Vent-punch. See [Implements, Equipments and Machines].
Vent-searcher. See [Inspection of Cannon].
Vera Cruz. An ancient city on the east coast of Mexico, about 185 miles east of the city of Mexico. The castle of Ulloa and the city were bombarded and taken by the Americans in 1847, and the city was taken by the allies, December 17, 1861. Vera Cruz was retaken by the liberals, under Juarez, June 27, 1867.
Verat (Fr.). A 12-pounder gun of 17 calibers, weighing 2300 pounds, having a charge of 8 pounds.
Verbal Orders. Instructions given by word of mouth, which, when communicated through an official channel, are to be considered as equally binding with written ones.
Vercelli (anc. Vercellæ). A town of the kingdom of Sardinia, capital of a province of the same name. Near this place Varus defeated the Cimbri, 101 B.C. It was the seat of a republic in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was taken by the Spaniards in 1630; by the French in 1704; and allies, 1706; it subsequently partook of the fortunes of Piedmont.
Verden. A town in Hanover, Germany, on the right bank of the Aller. Here Charlemagne massacred about 4500 Saxons, who had rebelled and relapsed into idolatry, 782.
Verdict. See [Finding].
Verdoy. In heraldry, a term indicating that a bordure is charged with flowers, leaves, or vegetable charges. Thus a bordure argent verdoy of oak-leaves proper, is equivalent to a bordure argent charged with eight oak-leaves proper.
Verdun (anc. Verodunum). A fortified town of France in the department of Meuse, on the right bank of the river of that name, about 150 miles (direct line) east-northeast from Paris, it was fortified by Vauban, and its defenses consist of a wall with bastions and a citadel. It was acquired by the Franks in the 6th century, and formed part of the dominions of Lothaire by the treaty of Verdun, 543, when the empire was divided between the sons of Louis I. It was taken and annexed to the empire of Otho I. about 939. It surrendered to France in 1552, and was formally ceded in 1648. It was taken and held by the Prussians forty-three days, September-October, 1792. Gen. Beaurepaire, the commandant, committed suicide before the surrender, and fourteen ladies were executed in 1794, for going to the king of Prussia to solicit his clemency for the town. Verdun surrendered to the Germans, November 8, 1870, after a brave defense, two vigorous sallies being made October 28. Above 4000 men and 108 cannon were captured, and much arms and ammunition.