Chapter D: Caldwell, (38)

MANIPULARIS (_manipulaire_,) _Fr._ from MANIPLE, a handful or bottle of straw. The chief officer in a part of the Roman infantry called manipulus, was so called. This officer was likewise ordinary, _ordinaire_, _Fr._

MANIPULA, _Fr._. See MANIPULUS.

MANIPULE _Pyrotechnique_, _Fr._ a certain quantity of iron or brass petards, which may be thrown by the hand upon an enemy. These petards and the method of making them, are particularly described by Casini in his work on artillery. See PETARDS.

MANIPULUS (_manipule_, _Fr._) A small body of infantry originally so called among the Romans, during the reign of Romulus. Their ensign was a hand on the end of a staff.

It consisted of one hundred men, and in the days of the consuls and first Cæsars, of two hundred. Three manipuli constituted a Roman cohort. Each manipulus was commanded by two officers called centurions, one of whom acted as lieutenant to the other. A centurion among the Romans, may be considered in the same light, as we view a captain of a company in modern service. Every manipulus made two centuries or _Ordines_. This, however, cannot be said to have been the uniform establishment or formation of the manipulus; for according to Varro and Vegetius, it was the smallest body of men employed in the Roman armies, and composed the tenth part of a century. Spartian in his life of Sexennius Niger, says, it consisted only of ten soldiers. We have already observed, that it takes its name from manipulus, which signifies a handful of straw; the latter having been fixed to a long pole to serve as a rallying signal, before the eagles were adopted. This circumstance has given rise to the modern expression, a handful of men, _une poignée de gens_. Vegetius, on the other hand says, it comes from _manus_, which signified a small body or handful of men collected together, and following the same standard; and Modestus as well as Varro, state it to have been so called, because, when they went into action, they took one another by the hand, or fought all together. A French writer conceives, that manipulus may be considered as one of those parts of a modern battalion, which are distributed in different rooms, &c. and which is called _une chambrée_, or a company that messes together.

MANIPULUS, so called from its standard or flag, which was made of cloth, and hung suspended on a staff with a hand. The manipulus was distinguished in this manner from the chief standard of each legion, which was an eagle of massive metal.

MANOEUVRE, (_Manoeuvre_, _Fr._) Manœuvres of war consist chiefly in habituating the soldier to a variety of evolutions, to accustom him to different movements, and to render his mind familiar with the nature of every principle of offensive or defensive operation. The regular manœuvres of the British army have been reduced to nineteen, though these are not competent to every exigency of service the skilful officer will know how to manœuvre as the ground he is upon requires.

The word manœuvre is frequently used in the French artillery to express the method with which a piece of ordnance or mortar is raised and placed upon its carriage by several hands, assisted by the crab or any other machine. In a general acceptation of the term, _manœuvre_ means that mechanical process by which any weight is lifted.

_To_ MANŒUVRE, is to manage any body or armed force in such a manner as to derive sudden and unexpected advantages before the enemy, from a superior talent in military movements. It consists in distributing equal motion to every part of a body of troops, to enable the whole to form, or change their position, in the most expeditious and best method, to answer the purposes required of a battalion, brigade, or line of cavalry, infantry, or artillery.

The use of all manœuvres and of all discipline is the same, to habituate men to the word of command, to perform what is commanded, and in the shortest time, in the best manner. The idea therefore of reducing _manœuvres_ to 18 or 19, or any given number, manifests a misconception of the military art, that is truly surprizing; for it must be perceived by a practical man, that the principles of all manœuvres are few and simple; although manœuvres are as susceptible of infinite variety and of real use, as arithmetical numbers. The ability of the officer is shewn in the choice of manœuvre, and its adaptation to the ground manœuvred upon, the end proposed to be obtained by the manœuvre, the position of the enemy, and the exactness and celerity with which it is performed. The great perfection of manœuvre is when troops at a single word of command perform movements of different kinds at the same instant, but all to accomplish the same object; that is to accomplish together the end proposed by the commander. Soldiers should be so exercised as to be competent to move in any manner or direction on the instant; a fixt number of manœuvres is calculated to defeat this end. The Austrians have attempted to follow the French, and practise their methods of manœuvre, which are not so much for parade as for practice. In the United States, the prejudice against, or the ignorance of manœuvre is excessive.

It has always been lamented, that men have been brought on service without being acquainted with the uses of the different manœuvres they have been practising; and having no ideas of any thing but the uniformity of the parade, instantly fall into disorder and confusion when they lose the step, or see a deviation from the straight lines they have been accustomed to at exercise. It is a pity to see so much attention confined to show, and so little given to instruct the troops in what may be of use to them on real service.

Manœuvre when executed in the presence of the enemy, must be protected by some light troops, riflemen or horse artillery.

_Grand_ MANŒUVRE _de Guerre_, _Fr._ This expression is peculiarly French, and may be said to signify the dispositions of war upon a large scale. According to marshal Saxe these dispositions consist chiefly in drawing troops up in such a manner, that the cavalry and infantry may support each other; but he objects to that arrangement by which companies or platoons of infantry are intermixed with squadrons of horse; for, as he justly observes, if the latter should be beaten, the foot soldiers must unavoidably be thrown into confusion by the enemy’s cavalry, and be cut to pieces. For further particulars on this important article, see Saxe’s _Reveries_, where he treats of _La Grande Manœuvre de Guerre_, and the supplement to them by baron d’Espagnac, page 69.

