Chapter I: DO HEREBY CERTIFY, upon my word and honor, as an officer and (4)

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

ROSE-_buds_. See NAILS.

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

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

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

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

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

ROSTRAL _Crown_, _Couronne Rostrale_, _Fr._ A crown which was bestowed upon that Roman sailor who should first leap on board an enemy’s ship.

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

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

_Bois de_ ROUAGE, _Fr._ Timber to make wheels with.

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

ROUANNER, _Fr._ To bore; also to make casks.

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

ROUE, _Fr._ Wheel.

ROUE _de feu_, _Fr._ An artificial firework. See SOLEIL TOURNANT.

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

_Arquebuses et Pistolets à_ ROUET, _Fr._ Blunderbusses and pistols to which a small wheel was attached. These firearms are very little known; some, however, are still to be found in European arsenals, kept merely for curiosity.

ROUGES, _boulets Rouges_, _Fr._ Red-hot balls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROULEAU _de cartouche_, _Fr._ A cylindrical solid piece of wood, which is used in making cartridges; by us called a FORMER, as it give the form to the cartridge.

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

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

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

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

ROUNDS, are ordinary and extraordinary. The ordinary rounds are three: the _town major’s round_, the _grand round_, and the _visiting round_.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROUND _Parade_. See PARADES.

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

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

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

_To_ ROUT, _to put to the_ ROUT. To defeat, to throw into confusion, &c.

ROUTE, (_Route_, _Fr._) in _military matters_, an order to direct troops to march, the road they are to take, and an authority to the magistrates to provide quarters for them.

_Pas de_ ROUTE, _Fr._ Stepping at ease, or marching with the least possible restraint.

_Marche_ ROUTE, _Fr._ Route of march. The French use this term in contradistinction to _marche manœuvre_; march in manœuvring.

ROUTIER, _Fr._ A ruttier. The French say figuratively _c’est un vieux routier_; he is an old stager.

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

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

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

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

ROXANA, _Ind._ An Indian term expressive of great magnificence, resplendence.

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

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

ROYAL _academy_. See ACADEMY.

ROYAL _Military College_. See SCHOOL.

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

ROZEENDAR, _Ind._ A person holding a yearly pension.

ROZENADAR, _Ind._ One who receives an allowance daily.

ROZENAMA, _Ind._ A day-book.

RUBBY, _Ind._ A division of the year, containing the months of _Chaite_ or 3d month, from the 11th of March to the 10th of April. _Bysac_ or 4th month, from the 11th of April to the 11th of May. _Jeet_ or 5th month. _Assaf_ or 6th month, from the 12th of June to the 13th of July. _Savan_ or 7th month, in some manner, agrees with July and August. _Baudhoon_, or the same as _Jeet_, from the 11th of May to the 12th of June. The other half of the year is called _Kureef_.

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

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

RUE, _Fr._ Street.

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

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

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

A major-general to two ruffles.

A brigadier-general to one ruffle.

RUG, (_couverture velue_, _Fr._) A coarse nappy coverlet used for mean beds. Each set of bedding which is provided for regimental hospitals has one rug.

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

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

_Battre en_ RUINE, _Fr._ To defeat an enemy in such a manner as to destroy all means of taking the field again.

RUINES, _Fr._ Ruins.

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

_To_ RULE. To govern, to command.

RULE, RULER, an instrument by which lines are drawn.

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

RULES _and Regulations_. See REGULATIONS.

RUMB _de vent_, _Fr._ Point of the compass.

RUMB _or Rum_, _Fr._ The hold of a ship.

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

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

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

RUNNING-_fire_. See FIRE.

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

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

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

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

RUSER, _Fr._ To make use of stratagems: _Il est permis de Ruser à la guerre_; it is lawful to make use of stratagems in war.

RUSES _de guerre_, _Fr._ Stratagems of war. See STRATAGEMS.

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

RUSSUMDAR, _Ind._ A person deriving a particular perquisite.

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

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

RYET _or Ryot_, _Ind._ The general name given in India to cultivators of the ground.

RYET _or Ryot Lands_, _Ind._ Lands farmed out and cultivated by a tenant.

S.

SABLE, _Fr._ Sand.

SABLONIERE _ou_ SABLIERE. Any spot from which sand is drawn. It likewise means a sand-pit.

