Part 107

The MOT, or parole, must always be given out during the day, except in cases of emergency; and it must never be delivered to any person, unless the individual who is entrusted with it be fully convinced, that he is authorised to receive it. It ought indeed to be given personally to him only to whom it is addressed by name. See _Am Mil. Lib._ Art. STAFF.

MOTTO. Any sentence, either with or without a badge by which any regiment is particularly distinguished, as for example, the English 3d foot, or old _Buffs_, have a griffin embossed as their badge, and the motto, _Veteri frondescit honore_. The colors taken from this regiment in the American revolution are in the war office at Washington.

MOUCHARD, _Fr._ a domestic spy, an informer. Among the French it more particularly means a person who is employed to watch the motions of any marked man. Creatures of this infamous, although perhaps necessary, class, were constantly attached to the police of France. The term is little known in the United States, unless it be those _mouchards_ established in the American coffee house, to give information to the British consuls. These gentlemen have been called, humorously enough, _reporters_. In a military sense, neither the term nor the practice can be properly understood; at least we should hope so, as it is beneath the high mind of a soldier to _fetch and carry_.

MOVEABLE PIVOT. When the _pivot flank_ of any body of men describe in the wheel a smaller circle than the _wheeling flank_, the wheel is said to be made on a moveable pivot.

MOVEMENT. Every inspecting general should notice minutely and comparatively on the performance by each battalion of the great leading points of movement. He is particularly to observe and specify

_Whether or not_

The original formation be according to order? The marches are made with accuracy, at the required times and length of step, and on such objects as are given.

The proper distances in column and echellon are at all times preserved.

The wheelings are made just, and in the manner prescribed.

The formations into line are made true, without false openings, or necessity of correction.

The officers are alert in their changes of situation, exact in their own personal movements, and loud, decided, and distinct, in their words of command.

The march in line is uniformly steady, without floating, opening, or closing.

The march in file, close, firm, and without lengthening out.

The officers, and under-officers, give the aids required of them with due quickness and precision.

Hurry and unnecessary delay, are equally avoided.

In the firings the loading is quick, the levelling is just, the officers animated and exact in their commands.

MOVEMENTS. In cavalry movements the following great leading points should be attended to by every inspecting officer, independent of the circumstances which relate to the dress and general appearance of man and horse, the exercise on foot, &c. &c.

He must particularly observe and specify in his communications to the commanding officer,

_Whether or not_

The original formation of squadrons and regiments be according to order?

The marches made with accuracy, at the paces required, and on such objects as have been given?

The proper distance in column are at all times preserved?

The wheelings are made quick, just and in the manner prescribed?

The formations into line are made true in the intended directions, without false openings, or necessity of correction; or that corrections, when necessary are instantly made?

The changes of position are made with due celerity and justness?

The officers are alert in their changes of situation, exact in their own personal movements, and loud, decided, and distinct in their words of command?

The march in line is uniformly steady, without opening, floating, or closing?

The flank march is compact, firm, and without improperly lengthening out?

The officers and under officers give the aids required of them with due quickness and precision?

Hurry and delay, in military movements, are two extremes which should be equally avoided.

In the firings the loading is quick, the levelling is just, and the officers firm in their commands.

The officers, non-commissioned officers, and men ride well, and the horses are active, vigorous, and well broken.

Movements, in a general sense, may be considered under the following heads, viz.--1st. Offensive movements; the great advantage which attends this movement, consists in the measure having been previously determined upon, and a consequent preparation made for rapid execution before the design is obvious. Much however, will depend, upon the justness of the distances, and of the march in column, having been so taken as to allow of decisive operations. Manœuvre will chiefly operate where an enemy is inferior in number, inexpert in movement, weakly posted, and where the weak point is found out, and is attacked before he can move to strengthen it.

_Counter_-MOVEMENTS _of defence_, are movements calculated to defeat any premeditated attack. According to the regulations they may be briefly explained by observing, that if the flank of one body be thrown forward, that of the other may by similar means be thrown back. If one body prolongs its line to outflank, the other may by the same movement maintain its relative situation. Whatever change of position is made by one body, the other may counteract it by a similar change. If the wing of one body is refused, the wing of the others may be advanced to seize an advantage.

MOVEMENTS _of previous formation_, are military dispositions which every general must have carefully digested, before he advances upon a direct line of offensive operations. A body of troops, which has a considerable march to make previous to the _attack_, must always approach an enemy in one, or more columns, at open or other distances, according to circumstances. Some general knowlege of an enemy’s situation, determines the manner in which he is to be approached, the composition of the columns, the flank of each which leads, and their combination in forming. A nearer view determines a perseverance in the first direction, or a change in the leading flanks, and direction of the columns, in order to form in the most speedy and advantageous manner.