_Warlike_ MANOEUVRES, (_Manoeuvres de Guerre_, _Fr._) Warlike manoeuvres, or the different exercises, &c. by which men are taught the military profession: these exercises, from the earliest periods of history, have been infinitely diversified. Vegetius, an ancient writer, remarks, that the Romans, in order to enure their raw troops to the fatigues of war, had specific regulations drawn up, by which every recruit was regularly practised in martial exercises. These regulations were originally formed during the existence of their republic, and were afterwards confirmed by the emperors Augustus and Adrian.

It was particularly ordained, that the cavalry as well as the infantry should be _walked out_ (_être mené à la promenade_) three times every month. The foot were obliged to go ten miles beyond the lines of their encampment. On these occasions they were originally drawn up. But their movements both in going and returning were frequently altered; being sometimes obliged to march at a moderate rate, and at others to increase their pace and run. The same regulation held good with respect to the cavalry, which was armed and divided into certain proportions, called turmæ. The troops on horseback went the same distance, and practised different evolutions on the road. Sometimes advancing to attack, and at others suddenly wheeling round, to return to the charge with greater impetuosity. These exercises were not, however, confined to open roads, or a level country: both horse and foot were frequently ordered to make their way through intricate passes, over cragged hills, &c. and to accustom themselves to every possible obstacle that might occur in military movements.

This species of _manoeuvre_ or practising exercise, has at last obtained in modern times. It was till lately thought sufficient to teach a raw recruit the use of the firelock, and to make him master of a certain number of movements, by the knowlege of which he was held fit to make a part of a well disciplined corps. How to march against and attack an enemy, or to meet his attack with skill and steadiness; these principally constituted the system of modern manoeuvres, and are better understood by the name of evolutions. In the British service there is a specific number of manoeuvres or evolutions to which every regiment must conform, and with the particular practice of which every officer and soldier must be made intimately acquainted. See _Am. Mil. Library_.

MANOEUVRER, _Fr._ To manoeuvre. This verb in the French language may be applied two ways; as, _manoeuvrer les voiles_, to manage the sails and tackle of a vessel.

MANOEUVRER _des Troupes_, to make soldiers go through their different manoeuvres. _Ces troupes ont bien manoeuvré_, those soldiers have ably manoeuvred.

_Bien ou mal_ MANOEUVRER, _Fr._ signifies to manoeuvre well or ill; as, _un tel gênéral ou officier a bien manoeuvré à tel passage, à tel endroit_, such a general manoeuvred well at such a passage or quarter: _mais un tel à mal manoeuvré à la defense ou à l’attaque de tel poste_, but such an officer manoeuvred extremely ill in his defence or attack of such a post. The word manoeuvre is originally derived from the Latin _Manûs Opus_.

MANOEUVRIER, _Fr._ any officer who is perfectly acquainted with the art of manoeuvring.

MANOEUVRIER, _Fr._ A sea phrase, which is frequently used among the French, to signify that an officer not only understands all the different words of command, but can thoroughly manoeuvre his ship. It is common to say, _il est un des meilleurs manoeuvriers qui soient sur mer_, he is one of the ablest sea officers in the service.

MANTEAU, _Fr._ This word, which literally signifies a cloak, is frequently used among the French to express the covering that hussars or light infantry troops carry for the double purpose of shielding their bodies from the inclemencies of the weather in outposts, &c. and for spreading over their heads, by means of poles, when they occasionally halt, and take a position.

MANTELETS, in a military sense, are either single or double, composed of great planks of wood, of about 5 feet high, and 3 inches thick. The single ones are sometimes covered with tin, made musquet-proof, which the pioneers generally roll before them, being fixed upon wheels, to cover them from the enemy’s fire, in opening the trenches, or carrying on the sap, &c. The double ones form an angle, and stand square, making two fronts, which cover both the front and flank of the sappers, &c. when at work: these have double planks with earth rammed in between them: they are 5 feet high and 3 in breadth, sometimes covered with plates of iron; they may with propriety be called a moving parapet, having a shaft to guide them by.

MANTONET, _Fr._ A small piece of wood or iron, which is notched, for the purpose of hanging any thing upon it. The pegs in soldier’s rooms are sometimes so called.

MANUAL.--In a general acceptation of the word, means any thing done by the hand.

MANUAL _Exercise_, in the British service, is the exercise of the musquet, independent of powder and ball, and consists in seven motions of the firelock; 5 of which are essentially different from each other, viz. _order arms_, _fix bayonets_, _shoulder arms_, _present arms_, _shoulder arms_, _charge bayonets_, and _shoulder arms_.

I. _Order Arms._ (3 _motions_.) Bring the firelock to the trail in two motions as usual, seizing it at the first at the lower loop, just at the swell, at the 2d, bring it down to the right side, the butt within an inch of the ground: at the 3d, drop the butt on the ground, placing the muzzle against the hollow of the right shoulder, and the hand flat upon the sling; the thumb behind the barrel.

