IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /c ^ .5^^. !.0 I.I I us 112.0 1.8 1.25 M <> ^ 6" — ► V] f the crown nt, to detail d condition ; iged to Nor- united with •arbarism, to >us to God, ) know, that e constantly n cold, — for I's work on mt is drawn o the front, rear-rank, ith a stick ddle finger, receded by three comrades, with bayonets fixed to their muskets, and pointed at his breast, to guard against his walking too fast, marches between the lines, — every soldier is obliged to strike him with all his strength ; woe to him who does not, for, in the twinkling of an eye, he would be stripped, and have to endure a similar punishment. Exhausted nature cannot usually withstand more than a quarter of the punishment, but, such is the Shylock pertinacity of the Draconic disci- pline, that the senseless, and often lifeless body, like a mass of raw meat from the shambles, is huddled into a bar- row, and taken down the remainder of the lines to receive the remaining strokes. This is called running the gauntlet ; but we might instance other varieties of inhumanity. From the days of Ivan the terrible, till now, it would seem as if the Three Sisters had abandoned the service of the infernals, for a more profitable pandemonium in Russia, and in the ranks of an oppressed and unhappy soldiery, to have realized more than the sad fictions of Acheron. *' Pallentesque, habitant morbi, tristisquc, senectus, Et nietus, ct malesuada tames, et Turpiy ep;cstas, Terribiles visu forma) : lethumque, laborque : Tunc consanouineus letui bofoii." MsEiv, 1. vi. 1. 275 The present Czar enjoys the meritorious celebrity of en- deavouring to alleviate, inasmuch as he can, the unhappiness of the great portion of his people ; various tales, not less true than numerous, could be mentioned, which would prove the Emperor Nicholas to be a man of liberal mind, and im- bued with a generous anxiety concerning the poor and the wretched of his people ; but the system of government, in- lierent to Russia, circumscribes philanthropy within a very limited space, and, unfortunately, the more frequent specta- cle is presented of a vast ignorance, checquered with the horrors of a fiendish cruelty. Russian despotism has em- boldened itself to scorn the aspirations of freedom, and to include in its practical code all the different extremes of cruelty, which monsters in the ancient or modern worlds have been prone to perpetrate. Not exceeded by Alexander Pherse, or Dionysius the Younger in stern inhumanity — not by Nero in its wanton- ness — not by Attila in its wide devastation — not by John Lackland in its treacjiery — the Czars of Russia bear the uniform and painful reputation of retarding the mental im- provement, and perpetuating the degradation of their subjects. t I i Indeed, the objects of their imperial mission is well ac- complished, if, at the end of their reign, they leave their people less enlightened than at its commencement, as if the object of their being were, that the sun should rise, and the sun should set, on universal ignorance and darkness. But the propinquity of neighbouring provinces, whose in- habitants live not under the same inhuman bondage, and who arc not characterized by the same brutal ignorance, has tended to obtrude, in the natural course of time and things, on the minds of their Russian neighbours, the know- ledge of their position ; — slowly, but with an awful serious- ness, are they now learning, that their exclusive use, as de- signed by their great Creator, is not to agonize on the knout ; — to bend in such ruinous subserviency to the lord Verisofts of all the Rnssias, — to sacrifice to their aristocra- tic superiors, the hopes of life itself, — to give up their brides to the spoiler, or cause their children, as did the Amonites of old, to walk through the fire to the Moloch baron. Travellers speak of a movement agitating the mass of the Russian people — many Russian regiments having suffered to the utmost, have lately broken out in mutiny, but the iron hand of power was soon upon them. The appearance of the army is that of worn-out men — of stature and muscu- lar power inferior to the English ; clothed well for parade, but when on fatigue, and unemployed on military duties, most wretchedly ; of moral influence, there is nothing in this army, hut a blind ■ adherence to discipline, and a courage stimulated to the wildest daring, by the awful retribution which, on their return to Russia, attends the least reverse before the enemy. The artillery are most efl&cient, well mounted, and well equipped, and the cavalry superb. Field days constantly take place, and afford most beneficial exer- cise for the men ; the principles of war are there elucidated, and practically developed in sham-fights, where every one learns something, and many give proof of, and improve great military talents. A wide field lies open for the Russian soldiery in Ame- rica, and it is not impossible, that her policy may incline her to favour that nation, which, in the dispute of Oregon, oc- cupies a position so disgraceful to a civilized age — her terri- tories lying on the north of this battle-field of Britain and the United States may tempt the Russian government to interfere in what may be almost reckoned the inevitable struggle ; but at her peril, it will be, if she so act. On her first step, the words of her destruction would be written on thi ti«[ li( 8( P» C( tl I on is well ac- ey leave their sement, as if ould rise, and darkness, ^es, whose in- bondage, and al ignorance, of time and rs, the know- wful serious- e use, as de- nize on the to the lord Bir aristocra- ) their brides le Amonites aron. mass of the ing suffered ny, but the I appearance and muscu- for parade, 'tary duties, bing in this 1 a courage retribution ?ast reverse icient, well Jrb. Field ficial exer- elucidated, every one •rove great Jn Ame- ncline her •egon, oc- her terri- itain and oment to nevitable On her itten on the wall. America was the soil, whence, at least, one na- tion of Europe has already imported the elements of a fatal licence, and another Lafayette may be found to advocate the principles of constitutional and Muscovite reform. Looking then at Kussia, such as she has been here repre- sented, it may not be unreasonable to labour under appre- hensions for the future, nor may these be diminished, if her proverbially aggressive policy — her great and splendid army — her daily increasing navy, (\J>ich the improvements of steam would enable, like the flotillas of the Vikingi to fall in three or four days on the most defenceless part of our coast,) — if all these circumstances be duly considered. Is there, we anxiously inquire, in the number and efliciency of our army, the materials for the repression of such an ene- my ? To this question it will be the task of the concluding portions of these remarks to respond. Since the Peace of Paris, the military powor of France has increased so much, as almost to equal its c ;cellence in the days of Napoleon. Her system of interior and domestic military service, illustrated in that of the National Guard, in conjunction with the milititry enthusiasm of the people, enables her to extend the knowledge of military science to every member of her vast community. The frequent junction of immense masses of troops on the frontier, and in the fortified towns, gives frequent opportunity for the practice of manoeuvres, and ex- tended tactique, an indispensible preliminary to the attain- ment of proficiency in the art of war — the schools send forth a multitude of officers skilled in every branch of military science, and otherwise of extensive information. The artil- lery is rendered most effective, by the inventions of Paixhan, and among all ranks of the army, the art of war illustrated by the enthusiastic reminiscencies of Marengo, Austerlitz, and Jena, is fondly cherished and comprehensively studied. The greatest emulation has also been lately evinced to in- crease and improve the navy. The beneficial adaptation of steam to this service, early became apparent to the French in the days of Napoleon, and previous to his contemplated descent on the English coast. An adventurer applied to the Emperor for a personal interview, at which he would communicate something that would perfect the French ma- rine — it was granted, and to Napoleon was then disclosed the idea of steam in naval purposes. The Emperor think- ing too much of the English fleet, and the channel fogs, 10 ^ dryly referred the mechanic to the Minister de la Marine, 8\ who was to be the president of a committee to investigate - the matter. The committee were not satisfied of the feasi- bility of the scheme ; the Emperor was called away ; the immense bodies of troops who had been revelling in the an- ticipation of London booty, and pretty English maidens, were all at once called off to Austria, to die at Erfurth and Aurstadt, and the capabilities of steam were forgotten or unheeded for the time. As soon as peace became general, the same subject attracted a second time the more serious at- tention of ^, restless and vindictive nation, and the steam navy of France is now equal to, if not more numerous than that of England. There