A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer / Comprising ancient and modern military technical terms, historical accounts of all North American Indians, as well as ancient warlike tribes; also notices of battles from the earliest period to the present time, with a concise explanation of terms used in heraldry and the offices thereof. The work also gives valuable geographical information. Compiled from the best authorities of all nations. With an appendix containing the Articles of war, etc.

Vacant Companies. Companies to the permanent command of which no person is appointed for the time being.

Vacate. To annul; to make void; to deprive of force; to make of no authority or validity; as, to vacate a commission.

Vacca, Vaga, or Vaba (now Beja). A city of Zeugitana, in Northern Africa, on the borders of Numidia, a good day’s journey south of Utica. It was destroyed by Metellus in the Jugurthine war, but was restored and colonized by the Romans. Its fortifications were renewed by Justinian, who named it Theodorias, in honor of his wife.

Vadimonis Lacus (now Lago di Bassano). A small lake of Etruria. It is celebrated in history for the defeat of the Etruscans in two great battles, first by the dictator Papirius Cursor in 309 B.C., from the effects of which the Etruscans never recovered; and again in 283, when the allied forces of the Etruscans and Gauls were routed by the consul Cornelius Dolabella.

VÆrfvade. The standing army of Sweden, recruited by voluntary enlistment. They receive pay, and serve from three to six years. They form the foot- and horse-guards, the artillery and engineers.

Vair. In heraldry, tinctures are either of metal, color strictly so called, or fur. The furs were originally but two,—ermine and vair. Vair is said to have been taken from the fur of a squirrel, bluish-gray on the back, and white on the belly, is expressed by blue and white shields, or bells in horizontal rows, the bases of the white resting on the bases of the blue. If the vair is of any other colors than white and blue, they must be specified. Various modifications of these furs were afterwards introduced, among others: counter-vair, or vair with the bells of one tincture placed base to base, and potent counter-potent, vair with crutch-shaped figures instead of bells.

Vaivode (Fr.). An old Sclavonian word, which signifies prince or general. This title was formerly given to the sovereign princes of Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania.

Valais (Ger. Wallis). A frontier canton of Switzerland, bounded on the north by the cantons of Vaud and Bern, and on the south by Italy. At the period of the struggle of the Swiss with the Duke of Burgundy, the Upper Valais took possession of the Lower Valais, and reduced it to the position of a vassal state; and in this condition it remained until 1798, the period of the French conquest, when the distinction was set aside.

Valdivia. A town of Chili, capital of the province of the same name, on the river Valdivia, or Calle, 210 miles south from Concepcion. It was founded in 1551 by the conqueror Pedro de Valdivia. In 1590 it was taken and plundered by the Araucanians, the native inhabitants of the country.

Valencia (anc. Valentia). An ancient city of Spain, capital of the ancient kingdom and modern province of the same name, on the Turia, about 2 miles from the sea, and 190 miles east-southeast from Madrid. Valencia is a very ancient city. It was destroyed by Pompey, and rebuilt by Sertorius. It was taken by the Goths in 413, from whom it was captured by the Moors in 714. From the Moorish sway it was rescued in 1094 by the Cid, from whom it is sometimes called Valentia del Cid. The Moors once more got possession of it in 1101, but were compelled finally to relinquish it in 1238. It was taken by the Earl of Peterborough in 1705, but submitted to the Bourbons after the unfortunate battle of Almanza, in 1707. It resisted the attempts made on it by Marshal Moncey, but was taken from the Spaniards with a garrison of more than 16,000 men, and immense stores, by the French under Suchet, January 9, 1812; and held by them till 1813.

Valenciennes. A fortified town of France, in the department of the North, 27 miles southeast from Lille, at the confluence of the Rhonelle and the Scheldt. The town is defended by a citadel constructed by Vauban. The city was besieged from May 23 to July 28, 1793, when the French garrison surrendered to the allied English and Austrian armies, under the Duke of York. It was retaken by the French, August 27-30, 1794; on capitulation, the garrison and 1100 emigrants were made prisoners, with immense stores.

Valenciennes. See Laboratory Stores.

Valenza (anc. Valentia Valentinum Forum). A city of Northern Italy, on an elevated plain on the right bank of the Po, 8 miles north of Alessandria. It is a very ancient town, belonged to the Liguri, and was conquered by Marcus Fulvius, the proconsul. In 1635 it was besieged for fifty days by the armies of France, Savoy, and Parma, and taken. In 1707 it came into the possession of Victor Amadeus II., Duke of Savoy; in 1805 the French destroyed its gates and fortifications; and in 1815, after the fall of Napoleon’s empire, it reverted to the king of Sardinia.

Valetta, or La Valetta. An important city and capital of the island of Malta, on the northeast side of which it is situated. The town and harbors are defended by a series of fortifications of great strength. They are mostly hewn out of the solid rock, and, mounted with the most powerful artillery, are considered impregnable. The city was founded by La Valette, grand master of the Knights of St. John, in 1566. Its history is identical with that of Malta (which see).

Valetudinarium. An infirmary or hospital for the sick. Among the Romans, valetudinarium, or hospital, was only established in time of war, when their armies marched beyond the boundaries of the republic.

Valiant. Personally brave, fearless of danger in war, etc.

Valladolid. A famous city of Spain, capital of the province of the same name, on the left bank of the Pisuerga, 150 miles northwest from Madrid. It is the Roman Pincia and the Moorish Belad Walid; was recovered for the Christians by Ordogno II., the first king of Leon, 914-23. It was captured from the French by the English, June 4, 1813.

Vallary Crown. A crown bestowed by the ancient Romans as an honorary reward on the soldier who first surmounted the outworks, and broke into the enemy’s camp. It is in form a circle of gold with palisades attached. The crown vallary occasionally occurs as a heraldic bearing.

Valls. A town of Spain, in the province of Tarragona, 9 miles north from Tarragona. The French here defeated the Spaniards in 1809, and afterwards sacked the town; but they suffered a defeat themselves near the same place, in 1811, by some Spanish troops under Sarsfield.

Vallum. Among the Romans, the parapet which fortified their encampments. It consisted of two parts,—the agger and the sudes; the agger was the earth thrown up from the vallum, and the sudes were a sort of wooden stakes to secure and strengthen it. Vallus was the name of the stake which served as a palisade in the Roman intrenchment. Every soldier carried one of these valli, and on some occasions three or four bound together like a fagot.

Valmy. A village of France, department of Marne, 20 miles northeast from Chalons. This village is celebrated as the place where the republican armies of France under Kellerman, in 1792, defeated for the first time the allied armies under the Duke of Brunswick.

