Part 159

The approaches at a siege are generally carried on upon the capitals of the works attacked; because the capitals produced are, of all other situations in the front of a work, the least exposed to the fire of either the cannon or musquetry; and are the least in the line of fire between the besieged and besieger’s batteries. But if, from particular circumstances, these or other advantages do not attend the approaches upon the capitals, they are by no means to be preferred to other positions.

The trenches of communication, or zig-zags, are 3 feet deep, 10 feet wide at bottom, and 13 feet at top, having a berm of one foot, beyond which the earth is thrown to form a parapet.

The parallels or places of arms of the trenches are 3 feet deep, 12 feet wide at bottom, and 17 or 18 feet wide at top, having a banquette of about 3 feet wide, with a slope of nearly as much. See SAP.

The first night of opening the trenches, the greatest exertions are made to take advantage of the enemy’s ignorance as to the side of attack; and they are generally carried on as far in advance as the first parallel, and even sometimes to the completion of that work. The workmen set out on this duty, each with a fascine of 6 feet, a pick axe, and a shovel; and the fascines being laid so as to lap one foot over each other, leave 5 feet of trench for each man to dig.

The usual method of directing the trenches or zig-zags is, by observing during the day some near object in a line with the salient parts of the work, and which may serve as a direction in the night; or if the night be not very dark, the angles of the works may be seen above the horizon; but as both these methods are subject to uncertainty, the following is proposed to answer every case:--Having laid down the plan of attack, the exact positions of the flanked angles of the works of the front attacked, and particularly of those most extended to the right and left; marked on the plan the point of commencement for the first portions of zig-zag, the point where it crosses the capital, 2nd the point to which it extends on the other side of the capital: this last point will be the commencement of the second branch: then mark off the point where this branch crosses the capital, and its extent on the other side; and this will give the commencement of the third branch; and so on for the others. Thus provided with a plan ready marked off, it will be very easy, even in the darkest night, to lay down the points where the zig-zags are to cross the capital, and the points to which they are to be produced beyond them. The first parallel is generally run about 600 yards from the place, and of such extent as to embrace the prolongation of the faces of all the works which fire upon the trenches; and each end has a return of about 30 or 40 yards.

The second parallel is constructed upon the same principles, and of the same extent as the first, at the distance of about 300 yards from the salient angles of the covert-way. This parallel is usually formed of gabions; each workman carrying a gabion, a fascine, a shovel, and a pick axe. After this the trenches are carried on by sap.

The half parallels are about 140 or 150 yards from the covert-way, and extend sufficiently on each side to embrace the prolongation of the branches of the covert-way.

The third parallel must not be nearer than the foot of the glacis, or it will mask the ricochet batteries. It is generally made rather wider than the other parallels.

Cavaliers of the trenches must not be nearer than 28 yards from the covert-way, or they will be liable to be annoyed by hand grenades.

_Returns of a_ TRENCH, are the elbows and turnings, which form the lines of approach, and are made, as near as can be, parallel to the place, to prevent their being enfiladed.

_To mount the_ TRENCHES, is to mount guard in the trenches, which is generally done in the night.

_To relieve the_ TRENCHES, is to relieve the guard of the trenches.

_To scour the_ TRENCHES, is to make a vigorous sally upon the guard of the trenches, force them to give way, and quit their ground, drive away the workmen, break down the parapet, fill up the trench, and spike their cannon.

_Counter_-TRENCHES, are trenches made against the besiegers; which consequently have their parapets turned against the enemy’s approaches, and are enfiladed from the several parts of the place, on purpose to render them useless to the enemy, if they should chance to become masters of them; but they should not be enfiladed, or commanded by any height in the enemy’s possession.

_To open the_ TRENCHES, is to break ground for the purpose of carrying on approaches towards a besieged place.

TRENTE-_six mois_, _Fr._ Thirty-six months. A sea phrase. By this term was understood among the French, before the revolution, _Un Engagé_, a person who hired himself for that period to another, on condition that the latter defrayed his passage to the East Indies; after the expiration of which term the former was at liberty to settle in that country.

TREPAN, _Fr._ An instrument which is used to find out the quality of any ground into which beams or sticks are to be driven. Also an instrument used in surgery.

