S. (continued 3)

When the Spahis take the field, they march in rear of their standard; but they do not observe any particular order of route. They divide themselves, on the contrary, into small bodies, and advance in the most desultory manner.

Besides these two troops of Spahis, there are four others in the Turkish service, which are only called upon under circumstances of extreme pressure and emergency. The first is called Sag-Vlesigi; the standard is red and white. The second is named Sol-Vlesigi; the standard is white and yellow. The third is styled Sag-Gureba, the standard is green: and the fourth, Sol-Gureba; the standard is white. All these Spahis receive a daily pay of twelve to twenty aspres; and they are subject to every species of duty. Those are Spahis, called Timars, or Timariots. See Timariots.

SPANNER, the lock of a fusil or carabine.

SPATTERDASHES, a kind of covering for the legs of soldiers, made of cloth, or coarse linen waxed over, and buttoned tight: by which the wet is kept off, now called long gaiters.

SPATTS, a small sort of spatterdashes, that reach only a little above the ancle, called also half gaiters.

SPEAKING Trumpet, a trumpet by which the voice may be carried to a great distance. It was formerly used in large armies; and even so late as the siege of Gibraltar, when general Elliot, (afterwards Lord Heathfield) caused the brigade words of command to be given by means of this instrument.

SPEAR, a lance, or long weapon with a sharp point, formerly used as a manual, or missive weapon. See Lance.

To SPEND. This term is used at sea of a mast of a ship; when it is broken down by foul weather, it is said to be spent. It is sometimes used in military matters to express the consumption of any thing: as to spend all your ammunition.

SPENT Ball, (Boulet mort, Balle morte, Fr.) A cannon or musquet ball, &c. is said to be spent, when it reaches an object without sufficient force to pass through it, or otherwise wound, than by a contusion. Spent balls, however, are frequently fatal in their effects, especially when they hit any of the noble parts. It is on occasions of this sort, that the activity and skill of a field or ambulating surgeon, are indispensibly necessary; for which reason a sufficient number of these useful attendants upon an army, ought always to accompany the different battalions that go into action. The French pay the strictest attention to this branch of the service. Their flying hospitals are not only well supplied with all the requisites for so important an establishment, but every dependent part is equally well provided.

SPHERE, -

SPHERICAL,

a round body of which the centre is at the same distance from every point of the circumference; as is the case with Shots, Shells, &c.

SPHERES d’artifice, Fr. Iron hoops with matches, steeped in combustible matter, fixed round them. When there is only one hoop it is called Circle d’artifice; when there are two or three, one within the other, the assemblage of them is called sphere d’artifice, from its resemblance to that figure.

SPHERICAL. Round.

SPHEROID, an oblong body, approaching the form of a sphere.

SPIES, -

SPIALS,

in war, are persons employed to give intelligence of what the enemy is doing. They should be well paid: who pays them ill, is never well served. They should never be known to any but the general who employs them, nor should they know one another. When they propose any thing very material, their persons, or their wives and children, should be secured and kept as hostages for their fidelity. If they are apprehended, they immediately suffer death.

Spies are found in the cabinets of princes, in the closets of ministers, amongst the officers of an army, and in the councils of generals; in towns belonging to the enemy, and in monasteries. The greatest generals strongly recommend them, whatever expence they may occasion; and indeed a commander had better be in want of many particulars, however necessary, than be destitute of spies. Nothing should be spared to procure them; and even the promises made to them should be observed with the most inviolable integrity. By making a proper use of these necessary creatures, the most secret designs of an enemy may be discovered, the positions his armies are to take, the stations of his fleets, and even the manner in which the former is to be secured by masked batteries, or the latter be kept firm with chain moorings; as was the case off Boulogne in 1800.

To SPIKE a gun. This term is chiefly used at sea, and signifies to fasten a quoin with spikes to the deck, close to the breech of the carriages of the great guns, so that they may keep firm and close to the sides of the ship, and not break loose when the ship rolls. It is likewise used in military matters to signify the choaking up the touch-hole of a piece of ordnance, so as to render it useless. See To Nail.

SPIKES, in gunnery. See Hand-Spikes.

SPIN, or to spin hay, is to twist it up in ropes, very hard, for an expedition; by which means it is less bulky, and less troublesome for the cavalry to carry behind them. An expert horseman can spin five days forage into a very narrow compass.

SPIRAL, (Spirale, Fr.) In architecture, a curve that ascends winding about a cone or spire, so that all the points thereof continually approach the axis.

Spiral Line, (Ligne spirale, Fr.) A curve line, which makes a circular movement like a screw, perpetually diverging or going off from its centre.

SPIRAL, -

SPIRE,

a line drawn progressively round the same axis, with a distance between each circle; as the thread of a screw. See Screw.

SPOKES, the bars of a wheel that pass from the nave to the felly.

SPONTOON, is a spear formerly used instead of a half-pike, by officers of infantry; when the spontoon was planted, the regiment halted; when pointed forwards, the regiment marched; and when pointed backwards, the regiment retreated.

To SPRAWL, to widen out in an irregular and unsoldier-like manner. This term is chiefly applicable to the cavalry.

SPRAWLING. Loose, unconnected, wide of each other.

A SPRAWLING charge, a loose and irregular movement of cavalry, instead of a close, compact, forward attack.

To SPRING. To give vent to any combustible matter upon which gunpowder principally acts by the power of explosion. Hence to spring globes of compression, &c. The latter are frequently used for the same purposes that skyrockets, &c. are, viz. to serve as signals when any sudden attack is to be made.

Spring, in a general acceptation, an elastic body; a body which when bent, or distorted, has the power of restoring itself to its former state. It is in general a piece of tempered metal, which by means of its elastic force, is useful in several machines to give them motion. In a gun lock the springs are distinguished by various appellations according to their several uses, viz.

Cear and Cear Spring. The cear is a piece of hardened iron or steel in a gun lock, which moves on a pivot, and the point of which is received in a notch cut in the tumbler, and the other end is acted upon by the trigger.

The cear spring is a small spring, which throws the cear into the notch cut in the tumbler of a gun-cock, when the piece is at half cock or full cock.

Feather Spring. The spring of a gun lock beneath the foot of the hammer; called likewise hammer-spring.

Main Spring. The spring in a gun lock which operates on the tumbler, and gives force to the cock.

To Spring, in a military sense, to step forward with a certain degree of elasticity.

Spring up. A word of command, which has been occasionally used when sections double up. It signifies, indeed, the same as double up, and is sometimes used singly, as Spring! particularly to light infantry men.

To Spring the firelock. To bring it briskly up to any ordered position; to the recover, for instance.

SPUNGE, (ecouvillon, arroussement, griffon, Fr.) A long staff with a roll at one end, covered with a sheep’s skin, of the bigness of the bore of a gun, to scour it after firing; and to prevent any sparks from remaining. It is sometimes called Merkin, from its artificial texture of hair at the end of the staff.

Pyrotechnical Spunges. Spunges which constitute the black match or tinder that is brought from Germany, for striking fire with a flint and steel. These spunges are made of the large mushroom, or fungous excrescences which grow upon old oaks, ash trees, firs, &c. These are steeped in water, boiled and beaten, and then put in a strong lye made of saltpetre, and afterwards dried in an oven.

To Spunge the gun, (écouvillonner le canon, Fr.) To cool and cleanse the bore of a piece of ordnance by means of a wet spunge which is fixed to the end of a long pole.

SPURS, in old fortifications, are walls that cross a part of the rampart, and join to the town wall.

Spurs, instruments fixed to the heels of horsemen, with which they can at pleasure, goad the horse to action.

SQUAD. A diminutive of squadron. It is used in military matters to express any small number of men, horse or foot, that are collected together for the purposes of drill, &c.

To Squad. To divide a troop or company into certain parts, in order to drill the men separately, or in small bodies, or to put them under the direction and care of some steady corporal, or lance corporal. In every well regulated troop or company, the men are squadded in such a manner, that the most minute concern with respect to the interior economy can be instantly accounted for. The following distinct instructions have appeared in print. We quote them the more readily because they not only coincide with our own ideas on the subject, but seem perfectly calculated to preserve good order and discipline. They relate chiefly to the cavalry, but are equally applicable to infantry corps.

Each troop, it is observed, ought to be divided into two squads when under forty. Into three or four when above, according to the number, with an equal proportion of non-commissioned officers in each; and when the eldest is on duty, the charge of the squad falls on the next in the squad, and so on. First the stables must be divided as equally as possible into these divisions, and the men must belong to the same squad that their horses do: so that the foot and horse billets, and those for the married men’s rooms of a squad, go together. The squads must be as distinct and separate as possible; in short as much so as two troops are, never crossing each other. The stables must likewise be squadded entire; that is, no one stable should be allotted to two separate squads; for which reason, the proportion of numbers in each squad cannot always be exactly equal. The squad is entirely in charge of its own serjeant, or, in his absence, of the corporal who commands it, with relation to every quarter and stable duty, parades on foot and horseback. The quarter-master, in the cavalry, has, of course, the general inspection of the whole.

