l’èpée, le parti des armes_; the military profession.
_Prendre_ PARTI _dans l’épée_, _Fr._ to embrace a military life.
PARTIALITY. Unequal state of the judgment, and favor of one above the
other, without just reason. If any member of a general court-martial
expresses a previous judgment, in partiality either to the prisoner
or prosecutor, before he is sworn, it is to be deemed a good cause of
challenge; and he should not be allowed to sit in judgment on the case.
PARTISAN, has been applied to a halberd or pike, and to a marshal’s
staff. See BATON.
PARTISAN, in the _art of war_, a person dexterous in commanding
a party; who, knowing the country well, is employed in getting
intelligence, or surprising the enemy’s convoy, &c. The word also means
an officer sent out upon a party, with the command of a body of light
troops, generally under the appellation of a partisan corps. It is
necessary that this corps should be composed of infantry, light-horse,
and riflemen.
PARTY, in a _military sense_, a small number or detachment of men,
horse, or foot, sent upon any kind of duty; as into an enemy’s country,
to pillage, to take prisoners, and oblige the country to come under
contribution. Parties are often sent out to view the roads and ways,
get intelligence, seek forage, reconnoitre, or amuse the enemy upon
a march; they are also frequently sent upon the flanks of an army,
or regiment, to discover the enemy, if near, and prevent surprise or
ambuscade.
Parties escorting deserters in the British service receive the
following allowances, being the same as have been granted to those of
other forces, in consideration of the unavoidable extraordinary wear of
their clothing and necessaries on that duty, viz.
Distances from For each man
quarters. --------------
------------------------- _£._ _s._ _d._
Between 8 and 20 miles 0 1 0
20 50 0 2 0
50 100 0 4 0
100 150 0 5 0
150 200 0 6 0
Above 200 0 7 6
In the like proportion, allowances are to be made for parties of four,
five, and six men, but no higher. This is however to be understood
as a regulation of allowance merely, it not being the intention of
government thereby to restrain any commanding officer from employing
larger parties on the escort duty, if he should think proper, but that
whatever may be the actual number of the parties, the allowances are to
be in the proportion of
Three men for an escort of from 5 to 8 deserters
Four ---- 9 to 12
Five ---- 13 to 16
Six ---- 17 to 20
Exact returns of the said duty, as performed by each corps, are to be
made up, agreeable to a form annexed, as soon as may be after every
24th of June and 24th of December, for the half years immediately
preceding, and are to be transmitted to the office of the secretary at
war, in order that the allowances thereon may be settled and directed.
_Watering_ PARTY. See WATERING.
_Firing_ PARTY, those who are selected to fire over the grave
of any one interred with military honors, if below the rank of
brigadier-general; for the specific number of which the party is to
consist, &c.--See BURIALS.
_Working_ PARTIES. These consist of small detachments of men under the
immediate command and superintendance of officers who are employed on
fatigues which are not purely of a military nature. They are generally
called fatigue duties, being different from those of parade, or of
exercise in the field. They principally consist in digging canals,
repairing roads, working on fortifications, except such as may be
constructed in the field, or upon actual service. An addition is made
to their pay, as a reward for their labor, and a compensation for their
extraordinary wear of necessaries: half of which should always be paid
into the hands of the captains, and commanding officers of companies,
for this latter purpose. It has been judiciously observed in a note to
the treatise on Military Finance, that British troops might in time of
peace, be employed much oftener than they are on works of this nature,
with equal advantage to the public and to themselves. This remark
becomes more forcibly apposite since the adoption of canals through the
country.
PAS, _Fr._ Pace. A measure in fortification. The French divide their
_pas_, or pace, into two kinds--_pas commun_, or ordinary pace, and
_pas geometrique_, or geometrical pace. The ordinary pace consists of
two feet; and the geometrical pace contains five royal feet, or five
_pieds du roi_. The itinerary distance which the Italians call a mile,
consists of one thousand geometrical paces; and three miles make a
French league.
PAS _oblique_, _Fr._ Oblique step, now exploded.
PAS _ordinaire_, _Fr._ Ordinary time.
PAS _ordinaire direct_, _Fr._ Front step in ordinary time.
PAS _precipite_, _Fr._ Double quick time.
PAS _de charge_, _Fr._ Charging time.
PAS _cadencé_, _Fr._ Cadenced step.
_Doubler le_ PAS, _Fr._ to double your step or pace: to go faster.
_Forcer le_ PAS, _Fr._ to make a forced march.
PAS _alongé_, _Fr._ a lengthened step.
_Alonger le_ PAS, _Fr._ to step out.
_Diminuer le_ PAS, _Fr._ To step short.
_Hâter le_ PAS, _Fr._ to slacken your pace; to go slower.
_Marcher à grands_ PAS, _Fr._ To move rapidly.
_Marcher à petits_ PAS, _Fr._ to step short, or move leisurely.
_Retourner sur ses_ PAS, _Fr._ To go back.
_Avoir le_ PAS, _Fr._ To have the precedency.
PAS _de souris_, _Fr._ Degrees or steps which are made in different
parts of the circumference of the counterscarp. They serve to keep up a
communication between works when the ditch is dry, and are generally
made in the rentrant angles of the counterscarp, and in the rentrant
angles of the outworks. There are likewise steps or degrees of this
sort at some distance from the glacis.
PAS, _Fr._ Any strait or channel of water between two separate lands.
PAS _de Calais_, _Fr._ The straits between Calais and Dover.
PAS, likewise signifies any narrow pass. _Le pas des Thermopyles._ The
pass of Thermopylæ.
_Defendre le_ PAS, _Fr._ To defend the pass or strait.
_Francher le_ PAS, _Fr._ To determine upon a thing after some
hesitation.
PAS _d’ane_, _Fr._ A sword-guard, which covers the whole hand, or
basket hilt. _Une garde à pas d’ane._
PAS _d’ane_, _Fr._ This word likewise means a curb or snaffle.
PASS, in a _military sense_, a strait, difficult, and narrow passage,
which shuts up the entrance into a country.
PASS, a voucher for the absence of a non-commissioned officer or
soldier, in the following form:
By ---- commanding the ---- regiment of U. S. Infantry, stationed at
----.
Permit the bearer hereof ---- in ---- company of the abovementioned
regiment, to pass from hence to ---- and to return to quarters at or
before ---- o’clock.
Given under my hand at ---- this ---- day of ---- .
_To all whom it may concern._
PASS, PASSADO, in _fencing_, a push or thrust upon your adversary.
PASS, (_passade_, _Fr._) in fencing, a leap or advance upon the enemy.
_To_ PASS, to march by open order of columns, for the purpose of
saluting a reviewing general. Each division or company (on its march)
will open its ranks at 20 paces distance from the general, and again
close them, after it has passed 15 paces. The whole march in slow
time, till the leading division arrives at the spot where the left of
the battalion originally stood. The commanding officer then halts the
regiment, the music ceases to play, and the different divisions with
supported arms march in quick time until they have completed the third
wheel from the ground of original formation; when arms are ordered to
be carried, the music plays, and as each division completes the third
wheel, the officers shift to the right, and the whole pass the general.
PASS _of arms_. In ancient chivalry, a bridge, road, &c. which the
knights undertook to defend, and which was not to be passed without
fighting the person who kept it. He, who was disposed to dispute the
pass, touched one of the armories of the other knight who held the
pass, that were hung on pales, columns, &c. erected for the purpose;
and this was a challenge which the other was obliged to accept. The
vanquished gave the conqueror such prize as was agreed on.
PASS-_parole_, a command or word which is given out at the head of an
army, and from thence passed from mouth to mouth, till it reach the
rear.
PASS-_port_, a letter of licence which is given by a government,
granting safe conduct to travel, enter, and go out of its territories
without molestation; this is properly given to friends and neutral
persons; and the safe conduct to enemies.
PASS, _All’s Well_, a term used by a British sentry after he has
challenged a person that comes near his post, and has given him the
proper parole, watchword, or countersign. See ROUNDS.
PASSADE, _Fr._ See PASS.
PASSADE, in the _manege_, is a horse’s walking or trotting in such a
manner, that he raises the outward hind-leg and the inward fore-leg
together; and, setting these two on the ground, raises the other two
alternately, never gaining above a foot of ground at a time.
_Demander la_ PASSADE, _Fr._ This term is used among the French to
express the act of soliciting charity out of the usual way of persons
begging, or who have not been accustomed to ask alms. _Donner la
passade a un pauvre soldat_; to give alms to a poor soldier. _Il y
avoit sur le chemin beaucoup de soldats qui demandoient la passade_;
there were many soldiers on the road who asked charity.
PASSAGE, (_passage_, _Fr._) This word, as to its general import, does
not require explanation. It is familiar to everybody. In a military
sense it may be variously understood for passages made over rivers or
through defiles, which should always be secured when an army is on
its march. Dragoons or light cavalry are generally employed upon this
service, being, by the celerity of their motions, better calculated to
get the start of an enemy. Passes through mountainous countries, and
passages over rivers, may likewise be secured by means of light field
pieces and flying artillery. The latter are particularly calculated for
defiles. Intrenching tools, &c. must be carried with them.
If it be found expedient to cross a river, a sufficient number of
pontoons, must accompany the detachment. Should the river be fordable,
and a body of infantry have been brought up in time to act with the
cavalry, the former must instantly make good its footing on the
opposite side, carrying intrenching tools, &c. for the purpose of
fortifying the _tête du pont_, and thereby securing the passage of the
river. Rivers are crossed either by surprise, or by main force.
When the passage is to be effected by surprise, such movements and
feints must be resorted to, as may induce the enemy to direct his
means of opposition to a distant quarter from the one you have in
contemplation. Every precaution must be taken to prevent him from
getting the least intelligence respecting your boats of pontoons; and
on this account you must frequently countermarch different bodies of
troops to divert his attention. When the passage is to be effected by
main force, you must take such a position as will enable you to command
the one occupied by the enemy, and you must select that part of the
river where there are small islands or creeks, under cover of which the
boats and barges may ply.
Those spots upon the banks of a river are best calculated for this
enterprise, where the stream forms a rentrant angle, because it is more
easy, in cases of that sort, to plant your batteries in such a manner
as to afford a cross fire against the opposite bank. The instant you
have dislodged the enemy, by means of a superior force of artillery
(which you must always provide for the purpose in question) a strong
detachment composed of grenadiers, and other chosen troops, must cross
in boats or barges, in order to stand the first shock of the enemy,
under a well supported fire of artillery.
When this detachment has made good its footing, the boats or barges
must instantly row back for fresh troops, whilst the pioneers,
artificers, and workmen, who accompanied the grenadiers, throw up
temporary redoubts, and are protected by the fire of the troops that
have landed. As soon as the works are sufficiently advanced, and an
adequate number of men has been distributed in them to secure the post,
the bridge must be undertaken. Its head or tete must be made as strong
as possible, to keep the enemy in check should he return, and endeavor
to dislodge the advanced guard.
The main body must be put in motion shortly after the departure of the
first detachment, in order to support the latter, should the enemy
succeed in making a bold push to defeat it, and thereby prevent the
numberless disadvantages which must ensue, if the army were permitted
to cross the river, or to pass the defile without opposition.
When the passage of a large river can be happily effected by means
of a bridge, considerable advantages may be derived from it; most
especially when the army is thereby enabled to reach a defile or pass,
the possession of which enables a general to distribute his troops in
desultory quarters. Marshal Turenne, in his famous passage over the
Wesel in 1672, has afforded us a strong instance of this advantage.
Marshal Saxe has written largely upon this important operation; and
every general officer ought to be thoroughly versed in the ways and
means of executing it under all the various circumstances that occur
in the locality of ground, the peculiar nature of rivers, and the
possible resources of an enemy, that is determined to dispute his
passage. But the most memorable of all that is recorded in history are
the passages of the Danube below Vienna, in 1809, which merit the study
of every military man.
Soldiers should be frequently practised in the different evolutions
which are required to pass a bridge in a safe and military manner.
Bridges, defiles, &c. being obstacles that retard the movements of
an army, whose object is to advance, we refer our readers for a full
elucidation of the subject, under the article OBSTACLE.
PASSAGE, _Fr._. a term which relates to the reception of a knight, in
the order of Malta.
PASSAGE of bridges or defiles when a battalion or line stands on narrow
ground.
A battalion, standing in narrow ground, may sometimes be ordered to
march in file for the purpose of forming open column; and passing a
defile, either before or behind that flank, before or behind the other
flank, or before or behind any central point of that line.
_Received Rules._
1. _If before the right flank_--The right platoon will move on, the
rest of the battalion will face to the right, and march in file, the
divisions will successively front and follow the leading one, and each
other.
2. _If behind the right flank_--The whole face to the right and
_march_, the right division instantly countermarches to the rear,
_fronts_, and moves forward, followed in the same manner by every other
division, till the whole is in column.
