Presburg. A town of Hungary, situated on the Danube, 36 miles east from Vienna. This town was once the capital of Hungary, and the emperors of Austria are still crowned here as kings of Hungary. It is noted for the treaty concluded there between France and Austria in 1805, when the Tyrol was given to Bavaria, and Venice to the French.
Prescott (Upper Canada). On November 17, 1838, the Canadian rebels were attacked by the British under Maj. Young, and (on the 18th) by Lieut.-Col. Dundas, who dispersed the insurgents, several of whom were killed, and many taken prisoners, the remainder surrendering. The troops also suffered considerably.
Presence of Mind. Ready conceptions of expedient, producing promptitude of action under difficult and alarming circumstances. A quality indispensable in a general.
Present. In the British service, means to level; to aim; to bring the musket to a horizontal position, the butt resting against the right shoulder for the purpose of discharging its contents at a given object.
Present. To offer openly; to exhibit; to give in ceremony; as, to present the colors.
Present Arms, To. In tactics is to bring the musket to a certain prescribed position, for the purpose of paying a military compliment.
Preservation of Cannon and Ammunition. See [Lacker].
President. The President of the United States is commander-in-chief of the army, navy, and militia, called into service. His functions as such are assigned by Congress, but embrace of course whatever authority may be assigned to any military commander, on the principle that the authority of the greater includes that of the less. For the command, government, and regulation of the army, however, Congress has created a military hierarchy or range of subordination in the army with rights and duties regulated by Congress, and the commander-in-chief cannot make use of any other agents in exercising his command; and all orders issued by him must be according to the rules and articles made by Congress for the government of the army. In his capacity of chief magistrate of the Union, Congress has also invested the President with many administrative functions relating to military affairs; and for the performance of the latter duties the secretary of the department of war has been made his minister, upon matters connected with matériel, accounts, returns, the support of troops, and the raising of troops.
President. The president of a court-martial is the senior member. He preserves order in court; administers the oath taken by the judge-advocate, and the proceedings of the court are authenticated by his signature and that of the judge-advocate.
Presidio (Sp.). A place of defense; a garrison or guard-house.