main road (pointing), which passes through the villages of Table Rock and Center Mills and leads to Carlisle, about 30 miles north of here and garrisoned by the enemy. It is called the Carlisle Road. Our squadron as independent cavalry, precedes the detachment by a few miles and marches by the route that will be taken by the detachment. The squadron will make 4 miles per hour, including halts. This troop will be the advance guard for the squadron. Lieut. B and Sergt. C, with patrols, are now out to the flanks of our route. Corpl. X, with four men, you will go ahead of the troop, making about 6 miles per hour till Conewago Creek is crossed, and thereafter about 4 miles per hour. About 1 mile north of Gettysburg the road forks; take the right-hand road, which goes through Table Rock and Center Mills. You will give me prompt warning of the appearance of any hostile troops, and also promptly report any impassable places in the road, or information of anything else which will interfere with the march of the squadron. If not recalled before that time, you will halt about 10 miles north of Conewago Creek and send a messenger for orders. Move out. Capt. A then placed himself at the head of the troop and commanded, "Right by twos; march." The country around Gettysburg is friendly. If any enemy were in the immediate vicinity his presence would have been reported. The advance guard formation will therefore be gradually assumed, but need not be fully developed for the first few miles. To send out flankers or flank patrols at first, will unnecessarily weary that many men and horses. Cavalry ordinarily marches in column of twos when far from the enemy, and when the number of troops that must use the road is not so large as to necessitate shortening the column. This formation is less fatiguing to both men and horses. When the road fork where two Carlisle roads branch came in sight, Capt. A ordered: Sergt. T, we will halt here for 10 minutes. Take four men and go ahead about 400 yards as march outpost. When the march is resumed you will act as point, keeping about 400 yards ahead of the troop. I will send out connecting files. 166 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. Then to one of his trumpeters: My compliments to Maj. A, and say that the advance guard is halting for 10 minutes. After delivering the message return to me here. Capt. A then signaled, "Halt; dismount," and ordered: Corpl. W, take three men and follow that road which branches off to the left. March on that road. It goes almost due north till you reach Ben- dersville, which is nearly 10 miles from here. You will pass through a small town called Biglerville, about a mile north of the Conewago. Do not confuse the two places. If nothing has happened by the time you reach Bendersville, you will bear to the east till you reach the road on which the squadron is marching. You may encounter some part of Sergt. C's patrol, which is operating in that direction. Make about 5 miles per hour. I want information of the appearance of any parties of the enemy; also a report on the condition of the bridge over the Conewago and the condition of the roads. After you are well across the Conewago I want to hear from you, whether you have anything to report or not. You can send a single mes- senger, as the squadron will not be far from you. The road on which the squadron is marching will never be over 2 miles to the east of your route. If you make 5 miles per hour, any messenger you send should reach any point on the squadron's route at about the same time the squadron reaches the same point. About 10 minutes after halting, Capt. A signaled, "Mount; forward; march." He moved at a trot from time to time when road conditions warranted it. In this way he is progressing at about 5 miles per hour while moving. This will allow for hourly halts when a de- sirable location is reached, and will also allow for a stop to water the horses when they have marched far enough to drink well. In this way his rate of march will average about the desired 4 miles per hour. The "hourly halts" will not be made exactly at a definite time, as is done in a long column, but when a defensible locality is reached after the time for such a halt. At the road junction, 2 miles north of Gettysburg, a patrol, of Corpl. S and three men, was sent out to go by way of Goodintent School and Bender's Church, with orders similar to those of Corpl. W's patrol. Troop A consisted of 3 officers and 8G men. They were distributed as follows: With the wagons, quartermaster sergeant, two cooks, wagoner 4 Captain's trumpeters 2 In ranks: First platoon, Lieut. D and 20 men (and 1 officer) 20 Second platoon, first sergeant, commanding, 20 men 21 Third platoon, Sergt. R, commanding, 18 men 19 Fourth platoon, Lieut. B, 20 men (and 1 oflScer) 20 Total 86 RECONNAISSANCE AND FLANK PROTECTION. 167 At this time they are distributed as follows: Patrol to northeast, Lieut. B and 6 men (and 1 officer) 6 Patrol to northwest, Sergt. C'a patrol 7 At brigade headquarters 10 Total 23 The above were all taken from the fourth platoon, except 3 men required to complete the quota for brigade head- quarters, taken from the third platoon, thus reducing that platoon to 16 men. Later there were sent out (men) : Patrol to front 5 Point 6 Patrol via Bendersville 4 Patrol via Bender's Church 4 18 These details used up the third platoon and required one additional man from the second platoon. So out of his troop Capt. A now has left with him one officer, the two trumpeters, and the first and second platoons, less one man on patrol and two connecting files. When Capt. A, at the head of the main body of his troop, reached the farmhouse on top of the ridge 500 yards south of Table Rock schoolhouse (4| miles north of Gettysburg) he signaled "Halt," and ordered: Sergt. R take two fours from the second platoon as advance party from here on. For the present, precede the troop, water when you cross the creek ahead, and then go on to the top of that hill [pointing to hill 646, 1,200 yards north of Table Rock — see 3-inch map], and act as march outpost while the troop waters. Send patrols to reconnoiter one-half mile to each flank of your route as you ascend the opposite slope of this valley. Halt on top of the hill I pointed out and remain there till ordered to move forward. The point is placed under your orders. Notify Sergt. T to that effect. Note. — The map shows in tliis vicinity two hills 646 and four hills 647. When one is mentioned the student should . be sure he finds the right one. Then to Lieut. D : Take two orderlies with you and ride northeast behind this ridge. Thoroughly reconnoiter, through your glasses, the valley of the Conewago. Rejoin me at Table Rock, where I will be in about 20 minutes. (Lieut. D rejoined at Table Rock, having observed nothing.) Here we have illustrated the advantage of Maj. A's method of giving his advance guard orders to make a certain average speed, and then allowing the advance guard to suit its march to conditions. A march in set formation, conducted by a commander at the head of the main body, would not per- 168 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. mit of a valley like this being properly reconnoitered, and of placing troops of the command on the opposite crest before the whole squadron was badly exposed to unexpected artillery, or even infantry fire. In such a formation, with a commander striving to keep set distnaces, the main body of the squadron might easily be surprised by fire at 500 yards from an enemy concealed in the small woods 600 yards west of Table Rock, whose presence there the advance guard had had no chance to discover, and against whom it would be very difficult to take effective action. Situation (continued): The march of the advance guard continued witliout incident. Capt. A halted the bulk of the troop on hill 646 (1,200 yards north of Table Rock), with the advance party on hill 647 (one-half mile beyond), while the squadron was watering near the ridge at Table Rock. While on hill 646 Capt. A, at 7.30 a. m., received the fol- lowing message by two men from Corpl. X's patrol (this message was sent from Mount Olivet schoolhouse — 3-inch map): At 7 a. m. two long railroad trains were unloading Red troops at Center Mills Station. WTiile I was watching them detrain a hostile squadron, escorting a battery, came into Center Mills from the north. All the troops of the hostile squadron were noticeably smaller than our troops. I will continue in observation, falling back toward the squadron if the enemy advances. Required: Action of the advance guard commander. Capt. A to the messengers from Corpl. X : Take your message on to Maj. A, who is near the bridge about one-half mile behind us. Report to Maj. A that I am advancing to the next ridge ahead. Rejoin the troop when Maj. A is through with you. Capt. A then signaled to Sergt. R (commanding the ad- vance party, now on hill 647), ''Forward; trot; march." He then commanded, "Mount; forward; march," and after descending the steep slope, "Trot; march." He halted the troop behind the crest of hill 647, that he might take a long look to. the north through his glasses be- fore exposing the bulk of his troop in the broad valley beyond. Situation (continued): As Capt. A dismounted to look through his glasses, Corpl. S's patrol rode up, having been directed back from 576 by Sergt. R. Corpl. S reported that there was no bridge, but a ford, at the crossing of the Cone- wago about one-half mile southeast of Bender's Church. The ford was in good condition, water about three feet deep. Looking through his glasses, Capt. A sees the following: RECONNAISSANCE AND FLANK PROTECTION. 169 Two Blue troopers trotting east about one-quarter of a mile west of 582; Sergt. R's party halted near 582; two or tlu-ee Blue troopers, hotly pursued by a small party of Reds, coming down the slope about 600 yards north of 582. (It later develops that the two troopers seen approaching 582 from the west were messengers from Sergt. C, carrying also a message from Corpl. W. It was some moments, however, before this was learned). Required: Capt. A's actions and reasons therefor. AN ADVANCE GUARD ACTION. Capt. A mounted his horse and commanded, "Forward; gallop; march." REASONS. It is the business of the advance guard to clear the way for the main body. This can be done only by offensive action. In this case, offensive action appears doubly im- portant because it is necessary to gain working room for the detachment north of the Conewago. Now, at 7.35 a. m., thg head of the Blue Infantry should be near 608, about IJ miles south of the crossing of the Conewago at Table Rock. This assumes the infantry to have marched 3 miles per hour, while in motion, and to have made one halt. The enemy in strength is known to be only a short distance away. If the enemy advances it is probable that the squadron will have to fight a delajdiig action to enable the infantry to cross the Conewago before the crossings of that stream come under hostile fire. Each succeeding height to the north which is secured will be an advantage. On the other hand, as the enemy is known to have artillery, the squadron can not expose itself on the road in the broad valley north of hill 647 till smaller bodies of Blue troops hold the ridge beyond. Capt. A made a try for these heights; it would not be equally advisable for Maj. A to risk the bulk of his squadron in the same way. Situation (continued) : As Capt. A passed 576, heavy firing was heard to his front, the sound of the shots showing that Sergt. R was engaged in dismounted action with a hostile force which had a greater volume of fire. Required: Capt. A's action and his reasons. Capt. A stopped his troop, cut the fence, and turned out of the road westward, halting his men behind the nose just northwest of 576. Leaving Lieut. D in command, he galloped forward through the fields toward Sergt. R's men. 170 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. REASONS. Evidently the road ahead of Capt. A will be under fire. Should he continue forward on the road, he will suffer severe losses with nothing to be gained thereby. His attempt to get to the heights north of 582, ahead of the enemy, has failed, but the attempt was nevertheless justified. With the enemy, apparently in some force, already holding these heights, Capt. A, by moving to the nose west of 576, will be in a stronger position, suffer less loss, gain the ability to maneuver freely, and still command the road. He gallops to the front so he can see what is going od, and thus be able to plan for his next move. Lieut. D will be able to take immediate action with the bulk of the troop, should any- thing unexpected happen while Capt. A is gone. As soon as the troop was halted behind the nose, a combat patrol should have been sent to the higher ground just west of the troop. Perhaps Lieut. D will have the sense and initiative to do this; if not, it will be one of those things that are of no importance unless some move of the enemy brings out the omission, in which case both Capt. A and Lieut. D will be held to have been inexcusably negligent. In the hurry of a meeting engagement, such omissions are not infrequent with the best troops. They are sometimes very costly; so a commander must make every effort to avoid making them, thereby reducing the risks he runs to a minimum. SQUADRON SUPPORTS ITS ADVANCE GUARD. Maj. A, on receiving the message transmitted from Corpl. X's patrol, ordered the squadron, under Capt, B, senior cap- tain, to follow at a trot, and himself galloped ahead to join the advance guard. He reached hiU 647 just after Capt, A had started forward at a gallop. Maj. A halted to view the scene. He saw Sergt. R's party behind the farm buildings at 582, and a moment later saw it rush out and attack some Reds who were pursuing six or seven Blues down the road. (Corpl. X's party having joined the point in the valley, both were swept back on Sergt. R. Maj, A, however, knows only what he sees.) Upon Sergt. R's mounted attack the Reds retreated north on the road, and in a moment a hostile party of a platoon or more opened fire from near the orchard 650 yards north of 582. Sergt. R's party hastily took cover behind the farm buildings, dismounted and opened fire. KECONNAISSANCE AND FLANK PROTECTION. 171 As the squadron was heard trotting up in the rear Maj. A signaled "Halt," and continued in observation. In a few moments Capt. A was observed to have turned westward off the road. (Sergt. R's party now numbers — point, 5 men; advance party, 9 men; messengers from the west, 2 men — 16 men, less such losses as he has suffered up to tliis time.) In this study the care of the wounded, burial of the dead, etc., will not be touched upon. It will be good practice for the student to assume a few losses as he goes along, and then decide upon the sanitary measures that should be taken. As Maj, A watched, the enemy redoubled his fire and two troops galloped down the slope off the road, taking shelter in the stream bottom just north of 582, while Sergt. R's party mounted and galloped through the fields to join Troop A's main body. Required: Action of Maj. A and his reasons. 1. Sends combat patrol to hill 586, from there to send scouts toward Friend's Grove S. H., and another combat patrol to hiU 674 (one-half mile east of Biglerville), to send scouts from there toward Guernsey. 2. Forms squadron in mass off the road, and orders all fences in the vicinity cut to permit easy passage of troops in any direction, 3. Directs his adjutant: Tell Capt. A to occupy that nose (the one 1,000 yards northwest of hill 647, where Maj. A now stands) dismounted. The squadron will stay here and will support Capt. A if he is attacked. REASONS. Knowledge that the enemy has infantry and artillery close by makes it imwise for Maj. A to attack the hostile Cavalry in the low gromid, which is commanded from the heights held by the enemy. The same knowledge makes it unwise for him to engage in the obvious turning movement. Such a turning movement wiU at once open the road and give the enemy a chance to occupy, unopposed, the heights which command the crossings of the Conewago. For the present Maj. A's mission requires him to stay between the enemy and the main body of the Blue detachment. Were the hos- tile squadron known to be, or strongly suspected of being unsupported, it would be Maj. A's duty to attack it and drive it off. He should then want to use a method which promised decisive results, not one that would merely result in driving the hostile cavalry from position to position in a long series of delaying actions. For such a quick and de- 172 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. cisive result he would prefer mounted action if he could maneuver the enemy into dispositions that would admit of such action. PUBSUIT PREVENTED. Up till 8.30 a. m. the following had occurred: The hostile cavaby at first acted offensively, and it looked for a time as if it might walk into a trap, but at 8.10 a. ra. it was observed that it was withdrawing north. Pursuit was prevented by hostile infantry in position at the orchard 650 yards north of 582. Reports had been received from Lieut. B and Sergt. C showing that up to 6.30 a. m. no enemy had been discovered in the area 3 miles north of Heidlersburg or 2 miles north of Brysonia. Sergt. C's messengers brought a message from Corpl. W, dated Biglerville, 7 a. m., saying that he had so far encoun- tered no enemy, and that the bridge over the Conewago Creek, south of Biglerville, was intact and the roads good. Nothing else had been heard from Corpl. Ws patrol. The following members of Troop A have now rejoined, viz: Messengers from Lieut. B 2 Messengers from Sergt. 2 Corpl. X and his patrol 5 Point (Sergt. T). . . ., 5 Advance party (Sergt. R) 9 Corpl. S and his patrol 4 Total 27 The following are still out: Lieut. B 's party (and 1 officer) 4 Sergt. C 'a party 5 Corpl. W's party 4 At brigade headquarters . 10 Total (and 1 officer) 23 Thus, this troop now has its first and second platoons complete, and a provisional third platoon, of a strength of 19 men, which is composed of members of the original third and fourth platoons. Patrols do not always return at the expected time and place. Some are always out, some are lost, and some get captured. If too many detached parties are sent out, or if they are made too strong, the effective strength of an organ- ization is soon dissipated. A balance between what forces must necessarily be detached for reconnaissance and other BECONNAISSANCE AND FLANK PROTECTION. 