R. (continued 3)

In process of time, those lands which had been originally bestowed upon men of military merit, descended to their children, and were gradually lost in the aggregate mass of inheritable property. Other means were consequently to be resorted to by the state, in order to satisfy the just claims of deserving officers and soldiers. The French, therefore, returned to the ancient custom of the Romans, and rewarded those, who distinguished themselves in war, by honorary marks of distinction.

Under the first race of French kings may be found several instances of men of obscure condition having, by their valor, obtained the rank and title of count, and even those of duke. These dignities, of themselves, entitled the bearers to places of high command in the armies. The title of knight, most especially of knight banneret, gave very high rank during the reign of Philip Augustus: and in the reigns of one or two of his predecessors, it was bestowed upon individuals who behaved in a distinguished manner in the field.

This species of reward did not cost the public any thing. It was bestowed upon the individual by the general of the army, and consisted in nothing more than a salute given by the latter on the field of battle, by which he became knight banneret, and was perfectly satisfied with the honor it conferred.

This mode of rewarding individuals for great actions or long services, continued until men inlisted themselves for money, and the army was regularly paid, according to the several ranks of those who composed it. At this period, however, it became expedient to have recourse to the second method which was adopted by the Romans to compensate individuals for services rendered to the state. The royal treasury was either subjected to the annual claims of individuals, or to the payment of a specific sum, for having eminently distinguished themselves under arms. Notwithstanding this, honorary rewards continued to be given, and the knighthood conferred in the field by the kiss or salute of a general, which the French style accolade, was practised until the 16th century:

It was usual, even during that century, to reward a soldier, who did a brave action, by some mark of distinction, that was given on the spot by a crown made of grass or other verdure, which was placed upon his head by his comrades, or by a gold ring, which his commanding officer put upon his finger in the presence of the whole troop or company to which he belonged. It sometimes happened, as in the reign of Francis the first, that this mark of distinction was given by the general of the army.

Several brave men have been distinguished with titles of nobility and armorial bearings, which were conferred by princes, in consequence of some singular feat or exploit. There have been instances recorded in the French history of extraordinary actions having been rewarded upon the spot by kings who commanded in person. A soldier of merit was peculiarly honored by Louis the XIth, for bravery and good conduct in the field. That monarch took the collar of a military order off his own neck, and placed it round the neck of Launay Morvillier, as a reward for great prowess and intrepidity.

Besides the gramineous crown and gold ring, which were thus given as marks of honor and distinction, the private soldiers were frequently rewarded by small sums of money when they performed any particular feat or act of bravery. They were likewise promoted from the ranks, and made serjeants or corporals.

Honorary rewards and compensations for service were not confined to individual officers and soldiers. Whole corps were frequently distinguished in the same manner. When several corps acted together, and one amongst them gave signal proofs of gallantry and good conduct, that one frequently took precedence of the others in rank, or was selected by the sovereign to be his personal guard. Sometimes, indeed, the king placed himself at the head of such a corps on the day of battle, thereby testifying his approbation of their conduct, and giving a proof of his confidence in their bravery.

It is now usual, in most countries, to confer marks of distinction on those corps, that have formed part of any army that has signalized itself. Thus the kettle drums, under the appellation of nacaires, were given to some regiments, as proofs of their having behaved gallantly on trying occasions.

The military order of St. Louis, which was created by Louis the XIVth in 1693, and that of Maria Theresa. The modern French legion of honor, instituted by Bonaparte, adopts and organizes into a most influential and comprehensive military and political system, all the usages of pre-existing military orders; and fixes degrees of rank under various denominations, those thus decorated are preferred for other trusts and honors. There are many other orders in different countries, were only instituted for the purpose of rewarding military merit. The Greeks and Romans satisfied themselves with honorary rewards, or occasional compensations. The moderns, particularly the French and English, have placed military claims upon a more solid footing. The gratitude of the public keeps pace with the sacrifices of individuals, and permanent provisions are made for those who are wounded or rendered infirm in the service.

The Athenians supported those who had been wounded in battle, and the Romans recompensed those that had served during a given period. The French kings reserved to themselves the privilege of providing for individuals who had been maimed in action, by giving them certain monastic allowances and lodging, &c. in the different convents of royal institution. Philip Augustus, king of France, first formed the design of building a college for soldiers who had been rendered infirm, or were grown old in the service. Louis, surnamed the great, not only adopted the idea, but completed the plan in a grand and magnificent style. Charles the second, on his restoration to the crown of Great Britain, established Chelsea, and James the second added considerable improvements to this institution.

REZ, Fr. A preposition which signifies close to, adjoining, level with. Rez le metal in a right line with the metal, a phrase used in pointing guns, to discriminate between the real and artificial point blank; it means on a level with the tops of the base-ring and swell of the muzzle. As rez pied, rez-terre. Démolir les fortifications, rez-pied, rez-terre. To level the fortifications with the ground.

Rez-de-chaussée, Fr. The ground floor. This term properly means the surface or floor of any building which is even with the ground on which it is raised. It would be incorrect to say Rez-de chaussée d’une cave, ou du premier étage d’une maison; the ground floor of a cellar, or of the first story of a house.

RHAGOON, Ind. The twelfth month which, in some respect, corresponds with February. It follows the month Magh, which agrees with January.

RHINELAND rod, is a measure of twelve feet, used by all the Dutch engineers.

RHOMBUS, (Rhombe, Fr.) in geometry, an oblique angled parallelogram, or a quadralateral figure whose sides are equal and parallel, but the angles unequal; two of the opposite ones being obtuse, and the other two acute.

RIBAND, Rubande, Ruban, Fr. This word is sometimes written Ribbon. A narrow web of silk which is worn for ornament.

Riband cockade. The cockades which are given to recruits, and is commonly called the colors.

RIBAUDE, Fr. Irregular, noisy, ill-mannered. This term is likewise used as a substantive, viz.

