Part 133

REDOUBTS _en cremaillere_, differ from all the rest, because the inside line of the parapet is broken in such a manner as to resemble steps of stairs, or teeth of a saw; whereby this advantage is gained, that a greater fire can be brought to bear upon the defile, than if only a simple face was opposed to it, and consequently the passage is rendered more difficult.

REDOUTER, _Fr._ To be alarmed at. _Redouter les armes d’un ennemi_, to be alarmed at the strength of an enemy.

REDOUTES _de terre_, _Fr._ redoubts that are hastily thrown up, and are made with earth, for the purpose of securing entrenchments, circumvallations, passages of rivers, &c.

REDOUTES _de maconnerie_, _Fr._ redoubts made of mason work. These are generally constructed in places where an enemy might derive advantage from establishing himself; they are likewise built upon the saliant angles of the glacis.

REDOUTES _casematées_, _Fr._ Casemated redoubts. These are arched over and are bomb proof. Those constructed for the defence of Gibraltar, and for the security of Dover Castle, are of this description.

REDOUTES _à machicoulis_, _Fr._ redoubts made of stone work, which are several stories high. The highest story juts out about one foot beyond the wall that surrounds or fronts the redoubt.

REDRESSER, _Fr._ in a military sense, to recover. To make straight again, viz.

_Redressez vos armes_, recover arms. _Redressez la ligne_, redress the line.

_To_ REDRILL. To drill again. To put a soldier through the first elements of military training. Every soldier on his return from furlough, should be _redrilled_ before he is permitted to act in the ranks of his company.

_To_ REDUCE _a place_, is to oblige the governor to surrender it to the besiegers, by capitulation.

_To_ REDUCE _the circle_. To restore or bring back a battalion or company, which has been formed in circle, to its original position in line.

_To_ REDUCE _the square_. To restore or bring back a battalion or battalions, which have been formed in a hollow or oblong square, to their original situation in line or column. On the word _form close column_, the front which the column is to have is noted to stand still by its proper officer, whether it be _flank_ or _centre_; the other portions of the line are _faced_ towards the point of formation; and then _quarter_ faced or wheeled to front or rear; as the columns is to be formed. The _column upon the centre_, is the best and most effective of all the formations for _columns of attack_.

_To be_ REDUCED, in a military sense, to be taken off the establishment, to cease to receive pay as soldiers. When a regiment is reduced, the officers are generally put upon half pay. Sometimes the corps are reduced, and the officers remain upon full pay. This happens at the close of a war, when the standing army of the country is confined to a certain number of battalions. Hence is derived the expression, _in_ and _out_ of the break. _In the break_, is the liability of being reduced; _out of the break_, is the certainty of being kept upon the establishment.

_To be_ REDUCED _to the ranks_. To be taken from a superior appointment in a regiment, and to be ordered to the duty of a common soldier. This sometimes happens, by way of punishment, when a serjeant or corporal misbehaves himself.

REDUCT. See REDOUBT.

REDUCTION _des troupes_, _Fr._ A reduction of the armed force of a country.

REDUIRE, _Fr._ in drawing, to copy, to reduce a plan or picture. This operation differs from that of chalking out. The French use the expression in various senses, viz.

REDUIRE _en grand_, _Fr._ To copy an original drawing, by giving it larger dimensions.

REDUIRE _en petit_, _Fr._ To copy an original drawing, by giving it smaller dimensions, which is literally to reduce it.

REDUIRE _un plan au petit pied_, _Fr._ To make a copy of a drawing, in which every part is faithfully represented, though on a small scale.

REDUIT, _Fr._ literally means a nook, or bye-place; in a military sense, it signifies a sort of citadel, which is extremely inconvenient to the inhabitants of the town, because it takes up more ground than those that are regularly built, and is, at the same time, uncomfortable to the troops, because they must be very much crowded. This word is explained by an English lexicographer, in the following manner:--_Reduct_ or _Reduit_, an advantageous piece of ground, intrenched and separated from the rest of the place, camp, &c. for an army, garrison, &c. to retire to in case of surprize. _Reduits_ are sometimes made for the purpose of securing different posts in a town independent of its citadel. These have been proposed by the celebrated Vauban.

