Note 31 — BATTLE OF ALEXANDRIA.

Echelon, in military parlance, is the movement of companies or regiments, when each division follows that which preceded it, like the steps of a ladder. It is employed when changing from a direct to an oblique or diagonal formation. The oblique changes are produced by the wheel, less than the quarter circle of division, from line; the direct are effected by a perpendicular and successive march of divisions from line to front or rear.