When a corporal has charge of a squad, he must not look after his own horse at such times as interfere with his squad duty: he can generally manage to do it at the morning stable, and in the evening he can get him done before the regular hour. On a march, or after a field day, he cannot do it so conveniently, and of course orders another man to do it. When a detachment of an absent troop is in a quarter, it must be attached to a particular troop, whichever may be judged most convenient. It must be considered as a separate and distinct squad, quartered by itself, (as far as it can be, consistent with the proper quartering of its recruits) and under the command of its own non-commissioned officer, unless the troop to which it belongs cannot spare a non-commissioned officer with it; in which case it must be given in charge to a non-commissioned officer of the troop to which it is attached.

The same rules for squadding hold good on a march, and in all situations whatever; and the list of quarters must be made out accordingly.

The non-commissioned officers must always be kept to the same squad, as nearly as they can be. The policy of this instruction is obvious, as they will thereby be made acquainted with the character of every man in the squad.

Recruits should always be quartered and squadded with old soldiers who are known to be steady and well behaved; and those men that are at all irregular in their conduct, must be separated and distributed in squads which are composed of good old soldiers.

Awkward Squad. The awkward squad consists not only of recruits at drill, but of formed soldiers that are ordered to exercise with them, in consequence of some irregularity under arms.

SQUADRON. A body of cavalry, composed of two troops. The number is not fixed, but is generally from 100 to 250 men.

SQUARE, (Carré, Fr.) A figure with right angles, and equal sides.

The SQUARE. A particular formation into which troops are thrown on critical occasions; particularly to resist the charge of cavalry.

Solid SQUARE, is a body of foot, where both ranks and files are equal. It was formerly held in great esteem; but when the prince of Nassau introduced the hollow square, this was soon neglected.

Hollow SQUARE, is a body of foot drawn up, with an empty space in the centre, for the colors, drums, and baggage, facing every way to resist the charge of the horse.

Oblong SQUARE. A square which is not at right angles, but represents the figure of an oblong, whose sides are unequal. Thus, as eight companies of equal numbers would form a perfect square, ten make an oblong.

Perfect SQUARE. A square whose sides are equal and at right angles.

The perfect square, in the formation of troops, seems best calculated for military movements and arrangements. Battalions, for instance, which are composed of eight companies, with one hundred rank and file in each, are equal to every species of disposition. It is upon this principle, we presume, that the French have distributed their infantry. British regiments, on the contrary, consist of eight companies, one of which is grenadiers and the other of light infantry, and are so composed that no square of this kind can be formed. This is manifestly a defect in their system. It is, indeed, remedied by the grenadier and light infantry companies being occasionally detached, or cast into separate battalions; so that the remaining companies, by being told off, may be brought to eight equal parts. Tacticians will perhaps agree with us, that it would be better to have every regiment composed of ten companies, flanked by a subdivision of grenadiers, the whole being so equalized as to produce four equal sides. In this case, the light companies should be formed into separate bodies of chasseurs or riflemen, after the manner of the French.

Shakspeare uses the word square to signify squadrons; but it is now obsolete.

SQUARE root. In geometry, the square root of any number is that which multiplied by itself, produces the square; thus 4 is the square root of 16.

Square number. In arithmetic, is when another number, called its root, can be found, which multiplied by itself produces the square; thus 16 is the square number of 4, and 9 the square of 3.

SQUELETTE, Fr. literally means a skeleton. It is used by the French, as by us, to signify the remnant, or incomplete state of a regiment, viz. La squelette d’un regiment; The skeleton of a regiment.

Squelette, Fr. likewise means the skeleton state of a ship, or a ship upon the stocks, and which has only her ribs and first timbers laid in. So that squelette among the French will apply either to the first organization or arrangement of parts belonging to a work or establishment, before it is completed, or to the remnant of such a work or establishment, after it has been completed. In the first sense of the word cadre, frame, outline, &c. bears the construction of squelette among the French, as, cadre d’un corps. When the British expedition to Quiberon was planned, there were several cadres of this description. They consisted of French noblemen and gentlemen who were to organize the Chouans, and receive appointments according to their several ranks, &c. &c.

SQUIRE. An attendant on a warrior was formerly so called. See Armiger.

STABLE horse, Ind. That part of the late Tippoo Sultaun’s cavalry, which was best armed, accoutred, and most regularly disciplined.

STADIUM, (Stadion, Fr.) An ancient Greek long measure, containing 125 geometrical paces, or 625 Roman feet, corresponding to our furlong. This word is formed from the Greek term, which signifies station. It is said that Hercules after running that distance at one breath, stood still. The Greeks measured all their distances by stadia. The Romans had, likewise, their stadia, derived from the Greek, by which they measured distances. The stadium of Rome contained 620 geometrical paces. Eight stadia make one Italian mile.

STADION, among the Greeks signified also a space of enclosed or open ground, containing that measure, where the public races were run.

STAFF, in military affairs, consists of a quarter-master general, adjutant-general, majors of brigade, aids-de-camp, &c. The general staff properly exists only in time of war. See Quarter-master general, &c.

Regimental Staff, are, the adjutant, quarter-master, chaplain, and surgeon, &c.

Staff of command. See Battoon.

The Staff, on British home service, consists in general of

One general commanding a district.

One lieutenant-general.

One major-general.

One adjutant general.

One quarter-master general.

One deputy adjutant, and quarter-master general.

One engineer.

One assistant adjutant, and quarter-master general.

The regulated number of aids-de-camp and brigade majors:

One commissary general.

Deputy commissaries general, assistant commissaries general, according to circumstances.

One inspector general of hospitals.

Physicians, surgeon and apothecary, mates.

The British staff in India consists of a general staff, station staff, cantonment, and garrison staff; and an hospital staff. The staff in Great Britain is comprehended under general staff, garrison staff, district staff, and staff belonging to the cavalry depot at Maidstone, and the general infantry one in the Isle of Wight. There is likewise an hospital staff. For an account of staffs in general see Am. Mil. Lib.

The staff of the French has been the main spring of their tactics, and no army can be effective without a good staff.

Staff, the same as baton; from whence those officers in the suite of generals, and not attached to regiments, are called the staff, a baton being formerly the insignia of office; which is now supplied by other devices, as facings, feathers, and so forth.

Hammer STALL. A piece of leather, which is made to cover the upper part of the lock belonging to a musquet. It is useful in wet weather.

STAMP duties. Imposts laid upon paper in England, that is used for legal or commercial purposes. Proceedings of courts-martial, whether copies or originals, are not chargeable with stamp-duties; nor are the receipts given by officers for their respective pay or allowances.

STAND. The act of opposing; thus troops that do not yield or give way are said to make a stand.

To STAND the enemy’s fire; to remain with steady firmness in orderly array, without being discomposed by the shot, &c. of an opposing enemy.

To STAND. To have an erect position. Every recruit should be taught to hold his body in such a manner, that he feels himself firm and steady upon whatever ground he may be placed for the purposes of exercise or parade. See Position without arms.

To STAND well under arms. To be so perfectly master of the firelock as not to be embarrassed, or to be rendered unsteady by its weight, but to be able to preserve a correct relative position of the body through all the changes of the manual and platoon, &c. and during the prescribed movements in parade and field exercises. See Position with arms.

To STAND at ease. To be allowed a certain indulgence with regard to bodily position, with or without arms. See Ease. It is likewise a word of command, as Stand at—Ease.

Stand fast. This term is frequently used as a caution to some particular part of a line or column. In the first of the nineteen manœuvres, for instance, the grenadiers are directed to stand fast, while the remaining companies march from their alignement to form close column behind them. When a battalion, drawn up in line, is to move forward in front of its original position from the right, left, or centre, the named division, subdivision, or section, stands fast, and the remaining ones, which have been wheeled backward into column, march towards the inward flank of the standing division, subdivision, or section. On the first of the moving bodies arriving at the inward pivot of the standing one, the latter receives the word march, and the former wheels into the ground. The rest successively do the same. By this method the leading division is spared the trouble of wheeling back and returning again to its original ground.

STANDARD, that which is the test or criterion of other things.

STANDARD. A measure by which men enlisted into the British service have the regulated height ascertained.

According to the British regulations and orders published in 1799, the standard for men raised for the heavy cavalry shall be five feet seven inches, and for the light cavalry and infantry five feet five inches; but no recruits are to be taken, even of those sizes, who exceed 35 years of age, or who are not stout and well made. Lads between 16 and 18 years of age, who are well limbed, and likely to grow, may be taken as low as five feet six inches for the heavy cavalry, and as low as five feet four inches for the light cavalry and infantry. In those regiments which are specially authorised to enlist boys, healthy lads, under 16 years of age, who are likely to grow, may be taken as low as five feet one inch. It will be recollected, that this standard is for men inlisted during a war; when regiments are put upon the peace establishment a higher standard is resorted to. Thus by a letter dated 28th January, 1802, it is directed, that the standard for the infantry of the line shall be five feet seven inches; that no man shall be inlisted who is above 25 years of age; but growing lads from 17 to 19 years of age, shall be taken as low as five feet five inches.

STANDARD, in war, a sort of banner or flag, borne as a signal for the joining together of the several troops belonging to the same body.

The standard is usually a piece of silk 1¹⁄₂ feet square, on which is embroidered arms, device, or cypher, of the country. It is fixed on a lance eight or nine feet long, and carried in the centre of the first rank of a squadron of horse, by the coronet.

