L. (continued 2)

League also denotes an alliance or confederacy between princes and states for their mutual aid, either in attacking some common enemy, or in defending themselves.

LEAVE, indulgence, licence, liberty.

Leave of absence, a permission which is granted to officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers, to be absent from camp or quarters for any specific period.

General Leave, an indulgence which is annually granted on home service, by the commander in chief, to a certain proportion of the army, to be absent from military duty. This generally occurs in the winter months, and ends on the 10th of March, and in time of peace only.

LECTURES. Lectures are read at the British establishment at Woolwich to the officers of artillery, and engineers, and cadets, on chemistry: lectures upon topography and upon other essential parts of military science are given at High Wycombe: British colleges.

LEEKUK, Ind. a secretary or writer.

LEFT give point. See Sword-Exercise.

Left protect. See Sword-Exercise.

To put on the LEG, among cavalry, is to press the inside of the foot and leg against the horse’s flank. It is always used in passaging to direct the horse which way to passage, and again on the opposite flank to stop him after he has passaged to his place.

LEGATUS, in Roman antiquity, a military officer who commanded as deputy of the chief general.

Kennett, in his Antiquities, observes, that the design of the legati, at their first institution, was not so much to command as to advise. The senate selecting some of the oldest and most prudent members to assist the general in his councils.

Dionysius calls this the most honorable and sacred office among the Romans, bearing not only the authority of a commander, but with all, the sanctity and veneration of a priest.

Under the emperors there were two sorts of legati, consulares and prætorii; the first of which commanded the whole armies, as the emperor’s lieutenant generals, and the other only particular legions.

Machiavel highly extols the wisdom of the Romans, in allowing their generals unlimited commissions.

LEGER. This word although it be not strictly military, is in some degree connected with the profession, as diplomacy is not wholly foreign to military negociation. A leger ambassador, or resident signifies any person acting in that capacity, who remains stationary.

Artillerie Légère, Fr. The light or horse artillery.

Cavalerie Légère, Fr. Light horse.

Un Cheval léger à la main, Fr. A horse which is easily managed, or is not hard mouthed.

Troupes Légères, Fr. Light troops, or such as act in desultory warfare.

LEGION, in Roman antiquity, a body of foot, which consisted of ten cohorts, or 5000 men.

The exact number contained in a legion, was fixed by Romulus at 3000; though Plutarch assures us, that, after the reception of the Sabines into Rome, he increased it to 6000. The common number afterwards, in the first times of the free state, was 4000; but in the war with Hannibal, it rose to 5000; and after that, it is probable that it sunk again to 4200, which was the number in the time of Polybius.

In the age of Julius Cæsar, we do not find any legions exceeding the Polybian number of men; and he himself expressly speaks of two legions, that did not make above 7000 between them. (Commentar. lib. 5.)

The number of legions kept in pay together was different, according to the various times and occasions. During the free state, four legions were commonly fitted up every year, and divided between the consuls: yet in cases of necessity, we sometimes meet with no less than 16 or 18 in Livy.

Augustus maintained a standing army of 23 (or as some will have it) of 25 legions; but in aftertimes we seldom find so many.

They borrowed their names from the order in which they were raised, as prima, secunda, tertia, &c. but because it usually happened, that there were several primæ, secundæ, &c. in several places, upon that account they took a sort of surname besides, either from the emperors who first constituted them, as Augusta, Claudiana, Galbiana, Flavia, Ulpia, Trajana, Antoniana, or from the provinces which had been conquered chiefly by their valor, as Parthica, Scythica, Gallica, Arabica, &c. or from the names of the particular deities for whom their commanders had an especial honor, as Minervia and Appollinaris; or from the region where they had their quarters, as Cretensis, Cyrenaica, Britannica, &c. or sometimes upon account of the lesser accidents, as Adjutrix, Martia, Fulminatrix, Rapax, &c.

The whole Roman infantry, which was divided into four sorts, Velites, Hastati, Principes, and Triarii, consisted of Manipuli, Cohorts, and Legions. So that legion was considered as the largest establishment for foot soldiers. See Kennett’s Ant. of Rome, pages 190, 191.

Marshal Saxe has written at some length, respecting legion.

Legion, in a general acceptation of the term, signifies any large body of men. In a more confined one among the moderns, it applies to a specific number of horse and foot, who are distinguished by that name, and do duty with the rest of the army. Such for instance was the British legion which served in America; and of this description were the Polish and Belgic legions, that formed part of the French army in the early part of the revolution. The French armies now form corps d’armie, which are in fact legions; and of 20 to 30,000 men each.

LEGIONARY, any thing appertaining to a legion, or containing an indefinite number.

LEGUMES, Fr. vegetables, roots, grain, &c. Every species of subsistence, which under the old government of France, was not provided for the troops by direct instructions from the war office, and at the expence of the public, was called legumes. Subsistence of this sort, however, may more properly be called that diet which soldiers got for themselves in foreign countries during actual hostilities.

Legumes, or vegetable food, &c. was classed under two specific heads. That which grew in consequence of the ground having been tilled and sowed, and that which rose spontaneously from the earth. Beans, peas, carrots, &c. may be considered as belonging to the first class, and those herbs or wild roots which have been cultivated in gardens, or are to be found in woods, &c. may come under the second. The latter sort, indeed, was frequently resorted to by the soldier in order to give a seasoning to his mess. Parties under the command of subaltern officers were permitted to accompany the foragers for the purpose of procuring this wholesome and pleasant addition to the regulated subsistence; and when there were not any foraging days, soldiers were permitted to gather roots and vegetables within the limits of the outermost house or vedette quarters, or of the regular outposts of the infantry.

To LENGTHEN out, in a military sense, means to stride out.

To Lengthen the step, to take more than the prescribed pace.

LESKAR, the camp of the great Mogul.

To LET in, to admit; as he let some of the enemy’s advanced parties in, or into the camp, &c.

To Let off, to discharge.

To Let off a pistol or musquet, to fire either of those fire arms.

LETTER of mark, -

LETTER of marque,

a letter granted to a ship captain impowering him to make reprisals for what was formerly taken from him, by ships of another state, contrary to the law of mart. See Marque.

Letter of mark, a commission granted the commander of a merchant ship or privateer, to cruise against, and make prizes of the enemy’s ships and vessels, either at sea, or in their harbors.

Letter of service, a written order or authority issued by the secretary at war, empowering any officer or individual to raise a given body of men to serve as soldiers, within a certain time, and on special conditions.

Letter, in its general acceptation, a character such as forms the alphabet, or any thing written, such as an epistle, &c.

Letter of attorney, an instrument in writing, authorizing an attorney, or any confidential person, to take the affairs of another in trust. A letter or power of attorney is necessary to empower a person to receive the half-pay of an officer. This should be accompanied by a certificate sworn to by the officer before some magistrate or justice of the peace.

Letter of credit, a letter which is given from one merchant or banker to another, in favor of a third person, enabling the latter to take up money to a certain amount. Sometimes a letter of credit is given without any specific limitation.

Letter of licence, a deed signed and sealed by the creditors of a man, by which he is allowed a given period to enable him to discharge his debts by instalments, or by a certain proportion in the pound.

Letter-men, certain pensioners belonging to Chelsea hospital, are so called.

LETTON, Fr. a metal composed of molten copper, called rosette, and of lapis calaminaris, or zinc. This is brass.

Letton is used in cannon-foundries. The best practical mode of digesting and mixing the materials, is to put 11 or 12,000 weight of metal, 10,000 weight of rosette, or molten copper, 900 pounds of tin, and 600 pounds of letton. There are various opinions respecting the mixture of these several ingredients.

LETTRE circulaire, Fr. a circular letter.

Lettre de cachet, Fr. an infamous state paper, which existed before the French revolution, differing in this essential point from an order of the British privy council, that the former was sealed, and the person upon whom it was served, carried into confinement without even seeing the authority by which he was hurried off in so peremptory a manner, or being tried afterwards for any specific offence; whereas the latter is an open warrant, which, (except when peculiar circumstances occasions a suspension of the habeas corpus act,) has its object closely investigated before a jury. The French lettre de cachet was written by the king, countersigned by one of his principal secretaries of state, and sealed with the royal signet.

Lettres de service, Fr. See Letters of service.

Lettres de passe, Fr. a paper signed by the kings of France, authorizing an officer to exchange from one regiment into another.

Lettre de créance, ou qui porte crêance, Fr. A letter of credit. It likewise signifies the credentials which an ambassador presents from his government to a foreign court.

Lettre de récréance, Fr. a letter which an ambassador receives from his government, by which he is recalled from a foreign court.

Lettres en chiffre, Fr. Cyphers. Baron Espagnac in the continuation of his Essai sur l’operation de la guerre, tom. 1, page 269, gives the following instructions relative to this acquirement. He observes that writing in cypher may be practised in two different ways. First by means of distilled vinegar, which is boiled with silver litharge, one ounce of the latter to a pint of the former. When this mixture has stood some time, it must be carefully poured off from the sediment, and it will appear as clear as rock water. Intelligence or information may be conveyed by writing with this water in the blank spaces of an ordinary letter, on wrapping paper, or on the blank leaves of a book. The instant the writing dries, not the least trace appears of what has been marked. To render the writing legible, you must make use of a water in which quick lime has been dissolved with a mixture of orpiment. This water is as clear as rock water; and if you steep a sheet of paper in it, and lay it upon the letter, book, &c. on which any thing has been written, the different characters will instantly appear.