But the following method of passing in open column, would save a great
deal of time which is unnecessarily lost by countermarching each
division separately, as they successively arrive on the ground where
the right division stood before it marched off to the rear.
1st. Countermarch the whole of the divisions at the same time, and on
the same ground which they severally occupy in the line.
2d. Face the whole (except the right division) to the left, which
moves forward on the word _march_ from the chief. The divisions as
they successively arrive on the ground from which the first division
marched, will halt and _front_, follow the leading one and each other,
till the whole are in column.
_Received Rules._
3. _If before any central point, or the left flank_--The battalion
makes a successive _countermarch_ from the right flank towards the
left, and when the right division arrives at the point from whence
it is to advance, it again _countermarches_ to its right, a space
equal to its front, then faces and moves on, and is thus successively
followed by part of the battalion. The other part of the battalion
beyond the point of advancing, _faces_ inwards, when necessary, makes a
progressive march in file, then fronts, and follows by divisions as it
comes to the turn of each, till the whole are in column.
_A different Method._
Instead of passing according to the above method, much time may be
gained, by the divisions on the right of the defile facing to the left,
(commencing with the right division) march in file till opposite, and
in full front of the division which is opposite the defile, or where
the column is to advance from, then front, march forward, followed by
the other divisions; the divisions on the left of the defile will face
inwards, and when necessary, make a progressive march in file, followed
as before, till the whole are in column.
_Received Rule._
4. _If behind the centre or the left flank._--The right part of the
battalion _countermarches_ from the right by files successively by the
rear; and the other part of the battalion, as is necessary, makes a
progressive march by files from its right to the central point, and
there begins to countermarch at that point, the leading and each other
division, fronts into column, and moves on.
_A different Method._
To avoid loss of time in countermarching the divisions on the left as
they successively arrive at the point they march from. Countermarch
those divisions first on the ground they severally stand on, then face
to the _left_; and when it comes to their turn march in file, front,
and following in column, as they progressively and successively arrive
opposite the point where the right division entered the defile.
It must be observed that in all _countermarches_ of divisions on the
ground they severally stand on, when passing to the rear, the division
which stands opposite the point from which they are to march, must
_countermarch_ at the same time with the other divisions. See _Am. Mil.
Lib._
PASSAGE _of Lines_. In narrow grounds, where there are redoubled lines,
and in many other situations, it becomes necessary for one battalion to
_pass_ directly through another, in marching either to front or rear.
This must particularly happen, when a first line, which has suffered in
action, retires through, and makes place for a second line which has
come forward to support it; or, the second line remaining posted, when
the first falls back, and retires through it, and thus alternately,
till a safe position is attained.
PASSAGE _of the Traverse_, an opening out in the parapet of the
covert-way, close to the traverses, that there may be a ready
communication with all parts of the covert-way.
PASSAGE, in the manege, an action wherein the horse raises a hind and
fore leg together; then setting these two on the ground, he raises the
other two: and thus alternately, never gaining above a foot of ground
at a time.
PASSAGE, _Fr._. to passage, a term used in the manege.
PASSAGER _un cheval_, _Fr._ to make a horse passage. It is likewise
used as a neutral verb, viz. _un cheval passage_, a horse passages.
PASSANDEAU, _Fr._. an ancient piece of ordnance, which carried an eight
pound ball, and weighed three thousand five hundred pounds.
_Chemin_ PASSANT, _Fr._. a thoroughfare.
PASSAVANT, _Fr._. a pass. This term is not used in a military sense,
but relates chiefly to commercial matters.
PASSE, _Fr._. See PASS.
PASSES-_Balles_, _Fr._ boards or machines made of iron or brass, used
in disparting cannon, and fitted to every species of calibre.
PASSE-_Mur_, _Fr._ a piece of ordnance formerly so called, which
carried a sixteen pound ball, and weighed four thousand two hundred
pounds.
PASSE-_par-tout_, _Fr._ a large saw, the teeth of which are irregularly
made, for the purpose of cutting forest trees asunder.
PASSE-_par-tout_, _Fr._ a master key.
PASSE-_vogue_, _Fr._ Any extraordinary effort that is made in rowing is
so called.
PASSE-_Parole_, _Fr._ This expression is used among the French in
an absolute sense, and signifies to give the parole, order, or
countersign. When troops are on service, or upon duty, they have
frequent occasion to adopt it, especially during the rounds. _Avance
passe-parole_. Advance, and give the parole or countersign.
PASSE-_Volant_, _Fr._ any man that is not really in the service, and
who stands to be mustered for the purpose of completing the supposed
number of effectives in a regiment, or on board a ship of war. They
are likewise called _soldats prêtés_, _Borrowed soldiers_. During the
existence of the old French government, the strictest regulations were
made to prevent the gross impositions that were sometimes practised by
means of _passe-volans_ or faggots.
PASSE-_Volans_ likewise means those wooden pieces of ordnance which
are made to resemble real artillery, and fill up the vacant places
in a ship. They were first adopted by the French, in consequence of
a regulation which was made by M. de Pontchartrain, when he became
minister of the marine department. He gave orders, that no vessels,
except such as carried 16 guns, should sail to and from America. In
order to comply, at least in outward appearance, with this regulation,
the merchants had recourse to _pass-volans_, or wooden substitutes,
they are called by us _quaker guns_. More advantages than one are
indeed derived from this invention, which has been adopted in every
civilized country.
PASSE-_chevaux_, _Fr._ ferry for horses.
PASSER, _Fr._ to pass. This word has various significations both in
French and English, but chiefly in the former language.
PASSER _en revue_, _Fr._ to muster.
PASSER _à compte_, _Fr._ to allow in reckoning.
PASSER _au fil de l’épée_, _Fr._ to put to the sword.
PASSER _par les baguettes_, _Fr._ to run the gauntlet.
PASSER _par les armes_, _Fr._ to be shot.
PASSER _à la montre_, _Fr._ to pass muster.
PASSER _par la main du bourreau_, _Fr._ to be flogged, or otherwise
punished, by the public hangman.
PASSER _la riviére_, _passer la ligne_, _Fr._ to cross the river, to
cross the line.
PASSER _par les courroies_, _Fr._ to be picketed.
PASSER _un homme à un officier_, _Fr._ to allow an officer the pay and
subsistence of a private soldier for the maintenance of a servant. The
term is also used to express the receipt of any public allowance for
sinecure places.
PASSER _sur le ventre à une armée_, _Fr._ to defeat an army.
PASSEUR, _Fr._ a ferryman.
PATACHE, _Fr._ This word sometimes means an advice boat; but it more
generally signifies an armed tender, or a revenue cutter.
PATE, _Fr._ in fortification, a sort of horse-shoe, that is, a
platform, or terre-pleine, irregularly built, yet generally constructed
in an oval form. It is surrounded by a parapet, without any thing to
flank it, and having no other defence than what is front or fore-right.
_Pates_ are usually erected in marshy grounds to cover the gate of a
fortified town or place.
PATERERO, a small cannon managed by a swivel.
PATIENCE, the power or faculty of suffering; indurance; the power of
expecting long, without rage or discontent; the power of supporting
faults or injuries, without revenge; long suffering. In military life
patience is an essential requisite. Without patience half the toils
of war would be insupportable; with patience there are scarcely any
hardships but what coolness, courage, and ability may overcome. It is
one of the greatest virtues, indeed, in an officer or soldier patiently
to support, not only the rigor of discipline, but the keen and
vexatious circumstances of disappointment. Rousseau says, _La patience
est amêre, mais son fruit est doux_. Patience is a bitter root, but its
fruit is sweet.
PATOMAR, _Ind._ a two mast vessel: each mast carries one sail of four
unequal sides. It likewise means a messenger.
PATRICIAN, from the Latin _Patricius_, one descended from a noble
family. The term was used among the Romans, to distinguish the higher
class of the inhabitants of Rome from the lower, who were called
plebeians. Romulus, as soon as the city of Rome was tolerably well
filled with inhabitants, made a distinction of the people. The names
Peter, Patrick, are from _pater_ a father; the Roman senate were called
_Patres_ conscripti. See PATRON.
_Order of St._ PATRICK. There is only one order of knighthood which
belongs to Ireland; it is that of St. Patrick, and was created by Geo.
III. for corrupt purposes.
PATRIOT, a sincere and unbiassed friend to his country; an advocate
for general civilization, uniting, in his conduct through life, moral
rectitude with political integrity. Such a character is seldom found
in any country; but the specious appearance of it is to be seen every
where, most especially in Europe. It is difficult to say, how far the
term can be used in a military sense, although it is not uncommon to
read of a _citizen soldier_, and a _patriot soldier_. Individually
considered the term may be just, but it is hardly to be understood
collectively.
PATROL, any party or round of soldiers, to the number of five or six,
with a serjeant to command them. These men are detached from the main
guard, picquet, or quarter-guard, according to circumstances, to walk
round the streets of a garrison town, &c. for the purpose of taking up
disorderly persons, or such as cannot give an account of themselves.
It is their duty to see, that the soldiers and inhabitants of the
place repair to their quarters and dwelling-houses, (in conformity
to specific directions which are given out to that effect) and that
alehouses and sutlers’ booths are shut up at a seasonable hour. They
are likewise to take up every person they meet without a light, and
that cannot give the watchword or countersign when he is challenged.
All such persons must be conducted to the guard-house, and a report
made of them to the commandant or governor of the place, by the
town-major.
PATROLES are formed out of the infantry as well as the cavalry. When a
weak place is besieged, and there is reason to apprehend an assault,
strong patroles are ordered to do duty; these on foot keep a good look
out from the ramparts, and those that are mounted take care of the
outworks.
PATRON, one who countenances, supports, or protects. Every superior
officer, from the commander in chief to the lowest non-commissioned
officer, may, in a military sense, be called a patron; for it is the
duty of all persons, in authority, to countenance, support, and protect
every executive member in the service. Partialities on the other
hand, (whatever may be their sources) are the bane of order and good
discipline. In proportion as merit finds patrons among the good and
great, indolence and inability should be discountenanced and degraded.
Kennett in his Roman Antiquities, page 97, has the following passage,
on the origin of the word:--
Romulus, as soon as his city was tolerably well filled with
inhabitants, made a distinction of the people according to honor and
quality; giving the better sort the name of Patres or Patricii, and the
rest the common title of Plebeii. To bind the two degrees more firmly
together, he recommended to the patricians some of the plebians, to
protect and countenance; the former being stiled _Patroni_, and the
latter _Clientes_. The patrons were always their clients’ counsellors
in difficult cases; their advocates in judgments; in short, their
advisers and overseers in all affairs whatever. On the other side,
the clients faithfully served their patrons, not only paying them all
imaginable respect and deference, but if occasion required, assisting
them with money towards the defraying of any extraordinary charges.
But afterwards when the state grew rich and great, though all other
good offices continued between them, yet it was thought a dishonorable
thing for the better sort to take any money of their inferiors. (_Vide_
_Dionys. lib. 2_, _Liv. lib. 1._ _Plutarch in Romulo_.) Hence the
origin of patrons. But the case is altered in modern times with respect
to pecuniary interest. Gold, or something more solid in the sale of
liberty and good sense, buys a patron now.
PATRON, _Fr._ Among the French the captain of a trading vessel is so
named. There were likewise sea-faring men called _officiers mariniers_,
who served on board the French ships of war, and who were entrusted
with the management of sloops and barges. These were generally called
patrons.
PATRONS, (_Galére patrons_, _Fr._) The galley which was second
in rank at Marseilles, was so called. It was commanded by the
lieutenant-general of the gallies, who took precedence in that line in
the same manner that the vice-admiral of the French fleet did among
ships of war.
PATROUILLE. See PATROL.
PATTE, _Fr._ a term used in mining. When a well or excavation is made
in loose or crumbling earth, and it becomes necessary to frame it
in, the rafters must be laid horizontally to support the boards in
proportion as the workmen gain depth. The ends of the rafters that are
first laid, run ten or twelve inches beyond the borders of the well,
for the purpose of sustaining the platform. These supports are called
_Oreilles_; consequently, that every subsequent frame may be supported,
the second is attached or made firm to the first by means of the ends
of boards which are nailed together. In this manner the third is joined
to the second, and the fourth to the third. These ends are called
_pattes_ or handles.
PATTE _d’Oie_, _Fr._ a term used in mining to describe three small
branches which are practised, or run out at the extremity of a gallery.
They are so called from their resemblance to the foot of a goose.