Un Ribaud, Fr. A noisy, ill-mannered fellow. It is an old French word, which at present is seldom spoken in the polished circles of life. In former times, as late indeed as during the reign of Philip Augustus, king of France, it was current without carrying along with it any particular reproach or mark of infamy. The foot guards, who did duty at the palace, were generally called ribauds, from the looseness of their morals; which by degrees grew so very corrupt, that the term, (harmless perhaps at first) was insensibly applied to persons guilty of dishonorable acts. Hence pick-pockets, thieves, cheats, &c. were called ribauds. On which account the provost of the hotel or town house in Paris, was popularly stiled roi des ribands, or provost of ribauds. This phrase prevailed until the reign of Charles the VIth.

Ribaud, Fr. adj. likewise means lewd, debauched, &c.

Un homme Ribaud, -

Une femme Ribaude,

Fr. A licentious man; a licentious woman.

RIBAUDEQUIN, Fr. A warlike machine or instrument, which the French anciently used. It was made in the form of a bow, containing twelve or fifteen feet in its curve, and was fixed upon the wall of a fortified town, for the purpose of casting out a prodigious javelin, which sometimes killed several men at once.

According to Monstrelet, a French writer, ribaudequin, or ribauderin, signified a sort of garment which was worn by the soldiers when they took the field.

RIBLEURS, Fr. Vagabonds, debauched fellows that run about the streets, or spend their nights in disorderly houses. Soldiers who give themselves up to pillage &c. in war time, are likewise called ribleurs, by way of reproach.

RIBLER, Fr. To ramble, &c. was formerly the verb, and riblerie, the act of rambling, &c. the substantive. Both terms are now obsolete, except among the lower orders.

RICOCHER, Fr. To ricochet, to batter or fire at a place with ricochet shots. The author of a very valuable work entitled, Essai Général de Fortification, et d’Attaque et Defense des places, observes in a note to page 89, vol. I, that in strict analogy, we should say ricocheter; but use, which is above all rules, has made ricocher a technical term, whenever we speak of the ricochets of cannon shot.

Une face RICOCHEE, Fr. The face of a fortification, which is fired at with ricochet shots.

RICOCHET, literally means a bound, a leap, such as a flat piece of stone or slate makes when it is thrown obliquely along the surface of a pool.

Ricochet, (ricochet, Fr.) in gunnery, is when guns, howitzers, or mortars, are loaded with small charges, and elevated from five to twelve degrees, so that when fired over the parapet, the shot or shell rolls along the opposite rampart. It is called ricochet-firing, and the batteries are likewise called ricochet-batteries. This method of firing out of mortars, was first tried in 1723, at the military school of Strasburgh, and with success. At the battle of Rosbach in 1757, the king of Prussia had several 6-inch mortars made with trunnions, and mounted on travelling carriages, which fired obliquely on the enemy’s lines, and amongst their horse, loaded with eight ounces of powder, and at an elevation of one degree fifteen minutes, which did great execution; for the shells rolling along the lines, with burning fuzes, made the stoutest of the enemy not wait for their bursting. See Battery.

Ricochet firing is not confined to any particular charge or elevation; each must vary according to the distance and difference of level of the object to be fired at; and particularly of the spot on which it is intended the shot shall make the first bound. The smaller the angle is under which a shot is made to ricochet, the longer it will preserve its force and have effect, as it will sink so much the less in the ground on which it bounds; and whose tenacity will of course present so much less resistance to its progress. In the ricochet of a fortification of any kind, the angle of elevation should seldom be less than 10°, to throw the shot over a parapet a little higher than the level of the battery. If the works should be of an extraordinary height, the piece must be removed to such situation, and have such charge, that it can attain its object at this elevation, or at least under that of 13° or 14°, otherwise the shot will not ricochet, and the carriages will suffer very much. The first gun in a ricochet battery should be so placed as to sweep the whole length of the rampart of the enemy’s work, at 3 or 4 feet from the parapet, and the rest should form as small an angle with the parapet as possible. For this purpose the guns should be pointed about 4 fathoms from the face of the work towards the interior. In the ricochet of ordnance in the field, the objects to be fired at being principally infantry and cavalry, the guns should seldom be elevated above 3 degrees; as with greater angles the ball would be apt to bound too high, and defeat the object intended. For ricochet practice, see the different pieces of ordnance, as Gun, Mortar, and Howitzer.

Battre en Ricochet, Fr. To put a sufficient quantity of gunpowder in a piece of ordnance to carry the ball, with effect, into the works that are enfiladed. This sort of firing is generally practised along the whole extent of a face or flank. The celebrated marshal Vauban first invented the mode of firing ricochet-shots. He tried the experiment at the siege of Ath, in 1679.

Battre un rempart à RICOCHET, Fr. To batter a rampart with ricochet shots.

RIDEAU is a rising ground, or eminence, commanding a plain, sometimes almost parallel to the works of a place: it is a great disadvantage to have rideaus near a fortification, which terminate on the counterscarp, especially when the enemy fire from afar: they not only command the place, but facilitate the enemy’s approaches.

RIDER, in artillery carriages, a piece of wood somewhat higher than broad, the length equal to that of the body of the axle-tree, upon which the side pieces rest, in a four-wheel carriage, such as the ammunition waggon, block carriage, and sling waggon.

Rough Rider. See Rough.

RIDING-Master. In the cavalry, an officer whose duty it is to instruct the officers and soldiers in the management of their horses.

To RIFLE, to plunder; to rob.

Rifle, the thread, ray, or line made in a rifled barrel.