is much, however, in this gradual increase of the naval power of France to tempt a few remarks : — during the last fifteen years, the French government has spared neither trouble nor expense, to increase and perfect her marine ; this naval restlessness has proceeded during a period of profound peace, and bears no connexion with the mercantile interests of the kingdom, nor does the state of her Colonial affairs offer a solution of the cause. The publications of the Prince de Joinville, teeming with transports on the riches of our sea-port towns, may have given a premature intimation of the ulterior policy of his country ; and whatever His Royal Highness may design the naval service to effect, in the near and probable contingen- cies of the succession, still it will be unanimously conceded, that the motive of the present establishment, must anticipate an ultimate aggressive policy on the part of France. It is generally supposed in our country, that on the death of Louis Phillipe, the discordant elements of the French constitution are to fly assunder — spurning all control, and that in the midst of the confusion, different claimants will appear for the throne, somewhat in the manner of Darius, Hystaspis, and the Persian Noblemen. That the Prince de Joinville is to be the successful competitor, no one for a moment doubts ; the difficulty of setting aside the Due d' Orleans' son, is got over somewhat summarily, but unsatis- factorily too — he is to die natura rerum, or abdicate, or do something, but the Prince de Joinville is somehow to be. King of the French. Now, we deny the correctness of those assumptions. . It is our opinion, that these general apprehensions among the English, of the probability of the Prince de Joinville's succession to the throne of France, are built on no sound foundation— that they proceed upon the assumption of a er de la Marine, J to investigate led of the feasi- lUed away ; the lling in the an- Jglish maidens, at Erfurth and 'e forgotten or ecanie general, nore serious at- the steam navy ms than that of radual increase 3w remarks ;— Jvernment has ie and perfect 3ded during a sxion with the 5 the state of e. teeming with ^s, may have policy of his lay design the Ie contingen- sly conceded, L^-st anticipate ance. on the death the French control, and aimants will of Darius, »e Prince de > one for a e the Due but unsatis- cate, or do )how to be. rectness of ons among Joinville's no sound Ption of a 11 spirit among the French people, which their past history has ever, but on one occasion, belied. At no time, so much as during that of a minority, has the French loyalty been steadfast and energetic : — the natural chivalry and kindness of their disposition, is nobly excited by the contemplation of helplessness, particularly when that helplessness is contrasted with the dexterity of intrigue, and the heartlessness of self-interest, which would aspire to its destruction ; it was so in the minority of their Charles VII. ; it was so in the minority of Louis XIV. ; the wild and fiendish spirit of their republicanism, disgraced their con- duct during the few days of the pilgrimage of Louis XVII. But we will hope that that awful period being now passed, France has reverted to the principles of order, and of jus- tice, and humanity. But whatever measures the death of the present ruler of the French might eventuate, it is impossible to escape the con- viction, that the great and rapid increase of her naval power, contemplates the probability of, or has progressed in subor- dination to, settled and preconcerted measures for future aggression. For what object, or on what strand it is in- tended to empty her multitude of troops, it is not for us to determine, though the attentive care bestowed of late upon the navy, may be held alarmingly significant ; Railroads all diverging from Paris, as a centre, and branching to every important point in the circumference of her extensive coast, are being now projected, and will be soon completed ; com- munications of the same description between the frontier and important cities, will increase and perfect the rapid mi- litary movements of the country— in a week an army will have left Paris, have embarked at Dieppe or Boulogne, and unless opposed, will have landed at Hastings or Brightelm- stone. A great power, that of Steam, has suddenly arisen among us, and the critical influences which it is calculated to effect upon the system of war, indirectly, if not directly, do not seem to be yet generally appreciated ; but a calm unex- aggerated detail of these influences may, however, aid to disabuse cur national indifference. A few observations on our natioial defences, by Lord Ranelagh, have proclaimed the alarming inadequacy of our military establishment, to compete with the probable contingencies of future war. We will extract his Lordship's own remarks, than which both from theii" calm and healthy style, and the air of sincere and urgent truth which animates them, none could be more ap- propriate ; and, if we consider his Lordship's service in the i 12 army, has superadded to the attractions of his pen, the prac-P^l tical experience which well justifies a dissertation on mili> Jj:| tary subjects, we may rejoice that the inclination, and the*^ honour have been to his Lordship to be the first to bring this subject prominently to the notice of his countrymen : — "^^ " It is impossible," says Lord Renelagh, stating his ap- **^ prehensions of the future policy of France, and contemplat- ing the power of that country, " it is impossible to overrate *J the importance to France, of the application of steam power; to the operations of naval warfare. It is thus stated by the Prince de Joinville, " A fact of immense importance, which has been for some years realized, has given us the means to raise up our decayed naval power — to cause it to re-appear in another form, admirably adapted to our resources and national genius. This fact is none other than the establish- ment and progress of navigation by Steam." " With a Steam Navy," continued the Prince, " an ag- gressive warfare of the most audacious nature may be carried on at sea. We are thus certain of our movements — at li- berty in our actions — the winds, the tides, will no longer in- terfere with us, and we can calculate clearly, and with pre- cision, and again, in the event of war, the most unexpected expeditions are possible. Who can doubt, that with a well organized steam navy, we should possess the means of in- flicting losses and unknown sufferings on an enemy's coast, which has never hitherto felt all the miseries that war can inflict ; with her sufferings, would arise the evil, till then unknown to her, of confidence destroyed — the riches accu- mulated on her coasts and in her harbours, would cease to be in security — the struggle would then be no longer un- equal; our harbours might shelter a considerable force, which, putting to sea in the obscurity of night, might at- tempt most numerous and well-organized crusades." There is throughout these words, an air of so much abstract truth and reason, that it is impossible to deny the general justice of the conclusions. , The subject may well induce anxious reflections on our pirt, we allude to the probable destinies of France, the un- settled spirit of her people, the instigations and suggestions of the Prince de Joinville, above all, her great military power, the means of a rapid concentration, or distant assembly of her troops, the facility afibrded by steam for the embarkation of them, to carry on offensive operations on the English mainland. The army of France consists of 210,000 infantry, 49,000 cavalry, 50,000 artillery, engineers, 13 his pen, the prac- ertation on mili. mation, and the 'e first to bring countrymen : stating his ap. and eontempJat- sible to overrate of steam power, us stated by the portanee, which IS the means to it to re-appear • resources and n the establish- rince, " an ag^ may be carried J'ements—at li- in no longer in- , and with pre- ^^ost unexpected lat with a well ic means of in- enemy's coast, that war can evil, till then le riches accu- would cease no longer un- Jerable force, ht, might at- des." There ibstract truth eneral justice Jtions on our nee, the un- suggestions eat military or distant y steam for 3 operations consists of ', engineers. pontonniers, &c. gensd'armes 28,500, making a total of 337,500. The navy consists of 40 ships of the line, 60 firigates, 40 steamers, and 190 smaller vessels. The political aspect of the country, the position of the ministry, the age of the king, are likewise elements for con- sideration. The means in our power of efficient defence against attacks from an enemy, wilt, as before stated, form the subject of the concluding remarks ; meanwhile we will take a cursory view of America. There we see a country, differ- ing in its military character from the land of Bunkers-Hill, and Braddocks defeat — civilization has been there, the woods have disappeared, great plains over which the eye can roam for miles have opened out, the occupation of the sharp- shooter is gone, and the Yankies will, in future, have to fight like other nations in " ctcie instructa." An