Valor. Strength of mind in regard to danger; that quality which enables a man to encounter danger with firmness; personal bravery; warlike courage; intrepidity; bravery.

Valparaiso. The principal seaport of Chili, South America, on the bay of the same name, about 80 miles west-northwest of Santiago. The bay is sheltered from all quarters except the north; and is defended by three forts and a water-battery. Valparaiso was bombarded by the Spanish fleet, March 31, 1866. Few lives were lost, but buildings and other property, the value of which was estimated at from $9,000,000 to $20,000,000, were destroyed.

Valtelline, or Valtellina (Northern Italy). A district near the RhÆtian Alps, seized by the Grison league in 1512, and ceded to it in 1530. At the instigation of Spain, the Catholics rose and massacred the Protestants, July 19-21, 1620. After much contention between the French and Austrians, the neutrality of the Valtelline was assured in 1639. It was annexed to the Cisalpine republic in 1797; to Italy, 1807; to Austria, 1814; to Italy, 1860.

Vambrace. In ancient armor, the piece designed to protect the arm below the elbow.

Vambraced (Fr. avant-bras, “fore-arm”). A term applied to an arm clothed in armor, as in the subjoined crest; a dexter embowed arm vambraced proper, the gauntlet holding a sword below the hilt in bend sinister, point downwards, argent, hilt and pommel or.

Vamplate. A round piece of iron on a tilting-spear, used to protect the hand.

Van. The front of an army, the first line, or leading column.

Vancouver’s Island. Now, jointly with British Columbia, one of the colonies of Great Britain, forms a part of British North America. Settlements were made here by the English in 1781, which were seized by the Spaniards in 1789, but restored. By a treaty between the British government and that of the United States in 1846, this island was secured to the former.

Vandals (Vandalii, or Vindalii). A confederacy of German nations, probably of the great Suevic race, to which the Burgundiones, Gothones, GepidÆ, and Rugii belonged. They dwelt originally on the northern coast of Germany, but were afterward settled north of the Marcomanni, in the Riesengebirge, which are hence called Vandalici Montes. They subsequently appear for a short time in Dacia and Pannonia; but at the beginning of the 5th century (409) they traversed Germany and Gaul, and invaded Spain. In this country they subjugated the Alani, and founded a powerful kingdom, the name of which is still preserved in Andalusia (Vandalusia). In 429 they crossed over into Africa, under their king Genseric, and conquered all the Roman dominions in that country. Genseric subsequently invaded Italy, and took and plundered Rome in 455. The Vandals continued masters of Africa till 535, when their kingdom was destroyed by Belisarius, and annexed to the Byzantine empire.

Van-foss. In fortification, a ditch dug without the counterscarp, and running all along the glacis, usually full of water.

Vanguard. That part of the army which marches in front.

Vanquish. To conquer; to overcome; to subdue in battle, as an enemy.

Vant-bras. Armor for the arm.

Variation of the Needle. Is the angle included between the true and magnetic meridians of a place; the deviation of a magnetic needle from the true north or south points of the horizon;—called also declination of the needle.

Varna. An important fortified seaport of European Turkey, in Bulgaria, on the northern side of a semicircular bay, an inlet of the Black Sea, 180 miles north-northwest from Constantinople. A great battle was fought near this place, November 10, 1444, between the Turks under Amurath II. and the Hungarians under their king Ladislaus, and John Hunniades. The latter were defeated with great slaughter; the king was killed, and Hunniades made prisoner. The Christians had previously broken the truce for ten years, recently made at Szegedin. The emperor Nicholas of Russia arrived before Varna, the headquarters of his army, then besieging the place, August 5, 1828. The Turkish garrison made a vigorous attack on the besiegers, August 7, and another on August 21, but were repulsed. Varna surrendered, after a sanguinary conflict, to the Russian arms, October 11, 1828. It was restored at the peace in 1829; its fortifications were dismantled, but have since been restored. The allied armies disembarked at Varna, May 29, 1854, and remained there till they sailed for the Crimea, September 3, following. While at Varna they suffered severely from cholera.

Varveled. In heraldry, when the leather thongs which tie on the bells to the legs of hawks are borne flotant with rings at the end, the bearing is termed jessed, belled, and varveled.

Vascones. A powerful people on the northern coast of Hispania Tarraconensis, between the Iberus and the Pyrenees, in the modern Navarre and Guipuzco. Their chief towns were Pompelon and Calagurris. They were a brave people, and fought in battle bare-headed. Under the empire they were regarded as skillful diviners and prophets. Their name is still retained in that of the modern Basques.

Vassy. A town of France, in the department of the Upper Marne, 29 miles northwest from Chaumont. The massacre of the Protestants at this place by the Duke of Guise on March 1, 1562, led to the civil wars which desolated France to the end of the century.

Vaud. A canton which forms the western corner of Switzerland between the Jura and the Bernese Alps. After having been successively held by the Franks, kings of Burgundy, emperors of Germany, dukes of Zahringen, and dukes of Savoy, it was conquered by the Bernese, January, 1536, and annexed, 1554. Vaud was made independent in 1798, and joined the Confederation in 1815.

Vaunt-mure. In fortification, a false wall; a work raised in front of the main wall. This word is written also vaimure and vamure.

Vectis, or Vecta (now Isle of Wight). An island off the southern coast of Britain. It was conquered by Vespasian in the reign of Claudius.

Vedettes, or Videttes. Mounted sentinels stationed at the outposts of an army or encampment, and so posted at all the avenues and rising grounds, that they can best observe the approach of an enemy, and communicate by signal to their respective posts, as well as with each other, when any danger is to be apprehended.

Veii (now Isola Farnese). One of the most ancient and powerful cities of Etruria, situated on the river Crimera, about 12 miles from Rome. It possessed a strongly-fortified citadel, built on a hill rising precipitously from the deep glens which bound it, save at the single point where a narrow ridge unites it to the city. The Veientes were engaged in almost unceasing hostilities with Rome for more than three centuries and a half, and we have records of fourteen distinct wars between the two nations. Veii was at last taken by the dictator Camillus, after a siege of ten years, 396 B.C. The city fell into his hands, according to the common story, by means of a cuniculus, or mine, which was carried by Camillus from the Roman camp under the city into the citadel of Veii. The citizens were massacred or sold as slaves, and the land confiscated.

Vekilchares. A word used among the Turks, which signifies the same as fourrier in the French and corresponds with quartermaster.

Velez-Malaga. A fortified town in the south of Spain, in the province of Malaga, 16 miles east from the city of that name. The town was taken from the Moors, by Ferdinand the Catholic, after a long siege.

