Artillery

in a military acceptation of the term, signifies every species of light or heavy ordnance. It is cla ed under specific heads; the most important of which are— Field Artillery , which includes every requisite to forward the operations of an army, or of any part of an army acting offensively or defensively in the field. Field artillery may be divided into two distinct cla es— Field Artillery , commonly called the Park , and Horse Artillery . Encampment of a regiment of Artillery . Regiments of artillery are always encamped, half on the right, and half on the left of the park. The company of bombardiers (when they are formed into companies, which they are in European nations excepting England) always takes the right of the whole, and they rate by seniority, so that the two youngest are next but one to the centre or park: the two companies next to the park, are the miners on the right, and the artificers on the left. In the rear of, and 36 feet from the park, are encamped the civil list, commi ioners, clerks, . all in one line. The breadth between the front tent-pole of one company, and that of another, called the streets, will depend on the size and capacity of the tents; but according to the old mode during the revolution of 1776, when the American army had tents, 36 feet to each was the interval. | FEET. | | From the front pole of officers tent of the quarter-guard, or guard of the army, to the centre of the bells of arms of ditto | 34 | | To the parade of the quarter-guard | 12 | | To the first line of the regimental parade | 150 | | To the centre of the bells of arms | 90 | | From thence to the front poles of serjeants tents | 12 | | For pitching 12 tents of artillery, with their proper intervals at 9 feet each | 108 | | From the rear of companies tents, to the front of the subalterns tents | 60 | | From the front of the subalterns, to that of the captains | 72 | | From the front of the captains, to that of the field officers | 72 | | From the front of the field officers, to that or the colonels | 36 | | From the front of the colonels, to that of the staff officers | 48 | | From the front of the staff officers, to the front row of bâtmans tents | 54 | | From thence to the first row of pickets for horses | 6 | | From thence to the second row | 36 | | From thence to the second row of bâtmans tents | 6 | | From thence to the front of the grand suttler’s tent | 42 | | From thence to the centre of the kitchens | 60 | | From thence to the front of petit-suttler’s tents | 45 | | From thence to the centre of the bells of arms of the rear-guard | 45 | | Total depth | 789 | The army guard is in the front of the park, opposite the alarm-guns, in a line with the artillery quarter-guards, that are placed on the right and left of the artillery companies. When there are bells of arms they front the poles of serjeants tents. The colours are placed in the centre of the front line of guns, in the interval of the two alarm-guns, in a line with the bells of arms of the companies. The lieutenant-colonels and majors tents front the centres of the second streets from the right and left of the regiment. The colonel’s tent is in a line with the colours and guard of the army, facing the same. The staff-officers front the centres of the second streets, on the right and left of the angles of the park. The bâtmen’s tents front towards their horses. The rear-guard fronts outwards. The front poles are in a line with the centre of the bells of arms, and each is 18 feet distant. The parade of the rear-guard is 12 feet from the bells of arms. In the rear of the rear guard, and 80 feet distant from their parade, the artillery-horses and drivers tents are placed, in two or more lines, parallel with the line of guns, extending from the right and left of the whole. It sometimes happens, that a very large train of artillery is in the field, with two or more regiments: in that case the oldest takes the right of the park, the next oldest the left, and the youngest the centre: the centre or grand street is 63 feet broad, opposite to which the tent of the commanding officer is placed. In the centre of this street, the colours are placed in a line with the bells of arms, and the artillery quarter-guard is in the front of the colours at the same distance as before mentioned. For further particulars of camps, see American Mil. Lib . Vol. II. Art. Camps . Regiment of Artillery . The corps of artillery, with all its dependencies, is, as it were, the general instrument of the army. It is impo ible to attack fortified places, or to defend them, without artillery; and an army in the field, which wants artillery, can not so well make head against one that is well provided with it. for this reason it is, that at all times governments have taken great care to provide proper officers of learning and capacity to govern, repair and keep in order, this e ential part of military force. The strength of a regiment of artillery depends upon the circumstances of the country, the quantity of troops to maintain, the number of fortifications and points to be defended. It had always been the custom, to regulate the corps of artillery according to the French method; but, the celebrated king of Pru ia fixed his regiments of artillery on another plan, and produced a great change, upon which the French have since improved, and are again followed by all nations. The British method, from which we borrowed in the revolution, may be useful to know as well as the Pru ian. In 1628, and probably long before, the artillery had sundry privileges, from which the rest of the army were excluded, viz. of having the first rank and the best