army, in- significant in numbers, and scattered in small sub-divisions, over an immense frontier, includes, nevertheless, an artillery by no means inconsiderable in skill, bravery, and esprit de corps. The infantry of the American army amoimts to 8000 men, the cavalry to 1500, and the artillery to 3000, the militia if embodied, would amount to 1,100,000. The naval service necessary for the defence of an immense line of coast, is very defective. A return for the year 1845, gives to the United States, a navy of 67 ships ; of these 11 are line of battle ships, 17 frigates, 34 sloops, brigs or schooners, and five steam vessels — among the line of battle ships, three were built in June 1845, four not then built, viz. Alabama, Vermont, Virginia and New York — and of the frigates there was a like proportion in dock, at that time. By the annexation of Texas, the line of frontier, and consequently, of defence, would be considerably increased, but we have heard of no additions to the diminutive army of the present establishment. The arts of peace, and dollar realizing, are, we believe, more congenial to the tastes of Jonathan, than the rude arts of Mars, and a series of splendid cities, facing the Atlantic, give evidence of success- ful commerce and industry ; but the position of these cities on the coast, their exposure to the ruinous bombardment of a superior navy, above all, the ludicrous inefficiency of the American establishment to repel, or, indeed, to sustain the at- tacks of an active enemy, would induce us to ridicule the war- like tone at present in vogue with our transatlantic friends, if the will of a besotted and ignorant democracy, was not notoriously the influence most tangibly exerted in American ]^^\\ f^V 'hi- ' 14 policy, if it was not known that the mobs of the interior. \^^ and Western Provinces of the States, well appreciating tho ^\\ security given to their position and interests, by their great «t{ distance from the natural field of operations, and knowing ^| that others would alone experience the devastating hard- ^V ships of a war, of which they might remain the uninjured spectators, as well as the fiendish instigators — if it was not known, that men like these, pertinaciously and inhumanly, day after day, insist upon the declaration of hostilities, to which their more civilized brethren entertain the greatest repugnance, and not only on these accounts, but also because, it is painfully notorious, that against influence so wanton and diabolical, the arm of the law is insufficient to guard the State. In anticipation of hostile relations with the United States, which our differences at this season with that country, quite justify our entertaining, and having likewise good cause to apprehend that Russia and France would not remain neutral, or uninterested in such an event, the former in its dangerous proximity to our native land, and our Indian frontier, the latter to our very hearths and altars ; how mvich is therefore excited within us the serious consideration of our means of self-defence, against so many aiid so complicated dangers. The Aide Memoire, to the military sciences, forms the com- mencement of a military Encyclopedia of as succinct, and compendious a character, as the nature of the subject will permit. The performance of this work, so much and so long desiderated in the British Army, has been superintended by a committee of officers of the Royal Engineers, viz. Lieu- tenant Colonel G. G. Reid, Lieutenant Colonel H. D. Jones, and Captain R. J. Nelson. The different articles which have appeared in this, the 1st number of the work, (embracing the alphabetical notation of A. B. and C.) commence with Abattis, and close with Contours. The succeeding number, it is supposed, will appear in February 1846, and the whole will be continued regularly. Lieutenant Colonel C. W. Smith, R. E., Lieutenant Colonel Reid, B,. E., Captain Larcum, R. E., Colonel Lewis, R. E., Major General, Sir J. F. Bourgo;vne, R. E., and Major Jibb, R E., have severally contributed to the work now before us. The style, it is to be remarked, and regretted, is somewhat terse, and in parts difficult to be un- derstood by an army, whose general military education, has of the interior, [appreciating the y> by their great IS, and knowing 5vastating hard- ^ the uninjured ] ^^ it was not land inhumanly, F hostilities, to pn the greatest Kit also because, ence so wanton leient to guard United States, country, quite good cause to ■emain neutral, fi its dangerous 1 frontier, the [ch IS therefore ' our means of ed dangers, ■orms the com- succinct, and J subject will 'b and so long ^rintended by s, viz. Lieu- H. D. Jones, , this, the 1st cal notation ^ I close with J appear in 1 regularly. Lieutenant '•> Colonel «e, R. E., ^2d to the 'I'kec', and to be un- j^ *tion, has # 16 been so limited, as not even to possess the knowledge of the elementary terms and phrases of the art ; still, notwith- Itanding this, and several other defects, (among which we Would instance the fact, of no contributions appearing from the officers of the Royal Artillery,) and in particular, in the omission of much information, which a standard military work, (as we hope the said memoir will become,) ought to contain, notwithstanding all this, it is with pleasure, that we welcome the publication of what our literature has so long W^anted, namely, a work on the science and art of war. We said we regretted the omission of several subjects ; the words Bastion, Battalion, Brigade, Branches, (of mines) and Chemistry, (military) are, for instance, not included in the pre- sent number ; and we doubt not other omissions might be de- tailed. We regret this insufficiency, for though, no doubt, the work is well calculated in itself, to afford a very enlarged know- ledge of the military art, yet, still we would have prefered to see a book, to which, upon referring alphabetically, we might either gain the infornation we desired, or be directed where to seek it. The French, and other continental military treatises, have constituted the almost exclusive references of this work, for, with the exception of Sir John Jones' sieges, and Sir J. F. Bourgoyne's observations, and the elementary works on forti- fication, in use at Woolwich, Sandhurst, and Addiscombe, the English can boast, at most, a very imperfect military library. In the present days of comparative enlightenm*. /.., not one officer out of ten, we are assured, would discriminatingly define strategics, strategy, tactics and logistics. Even the common expressions of masking the fire, and turning the flanks of an enemy, are not generally or accurately under- stood — whence this ominous ignorance in our army of its own art ? Whence this palpable and painful inferiority in military and scientific knowledge to the armies of the conti- nent ? Surely it is not to be accounted for, in conceding to '^^e French, and German, and Russian mind, a greater apt- ness in learning, or excelling in the art of war ? History could ill reconcile itself to such an assumption. Neither is the cause to be detected in the lack of military literature, nor in the want of military taste, and partialities in the nation, for the French language, a knowledge of which is indispensably necessary now-a-days to complete the education of an officer and a gentleman, teems with bright treatises on the glorious art ; and as to the other supposition, it may be remarked, (A 1 i 16 . ■«■ that however lethargic the nation may be on military matters, the officers of its army, stand distinguished by an honourable emulation, and esprit de corps. The true cause is to be sought for conjointly, in our military system, and our military education. Commissions in the guards, cavalry, and infantry, arc mostly given to the sons of gentlemen who have interest to procure, and money to purchase them ; the immediate pay- ment of the regulation sums, the providing the young man with the uniform of his regiment, and sending him to join the same, on or about a certain day, are the preliminary duties which the " fathers of England" are called upon to perform. The providing his son with a certain allowance, to enable him to support his situation as a gentleman, which his pay alone would not, is another indispensable duty ; but the necessity of previous travel on the continent, of the study of fortification, and of the art of war, is never insist- ed upon, and is entirely overlooked. The young officer, upon joining his regiment, is sent first of all to learn his drill. This, a sergeant of the regiment . superintends ; many there are who acquire great proficiency in this, and whose taste is such, as to appreciate the great beauties of the battalion movements, but when this is past, the common routine of garrison duty commences — they are instructed in all the mysteries of court martial, and barrack parades, mess subscriptions, and band subscriptions, but of war, as a science, of the philosophical consideration of a subject, which more than any other borrows from nature and circumstances, which calls for grandeur of design, comprehensiveness of movement, and combination, the equal spirit, the quick eye, — of such a science, the