II. _Fix Bayonets._--At the word, _fix_, grip the firelock; as soon as the word of command is fully out, push the firelock a little forward, at the same time drawing out the bayonet with the left hand, and fixing it with the utmost celerity. The instant this is done, return as quick as possible, to the _order_, as above described, and stand perfectly steady.

III. _Shoulder Arms._--As soon as the word _shoulder_ is given, grip the firelock with the right hand, as in fixing bayonets, and, at the last word, _arms_, the firelock must be thrown, with the right hand, in one motion, and with as little appearance of effort as possible, into its proper position on the left shoulder; the hand crosses the body in so doing, but must instantly be withdrawn.

IV. _Present Arms._ (3 _motions_.)--1st. Seize the firelock with the right hand, under the guard, turning the lock to the front, but without moving it from the shoulder.

2d. Bring it to the _poize_, seizing it with the left hand, the fingers easily round the stock, the wrist upon the guard, and the point of the left thumb of equal height with the eyes.

3d. Bring down the firelock with a quick motion, as low as the right hand will admit without constraint, drawing back the right foot at the same instant, so that the hollow of it may touch the left heel. The firelock in this position is to be totally supported in the left hand; the body to rest intirely on the left foot; both knees to be straight; the firelock in front of the left eye, and the butt in front of the left thigh.

V. _Shoulder Arms._ (2 _motions_.)--1st. By a turn of the right wrist, bring the firelock to its proper position on the shoulder, as described above, the left hand grasping the butt.

2d. Quit the right hand, bring it briskly down to its place by the side.

VI. _Charge Bayonets._ (2 _motions_.)--1st. At one motion throw the firelock from the shoulder across the body, to a low diagonal recover, a position known by the name of _porting arms_, or _preparing for the charge_, in which the lock is to be turned to the front, and at the height of the breast; the muzzle slanting upwards, so that the barrel may cross opposite the point of the left shoulder, with the butt proportionally depressed; the right hand grasps the small of the butt, and the left holds the piece at the swell, close to the lower pipe, the thumbs of both hands pointing towards the muzzle.

2d. Make a half-face to the right, and bring down the firelock to nearly a horizontal position, with the muzzle inclining a little upwards, and the right wrist resting against the hollow of the thigh, just below the hip.

N. B. The first motion of the _charge_ is the position which the soldier will either, from the shoulder, or after firing, take, in order to advance on an enemy, whom it is intended to attack with fixed bayonets; and the word of command for that purpose is “_prepare to charge_.” The second position of the charge is that which the front rank takes when arrived at a few yards distance only from the body to be attacked. The first motion of the _charge_ is also that which sentries are to take when challenging any persons who approach their posts.

VII. _Shoulder Arms._ (2 _motions_.)--1st. Face to the front, and throw up the piece into its position on the shoulder, by a turn of the right wrist, instantly grasping the butt, as before described, with the left hand.

2d. Quit the firelock briskly with the right hand, bringing it to its proper place by the side.

The men are taught likewise to _support arms_ at _three_ motions, throwing the first and second nearly into one: at the first motion they seize the small of the butt, under the lock, with the right hand, bringing the butt in the front of the groin, and keeping the lock somewhat turned out: at the second, they bring the left arm under the cock: at the third, they quit the right hand. In _carrying arms_ from the _support_, the motions are exactly reversed.

In marching any distance, or in standing at ease, when _supported_, the men are allowed to bring their right hand across the body, to the small of the butt, which latter must in that case, be thrown still more forward; the fingers of the left hand being uppermost, must be placed between the body and the right elbow; the right hands are to be instantly removed when the division _halts_, or is ordered to _dress by the right_.

_Time._--The motions in the manual exercise to be performed slow, leaving three seconds between each motion, except that of _fixing bayonets_, in which a longer time must be given.

The manual is not to be executed by one word, or signal, but each separate word of command is to be given by the officer who commands the body performing it.

In regard to the motions of _securing_, _grounding_, and _trailing_, as well as those of _piling_, &c. it will be sufficient for the soldiers to be taught to perform them in the most convenient and quickest method. _Returning bayonets_ is to be done from the _order_; in the same manner as _fixing_ them.

_Sentries._--Sentries posted with shouldered arms, are permitted afterwards to _support_, but not to slope them. On the approach of an officer, they immediately _carry_ their arms, and put themselves into their proper position; which is not to be done at the instant he passes, but by the time he is within twenty yards of their post, so that they may be perfectly steady before he comes up.

_Corporals._--Corporals marching with reliefs, or commanding detachments, or divisions, carry their arms _advanced_, as formerly: for which purpose a soldier, when promoted to that rank, must be taught the position of _advanced arms_.

_Explanation of the several Motions of the Platoon Exercise, as taught at the drill in the British service._

I. _Make Ready._--As usual, bringing the firelock to the _recover_, and instantly cocking.

II. _Aim._--1st. Slip the left hand along the sling, as far as the swell of the firelock, and bring the piece down to the _present_, stepping back about six inches to the rear with the right foot.

III. _Fire._--After firing drop the firelock briskly to the _priming_ position.

2d. Half cock.