Velish. A town of Russia in Europe, in the government of Vitepsk, situated on the Dwina. This place, which was founded by the Russians in 1536, was taken by the Poles in 1580, but in 1772 it again reverted to Russia.

Velites. In the Roman armies, the name of the light-armed troops, who were first instituted during the second Punic war, and were remarkable for their agility.

Velletri (anc. VelitrÆ). A town of the Papal States, in the Comarca, and 21 miles southeast from Rome. The ancient VelitrÆ was an important Volscian city destroyed by the Romans, but afterwards rebuilt. In 1734, Carlo Borbone, king of Naples, gained, near Velletri, a decisive victory over the Austrians, which secured the kingdom of the two Sicilies to the Spanish Bourbons.

Vellore. A town and fortress of British India, in the presidency of Madras, situated on the river Palar, 80 miles southwest from Madras. It is very strongly fortified. After the capture of Seringapatam, in 1799, Vellore was fixed on for the place of confinement or residence of the family of Tippoo Sahib. In July, 1806, a very serious mutiny took place among the garrison, composed principally of native troops. It was speedily suppressed by the gallant conduct of Col. Gillespie of the 19th Dragoons.

Velocimeter. An instrument for obtaining initial velocity, invented by Col. Benton, U.S. Ordnance Department. See Chronoscope.

Velocity. Is rate of motion; the relation of motion to time, measured by the number of units of space passed over by the moving body in a unit of time, usually the number of feet in a second. The velocity of a projectile, at any point of its flight, is the space in feet passed over in a second of time, with a continuous, uniform motion. Initial velocity is the velocity at the muzzle of the piece; remaining velocity is the velocity at any point of the flight; terminal velocity is the velocity with which it strikes its object; and final velocity of descent in air, is the uniform velocity with which a projectile moves, when the resistance of the air becomes equal to the accelerating force of gravity. The initial velocity of a projectile may be determined by the principles of mechanics which govern the action of the powder, the resistance of the projectile, etc., or by direct experiment.

The instant that the charge of a fire-arm is converted into gas, it exerts an expansive effort which acts to drive the projectile out of the bore. If the gaseous mass be divided into elementary sections perpendicular to its length, it will be seen that, in their efforts to expand, each section has not only to overcome its own inertia, but the inertia of the piece and projectile, as well as the inertia of the sections which precede it. The tension of each section, therefore, increases from the extremities of the charge to some intermediate point where it is a maximum. The pressure on all sides of the section of maximum density being equal, it will remain at rest, while all the others will move in opposite directions, constantly pressing against the projectile and piece, and accelerating their velocities. As the projectile moves in the bore, the space in which the gases expand is increased, while their density is diminished; it follows that the force which sets a projectile in motion in a fire-arm varies from several causes: (1st) It varies as the space behind the projectile increases, or as the velocity regarded as a function of the time; (2d) It varies throughout the column of gas for the same instant of time; and (3d) It varies from the increasing quantities of gas developed in the successive instants of the combustion of the powder. See Initial Velocity.

The motion of a body falling through the air will be accelerated by its weight, and retarded by the buoyant effort of the air, and the resistance which the air offers to motion. As the resistance of the air increases more rapidly than the velocity, it follows that there is a point where the retarding and accelerating forces will be equal, and that beyond this the body will move with a uniform velocity, equal to that which it had acquired down to this point. The buoyant effort of the air is equal to the weight of the volume displaced, or PdD; in which P is the weight and D the density of the projectile, and d the density of the air. When the projectile meets with a resistance equal to its weight, we shall have,

in which the weight of the displaced air is transferred to the first member of the equation. As the density of the air is very slight compared to that of lead or iron, the materials of which projectiles are made, dD may be neglected. Making this change, and substituting for P, 43_pR³D, the expression for the final velocity reduces to

The resistance on the entire projectile for a velocity of 1 foot, is A_pR²; dividing this by Pg, or the mass, we get the resistance on a unit of mass. Calling this 12c we have,

hence, the final velocity of a projectile falling through the air is directly proportional to the product of its diameter and density, and inversely proportional to the density of the air, which is a factor of A. The expression for the value of c shows that the retarding effect of the air is less on the larger and denser projectiles. To adapt it to an oblong projectile of the pointed form, the value of D should be increased (inasmuch as its weight is increased in proportion to its cross-section), while that of A should be diminished. It follows, therefore, that for the same caliber an oblong projectile will be less retarded by the air than one of spherical form, and consequently with an equal and perhaps less initial velocity, its range will be greater.

Velocity of Light. See Light, Velocity of.

Velocity of Sound. See Sound.

VendÉe, La. A department in the west of France. The wars of La VendÉe denote the armed opposition to the religious and political changes in France, which burst out into a species of partisan warfare in 1793, 1794, 1795, 1799, and 1815.

Venezuela. A republic in the northwest of South America. The east coast of Venezuela was discovered by Columbus in 1498; Ojeda and Vespucci followed in 1499. The first settlement was made at Cumana in 1520, by the Spaniards; and Venezuela remained subject to Spain till it claimed independence in 1811. In 1812, it returned to allegiance to Spain, but again revolted in 1813, and, forming with New Granada and Ecuador the republic of Colombia, it was declared independent in 1819. In 1831, the states separated. During the ten years from 1861-1871, upwards of 60,000 persons were killed in the civil wars. The revolution triumphed, and Guzman Blanco attempted to establish a government at Caraccas, which was captured by revolutionists, April, 1870.

Venice. A fortified city of Northern Italy, one of the noblest, most famous, and singular cities in the world, is built upon a crowded cluster of islets, in the lagoon of the same name, on the northwest fringe of the Adriatic Sea, 23 miles east of Padua. It was founded by families from Aquileia and Padua fleeing from Attila, about 452. Under their third doge (720-737) the Venetians entered upon that career of enterprise in which their prudence and valor were almost always conspicuous, and which they continued to pursue to the last. Venice after a series of enterprises which covered a period of 700 years, and in which she was nearly always successful, gaining territory and prestige, entered into a war with the Turks in 1461, which lasted until 1477, and in which she lost many of her Eastern possessions. The Venetians took Cyprus in 1475, and helped to overcome Charles VIII. of France in 1495; they excited the Turks against Charles V. in 1504, and were nearly ruined by the league of Cambray in 1508. They also assisted in defeating the Turks at Lepanto in 1571, but lost Cyprus to the Turks in the same year. The Venetians gained several important naval victories over the Turks at Scio in 1651, and in the Dardanelles in 1655, but lost Candia, one of their possessions, in 1669; recovered part of the Morea in 1683-99, but lost it again in 1715-39. Venice was occupied by Bonaparte in 1797, who, by the treaty of Campo Formio, gave part of its territory to Austria, and annexed the remainder to the Cisalpine republic. In 1805 the whole of Venice was annexed to the kingdom of Italy by the treaty of Presburg; but was transferred to the empire of Austria in 1814, and the city declared a free port in 1830. An insurrection began in Venice on March 22, 1848, and the city, which was defended by Daniele Manin, surrendered to the Austrians after a long siege on August 22, 1849. It was transferred to Italy, October 17, 1866, by the treaty of Vienna.