officers of the British army are sadly ignorant. Some youths, indeed there are, who, having been educated at Sandhurst College, and thence being drafted into the line, carry with them the elemen« tary knowledge of fortification ; but we believe, that rare in- deed are the instances of that information being kept up in after years. The knowledge for a long time neglected, may be revived, by a recurrence to the Straithe M'Cauley, and Harness of former days — but such will reap not much advan- tage who defer a meditative study of this science, to the riper years of life ; it must, to be philosophically appreciated, and beneficially useful, be commenced in youth, and form the subject of frequent contemplation through life ; it must be illustrated by military manoeuvres and employments, other far than so frequently scrutinizing their mens kitts, and 17 Je on military Iguished by an ■pen ^^ must be studied with the spade and pick-axe in system, and ^^^' ^^ *^^ ridges of mountains, and by the sides of rivers ; — iMit, even if inclination was to the Sandhurst youth tc infantry, arc P'^^'sue the studies, a knowledge of which ensured his com- e interest to Dlission, still in his case, and indeed in that of the cadets of all Mediate pay. ^^^ English military colleges, there has been much in their ' young man ftcademical education, which in scientific avocations, would him to join P^^ce them to great disadvantage. preliminary ^^^ refer to the nefarious and scandalous system of lied upon to cramming youth's, as it is called, for admission to their re- |allowance, to spective colleges, forcing into their minds the most super- ©man, which filial, fragmentory, and spurious knowledge — all this neces- le duty ; but sitated by the varied and unreasonable amount of attainments required by the regulations, to be possessed by youths of 'fifteen years of age — the knowledge of Greek, Latin, Ger- man, French, Hindostanee — of mathematics, embracing the first three books of Euclid, — Algebra, as far as, and beyond Quadratic equations, the exponential Theorem, history of all times and all people — the ability to make a good sketch at any given time, and on any given subject ; all these form the very usual acquirements of the youths of the above age. p But among them, there are many indeed, who include in their bill of fare, the knowledge of Astronomy, Conic Sections, Geology, Mineralogy, Chemistry, and even the differential and integral Calculus itself, whose precocious minds have been tortured and confused by a superficial, yet ostentatious acquaintance with subjects, enough, any one of them, to attract and deserve the isolated study of a mature and persevering genius. The ruin and prostration of youthful intellect that this system induces, are not to be calculated. The foundation of all information, mathematical, historical, and scientific, has always to be laid anew. Limited and unfrequent, therefore, are the opportunities of learning fortification, and of studying war as a science. Nor after an imperfect education is completed, and the army becomes the home of the former Cadet, does the routine of regimental duties at the depot with the line, or that of the battalions and batteries with the artillery at Woolwich, tend much to enlarge his military ideas, or to encourage his mi- litary ardour. To go round the rooms at breakfast and dinner, to hear the rolls called at tattoo, and to attend the morning and evening parades,-^to sit occasionally as a member of a court- B Jient, of the never insist- is sent first he regiment [t proficiency pe the great this is past, s — they are ^nd barrack ions, but of ration of a 'om nature of design, i> the equal cers of the deed there >IIege, and he elemen* It rare in- cept up in d, may be iley, and A advan- the riper ^ted, and 'onn the must be s, other ^^s, and r /^ fit tl* y'l^rg. jfortilelS b' nr "' ^» -'""'"ted t^ t" vast stratagical principles "^ b«ttle,-to familiarize hi , knowledge or apprcciaS of '■;;;• •""P'"^"' "P"" i™ t >' etheaoioustactiquo? """"'"^^ P<>»">o.., natural defence o,"""' inaced. to niM/ ^*i , ' sec l-a»tomime i„ the ™ "^^f^^n" "P^^"' *''« '""^t^So" " hnn but would^f^tlbtc aTthr""r.'y ^ ■»»» ^h: hea* f Clients, 4 lb., and of his chflmTiu ' ^ ^^- ^f his accoutre asiS' '^ "«"-e easil^tvcn th 'n aTt '* "'^^ ""^ ""^ 'y a s multaneous movement of tlJi ^^""^ "P«n- However had been eommunieated l tl e Jhff' f '^ * Salvanie shock wi ha clapping „f the hands asTf*^'*^"'''' '^ """"'"panicd case V. "f "*" ""« ""yitary fietiL T'",'!?"' '" «=^'asie3 Ss' ^ts''^--'"*^^'' - '«- -admtt r?!"? ^* r- 9-1i;t'htrto*':r ''-?<'-■"•" --ny,ive S -•<>"> the Serjeants, that thfir mera^'X" nt ar w vc ar je b( « C( r< n ai c] n tl e 11 a V 19 subalterns of i,j. ,, . . ,, .,, * ir *i a- i inies the artill . >'><^*'»ci'^viso, turtlnvith commence telling them on, — whee lo being- gro ^'7**^^ ^^^^"^ to the right, to the left, to the rear, and, in fact, i jf«ry direction, until the poor men scarcely know, they are standing' on their lieads or feet. wheel- in hether * all calculated to • • • > o familiarizp J ^ minute inspection of dress tlicn takes place in every ^ upon him j.i^'^'^^^^P^^y ^y i^^ captain, or commanding officer. The ural defene '^breast-plate is the subject of most anxious attention. It ' *^^ seems, that its diagonal should be in the line of the buttons h*sh, with wh ®^ ^^^^ coatee, tlie highest angle commencing with the third ^^■y obfeetion j'/^^^tton from the top. To obtain for the breast-plate this ifantry ree-im pl^'^ce, is the meritorious ambition of the British soldier ; but most ludip ** ^" *^® different evolutions of the drill, or indeed, in the he pantoniim "^ common motion of the body, a change is constantly given to ^ *' ' ^'^ the relative position of the coatee and belt, the most laudable and persevering endeavours are rarely attended with suc- cess. The pouches are opened, and carefully inspected to see that no pipes nor tobacco have defiled them by their en- trance. nilarly. At ten r to the front of ntmued so long »nan who hears annihilate him jht never a ^^^^ knapsack or pack, and the rolled coat on the top are > a battal"^ i" '*®^*' "^speeted ; all these different accoutrements have their knapsack exact place on the soldier, but the exactness is so great, the ^^ Hues of distinction so numerous and well defined, tha teon- siderable time is occupied by the captain in arranging all anew. During all this time, we are puzzled to know whether or not, in some mysterious way or another, the go- vernment of the army is exercised by some London tailor and cap-maker ; and we begin almost to fancy, that the ob- ject of military service, is only to be a good blackener of boots, — a good darner of stockings, — and a good hand at ** rubbing in" pipe-clay. Last of all, the bugle rouses from " his warrior's couch," the chief himself, — he mounts, rides forward to his regiment, and then commences the only scientific education ever vouchsafed ta the British soldier, a series of ma- noeuvres, forming column from line, and line from column, and squares from both, changing position, and sometimes charging and cheering, when they do charge ; all which movements are scrupulously detailed in " the book," form the monotonous and only drill the men receive. These exercises, moreover, generally, if not invariably, take place in a confined space, called a barrack-yard, well levelled, for the purpose of insuring a greater exactness of step, and a more rigid beauty of line, than would be the case, were the regiment exercised on natural ground. Objects which the eye sees every daj- direct and perfect the march. t last a regular "t- The voice the Serjeant- njunetion that lapsack, being t his aceoutre- ^ay be readily ^- However, alvanic shock accompanied ■•e in extasies r standing at n the United becomes vio- l together to The word, to the front over to see many liy© retreat the companies, re present, .