CHAP.
XIV.

should remain formed up, so as to be able to oppose any supports of the enemy that should happen to come up, and also to render assistance if required.

If the convoy is massed, the waggons forming a species of intrenchment protected by infantry, cavalry should not attack, but wait till the column resumes its march.

Should the party undertaking the Surprise be weaker than the escort, then if possible an ambuscade should be made, and the attack commenced just about the time when the convoy is passing through a defile, and when one portion has already got through it. Then only that part of the escort which is at the head or the rear of the convoy has to be dealt with. The defile can be easily blocked up by means of a waggon; thus the part of the convoy on this side of the defile may be cut off and rendered an easy prey.

There are many instances in history of only small detachments achieving great successes in such enterprises. There must be an enterprising leader, bold resolution, intelligent soldiers, and good horses. What is well begun is already done.

CHAPTER XV.

AMBUSCADES.

AMBUSCADES are of two kinds.

The first is a

CHAP.

XV.

cades.

military position, which is so concealed by ground, that it can only with difficulty be discovered, and Ambustherefore facilitates the surprise of troops who are marching near it. The second is also a concealed position, but one which is only intended to check a victorious enemy in his pursuit. An Ambuscade is also a surprise, but the former word is only used when the surprise is effected on a convoy, or on troops actually marching.

success.

In order to organise an Ambuscade successfully, Conditions the officer who commands it must have a perfect to secure acquaintance with the country, more especially with that spot where the Ambuscade will be laid. The place must be so selected that the force to be surprised must pass close to it, and that the detachment in ambush may be well concealed, may without difficulty deploy into action, and can easily retreat.

Great consideration is required in the choice of the ground for an ambush, since it is not every thicket or hollow that is suitable.

CHAP.
XV.

Positions suitable.

Precau

tions to be adopted.

A spot near a defile through which the enemy must pass is usually well adapted for an Ambuscade, as there he will be taken at a disadvantage. It is better that the position chosen should not be so remarkable as to attract the attention and excite the suspicions of the foe.

Darkness, mist, or bad weather, favour such enterprises. Secrecy, however, is indispensable not only with respect to the Ambuscade itself, but also as regards the march to occupy the position, where the Ambuscade will be attempted; and here all the rules hold good which have been already laid down respecting the manner of conducting secret marches. Inhabited places and main roads must be avoided, natives of the country who see the march or the Ambuscade must be detained. There should be no traces of the march, or at least they should be cleverly effaced. If the place is far off the party should march at night and remain quiet during the day in some concealed position; they should not use horses that neigh, and should carry their provisions with them.

The detachment provides for its own security in its position by means of one or more sentries, who should be concealed, but yet be able to detect from a considerable distance the approach of the enemy; at night they must trust to their ears.

In the Ambuscade itself the greatest stillness and quietude must be observed up to the moment of the surprise, when on a given signal all must attack the enemy with spirit and determination. If the enterprise

XV.

is successful the party withdraws rapidly; in case of CHAP. failure, a rendezvous must be previously settled. If the enemy is in too great strength, or if the Ambuscade has been discovered, there should be an immediate retreat.

XVI.

Various kinds of escorts.

CHAPTER XVI.

ESCORTS.

CHAP. ESCORTS are of various kinds; there are Escorts for individuals, or guards of honour, Escorts for couriers, prisoners, wounded men, for horses and cattle, and also for provisions and munitions of war of all kinds. The commander of an Escort must endeavour to obtain exact information regarding the road and the enemy, and should employ trustworthy persons to procure news for him.

Escorts of honour.

Escorts of

Escorts of honour and courier Escorts will always be provided by cavalry, and must conform to the speed and wishes of whomsoever they escort. On service the safety of the persons escorted will be the first consideration, to which all others must be subservient.

Escorts for Prisoners.-Before starting, prisoners prisoners. should be threatened with the most severe measures if on the road they show any signs of insubordination. The measures threatened and carried into effect must be all the more severe if the Escort is weak. The men on Escort must load their fire-arms in the presence of the prisoners. The prisoners must be ranged in military order, and must be told off into larger and