Standards belonging to the cavalry. Standards are posted in the following manner:

The first with the right squadron.

The second with the left; and the third with the centre.

In advancing to the front on foot, the advanced standards and their serjeants must not slacken their pace, or deviate from right to left, as the lieutenant-colonel or leading officer may happen to do, but if he be in their way, they must call to him, because they alone regulate the march.

The standards must always be brought to the parade by a troop, viz. by that which has its private parade nearest to head-quarters. They must be accompanied by as many trumpeters as can conveniently assemble with that troop. Swords must be drawn, and the march sounded. The cornets parade, of course, with that troop to receive the standards. The standards are received by the regiment or squadron at open ranks, with swords drawn, officers saluting, and the march sounding by the remaining trumpets. They must march off from head-quarters, and be lodged with the same form.

STANDARD bearer, he who carries the standard; a cornet, ensign, &c.

Standard-Hill, a hill in England so called because William the conqueror set up his standard on it, before he joined battle with Harold.

STANDING. Settled, established, not temporary.

Standing army. An army which is quartered upon a country, and is liable to every species of duty, without any limitation being fixed to its service. The life and foot guards form a part of the standing army of Great Britain. The militia, but not the volunteers, may be partially considered as such: the adjutant, non-commissioned officers, and drummers being in constant pay, and a third of the quota of men, together with all the officers, being called out once a year to be exercised for 28 days.

Standing. Rank; condition. It likewise signifies length of time. As, such an officer is of very old standing in the army.

STAPLES, are loops of iron, or bars pointed and bent so as to be driven in at both ends.

STAR-chamber. A chamber in Westminster so called from its roof being painted with gilt stars. It has been rendered proverbially odious to the English nation, on account of the encroachments which were made upon the constitution of the country during the reign of Charles the first.

STAR-fort, in fortification. See Fort and Fortification.

STATE. Condition of any thing; as a weekly state of a regiment, &c.

State of a detachment. The difference between the state of a corps or detachment, and a mere return of the same, consists in this, that the former comprehends the specific casualties, &c. that have occurred; whereas the latter gives an abstract account of the officers and men in a more general and comprehensive manner. The word state is likewise used to express the condition of every thing belonging to the equipment of a regiment; as, state of arms, accoutrements, &c.

STATICS, (Statique, Fr.) A branch of mathematics, which considers weight or gravity, and the motion of bodies arising therefrom. Those who define mechanics to be the science of motion make statics a member thereof, viz. That part which considers the motions of bodies arising from gravity. Others again say, that statics should be the doctrine or theory of motion, and mechanics the application thereof to machines.

STATION, in geometry, a place pitched upon to make an observation, take an angle, or the like.

STATION. See Post.

STATIQUE, Fr. See Statics.

STATISTICS. According to the author of a late work, statistics are that comprehensive part of municipal philosophy, which states and defines the situation, strength, and resources of a nation. They constitute a kind of political abstract, by which the statesman may be enabled to calculate his finances, as well as guide the economy of his government; and they are equally useful in ascertaining the military resources of a country.

STAVES, round and flat, used in ammunition and other waggons or carts, are round and flat sticks between the sommers and side-pieces, also in common and scaling ladders.

STAYS, in truck carriages, are the irons which are fixed one end under the fore axle-tree, and the other to the side-pieces, in the form of an S.

STEED. A horse either for state or war.

STEEL, particularly applied, it means weapon or armor.

STEGANOGRAPHY, the art of secret writing, or of writing in cyphers, known only to persons corresponding, and much used in war.

STENOGRAPHY, (Sténographie, Fr.) See Stereography.

STEP, (Pas, Fr.) Progression by one removal of the foot. It likewise signifies pace.

To STEP. To move forward or backward, by a single change of the place of the foot.

To STEP out. To lengthen your pace.

To STEP short, is to diminish or slacken your pace. On the word, step short, the foot advancing will finish its pace, and afterwards each man will step as far as the ball of his toe, and no further, until the word forward be given, when the usual pace of 24 inches is to be taken. This step is useful when a momentary retardment of either a battalion in line, or of a division in column, shall be required. See Am. Mil. Lib.

To STEP out, is to lengthen the step to 30 inches, by leaning forward a little, but without altering the cadence. It is also called the charging step, or accelerated pace. This step is necessary when a temporary exertion in line and to the front, is required; and is applied both to ordinary and quick time.

These phrases are frequently used in military movements, when it is found necessary to gain ground in front, or to give the rear of a column &c. time to acquire its proper distance. The officer who leads a head division should be particularly attentive, when he is ordered to step out or step short, especially in the different wheelings, not to lose the precise moment when either may be thought expedient; and in marching in open column, every successive officer should watch the seasonable moment, after a wheel, of preserving his relative distance.

To STEP off, in a military sense, to take a prescribed pace from a halted position, in ordinary or quick time, in conformity to some given word of command or signal.

Stepping off to music. In stepping off to music, or to the tap of the drum, it will be recollected, that the word of command is the signal to lift up the left foot, and that it comes down, or is planted, the instant the tap is given, or the music completes its first bar, so that the time must be invariably marked with the left foot, and not by the right, as has been practised by the British guards and the artillery, until a recent regulation.

Balancing STEP. A step so called from the body being balanced upon one leg, in order to render it firm and steady in military movements, &c. Men at the drill should be frequently exercised in this step. The manner in which it is executed is as follows:

At the word march, the left foot is advanced firmly, but without a jirk, the body is kept perfectly erect, the knee straight, the toe pointed out, the shoulders square to the front, and the whole weight of the body bearing on the right foot. Great care must be taken that the foot is thrown straight forwards, and that the shoulders do not go with it. When the men have remained in this position just long enough to make them perfectly steady, the word right, must be given. Upon which the left foot is planted firm, the body quite steady, and whole weight rests à plomb upon the left foot; the right foot is of course advanced as the left foot was before, and so on, the feet being thrown forward, alternately, at the words Right, Left. The drill serjeant or corporal must see, that the toe of each man comes rather first to the ground, that he rests on the flat of the foot that is planted, and by no means on the heel, that both knees are straight, and that his arms are kept close to his side without constraint.

When a recruit has been rendered tolerably steady in this step, he must be made to stand on one leg, and move the other to front and rear gently; he must then bring that leg to the ground, and do the same with the other. He must be frequently practised in this until he becomes quite steady on his legs, and has acquired a free motion from his hips without working his body.

Lock Step. See Lock.

The side or closing Step. A step which is taken in order to gain ground to the right or left, without altering the front of the battalion, or of closing it to its centre, whenever a chasm occurs in the line after it has wheeled from column, &c. This step is performed from the halt, in ordinary time, by the following words of command:—

Mark time.

Side step to the right—March.

Side step to the left—March.

Back Step, (Pas en arriére, Fr.) A step taken to the rear from any position without any change of aspect. The back step is performed in the ordinary time and six inches pace, from the halt, on a given word of command. It will be generally recollected, that a few paces only of the back step can be necessary at a time.

Step Back, March, (En arriére, Marche, Fr.) A word of command which is given when one or more men are ordered to take the back step according to regulation.

Quick Step, a military step, consisting of 24 inches, (of which 108 are to be taken in a minute, making 216 feet in a minute) which constitutes what is now called common time in marching. The command quick march being given with a pause between them, the word mark time, is to be considered as a caution, and the whole are to remain on the ground dressed in ranks, with the feet in motion at quick time; on the word march, they step off with the left feet, keeping the body in the same posture, and the shoulders square to the front; the foot to be lifted off the ground, that it may clear any stones, or other impediments in the way, and to be thrown forward, and placed firm; the whole of the sole to touch the ground, and not the heel alone: the knees are not to be bent, neither are they to be stiffened, so as to occasion fatigue or constraint. These instructions can only be complied with by means of a sedulous attention not only in the instructor at the drill, but by a constant application of that solid principle which directs, that all movements of the legs should come from the haunches. The knees, indeed, must bend, and the fore parts of the feet must unavoidably be lifted up, but both these natural actions may be done in so correct and quick a manner, that they will scarcely be perceptible. The elasticity of the instep, if properly managed, will always give a firmness to the tread. The arms are to hang with ease down the outside of the thigh; and a very small motion may be occasionally permitted, to prevent constraint. The head is to be kept to the front, the body to be well up, and the utmost steadiness to be preserved. The quick step is the pace to be used in all filings of divisions from line into column, or from column into line; and by battalion columns of manœuvre, when they change position, independently of each other. It must always be used in the column of march of small bodies, when the route is smooth, or the ground unembarrassed, and no obstacles occur; but in a long march in line of a considerable body, it is not to be required; otherwise fatigue must arise to the soldier, and more time will be lost by hurry, and inaccuracy (the natural consequence of hurry) than is attempted to be gained by quickness.

Quickest Step, (Pas accelere, Fr.) A step measuring 24 inches, which indicates quickest time, or wheeling march, and of which 130, making 260 feet, should be taken in a minute.

This step is applied chiefly to the purpose of wheeling, and is the rate at which all bodies accomplish their wheels; the outward file stepping 24 inches, whether the wheel is from line into column, during the march in column, or from column into line. In this time also, and by this step, should divisions double, and move up, when they pass obstacles in line; or when in the column of march, the front of divisions is increased, or diminished.

To Step between. To interfere.