« Y\^ It Ground every inch of which is known, is the scene of thi -^^^1 artificial education. But rarely do the soldiers enjoy th ^^ privilege, or reap the great advantage of practice on an ex »(^^^ tended field ; never are the superiorities of natural positioi ^^ ' pointed out to them ; never are they instructed in the erec ^yUc tion of temporary field works, from the occupation of which g^ in seasons of reverse, they might be enabled to retreat, ant ^^^g, be comparatively secure from the attacks of an enemy j^J never are they in the least made acquainted with the duties ^^j^ of the ordnance, whether as regards the service of field, or j^gg that of heavy artillery ; rarely do they act together in great ^^^ bodies ; rarely with cavalry, and more rarely with artillery. ;g The very natural consequence of all this is, that though the British soldier presents, from the excellence of his cloth- ing and his stature, and professional customs, a most res- pectable appearance on a review day, yet he is not to' be con- sidered as knowing anything of war as a science, of being at all capable of appreciating the excellencies of a scientific leader, or that great art which lives in the rainy Bivouac, the fording the flooded river, — climbing the rugged hill, or forcing the dangerous pass. The unskilfulness of our armies in all stratagical details, is illustrated in the late affairs in Scinde, and AfFghanistan. First of all, the armies ordered to march into these countries, were encv^mbered by a proportion of Sutlers and camp fol- lowers of the most extravagant numerical amount. It is ab- surd to argue, that an Indian army must be attended by such a locust swarm of thieves and vagabonds ; officers of the service have themselves raised their voice against the nuisance ; but still, not an army marches forth to conquer, but is accompanied by a proportion of four camp followers, and one camel, for every fighting man. In the next place, instead of making the base of operations the north-western frontier of India, and the scene of the lines of operation, the country of Runget Singh, — (the most di- rect and natural mode of approaching the hostile territory,) off go the gallant British, a long circuit to Kurachee in the Baloochee coast, and carry their lines up the right bank of the Indus, between which, and the Tatta hills, these lines were most perilously enclosed ; then through a disafiected land to isolated forts, Candahar, Cabool, and Jellalabad, &c., their communication all the while, subject to imminent and constant annihilation, — their garrisons left without men, to make any effective demonstration beyond their own can- tonments. The late affairs in New Zealand exemplify a simi- of of de a^ ai ii 1 — -nTJ-^PS? 1 21 scene of thi [iers enjoy th, ''tice on an ex Jtwra] positio, '" m the erec ^tion of which [0 retreat, ant ^f an enemy '^th the duties ,'! «^ field, or [ether in great pth artillery. > that though Bofhiscloth- a most res. »ot to be con- ^ce, of being jr a scientific »ny Bivouac, g'ged hill, or cal details, is ittgbanistan. se countries, id camp fol. *• Jt is ab- attended by ^s ; ofilicers ^ce against s forth to four camp man. j,, nations the be lines of most dl. territory,) lee in the t bank of ese lines 'saffected ^ad, &c., oent and men, to fvn can- ^ a simi- lar neglect of true military principles, — Powder, it is cur- npntly reported, was given cut to the men in barrels, which ?) two men could carry ; and also on the attack upon the ah, the English did not in the leabt prepare themselves for Hie removal or destruction of stockades or abattis, with which they well knew it was strongly defended. Such are some of the glaring improprieties, in a military flense, which characterize our recent occupation of Affghan- istan, Scinde, and New Zealand ; and yet, it will be urged, that with all these technical blunders, the British were no less successful in those countries, than in France, at Cressy, and Poitiers, or in Spain, at Tores Vedras, and Salamanca. But it were sad, should a pleasing national confidence in i>Vir past successes, and in the bravery of our soldiery, ob- acure the fact, that, along with the courage of our men, the inequality in numbers of the French, and the disaffection which prevailed among the men at arms, (soon after bursting (: : rcely out in the times of the Jaquerie,) in the one case, and as regards the Peninsula in the other, the wasting away by famine of the French armies, and before the enemy from constant Guerilla attacks, must form elements of our consi- deration. It were also well to think, betimes, of Bedford, and Joan of Arc, of the precipitate evacuation of France in those days, of Walcheren, and Corunna, and this not for the purpose of depreciating a brave and noble army, but to stimulate the advancement of military science and information. Now, it is well known, that the service of the colonies and India, employ the greater proportion of the British army in distant countries, and leaves but a handful for Great Britain and Ireland. The returns of the year 1845, give To England, S Troops Horse-Artillery, and S3 Companies Royal Artillery. ... 13 Regiments Cavalry, with 6 small Maidstone Depots. ' ... 21 Regiments Infantry, with 31 small Chatham Depots, and 18 four Company Depots. To Ieeland, 2 Troops Royal Horse- Artillery, and 8 Companies Royal Artillery. .,. 6 Regiments Cavalry, and IS llegiments Infantry, to- gether with 21 four Company Depots. To Scotland, 2 Companies Royal Artillery, 1 Regiment Cavalry, with 8 Regiments Infantry, and 2 four Company Depots. The detail of thMr stations, viz. : — Exeter, Nottingham, Manchester, Weedon, Hull, Leeds, Windsor, Woolwich, York, Edinburgh, Fort-George, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dub- 290924 «. lin, Duntliilk, Limerick, Longford, &(•., discloses tlic fact, tliiit over a groat extent of country, and in isolated and mu- tually distant })oints, an army of no greater amount in Kng- lind, is scattered, than 20,000 men ; in Ireland, than 10,000 men ; and in Scotland, than 2500 men ; the present system en- tails many sub-divisions of the main bodies, both at home and abroad, who being sent on detachment to various out- posts, leave at head quarters, numbers quite insufficient for the purposes of the comnifui drill parade, nor even were these numbora quite adequate, does the routine of military duty practised tiiroughout the British Empire, afford much time or opportunity, for the purposes of military instruction. The soldier is but a policeman with a red coat, instead of a blue one, — a musket and bayonet, instead of a baton, — his most frequent duty, and the one which wearies his body, and ruins in time, his constitution, is walking the sentry's rounds, perched aloft on hulks at dock-yards and arsenals, where he may be seen discharging all the functions, and none but the functions of a magister'al subordinate ; his relief calls him to his barrack room, there to furbish his arms, and cleanse his equipments anew, with the prospect of an inspec- tion of kit before him for the afternoon ; and when he has finished that, he is most likely sent as one of a fatigue party. A day or two of this work, with perhaps one out of the seven for drill, and then he resumes the duties, and the wakeful toil of the sentry. Meanwhile, tlic young officers, (all of them gallant fel- lows,) are enjoying themselves as much as their habits and great amount of leisure permit. No one is further from their thoughts, it is true, than Gumpertz or Vauban ; but that is not their fault, the system dispenses with the know- ledge, which so many would feel proud to acquire, and for the same reason those who possess that knowledge, do not persevere in keeping it up. Instead of learning how to post piquets, they are busy in arranging breast-plates, and in wandering amidst the per- plexing precisions of the " New Conduct Warrant ;" and instead of learning how, and where, to construct batteries, where to post infantry to most advantage, where cavalry, how to make, carry, or arrange pontoons, they may be found playing at back-gammon or loo, or in writing poetical fan- cies in a lady's album. An army so constituted as this, its officers knowing little of continental literature, which affords all the militarj infor- mation that is valuable, its privates confessedly ignorant ge- ;^sc*?ns 33 iicrally Rpcaking, (though we rejoice to know that their moral education is being now more than formerly attended to.) cannot he expected, even were its numbers adequate to contend successfully, with the science and numerical effi- ciency of the continental soldiery. But an impression of most erroneous and injurious appli- cation exists, that the insular-position of Great Britain, ex- empts her from maintaining an army for the defence of her native territory, that entrusting this solely to the navy, her only object in at all supporting a military establishment, is the conservation of her colonies, and the maintenance of the social equilibrium at home ; and, indeed, since the days of William the Conqueror, (if we except some predatory border incursions, and the inroads of David of Scotland,) the people of England have not experienced the evils and horrors of in- vasion ; to this, no doubt, the martial institutions of feudal England, and principally the inferiority of the European navy mainly contributed ; but now, no such advantages can be urged. Steam has brought us more, as it were, into the bosom of Europe. The ramifications and dependencies of trade, have confirmed the amalgamation. Russia and France, compete with us for the dominion of the element, with navies, each of which is not to be despised by the whole as- sembled British fleet. Immense armies lie at the disposal of these governments, thirsting in the one case to retrieve a lost military position, in the other, for glory and conquest. In the reign of a former Queen of this island, the orga- nizer of as strong a government as was ever recognized in the country, a Spanish fleet was dispersed by the elements, and ship-wrecked on the eve oi consummating its hostile purpose, " Deus efflavit et dissipantur," were the words at once of humble gratitude to heaven, and of conscious inabi- lity without Divine assistance, to have averted or resisted the gigantic attack ; and yet, it may be safely affirmed, that the means of defence against Philip's Armada, were far more adequate than ours at present would be, against a similar demonstration. Let us review the question. The Navy of France, as be- fore stated, amounting at present to 40 ships of the line, 50 frigates, and 40 steamers, increasing at its average rate within the last ten years, will soon far exceed the number of the British establishment; it may therefore not rea- sonably be supposed, that in a steam navy, the French will soon be most efficient, so much so, as to afford easy mear;9 for the transport of 150, to 200,000 troops, in several dif- <1 !