[Footnote 42: Every army has two wings, a center, and a reserve,--in all, four principal subdivisions,--besides accidental detachments. Below are some of the different formations that may be given to infantry. 1st. In regiments of two battalions of eight hundred men each:-- Div's. Brig's. Batt'ns. Men. Four corps of two divisions each, and three divisions for detachments.................. 11 = 22 = 88 = 72,000 Four corps of three divisions each, and three divisions for detachments................... 15 = 30 = 120 = 96,000 Seven corps of two divisions each, and one corps for detachments....................... 16 = 32 = 128 = 103,000 2d. In regiments of three battalions, brigades of six battalions:-- Div's. Brig's. Batt'ns. Men. Four corps of two divisions each, besides detachments,............................... 11 = 22 = 132 105,000 Four corps of three divisions each, besides detachments................................ 15 = 30 = 180 = 144,000 Eight corps of two divisions each............ 16 = 32 = 192 = 154,000 If to these numbers we add one-fourth for cavalry, artillery, and engineers, the total force for the above formations may be known. It is to be observed that regiments of two battalions if eight hundred men each would become very weak at the end of two or three months' campaigning. If they do not consist of three battalions, then each battalion should contain one thousand men.] [Footnote 43: The term _recent_ here refers to the later wars of Napoleon I.--Translators.] [Footnote 44: As the advanced guard is in presence of the enemy every day, and forms the rear-guard in retreat, it seems but fair at the hour of battle to assign it a position more retired than that in front of the line of battle.] [Footnote 45: This disposition of the cavalry, of course, is made upon the supposition that the ground is favorably situated for it. This is the essential condition of every well-arranged line of battle.] ARTICLE XLIV. Formation and Employment of Infantry. Infantry is undoubtedly the most important arm of the service, since it forms four-fifths of an army and is used both in the attack and defense of positions. If we must admit that, next to the genius of the general, the infantry arm is the most valuable instrument in gaining a victory, it is no less true that most important aid is given by the cavalry and artillery, and that without their assistance the infantry might at times be very seriously compromised, and at others could achieve only partial success.