CORRESPONDENCE. march of 120 paces in a minute is too quick for slow time, and too slow for quick time, and consequently superfluous. That the soldier should not be embarrassed with too many rates of marching, is clearly recommended in Dundas, and I trust the grounds of what I have advanced will be sufficient to show the uselessness of one of those now practised, and that a greater degree of precision in the wheeling of an open column would be attained by the substitution of quick and double time, for the wheel of columns moving at slow and quick time, and the rate of marching named wheeling time got rid of thus altogether. I must add, that I pointed this out to Sir Henry Torrens in 1823, but that officer considered his book too far advanced to admit of the alteration being introduced. It would ill become me, Mr. Editor, to criticize any regulations published by authority, still less the new book which has been tolerably well purged of the defects, as to mathematical accuracy, which the old book contained; but, like my worthy Light Division friend, your correspondent "H," I am desirous of contributing (even from the Antipodes) any information likely to benefit the service, and I beg to refer to the following instance, amongst many others which I could adduce, in support of my comparison in favour of the new regulations, as well as to explain a curious, though not very obvious, principle of the echellon movement. It is laid down in section 158 of Dundas, that when from open column, the companies wheel backward into echellon, in order to form line on the front company, the front company either remains square to the column, or is wheeled forward on either flank into the intended direction of the line: in Torrens, section 120, it is ordered for the same movement-that the front company either remains square to the column, or is wheeled backward into the intended direction of the line. The propriety of wheeling the company backward rather than forward will appear by the annexed diagram, Suppose the front company wheeled forward into the new line bc and the others backward, so as to march on the points c,f,h, which is the movement directed by the old book, then neither the lines dc, ef, gh, on which these divisions would march, nor the divisions themselves, could be parallel, and, therefore, they could not march en echellon. But when the front division is wheeled backward as well as the others, and the inner flank of the succeeding division is consequently at its proper open column distance from the correspondartblending flank of the first; then the divisions nb as can move parallel to each other, and on parallel lines to their proper places in the new alignment. For, by the second pro"position of Euclid's 6th Book, when lines are drawn parallel to each other, cutting the sides of a triangle, those sides are cut proportionally. Therefore, if cd, ef, gh, &c. were parallel, we should have be: bd::cf: de, but bd is greater than be, therefore, by the nature of proportion, de is greater than cf. But by hypothesis de=cf, therefore de is not parallel to cf; and in the same manner it may be shown that eƒ and g'h are not parallel. In fact, dc, ef, gh, &c. will all be found to converge to some one point within the inward flank of the column. But if the company is wheeled backward on the pivot a, and a i and a d are therefore equal, then, by the same proposition of Euclid, if is, st be equal to de, eg, then the lines joining them must be parallel. Yet this amendment has been considered by some an error, and I heard a brave old officer once admit, that he thought the new manoeuvres not so mathematical, but more practical, than those of Dundas. - It will be found, however, in the line movements especially, that some important new principles are introduced for echellon movements of battalions, and that the knotty subject in Dundas, the change of position of second lines, is rendered very simple in Torrens. . In conclusion, I beg to observe, that the celerity and precision of movements will be more or less according to the degree of accuracy with which mathematical principles are applied, that the accuracy and facility of movements constitute the chief difference between disciplined troops and a mob, and that the successful application of similar principles to great operations in war distinguishes the great general; and although the science is among the noblest pursuits of human ambition, a general may combine arrangements with mathematical precision, without being au fait at the demonstration of theorems, any more than a boy who throws a stone to hit a distant object can explain the mechanism of the arm. So in the mind of man there is reason untaught by logical rules; an innate sense of harmony, unguided by, yet nicely consistent with, the chromatic and diatonic scales; a perception of beauty unaided by the laws of proportion, perspective, or by the prism; and although the results of the human mind may be better appreciated or explained by rules, yet both have their origin in that celestial spring which nourishes alike the laurels of the philosopher, the poet, the statesman, and the general. I remain, Mr. Editor, Yours faithfully, Regulations and Discipline of the Navy. MR. EDITOR,-Amidst the several improvements which are daily taking place in the honourable profession to which it is my greatest pride to belong, and to which I yield to no man in attachment, allow me as an old, and not altogether inexperienced officer, to call your attention to the necessity of doing all we can, through the medium of your very useful and valuable Journal, to induce my Lords of the Admiralty to form a council of the most talented and efficient officers, for the purpose of establishing some general system, (from which there should be no deviation,) for the internal regulation and discipline, as well as rigging, of every denomination of vessel employed in the naval service of His Majesty, than which I know no improvement more wanting, and from which greater benefits can arise. Indeed, it is to the need of such, that in a great measure the lamentable irregularity and disgraceful inefficient state of many of His Majesty's ships are to be attributed, a state which engenders every