The first of these distilled liquids is so powerful and searching, that by putting the written letter upon several other sheets of paper, after having rubbed the top sheet with the second water, the writing will be clearly seen in almost all of them. The same circumstance will occur, if you rub the leaf of a book or any piece of paper which you may spread upon it. These waters, especially the last, should be kept in bottles that are well corked up, to prevent the spirituous particles from evaporating. A fresh composition must, indeed, be made, if the old one should seem weakened. The letters that are written must likewise be carefully penned, and kept free from blots, &c. The paper must not be turned, nor rubbed with the hand until the writing be thoroughly dry. This is the author’s first proposed mode of writing in cyphers, the second may be seen in page 270 of the work already quoted.

Lettres de représailles, Fr. Reprisals. See Letters of marque.

Lettres de santé, patentes de santé, Fr. letters of health.

LEVANT, the countries bordering upon the Mediterranean are so called. It appears to be derived from le vent, the wind, or country to windward, in relation to Italy.

LEVANTIN, Fr. A word generally used among the French to distinguish any person from the Levant.

LEVANTINE nations, (Nations Levantines, Fr.) Nations belonging to the East, or to those countries which border on the Mediterranean. The French likewise say, Peuples Levantines.

LEVANTIS, Fr. The soldiers belonging to the Turkish gallies are so called.

LEVEE de troupes, Fr. See Levy.

Levee en Masse, Fr. a general rising of the people of any country, either for the purposes of self defence, or to answer the intentions of its governing powers.

Levee d’une siege, Fr. The raising of a siege. See Siege.

LEVEL, an instrument to draw a line parallel to the horizon, whereby the difference of ascent or descent between several places may be found, for conveying water, draining fens, &c.

Air-Level, that which shews the line of level by means of a bubble of air, inclosed with some liquor in a glass tube of an indeterminate length and thickness, whose two ends are hermetically sealed. When the bubble fixes itself at a certain mark, made exactly in the centre of the tube, the plane or ruler wherein it is fixed is level; when it is not level, the bubble will rise to one end. This glass tube may be set in another of brass, having an aperture in the middle, whence the bubble of air may be observed. There is one of these instruments with sights, being an improvement upon the last described, which by the addition of more apparatus, becomes more commodious and exact: it consists of an air-level about eight inches long, and 7 or 8 lines in diameter, set in a brass tube, with an aperture in the middle: the tubes are carried in a strong straight ruler, a foot long, at whose ends are fixed two sights, exactly perpendicular to the tubes, and of an equal height, having a square hole, formed by two fillets of brass crossing each other at right angles, in the middle whereof is drilled a very little hole, through which a point on a level with the instrument is described: the brass tube is fastened on the ruler by means of two screws, one whereof serves to raise or depress the tube at pleasure, for bringing it towards a level. The top of the ball and socket is riveted to a little ruler that springs, one end whereof is fastened with screws to the great ruler, and at the other end is a screw serving to raise and depress the instrument when nearly level.

Artillery foot-Level, is in form of a square, having its two branches or legs of an equal length, at the angle of which is a small hole, whence hang a line and plummet, playing on a perpendicular line in the middle of a quadrant: it is divided into twice 45 degrees from the middle.

Gunner’s-Level, for levelling pieces of artillery, consists of a triangular brass plate, about 4 inches, at the bottom of which is a portion of a circle divided into 45 degrees; which angle is sufficient for the highest elevation of cannons, mortars, and howitzers, and for giving shot and shells the greatest range: on the centre of this segment of a circle is screwed a piece of brass, by means of which it may be fixed or screwed at pleasure; the end of this piece of brass is made so as to serve for a plummet and index, in order to shew the different degrees of elevation of pieces of artillery. This instrument has also a brass foot, to act upon cannon or mortars, so that when these pieces are horizontal, the instrument will be perpendicular. The foot of this instrument is to be placed on the piece to be elevated, in such a manner, as that the point of the plummet may fall on the proper degree, &c.

The most curious instrument for the use of the artillerist, was lately invented by the very ingenious colonel Congreve, of the British artillery; having the following qualifications, viz. 1. It will find the inclination of any plane, whether above or below the horizon. 2. By applying it either to the cylinder, or outside of any piece of ordnance, angles of elevation or depression may be given to the 60th part of a degree, with less trouble than the common gunner’s quadrant, which only gives to the 4th part of a degree. 3. It will give the line of direction for laying either guns or mortars to an object above or below the horizon. 4. It will find the centre of metals of any piece of ordnance. 5. With it, a point may be found in the rear of a mortar-bed, in the vertical plane of the mortar’s axis; consequently a longer line of sight is given for directing them to the object than the usual way. 6. It answers all the purposes of a pair of callipers, with the advantage of knowing (to the 100th part of an inch) diameters, whether concave or convex, without the trouble of laying the claws upon a diagonal scale. 7. On the sides of the instrument are the following lines, viz. equal parts, solids, plains, and polygons, logarithms, tangents, versed sines, and numbers, plotting scales, and diagonal scale of inches for cutting fuzes by. 8. In the lid of the instrument-case is a pendulum to vibrate half seconds. It is likewise of singular use in surveying; as, 1. It takes horizontal angles to the 60th part of a degree. 2. Vertical angles. 3. Levels. 4. Solves right angled plane triangles. 5. Oblique-angled plane triangles. 6. Answers all the purposes of a protractor, with the advantage of laying down angles exactly as taken in the field. N. B. captain Jordane’s ingenious instrument answers nearly the same purposes.

Spirit-Level. See Air Level.

By the term level is also to be understood the line of direction in which any missive weapon is aimed.

LEVELLING, the finding a line parallel to the horizon at one or more stations, and so to determine the height of one place in regard to another.

A truly level surface is a segment of any spherical substance, which is concentric to the globe of the earth. A true line of level is an arch of a great circle which is imagined to be described upon a true level surface.

The apparent level is a straight line drawn tangent to an arch or line of true level. Every point of the apparent level except the point of contact, is higher than the true level.

The common methods of levelling are sufficient for laying pavements of walks, for conveying water to small distances, for placing horizontal dials, or astronomical instruments; but in levelling the bottoms of canals or ditches in a fortification, which are to convey water to the distance of many miles, the difference between the apparent and true level must be taken into the account.

Dr. Halley suggests a method of levelling, which is performed wholly by the barometer, in which the mercury is found to be suspended to so much the less height, as the place is more remote from the centre of the earth. Hence it follows, that the different height of the mercury in two places gives the difference of level.

Mr. Derham, from some observations at the top and bottom of the monument in London, found that the mercury fell ¹⁄₁₀th of an inch at every 82 feet of perpendicular ascent, when the mercury was at 30 inches. Dr. Halley allows of ¹⁄₁₀th of an inch for every 30 yards; and considering how accurately barometers are now made, we think this method sufficiently exact to take levels for the conveyance of water, or any other military purposes, and indeed less liable to errors than the common levels. Mr. Derham also found a difference of 3 inches ⁸⁄₁₀ths between the height of the mercury at the top and bottom of Snowdonhill in Wales.

For the common occasions of levelling, set a pole upright in a spring, pond, &c. and mark how many feet and inches are above water; then set up another pole of equal length with the other, in the place to which the water is to come. Place the centre of a quadrant on the top of this last pole, the plummet hanging free; spy through the sights at the top of the pole in the water, and if the thread cuts any degree of the quadrant, the water may be conveyed by a pipe laid in the earth. If you cannot see from one extreme to the other, the operation may be repeated.

Levelling.—Table shewing the difference between the true and apparent level.

Dis- tance. Differ- ence of level. Dis- tance. Differ- ence of level. Dis- tance. Differ- ence of level. Dis- tance. Differ- ence of level.

Yds. Inch. Yds. Inch. Mls. Ft. in. Mls. Ft. in.

100 0.026 1000 2.570 ¹⁄₄ 0 0 ¹⁄₂ 7 32 6

200 0.103 1100 3.110 ¹⁄₂ 0 2 8 42 6

300 0.231 1200 3.701 ³⁄₄ 0 4 ¹⁄₂ 9 53 9

400 0.411 1300 4.344 1 0 8 10 66 4

500 0.643 1400 5.038 2 2 8 11 80 3

600 0.925 1500 5.784 3 6 0 12 95 2

700 1.260 1600 6.580 4 10 7 13 112 2

800 1.645 1700 7.425 5 16 7 14 130 1

900 2.081 6 23 11 15 150

16 175

This table will answer several useful purposes.

First.—To find the height of the apparent level above the true, at any distance.—If the given distance be contained in the table, the correction of level is found in the same line with it; but if the exact distance be not found in the table, then multiply the square of the distance in yards, by 2.57, and divide by 1,000,000, or cut off 6 places on the right for decimals; the rest are inches: or multiply the square of the distance in miles, by 66 feet 4 inches, and divide by 100.