To Step forth or forward. To take an active part in any thing. Thus, when the circle was formed, the grenadiers stepped forward to beg off their comrade, &c. The officers stepped forward, and remonstrated against their colonel.

Step is likewise figuratively used to signify promotion. As the next step from a lieutenancy is a troop or company, and from that to a majority; except in the British guards, who have the exclusive privilege of going over this intermediate rank, and stepping into a lieutenant-colonelcy at once.

To Step over. To rise above another. This term is generally used in a bad sense. As, young men of interest and connection frequently step over old soldiers.

STEWARD. One who manages the affairs of others. In all well conducted messes belonging to military corps, certain officers are named to act as stewards, for some specific period. These act conjointly with the treasurer and pay master for the good of the whole.

STERE, Fr. A measure for firewood, which has been adopted by the French, since the revolution. The stere is equal to the cubic metre. It is used instead of the voie, and is about half of that measure. The Corde, in decimals, answers 3,335 steres.

STEREOGRAPHY. The art of drawing the forms of solids upon a plane.

STEREOMETRY. The art of measuring all sorts of solid bodies.

STICK. The same as Baton, an instrument of dignity, which is occasionally carried by persons and officers in high situations, particularly by such as are in waiting near the royal person.

STICKLER. A sidesman to fencers: or second to a duellist.

STILETTO. A small dagger, with a round blade, and sharp point.

STINKPOT. A firework made of offensive combustibles, which is used at sieges, &c. See Laboratory.

STIRRUPS. Iron hoops suspended by straps to each side of the saddle, in which the horseman sets his feet in mounting or riding.

STOCCADO. A push or thrust with a rapier.

STOLE. See Order of the Stole.

STOCK. The wooden part of a musquet or pistol.

Stock. A part of an officer’s dress, which consists generally of black silk or velvet, and is worn round the neck instead of a neckcloth. The soldier’s stock is of black ribbed leather, and is part of his small mounting. Red stocks were formerly worn in the British guards; they are still so in some Prussian regiments.

Stock Purse. A certain saving which is made in a corps, and which is applied to regimental purposes. In some corps this fund is so honestly managed, that, without encroaching upon the public, the most beneficial effects are produced: in others again, it is so mysteriously handled between commanding officers and paymasters, that it becomes a perpetual source of discontent and jealousy.

STOMPER, Fr. To sketch out a design, or to draw with colors that have been pounded into dust. Instead of the pencil or crayon, a roll of paper which is dipped into the colored dust, serves to put on the different colors.

STONES, in military architecture, may be distinguished into two sorts; that is, into hard and soft: hard stone is that which is exposed to the open air, such as rocks, and which lie loose upon the surface of the earth: the soft stone is that which is found in quarries, and underground. It is undoubtedly true that the hardest stones make the most durable works; but as there is seldom a sufficient quantity to build the whole fortification, the best serve in the facings of the work, in the foundations, and where the works are exposed to the violence of the waves.

The stones of some quarries are very soft, and easily worked, when first cut out; but, when exposed for some time to the open air, become very hard and durable.

As there is undoubtedly a kind of sap in stones as well as in timber, by which the same sort of stone, taken out of the same quarry, at one season, will moulder away in a few winters, but, when dug out in another season, will resist the weather for many ages: stones should always be dug in the spring, that they may have time to dry before the cold weather comes in; for the heat of the sun will extract the greatest part of the moisture, which otherwise expands in frosty weather, and causes the stone to splinter, although it be otherwise hard and good.

As stones lie in the quarries in horizontal beds or strata, (that is, they cleave in that direction) and have likewise a breaking vein, which is perpendicular to the former; both these directions must be observed in cleaving, as well as in raising them out of their beds. Stones that will not easily cleave must be blown up by gunpowder.

Marble, is of various sorts and colors; the most beautiful of which is exported from Italy. The marble found in England is mostly blackish, and so very hard and difficult to polish, that very little use is made of it, except to burn and make lime. The American marbles are various, and every day produces new discoveries of marbles of the most beautiful colors.

Fire-Stone, or Soap Stone, serves chiefly for chimneys, hearths, ovens, furnaces, and stoves; being a dry, porous, gritty stone, which bears the heat without breaking: on account of this quality, it is called fire-stone.

Purbeck-Stone, is a hard, greyish stone, and serves chiefly for paving, coping of walls, and for all such other uses where strength is required, it being the most hard and durable stone.

Rag-Stone, is of a bluish color, and commonly used in paving: but there is a stone called Kentish rag, that is very useful in building: it splits very easily, and yet is very hard.

Free-Stone, more generally called Portland stone: it is a fine whitish stone, without any veins. This stone is very soft when it comes out of the quarry, is easy to be worked, and becomes very hard in time. Hence it is very fit for military works.

Gypsum, is a clear whitish stone, not unlike coarse marble. It is plentiful in some parts of Italy; in France; and very abundant in Nova Scotia, whence it has been lately imported to a vast amount to be pulverised for manure; it is to be had in great abundance in Scotland, and makes the very best lime.

Whin, or Aberdeen whin, is of a greyish color, intermixed with veins, not unlike coarse marble. This stone is the fittest of any for military works: because it withstands the weather, and the violence of the waves, better than any stone found in England.

STOPPAGES, in the British service, deductions from a soldier’s pay, the better to provide him with necessaries, &c. A soldier should never be put under a greater weekly stoppage from his pay, than what will afterwards leave him a sufficiency for messing.

There shall be stopped out of the pay of an artillery soldier, (beer money included) the sum of 5 shillings and one penny per week, to be applied towards the expence of his mess, (including vegetables &c.) A sum not exceeding one shilling and six pence per week shall be retained for necessaries, to be accounted for, as usual, monthly. The remainder, amounting to 3s. 10³⁄₄d. per week, shall be paid to the soldier, subject to the accustomed deduction for washing, &c. or articles for cleaning his clothes and appointments. Stoppages for rations for man and horse. See the word Ration.

Stoppage, for the subsistence of the sick in the British army. In the regulations for the better management of the sick in regimental hospitals, it is particularly laid down, under the head subsistence, page 16, that sufficient funds should be established for the support of the sick without any additional charge to government; and at the same time, that the sick soldier should be provided with every reasonable comfort and indulgence that can be afforded. The sum of four shillings per week from the pay of each soldier will, under proper regulations, and with strict economy, be sufficient for this purpose; which sum is to be retained by the paymaster of the regiment.

The sick are to be furnished with bread made of the finest wheat flour, and fresh meat, perfectly good and wholesome.

That the greatest economy may be used in laying out the money for the sick, every article ought to be purchased by the surgeon, who is required to keep a book, in which he is to enter the amount of the weekly consumption of each man according to the diet table; and this book, with the diet table, is to be laid before the commanding officer and paymaster every week to be examined and signed by each; and it is of the utmost importance to the welfare of the service, that every commanding officer, and every regimental paymaster, should superintend the expenditure.

STOPPER. A piece of wood or cork, made to fit the bore of a musquet barrel, which soldiers use in wet weather; and on other occasions, when the piece is not loaded, to prevent moisture and dust from getting into the barrel.

STORE-keeper, in war time, must take care of the stores in the magazines, such as the provisions, forage, &c. receive the same from contractors, and deliver them out to the troops. He has several clerks under him, appointed to the different departments, of provisions, hay, straw, oats, &c. In time of peace he has charge of all the public stores, belonging both to land and sea service.

STOREHOUSE. See Magazine.

STORES, Military, are provisions, forage, arms, clothing, ammunition, &c.

Medical Stores on board transports.—Certain articles of diet which are put on board each transport, are so called. These are to be considered as intended solely for the use of the sick, or convalescents; they are to remain in the charge of the master of the transport, and only to be issued upon demand in writing made by the surgeon from time to time as he shall judge proper; or, when there is no surgeon, upon demand of the commanding officer. And the surgeon or commanding officer is to give the master at the end of the voyage, a certificate that his demands for the said medical stores have been made only upon proper occasions, and have not been expended for any other use, than that of the sick, or convalescent.

To STORM, in military matters, to make a violent assault on any fortified place, or works.

Storming party. A select body of men, consisting generally of the grenadiers, who first enter the breach, &c.

STRAGGLERS. Men who wander from the line of march. It is the business of the rear guard to pick up all stragglers, &c.

STRAPONTIN, Fr. A sort of hammock which is used in hot countries, &c. See Hammock.

STRATAGEM, in war, any scheme or plan for the deceiving and surprising an army, or any body of men. See Surprise.

Stratagems in war, (Stratagêmes de guerre, Fr.) Certain feints which are resorted to by able generals, &c. to cover their real designs during the operations of a campaign. It is impossible to lay down any specific rules on this head, as every general, according to the capacity and activity of his mind, makes use of the various means and expedients which grow out of times, circumstances, and occasions. It has been asserted by some writers, that all sorts of stratagems, even those which are connected with treachery may be adopted for the accomplishment of any design. This maxim is, however, strongly combated against by those who have written upon the law of nations. Probity, in fact, and elevation of mind, (which are superior to the pitiful measures of treacherous affiliation or intercourse,) should always bear the ascendancy in human actions. There are stratagems which may be practised and carried on, without the least deviation from honor and good faith. Many distinguished generals have had recourse to these; but none ever succeeded so well as Hannibal. Wishing to cross the river Rhone, and being in want of almost every article that was necessary to effect the passage in the presence of an enemy who was diligently watching his motions, he caused him to imagine that it was his intention to keep the ground he occupied. He ordered large fires to be lighted up in different quarters of his camp, and directed some of his troops to shout and make loud noises, as if they were perfectly stationary. During this apparent state of inactivity, he broke up his camp, marched up the river side, and crossed it at a place where it was least expected he would make the attempt.