PATTERN, a part shewn as a sample for the rest. In a late regulation
relative to the inspection of the clothing of the British army in
general, it is particularly directed, that regular inspectors, or the
inspectors for the time being, do view and compare with the sealed
patterns the clothing of the several regiments of cavalry and infantry,
as soon as the same shall have been prepared by the respective
clothiers; and if the clothing appear to be conformable to the sealed
patterns, the said inspectors are to grant two certificates of their
view and approval thereof, one of which certificates is to be delivered
to the clothier, to be sent with the clothing to the head quarters of
the corps; and the other to be lodged with the clothing board, as the
necessary voucher for passing the assignment of the allowance for the
said clothing.
_A_ PATTERN _Regiment_, a phrase of distinction, which is applied to a
corps of officers and soldiers, who are remarkable for their observance
of good order and discipline.
PATURE, _Fr._ See FORAGE.
PATUREUR, _Fr._ _Forager_, one who goes on a foraging party.
PAVALUNGE, _Ind._ the name of a year.
PAUDSHAU, _Ind._ King.
PAVESSADES, _Fr._ large portable hurdles, behind which the archers and
bowmen were formerly posted. According to Froissart, these hurdles were
used long before the reign of Philip Augustus, king of France. Father
Daniel, the Jesuit, in his _Histoire de la Milice Francoise_, describes
them as bearing the figure of a shield; but the chevalier Folard, in
his _Commentaire sur Polybe_, informs us, that they were mantlets
which were disposed in parallel or oblique lines, from the camp to
the nearest works belonging to the _Corps de Place_, behind which the
soldiers and artificers, &c. could in safety, make a small fosse or
ditch that was sufficiently deep to preserve them strait and firm.
Hurdles, constructed in this manner, were used during the operations
of a regular siege; but when it was found expedient to insult a place,
those of less dimension were adopted. Father Daniel describes the
_Retranchment Portatif_, which was used many centuries before the days
of Philip Augustus, under the latter head.
PAVILION, in _military affairs_. See TENT.
PAVILLON, _Fr._ See TENT.
PAVILLON, _Fr._ Flag, standard, or colors.
_Vaisser le_ PAVILLON, _Fr._ to strike, to yield.
_Vaisseau_ PAVILLON, _Fr._ Flag ship.
PAVILLON, _Fr._ This word likewise signifies the swell or broad part of
a speaking trumpet.
PAULETTE, _Fr._ a certain tax or pecuniary consideration which all
persons who held public situations under the old government of France,
were obliged to pay at the commencement of every year, to the king.
This enabled them to sell or dispose of their appointments, and to
leave the amount to their heirs, if they happened to die in the course
of the year. It is so called from _Paulet_, the name of the person who
first suggested the measure.
PAVOIS, _Fr._ an ancient weapon of defence. It was the Clypeus or broad
shield of the Greeks and Romans.
PAUSE, a stop, cessation, or intermission. It is essentially
necessary for all officers to accustom themselves to a most minute
observance of the several pauses which are prescribed during the
firings. Accordingly the pause betwixt each of the firing words, _make
ready_--_aim_,--_fire_, is the same as the ordinary time, viz. the 75th
part of a minute, and no other pause is to be made betwixt the words.
In firing by _companies by wings_, each wing carries on its fire
independent, without regard to the other wing, whether it fires from
the centre to the flanks, or from the flanks to the centre. If there
are five companies in the wing, two _pauses_ will be made betwixt the
fire of each, and the _make ready_ of the succeeding one. If there
are four companies in the wing, three _pauses_ will be made betwixt
the fire of each, and the _make ready_ of the succeeding one. This
will allow sufficient time for the first company to have again loaded,
and shouldered at the time the last company fires, and will establish
proper intervals betwixt each.
In firing by grand divisions, three pauses will be made betwixt the
fire of each division, and the _make ready_ of the succeeding one.
In firing by _wings_, one wing will make ready the instant the other is
shouldering. The commanding officer of the battalion fires the wings.
In firing companies by _files_ each company fires independent. When the
right file presents, the next makes ready, and so on. After the first
fire, each man as he loads comes to the recover, and the file again
fires without waiting for any other; the rear rank men are to have
their eyes on their front rank-men, and be guided by, and present with
them.
When troops march to music, a _pause_ in the mind before the latter
strikes off, will contribute greatly to that uniformity of step,
without which no line can move correctly. In some regiments the music
does not play until one step has been taken. See STEP OFF.
PAY, or _pay of the army_, is the stipend or salary allowed for each
individual serving in the army; first established by the British
government in the year 1660.
_FULL PAY_
_Of the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Privates in the
British army._
-------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
| | | |
| Life | | Foot |
Rank. | Guards. | Cavalry. | Guards. |
-------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
|_£._ _s._ _d._|_£._ _s._ _d._|_£._ _s._ _d._|
Colonel | 1 16 -- | 1 12 10 | 1 19 -- |
Colonel en Second | ---- | ---- | -- |
1st. Lieut. Colonel| 1 11 -- | 1 3 -- | 1 8 6 |
2d. Lieut. Colonel | ---- | ---- | -- |
1st. Major | 1 6 -- | -- 19 3 | 1 4 -- |
2d. Major | ---- | -- | -- |
Captain | -- 16 -- | -- 14 7 | -- 16 6 |
Captain Lieutenant | }0 11 -- | -- 9 -- | -- 7 10 |
1st. Lieutenant | } | | |
2d. Lieutenant | ---- | -- | -- |
Cornets | -- 8 6 | -- 8 -- | -- |
Ensigns | ---- | -- | -- 5 10 |
Pay-Master | ---- | -- 15 -- | -- |
Quarter-Master | -- 6 | -- 5 6 | -- 5 8 |
Adjutant | -- 11 -- | -- 5 -- | -- |
Surgeon | -- 12 -- | -- 12 -- | -- 12 -- |
Assistant Surgeon | ---- | -- 5 -- | -- 7 6 |
Veterinary do. | ---- | -- 8 -- | ---- |
Serjeant-Major | ---- | ---- | ---- |
Quarter-Master do. | ---- | ---- | ---- |
Serjeant | ---- | -- 2 -- | -- 1 10³⁄₄|
Corporal | -- 2 6¹⁄₄| -- 1 7¹⁄₄| -- 1 4³⁄₄|
Bombardier | ---- | ---- | ---- |
1st. Gunner | ---- | ---- | ---- |
2d. Gunner | ---- | ---- | ---- |
Private | -- 1 11¹⁄₄| -- 1 3 | -- 1 1 |
Farrier and Smith | ---- | ---- | ---- |
Collar Maker} | | | |
Wheeler } | ---- | ---- | ---- |
Trumpeter} | | | |
Drummer } | -- 2 6 | -- 1 7 | -- 1 2¹⁄₄|
-------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------+
-------------------+--------------+-----------------------------
| | Artillery.
| Infantry +--------------+--------------
Rank. | of the line. | Horse. | Foot.
-------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------
|_£._ _s._ _d._|_£._ _s._ _d._|_£._ _s._ _d._
Colonel | 1 2 6 | -- | 2 3 6
Colonel en Second | -- | 1 9 8 | 1 3 9
1st. Lieut. Colonel| 0 15 11 | 1 5 8 | -- 19 9
2d. Lieut. Colonel | 0 15 11 | -- | -- 16 10
1st. Major | }0 14 1 | {1 -- 9 | -- 14 10
2d. Major | } | { -- | --
Captain | 0 9 5 | -- 15 4 | -- 9 11
Captain Lieutenant | 0 5 8 | {0 10 -- | -- 7 --
1st. Lieutenant | | {0 9 -- | -- 6 --
2d. Lieutenant | -- | -- 8 -- | -- 5 --
Cornets | -- | -- | --
Ensigns | -- 4 8 | -- | --
Pay-Master | -- 15 -- | -- | --
Quarter-Master | -- 5 8 | -- 6 -- | -- 6 --
Adjutant | -- 5 -- | -- 5 -- | -- 5 --
Surgeon | -- 9 5 | -- 11 10 | -- 9 11
Assistant Surgeon | -- 5 -- | -- 6 -- | -- 5 --
Veterinary do. | ---- | ---- | ----
Serjeant-Major | ---- | -- 3 4 | -- 3 2
Quarter-Master do. | ---- | -- 2 10 | ----
Serjeant | -- 1 6³⁄₄| -- 2 4 | -- 2 2
Corporal | -- 1 2¹⁄₄| -- 2 2¹⁄₄| -- 2 ¹⁄₄
Bombardier | ---- | -- 2 ¹⁄₄| -- 1 10¹⁄₄
1st. Gunner | ---- | ---- | -- 1 7
2d. Gunner | ---- | -- 1 5¹⁄₄| -- 1 3¹⁄₄
Private | -- 1 -- | ---- | ----
Farrier and Smith | ---- | -- 3 4³⁄₄| ----
Collar Maker} | | |
Wheeler } | ---- | -- 2 ³⁄₄| ----
Trumpeter} | | |
Drummer } | -- 1 1¹⁄₄| -- 2 1³⁄₄| -- 1 3¹⁄₄
-------------------+--------------+--------------+--------------
_Full_ PAY. The pecuniary allowance which is made to officers and
non-commissioned officers, without any deduction whatsoever. Since the
abolition of arrears in the British service, which took place in 1797,
commissioned and warrant officers, &c. receive their full pay, or daily
subsistence. The private soldiers are subject to temporary deductions,
for the purpose of appropriating part of their pay and allowances
to the expence of their messes, including vegetables, &c. and to a
stoppage not exceeding 1_s._ 6_d._ per week, for necessaries; which
stoppage is to be accounted for monthly, as stated in their regulations
of 1st September, 1795, and the remainder being 1_s._ 6_d._ must be
paid, weekly to each soldier, subject to the accustomed deduction for
washing, and for articles to clean his clothing and appointments.
The full pay of the British army is given in advance on the 25th of
every month, and accounted for to government by the several district
and regimental paymasters, through army agents appointed for that
purpose. For further particulars, see _Military Finance_, page 48, &c.
Non-commissioned officers and private soldiers serving as marines, are
not liable to any deduction whatsoever from their full pay, on account
of provisions. It will be further observed, that although the British
army is now paid its full pay, in consequence of the abolition of the
distinction between subsistence and arrears, that pay is nevertheless
subject to the usual deductions on account of poundage, hospital, and
agency. This will explain the mutilated appearance of the different
rates of pay. Thus a captain of infantry, who is nominally supposed to
receive 10_s._ per diem, gets only 9_s._ 5_d._ the 7_d._ going for the
above deductions. The full pay of the subaltern officers has been very
judiciously increased, but that of the captains, &c. remains as it was
in the reign of Queen Anne. For the several rates of full pay, see
_Military Finance_, page 66, &c.
_Half_ PAY, (_Demi solde_, _Fr._) a compensation or retaining fee which
is given to officers who have retired from the service through age,
inability, &c. or who have been placed upon that list in consequence of
a general reduction of the forces, or a partial drafting, &c. of the
particular corps to which they belonged. The half pay becomes due on
the 25th of June, and on the 25th of December in each year, but it is
seldom issued until three months after the expiration of each of those
periods. The only deduction from the half pay is the poundage, two and
an half per cent. See _Military Finance_, page 113.
_Irish_ HALF-PAY. Every officer upon the Irish establishment, when
reduced to half pay, must swear to, and sign the following certificate:
County of ------ ------ of foot, came this day before me, and made
oath, that he is no otherwise provided for by any commission or
employment, civil or military, in his majesty’s service, than by half
pay on the establishment of Ireland, and is on no other establishment
of half pay.
Officer’s Name.
Sworn before me this day of
N. B. To be sworn in January, April, July, and October, in every year.
PAY-MASTER, is he who is intrusted with the money, and has the charge
of paying the regiment. He has no other commission in the line. His pay
is 15_s._ per day.
_District_ PAY-MASTER, an officer appointed for the better management
of the interior concerns of the army, when the corps are detached in
garrisons on duty, in several districts.
PAY-_Bills_. in the British army these bills are distinguished
according to the nature of the service for which they are given. Every
captain of a troop or company receives a regular weekly account from
his Serjeant, of money to be advanced for the effectives of such troop
or company; and on the 24th day in each month he makes out a monthly
one for the paymaster, who makes out a general abstract for the agent.
The paymaster-general’s estimate is likewise called the pay bill.
PAY-_Lists_. The monthly accounts, which are transmitted by the several
regimental and district paymasters to their agents on the 25th of each
month, are so termed.
PAY-_Rolls_, the same as pay-lists.
PAY-_Serjeant_. See _Serjeant_.
PAYE, _Fr._ the pay of the troops.
PAYEN-_Ghaut_, _Ind._ the lower mountain Ghaut is the general term for
mountain.
PAYS, _Fr._ This word is variously applied by the French in a
figurative sense: _Parler, ou juger a vue de Pays._ To speak or decide
at random.
_Gagner_ PAYS, (_vuider le pays_, _Fr._) To leave a country. To go
voluntarily into exile. _Gagner pays_ likewise means to gain ground.