Second.—To find the extent of the visible horizon, or how far can be seen from any given height, on a horizontal plane, at sea, &c.—The height of the observer’s eye above the horizon being known, the extent of his visible horizon is found in the column opposite, under the word Distances.

Third.—To find the distance of any object when it first comes in sight, its height being known.—For the distance of any object will be the extent of the visible horizon of the observer, added to the visible horizon of the point he observes. It is necessary in this case for the observer to know only the height of that part of the object which is kept from his view, by the curvilinear figure of the globe.—Knowing the distance of an object, its height may be found in the same manner.

If the height or distance exceed the limits in the table; then, first, if the distance be given, divide it by 2, 3, or 4, till the quotient comes within the distances in the table; then take out the height answering to the quotient, and multiply it by the square of the divisor for the height required. But when the height is given, divide it by one of these square numbers, 4, 9, 16, 25, &c. till the quotient come within the limits of the table, and multiply the quotient by the square root of the divisor.

Levelling staves, instruments used in levelling, that carry the marks to be observed, and at the same time measure the heights of those marks from the ground. These usually consist of two wooden square rulers, that slide over one another, and are divided into feet, inches, &c.

Levelling has two distinct applications in the art of war, in the one case it implies the reduction of an uneven surface to that of a plane, so that the works of a fortification may be of a correspondent height or figure throughout. The other is the art of conveying water from one place to another; in this process, it is found necessary to make an allowance between the true and apparent level, or in other words, for the figure of the earth, for the true level is not a straight line, but a curve which falls below the straight line about 8 inches in a mile, 4 times 8 in 2 miles, 9 times 8 in 3 miles, 16 times 8 in 4 miles, always increasing with the square of the distance.

Levelling System, a term which since the commencement of the French revolution has been grossly misinterpreted, and cannot be found in any civilized country to answer any other purpose than that of delusion; such was the calumny raised by the patricians of Rome, when they having plundered the soldiers of their lands and appropriated to themselves; when the people complained they were thus reproached; the agrarian law which proposed only to restore the lands to the owners, was called a levelling system; but the people were robbed and the consequence was the ultimate ruin of Roman liberty, and Rome itself; the word Jacobin in modern times has superseded leveller.

LEVER, a balance which rests upon a certain determinate point called a fulcrum.

Lever in mechanics, an inflective line, rod, or beam, moveable about, or upon a fixed point, called the prop or fulcrum, upon one end of which is the weight to be raised, at the other end is the power applied to raise it; as the hand, &c.

Since the momentum of the weight and power are as the quantities of matter in each, multiplied by their respective celerities; and the celerities are as the distances from the centre of motion, and also as the spaces passed through in a perpendicular direction in the same time, it must follow, that there will be an equilibrium between the weight and power, when they are to each other reciprocally as the distances from the centre, or as the celerities of the motions, or as the perpendicular ascent or descent in the same time; and this universally in all mechanical powers whatsoever, and which is therefore the fundamental principle of all mechanics. See Mechanical Powers.

LEVET, the blast of a trumpet.

LEVIER, Fr. Lever. The French writers having been more explicit on this head than any of our lexicographers, we shall extract the following passages as conducive to general information. The levier or lever is an instrument made of wood or iron, by whose means the heaviest weights may be raised with few hands. When the lever is made of iron, it is called pince or crow. The lever may be considered as the first of all machines. Wheels, pullies, capstans, &c. act only by the power it possesses. The lever must be looked upon as a straight line, which has three principal points, namely, the one on which the load is placed, and which is to be raised, the appui or rest which is the centre round which it turns, and which the French mechanics call orgueil, and lastly the human arm, which is the power that puts the lever into motion. The different arrangements or disposition which is given to these three points, or rather the unequal distances at which they are placed, occasion the force that is collectively displayed.

Belidor makes the following remarks on this useful machine. It is an inflexible bar which must be considered as having no weight in itself, upon which three powers are made to act in three different points in such a manner, that the action of two powers must be directly opposed to the one that resists them. The point where the opposing power acts is called the point d’appui.

Levier, in artillery, a wedge.

Levier de pointage, Fr. a wedge to assist in pointing pieces of ordnance.

LEVIERS de support, Fr. a wedge by which cannon is raised to a certain line of direction.

To LEVY, has three distinct military acceptations, as to levy or raise an army, to levy or make war; and, to levy contributions.

LEVY, the levying, or raising troops, by enregistering the names of men capable of bearing arms, for the common defence and safety of a country, has from time immemorial been a leading principle among men.

There are indeed some people still existing, who indiscriminately go to war, leaving, for the immediate security of their huts or habitations, only their old men, their wives and children.

Among the Romans, however, and in some other civilized countries, it was a prevailing maxim never to employ above a certain proportion of matured population, and that proportion consisted uniformly of men who were expert at arms.

National assemblies were called together whenever the situation of the country required, that the senate’s decree should be published and put into effect.

The levying or raising of troops for service was regulated in the following manner under two specific heads, called ordinary and extraordinary levy. The ordinary levy took place in consequence of a decree from the senate by which all males of a certain age were called out to do military service: the extraordinary levy was enforced when a deficiency was found in the ordinary levy to answer the immediate exigencies of the state.

The extraordinary levy, which was further distinguished by the word evocation, (See Evocati) was performed as follows. A public orator mounted the rostrum, and after having expatiated upon the urgency of the case, and paid a handsome tribute of commendation to all who should voluntarily step forward to defend their country, he entrusted the conclusion of the business to two superior officers who were to command the new levies.

These officers instantly unfurled two flags, and emphatically exclaimed, let all those brave men who have the safety of the Republic at heart flock to our standards! A red flag was the rallying mark for all who were to serve on foot, and a blue flag pointed out the rendezvous for cavalry. Every one was at liberty to chuse the service he liked best.

With respect to the ordinary levy by which every citizen was liable to be called upon for personal service, it was conducted in the following manner.

All the different tribes into which the inhabitants of the country were divided, assembled in places marked out for that purpose, and as soon as a whole tribe, consisting of males only, had entered, the public crier called over, in a distinct and audible manner, the names of four persons, after which the first military tribune, from among those of that rank who were to command the intended legion, selected one out of the four, and had him enrolled.

The crier then called over the names of four others belonging to the same class, and the second tribune selected one from the four in the same manner as the first had done. This selection went on through the different classes, until the whole tribe was drafted, and another tribe was then subjected to the same rotation. Legions were formed out of these levies, and completed to so effective a strength, that three of them generally composed a Roman army. The Romans readily submitted to these calls of the state; and they did so the more cheerfully, because it was a fundamental rule amongst them, that no man could be provided for in a military or civil way, unless he had served a prescribed number of years.

Kennett, in his antiquities of Rome, gives the following account, which the reader will perceive differs in some particulars from the former.

“At the same time of the year as the consuls were declared elect or designed, they chose the military tribunes; fourteen out of the body of the Equites who had served in the army five years, and ten out of the commonalty, such as had made ten campaigns. The former they called tribuni juniores, and the latter seniores.

The consuls having agreed on a levy (as, in the time of the commonwealth they usually did every year,) they issued out an edict, commanding all persons who had reached the military age (about seventeen years) to appear (commonly) in the capitol, or in the area before the capitol, as the most sacred and august place, on such a day. The people being come together, and the consuls who presided in the assembly having taken their seat, in the first place, the four and twenty tribunes were disposed of according to the number of legions they designed to make up, which was generally four. The junior tribunes were assigned, four to the first legion, three to the second and last. After this, every tribe, being called out by lot, was ordered to divide into their proper centuries; out of each century were soldiers cited by name, with respect had to their estate and class; for which purpose, there were tables ready at hand, in which the name, age, and wealth of every person were exactly described. Four men, as much alike in all circumstances, as could be pitched upon, being presented out of the century, first the tribunes of the first legion chose one, then the tribunes of the second another, the tribunes of the third legion a third man, and the remaining person fell to the tribunes of the fourth. Then four more were drawn out; and now the right of chusing first belonged to the tribunes of the second legion; in the next four to the tribunes of the third legion, then to the tribunes of the fourth legion, and so round; those tribunes chusing last the next time, who chose first the time before; the most equal and regular method imaginable.

Cicero has remarked a superstitious custom observed in these proceedings; that the first soldier pitched upon should for the omen’s sake, be such as had fortunate names, as Salvius, Valerius, and the like. Cic. de Divinat. lib. 1.

There were in those times, (as in the present with respect to the militia) many legal excuses which might keep persons from the list; as, in case they were fifty years old, for then they could not be obliged to serve; or if they enjoyed any civil or sacred office, which they could not conveniently relinquish; or if they had already made twenty campaigns, which was the time required for every foot soldier; or if, upon account of extraordinary merit, they had been by public authority, released from the trouble of serving for such a time; or if they were maimed in any part, and so ought not to be admitted into the legions; as Suetonius tells us of a father who cut off the thumbs of his two sons on purpose to keep them out of the army (Sueton. August. chap. 24.) and Valerius Maximus gives a relation of the like nature. (Val. Max. lib. 6. cap. 3.)

