my is closing on them, the last discharge will be the most
destructive of all, and may suffice to repulse the attack and turn the
tide of battle.

In our attack on Quebec, in our War of Independence, on the near
approach of our assaulting column, the British gunners fled from their
pieces; but the one who fled last, before leaving, discharged his gun,
which was loaded with grape. The discharge killed and wounded several of
our men; among them the brave General Montgomery, who was leading the
column in person. The effect was decisive. The assailants fell back,
panic-struck at the loss of their commander; and our attack failed.

14. To prevent our own captured pieces from being turned on us by the
enemy, it is the artillerymen's last duty, when it has become evident
that the guns cannot be saved, to _spike_ them. The operation requiring
but a few moments, it can rarely be omitted without disgrace.

VII.--Its Supports.

1. Artillery must always be protected from the _melee_, in which it is
helpless whether against infantry or cavalry; and should therefore have
a strong _support_.

2. A portion, at least, of every artillery support, should consist of
_sharpshooters_, whose fire will be the most effective in driving off
skirmishers sent forward to threaten or attack the guns, or to pick off
the gunners.

3. Batteries must be secured _on both flanks_, and their supports will
be posted with that view; on one or on both flanks, according to
circumstances, and more or less retired.

4. A support should never be directly _in rear_ of the battery, where it
would be in danger, not only of receiving the shots aimed at the
battery, but also of killing the gunners belonging to it, as has
repeatedly happened during the late war.

5. A battery and its support owe each other _mutual protection_.
Therefore, when an infantry support, after holding the enemy in check,
to enable the battery to limber up and retire, is obliged, in its turn,
to retreat, the battery should take such a position as will enable it to
cover the retreat by its fire.

6. A battery consisting of any considerable number of pieces may be
able, sometimes, to _dispense with a support_.

During the battle of Ucles, in Spain, in 1809, the French artillery,
under General Senarmont, had been left behind, owing to the badness of
the roads. The Spaniards came down upon it in large force. On their
approach, the guns were formed in square, and, by their fire on ever