C^s 2H53
George Washington Flowers Memorial Collection _
DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
ESTABLISHED BY THE
FAMILY OF
COLONEL FLOWERS
* ?
/ /
THE
SOLDIER'S COMPANION:
CONTAINING
AN ABRIDGEMENT OF HARDEE'S INFAN- TRY TACTICS ;
WITH THE
HEAVY IXFANTRY AXD RIFLE MANUALS,
SKIRMISH DRILL AND BAYONET EXERCISE, FIELD FORTIFICATION,
PICKET AND OUTPOSTDUTY,
WITH VARIOCS REGULATIONS, FORMS, 40., THAT WILL BS
FOUND USEFUL TO THE SOLDIER IN CAMP
AND ON THE MARCH ;
WITH AN APPENDIX CONTAINIXG . FANCY MOVEiMENTS FOR VOLUNTEER COMPANIES, UNIFORM AND 1)RES3 OF THE ARMY, &0.
By Capt. GEO. C. LEWIS,
PROVIS10NA.L ARMY OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES.
RALEIGH, N. C. : JOHN SPEfiMAN, PRINTICR, OFFICE STATE JOURNAL.
1803.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862.
By Capt. GEO. C. LEWIS,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Confed- erate States, for the District of Pamlico, !^fo^th Carolina.
TO THE
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS
OF THB
NORTH CxVKOLTNA TROOPS,
THIS LITTLE VOLUME 13 AFFECTION'ATELT AXl) IIESFKOTFCLLT INSCRIBED.
340901
PREFACE.
The following paj^es of this Uttle votunie hare been pre- pared and compiled by the undersigned, with the view of supplying what he believes to be an important want of the Officers and Soldiers, constituting^ the army of the Con- federate States. It embracoB an abridgment of Harder's Infantry TAorics, with the Heavy Infantry and Riflo Manuals, adapted to the use of either the Percussion Mus- ket or the Enfield Rifle; also the Skirmish Drill and Bayo- onet Exercise, and a Sysopsis of Field Fortification, Picket and Outpost Ddtt, and the Regulations as to Parade?, Reviews, Inspections, Guard-moKntings, Ac.
It contains nvany suggestions that the practical soldier needs in camp and on the march, with various forms that are essentially necessary in a work ot this kind, such as guard-repoftSjIofhcers and soldiers, pay accotints, fur-r loughs, leaves of absence, &c.
It has been the object of the compiler, in the prepara- tion of this work, to embrace as much as possible in the emalieit limit, as he knows from experience how inconve- nient it is, in an active campaign, for an officer or soldier to be lugging around several works, when all that he need* might easily be combined in on«.
TVyETXCZ.
Under the head of Firxn Fortification, the author hi's introduced only so much as will enable the inexperienced foldier, in case of necessity, to throw up temporary breast- works for the protection of his men, or to enable them the better to hold some important point to which they may have been assigned. In a war like the one at present waged between the Confederate and United States, where there is such an extented frontier, it is very essential that every soldier, and especially every officer, should knoiv something of field fortification.
During the winter campaign of 1861 and 1862, on the Potomac, and more recently when the City of Richmond was beseiged b}' the enemy, the compiler paw many in- stances where young and inexperienced officers, were by force of circumstances, placed in positions that rendered it exceedingly necessary that they should.have a knowledge of entrenching and erecting temporary breastworks.
In the appendix will be found the regulations as pre- scribed by the War Department for the dress and uniform of the army ; also^ some movements that are intended prin- cipally for volunteer companies in times of peace on their public parades. They were translated from a French work written by M. DuPre' and were used by the compiler previous to the war.
The undersigned presents tl is little volume to his fellow soldiers, with the knowledge that it contains many defics- encies, but assures them that none but official works and those most in repute have been coniulted in the selection of its contents.
It was prepared during the long weary hours when the author wsiB confined to bis room from disease contracted
in cttmp, and was written partially to relieve t\ie monotony of the sick-room, and with the hope that though prevent- cd at that time fr<tm being in active service, he still might do something to aid t-lie glorious cause for which our brave people are so gallantly stmggling^ and should this work be tlie means of imparting to a brother soldier one item of information that he otherwise would not have known, the author will feel amply rewarded for his trouble.
GEO. C. LEWIS. Balej<5m, X, C, January, 18^-
INTRODUCTION,
DIRECTIONS FOR CONDUCTING DRILLS,
A good method of instruction in military discipline, should exclude everything that is unnatural or not appli- cable to actual military eervice in action* If anything be admitted at any time in the parades of show, mounting guard, or the like, it should be taught separately, and after the principles of a rational discipline are well estab- lished.
It is too much the practice to commit the charge of the elementary drills to non-commissioned officers, by which many great evils are produced. No officer can expect to command a company, much less a regiment, ( to which evei y officer should through merit aspire,) unless he has had practical experience; and in no circumstances can an officer so soon acquire the habit of command, or learn the mode of instruction and the effect of discipline, as by per- sonall}' conducting the drill of his men. By devolvino' these first duties on non-commissioned officers, the com- missioned officers remain ignorant and timid ; and the chance of finding non-commissioned officers who can clearly comprehend and eacplain the principles of a gool
X TXJKODlCTIfyy.
discipline, u not one in. twenty ; from which cause it is twenty to one t^at the reeraits are imperfectl}' or errone- ously taught.
He, therefore, who has the charge of a drill, or who teaches others, should not be himself ignorant j nor should he be offended at the ignorance of those who never had an opportunity to learn — he should be patient, but firmj generous, but without relaxing from the strictness of duty ; he should command his own temper, in order to secure re- ipect ; and he shouid never be tired of rendering what be teaches intelligible,, Every word should be explained, and a single explanation to those whom he is to teach, will not be sufficient — every man in the drill should understand every word that is used, and the use ot every motion and movement he makes j and personal actions should be used as examples wherever practicable ; so that whenever a word is used, or a movement commanded, not only the word shall be familiar to the ear by repeated use and illus- tration, but the movement itself, by frequent practice, familiar to the eye.