Otherwise they were necessitated to submit, and in case of a refusal, were usually punished either with imprisonment, fine or stripes, according to the lenity, or severity of the consul. And therefore it seems strange, that Machiavel should particularly condemn the Roman discipline, upon account of forcing no one to the wars, when we have in all parts of history, such large intimations of a contrary practice. Nay, we read too of the conquisitores or impress-masters, who were commissioned upon some occasions, to go about, and compel the men to the service of the state.

Valerius Maximus (lib. 6. chap. 3.) gives one example of changing this custom of taking out every particular soldier by the tribunes, for that of chusing them by lot. And Appianus Alexandrinus (in Iberic.) acquaints us, that in the Spanish war, managed by Lucullus, upon complaint to the senate of several unjust practices in the levies, the senate thought fit to chuse all the soldiers by lot. Yet the same author assures us, that within five years time the old custom returned of making the levies in the manner already described.

However, upon any extraordinary occasion of immediate service, they omitted the common formalities, and without much distinction, listed such as they met with, and led them out on an expedition. These they called Milites Subitarii. Kennett’s Ant. page 183, b. iv.

The French always followed the example of the Romans with regard to the first principles of levying men, which was effected by a proclamation from the court, called the ban. This ban was addressed to the principal person belonging to a province, who, in pursuance to its instructions, assembled his vassals, and got them fit and ready for immediate service.

In England a similar rotation took place; and the balloting for militia-men still exhibits some remains of that feudal system. But when regular armies became necessary in Europe (necessary only from the ambition of contiguous and rival nations!) a different system was adopted, and the natural strength of the country was made a secondary object. Disposable means of offence and defence were resorted to by crowned heads; and as war was became a science, permanent bodies of armed men were kept on foot to answer the purposes of prompt and vigorous decision.

Charles VIII. was the first monarch among the French who dispensed with the service of his noblemen, in themselves and vassals; these he replaced by raising regular companies of gendarmes, who were paid out of his privy purse; in process of time cavalry and infantry regiments, with appropriate trains of artillery, &c. were formed into a military establishment, and have continued ever since.

During the existence of the old government in France, it was customary for the king to issue orders that a certain bounty should be offered to all recruits who would inlist; and when regiments, in time of war, suffered materially, men were frequently drafted out of the militia to complete their establishment.

With respect to the standing or permanent army of England, the first traces of it are to be found during the reign of Henry VII.; from that period until the present time the military establishment of Great Britain has been progressive. Levies have been made in various ways, upon various principles.

The French system of conscription is the most profound and perfect that has ever been devised; no man is exempted. And in this respect it is the only system in its principle adapted to a free state, where all individuals having equal rights, have also corresponding duties and obligations.

Levy likewise means inlisting money.

LICE, Fr. List for combats.

LICENCIEMENT des troupes, Fr. At the end of a campaign this generally happened in France, when troops could not any longer keep the field owing to the severity of the weather. In former times it was usual, during the continuance of a war, for the French army to retire into winter quarters about the latter end of October. But since the revolution, hostilities have been carried on at all seasons, and under the most disheartening pressure of the weather.

Licenciement des equipages des vivres, Fr. It was usual in the old French army, for an order to be issued by which the contractors and commissaries, for the time being, were discharged at the close of a campaign. The director general of the stores always preserved this order, as it formed the only final voucher, upon which the contractors could receive any demand against government. The greatest attention was paid to this important branch of military economy; and, if at the conclusion of a campaign, it was found necessary to retain any part of the establishment for the immediate subsistence of the troops in winter quarters, that part was minutely noticed in the order.

LICENCIER, Fr. to discharge.

LIDE, Fr. a warlike machine, which was formerly used to throw large stones against a fortified place, or upon an enemy.

To LIE, in a military acceptation of the term, to be in quarters, in cantonments, or to be in camp: the fourth regiment of foot, for instance, LIES encamped between Fort Adams and Orleans: or it LIES at Orleans. The light dragoons LIE along the frontier.

To LIE in ambush, to be posted in such a manner as to be able to surprise your enemy, should he presume to advance, without having previously cleared the woods, hedges, &c.

To LIE under cover, to be under the protection of a battery, or to be sheltered by a wood, &c.

To LIE in wait, to take a position unobserved by the enemy, and to remain under arms, in the expectation of suddenly falling upon his flanks or rear.

LIEU, Fr. League. There are three sorts of lieues or leagues in France, the great, middling, and small. The great French league contains three thousand geometrical paces, or two thousand five hundred toises; and the small league two thousand geometrical paces, that is, twice the extent of the Italian mile; which is so called, because it contains one thousand geometrical paces. According to an old existing regulation, the leagues of France were directed to contain two thousand two hundred toises, and two thousand six hundred and forty geometrical paces. See Measure.

In LIEU. In the room, place, or stead of.

LIEUTENANT. This word is originally derived from the Latin legatus, locum tenens, and comes immediately to us from the French lieu-tenant, supplying or holding the place of another. In a military sense it means the second person or officer in command. Lieutenant-general, the next in command to a general; lieutenant-colonel, the next to a colonel; captain-lieutenant, an intermediate rank; and lieutenant, the next to a captain, in every company of both foot and horse, and who takes the command upon the death or absence of his superior officer. Fuzileer corps, grenadiers, and light infantry, in the British service, have second lieutenants and no ensigns, a very absurd distinction.

Lieutenant of artillery. In the British service each company of artillery has 4; 1 first and 3 second lieutenants. The first lieutenant has the same detail of duty with the captain, because in his absence he commands the company: he is to see that the soldiers are clean and neat: that their clothes, arms, and accoutrements are in good and serviceable order; and to watch over every thing else, which may contribute to their health. He must give attention to their being taught their exercise, see them punctually paid, their messes regularly kept, and visit them in the hospitals when sick. He must assist at all parades, &c. He ought to understand the doctrine of projectiles and the science of artillery, with the various effects of gunpowder, however managed or directed. He should likewise be able to construct and dispose batteries to the best advantage; to plant cannon, mortars, and howitzers, so as to produce the greatest annoyance to an enemy. He is to be well skilled in the attack and defence of fortified places, and to be conversant in arithmetic, mathematics, and mechanics, &c.

Second Lieutenant, in the artillery, is the same as an ensign in an infantry regiment, being the youngest commissioned officer in the company. It is his duty to assist the first lieutenant in the detail of the company. His other qualifications should be the same as those required in the first lieutenant.

Lieutenant of engineers. See Engineers.

Lieutenant-colonel. See Colonel.

Lieutenant-general. See General.

Lieutenant du Roi, Fr. During the monarchy of France there was a deputy governor in every fortified place, or strong town, who commanded in the absence of the governor, and was a check upon his conduct when present. This person was called Lieutenant du Roi.

Lieutenant Reduced, (Lieutenant Reformé, Fr.) he whose company or troop is broke or disbanded, but who continued in whole or half pay, and still preserves his right of seniority and rank in the army.

Lieutenant de la Colonelle, Fr. the second officer, or what was formerly styled the captain lieutenant of the colonel’s company of every infantry regiment, was so called in France.

Lieutenans des Gardes Francoises et Suisses, Fr. lieutenants belonging to the French and Swiss guards. During the existence of the monarchy in France they bore the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and took precedence of all captains.

Lieutenans Provinciaux d’Artillerie, Fr. were certain officers belonging to the old French service, and immediately attached to the artillery, who bore the title or name of the particular province in which they were stationed. The majority of this description were employed in the ordnance department; another part superintended different artillery departments upon the frontiers. Some were excused from all duty on account of their age and seniority.

Several provincial lieutenants, who had military employments under the board of ordnance, received the rank of lieutenant general in the army from the king, and could rise to the most exalted stations in common with other officers.

Lieutenant Général, Fr. The title and rank of lieutenant-general was of a more desultory nature in France under the old government of that country, than in other countries. High officers of justice were distinguished by the name; and all governors of provinces, as far as their jurisdiction extended, together with the persons who acted under them, were called lieutenants généraux. There were likewise persons who bore the title of lieutenant-general of the kingdom at large. Every officer, moreover, that acted immediately under a general, and was next to him in rank, was styled lieutenant-general. It is the same, in this respect, in England. In both countries, however, (considering the subjects as appertaining to a monarchical institution) the title of general was only ostensible and honorary, as his functions were delegated to him by his sovereign, the real general and head of the army. So that intrinsically a general could only be considered as lieutenant-general to the king; but the lieutenant-general who acts under him, must be viewed as holding a relative rank inferior to both. The words of the two commissions sufficiently explain our observation. They are as follow for a lieutenant-general with the nominal rank of general:—We have made and constituted N. our lieutenant-general, &c. and for those acting under him:—We have made and constituted N. one of our lieutenant-generals. Which plainly indicates, that of the first class there can only be one who represents his sovereign; whereas there are and may be many of the other description. Lieutenant-generals, in the French service, did not receive any pay, in consequence of the rank they bore, unless they actually commanded some part of the army, and received a commission from the king for that purpose. This commission was renewed annually, according to his majesty’s pleasure.

Lieutenant-General d’Artillerie. See Lieutenant-general of the Ordnance.