General Washington executed a similar stratagem with success on the British at Trenton; and a very memorable stratagem in baking bread at King’s bridge and amusing the British at New York, while he made forced marches with his army for Yorktown, to capture Cornwallis.

Among other good qualities which are indispensibly necessary in an able general, that of knowing how to conceal a projected march, and to anticipate the motions of an enemy, is not the least important.

The army under the command of the duke of Saxe-Weimar, having laid siege to Brisac in 1638, the imperialists went to the relief of that place. The duke, on receiving intelligence of their approach, instantly marched against them, with a body of forces composed of Swedes and French allies. The imperialists, who had advanced by rapid marches, had gained possession of an eminence by means of which they would have enjoyed all the advantages of local superiority, had not the count de Guebriant, who was then a lieutenant-general in the Swedish service, suggested a stratagem to dislodge the enemy. The plan was adopted, and it succeeded to the full extent of his design.

The drums and trumpets of the different corps were collected together, and stationed in a neighboring wood, so as to draw the whole of the enemy’s attention away from the quarter proposed to be carried. The imperialists being naturally led to believe, from the noise and concurrence of so many military instruments, that they were going to be attacked from that quarter, beat to arms, and left their position in complete order of battle. They had scarcely quitted the eminence, before the duke of Saxe-Weimar appeared in their rear, took possession of the ground which they had so imprudently abandoned, and became master of all the advantages which his enemy would otherwise have enjoyed. An interesting account of this ingenious manœuvre may be found in the History of Le Marechal de Guebriant.

Stratagems of this description have been frequently used by the French during the present war, particularly in Italy. Stratagems, in fact, constitute one of the principal branches in the art of war. They have been practised in all ages by the most able generals, and have contributed in a great degree, to their military reputation. Virgil, in his Æneid, book II. says—

Dolus an virtus, quis in hoste requirat.

The history of France abounds with instances in which stratagems of every kind have been successfully practised.—It seems the peculiar talent of the inhabitants of that country to derive advantages from well concerted feints, &c. in war, and to secure their victories more by science than by downright hardihood.

It has been wisely observed, by a French writer, under the article of Stratagêmes de guerre, that a general who is defeated in a general action, may attribute his failure to fortune, although it is universally acknowleged, that chance or fortune has a very trifling share indeed in pitched battles, while art and science regulate the different movements, and finally determine their issue. Whoever, therefore, suffers himself to be surprised by his enemy, cannot be said to stand wholly exculpated from ignorance or neglect, since it must have been in his power to have avoided the snares laid for him, by means of vigilant spies, and unremitting attention. This remark appears to us not only to be generally correct, but it seems more immediately applicable to all generals that have secret service money at command. The influence of that commodity, (upon which no embargo can be laid) will be felt in every garrison, town, or sea-port; and those who have the management of it must be dull indeed, if they do not feel their way into the secret preparations of an enemy, before they hazard an attack against him.

Besides the different stratagems which may be used by an able general, to bring about the overthrow of the whole or part of an army, by leading it into an ambuscade, there are various ones which may be practised against a fortified place. To effect the latter purpose, you may contrive to get soldiers in disguise through the gates at unguarded hours; to introduce them through subterraneous passages, or by any other means that may offer. Before any attempt of this sort is made, every part of the fortifications should be narrowly reconnoitred, and as much knowlege be obtained of the interior situation of the place as can be procured by means of good spies, or from deserters. You must, above all things, be well assured, that the garrison does not strict duty; that the different guards are negligently attended to; that the soldiers who compose them are in the habits of drinking or gaming; that their officers miss their rounds, or go them without system or regularity; that the gates are ill guarded, and the avenues to them ill watched; and that there are certain places or entrances which are not watched at all; for it would be impossible to surprize any place that has been regularly fortified, while the garrison did its duty.

If it should appear practicable to surprise a town by taking advantage of the negligence of the sentries, &c. at some particular gate, previous means must be taken to introduce some soldiers dressed like market women, or in the garb of some religious order. You may then contrive to get a waggon or cart, seemingly loaded with hay or straw, but with soldiers concealed beneath it, so placed in the entrance of the gate that it will serve as an obstacle when it may be found necessary to shut it. In order to do this effectually, let a pin be taken out, so that the wheel comes off, or the axle tree gets broken. The instant this is done, the soldiers who had entered the town in disguise must join the drivers, the men that have been concealed in the waggon get out, and the whole must rush upon the port-guard. While this happens, the troops that have been placed in ambush round the fortifications, will advance with promptitude and firmness, and endeavor to get possession of the town before a sufficient force can be collected to repel the attack. In the year 1789, a rabble from Courtray took advantage of the carelessness of the imperial troops who were in garrison at Gand, in Flanders, and by seizing upon the gate and port-guard, brought about a temporary rebellion in the country. This indeed was done without stratagem; but the circumstance proves, that when the centries of a fortified place are negligent in their duty, a surprise is always practicable. We are precluded by the limits of our undertaking from going more fully into this important branch of military science. Several treatises have been written on the subject. Among others one appeared in 1756, intitled Stratagêmes de Guerre, illustrating from history the various stratagems which had been practised by some of the ablest generals during a long period of time down to the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle. It was published by M. Carlet de la Rousiere, an officer in the French service, and acting engineer in the isles of France and Bourbon. It contains much curious matter. See Am. Mil. Lib.

Stratagem and force united. Count Turpin, page 43, vol. I. in his essay on the Art of War, judiciously remarks, that when an enemy, superior in force, is in possession of a pass, from which he cannot be dislodged but by art, stratagem and force should be blended together as often as possible. Onosander, the Greek general, set fire to a wood which was at the foot of a mountain in the enemy’s possession, and which he wanted to go over; the flames and smoke forced the enemy to abandon it, and leave the passage free for him.

STRATARITHMOMETRY. In war, the art of drawing up an army, or any part of it, in any given geometrical figure; and of expressing the number of men contained in such a figure, as they stand in order of battle, either at hand, or at any distance assigned.

STRAW. According to the British regulations, published by authority in 1799, relative to the forage, &c. which troops are to receive in the home encampments, it is directed, that straw is to be allowed at the rate of one truss of 36 pounds to each paillasse for two men, being a full bedding; at the expiration of sixteen days to be refreshed with half a truss to each paillasse; at the expiration of 32 days to be removed, and a fresh bedding of one truss is to be given, and so on every succeeding period of sixteen and thirty-two days.

For the sick, in the hospital, the straw is to be changed as often as it may be deemed necessary.

Two trusses per troop or company are to be allowed for batmen, or servants, not soldiers; and three trusses per troop or company for the washerwomen, to be changed every sixteen days, not having paillasses.

Thirty trusses of straw per troop or company are allowed on first taking the field for thatching the women’s huts.

Regiments, not having paillasses, are allowed straw at the following rates:

On taking the field, two trusses of 36 pounds each to every five men, at the end of eight days to be refreshed by one truss, and at the end of eight days more to be refreshed again by the same quantity. At the end of twenty-four days the whole to be removed, and an entire new bedding to be given, and refreshed as before, viz. two trusses for every five men.

Four pounds of straw are to be added to the ration forage for the cavalry and artillery horses only.

Six pounds of straw are to be allowed to the general officers and staff, in addition to the prescribed ration of forage. See Regulations.

STRAW. For straw! is a word of command in the British service, to dismiss the soldiers when they have stacked their arms, so that they may be ready on the first signal given.

STREAKS, are the iron bands on the outside of the wheel to bind the fellies strongly together.

Streak-nails, are those driven through the streaks into the fellies.

STREET. See Encampment.

Street-firing. See Firing.

STRELITZ. A Russian word, whose plural number is strelitzy, derived from strelai, an arrow, in the same language. An ancient militia, which was formerly kept in pay among the Muscovites both in time of peace and in time of war, was so called. The men who composed it always served on foot, and were originally armed, as their name indicates, with bows and arrows. They afterwards received musquets or firelocks, and laid aside the bow and arrow. The rest of the Russian army, which was only called together in cases of emergency, retained the bows, arrows, and lances; with which each soldier armed himself according to his own particular whim or notion.

In the remote periods of the Russian empire, the strelitzy were the only regular body of troops that formed any part of the standing army of that country. It consisted of twenty or twenty-four thousand men, who enjoyed a multiplicity of privileges and immunities, and were quartered in one of the suburbs of Moscow, which is still called Strelitzkaia Slaboda. From the latitude allowed them, and the peculiar indulgencies which these soldiers enjoyed, they might be well compared to the Prætorian bands under the first Roman emperors, and, in some degree, to the Janizaries of Constantinople. They frequently mutinied like the latter, and interfered in the management of public affairs. Their last revolt, however, was fatal to them. It happened in 1698, during the absence of the Czar Peter the first, who on his return into Russia, broke the whole corps, erased its name from the list of military establishments, and put his troops upon the same footing that those of the rest of Europe were.