Venlo. A small but strongly fortified town in the Netherlands, province of Limburg, situated on the right bank of the Maas, 45 miles north-northeast from Maastricht. Venlo was walled by Duke Reynold of Gelder in 1343. It has many a time felt the horrors of a siege, and has been taken and retaken, the last time by the Belgians in 1830, in whose hands it remained till the conference of London, June 22, 1839, when it returned to the Dutch.

Vennones. A people of RhÆtia, and, according to Strabo, the most savage of the RhÆtian tribes, inhabiting the Alps near the sources of the Athesis.

Vent. In gunnery, is the aperture through which fire is communicated to the charge. It should be as small as the use of the priming-wire and tube will allow. See Ordnance, Construction of, Interior Form of Cannon.

Ventail. That part of a helmet which is made to lift up.

Vent-gauges. See Inspection of Cannon.

Vent-piece. In some ordnance is a piece of copper containing the vent, and screwed in at the proper position.

Vent-punch. See Implements, Equipments and Machines.

Vent-searcher. See Inspection of Cannon.

Vera Cruz. An ancient city on the east coast of Mexico, about 185 miles east of the city of Mexico. The castle of Ulloa and the city were bombarded and taken by the Americans in 1847, and the city was taken by the allies, December 17, 1861. Vera Cruz was retaken by the liberals, under Juarez, June 27, 1867.

Verat (Fr.). A 12-pounder gun of 17 calibers, weighing 2300 pounds, having a charge of 8 pounds.

Verbal Orders. Instructions given by word of mouth, which, when communicated through an official channel, are to be considered as equally binding with written ones.

Vercelli (anc. VercellÆ). A town of the kingdom of Sardinia, capital of a province of the same name. Near this place Varus defeated the Cimbri, 101 B.C. It was the seat of a republic in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was taken by the Spaniards in 1630; by the French in 1704; and allies, 1706; it subsequently partook of the fortunes of Piedmont.

Verden. A town in Hanover, Germany, on the right bank of the Aller. Here Charlemagne massacred about 4500 Saxons, who had rebelled and relapsed into idolatry, 782.

Verdict. See Finding.

Verdoy. In heraldry, a term indicating that a bordure is charged with flowers, leaves, or vegetable charges. Thus a bordure argent verdoy of oak-leaves proper, is equivalent to a bordure argent charged with eight oak-leaves proper.

Verdun (anc. Verodunum). A fortified town of France in the department of Meuse, on the right bank of the river of that name, about 150 miles (direct line) east-northeast from Paris, it was fortified by Vauban, and its defenses consist of a wall with bastions and a citadel. It was acquired by the Franks in the 6th century, and formed part of the dominions of Lothaire by the treaty of Verdun, 543, when the empire was divided between the sons of Louis I. It was taken and annexed to the empire of Otho I. about 939. It surrendered to France in 1552, and was formally ceded in 1648. It was taken and held by the Prussians forty-three days, September-October, 1792. Gen. Beaurepaire, the commandant, committed suicide before the surrender, and fourteen ladies were executed in 1794, for going to the king of Prussia to solicit his clemency for the town. Verdun surrendered to the Germans, November 8, 1870, after a brave defense, two vigorous sallies being made October 28. Above 4000 men and 108 cannon were captured, and much arms and ammunition.

Vere, de. The name of an ancient and noble family of England, descended from a Norman knight who had a high command at the battle of Hastings. His son became earl of Oxford, and minister of Henry I. The third earl was one of the barons who extorted the Magna Charta from King John. John de Vere, seventh earl, was a famous commander, and fought at CrÉcy and Poitiers (1356). The thirteenth earl was a leader of the Lancastrian party in the war of the Roses, and commanded the van of the army of Henry VII. at Bosworth (1485). The twentieth earl was Aubrey de Vere, who fought for Charles I. in the civil war, and after the restoration became lord-lieutenant of Essex.

Vergette (Fr.). In heraldry, a pallet or small pale; hence, a shield divided by pallets or pales.

Vermeuil. A town of France, in the department of the Eure, situated on the Arve. It was the scene of a battle between the Burgundians and English, under the Duke of Bedford, and the French, assisted by the Scots, commanded by the Count de Narbonne and the Earls of Douglas and Buchan, etc. The French at first were successful; but some Lombard auxiliaries, who had taken the English camp, commenced pillaging. Two thousand English archers then came fresh to the attack; and the French and Scots were totally defeated, and their leaders killed.

Vermont. One of the United States of America, and one of the five New England States; it was the first State received after the adoption of the Federal Constitution. Vermont is bounded on the north by Canada, on the east by the Connecticut River, which separates it from New Hampshire, on the south by Massachusetts, and on the west by New York, from which it is separated for 100 miles by Lake Champlain. The first settlement made in this State was in 1724, when it was claimed as a part of the New Hampshire grants. In 1763, it was claimed by New York, under grants of Charles II. to the Duke of York. For ten years the New York officers were resisted, and sometimes tied to trees and whipped by the lawless settlers. These contests were stopped by the Revolution, but this State, a refuge for settlers from the other States, remained eight years out of the Union. It was chiefly the Vermont militia that gained the victory of Plattsburg, on Lake Champlain, in 1812; and the Green Mountain State contributed largely to the Union forces in the war of the Rebellion.

Verolamium, or Verulamium (now Old Verulam, near St. Alban’s). The chief town of the Catuellani in Britain, probably the residence of the king Cassivellaunus, which was conquered by CÆsar. It was subsequently made a Roman municipium. It was destroyed by the Britons under Boadicea, in their insurrection against the Romans, but was rebuilt, and continued to be an important place.