_Avancer pays_ may be used in the same sense.
_Battre_-PAYS, _Fr._ to speak wide of the subject.
_Tirer_-PAYS, _Fr._ a familiar phrase among the French, signifying to
escape.
PAYS, _Fr._ country, locality, ground.
PAYS-_conquis_, _Fr._ This term was applied by the French to those
countries and tracts of territory which had been ceded to France by
treaty; as Lorraine; or had been conquered by force of arms; as Ypres,
Tournay, Ghent, Ostend, and several other towns, from the reign of
Louis XIII.
PAYS-_coupés_, _Fr._ Confined, inclosed, or intersected countries.
Marshal Saxe has observed, that it is impossible to lay down any
specific rule relative to the management of troops in countries of
this description. An intelligent and able officer will be governed by
the nature of the ground in which he is to act; and as under these
circumstances, the contest will consist chiefly of a war of posts, and
of desultory engagements, in which the most obstinate will be generally
the most successful, it will be incumbent upon every military man
to recollect, that he must never advance, without having previously
secured means for a retreat, should that be judged expedient, and being
constantly guarded on his flanks to prevent the fatal consequences of
surprise and ambuscade. Although the latter precautions are principally
attended to by the general of an army, every partisan or officer
commanding a detachment, should be more or less alive to the many
mischiefs which must ensue from carelessness and inattention. It would
be superfluous to point out what troops are best calculated to act in
a close or intersected country. Every military man must know, that
mountainous and close countries, or intersected lands, are best adapted
to light infantry manœuvres, and that cavalry can only act, with safety
and effect, in an open country. The solidity of this observation has
probably been the cause of so much improvement in light artillery, and
in rifle corps. The latter, indeed, by the use which has been made of
their particular weapon, and the desultory execution of it on service,
have sufficiently shewn, that no army ought to move without them.
PAYSANS. _Fr._ _Peasants._
PEACE, has been represented allegorically as a beautiful female,
holding in her hand a wand or rod towards the earth, over a hideous
serpent, and keeping her other hand over her face, as unwilling to
behold strife or war. By some painters she has been represented holding
in one hand an olive branch, and leading a lamb and a wolf yoked by
their necks, in the other; others again have delineated her with an
olive branch in her right hand, and a cornucopia, or horn of plenty, in
her left.
A very celebrated temple was erected for the goddess of peace at Rome,
which was furnished with most of the rich vases and curiosities taken
out of the temple of the Jews at Jerusalem. In this temple she was
represented as a fine lady, endowed with a great deal of sweetness and
good-nature, crowned with laurel interwoven, holding a caduceus in one
hand, and a nosegay of roses and ears of corn, in the other.
The temple of peace, built by Vespasian, was 300 feet long, and 200
broad. Josephus says, that all the rarities which men travel through
the world to see, were deposited in this temple.
PEACE, (_Paix_, _Fr._) rest, silence, quietness; the direct opposite
to war; and when the latter prevails, the ultimate object of every
contest. This word is frequently prefixed to the term establishment,
to signify the reduced number of effective men, in the British army,
according to the various formations of corps. Thus one regiment may be
1200 strong in time of war, and only 600 in time of peace. A regiment
may also consist of several battalions, the 60th regiment for example
has six battalions each of the strength of a regiment; that is from
1000 to 1200 men each. Whence arises the distinction between _war_ and
_peace_ establishments. The standing army of Great Britain, according
to law, consists of that force only which is kept up in time of
peace, and which is confined to a specific number of regiments. Every
regiment, beyond the regulated number, during a war is liable to be
reduced; and all within it are said to be out of the break.
PEADA, _Ind._ a footman who carries a staff.
PECHE, _Fr._ Fishery.
PECTORAL, (_Pectoral_, _Fr._) a breast plate. This word is derived from
the Latin, _Pectorale_. Among the Romans the poorer soldiers, who were
rated under a thousand drachms, instead of the lorica or brigantine, (a
leathern coat of mail) wore a pectorale, or breast-plate of thin brass,
about 12 fingers square. Some modern troops, such as the cuirassiers,
&c. wear pectorals for the direct purposes of defence and bodily
protection; but in general small ornamental plates with clasps, have
been substituted.
PECULAT, _Fr._ See PECULATION.
PECULATE, PECULATION, the crime of pilfering any thing, either
sacred or public, particularly public money, by a person who has the
management or custody thereof. This crime is punishable in the heirs
of the original delinquent. Under peculation may be considered not
only the monies which are embezzled or misapplied by commissioned,
non-commissioned, and warrant officers, but the public stores,
provisions, aims, and ammunition, &c. which may be sold for private
emolument. Occasional examples have been made by government, of a crime
that cannot be too scrupulously watched, or too heavily punished, ought
to deter individuals from sacrificing public integrity to private
views. They ought to remember, that like the sword of Damocles, public
scorn hangs over the head of every man whose accounts have not been
finally audited and passed.
PECUNIA. Money. A deity in the heathen mythology; (though not a goddess
personified among them) the most powerful ascendant the moderns know.
The Romans held that she presided over riches, and that she had a son
named _Argentinus_, whom they adored in the hopes of growing rich.
PECUNIUS, a deity of the ancient Prussians, in honor of whom they kept
a fire of oak perpetually burning. A priest constantly attended, and
if the fire happened to go out by his neglect, he was instantly put
to death. When it thundered, they imagined that their grand priest
conversed with their god, and for that reason they fell prostrate on
the earth, praying for seasonable weather.
PEDERERO, PATTARERO, a Portuguese term, signifying a small sort of
cannon, which is particularly used on the quarter deck of ships, to
fire or throw forth stones, or broken iron, upon hoarding parties. This
word has been adopted both by the French and English.
PEDOMETER, (_Pedometre_, _Fr._) a mathematical instrument, composed
of various wheels with teeth, which by means of a chain fastened to a
man’s foot, or to the wheel of a chariot, advance a notch each step, or
each revolution of the wheel, and the number being marked at the edge
of each wheel, the paces may be numbered, or the distance from one
place to another be exactly measured.
PEGS, pointed pieces of wood, used to fasten the cords of a tent.
PEIADAK, _Ind._ a guard to accompany a prisoner at large.
PEISA, _Ind._ Cash; or copper money.
PEER, _Ind._ Monday.
PELE-MELE, _Fr._ a French adverb, from which is derived the English
term pellmell, signifying, confusedly, in disorder, in heaps, &c.
PELICAN, _Fr._ an ancient piece of artillery which carried a six pound
weight of ball, and weighed two thousand four hundred pounds.
PELLE _de bois simple_, _Fr._ a wooden shovel.
PELOTE _à feu_, _Fr._ Pelote literally means the bottom of a
pincushion, a ball, &c. It is here used to signify a species of
combustible ball, which serves to throw light into a fosse or
elsewhere. The composition is pitch one part, sulphur three parts,
to one pound of saltpetre. The whole is well mixed together, and
incorporated with tow, from which the pelotes are made.
PELOTON, _Fr._ Platoon.
_Rompre le_ PELOTON, _Fr._ A platoon being generally considered as a
subdivision, _rompre le peloton_ signifies to break into sections.
_Former le_ PELOTON, _Fr._ to double up or form subdivision.
PELOTONNE, _ée_, _Fr._ formed into a platoon.
PELOTONNER, _Fr._ to gather together, to get into groupes.
_Se_ PELOTONNER, _Fr._ to form into a platoon.
PELTA, in antiquity, a kind of buckler, small, light, and more
manageable than the Parma which was used by the Amazons, according
to Virgil, and resembled the moon in his first quarter, according to
Servius.
PENAL, (_Pénal_, _ale_, _Fr._) any decree or law which subjects
individuals, &c. to penalties. Hence _code pénal_. _Les loix pénales._
The penal code, the penal laws. Thus in England a person professing
the Catholic religion is not permitted to exercise his religion if a
soldier; and a catholic cannot be a commissioned officer.
PENALTY. In a military sense, signifies forfeiture for non-performance,
likewise punishment for embezzlement, &c. An officer found guilty of
embezzling stores is cashiered; any person who harbors, conceals, or
assists any deserter from the United States’ service, is liable to a
heavy penalty.
PENDULUM, in _mechanics_, any heavy body suspended in such a manner
that it may vibrate backwards, and forwards, about some fixed point, by
the force of gravity.
A pendulum is any body suspended upon, and moving about, a point as a
centre. The nature of a pendulum consists in the following particulars.
1. The times of the vibrations of a pendulum, in very small arches,
are all equal. 2. The velocity of the bob in the lowest point, will
be nearly as the length of the cord of the arch which it describes in
the descent. 3. The times of vibrations in different pendulums, are
the square roots of the times of their vibrations. 4. The time of one
vibration is to the time of descent, through half the length of the
pendulum as the circumference of a circle is to its diameter. 5. Whence
the length of a pendulum vibrating seconds in the latitude of London,
is found to be 39 inches and ²⁄₁₀ths; and of one half-second pendulum
9.8 inches. 6. An uniform homogeneous body, as a rod, staff, &c. which
is ¹⁄₃d part longer than a pendulum, will vibrate in the same time with
it.
From these properties of the pendulum we may discern its use as an
universal chronometer, or regulator of time. By this instrument, also,
we can measure the distance of a ship, of a battery, &c. by measuring
the interval of time between the fire and report of the gun; also the
distance of a cloud, by counting the seconds or half-seconds, between
the lightning and the thunder. Thus, suppose between the lightning and
thunder we count ten seconds; then, because sound passes through 1142
feet in one second, we get the distance of the cloud = 11420 feet.
Again, the height of any room, or other object, may be measured by a
pendulum vibrating from the top thereof. Thus, suppose a pendulum from
the height of a room, or other object, vibrates once in three seconds;
then say, as 1 is to the square of 3, viz. 9, so is 39.2 to 352.8 feet,
the height required. Lastly, by the pendulum we discover the different
force of gravity on divers parts of the earth’s surface, and thence the
true figure of the earth.
PENDULUMS. Pendulums for military purposes are best made with a musquet
ball, and a piece of silk, or other small line. Their length must be
measured from the centre of the ball to the end of the loop on which
they are to swing. In a cylinder, or other uniform prism or rod, the
centre of oscillation, from whence they must be measured, is at the
distance of one-third from the bottom, or two-thirds below the centre
of motion.
Pendulum’s length in latitude of London, to swing
Seconds 39¹⁄₈th.
¹⁄₂ Seconds 9·8
¹⁄₄ Seconds 2·45
_Length of Pendulums to vibrate Seconds at every fifth degree of
latitude._
+----------+---------+
|Degrees of|Length of|
| Latitude.|Pendulum.|
+----------+---------+
| | Inches.|
| | 39,027 |
| 5 | 39,029 |
| 10 | 39,032 |
| 15 | 39,036 |
| 20 | 39,044 |
| 25 | 39,057 |
| 30 | 39,070 |
| 35 | 39,084 |
| 40 | 39,097 |
| 45 | 39,111 |
| 50 | 39,126 |
| 55 | 39,142 |
| 60 | 39,158 |
| 65 | 39,168 |
| 70 | 39,177 |
| 75 | 39,185 |
| 80 | 39,191 |
| 85 | 39,195 |
| 90 | 39,197 |
+----------+---------+
Rule.--_To find the length of a pendulum to make any number of
vibrations, and_ vice versa.
Call the pendulum making 60 vibrations the standard length; then say,
as the square of the given number of vibrations is to the square of 60;
so is the length of the standard to the length sought. If the length of
the pendulum be given and the number of vibrations it makes in a minute
be required; say, as the given length, is to the standard length, so
is the square of 60, its vibrations in a minute, to the square of
the number required. The square root of which will be the number of
vibrations made in a minute.
PENNANT, PENNON, a small flag or color.
_Gentlemen_ PENSIONERS, (_Gentilshommes Pensionnaires_, _Fr._) a band
of gentlemen, who guard the British king’s person in his own house, and
for that end wait in the presence chamber. They were first instituted
by Henry VII. They are usually forty in number. Their officers are,
a captain, lieutenant, standard-bearer, and clerk of the cheque.
Their ordinary arms are guilt pole-axes. Their pension is 100_l._ per
annum; they are usually called _beef-eaters_, from their usually fat
appearance and indolent habits.
PENTACAPSULAR, having five cavities.
PENTAEDROUS, having five sides.
PENTAGON, in _fortification_, a figure bounded by five sides, or
polygons, which form so many angles, capable of being fortified with an
equal number of bastions. It also denotes a fort with five bastions.
PENTAGRAPH, (_Pentagraphe_, _Fr._), An instrument whereby designs, &c.
may be copied in any proportion, without the person, who uses it, being
skilled in drawing.
PENTANGLE, A figure having five angles.