Rifled gun, -

Rifled piece,

Rifled barrel,

Arquebuse rayée, Fr. a fire arm which has lines or exiguous canals within its barrel that run in a vermicular direction, and are more or less numerous, or more indented, according to the fancy of the artificer. With respect to the word itself, it does not appear to bear any other analogy to our common acceptation of the verb, than what may be vulgarly applied to the common practices of riflemen. It is, on the contrary, more immediately connected in sense and signification with an old obsolete word to ray; to streak: which comes from the French rayer. The rifled barrel possesses many advantages over the common one; which advantages are attributed to the threads or rays with which it is indented. These threads are sometimes cut in such a manner, that the line which commences on the right side at the breech, terminates on the left at the muzzle; by which means the ball acquires a rotary movement, revolving once and a half round its own axis before it quits the piece, and then boring through the air with a spiral motion. It is well known, that cannon balls and shot out of common barrels are impelled in a line formed by the centre of the ball, and a compound of the projectile force of the explosion acted upon by the air and by gravitation in its course; the ball has a tendency to rise upward to a certain extent after leaving the muzzle of the gun; its particular motion is as if the ball had a transverse axis, and rolled forward in that axis, in the manner that the wheels of a carriage roll; and at the same time continue their progression forward. See Amer. Mil. Lib.

The rifled barrels of America, during the revolution, contained from 10 to 16 rays or threads; some had as few as four. Some persons have imagined, that those of 16 rays were the best, from a supposition that by the air collapsing in the several grooves, the ball obtained more velocity. Mr. Robins, however, seems to differ in opinion, particularly with respect to the depth of the grooves. He observes, page 339 and 340, in his Tracts on Gunnery, that whatever tends to diminish the friction of these pieces, tends at the same time to render them more complete; and consequently it is a deduction from hence, that the less the rifles are indented, the better they are; provided they are just sufficient to keep the bullet from turning round the piece. It likewise follows, that the bullet ought to be no larger than to be just pressed by the rifles, for the easier the bullet moves in the piece, supposing it not to shift its position, the more violent and accurate will its flight be. It is necessary, that the sweep of the rifles should be in each part exactly parallel to each other. See Robins on Gunnery, page 328.

Paradés, a gunsmith at Aix-le-Chapelle, who was reputed to be very ingenious in the construction of rifled barrels, used to compress his barrels in the centre.

RIFLEMEN, experienced marksmen, armed with rifles. They formed the most formidable force of the United States in the revolution, being posted along the American ranks, and behind hedges, &c. for the purpose of picking off the British officers. They have proved equally fatal in the hands of the French during their revolution. Considerable improvements are daily made; and light infantry battalions, like the chasseurs of the French, should form a considerable portion of every army, and all infantry and cavalry should be taught to act as riflemen, as well as artillerists.

Mounted Riflemen, are no other than good riflemen, accustomed to horsemanship, mounted.

RIGHT, that which is ordered; that which justly belongs to one.

Rights, certain unalienable claims and privileges, which every individual, civil as well as military, possesses in regulated community. See Wrongs.

RIGOL. See Circle.

RING. A circle, an orbicular line.

Ring of an Anchor. That part of the anchor to which the cable is fastened.

RINGS, in artillery, are of various uses; such as the lashing-rings in travelling-carriages, to lash the sponge, rammer, and ladle, as well as the tarpauling that covers the guns; the rings fastened to the breeching-bolts in ship-carriages; and the shaft-rings to fasten the harness of the shaft-horse by means of a pin.

RINGS of a Gun. Circles of metal, of which there are five, viz.

Base-ring, reinforce-ring, trunnion-ring, cornice-ring, and muzzle-ring. See Am. Mil. Lib.

RINGLEADER. The head of any particular body of men acting in a riotous or mutinous manner.

To Ring. To make a sharp reverberating noise.

Ring Ramrod! A word of command which is sometimes used at private inspections, to try the bottom of the barrel of a musquet.

RINGROD, Fr. A strong iron bar which is used in forges. It likewise means a thick pole with an iron ferrel.

RINGRAVE, Fr. Pantaloon breeches.

RIOT and Tumult. Sedition, civil insurrection, disturbance, &c. A breach of the peace committed by an assembled multitude.

RIOTERS. Disturbers of the public peace; persons acting in open violation of good order; raising or creating sedition, &c.

RIPOSTE, Fr. A parry and thrust. It likewise signifies in a figurative sense, a keen reply, a close retort.

RIPOSTER, or RISPOSTER, Fr. In fencing, to parry and thrust,

RISBAN, Fr. In fortification, a flat piece of ground upon which a fort is constructed for the defence and security of a port or harbor. It likewise means the fort itself. The famous Risban, of Dunkirk, was built entirely of brick and stone; having within its walls excellent barracks, a large cistern well supplied with water, magazines for stores, provisions, and ammunition. A ready communication was kept up with the town by means of the jetée, which corresponded with the wooden bridge that joined the entrance into the fort. The rampart was capable of receiving forty-six pieces of ordnance, which were disposed in three different alignements or tiers, owing to the triangular figure of the fort; so that a fire could be kept up on all sides.

To RISE. To break into commotions; to make insurrections.

To RISE. In a military sense, to make hostile attack: as the military rose against their government.

To RISE. To obtain promotion.

To RISE from the ranks. To obtain promotion by degrees after having been in the ranks as a private soldier; a circumstance which has happened to some of the best generals in the world.

RISE. Increase of price; as the rise of commissions in the army upon the prospect of peace.

RISSALA, or RASSAULA, Ind. An independent corps of cavalry.

RISSALDAR, Ind. The commander of an independent corps of cavalry.

RIVAL, one who is in pursuit of the same thing which another pursues. A competitor.

Rival Powers. Nations are so called when their relative situation and resources in men and money, &c. enable them to oppose each other.

RIVERAINS, Fr. Persons who inhabit the banks of rivers. By a regulation which was in force during the French monarchy, all persons, so situated, were obliged to leave a space 20 feet broad at least, between their houses or huts, and the bank, for the convenience of navigation. A set of men, called baliseurs, were paid to see this regulation strictly complied with.

RIVER, (Riviére, Fr.) a land current of water bigger than a brook.