REDUIT, in architecture, a recess.

REED, an arrow.

REEDIFIER, _Fr._ To rebuild.

RE-ENTERING _angle_, in _fortification_, is that which, turns its point towards the centre of the place. See FORTIFICATION.

REFAIT, _bois refait et remis à l’equerre_, _Fr._ An expression used among French carpenters, and by the artificers belonging to the train, to signify any piece of wood which has been planed and made perfectly square and level.

REFEND, _Fr._ in architecture, a partition wall, viz. _Mur de refend_.

_To_ RE-FORM, in a military sense, is after some manœuvre or evolution, to bring a line to its natural order, by aligning it on some given point. This frequently occurs in the passage of lines, &c. viz. When a line or several battalions hath passed another that remains posted, by retreating through by files, it may be reformed in the following manner:

_To_ RE-FORM _by a flank battalion, on a central battalion, in an oblique position_.

When by a flank battalion, the line that has passed is fronted in column, and the several pivots are dressed correctly before wheeling up into line. To this effect, the commander of the head battalion will instantly place the pivots of his three first platoons in a true direction, and order the officers of his other platoons to line on them; himself remaining with the head platoon at the point d’appui, will see that this is correctly done. The first battalion thus steadied, will become a sufficient direction for the second, and every other one, to prolong it by their adjutants; and this operation, though successive from platoon to platoon, and from battalion to battalion, may be performed quickly and correctly; if the adjutants are timeously detached, and if the head of the column be quickly arranged.

_To_ RE-FORM _a first line on a central battalion_. In order to give the alignment from a central battalion, after halting and fronting, the platoon pivots of the given battalion are from its head to be accurately lined by its commander, in the true direction. This battalion being placed, from which distances and dressings are taken, the others will instantly proceed to line their pivot flanks upon it: those that are behind it, will readily do this; those that are before it will find more difficulty, as they must take their distances from the rear; to facilitate this necessary object, their platoon officers will face to the directing battalion, and will then successively take their distances and covering from their then front; as soon as each has acquired his true position, he will face about and make his platoon join to and dress to him. The line will then be ready to form, by wheeling up to the pivot flank.

_To_ RE-FORM _a first line, that has passed through a second which remains posted, in an oblique position_.

When it is found necessary that the passing battalions, which constitute the first line should take a new position not parallel to the second, or to their own original formation, the commander, with his two leading platoons, will first enter it (i. e. the new position) and direct the others to regulate their flanks by them; and if several battalions are passing the second line, the _new_ alignment is thus made easier for them.

It frequently happens, that a height in the rear is to be crowned by a retiring line. In this case, each officer must not dress exactly to the platoon that precedes him, but in joining it he must _halt_, and arrange his own in such a manner, that the _slope_ of the rising or ascent can be entirely seen and commanded, which is here the great object, and would not be attained, if the troops were to adhere to a straight line.

_To_ REFORM, (_Reformer_, _Fr._) is likewise to reduce a corps of men, by either disbanding the whole, or only breaking a part, and retaining the rest; or sometimes by incorporating them with other regiments.

REFORME, _Fr._ reduced.

_Officier_ REFORME, _Fr._ An officer put upon half-pay; or _seconded_ according to the regulations of the old French service.

REFORMED _officer_. One whose troop or company being broke, is continued on whole or half-pay. He preserves the right of seniority, and continues in the way of preferment.

REFOULER, _Fr._ To ram down.

REFOULOIR, _Fr._ A cannon rammer.

REFUGEE, (_Réfugeé_, _Fr._) See EMIGRANT.