Verona. An ancient city of Northern Italy, in Venetia, 72 miles west of Venice by railway. Verona is a fortress of the first rank, a member of the famous Quadrilateral (which see), and has always been considered a place of strength since it was surrounded with walls by the emperor Gallienus, 265. Its modern fortifications are among the most extraordinary works of military engineering in Europe. After passing into the hands of the Austrians, in 1815, it was greatly strengthened; and since 1849 every effort has been made to render it impregnable. The early history of Verona is involved in obscurity. It fell into the hands of the Romans, and under the empire became one of the most flourishing cities in the north of Italy. Constantine took it by assault in 312; Stilicho defeated the Goths here in 402; and on September 27, 489, Theodoric defeated Odoacer, king of Italy. Charlemagne took it in 774, and made it the royal residence of his son, King Pepin. In 1405 the city gave itself over to Venice, in order to free itself from its tyrants, who were alternately of the Scala, the Visconti, or the Carrara families. It was held by Venice till its capture by the French general MassÉna, June 3, 1796. Near here Charles Albert of Sardinia defeated the Austrians, May 6, 1848. It was surrendered to the Italian government, October 16, 1866.

Versailles. A celebrated city of France, and long the residence of the French court, capital of the department of Seine-et-Oise, 11 miles southwest from Paris. Here was signed the treaty (September 3, 1783), at which England recognized the independence of the United States of America. On the same day a treaty was signed here between Great Britain, France, and Spain, by which Pondicherry and Carical, with other possessions in Bengal, were restored to France, and Trincomalee restored to the Dutch. Here was held the military festival of the royal guards, October 1, 1789, which was immediately followed (on the 5th and 6th) by the attack of the mob, who massacred the guards and brought the king back to Paris. Versailles, with the troops there, surrendered to the Germans September 19, 1870, and the crown-prince of Prussia entered the next day. On September 26, he awarded the iron cross to above thirty soldiers at the foot of the statue of Louis XIV. The palace was converted into a hospital. The royal headquarters were removed here from FerriÈres, October 5.

Vert. In heraldry, coats of arms are distinguished from one another not only by the charges or objects borne on them, but by the color of these charges, and of the field on which they are placed. Vert (green) is indicated in uncolored heraldic engravings by diagonal lines from dexter chief to sinister base.

Vertical Fire. See Fire, Vertical.

Vervels, or Varvels. Small rings attached to the ends of the jesses of a hawk, through which a string was passed to fasten them to its leg. They occur as a heraldic charge.

Vervins. A town of France, in the department of the Aisne, 23 miles northeast from Laon. A treaty of peace was concluded here in 1598 between Philip II. of Spain and Henry IV. of France.

Veseronce. In Southeast France, near Vienne. Here Gondemar, king of the Burgundians, defeated and killed Clodomir, king of Orleans, and revenged the murder of his brother Sigismond and his family, 524. This conflict is also called the battle of Voiron.

Vespers, Sicilian. See Sicilian Vespers.

Vestini. A Sabellian people in Central Italy, lying between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. They are mentioned in connection with the Marsi, Marrucini, and Peligni; but they subsequently separated from these tribes, and joined the Samnites in their war against Rome. They were conquered by the Romans, 328 B.C., and from this time appear as the allies of Rome. They joined the other allies in the Marsic war, and were conquered by Pompeius Strabo in 89.

Veteran. Long exercised in anything, especially in military life and the duties of a soldier; long practiced or experienced; as, a veteran officer or soldier.

Veteran. One who has been long exercised in any service or art, particularly in war; one who has grown old in service, and has had much experience.

Veteran Corps. Are among the military reserves of all nations. They consist of old soldiers past the prime of active manhood, and incapable of taking the field. Their discipline and steadiness, however, admirably fit them for garrisons or fortresses, and for the instruction of young troops. During the civil war in America (1861-65), a veteran reserve corps was established under the command of the provost-marshal-general. The men admitted into this corps were drawn from three sources, viz.: (1) By taking officers and men still in the field, who had been disabled by wounds or by disease contracted in the line of duty; (2) By taking officers and men who were absent sick in hospitals or convalescent camps; and (3) By accepting officers and men who had been honorably discharged on account of wounds or disease contracted in the line of duty, and who desired to re-enter the service. This corps was divided into companies, battalions, and regiments, and was employed to enforce the enrolling and drafting of men for active service, for arresting deserters, stragglers, etc., and as a garrison for permanent barracks, etc. Upon the reduction of the army in 1869, the corps was discontinued.

Veterinary. Of or pertaining to the art of healing or treating the diseases of domestic animals, as horses, etc. In England and some other European countries, a veterinary surgeon is a commissioned officer, who has medical charge of horses used in the military service. In the U.S. service there is one veterinary surgeon allowed to each of the regiments of cavalry, and the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th regiments of cavalry have an additional veterinary surgeon. These veterinary surgeons are recognized as civilians.

Vetterlin Rifle. See Small-arms.

Vexilla. Flags or streamers, given to the Roman soldiers who distinguished themselves. They were embroidered in silk, and fixed on the top of a spear. Vexillum roseum was a red flag, which the general, on any sudden tumult or unforeseen danger, brought out of the Capitol, and encouraged the people to flock to it as recruits for infantry.

Viazma. A town of European Russia, on the river of the same name, in the government and 100 miles east-northeast from Smolensk. The French were defeated here by the Russians, October 22, 1812, when a great part of the town was destroyed by fire.

Vibo (now Bivona). The Roman form of the Greek town Hipponium, situated on the southwestern coast of Bruttium. It was destroyed by the elder Dionysius, who transplanted its inhabitants to Syracuse. It was afterwards destroyed, and at a later time it fell into the hands of the Bruttii by the Romans, who colonized it 194 B.C., and called it Vibo Valentia.

Vicenza. A city of Northern Italy, in the province of Venice, 39 miles west from Venice. Vicenza was a Roman station, and suffered greatly on the irruption of the northern tribes. It was successively pillaged by Alaric, Attila, the Lombards, and the emperor Frederick II. In the early part of the 15th century it came into the possession of the Venetians, who held it till 1796, when it became the scene of sanguinary conflicts between the French and Austrians.

Vicksburg. A city and port of Mississippi, on the Mississippi River, 408 miles north of New Orleans, and is the chief town between Memphis and New Orleans. It was strongly fortified in 1861, and provided with a large garrison. In January, 1862, it was attacked by the Federal naval forces from Memphis and New Orleans, but without success. In April, 1863, a naval attack was combined with the land forces under Gen. Grant, who defeated Gen. Pemberton near Jackson, cut off supplies and reinforcements from the garrison, and with a close siege and continual assaults, compelled a surrender, July 4, 1863, with 30,000 prisoners of war, 200 cannon, and 70,000 stand of arms.

Victor. The winner in a contest; one who gets the better of another in any struggle; especially, one who conquers in war; a vanquisher; one who defeats an enemy in battle.