PENTANGULAR. See PENTAGON.
PENTAPOLIS, in geography, a country consisting of five cities. This
name was given, particularly, to the valley wherein stood the five
infamous cities destroyed by fire and brimstone in Abraham’s time. The
most celebrated Pentapolis was the Pentapolis Cyrenica in Egypt, whose
cities were Berenice, Arsinoe, Ptolemais, Cyrene, and Apollonia
PENTASPAST, (_Pentapaste_, _Fr._) An engine that has five pullies.
PENTATHLON. The five exercises performed in the Grecian games, viz.
_leaping_, _running_, _quoiting_, _darting_, and _wrestling_.
PENTHOUSE, a shed hanging forward in a sloping direction from the main
wall of a place.
PEONS, _Ind._ municipal foot soldiers. These men are chiefly employed
to assist in collecting the revenues, and carry a pike or staff. Most
persons in India keep servants, who wear a belt with the master’s name.
These are likewise called Peadahs.
PEOPLE, _of color_. Blacks, Mulattoes, so called. They form part of the
British territorial army, and are distributed, in corps, among the West
India islands.
PERAMBULATOR. See PEDOMETER.
PERCH, in mensuration, is ten feet long. See MEASURE.
PERCUSSION. The impression which a body makes in falling or striking
upon another, or the shock of two moving bodies. It is either direct or
oblique.
_Direct_ PERCUSSION, is where the impulse is given in the direction of
a right line perpendicular to the point of contact.
_Oblique_ PERCUSSION. When it is given in the direction of a line
oblique to the point of contact.
_Centre of_ PERCUSSION. That point wherein the shock of the percutient
bodies is the greatest.
PERCUTIENT, striking against or upon.
PERDU, a word adopted from the French, signifying to lie flat and
closely in wait. It likewise means the forlorn hope.
_A corps_ PERDU, _Fr._ Desperately.
_A coup_ PERDU, _Fr._ At random.
_Coup_ PERDU, _Fr._ Random shot.
PEREMPTORY. Whatever is absolute and final, not to be altered, renewed,
or restrained. _Peremptory execution_, what takes place immediately.
PERE, _Ind._ See PEER.
PERFIDIOUS. Treacherous, false to trust, guilty of violated faith.
Hence _a perfidious foe_. War, however melancholy in its effects, and
frequently unjustifiable in its cause and progress, is nevertheless,
among civilized nations, so far governed by certain principles of
honor, as to render the observance of established laws and customs an
object of general acquiescence. When two or more countries are engaged
in a hostile contest, whatever belligerent party grossly deviates from
those rules, is deservedly stamped with infamy, and justly called “a
perfidious foe.”
PERFIDIOUSLY, treacherously, falsely, without faith.
PERFIDY, want of faith, treachery.
PERGUNNA, _Ind._ A district.
PERIMETER, in geometry, the extent that bounds any figure or body.
The perimeters of figures or surfaces, are lines; those of bodies are
surfaces. In circular figures, &c. we use circumference or periphery
instead of perimeter.
PERIOD. This word is frequently used in military accounts to express
the intermediate time for which money has been issued to officers and
soldiers.
_Broken_ PERIOD, a term used in the returns and financial statements
of the British army, when the regular distribution of pay is
interrupted, or the effective force is lessened by the absence of one
or more individuals, or by any other cause. A correct and faithful
statement of broken periods is essentially necessary in every well
regulated regiment, as not only the service but the public purse may
be materially injured by the neglect, or embezzlement of individuals.
Adjutants and pay-masters cannot be too scrupulously minute on this
important head.
PERIPHERY, the circumference--as of a circle.
PERISTYLE, a circular range of pillars for the support or ornament of
any building, &c. used in the ancient amphitheatres.
PERKERNUCKA, _Ind._ Petty officers are so called in India.
PERMANENT _Fortification_, is defined to be the art of fortifying
towns, &c. so as to resist the attacks of an enemy, that makes regular
approaches.
PERMANENT _rank_, a rank in the army, which does not cease with any
particular service, or locality of circumstances; in opposition to
_local_ or _temporary rank_. See RANK.
PERPENDICULAR, (_Perpendiculaire_, _Fr._) According to Vauban’s system,
it is a line raised in a perpendicular direction on the centre of
the exterior side of any given polygon. In mean fortification, which
prevails more than any other system, the perpendicular contains 30
toises in the exagon, and in polygons that have a greater number of
sides; but it contains fewer when the polygons have a less number. The
perpendicular is used by this engineer to determine the other lines and
angles belonging to a fortification. In proportion as the perpendicular
is increased, the extent of the flanks is augmented.
PERPENDICULAR _fortification_, is that in which all the component parts
flank each other at straight angles. Pagan, and other engineers,
made the flanks perpendicular to the lines of defence. This is also
the denomination of the improved system of Montalembert, which has
superceded in a great measure all others; the distinction between this
and the old, would require a treatise to exemplify it.
PERPENDICULAR, (_Perpendiculaire_, _Fr._) When any star is vertical,
it is said, in astronomy, to be perpendicular, because its beams fall
directly upon us.
PERPENDICULAR, in geometry, when any right line is perpendicular to all
the lines it meets with in a plane, it is said to be perpendicular to
that plane.
PERPENDICULAR _direction_, in marching, is the regular and straight
progress of one or more men over given points. Without the strictest
attention is paid to this essential principal in all movements, the
greatest irregularity, and, ultimately, the greatest confusion must
ensue. Perpendicular and parallel movements, constitute, indeed, the
whole system of good marching. When several columns, divisions, or
companies, advance, the different pivots must be strictly perpendicular
and parallel to each other, otherwise the distance will be lost, and
the ultimate object of forming a correct line must be defeated.
PERPETUAL _screw_, a screw which is acted upon by the teeth of a wheel,
and which continues its action for an indefinite length of time; or so
long as the teeth of the wheel continue to act upon it.
PERQUISITES, all manner of profits arising from an office or place,
independent of the actual salary or revenue. In a military sense no
perquisites, advantages, or emoluments are allowed to persons in
responsible situations.
PERSIAN _Language_, _Ind._ There are two sorts; the ancient, called
Zebane-Pehlavy; the modern, called Zebaunedery.
PERSPECTIVE, is the art of drawing the resemblances or pictures of
objects on a plane surface, as the objects themselves appear to the
eye, &c.
PERSPECTIVE _Elevation_. See SCENOGRAPHY.
PERUST, _Ind._ A small weight or measure, equal to four koodups or puls.
PERWANNA, _Ind._ An order, warrant, or letter, signed by a Nawaub or
Nabob, a passport; a custom-house permit, as in the case of the Neyau
and vizier.
PESHWA, _or_ PAISHWA, _Ind._ Prime minister; the acting head of the
Mahrattah states. Paishwa became the title of a sovereign, the head of
the Mahrattahs.
PESTLE, an instrument used in the fabrication of gunpowder. See
GUNPOWDER MILL.
PETARDEAUX, _Fr._ Pieces of wood, covered with wool and pitch, which
are used to stop the holes that are made in the sides of a ship by
cannonball, during an engagement.
PETARD, _or_ PETARDO, an engine to burst open the gates of small
fortresses: it is made of gun-metal, fixed upon a board two inches
thick, and about 2¹⁄₂ feet square, to which it is screwed, and holds
from 9 to 20 pounds of powder, with a hole at the end opposite to the
plank to fill it, into which the vent is screwed: the petard thus
prepared is hung against the gate by means of a hook, or supported by
three staves fastened to the plank: when fired it bursts open the gate.
Its invention is ascribed to the French Huguenots in 1579, who, with
them, took Cahors in the same year.
Petards are of four different sizes: the first contains 12lbs. 13oz.
second 10lbs. 11oz. third 1lb. 10oz. fourth 1lb. The blind fuze
composition for them is of mealed powder, 7lb. wood ashes 3oz.
_Stores for one Petard._
Hooks to hang the petard 2
Gimblets 2
Brass fuze 1
Wrench to screw the fuze 1
Blue paper portfires 6
Slow match yards 4
Props or forks 2
Copper funnels 1
Tallow ounces 8
Cartridges 1
PETARDER, _Fr._. to fire petards.
PETARDIER. The man who loads, fixes, and fires the petard. It likewise
signifies among the French, the man who makes or throws a petard.
PETEL, _Ind._. The head of a village.
PETER, _Fr._. in a military sense, to explode, to make a loud noise.
PETEROLLES, _Fr._. Squibs, such as children make and use in the streets
for their diversion.
PETITE-_Guerre_, _Fr._ See GUERRE, for its definition.
PETITE-_Guerre_, is carried on by a light party, commanded by an expert
partisan, and which should be from 1000 to 2000 men, separated from the
army, to secure the camp or cover a march; to reconnoitre the enemy
or the country; to seize their posts, convoys, and escorts; to plant
ambuscades, and to put in practice every stratagem for surprising or
disturbing the enemy; which is called carrying on the _Petite-guerre_.
The genius of these days, and the operations of the American war, have
placed the service of such a corps in a most respectable light, as it
is more fatiguing, more dangerous, and more desultory than any other.
To form a corps capable of carrying on the _Petite-guerre_ to
advantage, prudence requires that it should consist of 1000 men at
least, without which a partisan cannot expect to support the fatigues
of a campaign, and seize the most important occasions that every where
offer, and which a too great inferiority must make him forego.
It is no less important that this corps should be composed of light
infantry and cavalry; and as it is most incontestible that the cavalry
should be the most active in carrying on the _Petite-guerre_, it were
to be wished that they were likewise the strongest, so as to have 600
cavalry and 400 infantry in a corps of 1000 men, making four companies
of light infantry, and twelve troops of cavalry. Each company of
infantry to consist of 1 captain, 1 first and 2 second lieutenants, 6
serjeants, and 100 men, including 6 corporals, 4 lance-corporals, and
2 drummers. Each troop of cavalry to consist of 1 captain, 1 first and
1 second lieutenant, 1 ensign, a quarter-master, 6 serjeants, and 100
horsemen; including 6 corporals, a trumpeter and 2 farriers.
The commanding officer should have the naming of the officers of this
corps, or at least the liberty to reject such as he is convinced are
not qualified for such service. To support the honor of this corps
upon a solid and respectable footing, the strictest subordination
must extend from the chief to all the officers, and the most rigid
discipline, vigilance, patience, bravery, and love of glory, ought to
pervade the whole corps.
PETITION. See MEMORIAL.
PETRE. See NITRE, SALTPETRE.
PETRINAL, _or Poitrinal_, _Fr._ a species of firearms between the
arquebus and the pistol, which was used among the French, during the
reign of Francis I. There is mention made of it in an account of the
siege of Rouen, which was undertaken by Henry IV. in 1592. Being
shorter than the musquet but of a heavier calibre, and not unlike our
blunderbuss; it was slung in a cross belt, so as to rest upon the chest
of the person who discharged it. From this circumstance it obtained the
name of _Poitrinal_.
PETRONEL. See PISTOL.
PETTAH, _Ind._ the suburbs, or a town adjoining to a fort, which is in
general surrounded by a stockade or fence of bamboos, a wall, and a
ditch.
PEUPLER, _Fr._ literally means to people. This expression is used, in
a military sense, by Belaire, author of _Elémens de Fortification_,
in the following manner:--Il faut _peupler_ la surface d’un glacis
_de Pierriers_. The surface of a glacis ought to be well covered with
pedereros. See page 388.
PHALANGE, _Fr._ See PHALANX.
PHALANX, a word taken from the Greek, signifying the same as legion. In
antiquity, a huge, square, compact battalion, formed of infantry, set
close with their shields joined, and pikes turned across. It consisted
of 8000 men, and Livy says, it was invented by the Macedonians; and
hence called the Macedonian phalanx.
PHAROS, (_Phare_, _Fr._) a light-house or pile raised near a port,
where a fire is kept burning in the night to direct vessels near at
hand. The Pharos of Alexandria, built at the mouth of the Nile, was
anciently very famous; whence the name was derived to all the rest.
Ozanam says, Pharos anciently denoted a streight, as the Pharos or
Pharo of Messina.