SABORD, _Fr._ a port-hole.

SABRE, (_Sabre_, _Fr._) a kind of sword, or scimetar, with a very broad and heavy blade, thick at the back, and of a shape falcated, or curved, but sharp at the point. It is generally worn by heavy cavalry and dragoons. The grenadiers, belonging to the whole of the French infantry, are likewise armed with sabres. The blade is not so long as that of a small sword, but it is nearly twice as broad. French hussars wear the curved sabres somewhat longer than those of the grenadiers. The broad straight sword is best adapted for infantry of every kind.

SABRE-_Tasche_. From the German _sabel_, sabre, and _tasche_, pocket. An appointment or part of accoutrement of hussars, which consists of a pocket which is suspended from the sword-belt on the left side, by three slings to correspond with the belt. It is usually of an oblong shape, scolloped at the bottom, with a device in the centre, and a broad lace round the edge. The color of it always corresponds with that of the uniform.

SABRER, _Fr._ To cut to pieces.

SAC _d’une ville_, _Fr._ The storming and plunder of a town.

_Mettre une ville à_ SAC, _Fr._ To give a town up to the plunder of the soldiers.

SAC, _Fr._ a bag

SAC _à poudre_, _Fr._ A bag of gunpowder. These bags are frequently used in war, for the purpose of intimidating an enemy, and of setting fire to places. They are of different sizes and dimensions; some to be thrown by the hand, and others out of a mortar. A French work, intituled _le Bombardier Francois_, gives a full account of both.

SAC _à terre_, _Fr._ Sand-bags, or bags filled with earth.

SAC _à amorce_, _Fr._ A small leathern bag which is used for the purpose of carrying gunpowder to the different batteries to prime the pieces.

SAC _à laine_, _Fr._ A bag made of or stuffed with wool and other soft materials. It is larger than a sand-bag. Every army should be provided with a certain quantity of these bags, in order to supply the want of soil on critical occasions.

_Un havre_ SAC. A knapsack. See HAVRESACK.

_Cul de_ SAC, _Fr._ A street or passage that has no outlet.

SACCADE, _Fr._ In the manege, a violent check or jirk, which the horseman gives his horse by drawing both the reins very suddenly. This is practised when the horse bears too heavy on the hand; but it ought to be done with great caution, as the frequency of it must eventually spoil the horse’s mouth.

SACHET, _Fr._ A pouch. It likewise signifies a bag in the diminutive sense. A satchel.

SACHETS _de mitrailles_, _Fr._ Small bags filled with grape-shot, which are afterwards fired from cannon, or thrown out of mortars.

SACHETS _de balles de plomb_, _Fr._ Bags of bullets.

SACKS. See BAGS.

SACKERS. They who sack a town.

SACRE _ou Sacret_, _Fr._ A name formerly given to pieces of ordnance that carried balls of 4 to 5lb. weight. Each piece weighed from two thousand five hundred to two thousand eight hundred pounds. The same as Saker.

SADDLE. The seat which is put upon a horse for the accommodation of the rider.

SAFE-_guard_, in _military affairs_, a protection granted by a general, for some of the enemy’s lands, houses, persons, &c. to preserve them from being insulted or plundered. See GUARD.

SAFYNAMA, _Ind._ A certificate or writing, specifying any matter of dispute, which it is found necessary to have settled or cleared up.

SAGITTAL, belonging to an arrow.

SAGITTARIUS, _or_ SAGITTARY. See ARCHER, BOWMAN.

SAGO, _Ind._ A tree of the palm species. A flour is made from this tree, which formed into bread and fresh baked, eats like hot rolls; when it grows stale it becomes hard, and requires to be soaked in water before it can be used. Three of the trees are found sufficient to give sustenance for one man during a whole year; and an acre properly planted, will supply food for one hundred for that period.

SAGUM. A woollen garment, which was formerly worn by the Roman soldiers when they took the field. It is said that the Gauls adopted the use of it.

SAH, _Ind._ A banker.

SAHEB, _Ind._ (pronounced _Saib_.) Master, sir.

SAHOOKER, _Ind._ A merchant.