Lieutenant-General des Armèes Navales du Roi. Fr. an officer in the old French service, belonging to the naval department. He took rank of all chefs d’escadre, or commodores, and issued orders through them to inferior officers.

LIFE GUARDS.—See Guards.

LIGHT BOBS, a familiar term used for the light infantry.

LIGHT HORSE. All mounted soldiers, that are lightly armed and accoutred for active and desultory service, may be considered under this term. Thus light dragoons, hussars, mounted riflemen, &c. are strictly speaking light horse.

LIGHT INFANTRY, an active, strong body of men, selected from the aggregate of battalion companies, and made up of the most promising recruits that are occasionally inlisted.

When the light infantry companies are in line with their battalions, they are to form and act in every respect as a company of the battalion; but when otherwise disposed of, they may loosen their files to six inches

The open order of light infantry is usually two feet between each file.

The files may be extended from right, left, or centre; in executing it, each front rank man must carefully take his distance from the man next to him on that side from which the extension is made: the rear rank men conform to the movement of their file leaders.

When light infantry men fire in extended order, it is to be a standing rule, that the two men of the same file are never unloaded together; for which purpose as soon as the front rank man has fired, he is to slip round the left of the rear rank man, who will take a short pace forward, and put himself in the other’s place, whom he is to protect while loading.

The extended order of light infantry varies according to circumstances and situations. They may sometimes loosen their files to three times the distance of open order. But the general rule is to allow convenient intervals for the rear rank men to slip by, and return after they have fired.

All movements of light infantry, except when firing, advancing, or retreating, are to be in quick time.

The officer commanding the company in line will be on the right, covered by a serjeant; the next on the left also covered by a serjeant. The youngest officer in the rear. In extended order the post of the officers and serjeants is always in the rear at equal distances.

In marching by files the officer commanding leads: by divisions each officer leads one. The supernumerary officer, if there be one, is in both cases with the officer commanding, ready to obey any directions he may receive from him.

The arms of light infantry in general are carried sloped, when the bayonets are fixed. Flanking or advanced parties, however, or parties in particular situations, may carry them trailed, and without bayonets, for the purpose of taking a more cool and deliberate aim.

When the light infantry is ordered to cover the line to the front, the divisions will move from their inner flanks round the flanks of the battalions, and when at the distance of fifty paces, the leading flanks will wheel towards each other, so as to meet opposite the centre of the battalion, opening their files gradually from the rear, so as to cover the whole extent of the battalion.

The files are not to wait for any word of command, but to halt and front themselves. In this position, and in all positions of extended order, the post of the officer commanding is in the rear of the centre, and the movements are to be regulated by the company belonging to the battalion, which governs those of the line. See Am. Mil. Lib.

Light infantry men, like hussars, are frequently detached to act as scouts on the flanks, in the front, or with the rear guard of the body of troops to which they belong. They then acquire the appellation of skirmishers, and being previously told off for that specific duty, they advance and form in the front in rank entire; which is effected by each man from the rear rank placing himself on the left of his file leader. The rank entire may be resorted to for various purposes during the movements of one or more battalions, since it may serve not only to cover them from the enemy’s observation, but in some cases, especially in foggy weather, will itself appear a larger body than it really is. Too much attention cannot be given to the organization of light troops on foot. They are very properly called the eyes of an army, and ought always to be considered as indispensibly necessary.

LIGHT TROOPS. By light troops are generally meant all horse and foot which are accoutred for detached service.

LIGNE, Fr. See Line.

LIGNE d’Eau, Fr. a term used in aquatics. It is the hundredth and fortieth portion of an inch of water, and furnishes or supplies one hundred and four pints of water, Paris measure, in twenty four hours.

Ligne de moindre résistance, Fr. is the line that being drawn from the centre of the fourneau or chamber of a mine, runs up in a perpendicular direction to the nearest outward surface.

Lignes en forme de Crémaillère, Fr. Indented lines, or lines resembling the teeth of a saw, or stairs: they are connected with one another like crotchets; or united by small flanks comprising fourteen or fifteen toises each. M. de Clairac has given a particular account of their construction in his Ingenieur de Campagne. The effect, observes that writer, which is produced by the concentrated fire that may be poured from these lines, is perhaps unexampled. One advantage is certain, that of being able to increase your efforts of defence, in proportion as the enemy advances; since it must be evident, that constructed as the flanks are, and enchasing one another, the execution becomes multiplied in every quarter. It may moreover be stated among other advantages, that as the salient points are double in number, and are flanked within half a distance of musquet shot, without stretching far into the country, they must of course be less exposed to the enemy’s approaches. From the figure of these lines the troops are enabled to keep up an uninterrupted and regular direct fire; and it is the only construction from which an equal discharge of ordnance or musquetry may be served in every quarter at once.

LIMBER, in artillery, a two-wheel carriage with shafts to fasten the trail of travelling carriages by means of a pintle or iron pin, when travelling, and taken off on the battery, or when placed in the park of artillery; which is called unlimbering the guns.

LIME, in military architecture, is made of all kind of stones, that will calcine: that which is made of the hardest stone is the best, and the worst of all that which is made of chalk.

Lime will not be sufficiently burnt in less than 60 hours. The signs of well burnt lime are, that its weight is to that of the stone in a sesquialterate proportion; that it be white, light, and sonorous; that when slaked, it sticks to the sides of the vessel, sending forth a copious thick smoke, and requires a great deal of water to slake it.

In some countries, as the East Indies and the United States, they make good lime of shells of fish, which dries and hardens in a very short time; and when it is mixed with Dutch terras, is fit for all kind of aquatic works.

Lime should always be burnt with coals, and never with wood, the coals being strongly impregnated with sulphureous particles, which, mixed with the lime, make it more adhesive. See Mortar.

LIMINARQUE, Fr. an office of distinction, which existed in the Roman empire. The persons invested with it were directed to watch the frontiers of the empire, and they commanded the troops that were employed upon that service.

LIMITARY, a guard or superintendant, placed at the confines or boundaries of any kingdom or state.

LIMITS, in a military sense, is that distance which a sentry is allowed on his post, namely 50 paces to the right, and as many to the left.

LINCH-pin, in artillery, that which passes through the ends of the arms of an axle-tree, to keep the wheels or trucks from slipping off in travelling.

Linch-clout, in artillery, the flat iron under the end of the arms of an axle-tree, to strengthen them, and to diminish the friction of the wheels.

LINDEN TREE. The wood used in artificial fire-works, &c.

LINE, in geometry, signifies length, without any supposed breadth or depth. A straight or right line is the shortest way from one point to another. A curved or crooked line is that which deviates from the shortest way, and embraces a greater space between one point and another. A perpendicular line is a straight line, which falling upon another line does not incline either to one side or the other. Parallel lines are lines which are at equal distances from one another, in such a manner, that although they may be prolonged ad infinitum, they never can meet.

Euclid’s second book treats mostly of lines, and of the effects of their being divided, and again multiplied into one another.

Horizontal Line is that which is spread upon the plane of the horizon; such, for instance, are those lines that may be supposed to form the level surface of a plain.

Inclined Line, (ligne inclineé, Fr.) is that line which leans or is raised obliquely upon the plane of the horizon, and which might resemble the sloping or declivity of a hillock.

Oblique Line, (ligne oblique, Fr.) a straight line which leans more to one side than another the instant it is brought into contact with any other line.

Line tangent, (ligne tangente, Fr.) a straight line, which, without intersecting it meets a curve at one point, and does not enter, but barely touches it.

Vertical Line, (ligne verticale, Fr.) a line which is raised perpendicularly above or below the horizon. Of this description are all lines that express height or depth.

The Line. This term is frequently used to distinguish the regular army from other establishments of a military nature. All numbered or marching regiments are called the line. The marines, militia, and volunteers, do not come under the term. It is, however, a corruption of the word, since the true import of line in military matters, means that solid part of an army which is called the main body, and has a regular formation from right to left. Thus in the seven years war, when prince Ferdinand commanded the allied army, the British troops under the marquis of Granby did not belong to the line, because they were always detached and acted in front of the main body. Grenadiers and light infantry, when from their several corps, cannot be called the line, but the instant they are incorporated they become so. According to this explanation, and we think it a correct one, the word is very generally misapplied, as it cannot strictly be used to distinguish any particular establishment from another.

Line, or line of battle, is the arrangement or disposition of an army for battle: its front being extended along a straight line as far as the ground will permit, in order that the several corps of cavalry and infantry which compose it, may not be cut off or flanked by the enemy.