TREPIGNER, _Fr._. To clatter. In horsemanship it is used to describe the action of a horse who beats the dust with his fore-feet in managing, without embracing the vault; who makes his motions and time short and near the ground, without being put upon his haunches. This defect is usually occasioned by a weakness in the shoulders.

TRESOR, _Fr._ The military chest.

TRESORIER, _Fr._ Paymaster. There were formerly on the French military establishment two classes of paymasters, viz. _Trésoriers de l’ordinaire_, et _trésoriers de l’extraordinaire_, paymasters or treasurers for the ordinary expences of the service, and ditto for the extraordinary. The latter were accountable to government for a just distribution of stores and provisions, and gave in their estimates and vouchers to the comptroller general’s office in Paris. These were formerly called _Clercs du trésor_ ou _payeurs_, clerks attached to the military chest or paymasters. They were partly the same as our paymasters and commissaries-general on service.

During the monarchy in France there were several treasurers or paymasters-general in ordinary belonging to the army, who had their several departments, viz.

TRESORIERS _de la gendarmerie et des troupes de la maison du roi_, _Fr._ Treasurers or paymasters attached to the gens d’armes and the king’s household.

TRESORIERS _de l’extraordinaire des guerres_, _Fr._ Treasurers or paymasters of the extraordinaries of the army.

TRESORIERS _des Maréchaussées de France_, _Fr._ Treasurers or paymasters of the marshalsey or armed police of France.

TRESORIERS _payeurs des troupes_, _Fr._ Treasurers or paymasters-general of the forces.

TRESORIERS _des gratifications_, _Fr._ Treasurers or paymasters of compensations, gratuities, &c.

TRESORIERS _de la prévôté de l’Hotel_, _Fr._ Treasurers or paymasters of the provost-marshal’s department at the hotel or town hall in Paris.

_Le_ TRESORIER _général de l’artillerie_, _Fr._ The treasurer or paymaster-general of the artillery.

_Le_ TRESORIER _général des fortifications_, _Fr._ The treasurer or paymaster-general of fortifications.

All these treasurers or paymasters were subject to their several comptrollers of accounts, and their issues, &c. were audited accordingly. There were likewise provincial or subordinate paymasters of the extraordinaries of the army. They were appointed by the treasurers or paymasters-general, and resided in the different departments and general districts of the kingdom. These appointments fell, of course, at the revolution, and they have since been replaced by a more simple and economical consolidation. The artillery has still its separate treasurer or paymaster. The district paymasters, which have been established in Great Britain, &c. during the present war, seem manifestly to have taken their origin from the old French arrangement.

TREVET. Any thing that stands upon three legs. An iron instrument to set a pot or saucepan on over the fire. It is likewise used in field-ovens.

TREUIL, _Fr._ A roll, an axle-tree, &c.

TRIAIRES, _Fr._ See TRIARII.

TRIAL. Test, examination, experiment. It is in the power of the president to dismiss an officer from the regular, militia, or volunteer service, without any species of investigation or trial. See COURTS MARTIAL, _&c._

TRIANGLE, (_Triangle_, _Fr._) The triangle may be considered as the most simple of all figures. It is composed of three lines and three angles, and is either plain or spherical.

_A plain_ TRIANGLE is one that is contained under three right lines.

_A spherical_ TRIANGLE is a triangle that is contained under three arches of a great circle or sphere.

_A right-angled_ TRIANGLE is one which has one right angle.

_An acute-angled_ TRIANGLE is one that has all its angles acute.

_An obtuse-angled_ TRIANGLE is that which has one obtuse angle.

_An oblique-angled_ TRIANGLE is a triangle that is not right angled.

_An equilated_ TRIANGLE is one whose sides are all equal.

_An isosceles_ TRIANGLE, _An equilegged_ TRIANGLE, A triangle that has only two legs or sides equal.

_A scalenus_ TRIANGLE. One that has not two sides equal.

_Similar_ TRIANGLES are such as have all their three angles respectively equal to one another.

TRIANGLE. The psaltery of the Scriptures. A small triangular piece of metal, which is used in military bands, emitting a sharp reverberating sound in concord with the rest of the music.

