Part 16

(A) = Beer, Gallons, or half Pints of Spirits, or Pints of Wine. (B) = Pint of Oatmeal. (C) = lbs. of Butter. (D) = lbs. of Butter. +----------+------+---+----------+------+----+---+---+---+--------+ | | | | Beef, |Pork, |Pint| | | | | | Days of | | | Pieces |Pieces| of | | | | | | the Week.|Bread.|(A)| of | of |Peas|(B)|(C)|(D)|Vinegar.| | | lb. | | 8 lbs. |4 lb. | | | | | | +----------+------+---+----------+------+----+---+---+---+--------+ |Sunday, | 4 | 4 | | 1 | 2 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Monday, | 4 | 4 | | — | | 4 | ½ | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Tuesday, | 4 | 4 | 1 | — | | | | | | | | | |or 6 lbs. | | | | | | | |Wednesday,| 4 | 4 | of flour,| — | 2 | 4 | ½ | 1 |1 quart | | | | |or ½ lb | | | | | |a week. | |Thursday, | 4 | 4 |of suet, | 1 | 2 | | | | | | | | |& 1 lb of | | | | | | | |Friday, | 4 | 4 |raisins | — | 2 | 4 | ½ | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Saturday, | 4 | 4 | 1 | — | | | | | | | | | | or as | | | | | | | | | | | above. | | | | | | | +----------+------+---+----------+------+----+---+---+---+--------+

The above are served out by full weights and measures.

When flour, suet and raisins are put on board, they are to be served out in equal proportions with beef, viz. half in beef; the other half in flour, suet, and raisins, on each beef day.

4 lbs. of flour, or 3 lbs. of flour with ½ lb. of raisins, (or ¼ lb. of currants) and ¼ lb. of suet, are equal to 4 lbs. of beef, or 2 lbs. of pork with peas, but are not to be issued in lieu of the latter, except unavoidable, and then the quantities must be certified.

½ lb. of rice is equal to a pint of oatmeal; ½ lb. of sugar is equal to ½ lb. of butter; and 1 lb. of rice is equal to 1 lb. of cheese; 1 pint of oil is equal to 1 lb. of butter, or 2 lbs. of cheese, that is, a pint of oil for the proportion of butter and cheese.

A pint of wine, or ½ pint of brandy, rum, or arrack, is equal to a gallon of beer; 1 lb. of fresh beef is equal to 1 lb. of salt beef; and 1½ lbs. of fresh beef is equal to 1 lb. of pork.

No wine or spirits are to be issued to the troops while in port, nor at sea, till after all the beer is expended.

The masters of transports are to produce a certificate from the commanding officer of the troops on board, of the quantity expended. If any doubt be entertained of the provisions being full weight, a cask must be weighed in the presence of the commanding officer, the master and the mate, and the master may upon the certificate of the commanding officer, and the oath of the mate, issue as much beef and pork as will make up the deficiency.

The weight of each must be as follows: 14 pieces of beef, cut for 8 pound pieces taken out of the cask as they rise, and the salt shaken off, are to weigh 112 lbs. avoirdupois. 28 pieces of pork cut for 4 lb. pieces, are also to weigh, under like circumstances, 112 lbs.

The deductions to betaken for provisions from the pay of officers, noncommissioned officers, or men, are the same for all ranks, and in all corps, under the like circumstances of service, when serving out of Great Britain, on stations where provisions are supplied by the public: also, when embarked in transports or other vessels, (except when serving as marines) also when prisoners of war, and maintained at the expense of Great Britain; also when in general hospitals, whether at home or abroad, a deduction of _Six-pence per day_.

A deduction of _three-pence half-penny_ from the pay of every noncommissioned officer and private in Jamaica, in New South Wales, or Gibraltar. Noncommissioned officers and soldiers serving as marines shall not be liable to any deduction from their full pay on account of provisions.

Ration for a horse on home service in 1796: 14 lbs. of hay, 10 lbs. of oats, 4 lbs. of straw; for which a stoppage is made of _six-pence_.

_Army Regulations, 1799._

_RANK._—_Between Land and Sea Officers._

_Navy._ | _Army._ 1. Admiral, or commander | of his Majesty’s fleet | Field Marshal. --------------------------------------+-------------------- 2. Admirals with their flags | at the main-top-mast head | Generals. --------------------------------------+-------------------- 3. Vice Admirals | Lieutenant Generals. 4. Rear Admirals | Major Generals. 5. Commodores, with broad pendants | Brigadiers. --------------------------------------+-------------------- 6. Captains commanding post | ships, after 3 years | Colonels. --------------------------------------+-------------------- 7. All Captains commanding post ships | Lieutenant Colonels. 8. Captains not taking post | Majors. 9. Lieutenants | Captains.