IV. _Handle Cartridge._--1st. Draw the cartridge from the pouch.

2d. Bring it to the mouth, holding it between the fore finger and thumb, and bite off the top of it.

V. _Prime._--1st. Shake some powder into the pan.

2d. Shut the pan with the three last fingers.

3d. Seize the small of the butt with the above three fingers.

VI. _Load._--1st. Face to the left on both heels, so that the right toe may point directly to the front, and the body be a very little faced to the left, bringing at the same time the firelock round to the left side without sinking it. It should, in this momentary position, be almost perpendicular (having the muzzle only a small degree brought forward), and as soon as it is steady there, it must instantly be forced down within two inches of the ground, the butt nearly opposite the left heel, and the firelock itself somewhat sloped, and directly to the front; the right hand at the same instant catches the muzzle, in order to steady it.

2d. Shake the powder into the barrel, putting in after it the paper and ball.

3d. Seize the top of the ramrod, with the fore finger and thumb.

VII. _Draw ramrods._--1st. Draw the ramrod half out, and seize it back-handed exactly in the middle.

2d. Draw it entirely out, and turning it with the whole hand and arm extended from you, put it one inch into the barrel.

VIII. _Ram down cartridge._--1st. Push the ramrod down, holding it as before, exactly in the middle, till the hand touches the muzzle.

2d. Slip the fore finger and thumb to the upper end, without letting the ramrod fall farther into the barrel.

3d. Push the cartridge well down to the bottom.

4th. Strike it two very quick strokes with the ramrod.

IX. _Return ramrod._--1st. Draw the ramrod half out, catching it back-handed.

2d. Draw it entirely out, turning it very briskly from you, with the arm extended, and put it into the loops, forcing it as quick as possible to the bottom; then face to the proper front, the finger and thumb of the right hand holding the ramrod, as in the position immediately previous to drawing it, and the butt raised two inches from the ground.

X. _Shoulder Arms._--Strike the top of the muzzle smartly with the right hand, in order to fix the bayonet and ramrod more firmly, and at the same time throw it nimbly up, at one motion to the shoulder.

N. B. Though the butts are not to come to the ground in casting about, as accidents may happen from it, yet they are permitted, while loading, to be so rested; but it must be done without noise, and in a manner imperceptible in the front.

_Explanation of priming and loading quick._

_Prime and Load._--1st. Bring the firelock down in one brisk motion to the priming position, the thumb of the right hand placed against the pan-cover, or steel: the fingers clenched; and the elbow a little turned out, so that the wrist may be clear of the cock.

2d. Open the pan by throwing up the steel, with a strong motion of the right arm, turning the elbow in, and keeping the firelock steady in the left hand.

3d. Bring your hand round to the pouch, and draw out the cartridge.

The rest as above described, excepting that, in the quick loading, all the motions are to be done with as much dispatch as possible; the soldiers taking their time, from the flugel man in front, for _casting over and shouldering only_.

_Priming position._--In firing three deep the priming position for the front rank is the height of the waistband of the breeches: for the centre rank, about the middle of the stomach; and for the rear rank, close to the breast: the firelock, in all these positions, is to be kept perfectly horizontal.

_Explanation of the Positions of each Rank in the Firings._

_Front Rank, kneeling._--Bring the firelock briskly up to the _recover_, catching it in the left hand; and, without stopping, sink down with a quick motion upon the right knee, keeping the left foot fast, the butt end of the firelock, at the same moment, falling upon the ground; then cock, and instantly seize the cock and steel together in the right hand, holding the piece firm in the left, about the middle of that part which is between the lock and the swell of the stock: the point of the left thumb to be close to the swell, and pointing upwards.

As the body is sinking, the right knee is to be thrown so far back that the left leg may be right up and down, the right foot a little turned out, the body straight, and the head as much up as if shouldered; the firelock must be upright, and the butt about four inches to the right of the inside of the left foot.

_Aim._--Bring the firelock down firmly to the _aim_, by sliding the left hand, to the full extent of the arm, along the sling, without letting the motion tell: the right hand at the same time springing up the butt by the cock so high against the right shoulder, that the head may not be too much lowered in taking aim; the right cheek to be close to the butt; the left eye shut, and the middle finger of the right hand on the trigger, look along the barrel with the right eye from the breech-pin to the muzzle, and remain steady.

_Fire._--Pull the trigger strong with the middle finger, and, as soon as fired, spring up nimbly upon the left leg, keeping the body erect, and the left foot fast, and bringing the right heel to the hollow of the left; at the same instant drop the firelock to the priming position, the height of the right hip; _half cock_, _handle cartridge_, and go on with the loading motions, as before described.

_Centre rank._--_Make ready._--Spring the firelock briskly to the _recover_: as soon as the left hand seizes the firelock above the lock, raise the right elbow a little, placing the thumb of that hand upon the cock, with the fingers open on the plate of the lock, and then, as quick as possible, cock the piece, by dropping the elbow, and forcing down the cock with the thumb, step at the same time with the right foot a moderate pace to the right, and keeping the left fast, seize the small of the butt with the right hand: the piece must be held in this position perpendicular, and opposite the left side of the face, the butt close to the breast, but not pressed, the body straight and full to the front, and the head erect.