MOVEMENTS _of attack_, are made by bodies of men advancing in line or column to attack an opposing enemy. When a considerable body of troops is to act offensively, it must form in line at latest within 1200 or 1500 paces of a posted enemy, unless the ground particularly favor, and cover from the fire of the artillery, the enfilade of which is what chiefly prevents bodies in column from approaching nearer; and that space, under the unceasing fire of their own artillery, troops in line will march over in 18 minutes.

Movements of attack, when they are made from a parallel position, must be either in line, or by a flank of the line in echellon, that flank being reinforced, and the other refused; or from a new and advantageous position taken up, and not provided against by the enemy. From an _oblique_ position the attack is directed against a comparatively weak point of the enemy. Attacks from the centre are more liable to be enfiladed, and are sooner guarded against than from the flank.

MOVEMENTS _of retreat_, are combinations of columns of march, covered by positions, and a strong rear guard. Troops are occasionally taken out of the retiring columns of march, to occupy positions and heights; they remain till the rear has passed, and then become the rear guard; this they continue to be, till they find other troops in like manner posted; these last in their turn become also the rear guard, and in this way are the troops of columns in such situations relieved. A rear guard will fall back by the _retreat in line_--the _chequered retreat_--the _passage of lines_--the _echellon_ changes of position.

MOVEMENTS _in echellon of the line._ Echellon, or diagonal movements, especially of a great corps, are calculated not only to disconcert an enemy, but likewise to enable the army, which adopts them, either to make a partial attack, or a gradual retreat. The attack may be formed from the centre, or from either of the wings reinforced. If successful, the divisions move up into line to improve the advantage: if repulsed, they are in a good situation to protect the retreat. In advancing, the several bodies move independent, act freely, and are ready to assist: in retiring, they fall gradually back on each other, and thereby give mutual aid and support. Echellon movements, in fact, comprise within themselves all the essential principles of extension and compression, which are found in close or open column, with the additional advantage of being better adapted to throw a considerable line into an oblique position, of presenting a narrow front, with the means of increasing it at pleasure, unexposed to the enemy’s fire and of diminishing it with the same facility and safety.

_Echellon_ MOVEMENTS _on an oblique line_, are best calculated to outwing an enemy, or to preserve the points of appui of a wing; possessing this advantage, that such movement may not be perceptible to the enemy, as they are short and independent lines, and when seen at a distance, appear as if a full line.

Echellon movements by half battalions or less, are made by their directing flank, which is always the one advanced from, or wheeled to. Echellon movements by whole battalions, are governed by their advanced serjeants. Echellon movements by several battalions are made in line, each by its own centre, and the whole by the directing flank.

MOVEMENTS _that are made in face of an enemy_. (_Mouvemens devant l’ennemi_ _Fr._) There is no operation in war which requires so much nicety, precision, and judgement, as that of retreating in the presence of an enemy. Every movement from the direct line of battle is more or less critical; but when a regiment is obliged to retire under the eye, and perhaps the fire of a pursuing foe, the utmost presence of mind is required in the officers who command, and the greatest steadiness in the men. In a situation of this sort it becomes the peculiar duty of the field officers, to see that every change of manœuvre, and every movement, be made with promptitude and accuracy. For although they be subordinate to others, and must of course, follow superior directions, yet so much of the executive duty rests with them that their character and abilities, as officers, will be more conspicuous on these occasions than in any other. The movements of a corps which retreats, consist in retrograde marches, in line, by alternate companies, in column, by wings, or in square.

_Eventail or Fan_ MOVEMENT. This movement is performed on the march, and must be begun at a distance behind the line, proportionate to the body which is to oblique and form. It may be applied to one battalion, but hardly to a more considerable body, which would find great difficulty in the execution. It gives a gradual increase of front during a progressive movement. With justness it can be made on a front division only, not on a central or rear one: in proportion as the leading platoon shortens its step, will the one behind it, and successively each other come up into line with it. As soon as the colors of the battalion come up, they become the leading point. Although it is an operation of more difficulty, yet if the leading division continues the ordinary, and the obliquing ones take the quick step, till they successively are up with it, a battalion column which is placed behind the flank of a line, may, in this manner, during the march, and when near to the enemy, gradually lengthen out that line.

_Vourff or quick_ MOVEMENT. This movement is frequently resorted to when the head of a considerable open column in march arrives at, or near the point from which it is to take an oblique position facing to its then rear, and at which points its third, fourth, or any other named battalion, is to be placed.

The justness of the movement depends on the points in the new direction being taken up quickly, and with precision. On the previous determination that a certain battalion, or division of a battalion, shall pass or halt at the point of intersection; and that every part of the column which is behind that battalion, shall throw itself into open column on the new line behind the point of intersection, ready to prolong or to form the line whenever it comes to its turn.