173 purposes, and what must be retained to give necessary fight- ing strength, should always be maintained. In the above study, the principle of making detachments of such strength as not to break up organizations has at times been violated. Thus Lieut. B's patrol was given a strength of six men. On the general principle that if half or more of an organization is detached, the whole should be sent, this patrol should have consisted of two fours. But for the purposes of this patrol, selected men and horses were required. If both Lieut. B and Sergt. C had been given two fours, there would have been an unnecessary loss of four men to the troop. Now, in spite of aU theories to the con- trary, the fours in a troop (squads under the proposed drill regulations) are never permanent. They are constantly changing in time of peace and even more so in time of war. There is always the hue of file closers into which an extra man or two can be introduced, and these extra men can be used the next time a small party is sent out. This principle, though an important one lor large organizations where the method of messing, supply, and administration is affected, is seldom of any importance in deaUng with fractions of a troop or company and never in dealing with detachments or fractions of a platoon. It will be good practice for the student to go over all the detachments made in this study, and decide whetJier in each case a larger or smaller detachment would have been better, and why. By 9 a. m. Maj. A had assembled the squadron near hill 647, on the Table Rock- Center Mills road, and had posted one platoon of Troop D under an officer about 700 yards south of Guernsey, and the First Platoon of Troop A at Friend's Grove schoolhouse. Red infantry was in evidence on both sides of the road near the orchard 650 yards north of 582, but did not attempt to advance beyond that point. It appeared to be intrenching. Nothing had been seen of the Red cavalry since it retreated north. At 9.30 a. m. the detachment commander, from the posi- tion of the cavalry on hill 647 on the Table Rock-Center Mills road, issued orders for an attack enveloping the hostile left, one infantry regiment to advance west of the road and one east of the road, with the reserve of one regiment following, echeloned behind the eastern outer flank of the regiment. 174 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. FLANK PROTECTION. The orders for the quadron were : The cavalry will reconnoiter around both hostile flanks and will cover the right flank of oiu* attack. Just after receiving the above order Maj. A, squadron commander, received the following message from the leader of the platoon which was in observation to the right front, and dated 9.35 a. m.: At 9.05 a. m. the hostile squadron that retreated north from the front of our squadron retxu-ned south, moving on Friend's Grove echoolhouse. Ib now at the woods surrounding that schoolhouse and is making defensive preparations. This platoon remains in observation from hill three-quarters of a mile southwest of Friend's Grove schoolhouse. Required: Maj. A's estimate of the situation, decision, and orders. ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. Mission. — Maj. A is ordered to "reconnoiter aroimd both flanks and cover the right flank of our attack. " He can have no doubt as to what is intended by the order for reconnais- sance. The latter part of his orders, however, require con- sideration in connection with the situation. The Blue de- tachment is attacking, intending to envelop the enemy's eastern flank. The hostile cavalry is in a position from which it can attack this enveloping movement either mounted or by fire. If allowed to stay near Friend's Grove schoolhouse, the hostile cavalry will be a great impediment to the Blue envelopuig movement. In order to assure the success of the Blue infantry attack, the Red cavalry must be dislodged. Maj. A's mission to cover the right flank of our attack, there- fore, makes it necessary for him to attack the hostile cavalry and drive it off, or keep it so busy that it can not interfere with the attack of the Blue infantry. The enemy. — ^Maj. A's immediate enemy is a squadron, reliably reported to be depleted m numbers. That it feels itself weaker than Maj. A's squadron is shown by its continu- ally taking a defensive attitude and avoiding a decisive action. Like Maj. A's squadron, it probably has a certain proportion of its strength detached for reconnaissance, etc. It evidently has as its mission the protection of the left flank of the hostile position, and it is not likely to be aided by its main body, except by artillery, and possibly by in- fantry fire, should Maj. A, in making his attack, expose his command. RECONNAISSANCE AND PLANK PROTECTION. 175 Our forces. — Maj. A's squadron has had some sUght initial successes and its morale should be good — somewhat better than that of the enemy. The Blue detachment is forming under cover for a well- organized concerted attack on the hostile position. It has its own duties to attend to, and the detachment commander expects Maj A to accomplish, without assistance, his part of the program. Maj A should not expect assistance, but he can notify the artillery commander when he is about to launch his attack and request artillery support. He can not be sure that the circumstances wiU not be such that the artillery may at that time be obliged to use aU its fire elsewhere. Terrain. — In general, the terrain consists of a series of ridges, running mostly east and west, parallel to the Cone- wago, with a branch vaUey extending north from the Cone- wago in the region just outside of the left flank of the hostile main position. These ridges offer cover for the formation and advance of the Blue infantry and give good artillery positions. The Blue artillery wiU most likely be posted behind the 646, Benders Church Ridge and between the points named. It will be 2,500 yards from the Red position, and 2,800 yards from the grove held by the Red cavalry. The valley, just south of ridge 647-586, together with the trees just north of 534, and the vaUey just east of that point offer good cover for a flank march of the squadron, by which it can uncover the front of its infantry and reach a location from which an attack on the Red cavalry can be launched. In crossing the valley near 534 it is possible that the hostile artillery may locate the squadron ; hence a formation that is little vulnerable to artillery fire and a fast gait are to be employed there. The ground southeast of the hostile cavalry position offers good cover for a dismounted attack, or for a mounted turning movement by way of 587 or 632. The woods north of Beatrick will offer concealment and protection for led horses from hostile artillery fire. There are several v4re fences in front of the hostile posi- tion; that position is in the edge of the woods, and the enemy is known to be preparing defenses. All these conditions render it probable that, on arriving where the ground toward the enemy can be clearly observed, it will be found that a mounted attack has little prospect of success. Plans. — Maj. A must make plans for two things — recon- naissance around the hostile flanks and combat with the hostile cavalrv squadron. The reconnaissance around the 176 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. hostile rignt and the protection of the Blue left can be readily provided for by the platoon of Troop D, now 700 yards south of Guernsey. Under cover of an attack on the hostile cavalry, patrols can probably easily work around to the east and north of the hostile squadron and obtain good information. For the engagement with the hostile cavalry the following plans may be considered : (a) Move to the vicinity of hill 586 and from there protect the rear of the Blue's right flank. This does not completely carry out Maj. A's mission, and, in case of a Blue success, leaves the Blue squadron in a poor position from which to take up the pursuit, and the Red squadron in position to best protect its infantry. Rejected. (b) To move around the Red cavalry and thus turn it out of its selected position, or else gain the Red rear imopposed. All the near-by routes for such a movement are exposed to view, giving the Red cavalry plenty of oppor- tunity to change front or change position to meet the move- ment. The effect of the action of the Blue squadron would be delayed, united action in conjunction with the infantry attack would be lost, and, in the end, the Blue squadron would still be confronted by its opponent in a selected position. To move north around Chestnut Hill takes the Blue cavalry entirely out of the zone of the main action and may well result in keeping the Blue squadron entirely out of the fight at the critical stage, when every man is most needed. Rejected. (c) To move to the ridge northeast of 534 and engage the Red cavalry by fire only. This is less objectionable, but is playing a safe course for the cavalry at the expense of rendering the most effective cooperation to its infantry. Rejected. (d) To move to the ridge northeast of 534 and from there launch an attack in cooperation with the infantry attack. This promises to be the most effective com-se. Until the conditions which exist at the time the attack is launched are known, and the ground in front and flank of the hostile cavalry position has been reconnoitered, the exact nature of such an attack can not be determined upon. The chances are that it will be a dismoimted attack, with a mounted reserve acting by way of 587 as soon as success seems assured. Due to some move of the hostile cavalry RECONNAISSANCE AND FLANK PROTECTION, 177 in the meanwhile, mounted action may be possible. Mounted action will be preferred if it has any chance of success, as it is quicker and more effective. DECISION. To issue orders for reconnaissance at once, and then march the squadron under cover, changing formation when neces- sary, to the ridge northeast of 534, for the purpose of launch- ing a dismounted attack from there. The Blue artillery to be notified when the attack starts and artillery support requested. It will not be relied upon, as the artillery may be otherwise fully occupied. ORDERS. To his adjutant, verbally: Send me a noncommissioned officer and two privates for messenger service. Maj. A then writes the following message: From Fii'st Squadron, No. 6 To lieutenant Y, Tr. D. 1 mile north of Table Rock, Pa., 25 November, 1915, 9.40 a. m. One-half mile south of Guernsey. Our detachment attacks hostile position three-quarters of a mile east of Guernsey. Give Gen. A prompt information of any hostile move by way of Guernsey. He will be found near the Table Rock-Center Mills road. You will send patrols to reconnoiter in rear of the hostile right. A, Major. The above is sent by the noncommissioned officer and the two men as soon as they report. Maj. A then orders, verbally: Capt. B (senior captain), march the squadron behind this ridge to that hill [pointing to 586]. I will meet you there. COVERING THE FRONT. Accompanied by his staff and a couple of orderlies, Maj. A then rapidly joins the platoon at hill 586 and orders verbally: Lieut. D, the squadron is marching on that woods [pointing to woods one- half mile northeast of 534]. Your platoon will precede the squadron. Cuta way 100 yards broad in each fence and reconnoiter through the woods. I will give you further orders when the squadron reaches the woods. PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK. As Capt. B approaches with the squadron it is formed in column of troops, and after Lieut. D has cut the fences and reconnoitered the woods, it is marched at a trot in column of 98755°— 17 12 178 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. troops to the woods. This formation is used as being the one least vulnerable to possible artillery fire. Just before leaving hill 586, Maj. A selects a noncommis- sioned officer and two men from the leading troop and orders : Remain here iu observation. Notify both Gen. A and myself, promptly, of any movement of the enemy which you are able to observe. Gen. A will likely be found neai" that hill [pointing to 646]. Arriving at the woods further orders, including those for reconnaissance around the hostile left, wiU be issued accord- ing to the circumstances existing at that time. PART VI.— CAVALRY COMBAT (SQUADRON). Mounted Action by a Squadron, situation. The Pennsylvania-Maryland State line is part of the boundary between hostile States — Red, north; Blue, south. War was declared October 6. Red troops are concentrating at York. Red infantry is reported near Gettysburg, and about a squadron of Red cavalry was known to be at Littles- town at noon, October 6. Blue troops are concetitrating at Frederick, and a brigade of Blue infantry at Woodsboro has sent the Third Battahon, Third Infantry, to the vicinity of Taneytown to watch the railroad. The First Squadron, First Cavalry, Maj. A com- manding, is temporarily attached to this brigade The squadron camped the night of October 6-7 about 3 miles east of Harney (800 yards north of hill 567, which local- ity is just south of the boundary). It had instructions to watch the boundary, but not to cross into Red territory without orders. At 10 p. m., October 6, Maj. A received the following order from the brigade commander, dated Woodsboro, Md., 6th October, 1913, 9.30 p. m.: It is reliably reported that a squadron of Red cavalry, coming from the direction of Littlestown, camped at dusk this evening about 1 mile south- west of Germantown; also that a brigade of Red infantry is now at Gettys- burg and will probably march to-morrow to Littlestown. Move early to- morrow, defeat this cavalry, determine the strength of any hostile columns moving from Gettysburg toward the east or southeast. Send reports to Taneytown. In compliance with this order Maj. A made an early start, and at 5.45 a. m., October 7, halted the squadron on the Palmer-520 road (road fork 520 is 1| miles a Httle east of south from Germantown and 300 yards west of D. Spangler), at a point about 2 miles south of Germantown, to await re- ports from patrols sent out before daylight. The advance guard first platoon. Troop A, Lieut. W) is at 520, with a patrol of three men, at the road fork just east of the D. 179 180 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. Spangler house, and the point, consisting of one noncom- missioned officer and five men, at road fork 561 (west of 520). The rest of the squadron (less second platoon, Troop A, on patrol duty) is in column of twos, the head about halfway between Palmer and 520. The field and combat trains, under the squadron quartermaster and commissary, have been sent to Taney town. The extra ammunition in the combat wagon has been issued to the men and is being car- ried on the horses. Between 5.45 and 5.50 a. m. Maj. A, who has his adjutant, sergeant major, and Lieut. W with him at road fork 520, receives the following information: From Sergt. K's patrol, 1 mile southeast of Germantown (road fork 547): Baltimore Pike, this vicinity, and road leading from Germantown are clear of enemy. I remain in observation. From Lieut. L's patrol, hill 606 (1 mile west of 520) : A squadron of hostile cavalry is just starting to break camp in an open field three-quarters of a mile northeast northwest of here. There is a farmhouse just north of the camp and another (Collins) several hundred yards to the southwest of the camp. Can see an outguard near the Trustle house. Another outguard was at road fork (586) three-quarters of a mile north of Trustle, but it has been withdrawn toward the camp. I remain here in observation. (Sent 5.40 a. m.) From Sergt. M's patrol at woods west of G. Hoffman: Can see hostile outguard at the G. Hoffman house and another at west edge of woods north of the Strangler house. I remain in observation. (5.30 a. m.) Required: 1. Maj. A's estimate of the situation. 2. Maj. A's action and orders at this time. Maj. A has 3" map of Gettysburg with him. Weather fair after a rain; wind from northwest. MISSION. Maj. A's mission is to defeat the hostile caralry. Until this is doue his task of finding out what troops are moving from Gettysburg toward the east can not be accomplished. THE ENEMY. All reports received seem to confirm the belief that the hostile cavalry consists of but one squadron. If Maj. A can defeat it or drive it away, the remainder of the task ought to be easy unless other hostile cavalry should appear on the scene. The enemy has no artillery, and no machine guns have been reported. His nearest infantry supports were at Get- CAVALRY COMBAT. 181 tysburg when last reported. The hour is po early that there is little likehhood of these having yet left that place. What are the intentions of the hostile cavalry commander? He has probably been sent to watch tlie frontier west of Littlestown, or to cover the march of the hostile infantry, which, it is reported, will take place to-day from Gettys- burg to Littlestown. OUR FORCES. Maj. A can expect no reinforcements. Only about one- fourth of Troop A is absent on patrol duty. Another pla- toon is in the advance guard. The roads and weatlier are excellent. The absence of dust will favor the movements of the Blues. Everything seems to indicate that they are not yet discovered by the Reds. A successful march has been accomplished without mishap. Information of the enemy is definite. The men are in good spirits. To reap the full benefi.t of these advan- tages, Maj, A must attack at once. TERRAIN. The terrain is rolling and in many places wooded, thus favoring dismounted action. Numerous fences would seem to limit the chances for mounted action, though there is con- siderable open ground near the place where the camp is reported to be. Maj. A does not need to worry about his line of retreat. His cavalry is so mobile that it can avoid any infantry that is likely to appear. Unless there is more Red cavalry around than has yet been reported, Maj. A need not fear about his retreat in open country, even if defeated. Whether discovered or not, Maj, A must attack. His mission is to defeat the hostile cavalry. He can hope to do this only by offensive action. There are some circumstances which seem to favor a mounted attack. (Student should see if he can not enumerate them.) Maj . A would commit a serious error, however, if he decided upon a mounted attack, and gave orders for it at once. Thirty minutes will have elapsed from the time Lieut. L made his report, 5.40 a. m., until the Blues get within strik- ing distance. By the time he arrives at the point from which to launch the attack, the situation may have materially changed. The enemy may have discovered him, and be himself advancing to the attack. The enemy may be marching on the road. 182 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. across the fields, or even retreating, and a blow ordered now may spend its energy in the air. The Reds may even have taken up a dismounted position in the woods near their camp. Maj. A must get closer before giving the order for the attack, so as to be able to make it conform to the conditions which exist at the moment of combat. PLANS. (a) He may move straight across country, over hill 606, on the enemy's camp. (&) He may advance via 520 and across country to 587, then along 587-586 road, and launch his attack from the woods west of 586. (c) He may advance via 561-588-598, and attack the enemy from southeast. (d) He may divide his forces and send part of his force by (b) and part by (a) or (c), or part by (c) and the remainder by (a) or (b). A detour to the north or south might also be made, but either would take too much time, and the squadron would be almost certainly discovered, particularly if the detour was to the north, via 549 and the Germantown, 563, C. H. Bang highway. Plan (a) : As the squadron passes over hill 606, it will be discovered. The hill is too far off to permit dismounted fire to be used effectively against a fleeting target. As soon as fire is opened, the enemy will seek shelter in the adj acent woods, and opportunity for mounted action will be gone. If it is intended to launch a mounted attack from hill 606, the fences and woods will delay the advance and give the enemy time to prepare for action. Plan (b): This plan has much in its favor. By moving northwest from 520, cover can be secured all the way to 587. From 587 to 586, corn shocks, woods, hedges, and other vege- tation along the sides of the road will give cover nearly all the way. The wind favors this route, as it will blow the sound away from the hostile camp. The hostile outguards, through error or otherwise, have been recalled from 586. The way seems to be open. It is as short in point of time as any other route. If the enemy is defeated he wiU be driven west toward the difficult, if not unfordable Rock Creek, and there will be a strong probability of his being cut off from his infantry supports at Gettysburg. CAVALRY COMBAT. 