SAIGNEE _du fossé_, _Fr._ The act of drawing off the water which is in the ditch or fosse of a town or fortified place. When this has been executed, clays or hurdles covered with earth, or bridges made with reeds, must be thrown upon the mud, to establish a firm footing.

SAIGNEE _de saucisson_, _Fr._ The act of cutting off a part of a linen saucisson, which is filled with gunpowder, for the purpose of introducing the moine or cylindrical tube, in order to set fire to a mine.

SAIGNER _une piéce_, _Fr._ An expression used in artillery when a piece of ordnance, which is mounted on a carriage, has its breech carried away by the violence of the explosion. This sometimes happens when the discharge is made directly downwards, or from top to bottom.

SAIGNER _une Riviére_, _Fr._ To turn the current of a river, by partially drawing off some of its water.

SAILLANT, _Fr._ Salient. See SALIENT ANGLE. This word, as well as _Saillie_, signifies generally any part of a building that does not run up perpendicularly from its base, but projects or slopes out.

_St._ GEORGE’s _Guard_, a guard of the broadsword or sabre, used in warding off blows directed against the head. See BROADSWORD.

_La_ SAINTE _barbe_, _Fr._ The gunner’s room.

SAKER, an old word for _cannon_. It carried a shot of five pounds and a quarter weight: the diameter of the bore was three inches and ⁹⁄₁₆ths; the length eight or nine feet. See CANNON.

SALADE, _Fr._ This word literally means sallad. It likewise signifies a head piece. The French use it frequently in a figurative sense, viz.

_Donner une_ SALADE _à quelqu’un_, _Fr._ To give any one a good dressing.

_Régiment de_ SALADE, _Fr._ A term of ridicule which the French frequently applied to small new-raised corps; such as independent companies which were levied for rank only.

SALE. State of being venal; price.

SALE _of Commissions_. The sale and purchase of commissions is of general usage in the British service. Commissions in the British army are sold for various purposes; sometimes to indemnify individuals for their original purchase; sometimes, as was shewn in 1809, as the fund for paying princely prostitutes.

SALIENT _angle_, in _fortification_, that whose points turn from the centre of the place. See FORTIFICATION.

SALLE _d’armes_, _Fr._ A fencing school.

SALLE _d’armes dans un magazin_, _Fr._ An armory or particular room where fire-arms, &c. are regularly disposed. Of this description is the armory in the Tower.

SALLESEE, _Ind._ Arbitration.

SALLIS, _Ind._ An arbitrator.

SALLY. See SIEGE.

SALLY-_ports_, or _postern-gates_, as they are sometimes called, are those underground passages, which lead from the inner to the outward works; such as from the higher flank to the lower, to the tenailles, or the communication from the middle of the curtain to the ravelin. When they are constructed for the passage of men only, they are made with steps at the entrance and outlet. They are about six feet wide, and 8¹⁄₂ feet high. There is also a gutter or sewer made under the _sally-ports_ that are in the middle of the curtains, in order that the water which runs down the streets may pass into the ditch; but this can only be done when they are wet ditches. When _sally-ports_ serve to carry guns through them for the out-works, instead of making them with steps, they must have a gradual slope, and be eight feet wide.

SALA-MA-NAZEER, _Ind._ The salutation of victory.

SALOOTER, _Ind._ A farrier.

SALOOTEREE, _Ind._ The business of a farrier.

SALTING-_boxes_, in _artillery_, are boxes of about four inches high, and 2¹⁄₂ in diameter, for holding mealed powder, to sprinkle the fuzes of shells, that they may take fire from the blast of the powder in the chamber; but it has been found that the fuze takes fire as well without this operation, so that these _boxes_ are now laid aside.

SALTPETRE, _Fr._ See NITRE.

SALTPETRE, or nitre, the principal ingredient for making gunpowder; it is found in great plenty in some of the East-India provinces, and in some parts of Europe. The necessities of the French revolution, when attacked by all Europe, forced the French to have recourse to their chemists, to supply nitre which could not be obtained from abroad; they scraped the walls and floors of their cellars and vaults, and out of the washed earth extracted nitre; they also extracted nitre from vegetable substances, such as the horse chesnut. In some natural caves discovered in _Kentucky_, vast quantities, sufficient for every demand of war and commerce can be procured. See GUNPOWDER, NITRE, &c.