AUdrills should, therefore, be superintended or conducted by a commissioned otlicerywho should always keep in mind, that discipline is as necessary for him who teaches, as for those that are taught. He should, therefore, be careful that he acts personally according to the manner he teaches, and that his own motions conform to the principles ho gives ; he should keep in mind that the soldier very soon discovers the capacity of the officer; and that unless the officer possesses skill himself, he cannot expect the soldiers to confide in him, nor to respect him ; they may be made to fear his power, but the fonfiidence which is most pre-
fNTROniTOTIOX. if
cious to a good ofllcer, is that which arises out of the voluntary esteem and respect, produced by the gene- rosity of his conduct and the skill which he manifests in the discharge of his duty ; when he treats those OTcr whom he is placed, as men. w^hose hapiness and credit he studies, rather than as slaves over whom he has the right to tyranise. The celebrate 1 General Lloyd, speaking of the German discipline, reprobates its Bavage character by observing: *' that blows may make a man a coward, but never made a hero."
The instructor of a drill should be of a cheerful, but firm disposition; he must have discernment and good sense to know that as the habits of persons newly entering upon military exercises have been formed differently, that they cannot be expected to change their habits suddenly, or embrace habitsat once different from those they hare been accustomed to.
It should be explained that the first lessons of the posi- tion— the /aciii ga-^-ihe step and toheelivg, are only like the first lessons ia leading and writing ; that it is requisite to practice them often, aud ta perform them with the greatest exactness in the first beginnings, in order to c.Try the samo correctness and exactness into more enlarged practice.
That the duties of a company are the same as^e duties of a regiment and of a whole array—that the whole of the military art consists In marching, facing and reheeling, according to the rules which experience has proved to be the most effective ; and that without perfec. ion in these particulars, arms would be of ]jtt!c or Jio usn, opposed ro troops who fire v,'oll disciplined,
IJiTRODUeTIOK.
These instructions should be introduced in familiar and persuasive language, as advice, rather than command ; always ivith good temper and kindness — ahuae never 1 1
The advantages and security of a good discipHne should be constantly brought into view ; and the necessity of inarching correctly ever equal spaces in equal times, should be hinted at as being the means by which the whole power and strength of a line or column is brought to bear at the same instant.
No opportunity should be lost, that is practicable, to present to the eye of the soldier the manner of any opera- tion which he is to perform. A well disciplined man pre- sented in front, whose actions may accord with the com- mand, and who may be seen by the whole of the drill, will have an excellent eflect in producing a ready understand- ing, It is much easier to imitate what is seen, than to execute what is barely described. The variety of habits, and the different signification of the same word in the un- derstanding of different persons, render verbal descriptions generally imperfect. There can pbe no mistake by the eye, and every word should be explained which may not be otherwise understood.
The€fcmpiler of this work, would particularly and earn- estly suggest that officers be careful in their treatment of those under their command. In some armies, the mind and feelings of the man are never studied; his passions are never called forth, except to excite terror and hatred of his officers ; and. there have been men who have held, that the army should be more a£raid of their own General than of the enemy I But we mu«t reprobate such ignor- ance of human nature, " He who attempts to govern by
IVTRODUCTIOK. rfn
ihe lash," laid Timoub ''knows not how to govern."— There is no incompatibility in exciting the generous affec- tions of the soldier, with the principles of discipline. Cruelty may make cowards and deserters, but in never made a good, faithful, honorable soldier.
Officers have only to convince soldiers that they under- stand their own duties, and the soldiers will respect them ; officers have only to demonstrate that they are soldiers* friends, and they may lead them to the cannon's mouth, or in the face of the death dealing bullet, with an enthusiasm that never fails to triumph when regulated by discipline. The triumphs of the French armies, in which no man is ever beaten with a cane, and in which whipping never was known, clearly evince the futile barbarity of military punishments, by the lash, or by any species of degiading torture. The humblest bred man that fills the ranks of an army, is as susceptible of the sentiment of glory, and honor, and shame, as the proudest captain that ever car- ried a plume.
The principle of discipline most prevalent is terror, cruelty and degradation— the soldier is treated as an out- cast of the earth, and however different he may be when he enters the ranks, the manni r of his treatment too often transforms him into the miserable slave which he is pre- supposed to be.
This treatment is inconsistent with reason and humanity. Officers should remember that the great majority of the privates who constitute the Confederate army, and who are so gallantly exposing themselves to the rigors and hardships of a soldier's life— in the defence of our countrj-, aio not of the material that compose other armies and
xir iNTROnccnON.
that in thousands of cases, they are the cherished jtod loved idol of some household circle.
Besides, it is not neccsaary to discipline or subordination. A generous, aflectionate, and cherishing courtesy, will overcome the most hardened villian, and where it fails, cruelty or barbarity vrill never succeed.
The line between familiarity and kind conduct, is easily drawn by men of sense, conscious of themselves. None but incompetent men will treat a soldier in the ranks with contempt or cruelt3% O-n the parade, good temper and good manners should never be absent. Haughtiness is in- compatible with true dignity ; openness, generosity and firmness, constitute the true deportment which inspires respect without exciting fear; which commands with de- cision, and is obeyed implicitly, and which is inflexible only in the discharge of duty.
In the manner of command, much depends upon the clearness and distinctness of the utterance of him who teaches. At drill, he must not be spai'ing of explanation, but on parade he gives no instruction ; he commands only, and sees that what he orders, be executed promptly and properly.