Fordable RIVER. A river which may be passed without the assistance of any floating machines. In order to sound the ford, and to ascertain the state of it, men on horseback are first ordered to cross. By that means you will be able to know whether any obstacles have been thrown in the way by the enemy; for nothing is more easily effected. The passage of a ford may be rendered impracticable by throwing whole trees in, by tables or platforms covered with nails, and by stakes. The two latter impediments are the most dangerous. But stakes are not easily fixed, and are consequently seldom used. When fords are embarrassed by them, it requires some time and trouble to clear the river; and it is equally difficult to get rid of the inconvenience that arises when wells have been sunk. Whenever there is reason to apprehend such obstacles, it is always best to reach the ford at dusk. A good resource in such cases, is to collect a great number of empty casks or hogsheads, and lay over them either platforms of boards or faggots of underwood and boards over them, upon which either cavalry or artillery may pass. Intervals sufficient for the passage of the water must be left. The banks should be lined with riflemen to cover the passage; light guns and grape might be employed upon suitable ground.

When the prince of Condé in 1567, resolved to cross the river Seine, the royalists who were on the opposite side, endeavored to prevent his passage by throwing quantities of madriers or thick planks that were nailed together, iron hoops and water-cats into the ford. The Hugonots or Protestants, however, were not diverted from their purpose. Aubigné, a French writer, says, that on that occasion they placed 400 arquebusiers upon the bank to protect the men that raked the ford.

This was certainly a singular method which was used to clear a ford, nor could it be done without much difficulty, and no inconsiderable share of danger. The chevalier Folard has proposed a much safer, and a much easier way, by means of grappling hooks, tied to long ropes, which might be thrown into the ford. Yet even in this case, observes the writer, the object could not be accomplished if the river were broad, unless the persons employed in the undertaking, be under the cover of so heavy a discharge of ordnance and musquetry, that the enemy would not be able to interrupt them, even from an intrenched position on the opposite bank.

With respect to caltrops, the removal of them, when properly distributed at the bottom of a ford, must be attended with great difficulty; for they must render the passage absolutely impracticable, unless they were to sink very deep into the mud and sand, and thus become useless. The men that first enter are in this case the only persons incommoded, but the rest may follow without much hazard.

It sometimes happens, that the bottom of a stream or rivulet is firm and gravelly; when this occurs, the greatest precautions must be taken to escape the effects of caltrops, which would be extremely hurtful to any persons that might attempt to cross. In order to obviate their mischievous consequences, and to render them in a manner useless, a good stock of hurdles must be provided. The soldiers will hand these to one another, force them into the water, and then cover them with stones.

When one or two fords in a river are so situated, that several battalions cannot cross them upon one front, it is then highly prudent to throw a bridge over, either above or below the ford; for a swell may intervene and render it otherwise impassable; and to which, you have the advantage of getting a greater number of troops over at once.

In order to effect a passage for his army over the river Segre, Cæsar gave directions that ditches, thirty feet broad, should be dug in such parts of the banks as might with ease receive the water out of the stream, and render it fordable. Having accomplished this object, he found no difficulty in reaching Petréius, who, being in the daily fear of wanting provisions and forage for his men, was on the eve of quitting his position and marching forwards.

The passage of the Granicus by Alexander the great, is likewise mentioned in history, as an instance of bold enterprise. But however celebrated that act may be in ancient records, we shall not be thought partial to the moderns when we state, that the passage of the river Holowitz by Charles XII. of Sweden, was equally bold and well managed.

The passage of the Tagliamento by Bonaparte during his campaign in Italy, would be the most celebrated of modern times, had not the passage of the Danube in 1809, eclipsed all similar achievements by the magnitude of the difficulties to be overcome, and the astonishing success of the means by which they were overcome.

RIVET, a fastening pin clenched at both ends, so as to hold an intermediate substance with more firmness.

RIVETING-plates, in gun carriages, small square thin pieces of iron, through which the ends of the bolts pass, and are riveted upon them.

RIZAMEDAR, Ind. An officer commanding a small body of horse.

RO, Ind. In Indian music means quick.

ROBE-courte, Fr. literally means a short gown. Provost-marshals, under-bailiffs, vice-seneschals, then lieutenants, and various other persons, occasionally employed in camps and garrisons, to assist the military in maintaining internal good order and discipline, were formerly called in France officiers de robe-courte.

ROC, Fr. A rock.

Roc de lance, Fr. In tournaments the wooden part of a lance is so called.

ROCHER, Fr. a large rock; derived from roc, and generally bearing the same import.

ROCHE à feu, Fr. a solid composition, which gradually consumes when it has been lighted, but which emits a very broad and lively flame, and is not extinguished by water.

ROCKETS. Composition.

Old proportion. New proportion.

lbs. oz. lbs. oz.

Saltpetre 4 0 —— 4 4

Sulphur 1 0 —— 0 12

Charcoal 1 8 —— 2 0

Composition for the Stars.

Mealed powder 0 lb. 8 oz.

Saltpetre 8 0

Sulphur 2 0

Antimony 2 0

Isinglass dissolved 0 3 ¹⁄₂

Spirits of wine 1 pint.

Vinegar 1 quart.

Composition for rain to head sky rockets, is the same as the above for the rockets.

General Table of Sky Rockets.

2 Pound. 1 Pound. ¹⁄₂ Pound. ¹⁄₄ Pound.

Inch. Inch. Inch. Inch.

Case - Exterior diameter 2 .13 1 .69 1 .34 1 .06

Interior diameter 1 .529 1 .214 0 .961 0 .761

Length before driving 15 .97 12 .67 10 .05 8 .25

Length of guage for the choke 1 .5 1 .25 1 .0 0 .75

Cylinders for heading - Diameter 2 .84 2 .25 1 .79 1 .39

Length 4 .26 3 .38 2 .68 2 .12

Cones for heading - Diameter 2 .84 2 .25 1 .79 1 .39

Height 4 .36 3 .38 2 .68 2 .18

Mallet for driving—Weight 1lb. 3 8oz. 2 1 1 10

No. of Strokes 31 21 18 13

Copper Ladles for filling Sky Rockets.

Length, 1¹⁄₂ the exterior diameter of the case.

Diameter, equals the interior diameter of case.

Circumference, ³⁄₄ the interior calibre of the case.

Sky rockets are driven with composition up to 4¹⁄₂ exterior diameters of the case from the choke; and ¹⁄₅ of a diameter above the composition with good clay. They are bored and reamed up to 3¹⁄₂ diameters.