The established pay of a strelitz was seven rubles, and twelve combs and bushels of grain every year.

Grain, even in these days, is given as a necessary ration to a Russian soldier, which he bakes or roasts upon thin plates of iron, and then reduces to meal, making therewith a sort of dough, called Toloqueno. Every man always carries a good portion of this subsistence about him, to which he adds a small cruet of vinegar. By soaking this meal in water mixed with a little vinegar, he contrives to make a sort of soup or broth, which the Russians, who are fond of acids, find extremely palatable; and by giving it the consistency of dough, it serves for bread and meat. When the Russian soldier can procure a few greens, such as cabbage, &c. to mix with his toloqueno, he makes a complete meal, which he calls Chety. A tcharotcheka, or small glass of brandy, makes up the measure of a full repast. It must be acknowleged, that where soldiers can be brought to satisfy the cravings of nature in this economical manner, great advantages must be derived, especially in long marches through an uncultivated or desert country. We cannot, however, recommend its adoption except in cases of urgent necessity, and on services where there might be a possibility of absolute want, from the destruction or poverty of a country into which an army marches. The fare itself is not calculated to add vigor and activity to the body, or to keep alive that promptitude and fire which are required in military operations.

STRENGTH. This word may be variously understood in military matters, viz.

Strength. Fortification; fortress; stronghold. It likewise signifies armament; power; force. In all returns which are made of corps, strength implies the number of men that are borne upon the establishment, in contradistinction to effective force, which means the number fit for service. Hence, the strength of a battalion, troop, or company, &c. The allowance for the repair of arms, &c. is issued according to the return which is made, not of the effective force, but of the established strength of a troop or company.

STRICT. Exact, severe, rigorous; the contrary to mild, indulgent. Hence, a strict officer. It is sometimes used in a bad sense, to signify a petulant, troublesome commander.

To STRIKE. This word is variously used in military phraseology, viz.

To STRIKE at. To attack; to endeavor to destroy, directly or indirectly.

To STRIKE off. To erase; to blot out; as to strike off the list of the army. This can only be done by the order of the president of the United States.

To STRIKE a tent. In castrametation, to loosen the cords of a tent which has been regularly pitched, and to have it ready, in a few minutes, to throw upon a bat-horse or baggage waggon.

To STRIKE terror into an enemy. To cause alarm and apprehension in him; to make him dread the effects of superior skill and valor.

To STRIKE a blow. To make some decisive effort.

To STRIKE the colors. This is properly a naval term, but it may be applied to military matters on some occasions. Thus at the battle of Fontenoy, when the British had driven the French out of the field, Louis XV. who was upon an eminence in the neighborhood with his guards, &c. ordered the royal standard to be struck, from a full persuasion that the day was lost.

STRIPE. Dr. Johnson calls a stripe a lineary variation of color. Regimental sword knots are directed to be made of blue with silver or gold in stripes.

STRUCTURE, (Structure, Fr.) The manner in which any thing is built. Une édifice de belle structure. An edifice which is built in a handsome manner.

To STRUGGLE with or against. To make extraordinary exertion in direct contest with an enemy, or against superior forces.

STUC, Fr. Stucco, gypsum or plaster of Paris.

STUCCO. A sort of fine white mortar or composition, which is made of lime mixed with gypsum or lime. It is used for the outward covering of all sorts of works, and when it is perfectly dry, it has the appearance of the finest polished stone.

STUCATEURS, Fr. The men employed at stucco work.

SUB. A familiar abbreviation which is used in the British army to signify subaltern.

SUB-brigadier. An officer in the British horse-guards, who ranks as cornet.

Sub-lieutenant. An officer in the British regiments of artillery and fuzileers, where they have no ensigns; and is the same as second lieutenant.

SUBA, or Soobah, Ind. A province.

SUBADAR, Ind. The governor of a province. It likewise signifies a black officer, who ranks as captain in the English East India company’s troops; but ceases to have any command when an European officer is present.

SUBADARY, Ind. The appointment or office of a subadar.

SUBALTERNS, (Officiers subalternes, Fr.) Subaltern officers. This word is used among the French, as with us, to signify all officers of a certain inferior degree, viz. Les subalternes, the subalterns. The term is commonly applied in a regiment to the officers below the rank of captain, in relation to that officer; but, strictly, every officer is subaltern to the grades above him, as the captain is subaltern to the major, and so upward.

SUBDIVISION. The half of a division. Thus if a company forms a division, divided it forms two subdivisions. In the British organization, two companies added together make a grand division; except the flank companies, which constitute grand divisions of themselves; but in actual service, according to the best modern principles, the division is not limited to any given number, but must depend on the strength of the force, and the skill and discretion of the officer.

Division, in the French system, is also applied in the same manner as the term brigade in the English; the French division consists of several regiments, three or more, up to seven or eight; the general of division is of the same rank as the major general in the British establishment.

SUBDUR, Ind. Chief.

SUBJECT, (Sujet, Fr.) One who lives under the dominion of another. It is only used in the first instance, as no one can be the subject of a secondary power, although he is bound to obey his orders. Thus soldiers are obliged to submit to the orders of a general, but they are not his subjects. The French make the same distinction.

SUBORDINATION. A perfect submission to the orders of superiors; a perfect dependence, regulated by the rights and duties of every military man, from the soldier to the general. Subordination should shew the spirit of the chief in all the members; and this single idea, which is manifest to the dullest apprehension, suffices to shew its importance. Without subordination it is impossible that a corps can support itself; that its motions can be directed, order established, or the service carried on. In effect, it is subordination that gives a soul and harmony to the service: it adds strength to authority, and merit to obedience; and while it secures the efficacy of command, reflects honor upon its execution. It is subordination which prevents every disorder, and procures every advantage to an army.

SUBSIDIARY troops. Troops of one nation assisting those of another for a given sum or subsidy.

To SUBSIST. In a military sense, to give pay or allowance, &c. to soldiers; as a captain of the light company will subsist 20 men belonging to other companies, for so many days during the march. The French do not use the term in the same sense.

SUBSISTANCE des piéces, Fr. This term is used among the French to signify the pay or allowance which is given to the officer, bombardier, and men belonging to the train of artillery who serve the batteries.

SUBSISTENCE, (Subsistance, Fr.) in a military sense of the word may be divided into two sorts, viz. That species of subsistence which is found in the adjacent country: such as forage, and frequently corn that is distributed in parcels; and that which is provided at a distance, and regularly supplied by means of a well-conducted commissariat. The latter consists chiefly of meat, bread, beer, &c. To these may be added wood or coals, and straw, which are always wanted in an army. Every general will take proper precautions to have his men well supplied with these first necessaries in life. Baron d’Espagnac has written at large upon this important subject. See Elemens Militaires, tom. i. page 162; and that writer’s Suite de l’essai sur la science de la Guerre, tom. i. page 246.

Subsistence likewise means pay or allowance.

SUBSTITUTE in the militia. A person who voluntarily serves in the room of another.

SUBSTITUTION, Fr. An algebraical term used by the French, signifying to substitute in an equation any quantity in the room of another, which is equal to it, but which is differently expressed.

SUBTANGENT, in any curve, is the line which determines the intersection of the tangent in the axis prolonged.

SUBTENSE, (Soutendante, Fr.) A geometrical term signifying the base of an angle, that is to say, a strait line opposite to an angle, which is supposed to be drawn from the two extremes of the section that measures it. Likewise the chord of an arch; that which is extended under any thing.

SUBURBS, (Fauxbourgs, Fr.) Buildings without the walls of a city.

SUCCESSION of rank. Relative gradation according to the dates of commissions, or the regulations established.

SUCCOUR, in war. Assistance in men, stores, or ammunition.

SUD, Fr. This word is variously used by the French. It signifies in the sea language the south wind and the southern regions; and it signifies in an absolute sense, one of the four cardinal winds which blows from the south. Hence Le Sud, the south wind. Sud est ou sud ouest, south east or south west.

SUISSES, Fr. The Swiss soldiers who were in the pay of France previous to the 10th of August 1792, were generally so called. It was also a general term to signify stipendiary troops. Hence point d’argent, point de suisses! which agrees with our cant phrase—No pay, no soldier.

SUITE, or SERIES, Fr. This term signifies generally any regular collection and successive distribution of things.

Officiers à la SUITE, Fr. Supernumerary officers attached to a regiment, &c. during the monarchy of France, who were not required to do duty with it.

SULPHUR, or brimstone, a volcanic mineral essential in making gunpowder and artificial fire-works.

SULTAN or SULTAUN, Ind. King. The title which was assumed by Tippoo Saib, chief of the Mysore country. Hence called Tippoo Sultaun.

SULTAN shirki, Ind. King of the east.

SULTAUNUT, Ind. The decorations or appendages annexed to royalty.

SUMMONS. The act of demanding the surrender of a place, or body of men.

SUMNUTCHEER, Ind. A word, among others, which signifies Saturday.

SUMOODER, Ind. The sea or main ocean.

SUMPTER. See Bat-horse.

SUN, Ind. The year.

SUNAUT, Ind. Old rupees on which a discount is allowed. Hence Sunaut Rupees.