_Aim._--As in the foregoing explanation for the front rank.

_Fire._--Pull the trigger strong with the middle finger, and, as soon as fired, bring the firelock to the priming position, about the height of the stomach: the rest, as in the explanation of _priming_ and _loading_, with this difference only, that the left foot is to be drawn up to the right, at the same time that the firelock is brought down to the priming position, and that immediately after the firelock is thrown up to the shoulder, the men spring to the left again, and cover their file leaders.

_Rear rank._--_Make ready._--Recover and cock, as before directed for the centre rank, and, as the firelock is brought to recover, step briskly to the right a full pace, at the same time placing the left heel about six inches before the point of the right foot. The body to be kept straight, and as square to the front as possible.

_Aim._--As in explanation for the centre rank.

_Fire._--As in explanation for the centre rank; after firing and shouldering, the men step as the centre rank does.

In firing with the front rank _standing_, that rank makes ready, &c. as specified in the article relative to the _platoon exercise_.

_Officers._--In giving words of command, as well in as out of the ranks, officers are to stand perfectly steady, and in their proper position; their swords held firmly in the full of the right hand, with the upper part of the blade resting against the shoulder, the right wrist against the hip, and the elbow drawn back.

_Firing by platoons._--_Officers, &c._--The officers, instead of giving the words _platoon_, _make ready_, _aim_, _fire_, are to pronounce the words short, as for instance, _’toon_, _ready_, _aim_, _fire._

In firing by platoons, or divisions, the officers commanding them are to step out one pace, on the close of the _preparative_, and face to the left towards their men; they there stand perfectly steady till the last part of the _general_, when they step back again into their proper intervals, all at the same time. After a division has fired, the right hand man of it steps out one pace, in front of the officer, but still keeping his own proper front, and gives the time for _casting about_ and _shouldering_, after which he falls back again into his place in the front rank.

The flugle man of a battalion is also to keep his front, in giving the time of exercise.

In firing by grand divisions, the centre officer falls back, on the _preparative_, into the fourth rank, and is replaced by the covering serjeant.

MANUBALISTE, _Fr._ From the Latin manubalista. A cross bow.

MANUFACTURES _d’armes_, _Fr._ Places appropriated for the manufacturing of arms. During the old government of France, three places were appropriated for the manufacturing of arms; one at Maubeuge, one at Charleville and Nourzon, and the third at St. Etienne en Foret. These were called royal manufactories of arms for public service. A director general superintended the whole, to whom every person concerned in the undertaking was subject, and who was himself subordinate to those artillery inspectors and comptrollers, that were severally appointed by the grand master of the ordnance and the secretary at war.

The United States have manufactories of arms at Harpers ferry, on Potomac; at Springfield, Massachusetts; at Washington City; and at Rocky Mount, S. Carolina.

MAP, in a military and geographical sense, is a plane figure, representing the surface of the earth, or a part thereof, according to the laws of perspective; distinguishing the situation of cities, mountains, rivers, roads, &c.

In maps these three things are essentially necessary. 1. That all places have the same situation and distance from the great circles therein, as on the globe, to show their parallels, longitudes, zones, climates, and celestial appearances. 2. That their magnitudes be proportionable to the real magnitudes on the globes. 3. That all places have the same situation, bearing, and distance, as on the earth itself.

MAPS are either universal, which exhibit the whole surface of the earth; or partial, which exhibit some particular part thereof: each kind is called geographical or land-maps, in contradistinction to hydrographical or sea-maps, representing the seas and sea-coasts, properly called charts.

As a map is a representation of some part of the surface of the earth delineated upon a plane, the earth, being round, no part of the spherical surface of it can be accurately exhibited upon a plane; and therefore some have proposed globular maps. For this purpose a plate of brass might be hammered, or at a less expence a piece of paste-board might be formed into a segment of a sphere, and covered on its convex side with a map projected in the same manner as the papers of the common globe are. A map made in this method would show every thing in the same manner, as it would be seen upon a globe of the same diameter with the sphere upon the segment of which it was delineated: and, indeed, maps of this sort would in effect be segments of such a globe; but they are not in common use.

The ancients described all parts of the known earth in one general map. In this view one of them compares the shape of the earth to the leather of a sling, whose length exceeds its breadth: the length of the then known parts of the earth from east to west was considerably greater than from north to south; for which reason, the former of these was called the longitude, and the other the latitude.

The modern general maps are such as give us a view of an entire hemisphere, or half of the globe; and are projected upon the plane of some great circle, which terminates the projected hemisphere, and divides it from the other half of the globe, at the equator, the meridian, or horizon of some place. From the circle the projection is denominated, and said to be equatorial, meridionial, or horizontal.

Particular maps are such as exhibit to us less than an hemisphere; of this sort are maps of the great quarters into which the earth is divided, as Europe, Asia, Africa, and America; or maps of particular nations, provinces, countries, or of lesser districts.

A particular map is a part of a general one, and may be made upon the same principles, as by projecting a large hemisphere, and taking so much of it as the _map_ is designed to contain. When we are to delineate a _map_ of the smaller part of the earth, if it be near the equator, the meridians and parallels may be represented by equi-distant straight lines; if at some distance from the equator, the parallels may be equi-distant straight lines, and the meridian straight lines, a little converging towards the nearest pole; or the meridians may be straight lines, converging towards the nearest pole, and the parallels circular.