Dimensions of Sticks for Rockets. General rules.

For rockets from ¹⁄₂ an ounce to one pound, the stick must be 60 diameters of the rocket in length: for rockets from one pound and upwards fifty or fifty-two diameters. Their thickness at top about ¹⁄₂ a diameter, and their breadth very little more. Their square at bottom equal to ¹⁄₂ the thickness at top.

Kind of Rockets. 6 Pr. 4 Pr. 2 Pr. 1 Pr. ¹⁄₂ Pr. ¹⁄₄ Pr. ¹⁄₈ Pr.

ft. in. ft. in. ft. in. ft. in. ft. in. ft. in. ft. in.

Distance of poise from the point of the cone 4 1¹⁄₂ 3 9 2 9 2 1 1 10¹⁄₂ 1 8 1 3

Rockets of between 3 and 4 inches diameter have been observed to ascend as high as 1000 or 1200 yards; but the height of common rockets is between 450 and 600 yards; and their flight usually short of 7 seconds.

Rocket as used in India. A most formidable weapon against cavalry; they are made of the hollow tube of the bamboo, of a very large size, filled with the usual composition of rockets. The rod is only a part of the same bamboo, the six eighths or seven eighths of which is cut away, leaving the rod. See Fougette.

Rockets. See Laboratory.

ROD. See Measuring.

RODS, or rammers, either of iron or wood, to drive home the charges of musquets, carabines, and pistols.

Rods, or sticks, fastened to sky-rockets, to make them rise in a straight line.

RODOMONT, Fr. A bully. An unmilitary character.

Raire le Rodomont, Fr. To bully, to talk loudly without possessing the real spirit of a man or soldier.

RODOMONTADE, Fr. Rodomontade. The act of bullying, vain boasting or arrogating to ourselves qualities which we do not possess. A French writer has very justly observed, that there cannot be a greater defect in the character of an officer than an overweening display of real or fictitious talents. The word is derived from one Rodomont, the hero or principal character in an old romance, who makes himself conspicuously ridiculous in this way. Sir John Falstaff and Bobadil in English comedy, are specimens of this character.

ROGUE’S March. See March.

ROHILLAS, Ind. A tribe of Afghans inhabiting the country north of the Ganges, as tar as Oude to the eastward.

ROI, Fr. King.

ROI d’armes, Fr. See King at arms.

ROKER, Ind. Cash.

ROLE, Fr. A muster roll, state, or return. The word Role is used among the French indiscriminately, to signify either the effective force of an army, or the actual quantify of stores and ammunition which the magazines contain.

To ROLL in duty, is when officers of the same rank take their turns upon duty pursuant to some established roster, as captains with captains, and subalterns with subalterns, and command according to the seniority of their commissions.

To ROLL. To continue one uniform beat of the drum, without variations, for a certain length of time. When a line is advancing in full front, or in echellons, for any considerable distance, the music of one regulating battalion may, at intervals, be permitted to play for a few seconds at a time, and the drums of the other battalions may be allowed occasionally to roll; drums, likewise roll when troops are advancing to the charge.

Long ROLL. A beat of drum by which troops are assembled at any particular spot of rendezvous or parade.

Muster-Roll, is a return, given by the muster-master, on which are written the names of both officers and soldiers of the regiment, troop, or company, with their country, age, and service.

Squad Roll. A list containing the names of each particular squad. Every non-commissioned officer and corporal, who is entrusted with the care and management of a squad, must have a roll of this kind.

Size-Roll. A list containing the names of all the men belonging to a troop or company, with the height or stature of each specifically marked. Every serjeant keeps a regular size-roll, and every captain of a troop or company ought to have one likewise.

Roll-Call. The calling over the names of the several men who compose any part of a military body. This necessary duty is done by the serjeants of companies morning and evening, in every well regulated corps. Hence morning roll-call, and evening roll-call. On critical occasions, and in services that require promptitude and exertion, frequent roll-calls should be made.

ROLLER. A small wheel placed at the foot of the hammer of a gun, or pistol lock, in order to lessen the friction of it against the hammer or feather spring.

Roller likewise means a long piece of wood which is rounded and made taper to suit the regulated size of a military trail.

Roller. In surgery, a long and broad ligature, usually made of linen cloth, for binding, surrounding, and containing the parts of the human body, and keeping them in their proper situation, thereby disposing them to a state of health and redintregation.

ROLLERS, are round pieces of wood of about nine inches diameter, and four feet long, used in moving pieces of artillery from one place to another.

ROMAINE, Fr. A steelyard or balance for weighing things of various weights by one single weight, as from one single pound to 112 pounds.

ROMPRE, Fr. To break.

Rompre un battaillon, Fr. In military evolutions to break a battalion into a given number of parts for the purpose of defiles, &c.

Rompre en colonne, Fr. To break into column.

RONDACHE, Fr. A sort of shield which the French formerly used, and which is still carried by the Spaniards.

RONDEL, in fortification, a round tower, sometimes erected at the foot of a bastion.

RONDES, Fr. See Rounds.

Ronde Major, Fr. Town-majors round. So called from the town-major visiting the different quarters of a garrison during the night. This round, in some degree, corresponds with our grand round.

Rondes roulantes, Fr. Rounds that are made by officers, serjeants, or corporals, over a certain part of the ramparts. These agree with our visiting rounds. The French say, qui va la? Who goes there? technically with us, Who comes there?

Ronde d’officier. Officer’s round.

Chemin des Rondes, Fr. A path marked out for the convenience of the rounds.

Ronde de gouverneur, Fr. The governor’s rounds.