183 Plan (c) : This route is guarded by the hostile detachment at the Trustle house. There are a number of fences to be cut. The worm fences, woods, and slope of the ground to northeast wUl interfere with dismounted fire, should it be necessary to resort to that form of attack. If the enemy is defeated, he wlQ be driven back toward his infantry supports at Gettysburg, or on the Baltimore Pike. Plan (d): Maj. A's force is too small to divide. He can afford to run no chance of failure to secure coordination. He must keep his command together and put every man in. As soon as a force is divided, the commander loses more or less control of that part not with him. In this problem, whatever happens will happen quickly, so that Maj . A should keep his troops in hand until the critical moment arrives. Plan (b), then, is the one that seems to give the best promise of success. In approaching 586 the gait will be a brisk trot. If the command moved at a walk there would be a loss of valuable time. The squadron at a gallop might become elongated and out of hand on the narrow country lane, 587-586. Maj. A should not waste time in riding to hill 606 or in assembling his officers. He has such an accurate map, and the informa- tion from Lieut. L is so definite, that he feels that he can act at once. DECISION. To move rapidly, with present advance guard formation from 520, across country to 587, and thence via 587-586 road, to woods west of 586, and then to attack mounted or dismounted, or by combined mounted and dismounted ac- tion, as may be warranted by conditions found to exist upon arrival within striking distance. ACTIONS AND ORDERS. It is assumed that Lieut. W, the sergeant major, and the squadron adjutant are famihar with the three messages just received, and that the messengers who brought them are stdl with Maj. A. APPROACHING THE ENEMY. Maj. A, the squadron adjutant, Lieut. W, and the sergeant major are still at 520 and are famihar with the map, as they have been studying it while awaiting reports. Maj. A shows them the map and orders: The squadron wdll move at once by this route, at a brisk trot, to road fork 586 (indicating 520, across country, 587-586 road on map and pointing out 184 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. direction on the ground aa far as it can be seen). Lieut. W, your platoon will continue to act as advance guard. Have fence cut at 586, andrecon- noiter woods just west of there; but do not let your men show themselves west of the woods. Lieut. W, send Capt. B (senior captain) word to have main body follow advance guard at 400 yards, in column of fours. Lieut. X (squadron adjutant), you will take the point of the advance guard, now at 561 yonder (pointing to it), and precede Lieut. Ws platoon. You will be under his orders until the squadron reaches 586, when you will join me turning the point over to the noncommissioned officer now with it. I will gallop to 561, but ■will join advance party as it crosses the field toward 587. Move out. GUARDING THE FLANKS. Maj. A then turns to messenger from Sergt. K and orders: Go back to Sergt. K and tell him I am going to attack one squadron of the enemy which has been located about 2 miles west of road fork at which you left him. Tell him to move northwest, keeping near the Baltimore Pike, and look for hostile troops coming from Gettysburg by that road. Maj. A, Lieut. X, the sergeant major, and two orderhes, and the messengers from Lieut. L and Sergt. M, then gallop to near 561 and halt imder cover. Maj. A orders: Lieut. X, move out. Then turning to the sergeant major he orders: Inform Lieut. L that I attack at once from 586 and desire any new infor- mation he may have. Lieut. L's messenger will guide you. Hurry, time is important. Maj. A then gallops with his orderly to rejoin Lieut. W and the advance party. (Note. — On country roads, Cavalry will habitually march in column of twos when the military situation permits; but as soon as an encounter with the enemy appears probable, it must, at once, shorten its column so as to facilitate deploy- ment when the moment of action arrives. Maj. A has not yet informed Lieut. W that Lieut. L is to cover the left, as something may happen to prevent the sergeant major from fuiding Lieut. L. No word is sent to Sergt. K to cover the right, for the messenger may not fuid that sergeant, and, if he did, the latter's patrol could hardly arrive in the vicinity of 549 in time to perform that function.) COMMENT. This study is adapted from an old problem used for the Army School of the Line. In solving this problem, the following were the princi- pal errors committed by students: CAVALRY COMBAT. 185 1. Many made no special provision for protecting the flanks. Notwithstanding the instructions contained in Cavalry Drill Kegulations as to combat patrols, it is believed that specific orders should be .given in important cases, for protecting the flanks. 2. Many issued their attack orders from road junction 520. This is a decided error. The last news of the enemy was from Lieut. L at 5.40 a. m. It will be 6.10 a. m., per- haps later, before you arrive within striking distance. In that time the situation may change very materially. It certamly will do so if t>he enemy has discovered the Blue squadron. Maj. A can not determine the nature of the attack, nor how it wUl be made, until he arrives within striking distance. Should he do this, he would run the risk of precipitating an attack, which did not fit the actual conditions, and which, therefore, would probably result in defeat. 3. Many sent word to the brigade commander as to what was about to happen. The brigade commander himseK sent you word where the enemy was to be found, and or- dered you to go and attack him. That you are doing it, will be no very important news to him. What he would like to know is how the fight came out. You ought to know this very soon, and will then have some real news for him. If it were a combat of large forces, or one which might last a long time, then it would be proper to send word to the brigade commander. 4. Many assumed that Blue patrols had been seen. These patrols reached points of observation before daylight, and concealed themselves. The chances seemed good that they had not been discovered up to the time the problem opened. 5. In sending messages to Lieut. L and Sergts. K and M, many did not make use of the messengers from them, who, of course, knew where to find them, provided they had not been forced to move in the meantime. 6. Many depended upon Sergt. K with his patrol to pro- tect their right and sent him word to that effect. It is doubtful if he could have come up in time to do so during the attack. 7. Many wasted time sending Maj. A to hiU 606 to look over the country. Maj. A had an excellent map and very definite information from Lieut. L. He could see very little more from hiU 606 than he already knew. It was consid- ered correct to send the adjutant or sergeant major to Lieut. 186 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. L to find out if the situation had changed; but this could be done without delaying the advance. 8. Many left the squadron halted and assembled troop commanders; some at 561, some at 520, some at B. D. Snyder's, and some even on hill 606. In each of these cases it was considered an error, because time was lost, and because the moment had not arrived for giving the attack order. Situation (continued) : At 6.12 a. m. Maj. A has his squad- ron massed just west of road fork 586, covered by the woods to the west. Lieut. W with the advance guard, now reduced to about eight troopers, is about 150 yards to the left front of the squadron. Patrols from the advance guard cover, from concealed positions, the northern, western, and southern edges of the woods (woods north of the Faulk house). Maj. A is at the western edge of the timber with his adjutant, sergeant major, and several orderlies. He sees the Red squadron in an open field about 600 yards to the west. The guidons have their places in column facing east, and a few dismounted men have fallen in along- side the guidons; the other men seem to be busy saddling. The last wagon has just pulled out of the field onto the country lane leading from the farmhouse just north of the camp to the main highway 400 yards farther north (Ger- mantown-563-C. H. King road). Apparently the enemy does not suspect the presence of the Blue squadron. Required: Maj. A's orders: INSTANT ACTION REQUIRED. Maj. A decides to attack, mounted, and at once. He rides back to the squadron accompanied by his adjutant, sergeant major, and orderlies, sending one orderly to Lieut. W with following order : Tell Lieut. W to report to me at the squadron at once. The squadron is in order from right to left Troops D, C, B, A. ORDERS FOR MOUNTED ATTACK. Assuming all captains to be at their posts, Maj. A signals them to join him in front of the center of the squadron and issues verbal orders as follows : The hostile squadron is in an open field about 600 yards west of these woods. The guidons are mounted, but the rest of the men are leading into CAVALRY COMBAT. 187 line or saddling. The guidons are facing this way. The wagons have left camp and gone behind the woods just north of camp toward the main road. We will attack the hostile squadron at once, mounted. Troops D and C, Capt. D (senior to Capt. C), commanding, will form the attacking line. Capt. D, take advantage of that opening in the woods 150 yards to our front, and attack the enemy in close order, mounted, as soon as you clear the woods. Lieut. X (squadron adjutant) will accompany you to point out the enemy's position. Capt. B, your troop will be the support, and will follow the attacking line at 150 yards, looking out for the right flank. Capt. A, your troop (two platoons) will be the reserve and will follow the attacking Une at 400 yards, echeloned behind the left flank. Lieut. W, you, with the former advance guard, will cover the left flank. Signal nearby patrols to join you. I will be with the reserve. Move out at once. COMMENT. (a) Many students lost time sending for troop commanders to come to the westeiTi edge of woods. The situation is so clear that the order to attack can be given at once. The adjutant or sergeant major can be sent to accompany the commander of the attacking line and point out the enemy to him. (6) Many gave no task to Lieut. W and his eight men. Give every part of your command something to do. (c) Many did not protect flanks. (See 1 above.) PART VII.— CAVALRY REGIMENT. Combat by a Regiment. SITUATION (blue). Conewago Creek divides the Red (northern) and the Blue (southern) States. A Blue division is concentrating 15 miles south of Gettysburg. It having been reported that the enemy was advancing from the northeast, the First Blue Cavalry was ordered to move via Littlestowoi and New Oxford to determine the nature of the hostile movement. Troops A and B, as contact troops, moved out in advance — Troop A via the valley of Little Conewago, Troop B by the high ridge 2 to 3 miles farther west. At 10 a. m., October 5, when the regiment, marching on the Kingsdale-Littlestown road, has just cleared Kingsdale, Col, A, commanding the regiment, learned that Trooj) A had encomitered hostile cavalry, estimated at more than a squadron, and was falling back by the 566-Lefevre road. (566 is just west of Bashore Mill.) REQUIRED. Col. A's action at this time and his reasons therefor. SUPPORTING A CONTACT TROOP. It is to be assumed that Col. A was marching in regular march formation with an advance guard and the usual atten- tion to covering his flanks. Probably he would send out patrols to the flanks, from time to time, whenever the ground indicated that they could get a good view, or roads jomed his route which could not be efficiently reconnoitered from some nearby high point. This march protection for the column is independent of the contact troops, which are not concerned with protecting the main body of the regiment. His action, then, is to direct his advance guard to march toward Troop A, and to signal for increased gait. If, on account of narrow roads, the regiment has been marching in column of twos. Col. A will also signal "Form fours." 189 190 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. KEASONS. Contact troops are sent out to find the enemy's forces. They are made strong enough to drive off hostile patrols and thus uncover larger forces. When one such contact troop encounters superior force, it can gain no further in formation till the superior hostile force is disposed of. It must be reinforced to do this. When one contact troop finds strong opposition and the others do not, the chances are that the main force is on the route where the enemy has developed strength. It would therefore be foolish to divide the regiment and run the chance of being defeated in detail. If, on the other hand, the force uncovered by the contact troop is only a fraction of the hostUe force, Col. A will have great superiority over the few troops of hostile cavalry and can quickly dispose of them; thus having his whole force ready to meet the other forces o To drive off hostile cavalry reported as more than a squadron, it is evident that a fight will be necessary. The more quickly Col. A can bring on this fight the less the enemy will be able to prepare for it, so the regiment should be closed up ready for quick action and the gait increased as much as the terrain permits. Situation (continued) : Col. A pushed rapidly forward on the Littlestown-622-623 road with the first squadron (less Troops A and B) as advance guard, Maj. B commanding. When Col. A, at the head of the main body, was about halfway between 622 and 623, he saw his advance guard form for a charge just south of hill 636 and charge over the hill (this point is 800 yards east of the eastern exit of Littles- town). Required: Col. A's action and his reasons therefor. ACTION WHEN THE ADVANCE GUARD IS SEEN TO FORM FOR ATTACK. On seeing the advance guard form for a charge. Col. A turned the head of the column toward the hill occupied by the advance guard and ordered, ''Second Squadron, line of fours; gallop." Then to his adjutant, "Third Squadron to form line of fours at a gaUop 100 yards in rear of the Second Squadron." Then to the lieutenant colonel, "Lead the regiment at a trot toward that hill [points to the one just left by the advance guard]. I will gallop forward to get a look from that hill." CAVALRY REGIMENT, 191 REASONS. The opportunities for a mounted charge are quickly lost if any hesitation or delay occurs. When the advance guard commander saw his opportunity he jirobably had no time to wait till he could report to the regimental com- mander. Troops which have just engaged in a mounted charge are in great disorder and are peculiarly liable to be over- thrown by a counter attack, even by a very small number of formed hostile troops. Whenever nearby cavalry is seen to launch a charge it is, therefore, made the duty of all mounted troops observing the charge to hasten to the sup- port of the charging cavalry, and thus be able to clinch the victory; or in case of a repulse, to cover the reforming of the charging line. There is no time for sending formal messages or requests for assistance; or usually, even to notify adjoining commanders or nearby superiors of the intention to charge. Col. A sees that his advance guard is about to engage in mounted combat. He therefore orders his troops into a compact formation from which he can quickly act in any direction, moves his troops as rapdily as practicable toward the combat, and himself hastens forward to gain a view of the situation so as to be able to launch his troops in the most favorable direction and formation. He should have marched with the support of his advance guard when action was imminent, for there he could get more prompt information of the enemy and could take the necessary ac- tion more quickly and with a better understanding of the situation. Situation (continued) : Before Col. A reached hill 636, the advance guard came back over the hill and started to reform. On reaching the top of the hill Col. A saw the situation as follows : Advance guard reforming just behind the crest of the hill. Second squadron in "line of fours," about 500 yards south of hiU 636, moving forward at a trot with the machine-gun troop on its left. Third squadron forming in line of fours at a gallop in rear of second squadron. Troop A, dismounted and deployed on the east shoulder of hill 646 (near Lefevre), firing to the north. A hostile firing line, about 200 yards long, just leaving the west edge of the woods between hiU 636 and road-junction 609, and moving toward hill 636 at a double time. 192 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. A mounted column, just appearing over the steep slope which hides from liis view the bend of the road 200 yards north of Valley Grove schoolhouse, is moving southwest at a trot, in column of fours, the head of the column approach- ing the lane that leads west from 609. It stretches north from there toward the bend of the road. Farther north on the road, where it can be seen, and extending to 566, a hostile cavahy colunm, apparently part of the same column, seems to be trotting south in column of twos. As Col. A passed the advance guard commander, the latter reported : I smashed the leading hostile troop, but two others were in the woods where I could nDt get at them. Required: Col. A's estimate of the situation, decision, and orders. Note. — The terrain is to be taken exactly as shown on the map. Corn ia standing, but it is of poor quality and sparse growth. Other crops have been cut. Leaves have begun to fall but trees are not entirely bare. Col. A finds himself in a position facing such rapid changes that his success will depend entirely upon the extent to which he may possess that quahty of "coup d'oeil," so often spoken of as necessary in a good cavalry commander. In this map problem we attempt to follow in a deliberate manner the impressions made on his mind, the deductions he makes, and the decisions at which he arrives; though in reality, in the field, all of this would pass through his mind in a second or two. MISSION. Col. A's mission is to move via Littlestown and New Oxford in order to determine the nature of the hostile move- ment reported to be taking place in that direction. The information received at Littlestown does not change his mission, but indicates an obstacle to its accomphshment. The Blue commanding general evidently wishes the country reconnoitered as far as New Oxford. To determine the na- ture of the hostile movement, Col. A will need to know whether or not there are troops of any kind behind the cav- alry that has been encountered. To do this, it wiU probably be necessary to defeat the hostile cavahy. Col. A will never get information by defensive or timid action. He will also wish to prevent hostile reconnaissance of the Blue main body. The easiest and surest way of doing so is to defeat the bulk of the hostile cavalry. His immediate mission, then, pri- CAVALRY REGIMENT. 