Victoria Cross. The peculiarities of this decoration, which was instituted on the termination of the Crimean campaign in 1856, are, that it may be granted to a soldier of any rank, and for a single act of valor. The Cross of the Legion of Honor, as was felt during the Crimean campaign, served a purpose in the French army which was served by none of the British decorations, and it was in imitation of it that the Victoria Cross was founded, with the inscription “For Valor,” and which can be given to none but those who have performed, in presence of the enemy, some signal act of valor or devotion to their country. The general distribution of the crosses earned in the Crimean war took place in Hyde Park on June 26, 1857. The recipients were 62 in number. The Victoria Cross is in the form of a Maltese cross, formed from the cannon captured at Sebastopol. In the centre is the royal crown, surmounted by the lion, and below, on a scroll, the words, “For Valor.” The ribbon is blue for the navy, and red for the army. On the clasp are two branches of laurel, and from it the cross hangs, supported by the initial “V.” The decoration is accompanied by a pension of £10 a year.

Victorious. Belonging or relating to victory, or a victor; having conquered in battle or contest; having overcome an enemy; conquering; winning; triumphant; as, a victorious general; victorious troops; victorious army. Producing conquest; as, a victorious day. Emblematic of conquest, indicating victory. “Brows bound with victorious wreaths.”

Victory. The defeat of an enemy in battle, or of an antagonist in contest; a gaining of the superiority in war, struggle, or combat; conquest; triumph.

Victuals. Food or sustenance allowed to the troops, under certain regulations, whether on shore or embarked in transports. Relieving the enemy with money, victuals, etc., is punishable by court-martial. See Appendix, Articles of War, 45.

Vienna. A celebrated city of Europe, capital of the Austrian empire, is situated about 2 miles from the main stream of the Danube, 251 miles southeast of Prague by railway. Vienna was the Roman Vindobona. On the decline of the Roman empire it experienced the common fate, and was pillaged by the Goths and Huns. In the 13th century Vienna was subjected to a six weeks’ siege, in consequence of the refusal of Ottokar of Bohemia (who was then in possession of Vienna) to acknowledge the election of the emperor Rudolph. It was besieged by the Turks under Solyman the Magnificent, with an army of 300,000 men; but the defense, though conducted by only about 16,000 regular troops, and 4000 citizens, was so valiant that the Turks were forced to retire with the loss of 70,000 of their best troops. In July, 1683, it was again besieged by the Turks, headed by the grand vizier Kara-Mustapha. The defense was most valiantly conducted by Count Rudiger of Starhemberg, but had become almost hopeless, when John Sobieski, king of Poland, suddenly appeared with an army, and the Turkish host was almost annihilated, September 12, 1683. Vienna was taken by the French under Prince Murat, November 14, 1805; evacuated January, 1806; was again captured by the French, May 13, 1809; but was restored on the conclusion of peace, October 14, 1809. The revolt in Hungary induced an insurrection in Vienna, March 13, 1848. A second insurrection broke out, barricades were raised, and Count Latour, the war minister, was murdered, October 6, 1848; the emperor took flight, October 7; and the city was bombarded by Windischgratz and Jeliachich, October 28; it surrendered to the imperial troops on October 30, having suffered considerably from the bombardment. The fortifications were demolished, and the city enlarged and beautified, 1857-58. The Prussians encamped near Vienna, and a state of siege was proclaimed, July, 1866. The following treaties were concluded in Vienna: (1) The treaty between the emperor of Germany and the king of Spain, by which they confirmed to each other such parts of the Spanish dominions as they were respectively possessed of; and by a private treaty the emperor engaged to employ a force to procure the restoration of Gibraltar to Spain, and to use means for placing the Pretender on the throne of Great Britain. Spain guaranteed the Pragmatic Sanction, April 30, 1725. (2) Treaty of alliance between the emperor of Germany, Charles VI., George II., king of Great Britain, and the states of Holland, by which the Pragmatic Sanction was guaranteed, and the disputes as to the Spanish succession terminated (Spain acceded to the treaty on July 22). This treaty was signed March 16, 1731. (3) Treaty of peace between the emperor Charles VI. of Germany and the king of France, Louis XV., by which the latter power agreed to guarantee the Pragmatic Sanction, and Lorraine was ceded to France. Signed November 18, 1738. (4) Treaty between Napoleon I. and Francis (II. of Germany) I. of Austria, by which Austria ceded to France the Tyrol, Dalmatia, and other territories, which were shortly afterwards declared to be united to France under the title of the Illyrian Provinces, and engaged to adhere to the prohibitory system adopted towards England by France and Russia, October 14, 1809. (5) Treaty between Great Britain, Austria, Russia, and Prussia, confirming the principles on which they had acted by the treaty of Chaumont, March 1, 1814. Signed March 23, 1815. (6) Treaty between the king of the Netherlands on the one part and Great Britain, Russia, Austria, and Prussia on the other, agreeing to the enlargement of the Dutch territories, and vesting the sovereignty in the house of Orange, May 31, 1815. (7) Treaty by which Denmark ceded Swedish Pomerania and Rugen to Prussia, in exchange for Lauenburg, June 4, 1815. (8) Commercial treaty for twelve years signed between Austria and Prussia. Signed at Vienna, February 19, 1853. (9) Treaty for the maintenance of Turkey, by the representatives of Great Britain, France, Austria, and Russia. Signed April 9, 1854. (10) Treaty between Austria, Prussia, and Denmark, by which Denmark ceded the duchies, October 30, 1864. (11) Treaty of peace between Austria and Italy; Venetia given up to Italy, October 3, 1866.

View of a Place. A reconnoissance of a fortified town, its situation, the nature of the country about it, as hills, valleys, rivers, marshes, woods, hedges, etc.; taken in order to judge of the most convenient place for opening the trenches, and carrying out the approaches; to find out proper places for encamping the army, and for the park of artillery.

Vigne (Fr.). In ancient times, a shed, or gallery with a roof and sides, made of double hurdles, 18 or 20 feet long, and 7 or 8 feet wide, upon wheels. Vignes were used to establish a covered communication between the towers, testudos, etc., of the besiegers.

Vigo. A seaport town of Spain, in Galicia, situated on an inlet of the Atlantic called the Ria de Vigo, 78 miles southwest from Corunna. Vigo was attacked and burned by the English under Drake and Norris in 1589. Vigo was taken by Lord Cobham in 1719, but relinquished after raising contributions. It was again taken by the British, March 27, 1809.

Vikings. Scandinavian chiefs, Swedes, Danes, and Norsemen, who in the 4th century migrated eastward, to the countries beyond the Baltic, and westward and southward, chiefly to the British Isles.

Villafranca. A town of Austrian Italy, in the delegation and 9 miles southwest from Verona, on the Tartaro. This place is remarkable for the personal interview which took place here between the emperors of France and Austria, July 11, 1859, and the peace in consequence concluded, by which Lombardy was given to Sardinia.