This movement will often take place in the change of position of a second line, and is performed by all those that are behind the division, which is to stop at the point where the old and new lines intersect. And at all times when the open column changes into a direction on which it is to form, and that the division which is to be placed at the point of entry can be determined, it much facilitates the operation to make every thing behind that division gain the new line as quick as possible, without waiting till the head of the column halts.

MOUFLE, _Fr._ a sort of stuffed glove. It is common among the French to say, _Il ne faut pas y aller sans moufles_; figuratively meaning, that no dangerous enterprise ought to be undertaken without sufficient force to carry it into execution.

MOUILLAGE, _Fr._ Anchorage.

MOUILLER, _Fr._ To anchor. To let go the anchor.

MOULDS, for casting shot for guns, musquets, rifles, and pistols: the first are of iron, used by the founders, and the others by the artillery in the field, and in garrison.

_Laboratory_ MOULDS, are made of wood, for filling and driving all sorts of rockets, and cartridges, &c.

MOULDINGS, _of a gun or mortar_, are all the eminent parts, as squares or rounds, which serve for ornaments: such as the breech-mouldings. The rings, &c. are also called mouldings.

MOULE. _Fr._ See MOULD.

MOULE _de fusée volante_, _Fr._ a piece of round wood used in fireworks.

MOULIN, _Fr._ a mill.

MOULIN _à bras portatif_, _Fr._ a species of hand-mill, which was invented in France by le Sieur de Lavault, and which has been found extremely useful to troops on service. Ten of these mills may be conveniently placed on one waggon.

MOUND, in _old military books_, is a term used for a bunk or rampart, or other defence, particularly that of earth.

MOUNTEE, an alarm to mount or go upon some warlike expedition.

_Half or small_ MOUNTING. The shirt, shoes, stock, and hose, or stockings which were formerly furnished by the colonels or commandants of corps every year. This mode of distribution, which engendered a multiplicity of abuses, has been abolished in the British service: in lieu of which, a regulation has taken place, that (if _honestly_ attended to) must be highly beneficial to the soldier.

In lieu of the small articles of clothing, which were annually given, by the colonels of regiments, to non-commissioned officers and private soldiers, and were called _small_ or _half_ mounting, two pairs of good shoes, of the value of five shillings and sixpence each, have been substituted. These shoes are to be provided in conformity to a pattern lodged at the office of the comptrollers of the accompts of the army; and patterns of the shoes are to be approved and sealed by the general officers of the clothing board, at the same time, and in like manner, as for the clothing: one pair is to be delivered out at the annual period of clothing, and the other pair at the end of six months from that time; and in order to prevent the injury that the shoes might sustain, from remaining a long time in store in the East and West Indies, they are to be forwarded to corps on those stations at two different periods, instead of sending the whole quantity with the clothing.

Should the price of good shoes at any time exceed five shillings and sixpence per pair, the difference, which shall be declared by the clothing board at their first meeting on, or after the 25th of April in each year, is to be charged to the respective accompts of the non-commissioned officers and soldiers receiving them, but with respect to the 5th battalion of the 60th regiment, the difference is to be taken between four shillings and sixpence paid by the colonel, and the actual price declared as above mentioned.

The allowances, directed to be given by the colonels, in lieu of the former small articles, called _half mounting_, are to be regularly credited to the men, and to be expended for their use, in such articles as are suitable to the respective climates in which they are serving.

Non-commissioned officers and soldiers of infantry, dying or discharged before the completion of a full year, from the usual day of delivering the annual clothing of their regiments, have no demand whatever on account thereof.

A recruit, who comes into the regiment after the proper time of the delivery of the clothing, is entitled to a pair of shoes at the next delivery of that article.

The compensation money to be given to each servant in the infantry in lieu of half-mounting is 0 14 0 To each corporal, drummer, and private, 0 11 0

_To_ MOUNT, is a word variously made use of in military matters, as

_To_ MOUNT _Cannon_. To place any piece of ordnance on its frame, for the more easy carriage and management of it in firing. Hence to dismount is to take cannon from any serviceable position.

_To_ MOUNT _a breach_, to run up in a quick, and determined manner to any breach made in a wall, &c.

_To_ MOUNT _guard_, to do duty in a town of garrison, in a camp, or at out quarters.

_To_ MOUNT, to place on horseback, to furnish with horses; as, twelve thousand men have been well mounted, without any considerable expence to the country. A cavalry regiment may be said to be well or ill mounted; in either of which cases, the commanding officer is generally blameable or praise-worthy.