_To_ REFUSE. A military phrase, signifying to throw back, or to keep out of that regular alignment which is formed when troops are upon the point of engaging an enemy. This often occurs in order to occupy a particular position, to prevent the enemy’s designs on any particular part of a line, or at least to make him take a greater detour to effect his purpose; or that he may be obliged to align his own on a height which is occupied, and from which he may be flanked. When a first line has passed through a second, and it is found necessary to refuse a wing, the several platoons of that line must pass according to the wing which is to be refused. If the left, for instance, is to be posted, and the right to be refused, the platoons may pass from their left by the facing of the platoon to the left, and marching to the required position in succession; the column will thereby have its left in front, will be more readily directed on the point d’appui, and the preservation of the distances will be facilitated, as they will then be taken from the front. If the right is to be posted, the platoons may pass from their right; but the movement into echellon, and wheeling into line is preferable to any mode, as errors can always be remedied in an instant, and without confusion.

It may happen where the passing line is to post one flank and _refuse_ the other, that the officers will have their distances to take from behind; halt the whole at any time after passing, and countermarch each platoon, which will then cause the future formation to be taken from the front of the column.

A retiring line may also _refuse_ a wing, by forming in line very soon after passing, and then taking up an oblique position to the rear, by the echellon march, or some other of the modes prescribed. See _Amer. Mil. Lib._

Frederic, surnamed the great, king of Prussia, who had attentively studied the tactics of the ancients, first adopted the method of refusing a wing in the forming of an attack. This method has been since successfully followed by the best modern generals. It answers to a partial reserve of a force which is always ready at command; and in point of security, it is the reverse of what the French mean in _préter un aile_, to expose a wing, or post it in a precarious manner. The French during the whole of the action which was fought in Egypt, on the 21st of March, 1801, refused their right wing. Notwithstanding this precaution they were defeated by the British.

As a correct formation of the line by the echellon march, whether it advance or retire in the presence of an enemy, is generally resorted to when it is found necessary to refuse any part of a line, it will not appear superfluous to submit the following mode which is practised by the French.

_Formation of the line by the echellon march of divisions, by the covering serjeants or guides running out to mark the point in the new alignment, for their respective divisions._

When the battalion changes position to the front on a fixed flank company, by throwing forward the rest of the battalion, the commander having determined the new line, and wheeled a given company into that line the named number of paces (say 4) the remaining companies wheel two paces on their right forward into echellon. The _guide_ or covering serjeant of the second company instantly moves out, takes about ³⁄₄th distance for his company, faces the point d’appui, and places himself in such a manner, that the outside of his right arm will pass in line with the breast of the men of the company already in the line. He is corrected, if necessary, on the distant point of formation by a proper person placed on the right for that purpose. On the words _form line_ and _march_ being given by the commander, the _guide_ or covering serjeant of the third company runs briskly out, places himself so as to cover the second _guide_ or serjeant, faces the point d’appui, and takes the order ³⁄₄th distance, corrected on the distant point by the person on the right. The officer commanding the second company, marches on till he sees himself clear of the left flank of the right company; he then gives the word _quarter face to the right_, (his right pivot marking time) and when he observes his company square with the new line, he gives the word _forward_, runs nimbly out and places himself in front of the third left file of the first formed company, and when the men of his company have their feet off the ground ready to finish the last pace to bring them into line, he gives the word _mark time_, and dresses his men close to the outside of the right arm of the covering serjeant: and then gives the word _halt_. Taking care that the outward flank of his company does not shut out the distant point of dressing: he then places himself on the right of his division, covered by his serjeant, who quits his ground and briskly passes through the interval on the right of his division, at the word _halt_.

In this manner division after division arrives in the new line; and as the covering serjeants of each of the other divisions approach within 15 or 20 paces of the line, they run out to mark the points for their respective companies, face the point d’appui as already directed, and there remain till the word _mark time_--_front_--_halt_, when the guides quit their places in front and take post on the flank or in the rear.