SALPETRIERE, _Fr._ A particular spot in an arsenal where there are pits, &c. for the purpose of making saltpetre.

SALPETRIERS, _Fr._ Men employed in making saltpetre.

SALVE, _Fr._ A salute, a volley. It generally means a discharge of heavy ordnance and other firearms in concert.

SALUER _de la mousqueterie_, _Fr._ To fire a volley, or discharge of musquetry only.

SALUER _du canon_, _Fr._ To salute by the discharge of ordnance.

SALUER _de la voix_, _Fr._ To huzza. To cry out, as _vive le roi!_ God save the king! _vive la république!_ long live the republic! This manner of saluting generally appertains to the mob of a country, which lavishes its applause upon every man that happens to be in power. It has, however, been customary, both in Rome, Greece, France, and other countries, for whole battalions of soldiers to salute _à vive voix_; in which case they generally take off their hats, and give three huzzas.

SALUER _du pavillon_, _Fr._ To salute with the colors.

SALUER _à boulet_, _Fr._ To salute with ball.

SALUT, _Fr._ The salute.

SALUT _du sponton_, _Fr._ The spontoon salute.

SALUT _de l’épée_, _Fr._ The sword salute.

SALUT _de mer_, _Fr._ The deference and respect which are shewn at sea by ships of inferior force to those of superior rate. This is done by lowering the flag. The British flag claims to be paramount to all others, and requires to be saluted by foreign ships at sea. This salute has been made the subject of clauses in treaties.

SALUTE, a discharge of artillery, or small arms, or both, in honor of some person; the men presenting their arms. The colors salute chief magistrates, and generals commanding in chief; which is done by lowering the point within one inch of the ground. In the field, when a regiment is to be reviewed by a general, the drums beat a march as he passes along the line, and the officers salute one after another, pointing their swords downwards. The ensigns salute together, by lowering their colors. When the word of command _to shoulder_, is given, the officers recover their swords, and the ensigns raise the colors.

SAMBUCUS, (_Sambuque_, _Fr._) An ancient musical instrument of the wind kind, resembling a flute. It probably derives its name from Sambucus, the Elder tree; being made of that wood.

SAMBUCUS was also the name of an ancient engine of war used by Marcellus in besieging Syracuse. Plutarch relates that two ships were required to carry it. A minute description of this engine may be seen in Polybius.

SAMPODAR, _Ind._ A treasurer or cashkeeper.

SAND, _in military architecture_. The best sand for good mortar, is that whose grain is not too small, and must be clear of the earthy particles. Sand found in rivers is esteemed the best, as having a coarse grain, and being free from earth and mud. See MORTAR.

SAND _bags_. See BAGS.

SAND BAGS are made about 27 inches long, and 15 diameter; 250 of these are required for each fathom of battery, or about 1680 for two guns or mortars. See TONNAGE.

SANGIAC. A situation or appointment of dignity in Turkey. The Sangiacs are governors of towns or cantons, and take rank immediately after the _Beglerbeys_, who are viceroys in that country, and give the name of _Beglerbat_ or _Beglerbey_ to a militia which they support at their own expence.

SANS-_Culotte_, _Fr._ A revolutionary term which was first given by the French to the national guards; it was an unfortunate effusion of contempt expressed by the queen as the militia passed along; it soon became known, and was calculated to increase popular antipathy against her. It means, literally, a man without breeches.

SAP, (_Sappe_, _Fr._) in _sieges_, is a trench, or an approach made under cover, ten or twelve feet broad, when the besiegers come near the place, and the fire from the garrison grows so dangerous, that they are not able to approach uncovered.

There are several sorts of _saps_: the single, which has only a single parapet; the double, having one on each side; and the flying, made with gabions, &c. In all _saps_, traverses are left to cover the men.

The sap generally commences about the second parallel, and sometimes sooner; and if the fire of the besieged is much slackened, may proceed both day and night. The sappers are usually divided into brigades of 8, and sub-divided into divisions of 4 each; being the greatest number that can work at the sap at the same time. The leading sapper excavates 18 inches deep, and as much wide; the second, third, and fourth deepen the trench, each in succession 6 inches, and widen it as much; so that the four make a trench of 3 feet wide and three feet deep; after which the common workmen follow, and increase it in breadth and depth equal to the other trenches. The sap may proceed at the rate of 80 fathoms in 14 hours. As this work is very hard, the half brigades relieve each other every hour, and each sapper in his turn takes the lead. The whole brigade is relieved at the end of 6 hours. It is always customary in this dangerous work, to give the pay of those that are killed to the survivors. Sappers are generally armed with a helmet and breast plate. See TRENCHES, PARALLELS.