TRIANGLE likewise means a wooden instrument consisting of three poles which are fastened at top in such a manner, that they may spread at bottom in a triangular form, and by means of spikes affixed to each pole, remain firm in the earth. An iron bar, breast high, goes across one side of the triangle. The triangles are used in the British army for the purpose of inflicting the barbarous and unmilitary punishment of whipping; a usage which is rendered the more odious by a comparison of the valor and discipline of the French, who do not allow of any such punishments. To the shame of the United States, the practice is tolerated even by law at this moment!

_Shake the_ TRIANGLE. A phrase in the British army, applied to the condition of a man who is whipped with corded lashes on the bare back till he falls into convulsions; when he is said to shake the triangle. Where such barbarity is the _costume_ it is not surprising that they are always beaten in the field.

TRIANON, _Fr._ A generical French term signifying any pavilion that stands in a park, and is unconnected with the castle or main building. Of this description was the French queen’s petit trianon in the neighborhood of Versailles.

TRIARII. Soldiers so called among the Romans. According to Kennett, the Triarii were commonly veterans, or hardy old soldiers, of long experience and approved valor. They had their name from their position, being marshalled in the third place, as the main strength and hopes of their party. They were armed with a pike, a shield, a helmet, and a cuirass. They are sometimes called _Pilatii_, from their weapon the Pila. See _Kennett’s Roman Ant._ p. 190. They were likewise stiled _Tiertiarii_. A certain number of these veterans was always distributed in each cohort.

Polybius, in his 6th book, classes the Roman troops under four different heads; the first he calls _Pilati_ or _Velites_, light-armed men, selected from the lower order of the people, and generally composed of the youngest men in the army. The second class, consisting of pikemen, _Hastati_, were more advanced in age, and had more experience. The third class, called _Principes_, were still older, and more warlike than the second.

The fourth class consisted of the oldest, most experienced, and bravest soldiers. These were always posted in the third rank, as a reserve, to support the others in case they gave way. Hence their appellation of _triarii_ or _tiertiarii_; and hence the Roman proverb, _Ad triarium ventum est_, signifying thereby, that the last efforts were being made. The _triarii_ were likewise named _post signani_, from being posted in the rear of the _princeps_ who carried the standard in a legion.

TRIBUNE, (_Tribun_, _Fr._) A title which was originally given to certain Roman magistrates, who were established for the specific purpose of maintaining the rights of the tribes or mass of the people, in opposition to the possible encroachments of the aristocracy or patricians, on which account they were stiled the tribunes of the people, _les tribuns du peuple_. The number, at first, was limited to two; but they were subsequently augmented to ten. There were likewise military tribunes, _tribuns militaires_. These held commands of considerable extent in the Roman armies.

TRIBUNATE, (_Tribunat_, _Fr._) The office of tribune.

TRICKER, TRIGGER, (_Deténte_, _Fr._) The catch, which being pulled, disengages the cock of a gun-lock, that it may strike fire.

_Hair_ TRIGGER, (_détente à cheveux_, _Fr._) The hair trigger is generally used for rifles, when there is a great nicety required in shooting. The difference between a hair-trigger and a common trigger is this--the hair-trigger, when set, lets off the cock by the slightest touch, whereas the common trigger requires a considerable degree of force, and consequently is longer in its operation.

TRICOISSES, _Fr._ Pincers used by farriers.

TRICOT, _Fr._ A cudgel.

TRICOLORE, _Fr._ Three-colored. Hence the tricolor-cockade, which was adopted by the French at the commencement of their revolution. It consists of _sky-blue_, _pink_, and _white_ and was emblematical of the three estates, nobility, clergy, and people. The armies still wear the tricolor, although the first order, or the nobility, was abolished 10th of August, 1792; however, Bonaparte has re-established a new nobility, and a new device on his standards, which is an eagle; conformable to his peculiar interests or policy.

TRIER, _Fr._ To pick and chuse. Hence, _trier les plus beaux soldats_, to pick out the finest soldiers. _Triage_ is used as the substantive, signifying the act of picking and chusing.

TRIGON, a triangle. Hence,

TRIGONOMETRY, (_Trigonométrie_, _Fr._) The art of measuring triangles, or of calculating the sides of any triangle sought. This is either plain or spherical.