193 marily resolves itself into defeating and driving back the hostile cavalry. The hostile force consists of a dismounted skirmish line about 200 yards long. This would indicate about 100 men, and together with horse holders, patrols, etc., would account for about two troops. (This assumes a skirmish line similar to the one used under Cavalry Drill Regulations, 1909. Should the more dense skirmish line of one man to the yard be the one employed, Col. A can, of course, see which is in use and would then reckon twice as large a force). One troop has just been dispersed. About 400 yards of mounted men, in column of fours, is about one squadron, and 1,000 yards of mounted men, in column of twos, is four or five troops. The accuracy of the last two deductions depends on the amount of elongation that has taken place in the hostile column. With Col. A on the ground, it would not be a case of measurement and cal- culation ; the impression that the enemy numbered about a regiment would be the same, but would be instantaneous. Whether or not the hostile cavalry covers other troops is Col. A's mission to find out. At any rate, no such troops are close enough at hand to take part in the impending action. The hostile cavalry is pushing forward with energy and determination, but its poor formation indicates that the Red commander, at least till the last few moments, has expected his advance guard to be ample to deal with the Blues in his front. The fact that the inhabitants are hostile, has undoubtedly assisted in keeping the Red commander in ignorance of the real situation. (Note. — Not to be too hard on the Red commander for being caught in such formation, we may note that, had he been two minutes earlier and Col. A two minutes later in changing from road formation, the situation would have been exactly reversed. Then the Blues, at the very least, would have lost their advance guard and Troop A, and would have had their further advance effectively blocked.) The Blue forces and their dispositions are stated in the problem. Troop A is probably firing at that portion of the enemy near the small woods. Col. A is 12 to 15 miles from supportiag troops. THE ENEMY. The enemy appears to be making a determined attempt to gain possession of hill 636. He has evidently been caught in a poor formation for fighting, and is trying to change formation at a gallop, while stiU advancing the head of his 98755°— 17 13 194 STUMES IN MINOR TACTICS. column on hill 636 at a trot. If left to continue these move- ments, the enemy's dismounted men v/ould reach hill 636 in 400 yards-J-160, equals 2| minutes, and the head of his mounted column in 700 yards -^- 235, equals 3 minutes. The mounted column could accomplish this change of formation at a gallop en route. So far nothing has developed to show what was the original intention of the hostile cavalry, whether to seek information, cover hostile movements, or simply make a raid. TERRAIN. The immediate terrain consists of a hill, occupied by the Blue cavalry, with a comparatively gentle slope toward the enemy. The ground between the 566-Lefevre Road and the electric road is open, except for a small amount of corn of sparse growth, which will not greatly hinder movement, and for the small climip of woods, which is an obstacle to moimted movement in close formation, though foragers could easily pass through it. Fences on both sides of the 566-Lefevre Road and of the electric railroad would somewhat delay any mounted move- ment that required them to be passed, though the delay would be shght, for wire fences are serious obstacles to moimted movement only when they are mider effective fire. The lane west from near 609 is imfenced, while the one west from 619 is fenced with wire — what kind could not be told at the distance from which Col. A sees it. The slope of the groimd is nowhere too great for mounted action which is, therefore, suited to the terrain. From his horse Col. A can see all the ground in the vicinity, except a small piece behind the clump of woods, the bottoms of a few ravines, and the foot of one steeper slope. PLANS. 1. Any move that Col. A can make, which does not con- template attacking and driving off the Red cavalry, will necessitate his giving up his mission. This is not to be considered. 2. Col. A might dismount his whole force to fight on foot. This woidd be dangerous and, as it gives up the initiative, it also practically abandons his mission, and for no good reason. 3. He might use partly mounted and partly dismounted action. For the moment Troop A is dismounted. It would CAVALRY REGIMENT. 195 take some time to reach it with orders, and it may be doing effective work where it is now; hence this small fraction of the force should be the last to receive orders. As regards the balance of the regiment, to dismount Troops C and D would simply take time and place both men and led horses in the way of moimted action by other parts of the regiment. To use these two troops mounted against the hostile skir- mish line would stop it sooner, would probably be successful, and, if so, would give the greatest results. To wait for the machine guns to go mto action anywhere would simply waste time. The use of the combmation of dismomited with mounted action by the main body of the regiment is, therefore, to be rejected. 4. Col. A may order Maj. B, with Troops C and D, to charge the hostile skirmish line and have him act at once. These two troops are re-forming. They can be rallied in a second or two for a charge, either in line or as foragers, while moving toward the enemy. To dismount they must get into regular formation and count fours, thus losing time while remaining in the way of the other squadrons. The formation of the approaching second squadron is favorable for a charge to the front, and there is nothing to be gained, and a good opportunity to be lost, by an attempt at a turning or enveloping movement. In fact, a charge straight to the front is bound to result in all the envelopment that would be useful. For such an attack combat patrols are necessary. Troop A sufficiently protects the right flank. The full view to the front and left front, taken together with the probable protection from that quarter of the left flanking group of the former advance guard, will be sufficient for the moment. Should the action continue for any length of time, a patrol should occupy hill 637, unless the flanking group of the former advance guard can be observed to have already done so. The left flank also has some protection from the two wire fences, though it must again be urged that the protec- tion from a rapid hostile advance afforded by wire fences is very slight, indeed, unless such fences can be brought under effective rifle fire. In going into action with his mounted troops. Col. A will find the machine-gim troop in the way if it is sent to hill 636; besides, if placed on that hill, it can neither gain a field of fire unobstructed by our own troops, nor effectively assist in covering a possible reverse. 196 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. In case of initial success, which is to be expected, an advance of Troop A north toward 5G6 will be likely to reap a rich reward. The second squadron will be ample for the first attack on the hostile column, and will be most effective on a compara- tively narrow front, say of two troops in the first line. This will leave the whole third squadron as a reserve with which Col. A can himself influence the action. Troop B is too far away to be recalled. Its existence might not even enter Col. A's mind at the present time. DECISION. Col. A decides to attack the enemy mounted and at once; to send Troops C and D against the hostile skirmish line and the second squadron against the mounted column; to use the third squadron according to the way the fight develops; to order the machine-gun troop into action near the railroad cut, but not to wait for it; and for the present, to leave Troop A where it is. It is taken for granted that a patrol from the advance guard has been on or near hill 637. Note. — Part of the above estimate had ah-eady been made by Col. A. Each event, as it came to his notice before and during the march, having left its impression. The remainder of the estimate and the decision in the field would be almost instantaneous. The object of map problems of tliis nature is to prepare the mind to make such instantaneous decisions, based on a quickly realized conception of the opportimity. In war, such decisions will have to be reached in a very short time. The commander's mind will act more quickly and logically under stress if peace time study has devel- oped the channels of thought which must be brought into play. DISPOSITION AND ORDER FOR THE ATTACK. To Maj. B, advance guard commander: Charge in two lines against that (pointing) skirmish line. Move at once. To Maj. C, commanding second squadron, wliich should arrive on the hill by the time Maj. B has started his charge: Charge in two lines. That mounted column ("pointing) your objective. Third squadron will be in reserve. To his adjutant: Have the machine-gun troop go into action from near that railroad cut (just west of hill 636). USE OF THE ATTACK. Further orders wOl depend on the result of the move- ments already ordered. The third squadron has not been CAVALRY REGIMENT. 197 halted, being available for use as a reserve against any un- broken portions of the enemy, the led horses of the dis- mounted line, or any formed bodies of the enemy that may come forward from the road; or it may be sent in pursuit. On the first signs of success. Troop A will be mounted and sent in pursuit up the road. As soon as time permits. Troop B and the Blue division commander will be notified of the action and of its results. PART VIII.— LIGHT ARTILLERY. A Battery in Rencontre — Enemy on the Offensive. SITUATION. A Blue force, consisting of Third Infantry, Troop A, Third Cavahy, Battery D, First Field ArtOlery, under command of Col. A, is marching on Hunterstown via the Littlestown- Pleasant Hill Schooihouse-Boneauville Road. The coimtry is hostile to the Blues. Battery D is marching near the head of the main body. The reconnaissance officer with one scout and one signaller are with the reserve of the advance guard. At 9 a. m., when the head of the main body has reached the small creek 400 yards northwest of Pleasant Hill S. H., the cavalry advance party is stopped by rifle fire from the village of Whitehall. Upon hearing the firing, Capt. D, commanding battery, taking with him his executive officer and two musicians and the chief of fifth section who has with him the B. C. telescope, rides to the front with Col. A, who informs him that it is urgent that the march be continued and that an attack may be necessary. ORDERS OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FORCES. At 9.30 a. m., at the farmhouse 300 yards southeast of AUoway Creek, Capt. D receives the following order from Col. A: About a regiment of infantry with a battery of artillery is taking up a position on both sides of this road near 637. A part of our advance guard is in the village of Whitehall. We will attack the enemy at once, envelop- ing his left flank. Place your battery in position on this side of Alloway Creek and support the attack. Develop the enemy's artillery as soon aa possible. Capt. D also hears Col. A's orders for the disposition of the other troops in the attack. The artillery reconnaissance officer rejoined his captain and reported that he had been unable to locate the position of the hostile artillery, but that one of his scouts, at 9.15 a. m., had seen artillery near the farmhouse southeast of 199 200 STUDIES IN MINOE TACTICS. Sweet Home schoolliouse and that it was moving toward St. Luke's church. The battery is halted at 598, while the head of the main body has arrived at Capt. D's position. Required: 1. Capt. D's estimate of the situation in so far as it relates to the disposition of his battery. 2. Orders and messages issued by Capt. D in getting his battery into position. ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. Requirement: 1. Capt. D's mission is to divert the atten- tion of the hostile artillery as soon as possible from the Blue infantry, and then to assist this infantry in its attack on the enemy's position, as soon as it comes within range of the enemy's rifle fire. 2. The enemy's strength and position is better known than would, many times, be the case. Capt. D has been informed that our advance guard has observed about one regiment of hostile infantry deploying on both sides of the road near 637; he knows, also, that the enemy has one battery of artil- lery, which was seen approaching St. Luke's church from the northwest at 9.15 a, m. It is not probable that this Red battery advanced beyond St. Luke's Church, as it would surely have been discovered had it done so. Neither is it likely it went back the way it came. The chances are that it is in readiness back of the ridge on which St. Luke's Church stands; but whether north or south of the road, and how far from the road, can not now be told. That it is not yet in position, may be inferred from the fact that the Blue infantry on the road, where it is certainly visible from St. Luke's Church, has not drawn its fire. It is almost certain that observers will be posted in the steeple of St. Luke's Church, or in the trees near that point. It will soon be hazardous for Blue troops to appear in vulner- able formation in possible sight of these enemy observers. 3. Capt. D also has full information as to Col. A's inten- tions ; that the latter proposes to attack the enemy by envel- oping his left. Over what gromid wiU this attack pass ? In all likelihood, the frontal attack will be made along or near the Whitehall-St. Luke's Church Road, on either or both sides, while the enveloping attack will move over the ground in the vicinity of the stream lines northeast of Shebley's. 4. Capt. D clearly sees that his mission requires him to select a position for his battery which will admit of the fol- lowing conditions being fulfilled: LIGHT ARTILLERY. 201 (a) Bring an effective fire on the neighborhood of St. Luke's Church and of road junction 637. (b) Have an observation station in connection with this position, from which can be seen the vicinity of St. Luke's Church and of 637, and the ground over which the Blue attack will pass. (c) Be out of view of the enemy observers in steeple of St. Luke's Church or trees or building near enemy's position. (d) Be capable of being quickly occupied and as far as possible in such manner that the enemy may nowhere see the battery. (e) And the position must, in accordance with Col. A's orders, be southeast of Alloway Creek. 5. In the half hour which Capt. A has had since leaving his battery, not more than 10 minutes were needed to ride forward to his present position. He has had 20 minutes to spare which he has employed in reconnoitering neighboring positions, and receiving the report of his reconnoissance officer as to positions the latter had visited. With the knowledge obtained from these reconnaissances, and from his map, Capt. D, upon Col. A's orders, can at once decide as to the disposition of his battery. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE BATTERY POSITIONS. 6. The following possible positions are considered by Capt. D: (a) Hill 627. The north end of this hill is bare and affords a position for either direct or mdirect fire, good place for observation station in trees on south end of hill. Can be approached under cover. Range to 637 about 3,850 yards, and 350 yards more to St. Luke's Church — rather long to obtain good results from shrapnel fire. A good place if the Blues were to fight a defensive action, but too distant for supporting an attack if a closer position can be found. (b) Hill 647. Bare sjwt about center of this hill, with trees or buildings on both sides, limiting field of fire. Top of hni quite flat; guns can not be run up readily for direct fire. Ranges to targets too groat. Similar to (a). (c) Saddle between hill 627 and Schild's hill. This posi- tion is so shallow — only 5 feet lower than the crest in front — that even after making allowance for crops on ground con- cealing the battery itself, the gun flashes would at once be located by hostile observers. {e) Near 610. This position can be quickly reached by going across country west of hill 627, the crops being probably 202 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. high enough to conceal the movements of the battery. But a better route would be by the ravine east of hill 627, north- westwardly, past the group of houses northeast of Schild's, thence southwest along edge of woods. Another method of approach would be to pass Grawmer's on the road at a rapid gait, turning northeast up the ravine 300 yards north- west of that point. At the head of the ravine the walk should be taken, all men dismounted, and horses led in order to reduce the chance, of being seen. There is a good position for an observation station on Schild's house or the ridge in front of it; or, better, in one of the trees just northeast of Schild's. The woods here are heavy, and, at a distance, all trees in a wood look alike. It might be necessary to cut out a few branches to give the observer an unobstructed view, while still leaving him con- cealed, but this can be easily done. Range to 637 is about 3,050 yards — a good artillery range. But the position of a battery near 610, while not visible to an observer on the ground near 637 or St. Luke's Church, would probably be visible to an observer in the church steeple or in some of the trees near there. It would cer- tainly be betrayed by the flashes of the guns. (e) Ravine northwest of Grawmer's. This position would be a concealed one, which could be approached most of the way under cover, but on account of the ridge lines and houses in front and rear of this position, on which the enemy could accurately observe his fire, and the fact that the gun flashes would be visible and at once attract the enemy's attention, the position is a poor one. Positions c, d, and e have the worst feature an artillery position can have — lack of horizontal depth. Once located by hostile artillery, a battery in such a position can be kept inamobile as long as the hostile artillery chooses to maintain its fire. Even a direct-fire position should have depth, ena- bling the gmis to be withdrawn by hand to where the limbers may come to them. Generally speaking, a narrow ravine is a poor place for artillery. (/) In ravine of Alloway Creek. Not enough cover to permit position being reached, without long and delaying detours. ig) South of Pleasant Hill S. H.