SAPPERS, (_Sappeurs_, _Fr._) are soldiers belonging to the artificers or engineers, whose business it is to work at the saps, and for which they have an extraordinary pay. A brigade of _sappers_ generally consists of eight men, divided equally into two parties. Whilst one of these parties is advancing the sap, the other is furnishing the gabions, fascines, and other necessary implements; they relieve each other alternately.

SARISSA, the Pike.

SAROT, _Fr._ A sort of frock which was worn by the drivers of mules, and other persons employed in the French armies.

SARRAZINE, _Fr._ See HERSE.

SARDAR, _Ind._ A chief, a leader.

SARAT. The breaking up or ending of the rains, is so called in India.

SASCE, _Ind._ The moon.

SASH. A mark of distinction, generally made of crimson silk for the officers, and of crimson mixed with white cotton for the serjeants. It is worn round the waist. Sashes are erroneously said to have been invented for the convenience and ease of wounded officers, in case any of them were so badly wounded, as to render them incapable of remaining at their posts, they might be carried off with the assistance of two men; but though they may have been so used, they are only an ancient remnant of military ornament, and correspond with the _kummerbaund_, worn by all Asiatics even to this day; they are of considerable use to the soldier during fatigues or marches; and the “girding up the loins,” as noted in scripture, would be found now not an unwise practice for the soldier in action. The American cavalry tie the sash on the left; the infantry on the right side. The sashes for the Austrian army are of crimson and gold; the Prussian army, black silk and silver; the Hanoverian were yellow silk; the Portugueze, crimson silk, with blue tassels. The modern French have their sashes made of three colors, viz. white, pink, and light blue, to correspond with the national flag.

SATELLITE, (_Satellite_, _Fr._) A person who attends on another, either for his safety, or to be ready to execute his pleasure.

SATELLITES, _Fr._ Certain armed men, of whom mention is made in the history of Philip Augustus, king of France. The word satellite itself, which we frequently find in ancient historians, signifies a guard or attendant about the person of a prince. It is derived from the Latin word _satelles_, which comes from the Syriac term for a companion. The Satellites of Philip Augustus were men selected from the militia of the country, who fought on foot and horseback. The servants or batmen who attended the military knights when they went into action, were likewise called _satellites_, and fought in their defence mounted or on foot.

SATISFACTION. When an officer or other person goes out to fight a duel with one whom he has offended, or by whom he has been offended, he is said to _give_ or _take_ satisfaction!

SAUCISSE, SAUCISSON, in _mining_, is a long pipe or bag, made of cloth well pitched, or sometimes of leather, of about 1¹⁄₂ inch diameter, filled with powder, going from the chamber of the mine to the entrance of the gallery. It is generally placed in a wooden pipe, called an _auget_, to prevent its growing damp. It serves to give fire to mines, caissons, bomb chests, &c.

SAUCISSON, is likewise a kind of fascine, longer than the common ones; it serves to raise batteries, and to repair breaches. Saucissons are also used in making epaulements, in stopping passages, and in making traverses over a wet ditch, &c.

SAUCISSON _de brulot_, _Fr._ A machine made use of to set fire to the different compartments in a fire-ship.

SAUCISSONS _d’artifice_, _Fr._ Saucissons used in artificial fireworks.

SAUCISSONS _volans_, _Fr._ Flying saucissons; a species of sky-rocket.

SAUF-_conduit_. A pass.

SAUT, _Ind._ An hour.

SAUT, _Fr._ This word is used in hydraulics to signify a considerable fall of water, such as the falls of Niagara, &c.

SAUTER, _Fr._ To leap.

SAUTER _a l’arbordage_, _Fr._ To leap upon the deck, or on any part of an enemy’s ship, for the purpose of boarding her.

SAUTER _en selle_, _Fr._ To get on horseback. To jump upon your saddle.

SAUVE-_garde_, _Fr._ Safe-guard. Protection.