PHARSALIA, so called from Pharsalus, anciently a town in Thessaly, now
Turkey in Europe, which lies a little to the south of Larissa. This
spot was rendered memorable in history by the battle that was fought
between Pompey and Cæsar, when they contended for the empire of the
world. Plutarch has given the following account of the engagement:--
“Both armies were now arrived at the fields of Pharsalia, conducted
by the two greatest generals alive; Pompey at the head of all the
Roman nobility, the flower of Italy and Asia, all armed in the cause
of liberty. Cæsar at the head of a body of troops firmly attached to
his interests, men who had faced every appearance of danger, were long
inured to hardships, and had grown from youth to age in the practice of
arms. Both camps lay in sight of each other. In this manner they spent
the night; when next morning, Cæsar’s army was going to decamp, word
was brought him, that a tumult and murmur were heard in Pompey’s camp,
as of men preparing for battle. Another messenger came soon after with
tidings that the first ranks were already drawn out. Cæsar now seemed
to enjoy the object of his wishes. _Now_, cried he to his soldiers,
_the wished for day is come, when you shall fight with men, not with
want and hunger_. His soldiers, with joy in their looks went each to
his rank, like dancers on a stage; while Cæsar himself at the head of
his tenth legion, a body of men that had never yet been broken, with
silence and intrepidity waited for the onset. While Cæsar was thus
employed, Pompey on horseback viewed both armies; and seeing the steady
order of the enemy, with the impatience of his own soldiers, he gave
strict orders, that the vanguard should make a stand, and keeping close
in their ranks receive the enemy. Pompey’s army consisted of 45,000
men, Cæsar’s not quite half that number. And now the trumpet sounded
the signal for battle on both sides, and both armies approached each
other.
“While but yet a little space remained between either army, Caius
Crastinus, a devoted Roman, issued from Cæsar’s army at the head of
120 men, and began the engagement. They cut through the opposite ranks
with their swords, and made a great slaughter; but Crastinus still
pressing forward, a soldier run him through the mouth, and the weapon
came out at the back of his neck. In the mean time Pompey, designed to
surround Cæsar, and to force his horse, which amounted to only one
thousand, to fall back upon his infantry, gave orders that his own
cavalry, consisting of 7000 men, should extend itself, and then attack
the enemy. Cæsar expecting this, had placed 3000 foot in reserve, who
rushed out fiercely, and attacked Pompey’s horse, letting fly their
javelins in the faces of the young delicate Romans, who, careful of
their beauty, turned their backs and were shamefully put to flight.
Cæsar’s men, without pursuing them flanked the enemy, now unprotected
by their horse, and soon a total rout began to ensue. Pompey, by the
dust he saw flying in the air, quickly conjectured that his cavalry
was overthrown, and overpowered by the event retired to his camp in
agony and silence. In this condition he sat pondering in his tent, till
roused by the shouts of the enemy breaking into his camp, he cried out:
_What, into the very camp!_ and without uttering any thing more, but
putting on a mean habit, to disguise his flight, he departed secretly.”
During the seven years war Frederick the great, king of Prussia, was
much in the same situation. He had retired to his tent, and had given
up every thing for lost, when the daring enterprise of Ziethen, who
commanded the Death Hussars, turned the fortune of the day; and though
he lost an incalculable number of Prussians, he secured the victory,
and thereby restored to his master both his kingdom and his crown.
PHATUK, _Ind._ a gaol or prison. It likewise means a gate.
PHAUGUN, _Ind._ a month, which in some degree agrees with February and
March.
PHILEBEG, _or Kilt_, from the Gaelic, _Filleadh beg_, which signifies
a little plaid. This part of the Highland dress corresponds with the
lower part of a belted plaid, and is frequently worn as an undress by
Highland officers and soldiers. The philebeg or kilt may be considered
as a very good substitute for the belted plaid, as it is not, at
present, thought necessary for the Highlander to carry his clothing
for the night, as well as by day, about his person. This was the case
in ancient times, when the _breachcan_ answered both purposes. The
philebeg is a modern invention, and is the garment which some, who have
endeavored to establish the antiquity of _Truis_, confound with the
_breachcan filleadh_.
PHIRMAUND, _Ind._ This word is sometimes written _Firmaun_, and
signifies a royal commission, mandate, charter, proclamation, or decree.
PHOUSDAR, _Ind._ The same as _Fousdar_, the superintendant of a large
district. It more immediately signifies the officer in charge of the
revenue.
PHOUS-DAN, _Ind._ The commander of a large body of forces.
PIAN, _Fr._ a term used in the West Indies, to signify a venereal taint.
PIANISTE, _Fr._ a person infected with the venereal disorder.
_A_ PIC, _Fr._ perpendicularly.
PICE, _Ind._ a copper coin, used in most parts of India, the value of
which four pices make an anna, sixteen anna, a rupee; and a rupee is
half of our dollar; so that there are 64 pices to a rupee or half a
dollar.
PICAROON, a pillager, one who plunders; a smuggler, one who violates
the laws.
PICKETS, in _fortification_, stakes sharp at one end, and sometimes
shod with iron, used in laying out the ground, of about three feet
long; but, when used for pinning the fascines of a battery, they are
from 3 to 5 feet long.
PICKETS, in _artillery_, are about 5 or 6 feet long, shod with iron, to
pin the park lines, and to lay out the boundaries of the park.
PICKETS, in the _camp_, are also stakes of about 6 or 8 inches long,
to fasten the tent cords, in pitching the tents; also, of about 4 or 5
feet long, driven into the ground near the tents of the horsemen, to
tie their horses to.
PICKET, an out-guard posted before an army, to give notice of an enemy
approaching. See GUARD.
PICKET, a barbarian kind of punishment so called, where a soldier stood
with one foot upon a sharp pointed stake: the time of his standing was
limited according to the offence.
PICK, PICK-AXE, PICKER, A sharp pointed iron tool, used in trenching,
&c. to loosen the ground.
PICKER likewise means a small pointed piece of brass or iron wire,
which every soldier carries to clear the touch-hole of his musquet.
The brass pickers are the best, because they are not liable to snap or
break off.
PICOREE, _Fr._ an obsolete French term, signifying a party of soldiers
who go out in search of plunder.
PICORER, _Fr._ to go out in search of plunder. Obsolete.
PICOREUR, _Fr._ a marauder.
PICQUEERING, PICKERING, PICKEROONING, a little flying skirmish, which
maurauders make, when detached for pillage, or before a main battle
begins.
PICS-_Hoyaux_, _Fr._ Different sorts of pick-axes used by the pioneers.
PIECE, (_Piéce_, _Fr._) This word is variously used, in a military
sense, by the French and English, viz.
_Un homme armé de toutes_ PIECES, _Fr._ a man armed at all points, or
cap-a-pied.
PIECES _d’honneur_, _Fr._ the insignia or marks of honor. These consist
of the crown, sceptre, and sword.
PIECES _of Ordnance_ are all sorts of great guns and mortars.
_Battering_ PIECES are the large guns which serve at sieges to make
breaches, such as the 24-pounder, and the culverin, which carries 18lb.
ball.
_Garrison_-PIECES, are mostly heavy 12, 18, 24, 36, and 42-pounders,
besides wall guns.
_Field_-PIECES are twelve pounders, demi-culverins, six pounders,
sakers, minions, and three pounders, which move with an army, and are
parked behind the second line when it encamps, but are advanced in
front, in the intervals of battalions, &c. and on the flanks in the day
of battle.
_Regimental_ PIECES, are light 6 pounders: each regiment has generally
two of these pieces. See _Am. Mil. Lib._
PIECE is likewise used to express a soldier’s musquet.
PIECE _Goods_, in India, the various fabrics which manufacture cotton
and silk, are distinguished by this term.
_Une_ PIECE _d’artillerie_, _une_ PIECE _de canon_, _Fr._ These terms
are used by the French to signify cannon in general.
PIECES _de Battierie_, _Fr._ See BATTERING PIECES.
PIECES _de campagne_, _Fr._ See FIELD PIECES.
PIECES _de vingt-quatre_, _Fr._ 24 pounders.
PIECES _de trente-six_, _Fr._ 36 pounders. When pieces are not
specifically named the term is used in the same general sense by the
English, as, one hundred pieces of cannon, or artillery: _cent piéces
d’artillerie_; but when the calibre is mentioned, it is usual in
English to substitute the word pounder for piece, as _une piéce de
vingt quatre_; four and twenty pounder.
_Démonter les_ PIECES, _Fr._ to dismount cannon.
_Enclouer les_ PIECES, _Fr._ to spike cannon.
_Rafraichir les_ PIECES, _Fr._ to spunge or clean out cannon.
PIECE _de canon brisé_, _Fr._ The French formerly made use of cannon
that could be taken to pieces, and so rendered more portable. This
species of ordnance was distinguished as above.
PIECE _versée en panier ou en cage_, _Fr._ a piece of ordnance is said
to be in this situation, when it is so completely overturned, as to
have the wheels of its carriage in the air. Various methods have been
proposed by able engineers to raise cannon that have been overturned.
See _Saint Remi_, _Manuel de l’artilleur_, and a late publication,
intituled, _Aide Mémoire a l’usage des Officiers d’Artillerie de
France_, by Gassendi.
PIECES _légeres_, _Fr._ light pieces. See FIELD PIECES.
PIECES _à la Suédoise_, _Fr._ field pieces originally invented, and
since used among the Swedes.
PIECES _Nettes_, _Fr._ Artillery pieces that have no defect whatever.
PIECES _de Chasse_, _Fr._ a marine term, signifying the cannon that is
placed on the stern and forecastle of a ship. We call them chase-guns.
PIECES _détachées_, _Travaux avancés en dehors_, _Fr._ Those works
which cover the body of a fortified place, towards the country; of
this description are ravelins, demi-lunes, hornworks, tenailles, crown
works, queues d’hironde, enveloppes, &c.
_To be cut to_ PIECES, (_Etre écharpê_, _Fr._) The French say, _Un tel
régiment, a éte écharpé_. Such a regiment was cut to pieces.
PIED _de Roi_, _Fr._ a measure containing twelve French inches, or one
hundred and forty lines.
PIED _Quarré_, _Fr._ The French square foot contains the same
dimensions in length and breadth, giving one hundred and forty inches
of surface.
PIED _de toise quarrée_, _Fr._ the sixth part of a square toise. The
square toise contains 36 feet, the square foot consequently comprehends
six feet, and must be considered as a rectangle.
PIED _Cube_, _Fr._ the same measure according to three dimensions. It
contains 1728 cubic inches.
PIED _Rhenan_ or _Rhinlandique_, _Fr._ the German foot. See MEASURE.
PIED _courant_, _Fr._ the extent of a foot considered as to length only.
PIED _Marin_, _Fr._ literally, sea-leg. See MARIN.
PIED _de mur ou de muraille_, _Fr._ that lower part of a wall which is
otherwise called _Escarpe_, and is contained between its base and top.
PIED _de rampart_, _Fr._ that extent of ground which lies between the
fosse and the houses in a fortified town or place.
A PIED, _Fr._ On foot.
PIED _à pied_, _Fr._ foot by foot, gradually. _Faire un logement pied à
pied_; to establish a lodgement foot by foot. _Forcer les ouvrages pied
à pied_; to make regular approaches, or to besiege a town by opening
trenches, &c. instead of insulting it by a direct attack.
_Troupes retenues sur_ PIED, _Fr._ troops kept upon full pay.
_Etre en_ PIED, _Fr._ to be kept upon full pay, in contradistinction to
_reformé_, or being reduced.
PIEDROIT, _Fr._ Pier.
PIEGE, _Fr._ Snare.
PIERRE, _Fr._ A stone.
PIERRE _à feu_, _Fr._ Flint.
PIERRE _à fusil_, _Fr._ A flint.
PIERREE, _Fr._ A drain, water-course.
PIERRIER, _Fr._ A swivel, a pederero.
PIERRIERE, _Fr._ A quarry.
PIERRIERES, _Fr._ Heaps of stones, which are designedly collected
round fortified places to interrupt besiegers in their approaches.
These heaps are covered over with earth to conceal the stratagem; and
the spots on which they lie are frequently fortified with palisadoes,
in the form of bonnets or saliant angles; so that when the besieger
attempts to carry them, the artillery from the ramparts or neighboring
places, may be fired amongst the heaps of stones, and considerable
damage be done by the fragments that must necessarily fly about.
PIERS. The columns on which the arch of a bridge is raised.
PIES, _Fr._ Knights that were created by Pope Pius IV. in 1560, with
the titles of counts Palatines. They took precedence, at Rome, of the
knights of the Teutonic order, and of those of Malta.
PIETINER, _Fr._ to move the feet with great quickness. It likewise
signifies to _mark time_, but not technically so.
PIETON, _Fr._ a foot soldier.
PIEU, _Fr._ a large beam, or stake.
PIEUX, _Fr._ This word is sometimes used in the plural number to
signify palisades.
PIGNON, _Fr._ the gable end of a building.
PIKE, in _war_, an offensive weapon, consisting of a wooden shaft,
from 6 to 20 feet long, with a flat steel head, pointed, called the
spear. This instrument was long in use among the infantry; but now the
bayonet, which is fixed on the muzzle of the firelock, is substituted
in its stead. The Macedonian phalanx was a battalion of pikemen.
PIKEMEN, soldiers armed with pikes.