The Ottoman troops are generally drawn up on a curve line, or half-moon, for the purpose of surrounding their enemies by superior numbers. European armies are usually drawn up in three lines; the first being named the van, (avant-garde, Fr.) the second, main body, (corps de bataille, Fr.) and the third, which was formerly the weakest, is called the reserve, or rear-guard. (Corps de réserve, ou arrière-garde, Fr.) Each of these lines is so drawn up, that the wings or extremities are always composed of some squadrons of horse, whose intervals are likewise supported by infantry platoons. The battalions are posted in the centre of each line; sometimes they are intermixed with squadrons of horse, when there is a considerable body of cavalry attached to the army. The space of ground, which in each line separates the different corps from one another, is always equal in extent to the front that is occupied by them. These intervals are left in order to facilitate their several movements, and to enable them to charge the enemy without being exposed to confusion and disorder. It must be observed, as a general rule, that the intervals or spaces which are between each battalion and squadron belonging to the second line should invariably correspond with the ground that is occupied by the battalions and squadrons, which constitute the first line; in order that the first line, on being forced to fall back, may find sufficient ground to rally upon, and not endanger the disposition of the second line, by precipitately crowding on it.

Each line is divided into right and left wings. Each wing is composed of one or more divisions. Each division is composed of one or more brigades. Each brigade is formed of two, three, or four, or more battalions.

Battalions are formed in line at a distance of twelve paces from each other, and this interval is occupied by two or more cannon, which are attached to each battalion. There is no increased distance betwixt brigades, unless particular circumstances attend it. In exercise, should there be no cannon betwixt the battalions, the interval may be reduced to six paces.

Line, how regulated. Its regulating body in movement is, in general, the battalion of that flank which is nearest to, and is to preserve the appui, or which is to make the attack. There are very few cases in which the centre ought to regulate, although the direct march of the line in front appears to be the easiest conducted by a battalion of the centre. It is the flank, however, that must preserve the line of appui in all movements in front, if the line is thrown backward or forward, it is generally on a flank point.

It may not be superfluous to remark, that the term line, as expressing a military disposition for battle, was not known until the sixteenth century.—Before that period when armies were ranged in order of battle upon three lines; the first line was called advanced guard, (avant garde,) the second, main body only, (corps de bataille,) and the third, rear guard, (arriére garde.)—These terms are never used in modern times, except when any army is on its march; when drawn up for action, or in the field for review, columns, or lines are substituted.

Lines of support, are lines of attack, which are formed to support one another. Where there are several, the second should outflank the first, the third the second; the advanced one being thereby strengthened and supported on its outward wing.

Line of march. The regular and tactical succession of the component parts of an army that is put in motion.

Lines of march, are bodies of armed men marching on given points to arrive at any straight alignement on which they are to form. The general direction of such alignement is always determined before the troops enter it, and the point in that line at which their head is to arrive, must next be ascertained. See Am. Mil. Lib.

The line is said to be well dressed, when no part is out of the straight alignement. That this may be effected, at the word dress, which is given by the commander, it is immediately to commence from the centre of each battalion, the men looking to their own colors, and the correcting officers lining them upon the colors of their next adjoining battalion.

Line-firings, are executed separately and independently by each battalion.

Inversion of the line, in formation. This is a manœuvre which ought only to be resorted to on the most urgent occasions, as it is prudent to avoid the inversion of all bodies in line. The inversion is effected by facing a battalion or line to the right about, instead of changing its position by a counter march; sometimes, indeed, it may be necessary to form to a flank with its rear in front. The column with its line in front may arrive on the left of its ground, and be obliged immediately to form up and support that point, so that the right of the line will become the left. Part of a second line may double round on the extremity of a first line, thereby to outflank an enemy. These, and various other movements, may be found necessary, and they can only be practised with safety and expedition by the inversion of the line.

Lines advancing to engage an enemy. Lignes marchant à l’ennemi, Fr. According to Marshal Puységur, all lines should take the centre for the regulating point of movement, and not the right, as others have maintained. He grounds his opinion upon a known fact, that the more extended a line is, the more difficult it must prove to march by the right. By making the centre the directing portion of the line, more than half the difficulty is removed. To which it may be added, that the centre is more easily discernible from the right and left, than the right is within the just observation of the left, or the left within that of the right.

When the line advances it must uniformly preserve a convexity from the centre, so that when it halts, the right and left may have to dress up; but this convexity must be scarcely perceptible. Were the line to be concave on approaching the enemy, a necessity would occur of throwing the wings back, perhaps even of putting several corps to the right about, during which operation the whole army might be endangered.

When lines are marching forward they must be occasionally halted: in which cases the centre halts first, and when the line is ordered to advance again, the centre steps off though in an almost imperceptible manner, before the right and left.

Each commanding officer must place himself in the centre of that proportion of the line which he has under his immediate orders, unless he should be otherwise directed. The centre is always the most convenient point, from whence every thing that passes on the right and left may be observed. When the line advances in charging order, he must march at the head of his battalion or squadron, taking care, that he is followed by his troops with an equal cadenced step, and regulating his own movement by that of the divisions which are formed on his right and left. The greater the extent of line proves, which is composed of several battalions and squadrons that advance forward with the same front, the more difficult will be the movement of the several bodies; but as we have already observed, a great part of this difficulty is overcome when the centre is made the directing body. The right and left must be invariably governed by it.

Retiring Line, are bodies of armed men that have advanced against an opposing enemy in order of battle, withdrawing themselves with regularity from the immediate scene of action. On this occasion it is of the greatest importance, that the line should be correctly dressed before it faces to the right about; and the battalions will prepare for the retreat in the manner prescribed for the single one by receiving the caution, that the line will retire.

To form the Line, in land tactics, is to arrange the troops in order of battle, or battle array.

To break the Line, to change the direction from that of a straight line, in order to obtain a cross fire.

Turning out of the Line, in a military sense. The line turns out without arms whenever the general commanding in chief comes along the front of the camp.

In the British army the following is the usage:

When the line turns out, the private men are drawn up in a line with the bells of arms; the corporals on the right and left of their respective companies: the piquet forms behind the colors, with their accoutrements on, but without arms.

The serjeants draw up one pace in the front of the men, dividing themselves equally.

The officers draw up in ranks, according to their commissions, in the front of the colors; two ensigns taking hold of the colors.

The field officers advance before the captains.

The camp colors on the flanks of the parade are to be struck, and planted opposite to the bells of arms; the officers espontoons are to be planted between the colors, and the drums piled up behind them; the halberts are to be planted between, and on each side the bells of arms, and the hatchets turned from the colors.

Full or close Lines, (lignes pleines, Fr.) Marshal Puységur in his Art de la Guerre is a strong advocate for full or close lines, in his disposition of the order of battle, provided the ground will admit it. He proposes, in fact, that the battalions of infantry and the squadrons of horse should form one continuity of line, without leaving the least interval between them.

Lines that are close and open, (lignes tant pleines que vuides, Fr.) When troops are drawn up in order of battle with intervals between the battalions and squadrons, the lines are said to be close and open.

Line, or camp courts-martial. These courts-martial are frequently resorted to, and differ from regimental ones, in as much as they are composed of the officers belonging to different corps, and the ratification of the sentence is vested in the general or commanding officer of the camp. So that no time is lost in waiting for the commander in chief’s approbation, when he is delegated by him; nor has the colonel or commanding officer of the regiment to which the offender may belong, any power to interfere. The sentences of line or camp, field, and garrison courts-martial, are confined to corporeal punishments, but they can neither affect life, nor occasion the loss of a limb. The proceedings are read by the adjutant of the day; the surgeon is from the regiment to which the prisoner belongs, and the punishment is inflicted in front of the piquet by the drummers of the different corps under the direction of the drum-major, who is from the regiment to which the adjutant of the day belongs. Field and drum-head courts-martial, may be considered in the same light, when an army is on its march; with this difference, that the prisoner is tried either by officers belonging to his own corps, or by a mixed roster. A circle is formed at a short distance from the men under arms, and the sentence is written upon a drum-head; whence the appellation of drum-head courts-martial is derived. When there are several regiments present, the same forms are attended to in punishing prisoners as are observed in line or camp courts-martial; and when there is only one regiment, the examination and the punishment of the prisoner or prisoners take place within itself.

Lines, in fortification, bear several names and significations; such as,

Line of - defence - See Fortification.

defence fichant

defence razant

circumvallation

countervallation

counter-approach

defence prolonged

Line, Capital

Line of communication. (Ligne de communication, Fr.) That space of ground in a fortified place which joins the citadel to the town.

Lines of communication, are trenches that unite one work to another, so that men may pass between them without being exposed to the enemy’s fire: thence the whole intrenchment round any place is sometimes called a line of communication, because it leads to all the works.

Inside Lines, are a kind of ditches towards the place, to prevent sallies, &c.

Outside Lines, are a kind of ditches towards the field, to hinder relief, &c.

Capital Line of the half moon. (Ligne capitale de la demi-lune, Fr.) That which is drawn from the flanked angle of a half moon, to the rentrant angle of the counterscarp on which it is constructed.

Line of counter approach. (Ligne de contre-approche, Fr.) A sort of trench which the besieged make, and push forward from the glacis, for the purpose of counteracting the enemy’s works. See Approaches.

Line of defence. (Ligne de dèfense, Fr.) See Fortification.

Ligne magistrale, Fr. See Capital line in Fortification.

Line of circumvallation. (Ligne de circonvallation, Fr.) See Fortification.

Line of direction in gunnery, is a line formerly marked upon guns, by a short point upon the muzzle, and a cavity on the base ring, to direct the eye in pointing the gun.

Line of distance, the interval between two things, either in regard to time, place, or quantity.