-Whitehall Road. Same objection as (/), with added one that no good observation stations exist, especially with reference to observing the progress of the enveloping attack. LIGHT- ARTILLERY. 203 (h) Field 600-800 yards northeast of Schild's. This posi- tion can be reached under cover, via east side of hill 627 and houses on road northeast of Schild's. The woods in front make a perfect screen and afford some protection. Obser- vation station could be located in a tree on west side of these woods, and would give an excellent view of all the terrain of the expected action. Guns at the fence running north from the group of houses 600 yards northeast of Schild's will clear the trees when laid for a range of 2,000 yards; about that required for the line, E. Ecker's-Whitehall-road fork 595, as short a range as is likely to be needed. 7. If position 6 (h), is selected, limbers and combat train can be located on either flank of the battery, under cover from the enemy's observation, and behind the trees shelter- ing the battery from view, or behind the trees south of the road 610-633, west of north from hill 627. The latter posi- tion is best protected from possible hostile cavalry patrols. 8. Capt. D considers the advisability of establishing an auxiliary observation station. Possible places are: (a) House about 300 yards northwest of road junction 606; or in trees 300 yards west of this house, and north of Small's. (h) E. Ecker's. (c) House on hill 607, northeast of Whitehall S. H. (d) Whitehall. (e) House 1,000 yards southwest of Whitehall. Of these positions (a) appears the most promising, as giving a near view of the enveloping attack. It might, later, as events develop, be pushed forward. If the recon- naissance officer be sent to this place, he could, if communi- cation can be maintained, report as to the effect of the Blue artillery fire, the advance of the Blue infantry, counter attacks of the enemy or other hostile movements, etc. The reconnaissance officer and one signaller are present. A musician, as horse holder, can also be given him. The sig- naller, by utilizing wire fences and connecting them up across roads and open spaces with his buzzer wire, can estabhsh a telephone line with not too much delay. He might even find, for at least part of the way, existing farm telephone lines which he could use. Failing this, flag com- munication could be established with a party stationed at the Schild house. 9. Capt. D sees no necessity to ride back and personally bring up his battery. His executive officer, whom he 204 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. brought up with him for this purpose, and who has accom- panied him for the last half hour, becoming thoroughly oriented in tliis time as to the situation and his captain's views, can be given suitable instructions, and sent back to lead the battery into its position. 10. It is not necessary for Capt. D to indicate the exact spot which the battery is to occupy. While this is fre- quently necessary when many troops are to be in the same neighborhood, there is no need to take up valuable time, when one battery, which has ample ground in which to man- euver, is the only one concerned. Capt. D can best employ his time, while his battery is moving into position, by estab- lishing his station and by careful, continuous observation of the terrain, endeavoring to locate as many hostile targets as possible. DECISION OF THE BATTERY COMMANDER. 11. To post his battery 400 yards east of the woods north of 610; the battery observation station to be on west edge of same woods (near south end); reconnoissance officer to establish an auxiliary station at house northeast of Small's; limbers and combat trains to be south of the 610-633 road behind trees southeast of 610; an agent to be provided for Col. A; and, finally, the latter requested to furnish an infantry company as battery support. CONDUCT OF AN INFANTRY SUPPORT. 12. The plan of the Blue attack, and the position of the leading troops in Whitehall indicate that the battery will soon be a mile behind the attacking infantry ; and if a support is not provided by Col. A, Capt. D will be justified in asking for one. A company would be ample, and would not draw too heavily on the attacking force, since part of it could be sent forward in case of need. The commanding officer of the company would, after consultation with the battery commander, be responsible for the posting of the support. A possible arrangement would be, one platoon at the house 450 yards north of road fork 599, patrolling to north and east; half a platoon at Grawmer's, and the other half at 633, patrolhng and observing to south and east; the re- mainder of the support in reserve at the house south of the battery. 13. Some means of communication with Col. A is neces- sary; but Capt. D has reliable noncommissioned officers, one of whom can be detailed on this duty. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 205 ORDERS OF THE BATTERY COMMANDER. 14. Capt. D issues the following messages and orders. 15. At 9.31 a. m., verbally, to Col. A: Request a company be detailed as battery support, as the battery will soon be a considerable distance in rear of the infantry. If Col, A assents to this he will undoubtedly detail a com- pany of the main body, which is close by, and the captain of this company will soon be up. 16. At 9.32 a. m., verbally, to Lieut. R. (reconnaissance officer), Lieut. E (executive officer), Corp. X (scout), and Sergt. S (chief of fifth section) : You have heard Col. A's orders and are familiar with the situation. Lieut. E, ride back to battery and bring it up quickly under cover, east of hill 627, into position in the field north of the 610-633 road, about 150 yards north of the road, and 400 yards east of the woods just north of 610. Limbers and combat train south of the 610-633 road, and east of trees south- east of 610. 1 1 go at once to establish my station on west edge of these woods, north- east of Schild's. Corpl. X, report as agent to Col. A. 17. Lieut. E gallops back to the battery, while Capt. D waits a minute or two to consult with the commander of the infantry support. The latter refers to his map and, after having been advised of Capt. D's intentions, suggests an arrangement similar to that outlined above in paragraph 12. To this Capt. D readily gives his approval. OBSERVATION AND COMMUNICATION. 18. Capt. D, accompanied by Lieut. R, Sergt, S, two mu- sicians, and one signaler, keeping under cover of Schild's hiU, now gallops off toward 610. Arriving there, Capt. D selects, in the edge of the woods north of 610, a tree of good height, not too difficult to climb, or needing much trimming, and at 9.40 a. m. verbally states: The battery observation station will be in this tree. Lieut. R, take the signaler and one musician, and establish an auxiliary observation station at the house 400 yards northeast of Small's, about 1,500 yards from here. Use wire fences to establish and maintain telephone communication with me if possible. Otherwise arrange for a flag station at Schild's. 19. Capt. D now climbs the tree, and with the help of Sergt. S estabhshes his observation telescope,^ breaking off branches ' Capt. D illustrates his remarks by pointing out orientation features on the ground and on his map. 2 If not equipped with the model 1913 instrument, he would use his field glasses. Sergt. S assists in observ-ation. Whenever the captain is conducting fire, Sergt. S maintains the general observation of the field. 206 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. where necessary. The one musician left holds the horses and watches Lieut. R, who rides off carefully, his signaler wiring up as necessary; the musician with Lieut. R holding the signaler's horse as required. 20. Capt. D need give no further orders until ready to open fire. The battery, when it comes into its designated posi- tion, will send forward and lay a telephone line to the B. C. station; the signal corporal will attend to all the details of establishing the station; and the executive officer will report, after communication is established, when the battery is ready to fire. The executive officer would give an initial laying by compass, site and range being estimated or taken from the map. The captain corrects by observation of the first fire. In the meantime, Capt. D can give his undivided attention to observing the enemy's position and the location of the Blue infantry. 21. The executive officer will retain, at the battery's position, one of the signal men; the remaining signal man and one remaining scout he sends to the B.C. station. They lay the telephone line as they go. This line is connected to the end of the line laid by Lieut. R. Meantime, the progress of the latter is watched by the musician from the east side of the Schild house, so that flag communication may be established at any moment. PART IX.— LIGHT ARTILLERY. A Battery in Rencontre — Enemy on the Defensive. A Blue brigade, reinforced by a battery and a troop, is marching from Emmitsburg on Taneytown. The advance guard consists of the First Infantry and Troop A, Second Cavalry, under command of Col. B. The country is hostile to the Blues. The advance guard crossed the Monocacy at Bridgeport about 9 a. m., and upon arrival at the heights east of the river became engaged with the enemy. Gen. A, with the main body west of the river, upon hear- ing musketry fire, rode forward to join the advance guard, taking Capt. D, battery commander, with him. ORDERS OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FORCES. As they rode past Alexander's, artillery fire was heard to the northeast, and Gen. A directed Capt. D: Send orders for your battery to join the advance guard, and you report at once to Col. B. (Note. — Capt. D has with him an agent and two musicians; the recon- naissance officer and two scouts are with the advance guard.) Col. B was found at the house 150 yards east of 500. Capt. D reported that his battery was coming up, and Col. B gave him orders as f oUows : I have a battalion of infantry deployed along the farther edge of the woods on that hill (532), and another battalion in the woods west of Eck- hardt's; but they can not advance, on account of the fire of a battery of artillery at Longville. The battery is right out in the open. You can see the upper part of the flashes from this house. About a battalion of hostile infantry is on hill 526, and our cavalry from north of Taneytown has just reported that more infantry is approaching Longville from the east. Get your battery into position quickly and stop that artillery fire. Aa soon as you open fire I am going to drive the enemy off hill 526. You must stop any infantry reinforcements from advancing to his support. Capt. D notes that the Third Battalion, First Infantry, is halted about 500 yards northv/est of 500 road junction. He estimates that the Blue battery will be now between Monoc- acy bridge and the small stream crossing to the east. 207 208 STUDIES IN MINOE TACTICS. Lieut. C, reconnaissance officer, reports that he has seen the hostile battery, and that it is in the cornfield southeast of 541. Required: 1. Any orders issued, or messages sent by Capt. D upon receiving Gen. A's instructions .at Alexander's. 2. Capt. D's estimate of the situation in so far as it affects the disposition of his artillery. 3. State disposition and use of reconnaissance officer, scouts, and telephone apparatus while battery is in action. PRELIMINARY ORDERS OF THE BATTERY COMMANDER. Upon receiving Gen. A's orders, at Alexander's, Capt. D directs a musician : Ride back to Lieut. C; tell him to form for action and bring battery up this road at a trot, halting at the road fork (500). He indicates to the musician the Alexander-500 road. ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. Two tasks are assigned to the battery commander: First, to stop the hostile artillery fire ; second, to prevent any Red reinforcements from approaching hill 526. Capt. D considers the first task to be the more important one, for it is the fire from the Red battery that has stopped the progress of the Blue advance guard. In selecting a posi- tion for his battery he will, therefore, make sure of being able to deliver an effective fire on the hostile battery. It must be a position that can be occupied quickly, for Col. B's orders indicate that the whole movement forward wiU be delayed imtil the Blue battery opens fire. The hostile battery being already in position and engaged in fii'e, the Blue battery should seek an approach along a covered route to a position affording defilade and then open fire as a surprise to the enemy. With the Red battery definitely located in the open and the Blue battery concealed, but with good observation sta- tions, Capt. D should have no difficulty in neutralizing the hostile artillery fire to such an extent that Col. B can re- sume the advance of the infantry. RECONNAISSANCE AND SELECTION OF A POSITION. Capt. D, while riding forward, has been able to estimate pretty well the country on both sides of the road for about 500 yards, with respect to its use by artillery. He notes that this area is screened against Longville and vicinity LIGHT ARTILLERY. 209 by the \voo(ls to the northeast, where the Blue iofaiitry is engaged, but that there are no high places along the road suitable for observation stations. Arriving at hill 524 and looking over the country from the farmhouse he sees that the country to the north and nortlieast, between the road and the woods, is all defiladed against the enemy's position near Longville, and that there are several positions near the house suitable for the firing battery. From the farmhouse he sees the toj)s of the flashes of the hostile battery; he will thus be able to adjust approxi- mately the fire of his own battery on the target. With the aid of an observing officer at the front of the woods to the north, he should be able to deliver a quick and effective fire on the Red battery. He might go forward himself and establish his B. C. station there, but it would be a considerable distance from his battery, with the further disadvantage of being right in the midst of the Blue infantry firing line, which is now under hostile artillery and infantry fire. Capt. D can see from the house more distant parts of the terrain that may offer suitable places for the battery. About 1,000 yards north of 500 road junction, and 200 or 300 yards west of the bend in the road, there seems to be a position behind the crest that will also permit a fire across the north front of the woods, on the hostile infantry. There is also an open area in the w^oods to the north which may be practicable for the battery. Capt. D knows, though, that his battery ^vi\\ be up in five or six minutes and that the reconnaissance of these distant positions will take considerable time. He believes that the time element is important, and that he should have a position selected for the battery to occupy as soon as it comes up. He decides, therefore, to place the battery in position near the farmhouse w^here he now is, and to use the house as the B. C. station. Looking over the terrain near the house, he sees the ravine to the west of hill 524, and also the one to the southeast of liiU 524; but neither of these offers any advantage over the flat country to the north of the road. So he selects a position on the cultivated ground north of the farmhouse, with the right piece located near the barn. The range to the hostile battery will be about 3,000 yards, and the battery from here will be able to fire also on hill 526 and the country to the northeast. 98755°— 17 14 210 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS, The limbers will be placed behind the woods on south slope of hill 524, and the combat train near farmhouse about 500 yards southwest of the limbers; an auxiliary observing station will be at Eckardt's farmhouse. USE OF RECONNAISSANCE OFFICER AND SCOUTS. The reconnaissance oflicer is in charge of the auxiliary station at the Eckhardt house; an agent is with Col. B for the purpose of transmitting messages and information to Capt. D. One scout is with the reconnaissance officer; the other regular scout and one specially detailed are at Boyd's providing for security of battery. One telephone is at the B. C. station, one at the firing battery, and one at the auxiliary observing station. COMMENTS ON STUDENTS* SOLtTIONS. In several solutions the orders issued were not given in proper form; that is, as they would be actually expressed by Capt. D. The orders for the occupation of the position and a de- scription of the manner of occupying position were not called for. This was given in several solutions. In 17 solutions the firing battery was placed in vicinity of hill 524. In seven solutions the firing battery was placed on the slope west of the bend m road about 1,000 yards north of 500 road junction. This is a good position for carrymg out the tasks assigned to the battery. Flash defilade can be obtained against Longville, as weU as an uninterrupted fire across the front of Col. B's infantry marching toward hill 526. The B. C. station in this case should be at the northern point of the woods west of Eckhardt's. Under the conditions stated in problem, the objection to this position would be the length of time required to recon- noiter and occupy it. If the reconnaissance officer recom- mends this position to his battery commander and is ready to lead battery to it, it satisfactorily solves the problem. Four solutions placed the firing battery near head of ravine 500 yards north of 500 road junction. In this posi- tion, there is no good observing station close to the battery. The battery being on lower ground than the woods in front, an unnecessarily large dead space is formed m front of woods. Four solutions placed the firing battery in north edge of woods near Eckhardt's, or on top of the crest near the LIGHT AETILLERY. 211 house. This position is untenable, considering conditions stated in problem. In some of these solutions, the battery was moved to position through the woods, while the map indicates that the woods have thick underbrush. Three solutions placed the filling battery in open space in woods southeast of Eckhardt's. It is doubtful if more than "mounted defilade" can be obtained here, and that only by moving back to the edge of the woods. In this case the position of the battery and its range would be found easily, on account of the flashes appearing against the woods in rear. One solution had the firing battery in the middle of the woods, and another one, in rear edge of woods. One solution had the firing battery in ravine near Alex- ander's, with B. C. station on hill 503. In this case the range is too long, and the battery commander can not see his objective. PART X.