The rank and precedence of sea officers in the classes abovementioned, are to take place according to the seniority of their respective commissions in the sea service. Post captains commanding ships or vessels that do not give post, rank only as majors during the time they command those vessels.

Nothing in this shall give any pretence to land officers to command any of his Majesty’s squadrons; nor to any sea officer to command on shore; nor shall either have right to demand the military honours due to their respective ranks, unless upon actual service.

_RECOIL_—_Of Field Guns on Travelling Carriages, upon Elm Planks._

+-------------+--------+----------+----------+----------+ | | | 1 Shot, | 2 Shot |Case Shot,| | Nature. | Charge |at 1° 30′ |at 1° 30′ |at 3° 45′ | | | |Elevation |Elevation |Elevation | +-------------+--------+----------+----------+----------+ | |lbs. oz.| Feet. | Feet. | Feet. | | | | | | | |12 Pr. Medi. | 4 — | 12 | 25 | 8½ | | 6 Pr. Heavy | 2 — | 7 | 11 | 7½ | | 6 Pr. Light | 1 8 | 12 | 21 | 10 | | 3 Pr. Heavy | 1 — | 7 | 5 | 3½ | +-------------+--------+----------+----------+----------+

_Recoil of Sea Service, Iron Guns, on Ship Carriages, upon a Horizontal Platform._

+------------------------+----------+-------+-------+-------+ | Charges of Powder |Elevation.|32 Pr. |24 Pr. |18 Pr. | | and Shot. | | | | | +------------------------+----------+-------+-------+-------+ | | Deg. |Ft. In.|Ft. In.|Ft. In.| | | | | | | | ⅓ of Powder and 1 Shot | 2 |11 — |11 — |10 6 | | ⅓ of Powder and 2 Shot | 4 |19 6 |18 6 |18 — | | ¼ of Powder and 2 Shot | 7 |11 6 |12 — |12 — | +------------------------+----------+-------+-------+-------+

_Recoil of Land Service, Iron Mortars, on Iron Beds._

Ft. In. 13 Inch, with a charge of 6 lbs. 4 2½ 10 Inch, ” ” 3 lbs. 2 10 8 Inch, ” ” 1 lb. 9 oz. 3 10

_RECONNOITERING._—The following necessary observations to be made in examining a country in a military point of view, are principally translated from the _Aide Memoire_, but improved by some judicious remarks from Mr. Landman’s introduction to reconnoitering.

Before an officer sets out to reconnoiter a country, he should trace out from the best map he can procure, its principal features, which will serve him as a guide in his progress through the principal parts which are to be the subject of his observations, and enable him to connect the whole into one grand plan.

His observations should be expressed by written remarks, and by sketches. For this purpose he must be provided with a sketch book, on the right hand page of which, he may express the appearance of the country by sketches, and on the left, the remarks made on particular parts, with the names of the towns, their distances asunder, &c. with proper references to the sketches. The scale most proper for this purpose is two inches to a mile; if therefore, the sketch book be made six inches wide, and the leaves divided by lines into three equal parts, each division will be one mile, which will be a sufficient scale for the purpose.

1st. _Roads._—The principal points to be attended to in examining roads for military purposes, are, their direction; the villages, countries, and rivers, which they pass through; the roads which cross them; their names and the seasons in which they are in best condition; and if ever impassable, their breadth, whether variable or constant; their bottoms, of what principally formed; their ascents and descents, whether practicable for all kinds of carriages. The enclosures may be hedges, ditches, walls, or fences. If the roads require repair for the transport of artillery, and other heavy carriages, observe if the necessary materials are at hand. If they pass over rivers, remark whether by bridges or fords; if through marshes, whether by causeways or otherwise. If two or more roads pursuing the same route, and by which different columns may march, at any part join or cross each other, it will be necessary to observe, whether the march of the columns will be thereby impeded. If they only cross each other, it will be sometimes possible in hollow ways, to throw a temporary bridge across the deepest, by which one column may pass over and the other under the bridge, without interrupting each others march.

2. _Fords._—A ford for cavalry ought not to be deeper than 4 feet; for infantry not more than 3 feet. Observe the banks of the ford at each side; their form, steepness, and height; their situation as to the turnings of the river. Their bottom, whether passable for carriages. Observe marks by which the ford may be readily found; points from which it may be protected. Notice the rapidity of the water; whether its height be variable; its direction, its breadth, and the means by which the ford may be destroyed or rendered impassable.