When we are to make a _map_ of a very small district, as of a county or town, whatever part of the earth it be in, the meridians and parallels may be equidistant straight lines, drawn through every minute, &c. of longitude, in proportion as the largeness of the _map_ will allow. See PLOTTING and SURVEYING.

The use of _maps_ is obvious from their construction. The degrees of the meridians and parallels shew the longitude and latitude of places; their bearings from each other appear from inspection; and their distance from each other may be measured by the divisions on the meridian, equator, or scales. GEOGRAPHY.

MARAUDE, _Fr._ The act of marauding. This word specifically means the theft or depredation which a soldier commits against the peasantry of the country, and for which offence, he is punished with death in all foreign services.

MARAUDEUR, _Fr._ A marauder. This term is now strictly English. Its signification, however, is generally the same in all services. Any soldier that steals out of camp, armed or unarmed, for the purpose of pillaging the country, is a marauder, and is liable, upon conviction, to be punished with death, or such other punishment as by a general court-martial shall be awarded.

_Aller en_ MARAUDE, means to go out marauding.

MARAUDING, in a _military sense_, the act of plundering, which is generally committed by a party of soldiers, who, without any order, go into the neighboring houses or villages, when the army is either in camp or in garrison, to pilfer and destroy, &c. Marauders are a disgrace to the camp, to the military profession, and deserve no better quarters from their officers than they give to poor peasants, &c. Marauding is also applied to plundering at sea; thus the Barbary Corsairs, and the British navy are systematic marauders.

MARC, _Fr._ A weight equal to eight ounces. In France, it is usual for silversmiths and jewellers to take a marc at that standard, but when articles of greater bulk and grosser quality than those they deal in, are brought to the scale, the marc contains 16 ounces to the pound. All stores and ammunition were appreciated by this measure.

_A_ MARCH, (_une Marche_, _Fr._) is the moving of a body of men from one place to another. Care must be taken, in marching troops, that they are not liable to be flanked or intercepted; for of all operations none is more difficult, because they must not only be directed to the objects they have in view, but according to the movements the enemy may have made.

Of all the mechanical parts of war, none is more essential than that of marching. It may be justly called the key which leads to all important motions and manœuvres of an army; for they depend entirely on this point. A man can be attacked in four different ways; in the front, on both flanks, and in the rear: but he can defend himself, and annoy the enemy, only when placed with his face towards him. Hence it follows, that the general object of marching, is reduced to three points only; to march forwards, and on both sides, because it is impossible to do it for any time backwards, and by that means face the enemy wherever he presents himself. The different steps to be made use of are three: slow, quick, and accelerated. The first is used only at reviews, for parade, or in mounting guard. The second is proper in advancing, when at a considerable distance from the enemy, and when the ground is unequal, that the line may not be broken, and that a regular fire may be kept up without intermission. The third is chiefly necessary, when you want to anticipate the enemy in occupying some post, in passing a defile, and, above all, in attacking an intrenchment, to avoid being a long while exposed to the fire of the artillery and small arms, &c. Columns may be opened and formed into lines, and _vice versa_, lines into columns, by all these steps. In coming out of a defile, you may instantly form the line without presenting the flank to the enemy. The line may be formed, though ever so near to the enemy, with safety, because you face him, and can with ease and safety protect and cover the motion of the troops, while they are coming out of the defiles and forming. The same thing may be equally executed, when a column is to be formed, in order to advance or retreat; which is a point of infinite consequence, and should be established as an axiom.

The order of _march_ of the troops must be so disposed, that each should arrive at their rendezvous, if possible, on the same day. The quarter-master-general, or his deputy, with an able engineer, should sufficiently reconnoitre the country, to obtain a perfect knowlege both of that and of the enemy, before he forms his routes.

Before a _march_, the army generally receives several days bread. The quarter-masters, camp-color men, and pioneers, parade according to orders, and march immediately after, commanded by the quarter-master-general, or his deputy. They are to clear the roads, level the ways, make preparations for the march of the army, &c. The _general_, for instance, beats at 2, the _assembly_ at 3, and the army to march in 30 minutes after. Upon beating the _general_, the village, and general officer’s guards, quarter and rear-guards, join their respective corps; and the army pack up their baggage. Upon beating the _assembly_, the tents are to be struck, and sent with the baggage to the place appointed, &c.

The companies draw up in their several streets, and the rolls are called. At the time appointed, the drummers are to beat a march, and fifers play at the head of the line; upon which the companies _march_ out from their several streets, form battalions as they advanced to the head of the line and then halt.

The several battalions will be formed into columns by the adjutant-general, and the order of march, &c., be given to the general officers who lead the columns.

The cavalry generally march by regiments or squadrons. The heavy artillery always keep the great roads, in the centre of the columns, escorted by a strong party of infantry and cavalry.--The field-pieces move with the columns.

Each soldier generally marches with 60 rounds of powder and ball, and three good flints; one of which is to be fixed in the cock of his firelock. The routes must be so formed, that no column may cross another on the march. See _American Military Library_.