The French method of ascertaining the nature of the several rounds is by challenging in the same manner that we do, viz. qui va la? Who comes there? This must be said sufficiently loud for the main guard to hear. He is instantly answered: ronde de gouverneur, governor’s rounds; ronde major, major’s round, or grand round, and so on, according to the nature of the rounds. The sentry, who stands posted near the guard-house, after having cried out—Demure là; stop there: or as we say, stop round; cries out again, Caporal hors de la garde, corporal turn out the guard. The corporal or officer of the guard with his sword drawn, according to the French custom, repeats, qui va la? Who comes there? He is answered ronde, round. He then says, avance qui a l’ordre; let him advance who has the parole or countersign; or, as we say, advance one, and give the countersign.

Ronde des officiers de picquet, Fr. Piquet rounds.

Rondes chez les Turcs, Fr. See Turkish rounds.

RONDELLE, Fr. a small round shield, which was formerly used by light armed infantry. It likewise means a part of the carriage of a gun.

RONDELIERS, Fr. Soldiers who were armed with rondelles, or small wooden shields, covered with leather, were anciently so called.

ROPE. A cord; a string; a halter; a cable; a haulser.

Rope is always distinguished by its circumference: thus a two inch rope means a rope of 2 inches in circumference.

Rule for finding the weight of Ropes.

Multiply the square of the circumference in inches, by the length in fathoms; and divide the product by 480 for the weight in cwt. See also Drag ropes.

Rope of sand. A phrase in familiar use to signify disunion, want of adhesion and continuity. Thus the colonel and the captains of a regiment disagreeing may be called a rope of sand.

ROPES, of various lengths and thickness, according to the uses they are made for; such as drags for the gin, for the sling cart and waggon, &c.

Drag-Ropes, according to the old practice in the artillery, by which the soldiers pulled the guns backwards or forwards, both at practice and in an engagement, were of the following dimensions, viz.—For a 24-pounder, 54 feet long, with the loop-holes for the pegs included, and 5³⁄₄ inches in circumference; for 18 and 12-pounders, 48 feet long, and four inches in circumference; for 6 and 3-pounders, 39 feet long, and 1⁷⁄₈ inches in circumference. For 13 and 10-inch howitzers, 45 feet long, and 6³⁄₄ inches in circumference; for 8-inch howitzers, 48 feet long, and four inches in circumference; for all other howitzers, 35 feet long, and two inches in circumference. These awkward and cumbersome ropes are now superceded by the more improved and powerful method, of the bricoles, which instead of drag ropes held each by several; there is attached a single bricole or rope with a hook and belt to each of several artillerists; the number of bricoles is in proportion to the calibre. See Bricoles and Prolonge, See Amer. Mil. Lib.

ROSETTE, an ornamental bunch of ribands, or cut leather, which was worn both by officers and soldiers in the British service, on the upper part of their cues.

Rosettes. Two small bunches of ribands that are attached to the loops by which the gorget of an officer is suspended upon his chest. The color of the riband must correspond with the facing of the uniform. The French use the same word.

ROSE-buds. See Nails.

ROSTER, in military affairs, is a plan or table, by which the duty of officers, entire battalions, squadrons, or parts of a company are regulated.

ROOM. Space; extent of space, great or small. Any part of a building for the accommodation of individuals; as barrack room, orderly room; viz. the orderly room, mess room, guard room, soldier’s rooms, and store-room, for the duty of the regiment.

ROOMS. In a military sense are those parts of a building or barrack which by specific instructions, the different barrack masters must provide, and furnish for the accommodation of the troops. A schedule as published by authority describes the number of rooms allowed in barracks for the commissioned, warrant, and non-commissioned officers, and private men, in the British service, to be as follows:

Cavalry rooms. Field officers, each two rooms; captains, each one ditto; subalterns, staff and quarter-masters, each one ditto; the serjeants of each troop of dragoons, and the corporals of each troop of horse, one ditto; eight rank and file, one ditto; officer’s mess, two ditto.

Infantry rooms. Field officers, each two ditto; captains, each one ditto; two subalterns, one ditto; staff, each one ditto; twelve non-commissioned officers, and private men, one ditto; officer’s mess, two ditto; serjeant-major, and quarter-master serjeant, one ditto. When there are a sufficient number of rooms in a barrack, one may be allowed to each subaltern of infantry. See Regulations.

ROSTRAL Crown, Couronne Rostrale, Fr. A crown which was bestowed upon that Roman sailor who should first leap on board an enemy’s ship.

ROSTRUM. A Latin word which literally means the beak or bill of a bird, and figuratively the prow of a vessel. There was in a public place in ancient Rome, a tribunal ornamented with various prows of ships, which the Romans had taken from the Antiati. The orators who harangued the people in public, mounted this rostrum. Hence the Roman phrase: To speak from above the rostra or prows.

ROUAGE, Fr. The wheel-work of a carriage, &c.

Bois de Rouage, Fr. Timber to make wheels with.

ROUANNE, Fr. A concave iron instrument, which is used for the purpose of enlarging the hollow of a pump. It likewise signifies a mark. An auger.

ROUANNER, Fr. To bore; also to make casks.

ROUE, Fr. a licensed libertine. One whose principles of morality are considerably relaxed, but who is not sufficiently vitiated in his manners to be excluded from society. The French make a familiar use of the term, and do not affix any degree of stigma to it. They say, on the contrary, c’est un aimable roué, he is an agreeable gay fellow.

ROUE, Fr. Wheel.

Roue de feu, Fr. An artificial firework. See Soleil Tournant.

Rouet, Fr. A small solid wheel made of steel, which was formerly fixed to the pans of blunderbusses and pistols, for the purpose of firing them off.

Arquebuses et Pistolets à Rouet, Fr. Blunderbusses and pistols to which a small wheel was attached. These firearms are very little known; some, however, are still to be found in European arsenals, kept merely for curiosity.

ROUGES, boulets Rouges, Fr. Red-hot balls.

ROUGH Rider. A person who is indispensably necessary in every cavalry regiment. He is a sort of non-commissioned officer, and should always associate with the serjeants in preference to the private men.

Rough Riders are the assistants of the riding master, and one should always be appointed to each troop. The necessary qualifications, for every Rough Rider (independently of a thorough knowlege of horsemanship) are activity, zeal, and good conduct.