TRILATERAL. Having three sides.

TRIMESTRE, _Fr._ A space of three months.

TRINGLE. In architecture, a name common to several little square members or ornaments, as reglets, listels, and platbands. It is more particularly used for a little member fixed exactly over every triglyph, under the platband of the architrave; from whence hang down the guttæ or pendent drops.

TRINGLE, _Fr._ A wooden rule.

TRINGLER, _Fr._ To draw a strait line upon wood by means of a stretched piece of packthread, or cord that is chalked.

TRINOME, _Fr._ A word used among the French, in algebra, to express any quantity which is produced by the addition of three numbers or quantities that are incommensurable.

TRINOMIAL, or TRINOMIAL _root_, in mathematics, is a root consisting of three parts, connected together by the signs + or -, as x + y + z, or x - y - z.

TRINQUET, _Fr._ A word used in the Levant to signify the mizen or foremast of a ship.

TRINQUETTE, _Fr._ A sail used on board the ships in the Levant, which is of a triangular shape.

TRIOMPHE, _Fr._ See TRIUMPH.

_Arc de_ TRIOMPHE, _Fr._ A triumphal arch.

TRIPASTE, _Fr._ A machine which consists of three pullies, and is used in raising of heavy weights.

TRIQUE, _Fr._ A large cudgel.

TRIQUE-BAL, _Fr._ A sling cart or machine which is used to convey pieces of ordnance from one quarter to another.

TRIREME, _Fr._ A galley with three benches for rowers.

TRISECTION, (_Trisection_, _Fr._) The division of a thing into three. The term is chiefly used in geometry for the partition of an angle into three equal parts.

The trisection of an angle geometrically, is one of those great problems whose solution has been so much sought by mathematicians; being in this respect on a footing with the quadrature of the circle, and the duplicature of the cube angle.

TRIUMPH. A solemnity practised by the ancient Romans, to do honor to a victorious general.

There were two sorts of triumphs, the greater and the lesser, particularly called ovation; of these the triumph was by much the more splendid procession. None were capable of this honor but the dictator, consuls, and prætors; though there are examples to the contrary, as particularly in Pompey the Great, who had a triumph decreed him when he was only a Roman knight, and had not yet reached the senatorial age.

The triumph was the most pompous show among the ancients: authors usually attribute its invention to Bacchus, and tell us, that he first triumphed upon the conquest of the Indies; and yet this ceremony was only in use among the Romans. The Grecians had a custom which resembled the Roman triumph; for the conquerors used to make a procession through the middle of their city, crowned with garlands, repeating hymns and songs, and brandishing their spears: their captives were also led by them, and all their spoils exposed to public view. The order of a Roman triumph was chiefly thus: the senate having decreed the general a triumph, and appointed a day, they went out of the city gate and marched in order with him through the city. The cavalcade was led up by the musicians, who had crowns on their heads; and after them came several chariots with plans and maps of the cities and countries subdued, done in relievo: they were followed by the spoils taken from the enemy; their horses, arms, gold, silver, machines, tents, &c. After these came the kings, princes, or generals subdued, loaded with chains, and followed by mimics or buffoons, who exulted over their misfortunes. Next came the officers of the conquering troops, with crowns on their heads. Then appeared the triumphal chariot, in which was the conqueror, richly clad in a purple robe, embroidered with gold, setting forth his glorious atchievements. His buskins were beset with pearl, and he wore a crown, which at first was only laurel, but afterwards gold; one hand held a laurel branch, the other a truncheon. His children were sometimes at his feet, and sometimes on the chariot-horses. As the triumphal chariot passed along, the people strewed flowers before it. The music played in praise of the conqueror, amidst the loud acclamations of the people, crying, to triumph. The chariot was followed by the senate clad in white robes; and the senate by such citizens as had been set at liberty or ransomed. The procession was closed by the sacrifices, and their officers and utensils, with a white ox led along for the chief victim. In the mean time all the temples were open, and the altars were loaded with offerings and incense; games and combats were celebrated in the public places, and rejoicings appeared every where.