— LIGHT ARTILLERY. A Battalion in Observation. GENERAL SITUATION. A Red army is holding the line Tanoytown-Gcrman- town against an equal Blue force attacking from the east. SPECIAL SITUATK^N. The First Cavalry (Blue) is covering the front Mar^'s- ville-Whitehall, with headquarters at Gebhardt's. A Blue detachment detrained at Sells Station, is march- ing on "Whitehall via Bashor Mill, with orders to cover the Blue right flank. MARCH SITUATION. Advance guard, Col. A commanding; the First Infantry and Battery C, First Field Artillery (less combat train). The advance guard support consists of the First Bat- talion and one platoon of machine guns of the First Infantry, under Maj. B. Main body, the Second Infantry; First Battalion, First Field Artillery (less Battery C) ; the Third Infantry. ORDERS OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FORCES. Gen. A, Maj. B, and Maj. C, and Capt. D (battalion adjutant) of the artillery, are ridmg together at the head of the support, and a rest halt is ordered as they arrive at 633 crossroad. Messages from the cavalry and from the main army cause Gen. A to issue the following order: Heavy hostile columns ai'e approaching Whitehall and Square Corners, from the west and northwest. We will take position in readiness here. Order of march ceases. The ai'tillery will go into position at once to cover the front Square Corncrs- St. Luke's Church, and will open fire without further orders on any hostile body that appears. Maj. B, with the support establish a march outpost with your head- quai'ters at that group of houses about half a mile west of us. Patrol well out and get in touch with our cavalry without delay. Their headquarters are at Gebhardt's, that farmhouse yonder (pointing). The rest of the First Infantry will close in mass behind that wt^ods (about 400 yards east of 633). The Second and Third Infantry will close up on the First. Trains will wait orders at Sells Station. 213 214 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. DISCUSSION OF THE SITUATION. Every problem in tactics contains some main idea, the recognition of which is essential to a successful solution. If the main idea is recognized, a satisfactory solution has been entered upon. Means of carrying the solution to completion will differ, for all the factors in a tactical problem are variables and no two minds will assign them equal values, but a majority of such solutions will differ only in unessential de- tails. Rarely will a man who has recognized the main idea go wide in his judgment as to how it should be treated. Where the main idea is not recognized, solutions are mere gropings in the dark, occasionally successful, but by the law of chances, more often not. The preessential to a good solution is, then, the determina- tion of the main idea, the important feature of the situation. The problem is a simple one. A general, undecided as to his next move, orders his artillery to take a position from which it can attack by fire an enemy that is expected to appear on a certain line at any time, and meantime has his other troops close up on his head of column to be handy when he decides how he can best use them. How soon the enemy may appear is not known. Wliat is the "main idea" for the artilleryman? Simply that he should, with no unnecessary delay, prepare to fire on the ground where the enemy may appear, from a position hidden from hostile observation, and reasonably close to the supporting infantry. So far as the artillery is concerned. Gen. A's order is one that calls for quick action. Heavy hostile columns are ap- proaching from the west and northwest. The skyline, be- yond which they are, is about 2 J miles distant — not a bad artillery range when conditions of observation and the character of the probable targets are considered. An enemy appearing on that crest would have but a few hundreds of yards to traverse to gain shelter in the valleys to the east. How near he may be to this skyline is unknown ; but, in any case, that is where he must be forced to halt, deploy, or change his direction of march. The battalion commander has with him, as a rule, his musician, orderly, and the agents. The sergeant major, th6 scouts, the two signal men and the two reel cart drivers are at the command of the adjutant. With him are usually the sergeant major and the scouts, the signal men being with the Ireel cart, of which the signal corporal is in charge. In this LIGHT ARTILLERY. 215 case, the statement of the problem indicates that tlie reel cart is in its usual place at the head of the battalion. The battalion quartermaster, the quartermaster sergeant and one orderly are with the field train. Maj. C knows that his nearest battery, C, is nearly a mile back, and the remainder of the battalion at least 2 miles back. The former can be brought up in 10 to 15 minutes, the latter in from 30 to 35 minutes. This assumes that an agent is sent at a gallop and that the command comes up at a trot. It will require half a minute to instruct the agent, possibly a full minute. To ride to Battery C and deliver the message will require about four minutes. The question naturally arises, "Why not use the flag?" The procedure in that case would be as follows: Since the battery is probably hidden, more or less, by the woods at 612, the scout charged with sending the message must go to one side and find a place from which he can see it. He must avoid signalling from a skyline, and must select a background such that he will be readily picked up by the battery and his signals read. At the distance this is apt to be difficult. The nearest likely place is about 100 yards to the south. Arriving there, the scout "calls" with his flags until answered from the battery, and then sends his message at the rate of about ten words a minute. At the best, this method would save very little time, and it might lose a great deal of time. PRELIMINARY ORDERS OF BATTALION COMMANDER. Maj. C decides, therefore, to send a 'messenger; one will suffice, since the batteries are all on the same road. Corpl. C (agent), tell Capt. C to report to me here, as soon as possible, ■with his reconnaissance party; his battery to follow him at a trot. Then go on to the battalion and tell Capt. B to report to me, as soon as possible, with Capt. A and the reconnaissance parties of both batteries. The bat- talion is to follow him at a trot. The combat trains are to halt together in the woods north of the road and about a mile east of here. Stop there on your way back until you see them established, then rejoin me at a trot. Gallop. Maj. A has a very good view of the country in which the enemy is expected to appear, but even a 14-foot greater elevation is not to be despised. Besides, hostile artillery is quite likely to sweep this, the most prominent road crossmg the ridge. The enemy territory should be taken under ob- servation at once. Until the reel cart arrives, field glasses alone will be available; all the scouts have them, and no better employment could be found for the adjutant and his 216 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. party. This form of reconnaissance must begin when a sector of observation is assigned to any artillery unit, and be maintained as long as the assignment continues. Capt. D, leave three scouts with me; take the rest of the headquarters party to yonder hill (647), and take the sector Square Comers-St. Luke's Church* under observation. WTien the reel cart comes up, run a line to the batteries and also establish flag communication. The batteries will go in north of here. RECONNAISSANCE AND SELECTION OF A POSITION, Having made these initial dispositions, Maj. C looks about for positions for the batteries. There is plenty of suitable ground to the south and north and on the ridge on which he stands. Other things being equal, he would prefer to go to the north, as the ranges will be shorter. The ridge on which he stands is the most prominent one for miles in any direction, and is undoubtedly under hostile observation throughout its length. It is within reasonable range of possible heavy artillery in the main Red positioii. A movement across this ridge will certainly be seen and valuable information thus given to the enemy — viz, that Blue artillery is approaching the Red flank. The batteries could go under cover aromid the flanks of the ridge, but this would require much time. In the distance, west and northwest, are many likely looking places where positions for batteries might be found, but much time is certain to be lost in getting to them; thoy are far from the supporting infantry; Gen. A's final disposi- tions may be such that a retrograde movement would be necessary; or a serious engagement, with the rescue of the guns for its object, might be brought about. The presence of the cavalry is no inducement to go forward; it is not a part of Gen. A's command, and the instructions under which it is operating are unknown. Maj. C dismisses all thought of the distant positions and looks for that one to the north which can be most quickly occupied. He can see over the field to the north, and might very well designate a position in it for Battery C; but there is time to see personally that no impassable object exists in it. If there is, or if the proposed position is othen\'ise un- suitable, he will be able to make any other dispositions at once, which he would not be if he sent a scout to see. With Corpls. A and B (agents), Corpl. X, Pvts. Y and Z (scouts), his orderly and musician, Maj. C rides into the field LIGHT AKTILLEKY. 217 to the north, and trots to its northeast corner looking over the ground. Battery C will go in here. Limbers near that woods to the east (pointing). Pvt. Y, post yourself 100 yards from this corner in line with it and the cross- roads (633). You will mark the left of the battery. "WTien relieved join me. Corpl. X, you and Y open the fence yonder (G12). Conduct Battery C to its position, and join me at the crossroads (G33). ORDERS TO A BATTERY COMMANDER. Returning to the crossroads 633, the major meets Capt. C and has him halt his party on the cast slope of the ridge. Then to him and to his reconnaissance officer he gives a full statement of the situation, of the information and orders received from Gen. A, points out the position the battery is to occupy and tells him to establish his own station '' in this vicinity." He does not attempt to give firing data for Capt. C; the latter can get it for himself by the time the battery is ready for it, but he might very well designate an aiming point, since while on the gromid he could have selected one. It may not be possible at 633 to select an aiming point that v/ill be visible and unmistakable at all the guns. It is not necessary to order defilade; the m.ajor has already determined that in selecting the position. Captain, heavy hostile columns are apiM'oaching the line Square Corners- St. Luke's Church [pointing them outj, from the west and northwest. Our cavalry covers the front Marysville-Whitehall, with headquarters at that farmhouse (Gebhardt's) [pointing out the places or their difections]. A position in readiness is ordered here, the infantry closing up on that woods (612), the support of the advance guard establishing a march outpost, with headquarters at that group of houses [pointing]. The artillery takes a posi- tion in observation along this crest. My station is being established on that hill [points to 647]. Your station will be in this vicinity, your barttery in that field. That scout [pointing] marks the left of your line. Take the sector Square Corners-St. Luke's Church under observation at once, and, in the absence of further instructions, open fire on any hostile parties of any size that you may discover. Let the adjutant know your dispositions as soon as they are complete, and have another agent report to me . Post your limbers about 500 yards east of the battery. I am going north to locate the positions for the other Ijatteries OCCUPATION OF POSITION BY A BATTERY. Capt. C directs his reconnaissance officer to arrange the communications, designates an aiming point, and gives firing data. The executive (the senior officer at the battery) has the guns laid accordingly and reports the battery ready. 218 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. The captain studies the terram from some convenient posi- tion — in this case the roof of a building, since the trees north of Schild's interfere with his view from the ground. The chief of the fifth section comes up, and he and the reconnaissance officer assist in observing or computing data, or both, or prepare a covered place of observation to be occupied in case of need, as the captain may direct. Signal- man No. 1 and a substitute operate the telephone line from the B. C. station to the battery; signalman No. 2 connects with the battalion line at the B. C. station. For fiajr con- nection three men are required, who may be scouts, and a substitute, or three substitutes. The signal corporal super- vises the work of all. One scout with flags ready keeps near the battery com- mander, in view of the battery and out of view of the enemy, ready to conununicate his orders. Wlien the battery approaches, the scout stands facing down the line it is to occupy, right arm extended in that direction, left arm pointing in the direction of fire. By this means the executive officer is able to place the battery in position without delay, without even riding to the crest himself, and the guns will be pointed in the correct general direction. When the battery is met by the scouts in the road near 612, the corporal sends the private to rejoin the major, as he is only needed to help open the fence. The corporal then points out to the executive officer the position the bat- tery is to occupy. The latter, without halting, leads the battery through the gap in the fence straight toward the scoiit, who marks the position, the corporal meantime tell- ing him the details of the position, so far as he knows them. The ground being suitable, the executive officer signals: "Form for action, double section, left oblique, march." The leading carriage takes the walk, the others continue at the trot, the caissons obliquing out of column to the left until clear of the guns by 2 yards, and then continuing parallel to them, except the first, which closes up in double section column with its piece and takes the walk. The others form double section in succession in the same manner. The rear caisson of the fifth section passes by the whole bat- tery on its right, places itself ahead of the leading section, and takes the walk. Having reached the position of the scout, the column changes direction half right and marches on the fence corner. As the head of the column reaches it, LIGHT ARTILLERY. 219 or the rear carriage reaches the position of the scout, the executive officer signals, "Action left." The battery halts, the connoneers dismount, unlimber the guns and caissons, and put them in the order in battery. The limbers move out by the right flank and are conducted by the first ser- geant to the position designated by the executive officer or by the battery commander; in this case, to the small woods about 500 yards to the east. The executive officer mean- time orders, "Prepare for action," which is executed. The battery was at a trot until double section was formed, hence no earlier opportunity was presented of preparing for action nor, until the gap in the fence was cleared, of forming for action. The signal men prepare their telephones, one to con- nect with the battalion Ime if laid, the others to connect the executive officer with the batter}^ commander if necessary, and also take their flags from the cases, ready to be used. Having assured himself that all is in readiness, the ex- ecutive officer reports to the captain, '' Battery in order, sir," The captain designates an aiming point, gives the firmg data for some point, as Shebley's, adding, "Do not load." Instruments are set and gims laid. FURTHER RECONNAISSANCE BY BATTALION COMMANDER. Maj. C rixles north under cover of the crest, his men cut- ting the fences, mitil he reaches the one rmming east from the farmyard 600 yards north of 633, then goes up to the crest and looks about him. He might as well have taken the road, perhaps, for he is far in rear of the covering cavalry, and his small party would attract little attention. On the other hand, some hos- tile observer might spot the artillerymen (rifles and sabers missing, semaphore kit cases slung on their backs). Again, such an example on the part of the major would be certain to be followed by others, and signs of activity on the ridge are certain to draw miwelcome hostile attention. At the wire fence, the major fuids ample room for a battery on each side of it, space for their limbers m the open comitry to the east, and for the two battery commanders' stations on the crest to the left front . It would be better if the latter were more separated, but the chances of confusion can be minimized by a little judgment. From the crest he can see Square Comers and St. Luke's Church, part of the road connecting them, and part of the 220 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. slopes west and east of that road. Ho decides on this po- sition : Y, go 200 yards cast along the fence and remain there to mark the ph^ce; Battery B yvtII take a position in observation north of you; Battery A south of you, lines parallel to Battery C. B. C. stations to the left front on the crest. Limbers just beyond that fence about 500 yards east of here. Agents, ride across to that corner (pointing to 613), meet the batteries there and conduct them here. Tell the executive officers what is wanted. Then rejoin me. I am going back to the crossroads to meet the battery commanders. Move fast. By this time the main body of the artillery should be on its way. The batteries might continue to 612 and there turn north to position; but if, by any chance, Battery C should have drawn fire, this passage in rear of it will be highly dangerous. The fence comer at 613 is visible, and if the batteries can be diverted at that jooint they can bo brought straight across. The distance is less, but this is balanced by the ground bemg cultivated; so that time will be about the same, but safety will be assured. ORDERS TO OTHER BATTERY COMMANDERS. The B. C.'s should be up, or soon will be, by the time Maj. C arrives at 633. Ho repeats the information as in the case of Capt. C, and adds: Your positions are about 700 yards from here. That scout (pointing to Pvt. Y) is between them. Agents are meeting the batteries at the corner half a mile east of here, and have instructions to conduct them to their positions. They are also informed as to the position of the limbers. Your own positions will be on the crest to the left front of Battery A. Wire and flag communication will be established as soon as possible. The sector of Battery B is Square Corner, and 200 mils to right and left of it, the sector of Battery A is St. Luke's Church, and 200 mils to the right and left of it. Battery C is at present covering the whole sector with orders to fire on any hostile parties. You will report any such that you may see, and will pre- pare to fire, but will not do so without orders from me. Go to your stations under cover of this crest; look to security of your right flank, and rei)ort when you are ready. Maj. C now goes to his station and receives the report of the adjutant as to its establishment, and w^hat has been done. ' Captain, take four scouts and go to the cavalry headquarters. Arrange for signal communication with me and send me any useful information the cavalry may have. Remain there in observation and have routes recon- noitered for a possible movement over there. Corpl. D (additional agent who joined from Battery C), report to the brigade adjutant as agent. