No; but if unavoidable, it should be masked as much as possible until ordered to open its fire.
19. How should a battery be masked?
If practicable, by covering it with cavalry, in preference to infantry, as the former does it more effectually, and is sooner moved out of the way.
20. In commencing an action, how should the fire of a battery be directed?
When the enemy is in line, the fire should be directed over the whole line, and not upon the real points of attack; but when in column, ready to advance, it should be concentrated upon the real points of attack.
21. How should batteries be placed in relation to the troops with which they are acting?
Upon the flanks of a line, but at such a distance as not to impede its movements, and at the same time to be unfettered in their own; the artillery may thus represent the faces of a bastion, and the line of troops the curtain.
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22. Is the front of a line of troops an advantageous position for a field battery?
On the contrary, it is the worst possible, as offering a double object to the enemy’s fire, and greatly obstructing the movements of the troops; while a position in rear is nearly as bad, as the fire might seriously injure, or at least, greatly disquiet them.