It is observed by the British General Dundas, with a degree of truth that cannot be too strongly impressed upon the mind of every man who holds a military commission — " That the complete instruction of an officer enlarges with his situation and at last takes in the whole circle of mili- tary science. But an oflicer who cannot thoroughly 'dis- cipline and exercise the body entrusted to his command, large or small, is not fit, in time of service, to lead it against an enemy; he cannot be cool and collected in time
nvTiioouci'iox. ^^
of danger; he cannot profit by circamstanccs, from his inability to comprehend ivhatis doing by the enemy, or what is necessary to be done against them, to direct it properly. The fate cf many depend on his well or ill ac- quitting himself of his duty ; for it is not suflicient to ad- vance with bravery ; it is requsite to possess that degree of intelligence, which should distinguish every officer, ac- cording to his station. Soldiers will not act with spirit or animation, when they have no reliance on he capacity of thoffc who conduct i.hem/'
The intention of all discipline is to auppy a kind of arti- ficial instinct, and to make this uniform throughout the whole mass of an army, so that whenever an operation is required to be performed by an army, no wore is requisite than to assign stations to the several divisions^ and appoint the time whe'n the movements commence, or when the concert of operations should meet and produce the effect required.
To discipline men well, there must be a familiar, compre- hensible, and rational method.
The more simple it is, the more easily it is understood^ the better will it be executed.
To this end, the language must be that of the science' and it must be taught and explained with clearness.
There must be nothing unnecessary or unnatural in the svstem. Every operation and movement should be exe- cuted exactly as required, in the shortest period of time, and occupying the least possible space in which it can be accomplished.
As all discipline is intended for action^ and not for parade^ discipline should be directed to inculcate that which is
adapted to action only, as fundamental, and to make all that appertains to parade, secondary — action must never be 'ost sight of in teaching discipline.
It may be proper to remark here, for the information of those who are not alread}' conversant in the subject, that many of the words of instruction, direction, and precau- tion, employed in the drill, cease to be employed when the battalion is completed in its discipline. Numerous words and commands are used in the elementary instruc- tion, which are no longer required to be employed, though their application and practical use are never to be omitted. These directions cannot be made too familiar. .
Officers should remember that there are three kinds of commands, viz :
The command of caution, which is attention.
The 2)reparatory command, which indicates the move- ment which is to be executed.
The command of execution, such as march or halt, or in the manual of arms, the part of command which causes an execution.
The tone of command should be animated, distinct, and of a loudness proportioned to the number of men under instruction.
The command attention, is pronounced at the top of the voice, dwelling on the last syllable.
The command of execution will be pronounced in a tone firm and brief.
THE SOLDIER'S COMPANION.
PART FIRST
Position of the Soldier and Squad Drill.
The correct position of the soldier, and the drill of the squad, being the ground work of proficiency in all mili- tary exercises, it is exceedingly necessary that the men should fix and keep their attention upon the instructor— who should be as clear and concise as possible in his in- structions and explanations, and should endeavor to habitu- ate kiraself and men, by precept and example, to that com- posure and presence of mind which is so essentially re quisite in drilling and instructing recruits.
Great care should bo taken in learning them the correct position at first, as considerable difficulty is sometimes experienced in their further progress when they have been incorrectly taught in the beginning,
In most cases it is impracticable to instruct recruits in squads of less than four or eight men at a time.
Position of the Soldier.
1. Heels on the same line and as close together as the conformation of the man will permit, the feet turned out equally and forming with each other something lese than
2 I'OSITIOX OF TUB SOLIJ.KK.
a right angle ; knees straight without stiffness ; body erect on the hips, inclining a little forward ; shoulders square and falling equally ; arms hanging naturally ; elbows near the body ; palms of the hands turned a little to the front, the little fingers behind the seam of the pantaloons ; head erect and square to the front, without constraint; china little drawn in and near the stock without covering it; eyes fixed straight to the front and striking the ground at about fifteen paqes.
2. The instructor having given the recruit the position of the soldier without arms, will now teach him the turn- ing of the head and eyes ; he will command :
1. Eyes — Right. 2. Front.
3. At the word righ*, the recruit will turn the head gently to the right, so as to bring the inner corner of the left eye in a line with the centre of the body, the eye fixed on the line of the eyes of the men in, or supposed to be in the same rank. At the word front, resume the direct position.
4. The movement of eyes — Left will be executed by in- Terse means.
5. The instructor will take care that the movement of the head does not derange the squareness of the shoulders.
Rest.
6. At the command rest, stand at ease.
7. When the instructor wishes to cause a resumption of the habitual position, he will command :
POSITION OP THE SOLDIER. J
• • 1. Attention. 2. Sqdad.
8. At the first word, the recruit will fix his attention : at the second, he will resume the prescribed position and steadiness.
-^ Facings.
1. Squad. 2. lii(jht (or left)— Face.
9. At the second command, raise the right foot slightly, turn to the right (or left,) on the left heel, raising th'^ toe a little, and then replace the right heel, by the side of the left, and on the same line.
10. At the command front, turn on the left heel so as to regain the first position, and replace the right heel by the side of the left.
11. To full face to the rear (or front), the command will be given :
1. Squad. 2. About — Fack.
12. At the word about, turn on the left heel, bi-ing the left toe to the front, carry the right foot to the rear, the hollow opposite to and full three inches from the left heel, the feet square to each other.
13. At the word face, turn on both heels, raise the toes a little, extend the thighs and face to the rear, -bringing, at the same time, the right heel by the side of the left.
14. The instructor will take care that the?o motions do not derange tho position of tlio body.
4 POSITIOX OF THE SOLDIER.
The Direct Step ■ ♦
15. The direct step, or pace, in coimnon time, is ttventy eight inches, reckoning from heel to heel and at the rate of ninety a minute.
16. The instructor wishing to instruct the recruit in the principles of this step, will place himself six or eight paces in front and facing him. He will then execute the step slowlj, by way of illustration, and command :
1. Squad foi'tvard. 2. Common time. 3. March.
17. At the first command, feel the weight of the body on the right leg, without bending the left knee.
18. At the command march, step off with the left foot, carrying it straight forward twenty-eight inches from the right, the solencar the ground, the ham extended, the toe a little depressed, and, as also the knee, slightly turned out ; at the same time, throw the weight' of the body for- ward, and plant flat the left foot, without shock, precisely at the distance where it finds itself from the right, when the weight of the body is brought forward, the whole of which will now rest on the advanced foot. Next, in like manner, advance the right foot and plant it as above, the heel twenty-eight inches from the heel of the left foot, and thus continue to march, without crossing the legs, or striking the one against the other, without turning the shoulders, and preserving always the face direct to the front.