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 221 The sergeant major, under direction of the adjutant, nms a line from Battery B.'s B. C. station, keeping the reel cart out of sight behind the crest. Men from the batteries carry the line forward where necessary to the places desig- nated by their battery commanders for telephone men. ASSIGNMENT OF SECTOR. OF OBSERVATION. Wlien communication with the batteries is established and the latter are in position, Maj. C gives the following message : All batteries: Battery C will now observe tbe sector Whitehall to 500 mils south. If the wire is busy, be careful not to break in with reports, but use the flag. Do not fire without my order. The adjutant is at cavalry headquarters in observation. Direction point is St. Luke's Church. DISCUSSION OF THE POSITION. The position as chosen fulfills the following conditions: It meets the tactical requirements of the situation, in that it can be occupied quickly without attracting hostile attention; and from it the hostile columns can be forced to halt, deploy, or change direction at the maximum distance of which the terrain will admit. It is good for a defense organized on this line, or in front of it, or for an attack to the front or toward the left flank of the main hostile army. Ranges are reasonable, observation fair. Absolute protection for limbers and combat trains can be assured by simply sending them well to the rear. Ammunition supply is easy. Well-concealed routes to the front, rear, and flanks are available. The trees east of the line Schild-Grawmer screen it some- what from the hostile main position, where heavy artillery may be. OBSERVATION AND FIRE DIRECTION. Maj. C turned over the observation to his adjutant at a time when he had no batteries available for action; he gave Capt. C orders to fire without reference to him on any hostile forces that might appear during the time that Capt. C's was the only battery available; by the time all batteries are in position Maj. C is at his own station, thorouglily informed as to the powers and limitations of his batteries in their re- spective positions, and assumes his duties as director of fire, 222 STUDIES IN MINOE TACTICS. assigning a direction point, taking into his own hands the assignment of targets and the opening of fire upon them, and assigning such a sector to Battery C as assures the most dangerous flank of the possible hostile position being kept under observation. COMMENTS ON STUDENTS' SOLUTIONS. 1. The command had detrained at Sells Station; it was reasonable to assume it to be in some formation at that point — not as marching through that point from the south- east. 2. In a small command artillery is best placed at the rear. 3. Distances in column may be quite short in an advance to a covered front. 4. On such a short march little or no allowance should be made for elongation. 5. Allowances should be made as follows in an artillery command: Battalion headquarters, two carriage lengths; battery headquarters, distance between battery and bat- talion headquarters, distance between batteries and between them and attached fractions (as Battery C's combat train), one carriage length. 6. Several students had four batteries in the battalion. Several betrayed a lack of knowledge of the composition of a battalion headquarters. 7. The order of march showed the battalion to be together, except for the firing battery of Battery C, yet many put the combat trains behind the Third Infantry. 8. Infantry combat trains were held in rear by some. As in the case of the artillery, the statement of the problem showed that the regiments were complete. 9. The time element in the problem was not grasped by some; others, while apparently appreciating it, did not ap- preciate the distances involved. 10. Some positions were too far from the infantry. 11. Some batteries w^ere widely separated, with no com- pensation. 12. Nothing warranted the assignment of counter and in- fantry batteries so early in the game. 13. The terrain should be placed under observation at once. 14. B. C's. and batteries should be sent for at once. 15. In some solutions Maj. C scattered his scouts, agents, etc., broadcast, without delay, a mistake only too common in practice in all arms. Economy in use of messengers should be practiced. LIGHT AETILLERY. 223 16. Better prepare for action either just before or just after entering the firing position. Some batteries were pre- pared miles in rear. 17. Good positions noted were just south of 612, normal order; in the field north of the woods at 612, normal order. Positions to the north are best because of shorter ranges and better observation, and greater security from heavy artillery fire from the hostile main position. PART XL— LIGHT ARTILLERY. A Battalion in Surprise Attack. The First Blue Division, weakened by the detachment of a reenforced brigade under Gen. A, on the early morning of March 26, 1915, took up a defensive position northeast of Gettysburg extending from McElhany to the orchard south of 501, to oppose a Red force invading Blue territory from the west. march situation. Gen. A's command consisted of the First Infantry Bri- gade; First Squadron, First Cavalry; First BattaUon, First Light Artillery; Company A, Engineers; and the First Am- bulance Company. At 5.30 a. m., March 26, 1915, the de- tachment was breaking Camp 6 miles north of Center Mills when a message from the division commander brought in- formation that the Red forces, estimated as a division, at 5 a. m., were deploying for attack. Gen. A was ordered to march at once to the aid of the division. The detachment marched via Center Mills with the First Infantry; First Squadron, First Cavalry; and Company A, Engineers, in the advance guard. All attempts to reach the division by wire after 6 a. m. had failed. At 9,30 a. m., when Gen. A, at the head of the advance guard reserve, reached hill 646 north of Table Rock, he re- ceived information to the effect that the Blue divisional cavahy was engaged with superior Red cavalry near D. Wirt and that at 9.20 a. m. the Red division had thrown in all its in- fantry but two regiments, one of which was 700 yards north- west of the 501 crossroads, the other near 504, and that the Blue chvision had absorbed aU its reserves but one battalion. The advance cavaby was at Goodintent School. Advance party: Company A, First Infantry, 60 yards; distance, 400 yards. Support: First Platoon, Troop A, First Cavalry; Mounted Detachment Company A, Engineers; First Battahon, First Infantry (less Company A), 240 yards; distance, 500 yards. 98755°— 17 15 225 226 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. Reserve: First Infantry (less First Battalion), 710 yards; Company A, Engineers (less Mounted Detachment), 60 yards; distance, 600 yards. Main body, in order of march: Second Infantry (less two battalions); First Battalion, First Light Artillery (less com- missary trains) ; Second and Third Battalions, Second Infan- try; Third Infantry; commissary trains. First Battalion, First Light Artillery, First Ambulance Corps. Total road space, main body, 3,260 yards. Trains foUow the main body without distance. Gen. A was accompanied by his staff and orderlies, the advance guard commander, the artillery commander and the commander of Company A, Engineers. After receiving the messages, at 9.30 a. m.. Gen. A read their contents to these officers. He then briefly consulted his map, and after warning the officers to make notes of his instructions, issued verbal orders directing the detachment to continue tlie march with a view to attacking the enemy's left, advance guard to take the road to Herman's; the advance cavalry to go to the assistance of the divisional cavalry near D. Wirt, leaving patrols to watch the Red left; the firing bat- teries to trot up to the tail of the reserve of the advance guard; regimental commanders to join him at the head of the support. • INFORMATION EN ROUTE. Gen. A, riding at the head of the advance guard support, had reached the ridge crest 700 yards northwest of Her- man's at 10.05 a. m., when he received the following message: Aeroplane No. 7, Table Rock, 26 March, 1915—10.02 a. m. C. O., Blue Brigade: Bed left exteuded by one battalion from regiment northwest of 501 crossroads. One battalion from regiment near 504 now moving toward Varney. Red artillery posted one regiment on Oak Ridge, other with right at stock farm, left near 513 road fork. Red attacking line now about 500 yards from Blue position; has made very slow progi-ess in last half hour, but is still advancing. Our cavalry still engaged with Red cavalry; fight is slowly drifting toward southeast. K, Lieutenant, Signal Corps. Gen. A, after reading the above message, with his staff, the Cavalry platoon, and officei-s who had reported to him for orders, galloped to the fence corner 400 yards southwest of the point where the road crosses the ridge crest. By aid of the field glasses the artillery regiment in action toward LIGHT ARTILLERY. S27 the stock farm could be plainly seen. A small mounted patrol near 513 moving rapidly to the south was also ob- served. It was now 10.10 a. m., the Blue column had con- tinued the march without halting. ORDERS OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FORCES. At 10.10 a. m. Gen. A read the aviator's message to the assembled officers, cautioned them to make notes of his instructions, and then issued the following verbal orders: We vnW attack the Red left. March conditions now cease. The artillery battalion will move at once to position, in this vicinity, against the Red artillery and their attacking infantry; later supporting our attack. The First Battalion, First Infantry, is assigned as support. The First Platoon, Troop A, First Cavalry, will take position on that hill [pointing to hill 651], to coA-er our right and to report changes in hostile dispositions. The First Infantry, less First Battalion, will advance through Herman's and, when deployed, will attack with its right throiigh J. Weaver. The Second Infantry will move, under cover, toward hill 586, northeast of Varney , and, when deployed, will attack with its left dhected on hill 58G. The Third Infantry, as reserve under my command, will move forward to the Goodintent School. Emptied combat wagons will assemble at Table Rock after troops have cleared the road. Station for the slightly wounded at Table Rock. Messages to Goodintent School. (Completed at about 10.14 a. m.) ACTIONS AND ORDERS OF THE BATTALION COMMANDER. On seeing the hostile artillery, Maj. Q at once called out, "Agents." They ride up. "Have the battery commanders report to me at once. Gallop." When Gen. A completes his order, Maj. Q turns to his adjutant: Captain, Batteries A and B, will take position in that hollow in the north end of this field just inside the fence — A on the left, B on the right. Have them trot out, passing by the right of the Infantry. Battery C follow them, keeping to the road until closed up on the Infantry support. Mark the positions of Batteries A and B and have their firing data ready. They will fii-e on hostile artillery, A taldng the farther half of the line and B the near half. Corpl. K, take tliis message to the commanding officer, First Battalion, First Infantry, down at that road corner [pointing toward Herman's] : ' ' Youi battalion is assigned as artillery support. One battery takes position on the hill southeast of you. Please occupy it at once." Corp. T (scout), report to the brigade adjutant as agent. 228 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. Upon arrival of Capts. A and B about 10.20 a. m., he issues the following order, indicating directions and local- ities as mentioned: Our division is in position along the Harrisburg Road, about 21 miles south of here, facing west. The enemy in superior force is attacldng it from the west. Between 3,000 and 4,000 yards to the southwest you can see a long line of his artillery in action. Our divisional cavalry is engaged with hostile cavalry about 2 miles east of here. Our advance cavalry was on that hill (Goodintent School) and has moved to the assistance of the divisional Cavalry, leaving patrols to the south. The First Battalion, First Infantry, now marching down the road yonder, is artillery support and wdll occupy that hill. Ou.r infantry marches in a general southerly direction from here in attack formation against the hostile left. Batteries A and B attack the hostile artillery from position in the north end of this field. Battery C goes to that hill (592) to attack the hostile infantry. Battery A's target is the farther half of the line of guns; Battery B's, the near half. The positions are marked. Occupy them at once and prepare for immediate action. The adjutant \vill give you firing data. Range by volleys. Report when ready and await my order to commence firing. I will be on the left of A Battery. Capt. C arrives by the time these orders are issued and Maj. B repeats the information, adding: A battalion of hostile infantry is probably holding those woods (586). Hostile reserves are reported from 1 to 2 miles south of the hill up which our support is marching [pointing]. You should be able to see them or the hostile attacking lines, perhaps both, from that Mil. Take a position over there and fire without further orders on the enemy's reserves or on his main attacldng line, wliichever in your judgment offers the more important target. Batteries A and B have reported ready at 10.24 a. m. Maj. Q signals, "Commence firing," and rides back to the left of Battery A. Capt. D, direct the sergeant major to establish wire and flag comm^inica- tion with Battery C. Then join the cavalry to our right front and send me word of the effect of our fire, and of changes in the hostile dispositions. Lieut. W (agent, combat train), ride back to the combat train. Tell Lieut. M what you know of the situation, and tell him to retain his present place in column; when he comes up to those woods [pointing to the north- west] to halt his train and report to me here in person. Ride at 6-mile gait. Captain (medical officer), station for the slightly wounded is to be at Table Rock. Send two of your men with Battery and establish your aid station at that house (400 yards northeast). LIGHT ARTILLERY. 229 CONDUCT OF A DETACHED BATTERY. Capt. C joins liis hattciy on the road, assembles his officers at its head, and explains the situation as they ride along, adding, to the executive officer: Follow the infantry support, keeping a sharp lookout for si.s^nials from me. I am going ahead to reconnoiter. He gallops off accompanied by the reconnaissance offi- cer and his party. On arrival at the top of hill 592 he sees to the south a small part of the 501-McElheny Road (about where the 520 contour crosses). Beyond that point the road is hidden by the trees on the west slope of hill 552. The house and orchard southwest of 501 are visible over these trees. The house near 543 is visible, as are parts of the battlefield from about 400 yards beyond it. The re- ported positions of hostile reserves are not visible, being hidden by the trees on the line, hills 586-552, Capt. C has, then, no option but to fire on that part of the battlefield. This fire should be very effective, enfilading, and at from 3,500 to 5,000 yards. Besides, it will have the effect of drawing the attention of the hostile reserves, perhaps of keeping them out of the main fight. The Red Artillery is hidden from view by a heavy wood about a mile southwest of his position. Capt. C decides to go into position just west of Goodintent School, with observation station on hill 592, and fire first on the hostile main line. He considers that he should waste no time in looking for a safer position. By having the bat- tery cross the ridge near the orchard, about 400 yards north of its firing position, the latter will not be betrayed to pos- sible hostile artillery to the southwest, and it is not probable that any hostile artillery is east of the ridge 592-586. Though in an open position he will use indirect fire, at least to begin with, because of its ease of control, distri- bution, etc. Corpl. L, gallop back to the battery. Tell the executive officer to lead the battery over that crest [pointing north] to the orcliard, then south into position near the schoolhouse [pointing]. Position will be marked. Battery to come in at a trot. Limbers return to orchard. Corpl. P, you and K mark the line of the battery, direction of fire toward that woods [pointing to south]. Lieut. R. O., place the woods in our front under observation and see if you car. from the schoolhouse or near by, get a view down the valley tlirough that gap in the trees (between the woods on the east slope of hill 580 and tliose on the stream line). 230 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. Capt. C selects an aiming point to the front, measures the deflection for the right piece, calculates the deflection difference, measures the angle of site, and estimates the range and corrector. The battery being in position, he opens fire by volley on the hostile attacking line. CONDUCT OF THE INFANTRY SUPPORT. The support continues the march, bearing off to the left; the leading company being detached toward the Weaver house, there to establish a march outpost. The remainder closes in mass in the woods north of Goodintent Schoolhouse, sending one squad to the road fork due north of 592, another to road fork 548, and another to the farmhouse 400 yards southeast of the schoolhouse, as outguards. The company sent to the Weaver house sends a squad to the stream bottom on each flank and a platoon under a lieutenant to the edge of the woods about 600 yards south, with orders to explore those woods and provide for security from that direction. The remainder of the company pre- pares a defensive position, extending from the Weaver house west over the ridge to the farmhouse on the west slope. The support commander joins the battery commander and the two make known to each other their plans, and arrangements to meet them, as far as is necessary to insure mutual understanding. COMMENT. The problem is one calling for quick action. The regi- ment of Red artillery near the stock farm is in a most vulnerable position. Two batteries opening a flank fire upon it will inflict very great loss on the personnel and materiel, and prevent the limbers coming up to take it to safety. Only one to two of its guns could probably bo turned to fire to the north, and their personnel would be exposed to the Blue artillery fire from the east. Although not the most threatening element of the Red attack, the neutralizing or destruction of this Red artillery will be more valuable to the Blues than the participation of Maj. Q's bat- talion in the attack of the detachment against the left of the Red infantry. Moreover, it is not at all certain that the Red infantry can be seen or fired upon from hill 592, and advance s^iith from there wiU not be advisable until the Blue infantry has LIGHT ARTILLERY. 