Line of gravitation, of any heavy body, is a line drawn through its centre of gravity, and according to which it tends downwards.

Line of swiftest descent, of a heavy body, is the cycloid. See Cycloid.

Line of projectile. See Projectiles.

Line of the least resistance, (ligne de moindre resistance, Fr.) that line, which being drawn from the centre of the furnace or the chamber of a mine, takes a perpendicular direction towards the nearest superficial exterior.

Line of fire, (ligne de feu, Fr.) in fortification. This term admits of two distinct acceptations; first, when it is found necessary to give an idea of the manner in which a rampart, or an entrenchment overwhelms and crosses any space of ground by the discharge of ordnance or musquetry, lines must be drawn to express the distances which have been traversed by the shot, &c. These lines are called lines of fire, being an abbreviation of those lines of direction which have been given to the shot.

In order to convey a more just and accurate conception of this species of line of fire, it is recommended to give a profile, which shall not only shew the curves of the trajectories, but likewise point out the intersections and impressions which have been made by such fire upon a rampart, entrenchment, ground, or fortification of any description.

In the second place, all that extent of a rampart or entrenchment, from whence the shot of ordnance or musquetry is discharged, is understood to be a line of fire.

If, for instance, it were to be said that a reserve or oblique direction was taken against a long extent of rampart or entrenchment, by means of a jettée or any great work thrown up, so as to out-flank or take it in the rear, it might be concluded that those points would be supplied with a long line of fire.

Line of direction, (Ligne de direction, Fr.) In mechanics any straight line down which a heavy body descends. There are likewise lines of direction which relate to powers; they are then straight lines by means of which a power draws or urges on a weight for the purpose of supporting or moving it.

Capital Line of the bastion, (Ligne capital du bastion, Fr.) a line which is drawn from the centre angle of a bastion to its flanked angle. In regular fortification this line cuts the bastion in two equal parts.

Lines of entrenchment, (Lignes retrenchées, Fr.) all lines which are drawn in front of a camp, &c. to secure it from insult or surprize are so called. Whenever an army is not sufficiently strong to run the hazard of being attacked, the general who commands it, must have the precaution to dig a ditch in front measuring three toises at least in breadth and two in depth. He must likewise throw up a parapet with redans, or have it flanked at intermediate distances by small bastions two toises thick, made of strong close earth, and get it covered and supported by fascines, with a banquette behind sufficiently high to cover the soldiers tents. If water can be got into the ditch from a neighboring stream or rivulet, an additional advantage will be derived from that accession. When the lines are constructed for any space of time, it will then be proper to make a covert-way in the usual manner.

Other lines are likewise constructed for the purpose of communicating with different quarters; great care must be taken lest any of them be exposed to the enemy’s enfilade. To prevent this they must be supported by redoubts, or by works belonging to the neighboring forts; for the enemy might otherwise make good his ground within them, and use them as a trench.

If an army is so weak as to be within lines, you take care to have communications between the villages, and small parties of light horse patroling towards the enemy, and to have videttes and sentries posted so near one another, that you may have intelligence of all their transactions.

Line in fencing, that part of the body opposite to the enemy, wherein the shoulders, the right arm, and the sword, should always be found; and wherein are also to be placed the two feet at the distance of 18 inches from each other. In which sense, a man is said to be in his line, or to go out of his line, &c.

Line, also denotes a French measure, containing ¹⁄₁₂th part of an inch. It is of late frequently made use of in calculations.

Line of Science, is substituted for the old and awkward oblique step; movements to a flank oblique are now by half or quarter facing, that is, the whole who are to move in the required direction are faced on a line midway between a front and full faced position; so that quarter faced to the right, the right shoulder of the second man is behind the left shoulder of the right file; and so on each along each rank have their right shoulders behind the man on their right: so if the movement is to be oblique to the left, they are quarter faced to the left, and the files will stand successively with their left shoulders in the rear of the right of those who stood on their left.

To Line, from the French aligner, is to dress any given body of men, so that every individual part shall be so disposed as to form collectively a straight continuity of points from centre to flanks.

To Line men. Officers, and non-commissioned officers, are said to line the men belonging to their several battalions, divisions, or companies, when they arrive at their dressing points, and receive the word dress from the commander of the whole.

When a single battalion halts, it is dressed or lined on its right centre company, and must of course be in a straight line. When several battalions dress from the centre of each on its next colors, the general line will be straight, provided all the colors have halted regularly in a line. On these occasions every thing will depend upon the two centre guides of each battalion.

To Line a Coast. To line a coast well under the immediate pressure of invasion, requires not only great ability and exertion in the commanding officer of the particular district against which an insult may be offered, but it is moreover necessary, that every individual officer in the different corps should minutely attend to the particular spot on which he may be stationed. The English coast, especially where there are bays, is almost always intersected by narrow passes through the rocks or sandhills. On this account, when any body of men receives orders to line a specified extent of ground, the officers who are entrusted with the several parts of a battalion or brigade, should take care to make the most of their men, and to extend their files in such a manner, as not only to present an imposing front from the crown of the hill, but to be able, at a moment’s warning, to carry their whole strength to prevent the enemy from getting upon the flanks by suddenly rushing up the gap. Much coolness is required on these occasions.

To Line hedges, &c. to plant troops, artillery, or small arms, along them under their cover, to fire upon an enemy that advances openly, or to defend them from the horse, &c.

To Line a street or road, is to draw up any number of men on each side of the street or road, and to face them inwards. This is frequently practised on days of ceremony, when some distinguished person is received with military honors on his way through places where troops are stationed.

This is the usage also in funerals, when the corps under arms form a lane, by the ranks being faced to the right and left inward; and the party rests on arms reversed.

To Line, in a fortification, is nothing more than to environ a rampart, parapet, or ditch, &c. with a wall of masonry or earth.

LINCE, et chaussure du soldat, Fr. necessaries belonging to a soldier. During the monarchy of France, a sol or one English half-penny per day, was added to the pay of each serjeant, and about six deniers or three English farthings to that of each corporal, anspessade or lance-corporal, grenadier, private soldier, and drummer, to enable them to keep up a certain list of necessaries. On any deficiency being discovered it was in the power of the commanding officer of the regiment to reduce the soldier’s subsistence to four sols or two-pence English per day, until the full complement was made up.

LINGERER, one who pretends to be indisposed, in order to avoid his tour of duty—a skulker. Hence the term malingerer, or a soldier who avoids duty in a disreputable manner.

To LINK together, to tie together. Cavalry horses are frequently linked together when it is found necessary for the men to dismount. When the word of command link your horses is given, the right hand files are to move up into the intervals, slip their bridoons and dress by the right, standing in front of their own horses’ heads; the left files slipping the bridoons in their hands at the same time, and stepping to the front of their horses’ heads. As soon as up and dressed, the whole advance their left feet by a motion from the right, and by another motion from the right, the whole go to the left about together, and link; as soon as done linking, the left hand man of each rank falls back, two paces from his horse, and the whole dress well to him, with the carabine in the trailing position. But before they do this they must put their belts and plates in order.

It ought to be recollected, that when the right hand files come up, they must take care not to bring their horses past the others; and in order to dress with the left files they must slip the bridoon to the left hand, leaving the horse in his place in the rank.

When dragoons are ordered to dismount, and are to mount again immediately, without moving from their horses, the word of command unlink your horses is made use of; in which case the dragoon drops his carabine, which is then in a trailing position, on his left arm, and unlinks: as soon as that is done, he takes his carabine in his left hand, the horse in the right, by the right bridoon rein, waiting for the word prepare to mount.

LINKS, in the art of war, are distinct reins, or thongs of leather used by the cavalry to link their horses together, when they dismount, that they may not disperse. Every tenth man is generally left to take care of them.

LINS-pins. See Linchpins.

LINSTOCK. (Boute-feu, Fr.) In gunnery, a short staff of wood, about three feet long, having at one end a piece of iron divided into two branches, each of which has a notch to hold a lighted match, and a screw to fasten it there, the other end being shod with iron to stick into the ground.

LIS, Fr. A warlike machine was formerly so called: it consisted of a piece of wood or stake, about the size of the human body, which was made smaller at the top than at the bottom, and resembled a lilly not yet blown. Several of these were tied together with ozier or willow twigs, and were used for the security of a camp. They were not unlike the palisades of the present day.

Fleur de Lis, Luce, Fr. A flower borne in the ancient arms of France, and adopted by the English kings until the French insisted on its abandonment, which was done on the consummation of the union with Ireland. The electoral cap, as emblematic of Hanover, and the shamrock for Ireland, have been substituted in their stead.

Fleur-de-Lis, during the French monarchy signified also a mark of infamy, which was made with a hot iron, upon the back of a malefactor.

LISSE, Fr. Any smooth and unornamented piece in architecture is so called by the French.

LISSOIRE, Fr. from lisser to smooth. This word was particularly applied in France to an operation which gunpowder went through in order to make coarse grains smooth and round. This was effected by tying several barrels together and by means of a mill, turning them round, so as to occasion considerable friction within.

LISTS, in a military sense, a place inclosed, in which combats are fought.

