At night the Videttes may be relieved every hour. The Relief should ride along the chain of Videttes; this may be considered, at the same time, as a visiting Patrol. Besides this Patrol, the Videttes are to be visited every half hour to be quite sure that none of them have deserted or fallen asleep. If the enemy is near, the Videttes should be all double; which is at all times to be recommended in preference to single Videttes, if the strength of the Picquet will allow it. In case a man deserts, the spot where the Picquet is stationed ought to be instantly changed to some hundred yards' distance, and the fire to be extinguished; the Videttes are to be made acquainted with this change, and double attention paid. In such cases double Videttes patrol among themselves in the following manner: _Fig._ 1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 ....0 0 .... 0 0 .... 0 0.... Videttes. No. 1 patrols to his left, and when returned No. 2 proceeds to No. 3, and returns to his station: No. 3 patrols to No. 2, and when returned, No. 4 will go to No. 5 and return; 5 and 6, and all the other Videttes do the same. If this is done it is impossible that anything can pass unperceived. The desertion of any man must be reported without delay. When the Enemy is close, the following measures not only contributes to insure security, but is the best way to learn when the Enemy is on the move. A few men are to patrol during the night every hour beyond the chain of Videttes, in different directions, and to go as close to the Enemy as they can, unperceived. As soon as they are far enough, one man dismounts and listens with his ear on the ground; he will be enabled to hear at a considerable distance when Troops march. This undoubtedly gives security to the outpost; but it is particularly recommended, being the only means to ascertain the secret movements of the enemy in the night, to discover which the greatest exertions ought to be made, as it is of the utmost importance to the Commander-in-chief to be immediately acquainted with them. The Picquets have frequently no orders to detain people that pass through the line of outposts towards the enemy; but in the evening and during the night every one attempting to do so must remain with the Picquet until daylight. Persons suspected of carrying any papers with them are to be searched, and sent to the Commanding Officer, with a written statement why they appear suspicious. Half an hour before daylight the morning Patrols will be sent on the roads in front, and as soon as it is quite light the Picquet and Videttes take up their position for the day. SECTION VI. PLACING OF VIDETTES. Although little can be said upon this subject, (everything depending upon the nature of the country,) the following rules may be applicable: _By Day._