Villages. Cavalry, the better to preserve their horses, should occupy villages whenever the distance of the enemy, and the time necessary to repair to its posts in battle, will permit. Their quarters should be preferably farm-houses or taverns having large stables. Posts are established by the colonel or commanding officer, and the squadrons conducted to their quarters by their respective captains. Where in an exceptional case regular distributions are not made, the resources which the household assigned as quarters presents are equally divided. About two hours after their arrival, the squadrons in succession water their horses and then give forage. Cavalry, and infantry also, should, wherever thus cantoned near an enemy, occupy, when it can be done, houses which will hold an entire company or some constituent fraction of a company, and at break of day stand to their arms. When in the same cantonment, cavalry should watch over the safety of the cantonment by day and the infantry by night; and in the presence of an enemy they should be protected by an advance guard and natural or artificial obstacles.

Villa Viciosa. A village of Spain, in New Castile, in the province of Guadalajara. Here, in 1710, was fought the battle which closed the War of Succession, and placed Philip V. upon the Spanish throne.

Villa Vicosa. A town of Portugal, province of Alemtejo. Here the Portuguese under the French general Schomberg defeated the Spaniards, 1665.

Villeta. In Paraguay, South America, where Lopez and the Paraguayans were totally defeated by the Brazilians and their allies, December 11, 1868.

Vimeira. A village of Portugal, in the province of Estremadura, 7 miles north from Torres Vedras. At this place the British under Sir Arthur Wellesley defeated the French and Spanish forces under Marshal Junot, August 21, 1808. The attack made by the French with great bravery was gallantly repulsed; it was repeated by Kellerman at the head of the French reserve, which was also repulsed, and the French being charged with the bayonet, withdrew on all points in confusion, leaving many prisoners.

Vincennes. A town of France, department of Seine, 5 miles east-southeast from the Louvre in Paris. In reality, the town is merely a great fortress and barracks, and is famous for its arsenal, and for its school for the practice of shooting. At the latter the Chasseurs de Vincennes, and all the best marksmen of the army, are trained. Among the famous men who have been confined in this fortress may be mentioned Henry IV., the Prince of CondÉ, Cardinal de Retz, Mirabeau, and the Duc d’Enghein, who was shot in the moat of the castle by order of Bonaparte.

Vincent, St. An island in the West Indies; it was long neutral, but at the peace of 1703 the French agreed that the right to it should be vested in the English. The latter soon after engaged in a war against the Caribs, on the windward side of the island, who were obliged to consent to a peace. In 1779 the Caribs greatly contributed to the reduction of this island by the French, who, however, restored it in 1783. In 1795 the French landed some troops, and again instigated the Caribs to insurrection, which was not subdued for several months.

Vincible. Capable of being overcome or subdued; conquerable.

Vindelicia. A Roman province south of the Danube, bounded on the north by the Danube which separated it from Germany, on the west by the territory of the Helveti in Gaul, on the south by RhÆtia, and on the east by the river Œnus (now Inn). It was originally part of the province of RhÆtia, and was conquered by Tiberius in the reign of Augustus. The southern portion of this province was inhabited by the Vindelici, a warlike people. The other tribes in Vindelicia were the Brigantii, the Licatii, and the Brunii. Vindelicia fell into the hands of the Alemanni in the 4th century, and from this time the population of the country appears to have been entirely Germanized.

Vinegar. In transportation by water vinegar is essential to the comfort of horses, and should be freely used by sponging their mouths and noses repeatedly, and also their mangers. A small portion of vinegar drank with water supplies the waste of perspiration of men in the field. It is better than rum or whisky; it allays thirst, and men who use it avoid the danger of drinking cold water when heated, and are not fevered as they are too apt to be by the use of spirituous liquors.

Vinegar-Hill. Near Enniscorthy, in Wexford, Southeast Ireland. Here the Irish rebels encamped and committed many outrages in the surrounding country. They were gradually surrounded by the British troops, commanded by Lake, June 21, 1798, and after a fierce struggle, with much slaughter, totally dispersed.

Violence. See Appendix, Articles of War, 21 and 56.

Vireton (Fr.). An arrow formerly made very long, light, and so feathered as to revolve round its own axis; also called vire.

Virginia. One of the thirteen original United States of America, and is bounded on the north by Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia, east by Maryland and the Atlantic Ocean, south by North Carolina and Tennessee, and west by Kentucky and West Virginia. The shores of Virginia were first explored by Sebastian Cabot, 1498, and again under the auspices of Sir Walter Raleigh in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, in whose honor it was named; was first settled by an English colony, on the James River, May 13, 1607, which consisted mostly of gentlemen of fortune, and persons of no occupation. The friendly Indians sold them land and provisions; but the diseases of a damp climate swept off half the settlers the first autumn. The energy of Capt. John Smith saved the colony from destruction; and in 1609 it was reinforced by 500 persons, who were reduced by sickness and starvation to 60. They had embarked to abandon the settlement, when Lord Delaware came with emigrants and supplies. In 1622 the colony was reduced by wars and massacres from 4000 to 2500; but in 1624 it became a crown colony, and increased, so that in 1649 there were 15,000 English and 300 negroes in it. In 1754, the colonial militia took part in the French war; and Maj. George Washington took part in Gen. Braddock’s campaign. In 1769, Thomas Jefferson, a member of the House of Burgesses, asserted for the colony the right of self-taxation, denying the right of Parliament to tax the colonies. In 1773, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Henry Lee were appointed a committee to confer with the other colonies, and urged upon their delegates the Declaration of Independence. Virginia, the earliest settled, largest, and most populous of the thirteen original States, called the Old Dominion, was the first to propose the confederacy and the Constitution. On April 17, 1861, this State passed the ordinance of secession. The Confederate government was invited to Richmond, which became the centre of military operations. Virginia was occupied by the Federal troops during the whole of the civil war, and a great many hotly-contested battles were fought on her soil. The State was restored to the Union, January 26, 1870.

Virginia, West. A new State of the American Union, and separated from the above, because antagonistic in political interests; it was organized in August, 1861, and admitted into the Union by act of Congress, December 31, 1862, taking effect June 20, 1863. The State comprises 52 counties, lying west of the Alleghanies.

Virole. In heraldry, the hoop, ring, or mouth-piece of a bugle or hunting-horn.

Viroled. In heraldry, furnished with a virole or viroles.

Visigoths. See Goths.

Visit, To. To go to any place, as guard quarters, barracks, hospital, etc., for the purpose of noticing whether the orders or regulations which have been issued respecting it are observed.