Every rough rider must provide himself with a proper jacket for the riding school business, according to the pattern fixed upon in the regiment.

To ROUGH horses, a word in familiar use among the dragoons to signify the act of breaking in horses, so as to adapt them to military purposes.

To ROUGH it, a cant word used among military men, signifying to face every sort of hardship.

ROULEAU, Fr. A cylindrical piece of wood with iron ferrels at both ends, and with mortises fitted to the end of the lever.

Rouleau de cartouche, Fr. A cylindrical solid piece of wood, which is used in making cartridges; by us called a Former, as it give the form to the cartridge.

ROULEAUX, Fr. Round bundles of fascines which are tied together. They serve to cover men, when the works are pushed close to a besieged town, or to mask the head of a work.

ROULEMENTS, Fr. The several rolls which are beat upon a drum, as preparations for exercise, &c.

ROULER, Fr. To be subject to a fixed roster according to rank and precedence.

ROUND. From the French ronde. In military matters, a visitation; a personal attendance through a certain circuit of ground, to see that all is well. A round consists, in the ordinary way, of a detachment from the main-guard, of an officer or a non-commissioned officer and 6 men, who go round the rampart of a garrison, to listen if any thing be stirring without the place, and to see that the sentinels be diligent upon their duty, and all in order. In strict garrisons the rounds go every half hour. The sentinels are to challenge at a distance, and to port their arms as the round passes. All guards turn out, challenge, exchange the parole, and present arms, &c.

Rounds, are ordinary and extraordinary. The ordinary rounds are three: the town major’s round, the grand round, and the visiting round.

Manner of going the Rounds. When the town major goes his round, he comes to the main-guard, and demands a serjeant and four or six men to escort him to the next guard; and when it is dark, one of the men is to carry a light.

As soon as the sentry at the guard perceives the round coming, he shall give notice to the guard, that they may be ready to turn out when ordered; and when the round is advanced within about 20 or 30 paces of the guard, he is to challenge briskly; and when he is answered by the serjeant who attends the round, town major’s round, he is to say, stand, round! and port his arms: after which he is to call out immediately, serjeant, turn out the guard! town major’s round. Upon the sentry calling the serjeant to turn out the guard, he immediately draws up the men in good order with shouldered arms, and the officer places himself at the head of it, with his sword drawn. He then orders the serjeant and four or six men to advance towards the round, and challenge: the serjeant of the round is to answer, town major’s round; upon which the serjeant of the guard replies, advance, serjeant, with the parole! at the same time ordering his men to rest their arms. The serjeant of the round advances alone, and gives the serjeant of the guard the parole in his ear, that none else may hear it; during which period, the serjeant of the guard holds the point of his bayonet or sword at the other’s breast. The serjeant of the round then returns to his post, whilst the serjeant of the guard, leaving his men to keep the round from advancing, gives the parole to his officer. This being found right, the officer orders his serjeant to return to his men; says, advance, town major’s round! and orders the guard to port their arms; upon which the serjeant of the guard orders his men to wheel back from the centre, and form a lane, through which the town major is to pass (the escort remaining where it was) and go up to the officer and give him the parole, laying his mouth to his ear. The officer holds the point of his sword at the town major’s breast while he gives him the parole.

Grand Rounds. The rounds which are gone by general officers, governors, commandants, or field officers. When there are no officers of the day on piquet, the officer of the main guard in garrison may go the grand rounds.

Visiting Rounds. Rounds gone by captains, subalterns, and the town majors of garrisons.

The grand rounds generally go at midnight; the visiting rounds at intermediate periods, between sunset and the reveille. The grand rounds receive the parole, and all other rounds give it to the guards.

There is also a species of subordinate rounds which are performed by a corporal and a file of men; and which are in reality nothing more than a patrole. When challenged they answer patrole rounds.

The governor of a garrison can order the rounds to go as often as he may judge expedient. Extraordinary rounds are resorted to when any particular event or occurrence is expected, and in cases of tumult, &c.

The going the rounds, though generally considered among the inferior duties of military discipline, ought to be most scrupulously attended to.

Turkish Rounds. The Turks are in the habit of going the rounds like other nations, for the purpose of ascertaining, whether sentries are alert and vigilant on their posts. They call the rounds rol. They start from the guard-house, and the person who goes them has no other weapon of defence than a stick in his hand. He is accompanied by a corporal who carries a lantern. He observes whether at his approach the sentry instantly cries out, jedger Allah, which signifies good God! If any sentry should be found asleep, or be backward in crying out jedger Allah, good God, he is put in prison, and there severely bastinadoed. The Turks never give a parole or countersign, in camp or in garrison.

The design of rounds is not only to visit the guards, and keep the sentinels alert, but likewise to discover what passes in the outworks, and beyond them.

ROUND Robbin. The term is a corruption of ruban rond, which signifies a round riband. It was usual among French officers, when they signed a remonstrance, to write their names in a circular form, so that it was impossible to ascertain who signed first. Hence to sign a round robbin against any person, is for any specific number of men to sign, one and all, a remonstrance against him. This usage has been perverted to the most seditious purposes of insubordination; and of itself should cause the immediate dismission of every officer concerned.

Round Parade. See Parades.

ROURA, Ind. A term used to express lord, sir, master, worship.

ROUSE. One of the bugle horn soundings for duty. It is derived from the German word which signifies to turn out.

ROUT. Confusion of an army or body of men defeated or dispersed.

To Rout, to put to the Rout. To defeat, to throw into confusion, &c.

ROUTE, (Route, Fr.) in military matters, an order to direct troops to march, the road they are to take, and an authority to the magistrates to provide quarters for them.

Pas de Route, Fr. Stepping at ease, or marching with the least possible restraint.

Marche Route, Fr. Route of march. The French use this term in contradistinction to marche manœuvre; march in manœuvring.

ROUTIER, Fr. A ruttier. The French say figuratively c’est un vieux routier; he is an old stager.