19. The instructor wishing the squad to halt, will com- mand: .
L Squad. 2. Halt,
20. At the command halt, which will be given at the instant either foot is coming to the ground, the foot in the
POSITION OF Tllfi vSOLDIER. 5
rear will be brought up, and planted by the side of the other, without shock.
The Quich-Stej).
21. The principles of the step in quick time are the same as for common time, but its swiftness is at the rate of one hundred and ten steps p^r minute. As soon as the recruit has the required steadiness, and has become established in the manual of arms, and in the mechanism of the step i common time, he will be practiced only in quick time, the double quick, and the run. " When the time is not indicat- ed in the preparatory command, the squad will always move in quick time.
22. Thi! instructor wishing to march in quich time, will command :
1. Squad, forward. 2. March.
23. At the command march, the squad will step off and continue to march in quick time.
The Double Quick-Step.
24. The length of the double quick-step is thirty-three inches, and its swiftness at the rate of one hundred and sixty-five steps per minute.
25. The instructor wishing to teach the recruit the prin- ciples cf this step, will command :
1. Double qinch-Htep. 2. March.
26. At the first command, raise the hands to a level with the hips, the hands closed, the nails towards the body, the elbows to the rear.
C POSITION OF TIIF. SOl.DIEH.
27. At the second command, raise to the front the left leg bent to its greatest elevation, the part of the leg be- tween the knee and inst(»p vertical, the toe depressed ; replace the foot in its former po.^ition ; execute with the right leg what has just boen prescribed for the left, and continue the alternate movement of the legs until the com- mand :
1. S'itiad. 2. Halt.
28. At the command halt, bring the foot which is raised by the side of the other, drop the hands to the side, and resume the position of the soldier.
29. The instructor should phice 'himself six or eight paces from, and facing the recruit, and indicate the ca- dence bj the commands one and two, given alternately, as each foot is brought to the ground.
30. The recruit being sufficiently established in tho principles of this step, the instructor will command :
1. Squad, forward. 2, Double quick. 3. Makch.
31. At the first command, throw the weight of the body on the right leg.
32. At the second, place the arms as indicated in No. 26. 53. At the third, carry forward the left foot, the leg
slightly bent, the knee raised, plant the left foot, toe first, thirty-three inches from the right, and with the right foot execute what has just been prescribed for the left. This alternate movement of the legs will take place by throwing the weight of tho body on the foot that is plant- ed, and by allowing a natural oscillatory motion of the- arms.
rOSITION or THH; SOLDIK!;. < ,
24. The instructor should cautien the recnuit to breathe as much as possible through the nose, k-oping the moutfa closed, as it will enable him to go a mncli longer distance, without experiencing the fatigue that he otherwise would.
The. Run.
35. The recruits will also be exercised in running.
36. The principles are the same as for (he double quick gtep, the only diflference consisting in a ;;rcater degree of swiftness.
Aligmnenis.
57. The instructor will at first teach the recruits to align themselves man by man, in order the better to make them comprehend the principles of alignment ; to this end he will command the two men on the right flank to march to the front, and having aligned them, ho will cause the remainder of the squad to more up, as thoy may ba suc- cessively called, each by bis number, and align themselves successively on the line of the first two men.
38. Each recruit, as designated by his number, will turn the head and eyes to the right as prescribed in No. 3, and will march in quick time two paces forward, shortening the last so as to find himself about six inches behind the new alignment, which he ought never to pass ; he wil» next move up steadily by steps of two or three inches, the thighs extended, to the side of the man next to him on the alignment, so that, without deranging the head, the
8 rOSITIOX OF lilE SOLnil'R.
line of the eyes, or that of the shoulders, he inay find himself in the exact line of his neighbor, whose elbow he will lightly touch without opening his own.
39. The instructor eeeing the rank well aligned, will command :
FRONT.
40. At this, the recruits will turn their ejes to the front and remain firm.
41. Alignments to the left will be executed on the same principles.
42. "When the recruits shall have learned to align them- selves correctly, the instructor will cause the entire rank to align itself at once by the command :
Bight (or left) Dress.
43. At this, the rank, except the two men placed in ad- vance as a basis of alignment, will more up in quick time, and place themselves on the new line as prescribed in No. 38.
44. The instructor will carefully observe that the princi- ples are followed, and will place himself on the flank that has served as a basis, to see that the alignment is correct.
45. The instructor seeing the rank aligned, will com- mand :
FRONT.
46. Alignments to the rear will be executed on the same principles, the recruits stepping back a little beyond the
POSITION' OF A SOLDIER. \f
line, am^ thon dressing up according to the principles pre- scribed in No. 38, the instructor commanding :
1. Biffht (or left) backtcard—DR^m.
To March to (he Front.
47. The rank being correctly aligned, when the instruc- tor shall wish to causa it to march to the front, he will place a well instructed man on the right or left, according to the side on which he may wish theguid' to be, and command :
1. Squad, foncnrd. 2. Guide right {ov left.) 3. March.
48. At the command march, the rank will step off smart- ly with the left foot ; the guide will take care to march straight to the front, keeping hia shoulder in a square with that line.
49. The men 'hould touch lightly the elbow towards the side of the guide, be careful not to open out the left el- bow nor the right arm, yield to the pressure coming from the side of the guide, and resist that coming from the o{>- posite side.
50. They should keep the head direct to the front, no matter on which side the guide may be, and if found be- fore or behind the alignment, the man in fault must cor- rect himself by shortening or lengthening the step, by degrees, almost insensible.