In forming line to the rear by the echellon march, (suppose on a left company) the same operation takes place with regard to the covering serjeants running out, to mark the points of dressing for their respective divisions; but with this difference, that instead of their taking only about ³⁄₄th distance, they are to take about one pace more or less than the proper distance; face the point of appui, and are corrected on the distant point, as before, by a proper person on the left. The commanders of companies will, as soon as they see the proper front rank of their companies touch that part of the line already formed, give the word _mark time_, _front_, _halt_. Each officer dresses the men of his platoon at the _marked time_, till he brings them in line with the outside of the left arm of his covering serjeant; he then gives the word _halt_; taking post on the right of his company, covered by his serjeant, who quits his ground as before on the word _halt_.

It is to be observed, in order to preserve the proper interval, on the covering serjeant quitting his division to mark the point in the true line, the officer’s place is to be immediately filled by a supernumerary or other man from the rear, where he is to remain till replaced by the officer, or covering serjeant.

It is likewise to be observed, that in forming line to the front on a right division, the dressing is close to, and on the outside of the right arm of the covering serjeant; and on forming the line forward on a left company or division, the dressing is close to and on the outside of the left arm. In forming line to the rear on a right division, the dressing is on the right arm: and in forming line to the rear on a left division, the dressing is on the left arm of the covering serjeant.

In forming line to the rear, the officers, or other persons appointed to correct the serjeants on the distant point of formation, move along in the rear and correct the serjeants, as they successively arrive to mark the points for their respective divisions.

By the foregoing method of sending out the covering serjeants or guides to mark the point in the new line for their respective companies, that inaccuracy of dressing, which so often takes place when forming line to the front; and that very great confusion and incorrectness, which too frequently occur when forming to the rear, (particularly so, when the wheel into echellon is in any degree less than the one eighth of the circle or four paces,) are entirely obviated.

REFUSER, _Fr._ For its application in a military sense, see TO REFUSE.

REFUSER, _Fr._ This word is used among the French as a sea-phrase, viz. _le vaisseau a refusé_. The ship has missed the wind.

REGAIN, _Fr._ in carpentry and masonry, means the surplus of a piece of stone or wood when it proves too broad or too long for any particular use, and must of course be taken off. It likewise means after-grass or math.

REGALER, _Fr._ to level or make even.

REGIE, _Fr._ government, administration.

REGIMENT, (_Regiment_, _Fr._) a term applied to any body of troops, which, if cavalry, consists of one or more squadrons, commanded by a colonel; and, if infantry, of one or more battalions, each commanded in the same manner. The squadrons in cavalry regiments are divided, sometimes into six, and sometimes into eight, nine, or ten troops. The battalions of infantry are generally divided into ten companies. There is not, however, any fixed rule on this head; as both cavalry and infantry regiments differ according to the exigencies of service in time of war, or the principles of economy in time of peace. The German regiments frequently consist of 2000 men: and the regiment of Picardy in the old French service had 6000. The French formerly made a distinction between the commanding officer of a regiment of cavalry, and the commanding officer of a regiment of infantry. The former was stiled _Mestre de camp_, the latter _colonel_ as with us; but according to the establishment of the present French army, the term of regiment is confined to the cavalry and artillery: and the name of half brigade is given to the infantry. So that _chiéf de brigade_, chief of brigade, corresponds with our colonel of a regiment of infantry. The denomination of colonel is again established in the French cavalry.

With respect to the derivation of the word, it appears, that the best etymology is from the French word _Régie_, management, which comes from the Latin _regere_, to govern. Hence a regiment is said to be governed by a colonel. M. Beneton, a celebrated French etymologist, differs from this explanation. He traces it from the French _régime_, which signifies system, regimen, administration, and which is again derived from the Latin _regimen_, bearing the same import. In a physical acceptation of the term, _regime_ is used to express any body that is composed of several others. But this is mere conjecture on his part.

Regiments were first formed in France in the year 1558, and in England in the year 1600.