TRIUMVIRI, or TRESVIRI CAPITALES. Men employed among the ancient Romans to preserve the public peace, &c. For particulars, see Kennett’s Roman Antiquities, page 121. They likewise signify the three persons, Cæsar, Crassus, and Pompey, who seized on the government of the republic, and divided it among them. Hence,

TRIUMVIRATE (_Triumvirat_, _Fr._) An absolute government administered by three persons with equal authority. There are two triumvirates particularly recorded in history: Pompey, Cæsar, and Crassus, who had all served the republic as generals of marked reputation, in the first instance; and Augustus, Mark Antony, and Lepidus, in the second.

TROCHLEA. One of the mechanical powers usually called a pulley.

TROCHOID, in mathematics. The same as cycloid.

TROCHOLIQUE, _Fr._ A name used among the French for that branch of mathematics which treats of circular movements.

TROMBE, _Fr._ A water-spout. It is likewise called _Siphon_ or _Syphon_.

TROMPE, _Fr._ In architecture; an arch which grows wider towards the top.

TROMPES, _Fr._ In artificial fireworks; a collection of _pots à feu_, or fire-pots so arranged, that upon the first being inflamed, a ready communication takes place with the rest, and the explosion is successively effected.

TROMPETTE, _Fr._ This word, which signifies trumpet, is applied by the French, not only to the instrument, but to the man who blows it; in the same manner that we say fifes and drums, for fifers and drummers; but we do not say trumpet for trumpeter. _Trompette_, when used in this sense, is of the masculine gender.

TROMPETTE _sonnante_, _Fr._ With sound of trumpet, or trumpet sounding.

TROMPETTE _parlante_, _Fr._ A speaking trumpet. This instrument is generally used at sea; and owes its invention to an Englishman.

_Deloger sans_ TROMPETTE, _Fr._ To steal away, to take French leave.

TROMPILLON, _Fr._ The diminutive of trompe. A term used in architecture, which owes its origin to the resemblance that exists between the wide part of a trumpet, and the arch or vault so called.

TROOP, in cavalry. A certain number of men on horseback who form a component part of a squadron. It is the same, with respect to formation, as company in the infantry. When a troop dismounts and acts on foot, it is still called a troop.

TROOP. A certain beat of the drum. See DRUM.

_To_ TROOP _the colors_. See COLORS.

TROOPS. The same as _copiæ_ in Latin. Any collective body of soldiers.

_Heavy_ TROOPS. Soldiers armed and accoutred for the purpose of acting together, in line, &c.

_Light_ TROOPS, (_Troupes legères_, _Fr._) Hussars, light horse, mounted riflemen, light infantry are so called, in opposition to cavalry or heavy horse. Skirmishing is solely the business of light horse, who, according to count Turpin, should be constantly exposed as the forlorn hope of the army; or as troops whose duty it is to be continually watchful for its repose and security.

When the light horse compose an advanced camp, the men should keep their horses constantly saddled; it being only an indulgence to allow those off duty to have their horses unsaddled. It is very true, that a camp of cavalry cannot be managed after the same manner; but then cavalry is seldom so situated as to be attacked, or to attack every day, which is the real business of light horse. They should serve as vedets to the whole army, in order to prevent the enemy from approaching it; whereas cavalry should never be employed, but in the greatest operations; and on occasions which are to decide the fate of a campaign.

Light troops, according to the same writer, are employed to gain intelligence concerning the enemy, to learn whether he hath decamped, whether he hath built any bridges, and other things of the same nature, of which the general must necessarily be informed, and should have a day fixed for this return. There are other detachments, which should be sent out under intelligent officers, and which should never lose sight of the enemy, in order to send in daily intelligence, to attack small convoys and baggage, to pick up marauders, and harrass the advanced guards. There should not be any time fixed for the return of these detachments, neither should they be confined to particular places; they should, however, return to the camp at the expiration of eight or ten days at farthest. The inconvenience, arising from confining these detachments to a particular time, would perhaps be, that the very day appointed for their return, would be that on which they might have the fairest opportunity of learning intelligence of the enemy: consequently their being forced to return, would defeat the objects for which they were sent out. See page 122, vol. II. of Count Turpin’s Art of War. See _Am. Mil. Lib._