S. 199. When a Line formed in front of, and obliquely to the Enemy, is to move forward from a Flank to the Attack in great Echellons parallel to the Enemy. The number of Echellons and ftrength of each being Fig. 120. afcertained and announced, the Echellons will naturally 121. be formed to and led by the advanced flank.-As the oblique Echellons of a battalion are formed by the wheels of each company; fo the oblique Echellons of a line are formed by wheeling up the 8th file of each flank company of each Echellon a given number of paces, and then correctly dreffing the company to it; the other companies of the battalion or body which compose the Echellon, wheel each their 8th file half that number of paces, dress up to it, and the whole march and fucceffively line upon the prolongation of the given one, proceeding as in the Echellon change of pofition of one or more battalions on a fixed flank. (S. 159.) Great pains must be taken in the correct placing of the flank directing divifion of each Echellon. 1. It must be observed that when the Echellons have been formed from the oblique line, fo as to ftand parallel to the enemy's front, they will be doubled behind each other in proportion to the degree of wheel made, and that were they to move directly forward to form in line with the leading one, a portion of each would be thereby cut off, and the general extent of the line reduced.-To endeavour by obliquing in the course of marching to rectify this defect, would be very difficult, and is hardly to be attempted: It must be remedied either by an early attention to taking the neceffary and greater intervals than ufual before forming the oblique line: or, before the whole advances, making the Echellons take ground to the flanks, and place themselves in their proper relative fituations, as they would be when formed from parallel line: This done the whole may move on, either from the Fig. 121. the advanced or retired flank, and when proper march up into parallel line: Should this not be done, part of each Echellon would of courfe be excluded on forming the general line, and must remain behind it.-The line may also be formed (provided the front Echellon halts in a fituation that will allow it) by each other, one at that inftant making fuch a change of direction backward on its regulating flank, as will allow it to march perpendicularly forward to its proper point in the new line, where, by another change of direction forward, it will take up the prolongation of the leading Echellon. 2. Whether the original line is formed parallel or oblique to the enemy's front, the Echellons before marching are always to be placed perpendicular to the line on which they are to move.From this fituation a diagonal march on the enemy's flank may be made, and in fuch case large Echellons must be broke into companies; but it is an operation difficult in the execution, that would require much circumfpection, and if attempted too near would be very dangerous, as the flank thrown up is much expofed to the enemy's enfilade. 3. This ATTACK can be at once formed from a column of march, or the open column of a line, which is prolonging a direction upon, and oblique to that of the enemy. The column will halt, wheel into line, and without any fenfible paufe the leading flank of each Echellon will wheel up parallel to the enemy, the other divifions of the line will each wheel the half of that space, and move on into their feveral Echellons, the whole will then be ready to advance led by any named Echellon. The ATTACKS of confiderable bodies are almost always conducted on the principles of the ECHELLON; there are few fituations where the whole could act at the fame time, or where it would be prudent or eligible fo to do: they are therefore made by fractions of a line well fupported and reinforced. S. 200. With respect to the Parallel Oblique Pofition. Column 1. If from the line parallel to the enemy.-It is previoufly divided into the feveral Echellons which are to compofe it; and the distance at which they are to remain behind each other is announced.-The reinforced flank or center which is to attack is then ordered to advance; each Echellon of 2 or more battalions moves on when the preceding one has gained the ordered diftance of (perhaps 100) paces, and thus being regulated by the head, acts according to the event of the attack. 2. If from the line oblique to the enemy.-This pofition having been taken from the column of march, or in the courfe of advancing in line; and the divifions of the Echellons being afcertained; they are formed by wheeling up parallel to the enemy. and to each other: The advanced or retired wing reinforced may then proceed to the attack, and fupported by the others will act ac- Fig. 120. cording to circumftances. -One may attack upon any 121. degree of obliquity, and by abfolutely refufing one wing, place it in a fituation the more readily to protect a retreat fhould it be neceffary, and which will be greatly ftrengthened if a point of appui can be given to fuch refused wing. 3. If from columns halted perpendicular or nearly fo to the enemy. Their heads are halted at given relative points, and given diftances; the attacking bodies form in one or more lines; the others extend to the flank in Echellon, being feparated perpendicularly a space equal to the diftances they halted at in their feveral columns: This fpace is augmented, if neceffary, when the whole 13. Fig. 122. move on, and lines of two or more battalions each are thus formed.-From the Echellon pofition by flank marching the order of column may again be refumed. 4. The advanced Echellon being arrived at its object, the attack begins, and the others attend the event.-If it fucceeds they move up into line to perfect it.-If it fails, each falling back on each is ftrengthened and fupported every inftant of the retreat; this will generally be done by the Echellons in the course of retiring, at the fame time making a gradual wheel backwards on the pofted flank of the corps, from which the fire of artillery will much check and enfilade an advancing enemy. 5. The fecond line when there is one, follows in every thing the Echellon movements of the firft.-The battalions make the fame degree of wheel, preferve the fame relative pofition, and ferve as a fupport to the first; the attack of the fecond line moves on therefore at the fame time with that which it is to fupport.-The Echellons of one or more lines are generally retired from 100 to 150 paces, each behind the one preceding of its own line. When neceffary the Echellons of the first line may retire through thofe of the fecond, and be relieved in the attack. 6. Where a line is passing a defile to the front, and from or near its center.-After paffing it may first form at the head of the defile, in the Echellon pofition; the feveral divifions are then ready to move up into line, or by wheels towards the flanks to form in oblique lines, and protect thofe flanks.-It may alfo in the fame manner pafs a defile to the rear, retiring from the flanks by Echellon, while the center protects the movement. 7. When the line has to advance a confiderable distance in front, it may occafionally be done with much convenience in a degree of Echellon pofition, by each battalion being retired 5 or 6 paces or more behind its preceding one.The battalion of direction is the leading one, which mult march with the greateft exactnefs, and, when fo ordered, the whole can in an inftant move up into line. 8. A line 8. A line B, formed parallel or oblique to the Enemy E, threatens and commences an Echellon movement from its left; but on the arrival of the left at a favourable point of appui C, the whole halt, and an Echellon attack from the right (which has been ftrengthened) then begins; this attack D, having been fupported as long as is proper and having failed, the whole fall back in Echellon F, on the left which remains pofted.--From this fituation an oblique line G, is taken to the left and from the left, by each adjutant marking his own right in the prolonged line: the battalions fucceffively again retire, and then break into column the left in front, march behind each other, enter at their adjutants, and take up the new line.This pofition G, may be quitted by throwing back the left of the line; retiring by alternate lines; or in any other manner as circumftances may require. MARCH OF THE LINE IN FRONT. 1. The chief object of every other movement is the General inquick and just formation into line when neceffary, and the tentions. confequent advance of that line in front towards the enemy.If the correct march of a fingle battalion requires fo much attention and precifion, it is evident that these must be redoubled to procure the juft movement of a line, which is the operation that immediately leads to the enemy, and is the most difficult and material of all manoeuvres.-To hurry and bring up troops to the attack in imperfect order, is to lose every advantage which difcipline propofes, and to prefent them to the enemy in that very ftate, to which after his best efforts he has hoped to reduce them. |