The utility of the Pike was pointed out by marshal Saxe, but until the
French being destitute of firearms for their national guards, were
forced to resort to it, the great value of the weapon was not well
understood; although the bayonet, which is only a pike on the end of a
firelock, was in general use. On an emergency, where arms are scarce,
the pike may always be relied on against infantry or cavalry. See _Am.
Mil. Lib._
PIKESTAFF, the wooden pole or handle of a pike.
PILE, _Fr._ A species of javelin which was used by the Romans. They
darted these weapons with so much force, that, according to tradition,
two men have been pierced through, together with their shields or
bucklers.
PILES, strong pieces of wood, driven into the ground to make a firm
foundation for any kind of work.
_To_ PILE or _stack arms_, to place three musquets with six bayonets
in such a relative position, that the butts shall remain firm upon the
ground, and the muzzles be close together in an oblique direction. This
method has been adopted to prevent the injury which was formerly done
to musquetry, when the practice of grounding the firelock prevailed.
Every recruit should be taught how to pile or stack arms before he is
dismissed the drill.
PILE, any heap; as a pile of balls, shells, &c.
PILES _of shot or shells_, are generally piled up in the magazines, in
three different manners: the base is either a triangular square, or a
rectangle; and from thence the piles are called triangular, square, and
oblong.
TABLE, _of Triangular Piles of Shot_.
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
| Con-| | Con-| | Con-| | Con-
Side.|tent.|Side.|tent.|Side.|tent.|Side.|tent.
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
2 | 4| 13 | 473| 24 | 437| 35 | 7486
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
3 | 10| 14 | 574| 25 | 751| 36 | 8184
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
4 | 20| 15 | 696| 26 | 3091| 37 | 9322
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
5 | 35| 16 | 731| 27 | 3458| 38 |10131
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
6 | 56| 17 | 883| 28 | 3853| 39 |10981
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
7 | 84| 18 | 1043| 29 | 4277| 40 |11871
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
8 | 120| 19 | 1222| 30 | 4731| 41 |12807
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
9 | 165| 20 | 1540| 31 | 5216| 42 |13730
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
10 | 220| 21 | 1641| 32 | 5733| 43 |14659
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
11 | 296| 22 | 1883| 33 | 6283| 44 |15585
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
12 | 384| 23 | 2148| 34 | 6867| 45 |16511
-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----
_Explanation._ The numbers in the 1st, 3d, 5th, and 7th vertical
columns, express the number of shot in the base or side of each
triangular pile; and the numbers in the 2d, 4th, 6th, and 8th vertical
columns, express the number of shot in each pile.
_Rules for finding the number in any_ PILE.
_Triangular_ PILE.
Multiply the base by the base + 1, this product by the base + 2, and
divide by 6.
_Square_ PILE.
Multiply the bottom row by the bottom row + 1, and this product by
twice the bottom row + 2, and divide by 6.
_Rectangular_ PILES.
Multiply the breadth of the base by itself + 1, and this product by
three times the difference between the length and the breadth of the
base, added to twice the breadth + 1, and divide by 6.
_Incomplete_ PILES.
Incomplete piles being only frustums, wanting a similar small pile on
the top, compute first the whole pile as if complete, and also the
small pile wanting at top; and then subtract the one number from the
other.
TABLE, _of square Piles of Shot_.
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| | con-| | con-| | | | | | |
|side| tent|side| tent|side|cont’t|side|cont’t|side|cont’t|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 2 | 5| 20 | 2871| 38 | 19019| 56 | 60116| 74 |137825|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 3 | 14| 21 | 3311| 39 | 20540| 57 | 63365| 75 |143450|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 4 | 30| 22 | 3795| 40 | 22140| 58 | 66729| 76 |149226|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 5 | 55| 23 | 4324| 41 | 23821| 59 | 70210| 77 |155155|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 6 | 91| 24 | 4900| 42 | 25585| 60 | 73810| 78 |161239|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 7 | 140| 25 | 5525| 43 | 27434| 61 | 77531| 79 |167480|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 8 | 204| 26 | 6201| 44 | 29370| 62 | 81375| 80 |173880|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 9 | 285| 27 | 6930| 45 | 31395| 63 | 85344| 81 |180441|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 10 | 385| 28 | 7714| 46 | 33511| 64 | 89440| 82 |187165|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 11 | 506| 29 | 8555| 47 | 35720| 65 | 93665| 83 |194054|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 12 | 650| 30 | 9455| 48 | 38024| 66 | 98021| 84 |201110|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 13 | 819| 31 |10416| 49 | 40425| 67 |102510| 85 |208335|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 14 | 1015| 32 |11440| 50 | 42925| 68 |107134| 86 |215731|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 15 | 1240| 33 |12529| 51 | 45526| 69 |111895| 87 |223300|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 16 | 1496| 34 |13685| 52 | 48230| 70 |116795| 88 |231044|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 17 | 1785| 35 |14910| 53 | 51039| 71 |121836| 89 |238965|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 18 | 2109| 36 |16206| 54 | 53955| 72 |127020| 90 |247065|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
| 19 | 2470| 37 |17575| 55 | 56980| 73 |132349| 91 |255346|
+----+-----+----+-----+----+------+----+------+----+------+
_Explanation._ The numbers gradually increasing, from 2 to 91, express
the number of shot at the base of each square pile; and the numbers
opposite, the quantity of shot in each complete square pile. _Example._
No. 20 gives 2871, and No 30 gives 9455; and so of the rest.
PILIER, _Fr._ a buttress.
PILLAGE, (_pillage_, _Fr._) The act of plundering.
_To_ PILLAGE, to spoil, to waste, to plunder.
PILLAGER, a plunderer; one who gets a thing by violent or illegal means.
PILLAR, in a figurative sense, support. A well disciplined army may be
called the pillar of the state; an ill disciplined one, the reverse.
PILLARS, _and_ ARCHES. It was customary among the ancients,
particularly among the Romans, to erect public buildings, such
as arches and pillars, for the reward and encouragement of noble
enterprise. These marks were conferred upon such eminent persons as
had either won a victory of extraordinary consequence abroad, or had
rescued the commonwealth from any considerable danger. The greatest
actions of the heroes they stood to honor, were curiously expressed,
or the whole procession of a triumph cut out on the sides. The arches
built by Romulus were only of brick, those of Camillus of plain
square stones; but those of Cæsar, Drusus, Titus, Trajan, Gordian,
&c. were all entirely marble. As to their figure, they were at first
semicircular; whence probably they took their names. Afterwards they
were built four square, with a spacious arched gate in the middle, and
little ones on each side. Upon the vaulted part of the middle gate,
hung little winged images, representing victory, with crowns in their
hands, which when they were let down, they put upon the conqueror’s
head as he passed under the triumph.--Fabricii Roma, cap. 15.
The columns or pillars were converted to the same design as the arches,
for the honorable memorial of some noble victory or exploit, after they
had been a long time in use for the chief ornaments of the sepulchres
of great men, as may be gathered from Homer, Iliad 16.
The pillars of the emperors Trajan and Antoninus, have been extremely
admired for their beauty and curious work. We find them thus
particular described in page 53, of Kennett’s Roman Antiquities.
The former was set up in the middle of Trajan’s forum, being composed
of 24 great stones of marble, but so curiously cemented, as to seem one
entire natural stone. The height was 144 feet, according to Eutropius,
(Hist. lib. 8.) though Martian (lib. iii. cap. 13.) seems to make
them but 128. It is ascended by 185 winding stairs, and has 40 little
windows for the admission of light. The whole pillar is incrusted with
marble, in which are expressed all the noble actions of the emperor,
and particularly the Dacian war. One may see all over it the several
figures of forts, bulwarks, bridges, ships, &c. and all manner of arms,
as shields, helmets, targets, swords, spears, daggers; belts, &c.
together with the several offices and employments of the soldiers; some
digging trenches, some measuring out a place for the tents, and others
making a triumphal procession. (Fabricus, cap. 7.) But the noblest
ornament of this pillar, was the statute of Trajan on the top, of a
gigantic bigness, being no less than 20 feet high. He was represented
in a coat of armor proper to the general, holding in his left hand a
sceptre, in his right a hollow globe of gold, in which his own ashes
were deposited after his death, (Casalius, par. I. c. 2.)
The column or pillar of Antoninus, was raised in imitation of this,
which it exceeded only in one respect, that it was 176 feet high;
(Martian, lib. vi. cap. 13.) for the work was much inferior to the
former, as being undertaken in the declining age of the empire. The
ascent on the inside was 106 stairs, and the windows in the inside 56.
The sculpture and the other ornaments were of the same nature as those
of the first; and on the top stood a colossus of the emperor naked, as
appears from some of his coins. See Martian idem.
Both these columns are still standing at Rome, the former most entire.
But Pope Sixtus I. instead of the two statues of the emperors, set
up St. Peter’s on the column of Trajan, and St. Paul’s on that of
Antoninus. Casal, part I. c. 11.
Among the columns and pillars we must not pass by, (to use Mr.
Kennett’s words) the _Milliarium aureum_, a gilded pillar in the forum,
erected by Augustus Cæsar, at which all the highways of Italy met, and
were concluded. (Martian, lib. iii. cap. 18.) From this they counted
their miles, at the end of every mile setting up a stone; whence came
the phrase _Primus ab urbe lapis_, and the like. This pillar, as Mr.
Lassels informs us, is still to be seen.
PILON, _Fr._ a weapon, the use of which has been recommended by marshal
Saxe, in his plan forming several battalions four deep. The two
first ranks are to be armed with musquets, the third and fourth with
large half pikes or pilons, having their musquets slung across their
shoulders.
PILUM. The head of an arrow was so called by the Romans.
PINASSE, _Fr._ a pinnace.
PINDAREES, _Ind._ plunderers and marauders, who accompany a Mahrattah
army. The name is properly that of persons who travel with grain and
merchandize; but war affording so many opportunities and creating so
many necessities, the merchants as it is all over the world, became
plunderers and the worst of enemies.
_To_ PINION, to bind the hands or arms of a person so as to prevent his
having the free use of them.
PINK, a sort of small ship, masted and ribbed like other ships, except
that she is built with a round stern, the bends and ribs compassing, so
that her sides bulge out very much.
PIN, an iron nail or bolt, with a round head, and generally with a hole
at the end to receive a key: there are many sorts, as axle-tree pins,
or bolts, bolster pins, pole-pins, swing-tree pins, &c.
There are likewise _musquet pins_, which are small pieces of iron or
wire that fasten the stock. Soldiers are very apt to take out these
pins in order to make their pieces ring; but they should not on any
account, be permitted so to do.
PINTLE in _artillery_, a long iron bolt, fixed upon the middle of the
limber-bolster, to go through the hole made in the trail-transom of a
field-carriage, when it is to be transported from one place to another.
PINTLE-_plate_, is a flat iron, through which the pintle passes, and
nailed to both sides of the bolster, with 8 diamond headed nails.
PINTLE-_washer_, an iron ring through which the pintle passes, placed
close to the bolster for the trail to move upon.
PINTLE-_hole_, is of an oval figure, made in the trail-transom of a
field-carriage, wider above than below, to leave room for the pintle to
play in.
PIOBRACH, the Gaelic word for a _piper_; also an air played upon the
bagpipe. It is now more strictly applied to the ancient Highland
martial music.
PIOBRACHS, are either simple or compound; some of them consist of a
march, &c. and are beautifully varied, and highly characteristic.
PIOCHE, _Fr._ a mattock, pickaxe.
PIOCHER, _Fr._ to dig.
PIONEERS, in _war-time_, are such as are commanded in from the
country, to march with an army, for mending the ways, for working on
entrenchments and fortifications, and for making mines and approaches:
the soldiers are likewise employed in all these things.
Most of the European artillery corps have a company of pioneers, well
instructed in that important branch of duty. The regiments of infantry
and cavalry have 3 or 4 pioneers each, provided with aprons, hatchets,
saws, spades, and pick-axes. The French _sappers_ are the same kind of
soldiers.
PIONIERS, _Fr._ pioneers.
PIPE, a tube; a musical instrument; a liquid measure, containing two
hogsheads.
PIPE, from the Gaelic _piob mohr_, which signifies great pipe. The
Highland bagpipe is so called, and is an instrument well calculated
for the field of battle. When the bagpipe is skilfully performed,
its martial music has a wonderful effect upon the native Scotch,
particularly the Highlanders, who are naturally warlike.
TAIL-_Pipe_, a small brass pipe fixed at the swell of the British
musquet, which receives the ramrod.
_Trumpet_ PIPE, a small brass pipe near the muzzle of the British
firelock, through which the ramrod is let down. It is called
trumpet-pipe, from its resemblance to the mouth of a trumpet. The
Prussians have no pipes to their musquets; the ramrod being received
into a cylinder which runs parallel with the barrel; nor is there any
pipe of this kind to the American or the French musquet; the ramrod
passing within the three straps of iron or plate rings which bind the
barrel to the stock.