_Accorder des_ SAUVE-_gardes_, _Fr._ To grant protections.

_Envoyer une garde en_ SAUVE-_garde_, _Fr._ To send out a party for the purpose of escorting persons, or of protecting any particular quarter.

SAUVE _qui peut!_ _Fr._ Let those escape that can. This expression is familiar to the French, it was employed in an early part of the revolution, by the royalists to produce panic in the ranks of the revolutionary army; and was used with success particularly in the corps under gen. Dillon in Flanders.

SAVAN, _Ind._ The name of an Indian month, which corresponds with July.

SAW. A dentated steel instrument with which wood or metal is cut by attrition. Each pioneer is provided with one.

SAYON, _Fr._ A kind of coarse habit in which soldiers were formerly clothed among the French.

SCABBARD, (_Fourreau_, _Fr._) A case commonly made of black leather, with a ferrel at the end, in which a sword, sabre, &c. may be sheathed.

_Bayonet_ SCABBARD. A leathern sheath made in a triangular form to correspond with the shape of the bayonet.

SCABBARD-_button_. A brass button or hook by which the scabbard is attached to the frog of the belt.

The word _scabbard_ has been sometimes used in a figurative sense to distinguish those persons who have obtained rank and promotion in the army without seeing much hard service, from those who have fought their way through all the obstacles of superior interest, &c. Hence the favourite expression of the late sir William Erskine--_Some rise by the scabbard, and some by the sword!_ Which means _more_ than we are at liberty to illustrate, but which may be easily applied to _cases in point_.

SCALADE, from the French _Escalade_, a furious attack upon a wall or rampart, contrary to form, and with no regularity, frequently carried on with ladders, to insult the wall by open force.

SCALE, a right line divided into equal parts, representing miles, fathoms, paces, feet, inches, &c. used in making plans upon paper; giving each line its true length, &c. See also BALANCE, ESCALADE, &c.

SCALENE, _Fr._ A term used in geometry to express a triangle whose three sides and three angles are unequal to one another.

SCALING-_ladder_. See LADDERS.

SCALLOP, any segment of a circle.

_To_ SCALP. To deprive the scull of its integuments. A barbarous custom in practice amongst the Indian warriors, of taking off the tops of the scalps of the enemies sculls with their hair on. They preserve them as trophies of their victories, and are rewarded by their chiefs, according to the number they bring in.

_To_ SCAMPER, (_Escamper_, _Fr._) To run away precipitately.

SCARF, See SASH.

SCARLET, the national color for the dress of the British. The British artillery, cavalry, and some of the light infantry, are clothed in blue; rifle corps in green; and the cavalry for foreign service in light blue. See UNIFORM.

SCARPE. See ESCARPE.

SCENOGRAPHY, (_Scenographe_, _Fr._) The representation of a building, town, &c. as it appears in prospective or from without, with all its dimensions and shadows.

SCHEDULE, an inventory, a list; also something referred to by numbers or letters; as the oaths of the recruit and magistrate, marked A and B at the end of the mutiny act.

SCHOOL, (_école_, _Fr._) A house of discipline and instruction; a place of literary education; an university. It is a more general and comprehensive term than college or academy. The French have made a great distinction on this head with respect to their military institutions. Thus the great receptacle for military genius was called _L’école Militaire de Paris_; the military school of Paris; whereas the subordinate places of instructions and the preparatory houses, were termed colleges, viz. colleges de Soreze, Brienne, Tivon, Rebais, Beaumont, Pont-le-roy, Vendome, Effiat, Pont-a-Mousson, Tournon.

_British Royal Military School or College._

A new institution under the direction of the commander in chief, for the time being.

This establishment consists of two departments:--

The first, or senior department, is calculated to instruct officers, who have already acquired a sufficient knowlege of regimental duties, &c. in the higher branches of their profession. Their attention is particularly directed to those functions which relate to the quarter-master-general’s department in the field.

The second, or junior department, is meant for the education of young men, who have not yet received any commissions in the army, but who are intended from early life for the profession of arms.

The following particulars constitute the general outline of this praise-worthy institution:--

The commander in chief for the time being is always to be considered as the chief governor of the establishment. He is president of the supreme board of the college; the members of which are the secretary at war, and such general and staff officers as the king may, from time to time, nominate. It is their peculiar province to see, that the regulations of the institution be duly observed, and unequivocally fulfilled, and that the whole be conducted with economy and credit to the country.

