Floating Batteries. These are used in defending harbors, or in attacks on marine fortresses. The most remarkable instance of their employment was by the French and Spaniards against Gibraltar, in the memorable siege which lasted from July, 1779, to February, 1783. During the Russian war, 1854-55, they rendered good service before Kinburn. Now they are only used for defensive purposes.
Floating-bridge. A kind of double bridge, the upper one projecting beyond the lower one, and capable of being moved forward by pulleys, used for carrying troops over narrow moats in attacking the outworks of a fort. See [Bridge, Flying].
Flodden Field. The last point of the Cheviots, the place where King James IV. of Scotland, after crossing the border on August 22, 1513, with an army of over 30,000 men, took up his position, and where, on September 9, the bloody battle was fought in which the king was killed, and the Scottish army destroyed.
Flogging. A barbarous punishment formerly inflicted in the British army and navy. It was generally administered with a whip, or “cat-of-nine-tails,” on the bare back. This mode of punishment formerly existed in the American army and navy.
Flood-gate. In fortified towns, is composed of 2 or 4 gates, so that the besieged by opening the gates may inundate the environs so as to keep the enemy out of gunshot.
Florent, St. A fortified seaport town of Corsica, on the gulf of the same name, 6 miles west from Bastia. This town was taken by the British in 1793.
Florida. One of the United States of America, which was discovered by Sebastian Cabot, in the year 1497. Its conquest was accomplished by the Spaniards in 1539. It was plundered by Sir Francis Drake in 1585; and by Davis, a buccaneer, in 1665. It was invaded by the British in 1702; and again by Gen. Oglethorpe in 1740. In 1763 it was ceded to Britain, but in 1781 was recovered by Spain, and confirmed to her by the peace of 1783. In 1821 it was purchased from Spain by the United States. A war with the Seminole Indians commenced in 1835. After great trouble and expense they were subdued and emigrated to the Indian Territory in 1842. In 1839 its constitution was formed, and in 1845 it was admitted into the Union. Florida seceded from the Union on January 10, 1861, and was one of the first to return to the Union, October 25, 1865.
Flourish. The waving of a weapon or other thing; a brandishing; as, the flourish of a sword.
Flourish. To execute an irregular or fanciful strain of music, by way of ornament or prelude, as, a flourish of trumpets.
Flugelman. The leader of a file; one who stands in front of a body of soldiers, and whose motions in the manual exercise they all simultaneously follow; a fugelman.