SUNEEBAR, Ind. Another word for Saturday.

SUNEECHUR, Ind. A word likewise meaning Saturday.

SUNNUD, Ind. A charter, grant, or patent, from any man in authority. When it was given by the mogul, it obtained the appellation of Firmaun.

Sunnud dewauny, Ind. A grant or instrument in writing, which entitles a person to hold land in India.

SUNSET. See Retreat beating.

Sunset. The time at which the evening gun fires, and the retreat is beat in camp, or quarters, &c. When troops are embarked on board transports, the men parade at half an hour before sunset, quite clean as to their persons.

SUPERANNUATED, (Suranné-ée, Fr.) In a military sense, rendered unfit for service through old age.

SUPERFICIES, (Superficie, Fr.) Outline; exterior surface; extent without depth. The curved superficies are divided into two sorts, viz. the convex and concave.

SUPERINTENDANT, (Surintendant, Fr.) A person appointed to take charge of any particular district or department. Hence, military superintendant.

SUPERIOR officer. Any officer of higher rank, or who has priority in the same rank, by the date of his commission, &c.

SUPERNUMERARY, (Surnumeraire, Fr.) Beyond a fixed or stated number. In a strict military sense it means the officers and non-commissioned officers that are attached to a regiment or battalion for the purpose of supplying the places of such as fall in action, and for the better management of the rear ranks when the front is advancing or engaged.

Supernumerary officers and non-commissioned officers must always divide their ground equally in the rear of the division they belong to, and pay the strictest attention to the orders which are issued for its exercise or movement.

If an officer is killed or wounded in action, the first supernumerary officer of the division takes the command, and so on to the quarter-master and serjeants.

To SUPERSEDE, (Remplacer, Fr.) See To Respite.

To be SUPERSEDED, (Etre remplacé, Fr.) Both these terms are used by the French in the same military sense that we employ them, viz. to be deprived of rank and pay for some offence, and to have others put in one’s stead.

SUPPLEANT, Fr. A substitute. Any person named to do the functions of another.

SUPPLEMENT. Addition; augmentation, in case of deficiency.

Supplement of an arch. In geometry or trigonometry, the number of degrees which it wants of being an entire semicircle; as complement signifies what an arch wants of being a quadrant.

Supplement d’un angle, Fr. Supplement of an angle. The number of degrees which are wanting in an angle to constitute or make up two angles.

Supplement, Fr. A certain pecuniary allowance, over and above the ordinary pay or subsistence, which was given by the king to officers belonging to the old French service.

SUPPLEMENTAL, -

SUPPLEMENTARY,

(Supplementaire, Fr.) Additional; such as fills up what is wanting.

SUPPLY. Relief of want; making up of deficiencies. A fresh supply of troops, ammunition, &c.

To SUPPLY. To makeup deficiencies. To aid; to assist; to relieve with something wanted. To fill any room made vacant. Thus, covering serjeants supply the places of officers when they step out of the ranks, or are killed in action.

To SUPPORT. To aid, to assist; it likewise signifies to preserve untarnished, viz. To support the ancient character of the corps.

Well Supported. Well aided, well assisted. It likewise signifies well kept up, as a well supported fire from the batteries; a well supported fire of musquetry.

SURAPAN, Ind. An honorary dress, which is given to an inferior by a superior.

SURAT Haal, Ind. A state or representation of the case.

SURCINGLE. A girth with which the saddle or any other burden is bound upon a horse.

SURFACE, in fortification, is that part of the side which is terminated by the flank prolonged, and the angle of the nearest bastion: the double of this line with the curtain is equal to the exterior side.

SURGEON, (Chirurgien, Fr.) A staff officer, who is chief of the medical department in each regiment or hospital, &c.

Surgeon-general. The first or senior surgeon of an army.

Particular instructions to the regimental surgeons of the line in the British service.

Each regimental surgeon of the line, when provided with a chest of medicines, is required half yearly to make a return to the inspector of regimental hospitals, (under cover to the secretary at war,) of the medicines used by him during the preceding six months, and what remain; and this return must be accompanied by an affidavit taken before a magistrate, that none of the medicines have, to his knowlege, been converted to private purposes, or applied to any use but that of the regiment, or some other military service; for which he must produce the special orders of the commanding officer, or of the inspector of regimental hospitals.

Should a regiment of the line be placed in an unhealthy situation; or, from any prevailing disease, should the surgeon’s stock of a particular medicine be exhausted before the next yearly supply becomes due, he is to apply to the inspector of regimental hospitals, (under cover to the secretary at war) for a fresh supply; the existence of such cause for the extraordinary consumption of the medicines to be certified by the commanding officer.

If a medical officer of the line desires to use a medicine not in the dispensatory, he must procure it at his own expence.

Whenever wine is necessary for the sick of a regiment of the line, a return of the consumption thereof is to be made weekly to the inspector of regimental hospitals.

The medical and hospital expences of regiments of the line, and of their respective detachments, are to be inserted in the public accounts of the respective corps.

Every regimental surgeon is to make a report to the inspector of regimental hospitals, of the situation, size, rent, &c. of the hospital he proposes to hire; and unless on very pressing emergencies, no engagement is to be entered into without the permission of that officer, to whom is to be transmitted half yearly, viz. June 24th and December 24th, an abstract of the regimental hospital contingent expences, approved by the commanding officer of the regiment, accompanied with regular vouchers signed and certified by the paymaster.

When a soldier is punished, it is the duty of the regimental surgeon to attend at the execution of the sentence, and to see that the life of the culprit is not endangered by excessive rigor. He is, in fact, paramount to the commanding officer on this occasion, and ought to interfere whenever his judgment dictates. If any commanding officer should be hardy enough to continue the chastisement in spite of the surgeon’s interposition, the responsibility will then rest with him.

Assistant Surgeon. The person who acts immediately under the regimental surgeon. In the regulations for improving the situation of British regimental surgeons and mates, which took place in 1796, it is expressed, that surgeon’s mates in future are to be stiled assistant surgeons, and to be appointed by commission from the king, or by generals authorised by him. For further particulars respecting surgeons and assistant surgeons, see Military Finance, page 46.

Veterinary Surgeon. See Veterinary.

SURINTENDANT des Fortifications, Fr. A place of great trust and considerable importance during the old French government. It was his duty to submit plans of places that were to be fortified, or of others that wanted repairing, to give in estimates of the expences that would attend the works, and to state to the directors the degrees of skill and activity which he had discovered in the different engineers who acted under him. He likewise communicated with the king on every weighty branch of ordnance. His allowance was fifty thousand livres per annum, out of which he gave six thousand livres, or 1200 dolls. to a first clerk, who received the like sum from the king for under-clerks and stationary.

Surintendant général des poudres et salpêtres de France, Fr. Superintendant general of powder and saltpetre magazines of France. An appointment in the old French artillery, which was created in 1634, and paid the Paulette.

SURMENER, Fr. To founder. A term in the French manege, signifying to over-ride or over-work a horse. Hence, un chéval surmené. A jaded horse, or one spoiled by too much work.

Les SURPENTES, Fr. The slings or straps used in the artillery.

To SURPRISE, (Surprendre, Fr.) in war, to fall on an enemy unexpectedly, in marching through narrow and difficult passes, when one part has passed, so as not easily to come to the succour of the other; as in the passage of rivers, woods, enclosures, &c. A place is surprised by drains, casemates, or the issues of rivers or canals; by the encumbering the bridge or gate, by waggons meeting and stopping each other; sending soldiers into the place, under pretence of being deserters, who, on entering, surprise the guard; being sustained by troops in ambush near the place, to whom they give entrance, and thereby seize it. Soldiers dressed like peasants, merchants, Jews, priests, or women, are sometimes employed for this purpose. The enemy sometimes send in their soldiers, as if they were yours coming from the hospitals, &c. they also dress their soldiers in your regimentals, who, presenting themselves at your gate as such, are immediately admitted, seize the guard, and become masters of the place. Sometimes houses are set on fire, and whilst the garrison comes out to extinguish it, troops who lay in ambush march in, and surprise the place. Officers commanding guards at the principal gates are lured out under various pretences; matters being so contrived that a party seize the gate in coming in with them. Sometimes an alarm is given at one side of the garrison, whilst you enter secretly at the other, which at that time is too often neglected.

Surprises, (Surprises, Fr.) In a military sense, may apply either to those measures which are adopted by one army in the field to surprise another, or to those which are followed in the attack of fortified places. The French make a distinction between surprises de campagne, and surprises des places, or the surprises which are practised against an army in the field, and those which are executed against fortified towns or places. What has been said under the article Stratagems of War, will equally apply to the latter system.

When it is found expedient to attempt a surprise in the field, a sufficient number of men must be collected for the purpose, not only of advancing with confidence against the enemy, but of being able to make good a retreat, should he prove stronger than was suspected. The troops that are selected for this duty should be remarkable for their fidelity, and be able to undergo the greatest fatigue. Intelligent and faithful guides must be distributed among the different troops and companies, in order to keep up the continuity of the march, and put those of the rear in the right paths, should they have deviated from the direct route or line of march.