quarters; neither could any carriage or waggon presume to march before theirs, except that belonging to the treasurer. In 1705, we find the first mention made of English royal artillery, before that time it was only called the train of artillery . It then consisted only of 4 companies, under the command of general Borgard. From that period it gradually increased to 6 battalions, each battalion consisting of 10 companies, beside 1 invalid battalion equal in its establishment to the others, but confined in duty to the home garrisons, or to Jersey, Guernsey and Bermuda, commanded by a colonel commandant, 1 colonel en second, 2 lieutenant-colonels, 1 major, who have no companies. Each company in time of war generally consisted of 120 men, commanded by 1 captain, 1 captain lieutenant, 2 first, and 1 second lieutenant. In time of peace the companies were reduced to 50 men each. Frederick the second of Pru ia, found his army in a very good condition, excepting the corps of artillery and engineers, little esteemed by the rest of the army, and the officers without commi ions. Knowing how nece ary it was to have a good corps of artillery and engineers, and how impo ible it was to secure that important object without having officers learned in every branch of military mathematics; immediately draughted all the illiterate officers into the garrison regiments, supplying their places with persons of capacity; and giving them all commi ions, with rank equal to that of the officers of the guards, and an extraordinary pay. This method of proceeding established the use and reputation of that corps; induced the nobility and men of rank (provided they had capacity) to engage in it sooner than elsewhere; which brought it to that summit of high renown, it since enjoyed. The Pru ian army consisted of 12 battalions, 8 for the field, and 4 for garrison. Each battalion had 12 companies, namely, 1 company of bombardiers, 1 of miners, 1 of artificers, and 9 of artillerists. The first, or bombardier companies, were composed of 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 3 upper and 6 under fire-workers, 2 serjeants, 4 corporals, 2 drummers, and 60 bombardiers. The miners had the same commi ioned officers, with 3 serjeants, 6 corporals, 2 drummers, 33 miners, and 33 sappers. The artificers had the same officers and non-commi ioned officers as the miners, with 30 artificers, and 36 pontoneers. All the artillery companies had 3 commi ioned and 6 non-commi ioned officers, 2 drummers, and 60 artillerists. The colonel, lieutenant-colonel, and major’s companies, had each a captain-lieutenant; and each battalion had further, 1 chaplain, 1 auditor, 1 adjutant, 1 quarter-master, 1 doctor, 3 surgeons, 1 serjeant-major, 1 drum-major, 6 musicians, and 1 provost. By the law of the 16th March, 1802, sect. 2, the United States artillery consists of five battalions, consisting of 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant colonel, 4 majors, 1 adjutant, 20 companies, each composed of 1 captain, 1 first lieutenant, 1 second lieutenant, 2 cadets, 4 serjeants, 4 corporals, 4 musicians, 8 artificers, and 56 privates; two teachers of music were added by the law of February 28, 1803. March of the Artillery . The marches of the artillery are, of all the operations of war, the most delicate; because they must not only be directed on the object you have in view, but according to the movements the enemy make. Armies generally march in 3 columns, the centre column of which is the artillery: should the army march in more columns, the artillery and heavy baggage march neverthele in one or more of the centre columns; the situation of the enemy determines this. If they are far from the enemy, the baggage and ammunition go before or behind, or are sent by a particular road; an army in such a case cannot march in too many columns. But should the march be towards the enemy, the baggage must absolutely be all in the rear, and the whole artillery form the centre column, except some brigades, one of which marches at the head of each column, with guns loaded and burning matches, preceded by a detachment for their safety. The French almost invariably place their baggage in the centre. Suppose the enemy’s army in a condition to march towards the heads of your columns: the best disposition for the march is in 3 columns only; that of the centre for the artillery; for it is then easy to form it in order of battle. Hence it is equally commodious for each brigade of artillery to plant itself at the head of the troops, in the place marked for it, in such a manner, that the whole disposition being understood, and well executed, the line of battle may be quickly formed in an open country, and in the presence of any enemy, without risquing a surprise; by which method the artillery will always be in a condition to act as soon as the troops, provided it march in brigades. If your march should be through a country full of defiles, some cavalry and other light troops must march at the head of the columns, followed by a detachment of grenadiers and a brigade of artillery; cannon being absolutely nece ary to obstruct the enemy’s forming into order of battle. When you decamp in the face of the enemy, you must give most attention to your rear-guard. On such occasions, all the baggage, ammunition, provisions, and artillery, march before the troops; your best light troops, best cavalry, some good brigades of infantry, together with some brigades of artillery, form the rear-guard. Cannon is of infinite use for a rear-guard, when you are obliged to pa a defile, or a river; and should be placed at the entry of such defile, on an eminence, if there