51. The instructor will labor to cause the recruits to
10 ror^iTTOx of thr soldier.
comprehend that the alignment can only be preserved, in snarching, but bv the regularity of the step, the touch of the elbow, and the maiutainance of the shouldera in & square with tkQ line of direction.
62. The squad being in mirch, the instructor wishing to march them obliquely, will command:
I. Itigkt (or left) obli-^ue. 2. Makch.
53. At the second command, each man will make a half face to the right (or left) and will then march straight forward in the new direction. As the men no longer touch elbows, they should glance along the shoulders of the near- est files towards the side to which they are obliquing, and should regulate their steps so that the shoulders shall al- ways be behind that of their next neighbor on that side, and that his head shall conceal the heads of the other mem in the rank.
54. The men sh«uld preserve the same length of pace and the same degree of obliquity.
55. The instructor wishing to resume the primitive di- rection, will command :
I. Foru-ard. 2. March,
56. At the second command, each man will make a half face to the left (or right) and all will then march straight to the front, as in the direct march.
57. The squad being at a halt, if the instructor should wish, to march it in the back step, he will command:
1. Squadlacl-iOKtrd. 2. Guide right {ov left.) 3. Miuoir.
l-H. At the oouiinand marrh, the recruit will step off
Kosrrio.v ok ihk solltier. 11
smartly with the left foot fourtecu inches to tho rear, reckoning from heel to' heel, and so on with the fset in succession, till the command halt, which will always be preceded by the cauti'>n, tSquacl.
59. The men will halt promptly at this command and bring the foot in front by the side of the other.
60. This step will ahra3'S be execnted in quick time.
To Mirk Time.
01. The .'quad marching in the direct step in common or quick time, the instructor will command :
1. 3fark time. 2. March.
62. At the command march, which will ho, given at the instant either foot is coming to the groind, make a sem- blance of marching, by advancing flr?t one foot and then the other, always bringing back the advanced foot and placing its heel by the side of the heel of the other.
To Change Step.
63. The squad being in march, the instructor will com- mand :
1. Change step. 2. March.
Gi. At the second coiwraand, which will be given at the instant cither foot is coming to the ground, bring up quickly the foot in the rear to the side of that just come to the ground, and step olV v.ilh the latter.
12 rosuiox OF ruK soldieu.
65. The squad marching in common, quick or double quick time, and the instructor wishing to face it about, will command :
J. Sqnad, right about. 2. MA.aCH.
66. At the comjiand march, which will be given the instant the left foot is coming t» the ground, bring this foot to the ground, and turning on it, face to the rear, then place the right foot in the new direction, and step off with the left foot.
67. If the squad be marching and the instructor wishes to bring it to a halt and faced to the rear, he will com- mand :
1. Sqnad, right about. 2. Halt.
08. At the command halt, which will be given as the left foot is coming to the ground, bring this foot to the ground, and turning on it face to the rear, then bring the right foot to the side of the left.
69. The squad being at a halt, the instructor wishing to move it to the right on the same line, will command :
1. Side step to the right. 2. March.
70. At the second command, each man will glance his eyes to the right, and at the same time carry his right foot about tcMi inches to the '•ight, and instantly bring up his left foot, and so on, the whole with perfect precision of time.
71. The shoulders must be kept square to the front, and
13 rOSITIOiV OF THE ROLPIBR.
each man perceptibly halting, when he has closed on the fixed point, or on the man next to him.
72. When the instructor shall wish the squad to halt, he will command : **
1. Squad. 2. Halt.
73. At the command halt, bring up the left foot to the Bide of the right, and stand firm.
74. To change the position by aide step to the left it will be executed on the same principles by inverse means.
To March by the Flanh.
75. The rank being at a halt and correctly alligned, the instructor will command :
Count ttcos,
6. At this command the men count from right to left, pronouncing in a loud and distinct voice, in the same tone, and without turning the head, one, two, according to the place which he occupies.
77. This being accomplished, the instructor will com- mand :
1. Squad, right — Face. 2. Fornard. 3. March.
78. At the command face, the squad will face to tho right; the even numbered men after facing to the right, will step quickly to the side of tho odd numbered men, the latter standi^ng fast, so that when the movement is executed, the men wi;l be formed into files of two abreast*
1-i *tllLIUl- (»1- 1111', SyLAll.
70. Xt the command march, tlie equitd will jstep oft' smartly with the lePt foot ; the files keeping alicjned and prcsei ving their intervals.
80. To march by the left flank, %ill be executed b}- the same command, substituting the word left for right, and bj inverse means ; in this case the even numbered men after facing to the left will stand fast, and the odd num- ber will place themselves on their left.
81. The instructor should place himself five or six paces on the flank of the rank marching in file, to watch over the execution of the principles prescribed. He will also, sometimes place himself in its roar, halt and suffer it to pass fifteen or twenty paces, the better to see whether the
.men cover each other accurately.
82. When he wishes to halt the rank, marching by the flank, he w ill command :
1. Squad. 2. Halt. 3. Front.
83. At the second command, the rank will halt, and af- terward no man will stir, although he may have lost his distance.
84. At the third command, each man will front by fac- ing to the left, if marching by the right flank, and by a face to the right, if marching by the left flank.
85. The rear rank men will at the same time move quickly into their places, so as to form the squad again in- to one rank.
86. To change direction by fik', the instructor will com- mand :
1. B>/file left (or right) 2. March.
87. At the command march, the first file will change di- rection to the left (or right) in describing a email arc of a
SCHOOT, OF THE SQIUD. 15
circle, and will then inarch straight forward ; the two men of this file in wheeling will keep up the touch of the elbows, and the man on the side to which the wheel ia made, will shorten the first three or four steps. Each file will come successively to wheel on the same spot where that which preceded it wheeled.
88. To face by the right or left flank, in marching, tlio instructor will command :
1. Squad, hij the ri;jht {ov left) Jlank. 2. March.
89. At the command march, which will be given a little before either foot comes to the ground, the recruit will turn the body, plant the foot that is raised in the new di- rection, and step off with the other foot, w'ithout altering the cadence of the step ; the men will double or undouble rapidly.