~'W^.t 24 ferent detachments of 30 or 40,000 : five or six such divi- sions starting from the French coast simultaneously, se- cretly, and expeditiously, might wend their way with various success to the British coast. It would he presumptuous in us to fancy, that the fate of the Spanish Armadn , would he found typical of that of these different divisions. A closer attention to the subject might convince us, that the present state of our defensive means, would be not eflfectually opposed to even one of these divi- sions, and therefore, the probability is strong, and almost certain, that one, if not two of them would effect a landing after three days sailing from France on the English coast. In such an emergency, what means of defence would yet re- main to Great Britain ? Her navy would be at the mercy of the waves, unable to penetrate into Portsmouth, or sail up the Thames, while the steam ships of France rode in secu- rity in the English harbours. Her army consisting of a few regiments, would, from their position and numerical insignificance, be incapable of a rapid centralization, or of an effective resistance, — no zero winds and biting snow as at Moscow, — no impregnable sierras as in Spain, would retard or ruin the army of the in- vaders. The second Battle of Hastings would not be so obstinately contested as the first, — fine open fields would in- vite the deployment and the combined charges of cavalry, — M'Adamized roads would transport the caissons and the material of artillery, and the disciples of Dr Price might, like Stigand, welcome a second conqueror to the English capital. The anticipated gallant defence of their country, by the Hampshire farmers, behind hedge-rows, would be rendered nugatory by an enfilade or richochet fire, and the fine old manly exercise of quarter -staff and boxing would be found quite unavailing before a well-directed platoon discharge. The stacks belonging to farms, by being fired around the houses, would cause a hasty evacuation of the premises, if the memory of La Haye Sainte, or the barricades of Paris, should have induced an imitation of the loop-holed defence. Woolwich, its arsenal, all its piles of shot, all its skids of guns, and mortars, and howitzers, and its magazines of pow- der, would be captured by the advanced guard of the French march. No single bastion, no. rampart defends theinunense area of that great arsenal, — the calls for the artillery else- where, would not leave three companies of that regiment for its defence, — London would fall, England would be para- *' 1 3S lyzed, trade would stagnate, the people, unaccustomed to see, or even vividly to contemplate the calamities of hostile occupation, wouM be stupified, and sink almost beneath the awful visitation : true, they might possibly arouse them- selves, and succeed in repelling the invader ; the genius of the European mind is opposed to all mutual and hostile oc- cupations of territory, at least to their durability or confir- mation. The Spaniards could not retain the Netherlands, nor could Louis XIV., backed even with Conde and Tu- renne — the English could not hold Scotland against Wallace, they could not hold France against Charles VII., and tlie French could not hold Spain against Blake and Wellington, and we do not thin^ that they could long hold England against the brave spirit of the English people. But in the short time of England'b abasement beneath a foreign foe, her glory would depart from her, Oromandez would say fare- well, and Arimanes would take her to himself, her colonial empire, like the empire of the Netherlands, would pass away to another people, the moral feeling which attracted her de- pendencies to a venerating alliance with her, would be lost, as Mexico was to Spain. But we will hope that this fate may never fall to the lot of our own country, we will hope, that the necessity for a different system of military establish- ment, has now enforced itself on the consideration of our rulers. We were right glad to notice the late circular issued to the Lords Lieutenant of counties in reference to the militia. It is our opinion, that the militia must henceforth act the most important part in the system of our national defence. Our island being now, by the discovery and application of steam, incorporated, as it were, with the European commu- nity, our national military system must henceforth partake of the character of that of a country, into which a hostile invasion may take place ; — the Landwehr in Germany, the National Guard in France, and the soldier-like habits and prepossessions of the Russians, form, in their respective countries, the means of an adequate and interc-ctod defence, or the nucleus from which the regular or colonial army may be at all times recruited. But then the existence of this constitutional force, this semi-civil semi-military array, de- pends in a manner upon the neglect of, or indifference to, those principles of personal freedom, which constitute the birth-right and privilege of Englishmen. It depends, in short, upon nothing more or less than compulsory, though limited enlistment. I tr m It is, indeed, true, that the ballot system adopted in the organization of the militia of our country, is somewhat arbi- trary in its influence, but it does so happen., that any princi- ples upon which is based the future enrolment of the militia, must recognize their continual service, — their being ever in the field,— and must, therefore, be more arbitrary, and less palat cable, to the men of Magna Charta, the Bill of Rights, and the Hapeas Corpus. And yet it must not be believed, that, without the feelings of the English, partaking more of a military character than heretofore, the independence of England can be long preserved ; the day has now come, when every man must be a soldier, not in name only, but in deed. What measures will be adopted to perfect the militia, or to put them on a more effective footing, we, of course, know not, but we do hope, that it will be such as to dissemi- nate, through three-fourths of the people, high or low, rich or poor, the knowledge and the temporary practise of the military art— a service of five years to each man would con- tribute to this end, and would constitute a period of time, in which he might gain a good and a sound acquaintance with military principles. We take our leave of this subject ; we leave the composition, and the number of the militia force to the decision of as enterprizing and useful a ministry as ever held power in this land, confident that all arrangements on the subject, instigated by the palpable necessities of the case will be characterized by ability. But we would aspire to speak on a subject, which, applying to the English regular army, no less than to the militia itself, is most appropriate to the present posture of aftairs. We refer to the education of officers and men. - .. ' ^ As new elements have now entered into the military sys- tem of Europe, as military science is becoming of most diffi- cult acquisition and of great extent, the time has come when the British army may no longer be the resting-place of the fool of the family, and when a soldier's education may not be concluded when he has learned to hold his head up, to keep his kit complete, and his regimentals clean, to know the battalion movements, and to walk superciliously through the streets. The time has come, when military science is to be culled with attention and perseverance from the studies of Jomini, Rogniat, Bulow, Melas, Ferussac, and ^eschel, when its practice is to be pursued in a course of military duties, devoting time, not as heretofore, exclusively to fa- tigues and sentries, but to the erection of batteries, the se- lection of sites, the making of hurdles, fascines, &c. 27 r \ •* The Aide Memoire to the military sciences," and Marshal Marmont's " Institutions Mi]itaires," are well calculated to commence, and to accompany an elementary study of the art of war ; of the first we have already spoken. Marmont's " In- stitutions -Militaires," is written with the perspicuity and comprehensiveness whi?h distinguish all French military li- terature, and of this a good translation is before the English public. The gallant author adds to the profoundest reflec- tions, the beautiful application of a retentive memory, and a wide experience of former and eventful years. Some of his passages are fine, his definition of the qualities of a good colonel, ought to be written as a token upon the hands, and as frontlets between the eyes. — " Moins une intrepedite ex- traordinaire que I'esprit d'ordre, de justice ')t une " grande fermete." — Yet to these qualities add zeal, in which few British officers would be found deficient, and