MARCH! (_Marche!_ _Fr._) as a word of command, whenever it is given singly, invariably denotes that _ordinary_ or _triple_ time is to be taken; when the _slow time_ is meant, that word will precede the other. The word _march_, marks the beginning of movements from the _halt_; but it is not given when the body is in previous motion. It should be sharp, clear, and distinct.

The usual rate of marching for cavalry is 17 miles in 6 hours; but this may be extended to 21, or even 28 miles in that time.

_Rates paid for English carriages on the march._

{with 5 horses, or
One shilling _per_ mile for every carriage{with 6 oxen, or
{with 4 oxen & 2 horses;

nine pence _per_ mile for any cart with 4 horses, and so in proportion for less carriages; or a further sum, not exceeding 4_d_ per mile for every carriage with 5 horses, or with 6 oxen, or with 4 oxen and 2 horses; or 3_d_ _per_ mile for every cart with 4 horses; and so in proportion for less carriages, as the same shall be fixed and ordered by the justices of the peace. The waggons, &c. not to carry more than 30 cwt.

_Regular_ ferries in England are only to be paid for on the march at half the ordinary rate.

_Marching money._--Innkeepers in the British dominions, are obliged to furnish troops on the march with diet and small beer, for the day of their marching in, and two days afterwards; unless one of the days be a market day. For which the publican by the king’s warrant, 17th of March, 1800, is to receive 16_d_, and which is paid in the following manner:

Paid by government, Cav. 9_d._--Inf. 11_d._
-- by the soldier -- 6_d._ -- 4_d._
Soldiers beer money -- 1_d._ -- 1_d._
------ ------
Total 16 16

In MARCHING every soldier must be well balanced on his limbs: his arms and hands, without stiffness, must be kept steady by his sides, and not suffered to vibrate. He must not be allowed to stoop forward, still less to lean back. His body must be kept square to the front, and thrown rather more forward in marching than when halted, that it may accompany the movement of the leg and thigh: the ham must be stretched, but without stiffening the knee: the toe a little pointed, and kept near the ground, so that the shoe-soles may not be visible to a person in front: the head to be kept well up, straight to the front, and the eyes not suffered to be cast down: the foot, without being drawn back, must be placed flat on the ground.

The object so generally recommended, of keeping the body erect, and the legs well stretched and pointed, would be effectually gained, were recruits, when they are first placed under the moulding hand of the drill serjeant, taught and gradually accustomed to step well out from the haunches. This method is invariably practised among the French, who are unquestionably not only the best dancers, but the most expert movers on foot in the world.

_Quick_-MARCH. _Ordinary_ time. A movement by which troops advance at the rate of 75 steps in the minute, each of 24 inches, making 150 feet or 50 yards in a minute.

_Quick_-MARCH. As a word of command, signifies, that the troops should move in quick time.

_Slow_-MARCH. A movement by which troops advance at the rate of 60 steps in the minute.

In order to teach a recruit the just length of pace, accurate distances must be marked out on the ground, along which, he should be practised.

_Wheeling_-MARCH, _or_ accelerated pace is 120 steps of 24 inches each, or 2880 inches, or 240 feet in the minute.

This is the most rapid movement by which men under arms, or otherwise when formed, should go from line into column, or come from column into line. This is applied chiefly to the purpose of wheeling, and is the rate at which all bodies should accomplish their _wheels_, the outward file stepping 30 inches, whether the wheel be from line into column, during the march in column, or from column into line. In this time also should divisions double and move up, when passing obstacles in line; or when in the column of march, the front of divisions is increased or diminished.

A MARCH, (_La Marche_, _Fr._) a certain tune or concord of notes, which is adapted to the movement of any particular body of troops, as, the grenadier’s march, the march of the Marseillois, _la marche des Janizaires_, the march of the Janizaries.

MARCHING _to the front or rear_. This is one of the most difficult operations in military movements.

The person instructing a platoon will, before he puts it in motion to front or rear, indicate which flank is to direct by giving the word, _mark time!_ and then _forward_ or _march_. Should the right be the directing flank, the commander of the platoon himself, will fix on objects to march upon in a line truly perpendicular to the front of the platoon; and when the left flank is ordered to direct, he and his covering serjeant will shift to the left of the front rank, and take such objects to march upon.

The conductor of the platoon, before the word _march_ is given, will endeavor to remark some distant object on the ground, in his own front, and perpendicular to the directing flank, he will then observe some nearer and intermediate point, in the same line, such as a stone, tuft of grass, &c. these he will move upon with accuracy, and as he approaches the nearest of these points, he must from time to time chuse fresh ones in the original direction, which he will by these means preserve, never having fewer than two such points to move upon. If no object in the true line can be ascertained, his own squareness of person must determine the direction of the march.

The same observations hold good in all movements to front or rear, or from either flank; and the only way to execute them with accuracy, is for the leader to look out for small intermediate points of march.