90. If in facing by the right or left flank, the squad should face to the rear, the men will come into one rank agreeably to the principles as indicated in Nos. 84 and 85. Observe that the men who are in the rear always move up to form into single rank, and in such manner as never to invert the order of the numbers in the rank.
91. If, when the squad has been faced to ihe rear, the instructor should cause it to face by the left flank, it is the even numbers who will double by moving to the left of the odd numbers; but if by the right flank, it is the odd numbers who will double to the right o' the even num- bers.
92. Should the instructor wish the men to march in one rank, he will caution them not to double files.
K> $||U00L OF THE SOLDIKR.
Wheelings.
93. Wheelings are of two kinds ; from halts or on fixed pivots, and in march or on movable pivots.
9i. Wheeling on a fixed pivot takes place in passing a corps from the order in battle to the order in column, or from the latter to the former.
95. Wheels in marching, take place in changes of direc- tion in column, as often as this movement is executed to the side opposite to the guide.
96. In wheels from a halt, the pivot-man only turns in his place without advancing or receding.
97. In the wheels in marching, the pivot-man takes steps of nine or eleven inches, according as the squad is marching in quick or double quick time, so as to clear the wheeling point before the next subdivision arrives on the Bame ground, which is necessary in order that the succeed- ing subcivisions may not lose their distances by being delayed.
98. The man on the wheeling fla:ik will take the full step of twenty-eight inches, or thirty-three inches, accord- ing to the gait.
Wheeling from a Halt, or on a Fixed Pivot.
99. The rank being at a halt, the instructor will place a well instructed man on the wheeling flank to conduct it, and then command :
1. By squad, ri(jht wheel. 2. March.
100. At the command march, the rank will step off with the left foot, turning at the same tinip tli!" head a little to
A
T-OSiriON OF TUE .SOUDIKR. 17
the left, the C3'es fi.Tod on the line of the oyc^ of tlie men to the left ; the pivot man will merely mark fimc in grada- f.Wy turning his body, in order to conform himself to the movement of the marching flank ; the man who conducts this flank will take steps of twenty-eight inches, and from the first step, advance a little the left shoulder, cast his eycji from time to time along the rank, and feel constantly the elbow of the next man lightly, but never push him.
101. The other men wiil feel lightly the elbow of th« next man, towards the pivot, resist pressure cominjj from the opposite side, and each will coRform himself to the njarching flank, shortening his step according to his ap- proximation to the pivot.
102. The instructor will make tlic rank wheel round tlio circle once or twice before halting, in ^rder to cause th^^ pijnciplss to be better understood, and he will be watch- ful that the centre docs not break.
103. The wheel to the left will be executed according to the same principles.
lOL When the instructor shall wish to arrest the wheel he will command :
1. iSqtKtd. 2. Malt.
105. At the second command the rank will halt and no man stir. The instructor going to the flank opposite t)ie pivot, will place the two outer men of that flank in the direction he may wish to give to the rank, without, how- ever, displacing the pivot, who will conform the line of iiis shouldei's to this direction.
IOC. The instructor will take care to have between th-^PH two men and the pivot, only the space necessary to cvsx- iii'm the other men. lie will theu coaimaud • li
18 SCHOOL or Tna soitDiEtr.
1. Left (or right) — Dress.
107. At this the rank will place itself on the allignmcnt ®f the two men established as a basis in conformity with principles prescribed in No. 38.
108. The instructor will next cammand Front, which will be executed as prescribed in No. 3^.
Wheeling^ in Marching, or on a Movable Pivot.
109. The rank being in march, and the instructor ■«Tiab- ing tO' chang-e the direction to the reverse flank, (to the side opposite to the guide or pivot flank) he will com- mand:
1. Right (or left) whtel. 2. March.
110. The first command will be given when the rank is jot four paces from the wheeling point.
111. At the command march, the wheel will be executed in the same manner as from a halt, except that the toucb of the elbow will remain towards the marching flank (or side of the guide) instead of the actual pivot j that the pivot man, instead of merely turning in bis place, will conform himself to the movement of the marching flank, feel lightly the elbow of the next man, take steps of full nine inches, and thus gain ground-forward in describing a small ciu've, to clear the point of wheel. The middle of tha rank will bend slightly to the rear. As soon as the movement shall commence, the man who conducts the marching flank will cast his eyes on the ground over which Jie will have to pass.
112. The wheel being ended, the instructor will com- mand :
rOSITION OF A BOLOTUn. 19
1. Fortcard. 2. March. a- '.A.
113. The first command will be pronounced when ftiuv paces are yet re^juired to complete the chan,fe of direc- tion.
Hi. At the command march, which will be given at the instant of completinf^ the wheel, the man who- conducts the marching flank will direct himself straight forward ; the pivot man and all the rank will retake che step of twenty-eight inches, and bring the head direct to the froat.
Turning.
115. The change of direction to the side of the guide, In matching, will be executed as follows : The instructor will command : •
1. Left (or right) tiirit. 2, Mauch,
116. The first command will be given when the rank is yet/our paces from the turning point.
117. At the command march, to be pronounced at the instant the rank ought to turn, the guide will face to the left (or right) in marching, and more forward in the new- direction without slackening or quickening the cadence, and without shortening or lengthening the step. The whole rank will promptly conform itself to the new direction, to eflect which, each man will advance the shoulder opposite the guide, take the double quick step, to carry himself in the new direction, turn the head and eyes to the side of the guide, and retake the touch of the elbow on that side in placing himself on the allig-njiicnt of the guide, from
20 POSITION OF rnK soldiek.
whom he will take the step, and then resynie tho direct position of the head. Each man will thus arrive pucc-g- sivelj on the allignment.
118. When the reoruits compreheiul and execute well, in quick-time, the wheels, at a halt and in marching, and the change of direction to the side of the guide, the instructor will cause the same movements to bo executed in double quick time.