be one, or on any other place, from whence they can discover the ground through which the enemy must march to attack the rear-guard. A detachment of pioneers, with tools, must always march at the head of the artillery, and of each column of equipage or baggage. If the enemy be encamped on the right flanks of the march, the artillery, . should march to the left of the troops, and vice vers a . Should the enemy appear in motion, the troops front that way, by wheeling to the right or left by divisions; and the artillery, which marches in a line with the columns, pa es through their intervals, and forms at the head of the front line, which is formed of the column that flanked nearest the enemy, taking care at the same time that the baggage be well covered during the action. Though we have said armies generally march in 3 columns, yet where the country will allow it, it is better to march in a greater number; and let that number be what it will, the artillery must form the centre columns. See American Mil. Lib. on the march of troops. Line of march of the Artillery for a large army, as established before the French revolution:  1. A guard of the army; the strength of which depends on the commander in chief.  2. The companies of miners (excepting a detachment from each, dispersed in various places, to mend the roads) with tumbrels of tools, drawn by 2 horses, a isted by pioneers.  3. The brigades of artillery’s front-guard, with four light 6 pounders loaded, and matches burning.  4. The trumpeters on horse-back.  5. The flag-gun, drawn by 12 horses, and ten 12 pounders more, by 4 horses each.  6. Twenty waggons with stores for the said guns, and 1 spare one, by 4 horses each.  7. All the pontoons, with the waggons thereto belonging.  8. Eight 9 pounders, by 3 horses each.  9. Fifteen waggons with stores for said guns, by 4 horses each, and 2 spare ones. 10. Gins and capstans, with their proper workmen, 3 waggons, with 2 horses each. 11. A forge on four wheels, and 1 waggon, 4 horses each. 12. Twelve heavy 24 pounders, by 16 horses each. 13. Sixteen waggons with stores for ditto, and 2 spare ones, by 4 horses each. 14. A waggon with tools, and pioneers to mend the roads. 15. Nine light 24 pounders, by 8 horses each. 16. Twelve waggons with stores for ditto, and 2 spare ones, by 4 horses each. 17. A forge and waggon, by 4 horses each. 18. Nine 24 pounders, by 8 horses each. 19. Twelve waggons with stores for ditto, and 2 spare ones. 20. Twelve 12 pounders, by 8 horses each. 21. Sixteen waggons with stores for ditto, and 2 spare ones. 22. Sixteen 5.8 inch mortars, by 2 horses each. 23. Twenty-five waggons with stores for ditto, and 2 spare ones. 24. Ten 8 inch mortars, by 4 horses each. 25. Twenty waggons with stores for ditto, and 2 spare ones. 26. Six 10 inch howitzers, by 6 horses each. 27. Twenty waggons with stores for ditto, and 2 spare ones. 28. A waggon with tools, and men to mend the roads. 29. A forge and waggon, by 4 horses each. 30. Ten 8 inch mortars, by 4 horses each. 31. Twenty waggons with stores for ditto, and a spare one. 32. Sixteen 12 inch mortars, by 8 horses each. 33. Thirty waggons with stores for ditto, and 2 spare ones. 34. Eight 18 inch stone mortars, by 10 horses each. 35. Sixteen waggons with stores for ditto, and a spare one. 36. Eight 9 pounders, by 3 horses each. 37. Sixteen waggons with stores for ditto, and a spare one. 38. Twenty 6 pounders, by 2 horses each. 39. Twenty waggons with stores for ditto, and a spare one. 40. Two sling-waggons, and 2 truck-carriages, 4 horses each. 41. Twenty 3 pounders, by 1 horse each. 42. Ten waggons with stores for ditto, and a spare one. 43. A waggon with tools, . 44. A forge and waggon, by 4 horses each. 45. Twelve 2 and 1 pounders, by 1 horse each. 46. Six waggons with stores for ditto. 47. Sixteen 6 pounders, by 2 horses each. 48. Ten waggons with stores for ditto. 49. Twenty spare carriages, for various calibres. 50. Eighteen ditto. 51. Fifty spare limbers. 52. Ten 18 pounders, by 6 horses each. 53. Twenty waggons with stores for ditto, and 2 spare ones. 54. Twenty waggons with ammunition and stores. 55. Two 12 pounders, by 4 horses each. 56. Four waggons with stores for ditto. 57. Fifty waggons with stores. 58. A waggon with tools, and men to mend the roads. 59. A forge and waggon, by 4 horses each. 60. A hundred waggons with stores, and 4 spare ones. 61. Four 2 and 1 pounders, by 1 horse each. 62. A hundred waggons with stores, and 3 spare ones. 63. Two hundred waggons, and 2 spare ones. 64. Two hundred and fourteen waggons belonging to the artillery baggage; some with 4, 3, and 2 horses each. 65. The artillery rear-guard. 66. The rear-guard from the army. Horse Artillery. —The French horse artillery consists of 8 Prs. and 6 inch Howitzers. The English of light 12 Prs., light 6 Prs. and light 5¹⁄₂ inch Howitzers. The Austrian and Pru ian horse artillery have 6 Prs. and 5¹⁄₂ inch Howitzers. The United States by a law of April 12, 1808, authorised the raising of a regiment of horse artillery of ten companies, of the same number of officers and men as the artillery regiment of the old establishment to the company. Officers of Artillery . The commander of the army is commander in chief of the artillery; the colonels of artillery act under his orders; they are entrusted with one of the most laborious employments, both in war and peace, requiring the greatest ability, application, and experience. The officers in general should be good mathematicians, and engineers, should know all the powers of artillery, the attack and defence of fortified places; in a word, every thing which appertains to that very important corps.