divisions each. In this last case there
would be seven corps, allowing one for the reserve; but this last corps
should contain three divisions, to give a reserve to each wing and to
the center.

With seven corps, unless several more are kept out of the general line
in order to furnish detachments, it may happen that the extreme corps
may be detached, so that each wing might contain but two divisions, and
from these a brigade might be occasionally detached to flank the march
of the army, leaving but three brigades to a wing. This would be a weak
order of battle.

These facts lead me to conclude that an organization of the line of
battle in four corps of three divisions of infantry and one of light
cavalry, with three or four divisions for detachments, would be more
stable than one of seven corps, each of two divisions.

But, as every thing depends upon the strength of the army and of the
units of which it is composed, as well as upon the character of the
operations in which it may be engaged, the arrangement may be greatly
varied. I cannot go into these details, and shall simply exhibit the
principal combinations that may result from forming the divisions in two
or three brigades and the corps in two or three divisions. I have
indicated the formation of two infantry corps in two lines, either one
behind the other, or side by side. (See Figures from 17 to 28
inclusive.)

_Different Formations of Lines of Battle for Two Corps of Infantry._

[Illustration: Fig. 17. Two Corps deployed, One behind the Other.]

First Corps.
----- ----- ^ ----- -----
2d Division. | 1st Division.

Second Corps.
----- ----- ^ ----- -----
2d Division. | 1st Division.

[Illustration: Fig. 18. Two Corps formed Side by Side.]

Second Corps. ^ First Corps.
|
----- ----- | ----- -----
1st Division. | 1st Division.
|
----- ----- | ----- -----
2d Division. | 2d Division.

[Illustration: Fig. 19. Two Corps of 2 Divisions of 3 Brigades each.]

First Corps.

----- ----- ----- ^ ----- ----- -----
2d Division. | 1st Division.

Second Corps.

----- ----- ----- ^ ----- ----- -----
2d Division. | 1st Division.

[Illustration: Fig. 20. Two Corps Side by Side.]

Second Corps. ^ First Corps.