_Dromedary_ REGIMENT, a corps raised by the French during their stay in Egypt. The men were mounted upon dromedaries. To quote the words of Mr. Morier, in his account of a campaign with the Ottoman army in 1800, the dromedaries composing this troop are made to go through a number of evolutions, and when attacked, they are formed into a hollow square: they kneel, and by means of a cord which is thrown round one of the knees, they are prevented from getting up, and thus they afford a breast-work for the soldiers. The same author observes in a note, page 59, that the most convenient and only way of travelling in Egypt is upon dromedaries. The traveller need not encumber himself with food for his animal, as a very scanty allowance of beans suffices for many days journey. Travellers ride upon convenient saddles; and the animal is so docile, that he is guided only by touching him with a small stick on the side that he is to turn. Some have a ring through each nostril, which serves as a bit to a bridle fastened to them. They walk very fast; and their trot is swift, but very inconvenient.

_Cape_ REGIMENT. We have already mentioned under the article _Hottentots_, (which see) that a proposal had been delivered in to the British government to raise, train, and discipline a certain number of the original inhabitants of the Cape of Good Hope. This proposal, after considerable delay, and much deliberation, was finally accepted; and a few days previous to the sudden cessation of arms between England and France. Sir John Dalrymple many years ago proposed to the British government the raising of African corps for the subjection of the West and East Indies, and South America.

_Malays_ REGIMENT, a corps which has been raised by the British on the islands and on the coasts of Malacca, for the specific purpose of doing duty in the island of Ceylon.

REGIMENTAL, any thing belonging to a regiment.

REGIMENTAL _staff_. See STAFF.

REGIMENTALS, the uniform clothing of the army; as a leather cap, coat, waistcoat, breeches, stocks, shoes, boots, spats, spatterdashes, &c.

REGIMENTAL _courts-martial_. See COURTS-MARTIAL.

REGIMENTAL _bond_. See BOND.

REGIMENTAL _parade_. See PARADE.

REGIMENTAL, belonging to a regiment.

REGIMENTAL _orders_. See ORDERS.

REGIMENTAL _necessaries_. By the British mutiny act, it is declared, that any person, buying, detaining, or exchanging any articles called regimental necessaries, or who shall cause the color of the clothes to be changed, shall forfeit 5_l_. Soldiers selling or exchanging them, are liable to military punishment, &c.

REGIMENTAL _receipts for forage on service_. Vouchers which must be produced by the contractors of an army to authorize them to have their claims discharged by the commissary general, or his deputies. It is sensibly observed in page 32 of the British Commissary, that in every case there should, if possible, be only one voucher for one issue. The mode of accomplishing this must be simple, and it is adopted by those who certainly have most experience; for every German corps, or German officer, who draws forage, or any other article, from the commissariat, sends a mere receipt. This prevents farther writing or trouble, because the receipt may be presented in the open field, and is in itself a complete voucher. All that is required, is, for the regiment to order its forage party to bring back the receipt, if the quantity be not obtained; and the quarter-master, or foraging serjeant, to give a receipt for what he gets, if only part can be had.

REGIR, _Fr._ to govern; to manage; to take charge of, viz.

_Régir des soldats_; to take charge of soldiers.

REGLE, _Fr._ See RULE.

_Vent_ REGLE, _Fr._ a trade wind.

REGALEMEN. See REGULATION.

REGRATTER, _Fr._ in architecture, to scrape the outside of a building.

Among engravers this word signifies to re-touch a plate.

REGULAR. In geometry, a _regular_ body is a solid, whose surface is composed of regular and equal figures, and whose solid angles are all equal.

REGULAR _attacks_, in a _siege_, are such as are made in form; that is, by regular approaches. See ATTACKS.

REGULAR, when applied to the army, signifies those troops that are inlisted for a regular period, do duty as soldiers and nothing else; contradistinguished from those who are citizens occasionally exercising the duties of soldiers; thus the militia are not ranked among the regulars, unless on actual service and well disciplined, and fit for any service. Hence regular troops, or regulars.