There is constantly resident in the college a governor and a lieutenant-governor, who must both be military officers. The former not under the rank of major-general, and the latter not under that of lieutenant-colonel in the line. These are the immediate functionaries of the place, and to them is intrusted the entire direction of the establishment; subject only to the instructions and orders that may occasionally be issued from the supreme board of the college.

At the head of each department are placed a commandant and a director of instruction. These must likewise be military men, and bear the king’s commission. They are at all times accountable for their respective departments, being under the immediate control of the governor and lieutenant-governor of the college.

The commandants of departments, in conjunction with the directors of instruction, form a collegiate board, at which the resident governor, or, in his absence, the lieutenant-governor constantly presides.

Public examinations are made, at stated periods, by this board, in order to ascertain the progress of learning, and the degrees of improvement. The president and members of it likewise enter into the interior economy of the place, control the expenditure of the establishment, and maintain the statutes of the college; subject nevertheless to the control and occasional direction of the supreme board, to which the collegiate one is in every respect subordinate.

The staff and other officers of each department are under the immediate orders of their respective commandants, who are enjoined to conduct their departments in strict conformity to the existing rules and discipline.

The establishment is founded upon principles of the strictest economy; and the expence of being at the institution, with all the advantages of theoretical instruction and practical improvement, does not exceed the necessary charges and disbursements to which every officer is subject when he lives with his regiment.

It is a standing order of the institution, that officers must constantly appear in uniform; and they must in all respects conform to the rules and regulations.

Leave of absence is granted, during the months of December and January, to officers studying in the senior department of the college; but at no other season of the year, except for a few days, and then only under circumstances and in cases of urgent necessity.

_Senior department._

The number of officers which can be admitted, at a time, to the studies of the senior department, is limited to 30; and it is required, as indispensibly necessary, that they should be perfectly conversant in all the details of regimental duty.

They must likewise have made themselves masters of the French language, be versed in mathematics, and in the science of field fortification and castrametation; and be well instructed in the drawing of military plans, &c.

Every thing which relates to the different branches belonging to the senior department, is conveyed in French, in order that officers may be enabled to improve the knowlege they acquire at the establishment, by reading with facility, the military writers that are most in estimation. The majority of such authors being found among the French, that language is, of course, most cultivated; by which means the first object of acquirement will not only be obtained, but will ensure to the general staff of the army a disposable body of intelligent officers, that are conversant in a continental tongue.

The instruction is not elementary or given upon first principles only. The attention of the officers is directed to higher branches, and the lessons they receive are exemplified by practice in the field; by taking ground, &c.

The particular and more immediate duties, appertaining to the general staff, to which the faculties of the mind are principally applied, consist in taking (_à coup d’œil_, or at sight) military surveys of ground without any mechanical process, or aid of instruments; and to express the same on paper with the most accurate perspicuity.

It is, therefore, necessary that the officers of the senior department should be able to judge of the advantages and disadvantages of ground relative to offensive and defensive operations; to employ geometrical and trigonometrical operations on the ground; to chuse the scite or position of entrenchments and batteries, by which every part of a camp may be defended, and its leading avenues, &c. put _à l’abri de surprises_. They must likewise be masters of a theory which may be adapted to every case in which field fortification can be employed: to trace camps on the ground, and to prick out the lines of entrenchments, &c. with dispatch and accuracy, in conformity to the strict rules of castrametation: to be thoroughly conversant in the theory of camp out-duties, and of the grand guards of armies: to know how to reconnoitre ground for a given number of columns moving in route of march, and to place or distribute the same with attention to the conveniences of forage and water, and to the security of the magazines.

To reconnoitre the route of a column in _advancing_, to estimate the labor of opening the several communications, to calculate the number of artificers that are requisite, and the time that is necessary to clear the route for the march of a column, and to detail the same in an accurate manner upon paper.

To reconnoitre the route of a column in _retreat_, specifying, in a clear and succinct manner upon paper, the several points in retreat that are favorable to each arm composing the rear guard, when they may halt, and act as covering parties to the retreating column.