MARCH _of a battalion in file_, is to advance from the right, left, or centre of any given number of men, for the purposes of countermarching, or of closing, or opening an interval in line. On these occasions the whole step off together at the word _march_, and dress at the word _mark time_, the whole front, and the officers and serjeants, resume their several posts in line and then receive the word _halt_. Whenever more than one company march in file, the officers are out of the ranks during the march, on the left of the leading file when the right is in front, and on the right when the left is in front. They are of use in preserving the line and step, as the rear officer necessarily keeps the pace, and marches on the exact perpendicular line of his coverer. When a company is marched off singly, or files into or out of column, the officer is invariably to be in front. It sometimes happens, that a battalion standing in narrow ground, may be obliged to form open column from its leading flank, either before or behind that flank, before or behind its other flank; or before or behind any central part of the line.

_To_ MARCH _in file before the right flank_. When the right platoon or company has moved on, the rest of the battalion face to the right, and march in file: the divisions then successively front, following each other, and taking the leading one for their regulating company.

_To_ MARCH _in file behind the right flank_.

The whole face to the right, and _march_ by word of command; at which instant the right division countermarches to the rear, _fronts_, and moves forward; whilst every other division successively moves on in the same manner (having previously countermarched) and continues till the whole is in column.

_To_ MARCH _before any central point or the left flank_. The battalion makes a successive _countermarch_ from the right flank towards the left, and when the right division is arrived at the point from whence it is to advance in column, it again _countermarches_ to its right, a space equal to its front, then faces, moves on, and is thus successively followed by part of the battalion. The other part of the battalion, beyond the point of advancing, _faces_ inwards, when necessary makes a progressive march in file, and then _fronts_. Each division belonging to this part of the battalion follows successively till the whole stand in column.

_To_ MARCH _by files behind the centre or left flank_. The right proportion of the battalion _countermarches_ from the right by files successively by the rear, and the other proportion of the battalion, according to circumstances, makes a progressive march by files from its right to the central point, and there begins to countermarch; at that point the leading or head division _fronts_ into column, and moves on, each successive division doing the same. When the left of a battalion is to be in front, the same operations take place by an inverse march of the several divisions.

This method, however, of marching by files into open column, should be resorted to as little as possible, and never when it can be conveniently avoided. The formation of open column from battalion and line is better done by the wheelings of companies, subdivisions, or sections.

_To_ MARCH _up in charging order_, is to advance towards the enemy’s line with a quick but firm and steady pace, till you get within a few paces of the opposing body, when an increased rapidity must be given to the whole, but not to run so as to lose breath, the officers on this occasion must be particularly attentive to the several divisions in their charge, keeping them well dressed to their centre, and thereby preventing dangerous openings and consequent confusion. The French call this the _pas de Charge_.--Which see under PAS. See _Am. Mil. Lib._

_Points of_ MARCH, one or more objects which ought always to be prepared for the direction of any considerable body, every leader of which who moves directly forward in front, must take care to conduct it in a line perpendicular to that front. But should a leader, either in file or front, have only one marked point of march, ascertained to him, he will himself instantly look out for small intermediate points.

_To_ MARCH _in file to a flank_, is to reduce a line by marching out from its several divisions towards a given flank, there to remain in close or open column, of brigades, regiments, grand divisions, companies, &c. Nothing is more essential in all deployments into line, and in the internal movements of the divisions of the battalion, than the accuracy of the march in file. After facing, and at the word _march_, the whole are directed to step off at the same instant, each man replacing, or rather overstepping the foot of his preceding comrade: that is the right foot of the second man comes within the left foot of the first, and thus of every one, more or less overlapping, according to the closeness, or openness of the files and the length of step. The front rank will march straight along the given line, each soldier of that rank must look along the necks of those before him, and never to right or left. The centre and rear ranks must look to, and regulate themselves by their leaders of the front rank, and always dress in their file. File marching is always made in quick time.

MARCH _of a battalion in line_, is a regular continuity of files advancing forward in two or three ranks, each rear file preserving a perpendicular direction to its leader, and the ranks being kept parallel to each other at given distances; so that the whole line shall continue straight without being deformed by a concavity or convexity of figure. The _march_ of the battalion in line, either to front or rear, being the most important and most difficult of all movements, every exertion of the commanding officer, and every attention of officers and men, become peculiarly necessary to attain this end. The great and indispensible requisites of this operation are, that the direction of the march be perpendicular to the front of the battalion as then standing; that the shoulders and body of each individual be perfectly square, that the files touch lightly at the elbow only, and finally, that an accurate equality of cadence and length of step be given by the advanced guides or serjeants, whom the battalion in every respect must cover, and which equality of cadence and length of step every individual must follow and comply with. If these essential rules are not observed, its direction will be lost, the different parts will open and attempt to close, and by so doing, a floating of the whole will ensue, and disorder will arise at a time when the remedy is so difficult, and perfect order so imperiously wanted.

In order to ensure these essential requisites, and to produce perfect correctness, the serjeants must be trained to this peculiar object, on whose exactness of cadence, regularity of step, squareness of body, and precision of movement, the greatest dependance can be placed, these are the proper _guides of manoeuvre_. The habitual post of the two principal directing serjeants, is to be in the centre of the battalion, betwixt the colors. One of them is posted in the front rank, and one in the rear, that they thereby may be ready to move out when the battalion is to march; another also covers them in the supernumerary rank.