halts or moves slowly in order to give the patrols preceding it time to make a hasty reconnaissance and then proceeds rapidly to a new position, according to reports received. Decisive action will depend upon the situation developed by the exploration.

The extent of front covered by a cavalry command should not exceed the limits permitting the chief to exercise control over all parts of his force daily. For a full brigade this may be assumed at about 10 miles.

On very wide fronts several independent bodies will be necessary; they will be under the general control of army headquarters in the field, and each will, as far as practicable, be informed of the object and relative position of the cavalry on its right or left.

With the assistance of their horse artillery, cavalry commanders must solve the difficult problems confronting them without calling upon other arms for support. The position of the horse artillery in the column would usually be near the head of the reserve.

69. The best exploration would be of little value if the observations made be not forwarded in precise language and with great promptness to higher authority.

The patrols and contact detachments are responsible for rapid and reliable communication with the units from which they were sent. The commander of the independent cavalry maintains connection with his immediate superior, and when necessary also looks out for intercourse with his patrols and contact troops. He will send in a daily report, preferably in the evening, on the general situation and the results obtained by the exploration; the precise time of important occurrences should be stated.

DIVISIONAL CAVALRY.

70. In addition to its duty of keeping up communication between the covering troops and the main body, whether on the march or at a halt, the divisional cavalry takes charge of exploration in the vicinity of a command and secures such data concerning the roads and resources of the country as may be necessary for immediate use of the commanding officer.

When there is independent cavalry out in front the divisional cavalry will endeavor to maintain connection therewith; when not, then the divisional cavalry will endeavor to gain contact with the enemy, or, when the latter is too far away, will at least explore the country to a considerable distance.

Squadrons not required for the immediate protection of their divisions may be employed as independent cavalry.

71. Although the exploration of the divisional cavalry is rather limited as to extent, it goes more into detail, and before the beginning of a combat and during all its succeeding phases must display the greatest activity.

When patrols are not strong enough to accomplish their object, such portion of the divisional cavalry as can be spared from other duty may be pushed to the front, always regulating its movements, however, so that its main body will be on hand in case of emergency. The rapidly changing situation just before a combat and during its progress requires the greatest exertion and good judgment on the part of the divisional cavalry in order to keep up exploration to the front and the flanks and to drive off hostile patrols. It will probably be necessary to send out numerous small patrols, to call in others no longer useful, to keep touch with the enemy after his discovery, and in some cases to establish observation posts.

In campaign separate bodies of troops smaller than a division should be provided with the necessary mounted units.

PATROLS.

72. The commanders of patrols should be selected with care. In important cases officers may be designated. It must be remembered, however, that by detaching many officers the efficiency of troops will be impaired, and that new demands may arise at any

moment.

These officers should combine the natural qualities of good health, a vigorous physique, keen eyesight, presence of mind, boldness and determination, with good judgment, improved by a military education or by practice in the field. They will often be placed in position to view matters from the standpoint of a higher commander and to form their opinions accordingly; the most important decisions may depend upon their skill and reliability.

The men should also be carefully selected, and both officers and men of cavalry patrols should be well mounted.

In special cases officers of the general staff or of other arms of the service may be sent out with patrols.

73. The leader of a patrol must, when possible, be provided with a reliable map, an accurate watch, a good field glass, a compass, a whistle, some message blanks, and a pencil.

When strong infantry patrols are sent out, a few mounted men, or under favorable conditions cyclists, should be assigned for messenger service.

74. The strength of a patrol will depend upon the duty it has to perform, the prospect of combat with the enemy's patrols, and the

probable necessity of sending several messages or establishing connecting posts. The detail should be verified by the officer sending out the patrol and to whom it will report afterwards, or by his adjutant or adjutant general.

75. The orders for a patrol, and in fact for any detachment going on reconnaissance, must state clearly what information is desired, what points are of special importance, and what general direction is to be followed. Important and comprehensive orders should be in writing, but precautions must be taken against capture of papers. In any case the sender of the patrol must be convinced that his orders are fully comprehended. Detailed instructions as to the manner of performing this duty should, as a rule, be avoided.

76. The leader of a patrol will inspect it thoroughly before starting off, and satisfy himself that every man and every horse is in fit condition. Horses of conspicuous color, and those which will not go alone without neighing, should not be taken if it can be avoided. He will then, if necessary, secure a guide, locate himself on the map, and communicate the countersign and his plans to the men, after acquainting them fully with the orders and instructions received from higher authority.

77. The patrol must advance quickly and quietly, be vigilant, and make use of cover whenever practicable. Villages and inclosures involving danger of surprise should not be entered unless necessary, and then with precaution and only for brief periods.