To reconnoitre and take up ground for a given number of troops on a _defensive_ position, and to place the same; to establish a chain of posts, to construct batteries, throw up abbatis, and other means of defence, adapted to the particular circumstances of the ground made choice of for the position.

To reconnoitre the ground upon which any given number of troops might be encamped under circumstances of aggression. In taking this position for the purpose of acting _offensively_, particular attention must be paid to the future movements of the army, by providing the readiest means of directing and supporting its operations.

Marches and movements constitute so essential a branch in military tactics, that on them almost wholly depends the issue of a campaign. It is consequently expected, that every officer belonging to the senior department, should be able to calculate the march of a column under all the various and desultory circumstances which are attendant on the movements of troops. He must accurately ascertain the ground, the defiles, the width of roads, &c. the length of the several columns. The hours occupied in marching, defiling, passing obstacles, &c. must come within this calculation.

It must be remarked, that this is a route of march which has in view only to convey a body of troops from one position to another, without being connected with military operations relative to the enemy.

To calculate the march of several columns with respect to each other.

To reconnoitre routes for the march of several columns _in advancing_; to form the columns of march so as to correspond with the field of battle which they are to occupy, and to point out the routes by which they are severally to arrive. The remark which we have already made applies to this part likewise.

To regulate an order of march, and to ascertain the arrival of several columns on the field, with regard to the appropriate manner of deploying, and their relative dispositions, whether with a view to their encamping, or to forming in order of battle.

To reconnoitre routes for the march of several columns in _retreat_, for the purpose of forming columns of march according to the circumstances of the retreat, and in conformity to the ground to which they retire.

To regulate the retreat and relative support of the rear guards attached to the several columns.

In order to add practical knowlege to theory, and to adapt the observations of established military writers to local experience, every survey or reconnoitring of country, for the retreat or advance of columns; for offensive or defensive positions; for encampments, or the construction and erection of batteries, &c. is made upon spots that are actually in the neighborhood of the establishment; and every object of instruction is applied to the local circumstance of the ground as it actually exists. It is required, that plans of these different surveys, &c. should at all times accompany and be given in with the lesson of instruction.

Officers of the senior department must not only be well acquainted with these particulars, but they must further know how to regulate the cantonments of an army.

To estimate the resources of a country, in green and dry forage, in cattle, grain, horses, and carriages, together with the population.

To draw out plans of resources, general plans of operations and subordinate ones of position, and of cantonments.

According to the season of the year, and the state of the weather, officers are employed in acquiring the theory, or applying in practice on the ground, the several points of instruction to which their attention has been directed.

It is required of them, individually, to reconnoitre a given tract or line of country.

The military positions they take up, as well as the disposition they make of troops, whether in camp or in order of march, are invariably represented by plans in drawing, and all instruction is exemplified by applications which are made in the field, and are adapted to the local circumstances of ground. In order to render the different lessons familiar to the mind, and to make them practically easy, imaginary marches are made from one supposed camp to another, and the various orders which relate to the movements of troops are given out and explained, as if they were to be actually carried into effect. Points of attack or defence are taken up, ambuscades are laid, and all the chicane of what the French so justly call _le petite guerre_, is entered into with as much promptitude and caution, as if the enemy were in the neighborhood of the college. The manœuvres of light troops are particularly practised; and the different instructions which have been published in French on that branch of military tactics by Mons. Jarry, are practically taught, as time and circumstances permit.

The elements of field fortification, and the higher branches of attack and defence, are not only inculcated with the greatest perspicuity, but they are reduced to practice by imaginary lines of circumvallation and contravallation; by posts and positions suddenly taken, and quickly fortified; whilst the manifold feints and stratagems of war which have been practised by the best generals, are locally attempted, for the double purpose of applying practice to established facts, and of seizing some new idea that may grow out of ancient practice.

Whenever an officer has completed his studies, he is reported to the commander in chief, as having qualified himself for the quarter-master-general’s department; and returns to his regiment, having had his name previously registered at the college, in order that he may be employed on the general staff of the army when his services are required.

When an officer wishes to be admitted to the military college, his application must be addressed to the commander in chief, for the time being, through the medium of the colonel or commanding officer of his regiment, who sends it, under cover, to the official or public secretary at the Horse Guards, with his own certificate of the good conduct of the applicant.