VEDETTE, in war, a sentinel on horseback, with his horse's head towards the place whence any danger is to be feared, and his carbine advanced, with the butt-end against his right thigh. When the enemy has encamped, there are vedettes posted at all the avenues, and on all the rising grounds, to watch for its security.
The vedettes to the out-posts should always be double, for the following reasons: First, that whenever they make any discovery, one may be detached to the commanding officer of the out-posts; secondly, that they may keep each other watchful; and thirdly, that the vigilance of both may render it impossible for any thing to come near them without being seen. They should be at no greater distance from their detachment than 80 or 100 paces.