VI.
In all systems of movement composed of many distinct bodies, there must be a common centre of direction, connexion and extension, or unity of purpose and effect must cease, and confusion, dispersion or concentration ensue. Such a centre there is in the minutely regular mighty moving system of the universe; and from it, down through every degree of importance, to that in the more mob-like progress of a swarm of bees.
Perhaps the greatest defect in modern skirmishing is, that, in extensive affairs, this principle of an established point of direction is not well maintained. However much it may be recognised in mere theory, it is not, in instruction, explained in sufficient fulness, or required with sufficient rigour; and from these neglects arise, in a great degree, the inversions, mixtures, and other irregularities in actual service before noticed.
It is most injudicious to encumber the minds of men and officers with a multitude of intricate or non-essential recollections; but the principle in point involves nothing of this character; it is at the same time very simple and highly essential.
For all skirmishers of the same battalion acting together, until they become thoroughly mixed with other corps—in all cases of movement, excepting only those of changes of front on the principle of the wheel on the fixed pivot, and those of taking ground to a flank obliquely or directly; the centre, or right centre file[[12]] of their own battalion skirmishers is THE POINT OF DIRECTION, unless at the time OTHERWISE ESPECIALLY ORDERED.
When detachments from several battalions skirmish together, the battalion of direction for the line in rear, is that of direction for the skirmishers in front, unless at the time otherwise ordered. If no such battalion has been pointed out, the officer commanding the extended line names to the officers in command of detachments the battalion skirmishers of direction, and takes care to keep these last to their true course and object.
Every officer in command of the skirmishers of a battalion has the option, in responsible dependence on the maintenance of the general alignement and proper communication, of changing his point of direction, by order at and for the time being, to the flank file nearest to the battalion skirmishers of direction, or otherwise as circumstances may appear to require.
In all changes of front on the principle of the wheel on a fixed pivot, that pivot is, of necessity, during the evolution, the file of direction.
In taking ground to a flank obliquely or directly, the leading file always becomes, during this movement, and no longer, unless especially ordered at the time, the file of direction.
When skirmishers become mixed and unmanageable, and there is neither time nor opportunity for re-forming them at close order on their covering serjeants, the officer in command fixes upon any man as a point of direction, the others instantly extend away right and left (unless at the time especially ordered to extend to either flank in particular), without regard to their original proper places—double into files—take up the general alignment—officers and non-commissioned officers with alertness take charge of proper portions, and the whole move and act upon this new centre, as if no inversion or mixture had occurred.
Upon such simple rules, well impressed and strictly maintained, any number of skirmishers may fight over large extents of the most intricate ground, perfectly in hand and without confusion. Or, should extraordinary events produce irregularity, officers in command may easily, in an instant, under the worst circumstances, restore good fighting order, until leisure permits a more regular formation.
In extensive skirmishes, the eyes and feelings of men retiring are powerfully drawn towards the most apparently important points of defence; and upon these, without direct orders, they more or less concentrate. Assailants follow the same impulse, and direct their force principally against these identical strongly occupied points.
Hence follow of necessity on both sides a massing into large marks for the fire of opposing musquetry, sometimes even of artillery—great unnecessary bloodshed in violent struggles, and a neglect on the defensive side of ground which ought to be occupied, and on the assailing side of points which ought to be attacked. Nothing but keeping men in hand by the principle of well understood and well maintained centres of direction can prevent similar evils.
Supports, in their movements, should be guided by the same general principle as skirmishers—that is, the centre or right centre support of each battalion should be, unless otherwise ordered, the support of direction, except in the cases of wheeling on a fixed pivot, or of taking ground to a flank. In the first exception, all conform to the pivot, and in the last to the leading division, unless at the time otherwise ordered. Supports, not belonging to the battalion of direction, except in the two cases just noticed, conform under the orders of their senior officer to the movements of those which do belong to it, with due regard to their primary duty—the proper support of their own skirmishers.