Rod wrote:
These then form four close columns of regiments, the
second battalion behind the first. The columns close laterally to a single
battalion deploying distance. When each battalion deploys they will be in two
lines, the first line of all the 1st battalions of the 4 regiments and the
second line of the 2nd battalions.

Rod:
It is clear to me now , and Ralph has helped a great deal. Your reading makes sense and agrees with Ralph. However, I find the call to go to columns of regiments a curious extra step when two lines are being formed. It means bringing together two battalions into contact as a single column on the way to form two lines that will typically be a hundred or so yards apart on the battlefield. Forming lines following Ney's instructions would have the lines less than 30 yards apart once deployed. [12 ranks deep plus spacing for the battalion column in four divisions.]

Certainly 'fixing it' is no big problem. The first line simply marches out to the desired distance from the second. It does imply that it is easier forming a single column before deploying, than marching one battalion out 100 yards behind the one in front before deploying. The concern about alignment is clear in Ney's instructions. bring four columns within deployment distance would be easier to do than eight in two lines 100 yards apart.

Best Regards,

Bill H.