Visiting Officer. He whose duty it is to visit the guards, barracks, messes, hospital, etc. The same as orderly officer.

Visor. That part of the helmet which covers the face.

Vitrified Forts. The name given to certain remarkable stone inclosures bearing traces of the action of fire, about 50 of which exist in various parts of Scotland. They are generally situated on a small hill, overlooking a considerable valley, and consist of a wall, which may have originally been about 12 feet in height, inclosing a level area on the summit of a hill. The most remarkable feature of these structures is, that the wall is always more or less consolidated by the action of fire,—in some cases only giving a glassy coating to its inner side, while in other instances the vitrification has been most complete, the ruins assuming the character of vast masses of coarse glass.

Vittoria. A town of Spain, the chief town of the province of Alava, 30 miles southeast from Bilboa. This place is the site of a brilliant victory obtained by Wellington over the French army commanded by Joseph Bonaparte, king of Spain, and Marshal Jourdan, June 21, 1813. The hostile armies were nearly equal, from 70,000 to 75,000 each. After a long and fearful battle, the French were driven, towards evening, through the town of Vittoria, and in their retreat were thrown into irretrievable confusion. The British loss was 22 officers and 479 men killed; 167 officers and 2640 men wounded. Marshal Jourdan lost 151 pieces of cannon, 451 wagons of ammunition, all his baggage, provisions, cattle, and treasure, with his baton as marshal of France. Continuing the pursuit on the 25th, Wellington took Jourdan’s only remaining gun.

VivandiÈre. In continental armies, and especially that of France, a female attendant in a regiment, who sells spirits and other comforts, ministers to the sick, marches with the corps, and contrives to be a universal favorite. Although a familiar friend to all, these women contrive to maintain themselves respectable, and generally respected; and a corps is usually extremely jealous of the slightest discourtesy being shown to its vivandiÈre. The woman wears the uniform of the regiment, short petticoats taking the place of the man’s tunic.

Vlissingen, or Flushing. See Flushing.

Vocontii. A powerful and important people in Gallia Narbonensis, inhabiting the southeastern part of DauphinÉ, and a part of Provence. They were allowed by the Romans to live under their own laws, and, though in a Roman province, they were the allies and not the subjects of Rome.

Voided. In heraldry, having the inner part cut away or left vacant, a narrower border being left at the sides, the color of the field being seen in the vacant space;—said of a charge or ordinary.

Voider. In heraldry, one of the ordinaries, whose figure is much like that of the flanch or flasque.

Volant. In heraldry, flying. A bird volant is represented flying bendways towards the dexter side of the shield; and its position may be distinguished from that of a bird rising, by the legs being drawn up towards the body.

Volant. A piece of steel on a helmet, presenting an acute angle to the front.

VolcÆ. A powerful Celtic people in Gallia Narbonensis, divided into the two tribes of the VolcÆ Tectosages and the VolcÆ Arecomici, extending from the Pyrenees and the frontiers of Aquitania along the coast as far as the Rhone. They lived under their own laws, without being subject to the Roman governor of the province, and they also possessed the Jus Latii. The Tectosages inhabited the western part of the country from the Pyrenees as far as Narbo, and the Arecomici the eastern part from Narbo to the Rhone. A portion of the Tectosages left their native country under Brennus, and were one of the three great tribes into which the Galatians in Asia Minor were divided.

Volhynia. A frontier government of West Russia, bounded on the southwest by Galicia, and on the west by Poland, from which it is separated by the river Bug. Volhynia in early times belonged to the ancient Russians, but was conquered by the Lithuanians and Poles in 1320, and remained in their hands till its annexation to Russia in 1798.

Volley. The simultaneous discharge of a number of fire-arms.

Volokolamsk. A town of Russia in Europe, in the government of Moscow, 60 miles northwest from Moscow. It has suffered many misfortunes, having been twice plundered and almost destroyed by the Tartars, and taken by the Poles in 1613.

Volsci. An ancient people in Latium, but originally distinct from the Latins, dwelt on both sides of the river Liris, and extended down to the Tyrrhene Sea. Their language was nearly allied to the Umbrian. They were from an early period engaged in almost unceasing hostilities with the Romans, and were not completely subdued by the latter till 338 B.C., from which time they disappear from history.

Volsinii, or Vulsinii (now Bolsena). Called Velsina, or Velsuna, by the Etruscans, one of the most ancient and most powerful of the twelve cities of the Etruscan Confederation, was situated on a lofty hill on the northeastern extremity of the lake called after it, Lacus Volsiniensis and Vulsiniensis (now Lago di Bolsena). Volsinii is first mentioned in 392 B.C., when its inhabitants invaded Roman territory, but were easily defeated by the Romans, and were glad to purchase a twenty years’ truce on humiliating terms. The Volsiniensis also carried on war with the Romans in 311, 294, and 280, but were on each occasion defeated, and in the last of these years appear to have been finally subdued. On their final subjugation their city was razed to the ground by the Romans, and its inhabitants were compelled to settle on a less defensible site in the plain.

Voltigeurs. Are picked companies of irregular riflemen in the French regiments. They are selected for courage, great activity, and small stature. It is their privilege to lead the attack.

Volturno. A river of Naples, which rises in the province of Sannio or Molise, and, after a course of 90 miles, falls into the Gulf of Gaeta 20 miles from Naples. A great battle was fought on the banks of this river in 1800, between the troops of Francis II., king of Naples, and the followers of Garibaldi.

Volunteers. See Militia.

Vorant. In heraldry, a term applied to an animal represented as swallowing another; as, sable, a dolphin naiant, vorant a fish proper.

Vossem, Peace of. Between the elector of Brandenburg and Louis XIV. of France; the latter engaged not to assist the Dutch against the elector; signed June 6, 1673.

Votes. See Finding.

Vougle, or VouillÉ (Southwest France; near Poitiers). Here Alaric, king of the Visigoths, was defeated and slain by Clovis, king of France, 507. Clovis immediately after subdued the whole country from the Loire to the Pyrenees, and thus his kingdom became firmly established. A peace followed between the Franks and the Visigoths, who had been settled above one hundred years in that part of Gaul called Septimania.

Vulned. A heraldic term, applied to an animal, or part of an animal,—as, for example, a human heart, wounded, and with the blood dropping from it.

Vulnerable. Susceptive of wounds; liable to external injuries; capable of being taken; as, the town is extremely vulnerable in such a quarter. It is also applied to military dispositions; as, the army was vulnerable in the centre, etc. An assemblage of men without arms, or with arms but without discipline, or having discipline and arms, without officers, are vulnerable.