nst the enemy ourselves.

9. In the French Revolution, the Chouans of La Vendee attacked the
Republican batteries in _several single files_, of one or two hundred
men each, at intervals of fifty paces. Such a formation protects the
attacking columns, to a great extent, from the enemy's fire, but exposes
them to destruction by a charge from the battery supports. In the
absence of these, it would often be very advantageous; since, by proper
drilling, these columns in one rank could be made, on arriving near the
enemy, to rapidly double in two or four ranks, without halting, and
then, by filing to a flank and facing, to advance by the front in a
compact line.

The same formation would be useful for troops advancing to assault an
intrenchment; but, as in the case of a battery, subject to the risk of
being destroyed by a sudden sortie from the work.

10. Artillery is never without _supports_. One part of the infantry,
therefore, deployed as skirmishers, should attack the guns, circling
round them, and opening fire on the men and horses; while the other part
attacks the support in flank. On getting sufficiently near, the
assailants should try to draw the fire of the guns, and then rush on
them before they have time to reload.

If a battery gets into confusion, or there is any delay in unlimbering
or limbering up, then is the most favorable time to capture it by a
vigorous charge with the bayonet.

IV.--Bayonet Charges.

1. When made resolutely, and _without slackening the gait_, bayonet
charges have succeeded in nine cases out of ten.

2. The bayonet is usually more effective than _grape_, _canister_, or
_bullets_.

At the battle of Leipsic, in 1813, Kleist's Prussian division was sent
to carry the position of Probstheyda. For this purpose it was necessary
to advance up a long slope, the crest of which was occupied by Drouot's
artillery. The French allowed the Prussians to approach to within a
short distance, and then poured into them a most destructive shower of
grape, which drove them back for a moment in confusion. But they
immediately rallied, and rushed desperately on again. Marshal Victor
then charged them with the bayonet, and completely repulsed them.

Afterwards, having been re-enforced by Wittgenstein's Russian division,
they again advanced, under a constant shower of grape from Drouot. They,
nevertheless, kept advancing; and, in spite of the great loss they
suffered, were about carrying the position, w