the improve- ment of the army would be much advanced. Among many passages of fine expression, and epigramatic soundness, we sped our way in the perusal of the work, nor were we in any one respect disappointed, but much delighted, and much instructed. — " En principe un regiment d'infanterie doit ctre instruit pour tons les services," says Marmont. We do hope this principle will not be lost sight of in the organization of the militia. The Book of the Science of War now lies opened before us, but we would not attempt to discourse diffusely on its golden truths — our time would not permit so pleasing a duty — tactique and strategy are the two great provinces of the art of war, and each is of so much extent, as to range within itself principles of approved and great importance ; but our time and space will not justify a digression on these points. The consideration, however, of the minor sub- divisions, of which the science is capable, is more attractive to our present position and apprehensions. Yet the study of tactique and strategy, must not be ne- glected. In them, the soldier wuU see war regulated upon its grandest and most imposing scale, its least duties, influenced by a vigilant and comprehensive mind, the climates and the elements, the mountains and the floods, the errors, and even perfections of hostile generals, turned to a great and success- ful account. But besides these, a science does exist of greater pre- cision, and more within the range of calculation and acqui- sition, and at the same time, indispensable in all operations of war, whether on a grand scale, or of trivial importance. This is the science, a knowledge of which, in the British I 28 •ervice, is monopolized by the Corps of Royal Engineers. It acquaints us with the construction of field-works, their position, and where, and of what description they become most beneficial ; also, with the formation of those materials of modern war, the fascine, hurdle, and gabion (all these be- ing variously formed from the common twigs or branches of trees), so as to give, by their application, great strength and durability to parapets : — also concerning the means of im- peding or nullifying the attack of an enemy, including, firsts Stockades (made of long triangular beams of wood, well- pointed at one extremity, the other extremity well rammed into the earth, a series of which being well bound together, and loop-holed, afibrd a most efiicacious defence) ; and, 2rf/y, Palisades, which are staves of the same description as the former, placed vertically in the earth ; and, Sdly, Fraises, the same placed slantingly ; and, 4^/t/^, Abattis> which consist of a tree lying prostrate, with the points of its branches well charred ; these, with many others, such as crow's-feet, mili- tary pits, inundations, &c. &c., are the means generally adopted of arresting the progress, or weakening the attack of a hostile force, and applied as the diiFerent peculiarities of the country, or circumstances of the case may best advise. The most approved methods for the removal or destruc- tion of these impediments, are all detailed in this science, and it also acquaints us with the modes of preparing hedges for battle, and walls for , defence ; of fortifying churches, or farm-houses, with the manner of passing or guarding rivers, concerning military bridges, cask and trestle bridges, and ponton bridges. Of military mining it also treats, — of the process of fearful destruction in subterranean warfare — and all this with an exactness, and with rules so many, and so explicit, that success must not in these days of military science be expected, as heretofore, to accrue from the neglect or violation of the art. . , • r Masters of this science, our army would be enabled to act in all the emergencies of attack and defence, at home and abroad ; never would the maxim that " knowledge is power" be so fully illustrated. Yet, while we so insist upon this im- provement in the army, (which would be principally useful, should our island ever be over-run by an enemy,) we would not wish to shew any indifi^rence to the improvement of the naval power of our land : mariners of England may yet have much to do, and to no profession, to no men could the defence of our coasts be better entrusted ; floating batteries, itinerant defences on our leab. protected shores, would sub- 99 1^ i ierve many useful purposes, but give them efficiency, make them in eivery respect adequate, they never can supersede the necessity of a scientific education being impressed upon the British army. We confess ourselves to be of that party who think that the best guarantee against war, is the possession by each state, of sufficient means of self-defence. Most heartily would we deplore the out-burst of a war, but with so many lower- ing clouds arround us — so many elements in the old and new world of rancour and discordancy, it is not for us supinely to assure ourselves of the continuance of peace, much less of the available strength of our present military resources — but principally do we contend for a modification and reform of the present " Exercises" of the army. Let the " evolutions" be still practised, but besides them, let our soldiery henceforth enjoy the benefit of a system, which would instruct them, be they cavalry or infantry — be they regular troops or militia — in the construction and uses of facines, stockades, &c. — in the selection of position, and security in the erection of batteries from neighbouring heights, from infilade or richochet fire, &c. &c. We would desire to see them marched frequently, not with knapsacks on their backs, but blouses on their shoulders, and spades and pick-axes in their hands, and in the rugged and wild vicinity of their quarters, study their art, apart from the habitations of men — and amidst the beauties and difficulties of nature, gaze on a grander art, devote them- selves to a more noble knowledge than can be acquired amidst the tedious regularity of the drill parade, or the dissipation of the canteen. With a soldiery composed of the regular troops and of militia, their amount, not as heretofore, lamentably inade- quate to the defence or safety of their country, and their education and exercises such as we have advocated, England may not fear the world in arms against her. " Nought shall make us rue, If England to herself do but be true ;" And whether in America, India, New Zealand, or by her own hearths, her army will be sufficient to repel attacks, and to maintain her honour, and her glory — the myriads of Russia will not in such a case prevail against her — France will not attempt so perilous a struggle — the assumed un- reasonableness of American policy, will wither before a British effective force. 30 But compromise with the advocates of economy the situa- tion she is now called upon to occupy, and her glory and her excellence will pass away. Nor must our remarks be consi- dered as fanciful speculations. Such is ever the character given to these writings or words, which would attempt to stimulate the lethargy of the times. It seems that the picture of national infatuation, is still to remain for the lesson of the human race, that however, as in the Hebrew times, Prophets and wise men shall arise to fore-doom the peoples' apathy, they are still to remain alike heedless, alike stiff- necked, and alike ruined in the latter days — " (^nem turn rates Cassandra moveril." But when power is humbled, when the proud Ilium is razed to the ground, when exiles and the Penates linger on foreign shores, the words of the daughter of Priam bring mournful memories with them, and in our case, history may yet weep to chronicle the decline of a second and most grand monarchy, and have to bewail, that the suppression of the military principle has been as fatal to one Empire, as Praetorian supremacy was to another. ■J Since the preceding observations have been piit in types, important information has been received from India. The news from the Punjaub is well calculated., from its calamitous importance, to withdraw the thoughts of the public, for a time at least, from topics of previous and en- gaging interest. Though dignified with the name of victory, yet, in all the accounts which have been received from i le East, — the great loss of life, and difficulty, with which the Battle of Moodkee has been won, urge, altogether, a stronger call for mourning and tears, than for pride and rejoicings. When the possession of Hindostan, in the days of Clive and Warren Hastings, was maintained by so imminent and frail a tenure, when the armies then sent into the field for its preservation to our Empire, were comparatively small, when England, besides being engaged in her oriental strug- gles, had to" contend with Transatlantic and European war- fare — any national humiliation on the field of battle, might not only be aiscribed to, but, in some measure, be excused by, the simultaneous variety of her enemies, more than to their individuu. prowess, — to her own want of numbers, rather than to her want of courage, to attack or to defend. " H 31 But the case becomes painfully different, whwi, after tlie ele- ments of general war have sunk to rest, nations