231 advanced well beyond it, at least assuring that the woods (liills 586 and 552) arc not held by the enemy. The move- ment of the hostile battalion from 504 toward Varney indicates that the Reds are becoming alarmed for the safety of their left flank and are either sending a support for their artillery or occupying the woods on 586. In either case the Blues can not expect to approach those woods unobserved and unmolested. They are too near the scene of action to be left unpatroUed. Students, generally, recognize the value of time in a problem, but forget it in the solution, and waste much valuable time in galloping about the country looking for ideal positions. It is a case where the opportunity to damage the enemy justifies even an open position. But there were a few who went about the selection of the position with all the deliberation characteristic of the selection of the one for permanent occupancy. Others did not appreciate the scale of the map, and had Maj. Q gallop many miles in a remarkably short time. Many good positions were selected for the artillery, the occupation of which would have taken so much time that the chance of taking the hostile artillery at a disadvantage would undoubtedly have passed. Many positions selected were excellent for the guns, but had no suitable positions for B. C, stations within a reasonable distance. This is a serious error. The two absolute require- ments of a battery position are (1) that the battery com- mander see his target; and (2) that the fire of his guns be able to reach it. Several students were led into very serious errors by their failure to read, understandingly, the original problem and the partial solutions issued to them. Several students indulged in the use of a number of technical terms which they did not understand, and which were not essential to their solutions. Others seemed to feel that they had to assign some task to every member of their personnel, whether there was any need or not. There was a noticeable lack of care in determining the position of units on the road at the time Gen. A's order was completed. There is no excuse for this. Their location should have been the student's first business. In the second requirement, several students showed much appreliension about continuing the march down the road past Herman's, and sought devious ways through the fields 232 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. to the north, in an effort to avoid being seen. The road is 2i miles from the nearest hostile artillery, which is extremely busy in another direction; and even if seen, a single battery could traverse the distance practically in safety. Much time is lost by a detour, and just now time is more important than safety. Positions selected for Battery C were generall}^ good. Yet the Reds can not possibly have any artillery east of the line 592-586; therefore a position in the open east of that line is permissible. A few took positions north of the woods by the S. H., necessitating a long line of communication to the B. C. station, increasing greatly the dead space in front of the guns, and, in general, reducing the efficiency of the battery very materially. The conduct of the support varied from excellent to very poor. A support should be handled as an outpost, the artillery being the object to be guarded. In this case there was danger to be apprehended from the southwest (hill 586), probably in possession of the enemy (see problem), and from the north and northeast where the Red cavalry is known to be. - The artillery battalion commander may need the serv- ices of part or all of the support later on. Some students spoke of keeping hostile rifle fire at least 1,200 yards away from the battery, and for this reason sent a line of outguards out to that distance. If that is to be the line of resistance it is so extensive that it could not be held by the whole battalion. Others established observation posts as far as a mile distant. The lay of the land permits of observation posts, reasonably near the reserve, which can perfectly see the country for at least a mile. This indicates the line of observation and the line of resistance as the same. Some examples of faulty handling of the support were: Deploying it all in a semicircle with Battery C as a center; having it intrench right and left of the line of guns; having it intrench 300 yards in rear of the line of guns; leaving one platoon as a local support for Battery C, and taking up a position with the rest of the battalion, a mile east of the battery. The artillery commander docs not issue orders to tlie infantry commander. (See par. 583 I. D. R.) PART XIL— LIGHT ARTILLERY. A Battalion in Defense and Attack. GENERAL SITUATION. An invading Red carmy, based on Baltimore, has covering detachments on the line, Havre de Grace, Parkton, West- minster, Mount Airy. A Blue army is concentrating in the area, Carlisle, Harris- burg, York, Gettysburg. SPECIAL SITUATION. On the morning of October 28 a Blue force engaged in covering the Northern Central Railroad at Littlestown, marched to the support of a similar Blue force east of Taney- town, now menaced by superior Red forces advancing from the direction of Westminster. MARCH SITUATION. At 9 a. m. the situation was as follows: The Cavalry (Second Squadron, Second Cavahy) which had gone direct from Silver Run, leaving one-half of Troop G to continue reconnaissance toward Westminster, was, about a mile south of Big Pipe- Creek Mill, stopped by hostile cavalry on the hills to south and east. One-half of Troop G was, near road fork 516, stopped by hostile cavalrv on hill 584. The Tenth Infantry, as a flank guard, had inarched by the road southeast of the railroad, and its advance party was at road fork 626, on the Piney Creek-Mayberry Road. The Fourth Infantry Brigade (less Tenth Infantry), the Second Battahon, Third Light Artillery, and the Fifth Ambu- lance Company marched by Gait. Its advance party was at road fork 545. A 10-minute rest was ordered. Cannonading had been heard for some time toward the south. Information had been received that there was no hostile movement north from Westminster. 233 234 STUDIES IN" MINOR TACTICS. A message had just arrived, reading as follows: Detachment First Division, Taneytown- Westminster Road, 1 Mile East or Taneytown, 25 Oct. 15, 8.30 a. m. C. G. Det., 2d Div.: Enemy estimated at strength of a division. Advancing from Tyrone and Uniontown. He has begnn deployment in the valley of Bear Creek, the woods east of Trevanion, and the heights sonth of that place. His artillery has fired from a number of points, mostly in the direction of P^airview School, Weishaar's Mill, and Tyrone. A few shots came from the direction of May- berry. I am preparing to meet an attack on the line Oregon School-Stumptown. C, Brigadier General. ORDERS OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FORCES. Gen. A, with his staff, Col. C, Eleventh Infantry, and artil- lery commander, Maj. K, was riding in rear of the support. After reading this message he galloped on past the support and advance party to the house at 571. Here the party dis- mounted, maps were oriented, locations determined, Gen. C's message read aloud, and Gen. A gave the following instruc- tions : I intend to attack the hostile right flank in the direction of that hill (584). The left flank guard will follow that road on the other side of that valley (576-490). The main column will go across country to the second road south of here, keeping out of sight from the country east of Big Pipe Creek, and then turn east. The artillery will at once take position, prepared to support the detach- ment, first division, and later our attack. I ride with the support for the present. PRELIMINARY ORDERS OF BATTALION COMMANDER. Upon receipt of his orders Maj. K called out, "Agents." They rode up. Corpl. X report to the brigade adjutant. Corpl. Y, take one scout with you and ride to the battalion at a gallop. You will follow the road running west from where the advance party rested to the main road west of the railroad track, there turn to your right. Leave the scout there as marker if the road is passable for the battalion; if it is not take him with you. The battalion is to come up at a trot by the way you are going if passable; otherwise, by the way we marched. Remain with it. Battery commanders and their reconnaissance parties come up at the gallop by the road we marched over. No orders for combat trains. Maj. K had the agent repeat the message and mark the route on his map. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 235 At 9.10 a. m. the man started, as did the cohimn. At road corner 481 he told the scout to fall out and continued on, meeting the battalion at Washington, S. H., at 9.23 a. m. He delivered his message to Capt. D, who was leading the battahon and reported the road good. Capt. D signaled trot, and told his executive officer to follow the agent, while he turned out on the road to Gait with his reconnaissance party and sent a scout back along the road to warn the battery commanders to fall out with their reconnaissance parties and join him. At 9.26 a. m. all had joined, and the party set off at a gallop via Gait. Maj. K selected this road for the advance of the battalion because it was about the same distance as the one the cohimn was marching over, was surely safe, was probably quite as good, and led to a point, road fork 509, squarely in rear of the covering crest that would determine the position of the artillery, and from which two roads led to that crest. Time would be saved by not having to pass three or more detach- ments of infantry in a narrow road, and the infantry itself would not be delayed. RECONNAISSANCE BY THE BATTALION COMMANDER. P>om where he was Maj. K could see nothing of the country east of a line through the summit of hill 584, and he could see little of the valley west of that hill. A position further south must be sought. Tlie proposed lines of march of the columns, on Bashere Mill and the road leading down to Zimmerman- Mill, indicated the general location and direc- tion of their deployments. The crest, a mile east, was too far away to be considered, since time was important. A position farther to the south would not only be well located with reference to the line Zimmerman Mill, Bashere MiU, but also to the line Stumptown, Oregon School, and coopera- tion with the artillery of the other Blue force would be easier. Corpl. M (scout), you and N ride along this crest to the southwest and open each fence you come to, just below the crest on the west side. Maj. K rode along the crest to the southwest studying the country as he went. His adjutant, Capt. L, rode with him. The rest of the party kept abreast, but on the west slope and out of sight from enemy territory. At the south end of the woods on hill 587 he stopped for a more careful observation. From here he had an unobstructed view of the crest of the hills, 584 and 567, to the road over the east end of the latter, their western slopes down to about the 480 236 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. contour, the line of the Stumptown-Orcgon School Road, of Stumptown, and parts of the valley east of that line. A better view might not be had, so far as he could judge from map and the terrain, and he decided at least to establish observation here. The long slopes to the west would afford ample room for the batteries, and any desired degree of defilade could be had. Guns at the fence on the west side of the field west of 576, for instance, would have flash defilade against hill 584 in the hostile territory, would be at least 400 yards from the covering crest, and yet could clear the trees south of them at 2,000 yards range— 2,400 yards, allow- ing for the slope of the valley. The hostile artillery was apparently, for the most part, far to the southeast; but part of it Avould be certain to move to the support of that kno^vn to be in the vicinity of May- berry. It could readily occupy, unobserved, positions be- hind the hne 584-567. Capt. L, remain here with three of the scouts, and take the sector from Stumptown to that road (east end of hill 567), under observation. The rest of the party come with me. I shall reconnoiter fiu-ther. 9.20 a. m. He then continued along the crest, comparing the changing view with what it was from where he left his adjutant. He noted that the view opened out to the east, but closed from the west. Finally, he went through the woods to hill 583. Here he found the view to the east limited to the country south of a line through the saddle 584-567, by the woods east of 563. South of that line he had a fine view of the valley to a line through the northeast edge of the woods at Stumptown. This locality offered no advantage not possessed by the other, while it had some disadvantages, such as a lessened view of the valley in front of the Blue position. It was a bare, flat hill top, difficult for observers to use without attracting unwelcome hostile attention. The trees at the first place, too, might afford observation points 30 or 40 feet above the ground, which would greatly extend the area otherwise visible. 9.30 a. m. Maj. K to the two scouts with him: Remain here and keep those heights (pointing southeast) under observa- tion. Should you notice anything of importance, one of you will come and report to me; the other remaining in observation. . The woods to the southwest could be seen to extend to the neighborhood of the Taneytown-Stumptown Road. A posi- tion in those woods was to be avoided, while one to the south of them would greatly delay the entry of the artillery into LIGHT AETILLERY. 237 action, would sacrifice the advantage of oblique fire in front of the Blue position, and would be rather too far from the line of advance of the Fourth Brigade. COMMUNICATION WITH THE DEFENSIVE POSITION. Information as to the dispositions of the detachment of the first division would be necessary, if cooperation with it was to be had. To Lieut. C, agent combat train: Headquarters of the detachment of the first division should be on or near this ridge, about a mile or so farther on [pointing]. Go there with your men and report to Gen. C as information officer. I want early information as to his dispositions, and those of the enemy. I will call up another agent to take your place here. Our position will be west of the saddle between hills 584 and 587. Maj. K rode rapidly back to 576, arriving there about 9.35 a. m., as the battery commanders, with their recon- noissance parties, rode up to report. To Corpl. Z (agent) : Gallop down the road [pointing toward road fork 509]; meet the battalion and conduct it up this road. ASSIGNMENT OF BATTERIES TO POSITIONS. To the battery commanders: Battery D will go into position in the field just this side of that house [pointing to house surrounded by trees about 500 yards northwest], face about 20° east of south, right at the south fence. Battery E, on the left of D, left on the road. Battery F, north of the road, 100 yards from it and in line with flie others. All B. C. stations will be in the woods [pointing] near mine. Reconnaissance officers mark out the battery positions and see that they are occupied at once. Battery commanders come with me. Maj. K then rode to the rear of the woods, v/liere he and the battery commanders dismounted and walked to the position of the adjutant. The latter reported that no enemy had been seen, but that shrapnel had begun to burst along the Oregon S. H.-Stumptown line, which might mean an early infantry attack. ORDERS TO BATTERY COMMANDERS. The major rapidly oriented the B. C.'s on tlie terrain, issuing his orders at the same time. The enemy is reported as a division in strength. He has been deploying, for about an hour, to the south of that hill [pointing to 584], so that this infantry attack may be expected to develop at any time. 238 STUDIES IN MINOR TACTICS. The detachment of the First Division is prepared to meet the attack on the line Oregon School-Stum ptown; you see buildings on that line [pointing to them]. Our flank guard is on that road just east of us. Our advance guard turns east on a road just south of those woods [pointing southwest]. Our cavalry was last reported on the north slope of those hills (584-567), stopped by superior hostile cavalry who hold those hills. Sectors of observation: Battery E: Stumptown, halfway to the summit of that hill (584). Battery F: From there to the house on the east slope of that hill (584). Battery D: To include the three roads crossing those hills (584-567). Battery D will establish an auxiliary observation station near the south- east corner of those woods [pointing to the southwest to hill 584]. Batteries will be prepared to fire into each other's sectors. Combat trains in the grass field west of the batteries and near the railroad. Targets will be reported, but no fire opened without my order. Report to me when ready. The Tenth and Eleventh Infantry,, now the flank, and advance guards would soon be deploying and information as to their dispositions and progress would be necessary. The view of the terrain in front of the Blue line was not all that could be desired if effective fire was to be opened upon it; the chances were good that some one of the spurs on the west side of Big Pipe Creek would afford a good view of it. The battahon reel was not needed, since the battery commanders were close to the battalion commander, and each had his own lines to his battery. Maj. K therefore issued the following additional orders: To Corpl. Z (agent) : Meet the combat train and conduct it to its position via the road the battalion followed. Tell the commander to send me a noncommissioned officer as agent, in place of Lieut. C, who is on other duty. INFORMATION OFFICERS AND OBSERVATION WITH THE ATTACK. To the adjutant: Capt. L, you will lay a wire from here, passing in rear of the batteries, and following the line of advance of the advance guard, to some point in the valley where a station can be established for relaying messages. After that, you will establish observation of the terrain in front of Gen. C's line. Take four battalion scouts. Take the reconnoissance officers of Batteries E and F with you, each with two scouts. Explain the situation to them as you go along, and attach them to the advance and flank guards as information officers. At 9.45 a. m. the occupation of the position was comj^lete, except, for the establishment of the auxihary and signal stations by Capt. L. The combat train was nearing Wash- ington schoolhouse. Maj. K so reported to Gen. A. O LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 01 1 392 376 3 :M 01 1 39