3. _Inundations._—Learn the manner of working the sluices; the time in which the inundation may be effected; its extent and depth. Observe how the dam may be protected; its height and solidity; whether it can be easily raised, or easily destroyed; whether it is commanded by distant positions, and whether the inundation can be otherways drained. Notice the adjacent country.

4. _Springs and Wells._—Attend to the quality and quantity of the water; whether it will serve for the cavalry, as well as infantry, and the manner of its being drawn. Observe the situation of the spring, and of its source, whether it can be protected, and the enemy prevented from cutting it off.

5. _Lakes, Marshes, and Swamps._—Learn their cause; if arising from a moist soil, the overflowings of rivers or from springs. Observe their situation, and the appearance of the surrounding country; the best means of crossing them. If they are divided by causeways, notice their breadth and condition; if not, remark if causeways can be easily established, and whether the swamp can be drained, and whether it is passable at any season of the year. Observe the points from which the causeways can be defended against the passage of an enemy’s column. Learn whether or not the swamps are subject to fogs; and at what seasons they are most hurtful.

6. _Of Woods and Forests._—Remark their extent; their situation; their thickness; whether the trees are lofty or low; whether there is much underwood. Observe if the different clumps form openings or passes; and their extent; whether their sides are formed of thick wood or brush; whether their breadth is uniform, or widens at particular parts. Remark whether the ground of the forest be level or hilly, swampy or dry. Observe the nature and condition of the roads (for remarks to be made on these, see the article _Roads_;) observe also the means the forest affords of intrenching; of making fascines, abbatis, &c. Attend to the face of the country round the forest, whether cultivated fields or meadows: whether it affords positions; is intersected by rivulets, swamps or ravines.

Remark the castles, villages, towns, &c. in the neighbourhood; and their distance from the skirts of the wood.

Go round the wood and examine its principal débouchés; observe the ravines, rivulets, roads, &c. issuing from it, and learn their direction.

7. _Heaths._—Notice for what nature of troops they are best calculated. The nature of hedges and brush wood; some form a good breast work. Observe the directions of the rivulets, roads, and ravines. When the ground of a heath is of the common colour, the roads are usually good: but when it is blackish and mixed with white sand, the roads are generally impassable in winter seasons.

8. _Canals._—For this article see also the observations on _Rivers_. Observe their intention; the nature of the soil in which they are dug, their breadth and depth; their locks; the craft found upon them; the best means of protecting or destroying them: learn the countries they pass through.

9. _Rivers._—Learn in what country they arise, and where empty themselves; the nature of the countries they run through, and whether they belong to us or the enemy. Learn the extent to which they are navigable; and if they ever freeze over, whether strong enough to bear troops and carriages. Notice the quality of the water, its course, currents, depths, and breadths. The banks and the beds of the rivers. Observe the nature and number of the craft that navigate them; and the mills upon their banks, whether of wind or water. Visit the bridges and fords; and make the proper remarks on their nature and situation. Learn whether the rivers ever overflow their banks, and at what season; and whether or not this causes inundations. Observe the most favourable points for crossing, and the roads leading to these points. The turnings and windings of the rivers, the form of their peninsulas; and the most favourable situations for throwing over bridges. If there are any wharves on the banks, observe what craft can lay along side of them.

If there are islands in the rivers, note their size; their banks; whether inhabited, cultivated, woody, or barren; and whether they command the channel.

Observe the mountains and high grounds near the rivers; remark their distance from the banks, and the advantages, or disadvantages which they offer. Learn what branches or confluence of other rivers there are either above or below, the best situations for crossing. Examine the positions which the adjoining country affords an army to protect the passage of the river; and whether in a perpendicular or parallel direction; and the routes by which 3 or 4 columns may arrive at the place.

10. _Passes._—Observe their breadth, their length, their situation; the nature of the adjacent country: the best positions to occupy to cover a retreat; or to dispute the pass. How the troops would be best arranged; and the number that would be required for this purpose.

11. _Ravines, Vallies._—Observe the nature of the soil; whether rocky, or of loose flints. If the sides are rugged and steep, whether they can be easily scarped off. The points that command them: whether storms or floods are to be apprehended; and at what seasons most expected.

12. _Cultivated Lands._—Notice their state of cultivation: their productions; their time of harvest. Learn what quantity of wheat, rye, barley, oats, or other grain they produce, over and above the necessary subsistance of the inhabitants. How much hay they yield _per_ acre.