To mount likewise signifies the act of getting on horseback, according to prescribed military rules: as, to prepare to mount, is when the left hand files move their horses forward in the manner described under unlink your horses. The dragoons put their firelocks into the buckets, and buckle them on, doubling the strap twice round the barrel, come to the front of the horses, fasten the links, throw them over the horses’ heads with the left hand round the horses’ heads, take their swords, and buckle them tight into the belt, take the bit reins up, then take a lock of the mane, and put it into the left hand, the left foot into the stirrup, and the right hand on the cantle of the saddle, waiting for the word _mount_; when they spring smartly up, and look to the right of the rear. At the next signal, they must throw the leg well over the _valise_ and place themselves well in the saddle, with the right hand leaning on the off holster. The men must be careful not to check the horses with the bits in mounting. In mounting and dismounting, the files that move forward must take care to keep their horses straight, and at the prescribed distances from each other; and when mounting, as soon as the gloves are on, belts right, &c. the left files must dress well to the right, putting the horses straight, and leaving distance enough for the right files to come in.

_To_ MOUNT _a gun_, is either to put the unit to its carriage, or else when in the carriage, to raise the mouth higher.

MOUNTAINS, _called Great and Little St. Bernard_. A part of the Alps, situated in the Glacieres of Switzerland, which has been rendered famous in modern history by the passage of the French army under Bonaparte. The following account is extracted from a French publication, and cannot fail of being interesting to the military reader, as it is told in the plain and simple language of a soldier, who was present during the whole of this astonishing campaign. On the 16th of May, 1800, the vanguard, commanded by general Lannes, climbed up the mountain: the Austrians, although greatly inferior in number, defended themselves step by step, and never disappeared till they perceived another corps of the French army descending the mountain of the Little St. Bernard, menacing their rear, and absolutely interrupting their retreat.

The first division of the army, under general Watrin, followed the movement of the vanguard.

Until this period of time, neither artillery nor ammunition had crossed either eminence; the whole was collected at St. Peter, (a small village at the foot of the mountain) where the park of artillery was established. It appeared at first impossible to transport this heavy and embarrassing ordnance across the mountain; however it was natural to consider the question, _what is an army in the present day without artillery?_ Its necessity in this respect was manifest and imperious.

The artillery corps immediately set about dismounting the cannons, caissons, forges, &c. piecemeal. Gassendi, inspector of ordnance, gave directions for hollowing a number of the trunks of trees in the same manner that wood is hollowed for troughs. The pieces of cannon were deposited in these machines, and after having been drawn up these almost inaccessible heights, by five or six hundred men, according to the weight of metal, were left to slide down the steep declivities. The wheels were carried up on poles; and sledges made expressly for the purpose at Auxonne, conveyed the axle trees, and the empty caissons, and lastly, mules were loaded with ammunition in boxes made of fir.

The exertion of a whole battalion was requisite for the conveyance of one field piece with its proportion of ammunition: one half of the regiment could only draw the load, while the other half was obliged to carry the knapsacks, firelocks, cartridge boxes, canteens, kettles, and more especially five days provisions, in bread, meat, salt, and biscuit.

Such was the commencement of the march of the French army across the Alps.

MOUNTING _and_ DISMOUNTING, _when the horses are to be led away_. It frequently happens, especially in retreating or advancing, that it may be necessary to cover the defiling of a regiment by dismounting a squadron, or part of one, to flank the mouth of a defile. This is generally effected by lining the hedges, &c. and keeping up a hot fire upon the enemy. It follows, of course, that the horses cannot be linked together, but they must be led away (in a retreat) to the most convenient spot in the defile for the men to mount again. In advancing they must be led to a spot where they will not impede the defiling of the regiment, but where they will be at hand for the dismounted parties to mount.

_Guard_ MOUNTING. The hour at which any guard is mounted obtains this appellation, viz. _The officers will assemble at guard mounting._

MOURIR, _Fr._ To die.

MOURIR _d’un bel epée_, _Fr._ A French phrase, which signifies to fall under the hands of an enemy of great skill and reputation.

MOURNE, that part of a lance or halbert to which the steel or blade is fixed.

MOUSER. An ironical term, which is sometimes used in military sport to distinguish battalion men from the flank companies. It is indeed generally applied to them by the grenadiers and light bobs, meaning that while the latter are detached, the former remain in quarters, like cats to watch the mice, &c.

MOUSQUET, _Fr._ Musquet. This word, which signifies an old weapon of offence that was formerly fired by means of a lighted match, has been variously used among the French, viz. _gros mousquet_, a heavy musquet; _un petit mousquet_, a short musquet; _un mousquet leger_, a light musquet.

_Recevoir un coup de_ MOUSQUET, _Fr._ To receive a musquet shot.

_Porter le_ MOUSQUET _dans une compagnie d’infanterie_, _Fr._ To stand in the ranks as a foot soldier.