Pauses in the progress of the patrol will be made at points affording a good view, in order to make a careful observation of the country and at the same time allow the leader to consult his map and locate himself thereon. The country should be observed in all directions, landmarks to the rear being impressed on the mind so that the way back can readily be found.

78. An invariable formation for a patrol in motion is not prescribed. In order to enlarge the sphere of observation and to provide protection against surprise, men may be sent alone or in pairs to the front and flanks, communication being by signals. Whatever the formation adopted, it should favor the escape of at least one man in case of ambuscade.

In small exploring patrols the commander should in most cases be in the lead. From this position very few signals would be necessary, the patrol simply regulating its movements by his.

Nothing should escape the observation of the patrol. The slightest noise, the smallest indication of the presence of the enemy should be reported to the leader at once. On the roads and in abandoned camps signs are often found which indicate the number, character,

and condition of the enemy, and the direction in which he is marching.

A thick and low cloud of dust indicates infantry; a high and thin cloud, cavalry; a broken cloud, artillery or wagon trains. The size of the command and direction of march may be roughly estimated by the dust, but the effect of wind must be taken into consideration. The number of campfires and the area over which they are spread will permit an estimate of the strength and position of the enemy. If the lights appear and disappear, it shows that somebody is moving between the observer and the fires. An increase in the number or area of fires indicates arrival of reinforcements. Much smoke at unusual hours indicates movement. Such signs should be accepted

with caution, for they may be a ruse.

Tracks in the road indicate the number and kind of troops and the direction of march. Broad trails parallel to the roads or across country indicate a concentrated march.

The strength of a body of troops may be estimated from the length of time it takes to pass a given point. Assuming that infantry in column of fours will occupy half a yard per man, cavalry 1 yard per trooper, and artillery 20 yards per gun or caisson in the column, a given point would be passed in one minute by about— 175 infantry.

110 cavalry, at a walk.
200 cavalry, at a trot.
5 guns or caissons.

For troops in column of twos, take one-half of the above estimate. 79. As soon as it is certain that the enemy has been discovered a message should be sent.

Then the exact location of the enemy, whether he is deployed, marching, or in camp, his strength, and the arms of service should be ascertained and reported. It will often be difficult to decide whether the troops discovered are the main body or merely the advance guard or outposts. The rule is to observe the main body; therefore it often is necessary to obtain a view from a position in rear of the covering troops. This is done by going around or by breaking through, returning over different ground to avoid ambuscade.

Occasionally it will be advisable for the leader to leave his patrol in a place of concealment and continue his observation with one or two companions; in the case of cavalry, the leader and the men thus detached should be well mounted.

80. Patrols should avoid combat unless it is absolutely necessary in the execution of their orders. A protracted pursuit of defeated

hostile patrols would cause a loss of time and tend to frustrate the object of the exploring patrol.

When a patrol becomes scattered it will endeavor to assemble again, for which purpose suitable points should be indicated beforehand. It will then seek to accomplish its mission in another direction; this will also apply when it is impossible to penetrate along the line originally selected. If cut off, the patrol will try to return by a detour or to force its way through. As a last resort the patrol should scatter so that at least a few men may return with information. Returning patrols approaching their own lines will march at a walk unless pressed by the enemy.

81. Patrols which are far from their commands, or which have gained contact with the enemy, will in many cases have to remain out overnight and continue their observation. For the purpose of resting such a patrol should, if practicable, occupy a place of concealment unknown to the inhabitants, proceeding thereto after nightfall.

The leader of a patrol will in case of necessity provide for subsistence by requisition or purchase. He is authorized to seize telegrams and mail matter and to arrest persons, reporting the facts as soon as possible after his return.

In questioning civilians about the enemy, caution must be exercised so as not to betray our own intentions. No persons will be allowed to go in the direction of the enemy while the patrol is in the vicinity, and the making of visual or other signals to the enemy should be severely punished at the time or later.

82. In addition to the usual signals prescribed in drill regulations the following should be clearly understood by members of a patrol. Enemy in sight, in small numbers: Hold the rifle above the head horizontally. Enemy in force: Same as preceding, raising and lowering the rifle frequently.

Other signals may be agreed upon before starting, but they must be familiar to the men; complicated signals should be avoided. Signals must be used cautiously, so that the enemy may not derive advantage from indiscretion.

83. The strength of men and animals should be husbanded, so that when proper occasion arises the full exertion of the remaining powers may insure fair prospect of success. Consequently, good opportunities for watering, feeding, subsistence, and rest should not be neglected when they are necessary. The most brilliant feats of exploration are a failure if the information secured is not delivered in time to be useful.