Manual of Aims fur Heavy Infantry.
119. The manual of arms will be taught to four men, placed at first in one rank, elbow to elbow, and aftcrwai-ds ' in two ranks.
120. Each command will be executed in one time, (or pause) and this time will be divided into motions.
121. The rate or swiftness of each motion, except the motions relative to the cartrige, to the rammer and to the fixino- and unfixing of the bayonet, is fixed at the ninetieth part of a minute ; but the motions here excepted should be executed with promptness and regularity.
122. As soon as the recruits shall well comprehend the positions of the several motions, they will be taught to execute the time without resting on the motions.
123. Tlecruits are frequently seen with natural defects in the conformation of the shoaldcrs, breast, and hips. — These the instructor will endeavor to correct in the lessons without arms, ana afterwards by steady endea- vors, so thai the appearances of the pieces in tlie same line may be uniform, and this without constraint to the men.
rOSTTIOX OF THE SOLPIER. 21
'' Princi2)fes of Shouldered Arms:
124. The recruit being jilaccd in the position of the soldier, thff instructor will cause him to seize the piece in the left hand, the arm but a very little bent, the elbow back, near the body, the palm of the hand passing on the outer edge of the butt on the upper joints of the fi^gcri, (the inner edge on the lower joints, and the ends inside,) the heel of the butt between the middle and forefingers, the thuihb on the front screws of the butt plate, the re- maining fmgers under the butt, the butt more or less kept back, according to the conformation of the man, so that the piece seen from the front (or side) shall appear per- pendicular, and also that the movement of the thigh, in inarching, may not raise it, or cause it waver : the stock below the tail band resting agiiinst the hollow of the shoul- der, just within the joint, the right arm hanging naturally as in the position of the soldier.
125. The instructor, before proceeding to drill the re- cruit in the manual will causo to be repeated, the move- ments of eyes right, left and/rout and the facings.
126. The manual of arms will be taught in the follo>Ving progression : The instructor will command :
Pretent — Arms.
One time and two motions.
127. ( First motion. ) Turn the piece with the left hand, the lock out, seize the small of the stock at the same time with the right hand, the piece perpendicular and detached iV ini the shoulder, the left hand remaining under the butt.
]'1R. {Second motion.) Complete the turning inwaids oT ihe jjiccc so as to bring it erect before the centre of tlio
22 , POSITION OF THE SOLDlSlt.
body, the rammar to the front, the right hand under and against the f^uard ; seize it smartly at the same time with the left hand above the lock, the thumb extended along the barrel and on the stock, the forearm resting on the body without constraint, and the hand at the hight of the elbow.
Shoulder — Arms.
One time and tu-o motions.
120. {First motion.) Turn the piece with the right hand, the barrel out, (with the thumb on the S plate, and the forefinger against the cock,) raise and support it against the left shoulder with the right hand, drop the left hand under the butt, the right hand resting on, with- out graspin'g the small of the stock.
130. {Second motion.) Drop quickly the right hand into its position. 0
Order — Arms.
One time and two motions
131. {First motion.) Drop the piece smartly by ex- tending the left arm, seize it at the same time with the right hand above and near the tail band; (without the i?ast pause.) quit the hold of th^ left hand, and carry the piece opposite the right shoulder, the rammer in front, the little finger behind the barrel, the right hand supported against the hip, the butt three inches from the ground, the piece ei*ect, the left hand hanging by the side.
132. {Second motion.) Let the piece slip through the rio-ht hand, without shock, to the ground and take the fol- lowing position :
POSTTrON OF THE SOLDIER. 23
Position cf Order Arms.
133. The liand low, the barrel between the thumb and forelinper, extended along the stock ; the other fingers ex- tended and joined ; the muzzle about two inches from the right shoulder ; the rammer in front : the toe (f»r beak'^ of the butt, against, and in aline with the toe of the right foot; the barrel perpendicular.
134. The instructor will see the recruit is well establish- ed in the position of order artnt, and then command :
Shoulder — Arms.
Otie time a»d trro mofiomi.
135. [Firnt motion.) liaise the piece smarlty with the right hand, carry it against the left shoulder, so as to bring the barrel to the front, place, at the same time, the loft hand under the butt, and slip the right hand down to the hammer.
136. (Second motion.) Let fall smartlj the right hand into position.
Siijyport — Arms.
One time and three motionn.
137. {First motion.) With the right hand, seize the small of the stock four inches below the lock, raising a little but r.ot turning the piece.
138. {Second motion.) Take the left hand from the butt, extend the left forearm upward, jicross the body, under the cock, the hand flat on the right breast.
139. {Third motion.) Drop the right hand smartly into its position.
24 POSITION OF THE SOLDIErv.
Shoulder (or carry) — Akms, One time and three motions.
140. {First motion.) Carry quicklj the right hand to the small of the stock.
141. {Second motion.) Place quicklj the left hand un- der the butt, and at the same time, without any pause, let the right hand, with the fingers extended slip up under the cock of the piece, the cock resting on the forefinger between the middle and third joints, and the thumb ex- tended along the S plate.*
142. {Third motion.) Let fall smartly the right hand into its position, and drop with the left, at the same time, the piece into tha position of shoulder armf.
Unfix — Bayonet.
One time and three motions.
148. {First motion.) Drop the piece by a full extension of tho left arm, seize it at the same tim* with the right hand abore and near the tail band.
144. {Second motion.) Drop the piece with the right hand along the left thigh, seize it with the left hand abore the right, lengthen out the left arm, re»t the butt on the ground without shock, and c irrj at the same time the right hand to the bayonet; with the thumb turn the«lasp
♦This movement is somewhat different from that pre- scribed in other works, but it will be found that it causes uniformity and precision, and adds much more ease and grace in its execution, ea^iecially li-om a front yiaw. It was used entirely by the lamented Col. C. C. Tew, Sup't. of the North Carolina Militarr Academr, at Hillsboro', N. C.