13. _Orchards._—Observe whether they are thick planted and afford a good cover: their enclosures, whether hedge, ditches, walls, &c.

14. _Bridges._—Remark their situation; their length and breadth; the materials of which they are built; their strength, whether sufficient to bear artillery: the roads leading to them: their situation, as to the turnings of the river: their purpose; if to connect towns or villages, the nature, direction, and breadth of the streets leading to them. Observe the country around, whether flat or commanding: study the best means of fortifying the bridge head; and observe the best and most expeditious mode by which the bridge may be destroyed, if necessary.

15. _Mountains, Hills._—Amongst high mountains, such as the Alps, roads are very rare; it is seldom more than the vallies that are inhabited and accessible for troops: observe their slopes, if steep or rugged. Examine the positions; means of gaining the summits; and note the state of cultivation and general appearance of the vallies; the pasturage, forage, cottages, villages, castles, roads, paths, and passes. Distinguish the principal chains of hills and their direction. Their relative heights; whether they are sufficiently extensive to form a line of defence; their communications; their strong points; positions proper for batteries, &c. Whether practicable for cavalry and artillery.

16. _Coasts._—Their nature; whether bordered by downs; surrounded by rocks, which render their approach dangerous; or by shoals, which make their access impracticable; note the points and headlands proper for forts and batteries to defend the anchorage, ports, harbours, or other accessible parts. If there are any adjacent isles, perhaps they will serve for the erection of advanced batteries, to form a barrier to the efforts of an enemy. Observe the nature of the shores, bays, roads for shipping, &c. with the winds required to go in and out the harbours; and whether they are of easy access: their advantages and disadvantages, their size and depth of water. If a river empties itself on the coast, observe the particular channel for shipping, and whether it can be defended by any of the batteries. If the coast is already fortified, observe all the batteries, forts, or intrenchments, established for its defence, and the protection of the anchorage, _&c._ Examine the camps and other military posts, which cover the principal points, and the interior of the country. Estimate all the dangers to be run, and all the obstacles to be overcome in a descent, and point out the means of augmenting them. Observe the time of the tide most favourable for approaching the coast. Ascertain the number of artillery and other troops constantly on the coast, and the force that can be collected at a short notice; and how soon they can be drawn to any particular point attacked. Examine the system of defence adopted, and endeavour to improve it.

17. _Forts, Redoubts._—Remark their form, whether ancient or modern; whether they are permanent or temporary; elevated or low; revetted or demi-revetted, with stone, brick, or turf. Whether the ditch is wet or dry; fraized or palissaded; natural or artificial. Observe their situation; the face of the adjacent country; whether they effectually command the passes, or protect the country intended. The defence they are capable of making in their present state, and the improvements of which they are susceptible.

18. _Castles, Citadels._—Their situation; their form; their extent; their object; the protection they give the city; their connection and communication with it. The present state of their defence, and the improvements of which they are susceptible. Their _Souterraines_.

19. _Villages._—Observe their situation; ascertain the number of families they contain; the nature of the land; the quality and quantity of their crops; their markets; the suburbs that supply these markets; their beasts of burthen: their flocks, herds, poultry, _&c._ The number of their ovens; quality of the water; stile of houses, barns, stables, and sheep walks. The situation of the church; the nature of the church yard, and its enclosures. The wind and water mills. Observe whether the village is surrounded by hedges, ditches, banks, or walls; whether it can be easily intrenched. Its streets; roads leading to it; and the face of the surrounding country.

20. _Cities not fortified._—Their situation; population; commerce; commodities; manufactures; the succours that may be drawn from them, as to men, horses, _&c._ Their squares and principal buildings. The defence they are susceptible of; whether they are surrounded by walls, old towers, ditches, _&c._ Their gates, and the roads leading to them. The face of the surrounding country.

21. _Fortified Towns._—Their situation with respect to their position, and with respect to other towns in the neighbourhood, whether in the first or second line; the assistance which they can afford each other. The succours that may be drawn from them, or that may be thrown into them in case of a siege. The direction which such relief, whether of men or provisions, ought to take, according to the side attacked; whether they will serve as depots or hospitals. The state of the fortifications (see the word _Fortification_ in the alphabet;) their nature; the strength of each front. The rivers in the neighbourhood; the surrounding country within the range of the guns. The form of investment; what lines will be required considering the nature of the country, and the positions; and the means the country affords of executing them. The advantages which the ground would afford between the glacis and the lines, either to the besiegers or besieged; the means of establishing the most certain communications between the different quarters of the army, and the means of cutting them off.