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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1868 edition. Excerpt: ...from the one immediately in front of it, measuring from the heels of the front rank of the one to the heels of the front rank of the other. Consequently a battalion in open column occupies the same extent of ground that it would cover in line, less the front of the leading company. A quarter distance column occupies one fourth the space of an open column. A close column is formed with the companies at two paces distance from each other, measuring from the heels of the rear-rank men of one company to the heels of the frontrank men of the next. MOVEMENTS. Sec. 5.--Formation of a Battalion in Open Column. The rules laid down for the formation of an open column, right in front, in Part III., Sec. 1, are equally applicable to the formation of an open column left in front. Sec. 6.--Forming Close or Quarter Distance Column from any more Open Column. 1. Closing from the Halt.--A column may be closed to the front, rear, or on any named company. If to the rear, or on a central company, the companies in front will be ordered to face about. When the column is being closed to the front, the covering serjeant of the leading company will give a base point, placing himself six paces in front of his company officer, facing towards him, and covering on the line of officers. If it is to be closed to the rear, the covering serjeant of the rear company will place himself six paces in rear of his company officer, covering in like manner. If on the central company, no point will be required, as the officers in front and rear of the officer in command of the named company will be a sufficient guide to each other. In each case a mounted officer will superintend the covering of the officers from the battalion point of appui. On the word March, the named company...