Caissons must not, in any case, be so far separated from their guns, that they are beyond the prompt control of the Commander of the Battery. The third consideration in posting Artillery, is that of the position of the rest of the troops. In general, the advance and positions of the Infantry and Calvary determine the position for action of the Artillery, which usually places itself on the flanks of the other troops, or between their intervals, where it is secure itself, and can fire for the longest period of time. It may be laid down as a rule that Artillery should not fire over our own troops . For this there are three good reasons.
Accidents are liable to happen to the troops from the projectiles.
It embarrasses their advance by battering the ground in front of them, and obliging them to hold back until the fire can be stopped or its range extended. It makes the men over whom the projectiles are passing uneasy, and may demoralize them. It is of importance that every position assumed by Artillery should afford facilities for free movement in every direction, in order that such new positions may be taken up as circumstances may require. When this is not the case, care must at least be taken that the safety of the guns is not compromised. When the position is to be held to the last extremity, strong supports should be furnished and the guns fought to the last, so that if lost it shall be with honor.