species of disrespect, disaffection, and discontent, amongst the crew, as well as disrepute on the part of the officers. According to the existing order, (though such a word is scarcely admissible,) officers as well as men are necessitated to learn afresh the several duties of their respective stations in every ship to which they may be appointed, conformable to the views, whims, and ideas, of the officer commanding, which in some are not only diametrically opposed to others, but disgraceful to the officer, useless to the men, and injurious to the service. It is to be regretted, that such a system of irregularity should be in existence after the enlightenment of the last seventeen years' peace; but when we take into consideration the known aversion which the "Old School" possess to the introduction of any innovation, however desirable, we ought not to be astonished. I am aware, Sir, that any proposition, which has for its object the curtailment of a captain's individual caprice and power, will meet with the most strenuous and determined opposition from all despotic rulers, which ingenuity can devise, or the love of self-will desire. Such are the men who urge the necessity of continuing the existing evil; men who, directing chiefly for the gratification of their own will and pleasure, tremble when they cast their eyes on the scales of justice. But ought the opinions of such persons to have the least weight in the minds of those to whom the Country looks for the well being and effective state of her wooden walls? Which is the most useful class, those who govern for the general good, or those who seek only their own false consequences? These are considerations worthy the reflection of the State Helmsman, and should direct his course. That, in the event of a war, some material amendment must take place, both in the manning and disciplining of our fleet, is obvious to every person alive to the sign of the times: then, foreseeing the impolicy, if not impracticability, of resorting to the disgusting rule of old customs, how much better would it be that the Government authorities establish some more beneficial mode of supplying, regulating, and governing, than that the same should be called for imperiously by the united voices of the discontented. We ought not to forget, that the tone of the nation generally, enlightened as it is, and fully sensible of the injuries resulting from the ignorance of ancient practices, will no longer tacitly submit to the infliction of unjust laws, but tenacious of its own rights, and alive to the interest of the community, will ever second and support the just complaints of the oppressed. The chief cause of a good man's dislike to entering His Majesty's service is, the unjust system of discipline to which he is yet subject when chance places him under the command of a petty tyrant, and of which, since the peace, there have been some few incontestable proofs in the volunteering of seamen for the various officers who have obtained appointments to command, one of whom, from his known character, being unable to man his ship, was, after being more than six months in commission, obliged to be removed by the Admiralty; but though the instances of such misrule have been rare, still one alone is sufficient to justify the interposition of Government, in order to establish that system, which will in future prevent a single occurrence of the like unwarrantable and unofficer-like conduct. It must be most painful to all those who have both their professional interest and country's welfare at heart, to learn with what indifference and contempt the many suggestions for facilitating the manning of the fleet and ameliorating the condition of its seamen, were looked upon by the Board over which Lord Melville presided-suggestions which, though not emanating from the head or pen of influential members, were, nevertheless, equally deserving the attention of the Admiralty; and though the several plans thus respectfully presented, may not have met either the approbation of his Lordship or notice of the public, yet it cannot but be desirable, that the same, written, as they were, with the view of benefiting the service, should at least have been acknowledged by a gracious reception. I am aware that many officers are of opinion, that the introduction of any general system of compulsion would deter men from the exercise of their ability to the advancement of the service; but such persons have little knowledge of human nature, if they suppose, that that man who feels, or even fancies he possesses, a superiority of professional talent, will not, on conviction of its utility, exert his utmost to bring his plans into notice and practice, either from the love of fame, or desire of gain. It does not follow, because such a council may be established, that all propositions are to be rejected; but it will certainly be advisable, that all such should be examined, and either approved or disapproved by them: to which there cannot be any reasonable objection, provided their course is so impartial, as to adjudge every proportion according to the merits or demerits of the case, without any reference to the character or circumstances of the officer from whom the same may emanate. As matters are at present, it is alike painful to personal feeling and injurious to the service, to hear the reflections which, on duty, are cast by offi cers on each other, for the mode of discipline adopted in their respective ships, and which disgraceful conduct the introduction of any general system would put an end to. I feel perfectly convinced that a plan may be formed, by which every man, on being made acquainted with the number of his ham mock, would immediately learn from the ship's station bill, every station and duty to which he may be called in that particular class of vessel. But the Admiralty, in their selection of officers to constitute such council, should neither confine themselves to any distinct class, or the interest of parties, but, if possible, blend the talent of youth with the proof of experience, by which alone can they effect improvement; and with the sincere desire that such may speedily be put in force, allow me to subscribe myself, Your constant