The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-07-05
MILITARY FETE.

The fete announced for some DAYS in the
public papers, took place in the manner pro-
posed in the orders which were previously
issued and of which it is our purpose to of
fer sketch on this occasion,
The nag..bercf corps CON pretended in the
original design were twenty three, two of
horse, one of horse artillery with TWO brass
six Founders, five corps Of battalion artille-
ry with three four Founders and one six
FOUNDER ; one corps of lansquenets or pixies
men, three corps of rifemen, nine corps of
LIGHT infantry ali disciplined TO the battalion &
light infantry duties two corps of uniform
ed officers of militia, one armed with pixies,
and the other with side arms three of the
corps however, did not join and the opera
tions were conducted accordingly. The corps
were formed into two divisions, and plan
of operations prepared by COL Simonds, an
old revolutionary officer, and his staff.
The commandment is the president of a mi
litary association, III which lectures and IL
Illustrative drills have been conducted during
the winter; and the scope and cesign of the
military manGuvres, was to bring into as
close resemblance of real action, as practi-
cable the various kinds of force according 10
the principles of the new tactics.
In this spirit it was proposed that one di-
vision should be considered as an invading
enemy, and the other defending army that
such position as might be determined, and
perform a series of maneuvres of landing
under fire, protected by water batteries, and
a resistance appropriate; the passage of a
river i'm retreat, and its defence against the
pursuers the defence of defes; the attack
in front, and rear, and on a flank by an,bus-
cade at the same time; the loss of the cannon
of an advanced guard, and the retreat cover
ed by rihemen; the retreat through a long
defile to cover and occupy strong position !;
and there the retreating party to make q
stand pitched battle, in which should be
displayed the special uses of rife. corps in &C
ton, flying artillery, pixies in the charge on
a line and in defence of artillery, the charge
of cavalry and the uses OF reserve in deci-
ding the fate OF battle.
All these operations were absolutely &C
complshed in most excellent style, by boz
DIV Of men, all whom provide their own cloth
ing, ammunition, ard devote their time and
talents to TIE promotion OF military exerci-
ses, without any other reward than the plea
sure that results from good actions-every
man Of whom too, acquire their bread by
honest industry.
an Important object IN tine arrangement,
was the determination and proof OF the uses
of the staff, according to the new tactics {:
here too, the effect was striking and satisfac-
tory, the duties were executed as if the men
had been educated to their stations, and it
was a pleasing circumstance to sec that nei-
ther unequal rank as to commissions in the
militia, nor any partial or personal jealousies
prevailed the man who had devoted his
time to military requirements was employed
according to the judgment of the cUmman-
der Of his fitness and merit while II thus
triumphed, also heidi forth an excitement to
emulation. that was pleasing even to those
who were rivals III emulation
Such was the origin < outline of the plan,
the execution we have now TO speak of. The
first division, under capt. s. f.. Fotterall, as
chief Of the division, was embarked at half
past seven o'clock in the morning, on board
three squadrons Of boats, Of which "A list is
subjoined, each commanded by a captain of
one of the ships in port-the number of boats
was seventy two The whole fotilla was I'M
der the orders of Capt. Benners, as commo-
dore, and capt Webb as sccond in command.
The flotlla was guided wholly by signals, *
each boa; had its designating colours. The
fotijia put off at hslfpast eight. the tide not
seryitg as early as was expected the cen
trc squadron, was led by the commodore y,
q schooner, with a battery Of cannon to co
yer a4anding: and a signal repeating boat,
ACCOMPANIED the commodore, whose activi-
Is vas interesting dsging the movements; Oh