ROUTINE, Fr. This word has been adopted by us in the same sense that it is familiarly used by the French. It signifies capacity, or the faculty of arranging; a certain method in business, civil or military, which is as much acquired by habit and practice as by regular study and rule. We say familiarly the routine of business.

ROUVERIN, Fr. Brittle iron, such as easily breaks when it is committed to the forge.

ROWANNA, Ind. A passport or certificate from the collector of the customs; or any other passport.

ROWEL. The pointed part of a horseman’s spur, which is made in a circular form, with rays or points like a star.

ROXANA, Ind. An Indian term expressive of great magnificence, resplendence.

ROY, Ind. A Hindoo name for an officer of the finances.

ROYAL parapet, in fortification, a bank about three toises broad, and six feet high, placed upon the brink of the rampart, towards the enemy: its use is to cover those who defend the rampart.

Royal academy. See Academy.

Royal Military College. See School.

ROYALS, in artillery, are a kind of small mortars, which carry a shell whose diameter is 5.5 inches. They are mounted on beds the same as other mortars.

ROZEENDAR, Ind. A person holding a yearly pension.

ROZENADAR, Ind. One who receives an allowance daily.

ROZENAMA, Ind. A day-book.

RUBBY, Ind. A division of the year, containing the months of Chaite or 3d month, from the 11th of March to the 10th of April. Bysac or 4th month, from the 11th of April to the 11th of May. Jeet or 5th month. Assaf or 6th month, from the 12th of June to the 13th of July. Savan or 7th month, in some manner, agrees with July and August. Baudhoon, or the same as Jeet, from the 11th of May to the 12th of June. The other half of the year is called Kureef.

RUDIMENTS. The first principles, the elements of any particular science. Hence—

Rudiments of War. The first principles or elements of war; as marching, facing, wheeling; the drill, manual, and platoon exercises, manœuvres, &c. &c.

RUE, Fr. Street.

RUFFLE. A term used among the drummers to signify a sort of vibrating sound, which is made upon a drum, and is less loud than the roll.

To beat a Ruffle. To make a low vibrating noise upon the drum. It is generally practised in paying a military compliment to a general officer, and at military funerals.

In the British army a lieutenant-general is entitled to three ruffles.

A major-general to two ruffles.

A brigadier-general to one ruffle.

RUG, (couverture velue, Fr.) A coarse nappy coverlet used for mean beds. Each set of bedding which is provided for regimental hospitals has one rug.

RUILLER, Fr. To establish marks for the purpose of rendering surfaces and places correct.

RUINE, Fr. Literally signifies ruin. It is used by the French in a warlike sense.

Battre en Ruine, Fr. To defeat an enemy in such a manner as to destroy all means of taking the field again.

RUINES, Fr. Ruins.

RULE, in a general sense, government, sway, empire. In a more confined one, canon, precept, direction. Hence rules and regulations for the government of the army.

To Rule. To govern, to command.

RULE, -

RULER,

an instrument by which lines are drawn.

RULES and Articles. Under this term may be considered the military code or laws of the United States, and the regulations issued by the War Office.

RULES and Regulations. See Regulations.

RUMB de vent, Fr. Point of the compass.

Rumb or Rum, Fr. The hold of a ship.

RUMOR, a desultory, loose report of what may, or may not be.

To spread false Rumors, to circulate things without the foundation of reality. Reports, &c. are sometimes circulated by means of spies, deserters, &c. for the purpose of covering some particular design, or intended operation. Rumors of this kind should be cautiously listened to by the commanding officer of the army through which they are spread. It sometimes happens that individuals, through wantonness, or from some other motive, create alarms among their own people, by anticipating some looked for or dreaded event. This offence is not only punishable by the civil law, but, being contrary to good order and discipline, is rigidly so in every army. A singular circumstance of this kind occurred at Colchester, England, in 1797. During the alarm which universally prevailed at that time, especially along the coast of Essex, a serjeant belonging to a militia regiment, unwittingly, for it is not supposed he did it wilfully, said in the hearing of some soldiers, that the French would dine at Ipswich on the Sunday following! This expression soon spread among the inhabitants of the place, and a formal complaint was made to the general of the district. The offender having originally belonged to the line, and bearing the best of characters, was so far considered, as not to be tried by a general court-martial; but, for the sake of example, he was ordered to be escorted to the church nearest to the coast, and on a Sunday to appear in the porch, and there ask pardon of the inhabitants for the alarm he had created.

To RUN the gantlope, (that is the gauntlet) to undergo a punishment which has been allotted for considerable offences in some foreign countries. When a soldier is sentenced to run the gantlope, the regiment is drawn out in two ranks facing each other: each soldier, having a switch in each hand, lashes the criminal as he runs along naked from the waist upwards. While he runs, the drums beat at each end of the ranks. Sometimes he runs 3, 5, or 7 times, according to the nature of the offence. The major is on horseback, and takes care that each soldier strikes the culprit.

RUNNING-fire. See Fire.

RUPEE, a silver coin which varies in its value according to the part of India in which it is current. Rupees struck by the English, are generally worth half a dollar.

RUPTURE, a disease which disqualifies a man from being admitted as a soldier; but as some men are capable of producing and reducing a rupture with great ease, they should not be discharged in slight cases, as by the use of a truss they may be enabled to do duty for a long time.

Rupture. This word also signifies the commencement of hostilities between any two or more powers.

RUSE, Fr. Cunning, trick, ingenuity. It is applied to military matters, and signifies stratagem.

RUSER, Fr. To make use of stratagems: Il est permis de Ruser à la guerre; it is lawful to make use of stratagems in war.

RUSES de guerre, Fr. Stratagems of war. See Stratagems.

RUSSOOT, Ind. A tribe of Hindoos, whose particular duty is the care of horses.

RUSSUMDAR, Ind. A person deriving a particular perquisite.

RUSTRE, Fr. A lance so called, which was formerly used in tournaments.

RUTTIER. A direction of the road or course at sea.

RYET or Ryot, Ind. The general name given in India to cultivators of the ground.

Ryet or Ryot Lands, Ind. Lands farmed out and cultivated by a tenant.