PIPE-_Clay_ and _Whiting_, a composition which soldiers use for the
purpose of keeping their cross-belts, &c. clean.
PIQUE, _Fr._ See PIKE.
PIQUICHINS, _Fr._ irregular and ill-armed soldiers, of which mention
is made in the history of the reign of Philippe Augustus. They were
attached to the infantry.
PIQUIER, _Fr._ a pikeman, or one who is armed with a pike.
PIRAMIDE, _Fr._ See PYRAMID.
PIRAMIDES _de feu_, _Fr._ See JETS DE FEU.
PIRATE, _Fr._ a pirate.
PISTE, _Fr._ the track or tread a horseman makes upon the ground he
goes over.
PISTOL, a species of small fire-arms, of which there are various sorts
and sizes, viz.
_Highland_ PISTOL. The old Highland pistol appears singular enough
in the present day. Some that have been preserved, exhibit marks of
excellent workmanship. The stock is metal, and the but end so shaped,
that when fired off, the pistol can be used as a very serious weapon
at close quarters. The Highland pistol, though never used by any of
the British regiments, is still worn by every person who wishes to be
considered as fully dressed and accoutred in the ancient garb. It is
suspended from the left side of the waistbelt.
_Horse_-PISTOL, so called from being used on horseback, and of a large
size.
_Management of the_ PISTOL _on horseback for military purposes_.
Every recruit when he joins the horse-drill should be made perfectly
acquainted with the handling of his pistols according to rule, and of
firing correctly at a mark. To this end he must be taught to draw,
load, fire, and return his pistol, by word of command, viz.
1st. The right glove is to be taken off, and the goat-skin thrown back.
_Draw right_ PISTOL. This is done at two motions; 1st, the man must
seize the handle of the pistol with his right hand, the back towards
the body. 2d, _Draw_ it out of the holster with a brisk motion,
dropping the butt of the pistol on the right holster, and keeping the
muzzle upwards.
_Load_ PISTOL. The pistol is to be dropped smartly into the left hand;
open the pan, prime, cast about, and load; as soon as loaded, seize
the pistol by the butt, and come to the same position as in the second
motion in drawing; the bridle hand must be kept as steady as possible.
In loading the pistol, the barrel is to be kept to the front.
_Return_ PISTOL. This is done in two motions: 1st, turn the muzzle into
the holster, with the back of the hand towards the body, and press home
the pistol. 2d, Quit the right hand briskly.
_Cock_ PISTOL. Drop the pistol into the left hand, cocking with the
thumb of the right, and as soon as done come to the second position,
viz. muzzle upwards.
_To the right aim._ Come smartly to an aim, looking well along the
barrel to the object you are aiming at, and turning your body as much
as is necessary to aim well, but taking care not to displace your
bridle hand.
_Fire!_ pull briskly at the word, and as soon as fired go on with the
loading motions; when loaded come to the position as in the first
direction, viz. _muzzle upwards_.
_Cock Pistol_, as already explained.
_To the left aim._ This requires particular attention, as the men will
be apt to bring their right shoulders too forward, and by that means
displace their bodies and the bridle hand.
_Fire!_ as already explained.
_Cock_ PISTOL. _To the front aim._ You must raise yourself in your
stirrups, in order to take a proper aim; you must then look well along
the pistol, and wait for the word _fire_.
_Fire!_ As soon as you have fired, you must drop into your seat, and go
on with the loading motions, as before directed.
_Return Pistol_, as already explained.
_Draw left_ PISTOL, See _Draw your right Pistol_.
_Pocket_ PISTOL, a small pistol, which may be conveniently carried in
the pocket.
PISTOLETS, _Fr._ See PISTOLS.
PITANS, PATAN, _Ind._ according to Mr. Orme, in his History of the
Carnatic, the Pitans are supposed to be the descendants of the northern
Indians, who were early converted to Mahomedanism. They have been
reckoned the best troops. They are habitually fierce.
PITAN _Nabobs_. Certain chiefs in India so called, viz. of Cudapa,
Canoul, and Savanore.
PITAUX, _Fr._ This word is sometimes written petaux, and was formerly
used to distinguish those peasants that were pressed into the service,
from soldiers who were regularly inlisted.
_To_ PITCH, (_asseoir_, _Fr._)
_To_ PITCH _a camp_, (_asseoir un camp_, _Fr._) to take a position, and
to encamp troops upon it according to the principles of castrametation.
See _Am. Mil. Lib._
_To_ PITCH _a tent_, to place a certain regulated quantity of canvas
upon poles, so as to afford a temporary cover, against the inclemencies
of the weather for one or more, officers or private soldiers. In order
that the men may become expert in pitching and striking tents, they
ought to be practised whilst in camp to do either.
PITCHANDAH, _Ind._ a fortified pagoda on the north bank of the
Coleroon, one mile east of Seringham.
PITONS, _Fr._ nails with round eyes. They likewise signify pins with
iron rings.
PITONS _d’affut_, _Fr._ iron pins which are used to keep the
plate-bands of the carriage of a cannon tight and compact.
PIVOT, (_Pivot_, _Fr._) in a military sense, that officer, serjeant,
corporal, or soldier, upon whom the different wheelings are made in
military evolutions. There are two sorts of _pivots_ distinguished
according to the position of the troops who are governed by them, viz.
_standing_ pivot and _moveable_ pivot. When a battalion, for instance,
stands in open column of companies, the _right in front_, the last
man upon the left of the front rank of each company, is called the
_inner_, or _standing pivot_; and the first man upon the right ditto,
is called the _outer pivot_, or _wheeling flank_. So much depends
upon the accurate position of the different pivots, that no movement
can be thoroughly correct unless the most scrupulous attention be
paid to them. Officers, in particular, ought to recollect that when
they are posted upon the flanks, they become essentially necessary to
the preservation of that perpendicular and parallelism of a march,
without which direction the best digested manœuvres must be ultimately
rendered useless. They must constantly bear in mind, that it belongs
to the mounted field officers to watch the aggregate, and that they
themselves, being incorporated parts of the different divisions, are
to move successively forward, with no other object in view than the
perpendicular point before them. For if they once turn to the right
or left, or become anxious about the movements of others, instead of
being the means of insensibly correcting any errors that might casually
occur, they will deviate themselves, and at every step increase the
irregularity. On this account, the instant an officer has wheeled his
division, he must resume his perpendicular position, look stedfastly on
his leading pivot, preserve his relative distance, and keep his person
perfectly square. He ought likewise to be particularly correct in
stepping off when the wheel is completed.
_Moveable_ PIVOT, one which during the wheel of its division advances
in a circular direction, instead of turning on the spot where it
originally stood. Thus when divisions, &c. are successively wheeled,
without being first halted, the pivot upon which they wheel is said to
be _moveable_.
In the drill, single ranks are frequently wheeled on a moveable pivot.
In which case, both flanks are moveable, and describe concentring
circles round a point which is a few paces from what would otherwise be
the standing flank; and eyes are all turned towards the outer pivot or
flank man, whether he is on the outward flank, or on the flank wheeled
to.
PIVOT-_Flanks_, the flanks upon which a line is formed from column.
When the right of the battalion is in front, the pivot flanks are on
the left of its several companies, platoons, &c. and _vice versâ_, when
the left is in front.
PIVOT-_flank officer_, the officer who is on the first flank. In all
wheelings during the march in column the officer on that flank upon
which the wheel is made must attend himself to the correctness of the
pivot.
_Platoon_ PIVOTS, the men upon whom a battalion marches in column of
platoons, is wheeled up into line, or into column, when the line has
been formed according to a given front.
It is in the modern improved tactics determined that commissioned
officers shall not themselves be the _pivots_, but that they shall
consist of the non-commissioned officers, or rank and file on each
flank only; and not the officers on those flanks; but the officers
are strictly required to see that the _pivots_ perform their duty
correctly, and are responsible for it.
PLACAGE, _Fr._. in fortification, a kind of revetement, which is made
of thick plastic earth, laid along the talus of such parapets as have
no mason-work, and which is covered with turf.
PLACARD, PLACART, or, as it is in the original Dutch language
_Placaat_, a term used abroad for a proclamation, edict, &c. put up in
all public places, by government authority; whereby their subjects are
ordered to do, or forbear, something expressed therein. See MANIFESTO.
PLACARD, _Fr._ any bill, or public paper, that is posted up; same as
_Bulletin_. It likewise means a libel.
PLACARDER, _Fr._ to post up, to libel.
PLACE, _emplacement_, _Fr._ any spot or scite which suits the plans of
an architect to build upon.
PLACE, in _fortification_, signifies, in general terms, a fortified
town, a fortress: hence we say it is a strong place. See _Pocket
Encyclopedia_, vol. V. PLACE.
PLACE _of arms_, (_Place d’armes_, _Fr._) This term has various
significations, although it uniformly means a place which is calculated
for the rendezvous of men in arms, &c.
1st. When an army takes the field, every strong hold or fortress which
supports its operations by affording a safe retreat to its depots,
heavy artillery, magazines, hospitals, &c. is called a _place of arms_.
2dly. In offensive fortification, those lines are called _places of
arms_, or _parallels_, which unite the different means of attack,
secure the regular approaches, &c. and contain bodies of troops who
either do duty in the trenches, protect the workmen, or are destined to
make an impression upon the enemy’s outworks.
There are _demi-places of arms_ between the _places of arms_. These
are more or less numerous in proportion to the resistance made by the
besieged.
PLACES _of arms_ belonging to the covert-way. These are divided into
two sorts, viz. _saliant_ and _rentrant_ places of arms. There are
likewise places of arms composed of traverses, which are practised or
made in the dry ditches of military towns, in a perpendicular direction
to the faces of the half-moons and the tenaillons.
PLACE _of arms in a town_, a place left near its centre, where
generally the grand guard is placed. In towns regularly fortified, the
place of arms should be in the centre. In this place the soldiers of
the garrison parade, form, and mount guard, &c.
PLACE _of arms of an attack, or of a trench_, are deep trenches 15 or
18 feet wide, joining the several attacks together: they serve for a
rendezvous and station to the guard of the trenches, to be at hand to
support the workmen when attacked. It is customary to make 3 places of
arms, when the ground will permit: the first, and most distant from
the place, is about 300 toises, or 600 yards, from the glacis of the
covert-way; the second is within 140 toises, or 280 yards; and the
third at the foot or the glacis. See PARALLELS.
PLACE _of arms of a camp_, was, strictly speaking, the bell-tents, at
the head of each company, where the arms were formerly lodged; likewise
a place chosen at the head of the camp for the army to form in line of
battle, for a review, or the like.
PLACE _of arms of the covert-way_, is a part of it, opposite to the
re-entering angle of the counterscarp, projecting outwards in an angle.
PLACE _marécageuse_, _Fr._ a marshy place. A place of this description
may be easily fortified, and at little expence; nor does it require
many troops for defence. Among other advantages, that of not being
exposed to an enemy’s mines, is by no means the least considerable.
On the other hand, piles must be sunk in almost every direction: and
should it be invested, it is almost impossible to succour it. Add
to these inconveniences, the danger to which the garrison must be
constantly exposed of being visited by some contagious disorder.
PLACE _elevée dans un plat pays_, _Fr._ Places that are put in a state
of defence in a flat open country. These places are almost always
secured by regular fortifications: the soil is good, and there is
always plenty of earth adapted to every species of military work: there
is abundance of water; and should an enemy attempt to carry them by
insuring the works, entrenchments may be easily thrown up to check him.
Add to this, that it would require two or three armies, at least, to
cut off the various supplies which can be procured from the country
round. On the other hand, the goodness and abundance of the soil are
equally beneficial to the besieging army. For the troops are thereby
enabled to throw up entrenchments, to build redoubts, erect batteries,
and by thus securing their approaches, to annoy the besieged at all
hours, and in all ways.
PLACE _située sur le penchant d’une montagne_, _Fr._ a place situated
or built upon the declivity of a hill. It is very difficult to fortify
a spot of this sort. Whatever is erected upon it, must be commanded by
the higher ground, and the body of the place be, of course, exposed to
every attack.
PLACE _située dans une vallée_, _Fr._ a town, fortress, or hold that is
built in a valley. Places so situated must be in constant jeopardy, as
by getting possession of the heights, the enemy can always command them.
PLACE _située sur les bords d’une grand riviére_, _Fr._ a place, &c.
built upon the banks, or borders of a large river. Places, constructed
in a situation of this sort, are preferable to all others, provided
they have a free and uninterrupted communication with the principal
quarter from whence stores, provisions, and ammunition may be drawn.
They may be regularly fortified towards the interior of the country,
and it will require little or no artificial means to secure them on
the side of the river.