If the detachment or corps, that is entrusted with the secret expedition or surprise, be marched out of an entrenched camp, proper precautions must be taken, to prevent any intercourse between the enemy and persons employed to send or give intelligence. To do this effectually, the instant the rear guard has left the camp, the gates must be shut, and the strictest orders be issued to prevent spies or deserters from stealing out. Small parties of cavalry and riflemen must likewise be sent forward, to scour the roads, and to pick up stragglers. Care is taken to have it understood by the people of the country, that these parties are detached, for no other purpose than to escort some waggons, which are expected for the use of the army, to parley, or apparently to execute some business that can neither create jealousy, nor give uneasiness.

About an hour after, it must be proclaimed, in and about the camp and adjacent country, that no officer, soldier, sutler, or inhabitant of the villages, &c. shall on any account go more than one quarter of a league from the army. Small scouring parties, with the provost marshal’s field patroles, must be distributed beyond these limits, in order to pick up stragglers, and to search their persons lest they should be the bearers of letters, &c. A great number of small ambuscades must be laid along the leading avenues between the enemy’s camp and your own. If, notwithstanding all these precautions, you should learn, that the enemy has gained some information respecting your movement, a report must be instantly spread to make him imagine, that you have some other design in contemplation.

If, during the night, or in the course of the day, small reconnoitring parties, belonging to the enemy, should be discovered upon the road, or about it, one half of your patrole or scouring detachment, must be placed in ambush along one side of the road, in order to take them in the rear, whilst the other half attacks them in front, and by thus surrounding them, prevents any intelligence from being carried to the enemy.

When such parties consist of a regular advanced detachment from the enemy’s forces, that challenges you on your approach, your out-scouts must instantly give the name of the power or general against whose troops you are marching, or make them imagine, that you are returning from some secret expedition which had been undertaken in his favor, or that you came out of a neighboring state. As you draw near, proper measures must be adopted to get upon its flanks, so as ultimately to surround the whole guard, and to prevent any information from being forwarded to the main body of the enemy. This operation cannot fail of success, if you act with promptitude; and most especially if you can get possession of the enemy’s watchword or countersign.

Such are the leading precautions to be observed at the first outset of an army, whose design is to surprise its enemy. But these are not all. A perfect knowlege of his position must have been likewise acquired; correct descriptions of all the posts and stations, local as well as artificial advantages, must likewise have been given in, with a special account of the bridges, fords, &c. the state of his provisions, and of the general’s head-quarters.

If it be your design to surprise any strong holds, or particular posts, to fall suddenly upon some detached generals, or to carry the head-quarters themselves, you must be made thoroughly acquainted with all the intricacies of ground about them, with the number of men which may be opposed against you; and, when you have gained the necessary information respecting these matters, particularly the latter, you must assemble a body of active and zealous troops, whose number shall be one third at least greater than that of the enemy, to execute your plan.

When your project has been completed, you must call your men together. For in all expeditions of this sort, desultory operations are unavoidably necessary, and the troops employed upon them, must be dispersed. Should any be found absent at the roll-calling of the different companies or detachments, it may reasonably be presumed, that they are engaged in pillaging the place they entered. In which case you must set fire to the houses, if you cannot withdraw the free-booters by any other method. Strict orders should be given out, that no soldier or follower of the army shall move before the detachment returns to the main body, after having effected the surprise, or remain behind when it marches off. It frequently happens, that a few irregular soldiers, &c. will avail themselves of the confusion of the moment, to conceal the property that may have fallen into the hands of the detachment, and thereby to avoid sharing it with their comrades. Patroles must be sent out of the camp, and be posted along the road or roads that lead to the place which has been surprised, with strict injunctions to stop all stragglers; and the quarter and rear-guards of the camp itself must see, that none enter before the detachment is regularly marched in. When any are found guilty of this unmilitary practice, they must not only be stripped of their booty, but they must also be severely punished for the sake of example. If there should not be a sufficient number of waggons to bring off the wounded, the cavalry must dismount, and the wounded be put upon their horses. But if it be found expedient to make use of the horse, you must then convey the disabled in the best manner you can, by taking all the horses, &c. which may have been found in the place you have surprised.

After a surprise has been accomplished, the troops employed upon that service, must, if possible, be marched back to head-quarters, by a different road to the one they took in advancing against the enemy. For it would be extremely impolitic to expose them even though their number were a third greater than that of the enemy, to a second action; under the manifest disadvantages of being fatigued with the march, and the attack they had just made, and of being encumbered with the booty, &c. of the place they had surprised. Their retreat must be effected through the shortest way back. But if there should be the least ground to apprehend, that any attempt might be made by the enemy to cut them off, the first movement must be upon the same road they came, and when the night approaches, the troops must be suddenly countermarched, in order to take a different road, and to avoid any ambush that might be laid by the enemy.

Under these circumstances, every measure must be embraced to deceive the enemy. Some prisoners may be suffered to escape, before the troops have been countermarched, in order to give false information; some mules or horses may be left on the road, and small parties of drummers, &c. be detached forward to keep beating along the first road, as if the whole body were marching that way. Fires may also be lighted by patroles sent forward for the purpose. Among other means, which may be resorted to, to induce the enemy to believe that the original line of march has been continued, that of sending horses and men forward to mislead them by their footsteps is not the worst imagined.

It is more than probable, that if the retreat be made during the night, and through an enclosed or intersected country, the enemy will scarcely run the risk of pursuing, lest ambuscades should be formed to surprise him on his march.

If, notwithstanding all your precautions, the enemy should get intelligence of what has happened, and in consequence thereof he should have time to collect his forces together in order to attack you in your retreat; under these circumstances a position must be taken that is best suited to the kind of troops you have with you, and to their effective number.

If there be a ford, a bridge, or a defile, near to the ground you have taken up, which the enemy must unavoidably pass, the greatest expedition must be made to get beyond the obstacle, so as to have it securely in your rear. Should the obstacle be upon either of your flanks, a detachment must be posted there to keep the enemy in check, while your main body continues on its march. If you cannot conveniently send forward your booty, for fear of weakening your forces, it must be placed in such a manner as not to be in the way when you find it necessary to engage the enemy.

As soon as the enemy approaches, the whole body must be halted, and the proper dispositions be made for battle. The guard that is entrusted with the care of the prisoners, must instantly strip them of their swords, bayonets, and of every offensive weapon, (supposing them to have had permission to wear them) and must order them to sit down, threatening to shoot or cut down the first man that should presume to stir. On this account, the men who compose the guard, should always be ready to do their duty upon the least symptom of irregularity. A small cavalry detachment is usually employed upon this service, as it would not be in the power of the infantry to act with so much promptitude and activity. Before the troops are ranged in order of battle, directions must be given for every soldier to take off his knapsack, or havre-sack; for if the men were allowed to retain this load of baggage and booty, it would not be in their power to act.

History furnishes us with various instances in which fortified places, strong holds, and gates, have been surprised. There are others again in which surprises have been practised with success by means of spies, and of secret intercourse with one or more of the party against whom you are engaged. In 1707 several Miquelets disguised themselves as peasants, entered Balvastro, and remained concealed in the houses of some of the inhabitants, who supplied them with arms to enable them to attack the gate of Monsons, in order to co-operate with a detachment which was advancing towards that quarter for the purpose of surprising the place. But they did not succeed; for two regiments which lay in the town to guard the hospitals and magazines belonging to the army, instantly flew to arms, marched against the detachment, and forced them to retreat. Had the latter been superior in force, it is more than probable, that the stratagem used by the Miquelets, and seconded by the treachery of the inhabitants, would have amply succeeded. In 1580, count Egmont surprised Courtray, by ordering a number of determined good soldiers to get into the town à la débandade, and to remain concealed in the houses of the Roman catholics. See Stratagemes de Guerre, page 164, &c. &c. For various interesting particulars that regard the article we have been cursorily discussing, we refer our reader to La Suite de l’essai sur la science de la guerre, tom. iii. page 259; and tom. iv. page 87. Likewise Les Œuvres Militaires, tom. ii. page 69; and to the Stratagemes de Guerre, page 173.

To prevent a Surprise. Turpin in his Art of War, observes, that it is not sufficient for the security of the quarters, that they are well distributed, that the guards of horse are posted on the outside, and guards of foot on the inside, and that patroles also are added to them; detachments must be sent out in advance of the guards, in order to make discoveries.

A quarter should never be imagined to be totally secure, whilst there are only guards before it: it would not be difficult for the enemy to come close up to them, particularly if the country is enclosed, either during the day or night; and if it is an open country, in the night time only.

Detachments in advance of the quarters are absolutely necessary, even when there are guards; they should be increased according to the number of the troops, and in proportion to the extent of country to be guarded.

These detachments should march separately in the front, and they should occupy as much country as possible upon the flanks; they must march upon the roads leading to the enemy. In the day time, they must scour the hedges, thickets, and woods, the villages, the hollows, and every sort of place that may serve for an ambuscade: in the night time, they must draw near the quarter, and remain at the distance of at least four hundred paces, and even further if the country is open. In the night, detachments must march very leisurely, not advancing, but crossing each other; and beside the word given out in orders, they will have another particular one to recognize each other. Every now and then they must stop and listen, in order to discover, whether they can hear any thing. The officers commanding the detachments should avoid fighting till the last extremity; they should constantly bear in mind, that the sole purpose of their being ordered to advance, is to preserve the quarters from a surprise.