reader and friend, TRUE BLUE. London. Regimental Grievances. MR. EDITOR,-Among the various abuses that have been exposed to public view and condemnation in your excellent periodical, I do not remember to have seen notice taken of the exercise of a certain vexatious and irresponsible power by some commanding officers of corps, especially such as are married, in respect to the mess and the comforts of their officers at large. One opens and detains the newspapers before they reach the mess-room, and, when his right to do so is questioned by the President of Committee, makes a personal quarrel with that officer. Another sends for these papers, the Army List, and your Periodical, to his own quarters within an hour after their arrival, and detains them great part of the day, to the prejudice of every officer below him. A third appropriates an entire suite of officers' rooms to himself; or if he cannot find use for the whole, locks up a portion rather than have any of his officers under the same roof with himself. A fourth never sees his corps on a march, except on return days. A fifth marches with it-or boasts he does-but it is en grand homme. The unfortunate "feet" set out at four or six in the morning, and reach their destination about noon. The officers choose their billets, leaving what they conceive the best for their commandant, who arrives two or three hours after with his better half. She, by Athenian logic the real commander, is at once dissatisfied with her lot, and were it only to exhibit her husband's importance and her own, insists on turning out some weary wight, who is just beginning to recover from his fatigues. These, Mr. Editor, are no imaginary cases. I have seen them all; and they are of no unfrequent occurrence. They require no commentary. Should your insertion of this put any of the selfish actors to the blush, you will confer a benefit on the service, and especially on, Your very obedient servant, and constant reader, The War of Terry Alt. MR. EDITOR,-With reference to an article in your last number, intituled "The War of Terry Alt," I beg that in your next you will correct an error into which you have fallen relative to the troops employed on that occasion. You state that the cavalry duties were performed by the 8th Hussars, and part of the Carabineer and Enniskillen Dragoons. Now, Sir, I beg to inform you, that the latter regiment was not employed at all on the occasion, being quartered in Dublin the whole time. The King's Dragoon Guards ought to have filled the place in your Journal, now occupied by the Enniskillens. A squadron of the former regiment stationed at Miltown Malbay, in Clare, performed duties equally as harassing as those performed by the other detachments, and with, perhaps, more success, as the repeated letters of thanks now in possession of the officer commanding the squadron, will abundantly testify. While upon this subject, I may mention that an expectation of promotion was held out to four majors bearing magistrates' commissions. As these expectations have not yet been realized, can you inform me if this boon was ever contemplated by Government, or if it is yet to be granted? I am, &c. Dublin, Nov. 28th, 1831. A MILITARY MAGISTRATE The French Convention of 1792. MR. EDITOR,-The following statement of the pranks of the first high court of justice established by the French reformed parliament (yclept convention) in 1792, has been accurately compiled, after laborious research, from the archives of that court, which was established by a decree on the 17th August 1792, and terminated its career on the 15th December 1794. The persons who suffered its dreadful sentence of decapitation were, Marie Antoinette, Princess Elizabeth, six princes of the blood, three princesses, six dukes, two duchesses, fourteen marquisses, two marchionesses, three barons of the empire, twenty-three counts, six countesses, three viscounts, 214 ex-nobles, twelve knights of St. Louis, 127 married women, wives of ex-nobles and others, forty-five single women and women divorced, seventy-six widows of ex-nobles and others, four abbés and abbesses, two constitutional bishops, fourteen friars and monks of different orders, 155 priests, curates, and vicars, seventeen constitutional priests, twenty-three nuns of the different orders, two marshals of France, thirteen marshals-de-camp, forty-seven generals, lieut.-generals and brigadiers, twenty-two colonels and lieut.-colonels, eight majors, fifty-one captains of cavalry and infantry, seventeen aids-de-camp and adjutants, fortyone lieutenants of army and navy, seven officers of artillery, eighty-four soldiers, national guards and sailors, two admirals, one commodore, eight captains of vessels, 105 commissaries of war and marine, and contractors, thirty-three members of the National Convention, four members of Legislative Assembly, twenty-nine members of Constituent Assembly, three ministers of state, thirty mayors of cities and towns, twenty-two judges, nineteen justices of peace, twenty-four authors, literary men, and editors of papers, 178 counsellors, presidents of parliament, lawyers, attorneys and notaries, 109 private gentlemen, twelve bankers, thirty-eight merchants and factors, 166 municipal officers, administrators, auditors, &c. 941 other persons of different trades and descriptions, making together 2774 victims of the revolutionary tribunal. The eldest person sentenced, was M. Dupin, counsellor of the parliament of Toulouse, whose extreme age of ninetyseven pleaded in vain for mercy; he and twenty-five more counsellors of the same parliament, and four of that of Paris, were executed at the same time. It is highly consolatory to know, that the last who suffered by its sentence, were Robespierre himself, and about 100 of his colleagues, the institutors of the tribunal; and we learn with equal satisfaction, that, shortly after, the judges and members of this never sparing court shared the fate of their patrons and protectors. I am, Sir, yours, C. I. T. S. Percussion Shells. MR. EDITOR, Some experiments were this day made at Leith Fort with Percussion Shells. In the former ones they were made from light guns, 6 and 9-pounders, merely to prove the theory, but on this occasion they |