have opportu- nities of waging their own peculiar hostilities uninterruptedly, and not distracted by other and nearer aggressions ; when, from the arrangements and circumstances of their enemy, they know precisely the particular ravelin or outwork on which he is going to make his attack, and have time and means to provide for his repulsion or destruction. When defeat befalls a nation so forewarned, it is irritating to be told in excuse, that " our enemies have been under- valued," " our own superiority over-rated," — that " our num- bers have been found inadequate," — that " the future will bring amends and retribution," — that ** Britons never shall be slaves," and that " The Flag which hajs braved a thousand years, The battle and the breeze," will continue fluttering to the end of time. Our opinion of the whole course of Indian policy, from the day when Admiral Watson's name was forged, when Omichund died a madmen, when Nuncomar was hung, when Cheyte Singh was swindled and Benares sacked, up to the period of the occupation of Affghanistan and Scinde, is, of course, that a system of territorial rapacity has been fos- tered and maintained, by more than even Oriental duplicity and falsehood. We never could exactly see why India was to be the country to which the maxim of " honesty being the best po- licy" in our conduct, was to be perpetually violated, where in- justice, aggression, and cruelty, were to be permitted to ride rampant over national honour and natural humanity : but, in the present instance, it is the misfortune of our country to smart under the consciousness of not only having immorally excited a fierce struggle, or rather a patriotic resistance ; but also to see that struggle issue in a questionable victory, in the decimation of our officers, and in the butchery of our troops. It might naturally have been anticipated, that as the war in the Punjaub had been long contemplated, — as the military powers of the country of Lord Auckland's late Ally, Rungeet Singh, might by this time have been pretty well known, so also would measures of effective precaution have been taken to repel an initiative line of hostile operations, which had also been precisely anticipated ; (for there can be no doubt, that the passage of the Sikhs across the Sutledge, had been m long expected ;) yet we hear, that an army of sufficiently numerical amount, had not been concentrated in the Puu- jaub, and indeed in the strategical arrangement? made, as far as we are acquainted with the same, we observe no evi- dence, either of prudent fore-thought, or of the true appli- cation of scientific principles to the exigencies of war. The passage of a river in the face of a disciplined, though inferior army, is considered by military men, to be a service of great difficulty. Napoleon experienced his greatest embarrassment in the selection of sites for, and effective protection of, " T6tes du Pont ;" and in after days, he always cited his " passage of the bridge of Lodi, as the most hazardous act of his life of perils." Yet, 50,000 Sikhs passed the river Sutledge, in spite of the English army, at least 20,000 strong. In Scotland, when Hugh Cressingham, with a far superior army to that of Wallace, led his van-guard across the Carron, that hero, having allowed a sufficient number to pass, attacked and defeated them. So he did in detail with the others, and thus he won the battle of Falkirk. But such approved principles of the art of war, not less than of com- mon sense, seem to have been superbly contemned by Sir H. Harding and Sir Hugh Gough, the Octavius and Lepidus of this Actium. The battle of Moodkee itself, seems to have been fought in a field of blood ; and supine procrastination, and arrant incapacity, to have led to the sanguinary catastrophe. When the enemy had, to a man, crossed the river, taken up a military position, selected sites for their batteries, torn up our battalions and squadrons with an effective artillery, out-manoeuvered us, and outwitted us in every way, the British were doubled up " pell mell" to see what brute force in the absence of Science could do, and, after a few days hate- ful bayonet carnage, a magniloquent announcement is made, that a great battle has been fought, and the Sikhs have been defeated ! > i^^ ' Estimated by its profuse expenditure of human life, the battle of Moodkee may certainly be reckoned a great battle. It has been a perfect Aceldama of blood. It is no great physical exertion for a battalion to fire a platoon, and strew the ground before it with shrieking and slaughtered men. To charge in line with bayonets fixed, transfixing the helpless or the fugitive, implies neither any great talent in the design, nor gallantry in the execution. We can therefore hear of Sir Charles Napier, killing in ' U 33 Scinde, " his thousands," and Sir Hugh Gough, in the Penjaub, ** his ten thousands," — of the enemy being driven from their position, and some of their brass guns being cap- tured, without feeling gratiful or proud, that the one General has been selected to conquer the Ameers, or the other to strive with the Sikhs. Our feelings would have been somewhat different, as no doubt would have been the issuo of the battle, had the late military operations been regulated more by strategy and science, and the enemy compelled, by superior manoeuvring on our part, and the stern necessity of circumstances, more than by such an exterminating engagement as Moodkee, to embrace the alternative of submission and peace. Every circumstance was in our favour. The whole penin- sula of Hindostan, — its three presidencies full of troops, formed our base of operations, — a retreat to Bengal or Bom- bay, could at any season of reverse be made, and rendered se- cure. Sir Charles Napier's army could have been moved from Scinde, either to support an unequal combat, or to take the enemy in flank or rear. The Sikhs, on the other hand, had to cross the Sutledge, a difficult and hazardous opera- tion. After having done so, that river was between tfiem and their retreat. By turning their flank, the British could have destroyed their bridges, inundated or damned their fords, and swept their passage with heavy artillery. Thus inter- cepted, — checked in their advance, — their retreat cut off, — occupying a hostile, and not very fertile territory — an army composed principally of cavalry, and attended by flocks of camels, would have seen its operations brought to an end by the want of forage ; and its unconditional surrender of arms and persons, necessitated by a skilful and hostile strategy. The Sikhs could only have adopted one plan of destroy- ing themselves, and ending the war for ever, and that was to have crossed the Sutledge. That movement has, however, been morally successful; and though we claim a victory, there can be little doubt, that Moodkee will be as the small cloud in the west, no bigger than a man's hand, yet destined to magnify itself into the gloomy expression of hostile opinion, it may be of ac- tion, through the length and breadth of India. The present, along with many military occurrences of the last ten years, invokes some reflections, apart from those in- duced by the late waste of human life, and the consequent domestic grief of England. .1^ iiililpii wmm 84 X. During the period in question, we have seen all our wars regulated, and all our battles fought with bulMog amrage, ami indomitable perseverance. The eonyiction has become I>ainfu]ly acute, that military science, implying the comp«ra- tive humanity of skilful maiteeuvre has degenerated, and1)e«fi superseded by the sanguinary ruthlessness, peculiar to single- handed, and gothic warfare. In the former portion of these remiyrks, we have attempted to aoeount for ^is, in thdlack of professional knowledge, prevalent in the Britisii arm^. We still maintain that o]»nion, and for its support, no- thing could be surely more of^ortune, than the unfortttnate battle of Moodkee. It had been our wish to have addressed ourselves more mintUdy to military subjects, and to have touched upon our interim* military policy, — a matter, though of greet impcMr- tance, yet treated with general indifference. We might have wondered, that the only scientific officers in the army, those of the Royal Artillery, and Royal En- gineers, are never selected for command, but almost uni- formly have to occupy subordinate situations. We might have talked of the anomalies of promotion, — the sacrifice of merit, united with poverty,— to wealth united with incapacity. We might have said, and truly said, that the same professional ignorance that characterizes the army, if evinced by a lawyer, would keep him for ever briefless, — by a medical man, would have him indicted for manslaughter. But tKese deformities of our military system, are not irre- mediablci and we hope, that, as in human affairs, improve- ment often springs from adversity, so from the period of the Funjaub disasters, will, arise a glorious era f^r military Science. , ■*-foi'jh . / od^A' >o!*l *i;...f ■ ■> '.. ^ mi ..;"1:j'j i^r .' , : . S kr%t> BY ANDnStfV Ako BliYOiR, EDINBIHKJH. r 4 2,QiU / . '■ "ilOD Qm biL: . - oyAiTfr QhA G 't {fi IwbiiT) r idgn'^ %\q. 13 oi^aamob t f- > !i