To enter the Lists, is to contend with a person.

To List soldiers, -

To inlist,

to retain and enroll soldiers, either as volunteers, or by a kind of compulsion.

LISTING. Persons listed, are to be carried before the next justice of peace or magistrate of any city or town and sworn.

Persons, owning before the proper magistrate, that they voluntarily listed themselves, are obliged to take the oath, or suffer confinement by the officer who listed them, till they do take it.

The magistrate is obliged in both cases, to certify, that such persons are duly listed; setting forth their birth, age, and calling, if known; and that they had taken the oath.

Persons receiving inlisting money from any officer, knowing him to be such, and afterwards absconding, and refusing to go before a magistrate to declare their assent or dissent, are deemed to be inlisted to all intents and purposes, and may be proceeded against as if they had taken the oath. See Attestation.

LIT de CAMP, Fr. A camp bed, which takes to pieces, and is portable. The French frequently call it lit brisé, or a bed which may be taken to pieces. The Turks never use these beds; they always carry mattrasses, which they spread upon sophas when they halt at night.

LITTER, a sort of hurdle-bed, on which wounded officers or men are carried off the field.

Little fortification. The first division of the first system of M. de Vauban, and is so called when the exterior side of a fortification does not exceed 175 toises, or 350 yards. It is used in the construction of citadels, small forts, horn and crown-works.

LIVRE. An old French money of account, consisting of 20 sols, about 18d. English: each sol containing 12 deniers. The livre is of two kinds, Tournois and Parisis.

Livre Tournois contains 20 sols Tournois, and each sol 12 deniers Tournois.

Livre Parisis, is 12 sols Parisis, being worth 12 deniers Parisis, or 15 deniers Tournois; so that a livre Parisis is worth 25 sols Tournois. The word Parisis is used in opposition to Tournois, because of the rate of money, which was one-fourth higher at Paris than at Tours.

LIVRER bataille, Fr. To deliver, give or join battle.

Livrer assaut, Fr. To storm.

Livrer, une ville au pillage, Fr. to give a town up to plunder.

LOAD, a word of command given, when men are to charge their guns or musquets.

Load. Artillery carriages, or waggons, are frequently loaded with 14 cwt. for 3 horses, and 20 cwt. for 4 horses. This, however it may answer on an English road, is a great deal too much for general service. No doubt a carriage of one construction will travel easier than of another, with the same weight; and where the mechanical advantage thus gained is greatest, the heaviest weight may be put, with the same number of horses; but in the carriages usually made for the service of artillery, 4 cwt. per horse, beside the weight of the carriage, is the utmost they ought to be allowed to draw.

The French ammunition waggons, which are drawn by 4 horses, are always charged with 1200 pounds only.

The regulations for British home service in 1798 state the load for a bread waggon at 2400 lbs. and for a cart of entrenching tools at 400 lbs. Men used to bear loads, such as porters, will carry from 150 to 250 pounds.

A horse will carry about 300 lbs. and a mule about 250 lbs. See also the word Horses.

LOCHABER-AXE, a tremendous Scotch weapon, now used by none but the town guard of Edinburgh; one of which is to be seen among the small armory in the tower of London.

LOCKS, in gunnery, are of various sorts; common for lockers in travelling carriages, or for boxes containing shot, powder, or cartridges. Also locks for fire arms, being that part of the musquet, by which fire is struck and the powder inflamed.

LOCK-STEP. This step was first introduced into the British service by the Elliot Lord Heathfield, when he commanded the garrison at Gibraltar; and is the same that general Saldern (from whose works all the British regulations have been almost literally selected) calls the deploy step. This step consists in the heel of one man being brought nearly in contact with the joint of the great toe of another, so that when men step off together they constantly preserve the same distance. The lock or deploy step was always practised when a battalion marched in file or close column; and the great advantage to be derived from it was, that the last file gained ground at the same time that the front advanced. It is now exploded, and very properly, as an excessive absurdity.

To Lock, is to fasten one or more of the wheels of a carriage from going round, in going down a hill, &c.

To Lock up, to take the closest possible order inline or in file. The expression is derived from the lock-step.

Lock up! a word of command which is frequently used in the British service, to direct soldiers to take or preserve the closest possible order, especially in file-marching.

LOCKER hinges, serve to fasten the cover of the lockers in travelling carriages.

LOCKING plates, in artillery, are thin flat pieces of iron nailed on the sides of a held carriage, where the wheels touch it in turning, to prevent the wearing the wood in those places. See Carriage.

LOCKSPIT, in field fortification, a small cut or trench made with a spade, about a foot wide, to mark out the first lines of a work.

To LODGE ARMS. A word of command which is used on guards and pickets. When a guard has closed its ranks, and the men are to place their arms in front of the guard-house or quarter-guard, according to circumstances, the commanding officer gives the words port arms, to the right or right about, (as the case may be) face. Lodge Arms.

LODGMENT, in military business, is a work made by the besiegers in some part of a fortification, after the besieged have been driven out, for the purpose of maintaining it, and to be covered from the enemy’s fire. It also means possession of an enemy’s works.

When a lodgment is to be made on the glacis, covert way, or in a breach, there must be a great provision made of fascines, sand bags, gabions, wool packs, &c. in the trenches; and during the action, the pioneers (under the direction of an engineer) with fascines, sand bags, &c. should be making the lodgment, in order to form a covering, while the grenadiers are storming the covert way, &c.

LOGARITHMS, the indexes of the ratios of numbers, one to another; of which the following is a concise account.

Of arithmetical progression.—By arithmetical progression is meant a series of terms, each of which exceeds, or is exceeded by, that which precedes it by the same given number.

For instance, the series 1 . 3 . 5 . 7 . 9 . 11 is in arithmetical progression, since each of the terms exceeds that which precedes it by the same number, which is 2. The series 11 . 9 . 7 . 5 . 3 . 1 is also in arithmetical progression, since each of the terms is exceeded by that which precedes it, and by the same number.

Of geometrical progression.—Geometrical progression is that in which each term of a series contains the preceding term, or is itself contained in it, the same number of times throughout.

For instance, the series 1 . 3 . 9 . 27 . 81 . 243, &c. is in geometrical progression, since each term contains that which precedes it the same number of times, which is 3.

The series 243 . 81 . 27 . 9 . 3 . 1 is also in geometrical progression, each of the terms being contained by the preceding the same number of times.

Of the formation of logarithms.—Logarithms are numbers in arithmetical progression, corresponding, term by term, with a similar series of numbers in geometrical progression. If, for instance, we have a geometrical series and an arithmetical series as follows,

1 . 3 . 9 . 27 . 81 . 243

1 . 3 . 5 . 7 . 9 . 11

we shall call each term of the lower series the logarithm of the corresponding term in the upper series.

Any given quantity may therefore have an infinite number of different logarithms, since the same geometrical progression may be made to correspond with an infinite diversity of series in arithmetical progression.

In the formation, however, of tables of logarithms, it has been found convenient to adopt a ten-fold progression, as the geometrical progression, and the series of natural numbers as the arithmetical progression. It will be remarked, that, in respect to the latter, the ratio, or common measure of increase, is always unity, while the former has the advantage of being adapted to the mode of notation which is in universal use. The following, therefore, are the progressions chosen:

1 . 10 . 100 . 1000 . 10000 . 100000 . 1000000

0 . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6

It follows from the nature and correspondence of these progressions, that, as often as the ratio of the former may have been used as a factor in the formation of any one of the terms of that progression, so often will the ratio of the second progression have been added to form the corresponding term of this identical second progression. For instance, in the term 10000, the ratio 10 is 4 times a factor, and in the term 4 the ratio is added 4 times.

If any two terms of the geometrical progression be intermultiplied, and if the corresponding terms of the arithmetical progression be added, the product and the sum will be two terms which will correspond with each other in the same progressions.

Upon this principle it is, that, by the simple addition of any two or more terms of the arithmetical progression, we can ascertain the product of the corresponding terms of the geometrical progression.

For instance, by adding the terms 2 and 3 which answers to 100 and 1000, I have 5, which answers to 100000; whence I conclude that the product of 100 by 1000 is 100000, which in fact it is.

It is always easy to ascertain the logarithm of unity followed by any given number of ciphers; for such logarithm will invariably be expressed by as many units as there may be ciphers in the given number. In order to extend this practice to the formation of intermediate logarithms, it may be conceived, that, although any given number, for instance 3, may not apparently form any part of the geometrical progression 1 . 10 . 100, yet if we were to insert a great number of geometrical means, suppose 1,000,000, between the two first terms, we should either find the number 3 itself, as one of such means, or a number of very near approximation to it. The intermediate terms between 10 . 100 and between 100 . 1000 might be found in like manner, as well as a corresponding number of intermediate terms, in arithmetical proportion, between 0 and 1, and between 1 and 2, 2 and 3, &c. The whole of the geometrical terms being then arranged upon the same line, and the whole of the arithmetical terms upon another line, under the former, it is obvious that the lower series would contain units, or decimal fractions, corresponding with the numbers in the upper series, or, in other words, the logarithmic relation of the two series would be complete and exactly similar to that of the fundamental progressions.