POSITION OF THE Sni.PIER 2.>
against the stop, seize the bayonet at the s(X:ket and ihank, 10 that the lower end of the socket may be about an inch below the heel of the palm, and that in wresting off the bayonet, the thumb may be extended on the blade.
145. ( Third motion.) Wrest off the bayonet, return it to the scabbard, place imnu-diately the rijjht little finfijer on the butt of the rammer, lower the I'A'l hand alonp the barrel, extending the arm, without depressing the shoulder.
Sliouhler- -kuMS. ,
0)lt time and thrte modnua.
146. {Fimt motion.) Uaise the piece with the left h^nd ■lon{( the left side, the hand at the height of .the chin, th; forearm touching the piece, the barrel to the front ; drop at the same time the right hand to seize the piece a littU above the small of the stock, the forefinger touching the ^ock, and the thumb on the S plate.
147. (Second motion.) Raise the piece with the right hand, drop the left and place it under the butt, support the piece with the right hind against the shoulder i i the pouition of $houlder armt, the right hand resting ou with- ont grasping the piece.
143. {Third motion.) Let fall smartly the right hand into its position.
149. The instructor should be careful that in all more- nients where the hand is under the cock, as in the second motion abore, that the fingers are extended and perfectly •traight, the cock resting on the forefinger between the middle and third joints, and Ihe tliuiub on the S plate.
26 POSITION OF THK SOLDIKR.
Secure — Arms. One time and two motions.
150. (Fir$t motion.) Seize quickly the piece with the right hand, the thumb on the S plate, and the forefinger against the cock ; at the same instant, detach the piece from the shoulder, the barrel to the front, seize it at the tail band with the left hind, the thumb extended on the rammer, the piece erect, opposite the shoulder the left elbovT on the piece.
151. {Second motion.) Reverse the piece, pass it under the left arm the left hand remaining at the tail band, the thumb on the rammer, the little finger resting againit the hip, and the right hand falling at the same time into ita position.
Sho aider — Arms.
One time and two motions.
152. {First motion.) Raise the piece with the left hand, (but not too suddenly lest the rammer should flj out,) seize the small of the stock with the right hand to support it against the shoulder, allowing the hand to assume the position as indicated in Xo. 141, quit the hold of the left hand and pass it quickly under th.e butt.
153. {Second ^notion.) Let fall smartly the right hand into its position ; drop at the same time the piece into the position of shoulder armt.
Fix — Bayonet.
One time and three motions.
154. {First motion.) Kimtrnfixhayontt, '^o. \iZ.
155. {Second motion.) As in unfix bayonet, No. 144,
SCHOOL OF THE SQCAB. 27
except that the right hand will go to the scabbard, to seize the baronet by the socket and shank, so that the lower (now upper) end of the socket shall extend about an inch above the heel of the palm.
156. ( Third motion. ) Draw the bayonet from the scab- bard, carry it and fix it on the muzzle, turning the clasp towards the body with the right thumb: place immedi- ately the little finger on the head of the rammer, lower the left hand along the barrel, extending the arm without depressing the shoulder.
iS'Ao«('(f*r~-AKus.
One time and three motio7is.
157. ( First, Second find Third moliow^.) As in shoulder armn from uvfix bayonet.
Charge — Bayonet. One time and tico motions.
158. {First 7not{on.) Make a half face to the right on the left heel, bring the left toe to the front, place at the same time the right foot behind and at right angles with the left, the hollow of the right foot opposite to and about three inches from the left heel ; turn the piece with the left hand, lock outwards, and seize the small of the stock at the same time with the right hand, the piece perpendi- cular and detached from the shoulder ; leaving the left hand under the butt.
150. {Second 7notion.) Bringdown the piece with the right hand into the left, the latter seizing it a little in advance of the tail band, the barrel up, the left elbow near the body
28
POSITION OF THE SOLDIER.
the right hand supported against the hip, the point of the bayonet at the height of the eye.
160. The men of the rear rank will take care and not touch their file leaders with the points of their bayonots.
Shoidder — Ahms.
One time and two motions,
161. {First motion.) Face to the front by turning on the left heel, bring up the right foot by the side of the left heel, at the sause time spring up the piece with the right hand, to the left shoulder, and place the left hand under the butt, allowing at the same time the right hand to assume the position as indicated in No. 141.
162. { Second motion.) Let fall smartly the right hand into its position.
Trail — Akms.
One time and tico motions.
1^3. {First motion.) As first motion of order armi No. 131.
164. {Second motion.) Incline a little the muzzle to the front, the butt to the rear, and about three inches from the ground, the right hand grasping the piece and supported at the hip.
165. Should the instructor wish to relieve the men when marching with arms trailed, he will command : Change — Trail, which will be executed in one motion, by raising the muzzle to the shoulder, passing the piece across the front of the bod}--, trailing it with the left. At the com- mand Iiec7iange—TRAUj, raise the muzzle to the shoulder, pass the piece to the right hand and retake the position of trail arms.
ruSMION UF THE SOLl>IER, 29
Sh o u Ider — A R m s,
IGG. At the comniand shoulder raise the piece pcrpcn^i- cuLar in the right hand ; at the command arms execute the two motions in the shoxdder arma, from the positien of order anna.
1C)7. The instructor wishing to give the men repose in the position of order onus, will command:
Rest.
168. At this command, the men will no longer he re- quired to ])rescrve silence, or to remain pteady in position. Or he may command :
1. In place. 2. Rkst.
ino. At the second command, the men will not be re- quired to preserve silence or steadineee of position, but they must always keep one of their heels and their pieces on the allignment.
[Jicninrkt.] (The instructor will be careful that the men do not squat ur lie down, as it is exceedingly unmilitary and apt to make them careJess and inattentive. The com- piler of this woik has often seen reci-iaits stretched at full length on the ground, l^iung ofhcers particularly, should be cautioned against allowing it.)
If the instructor wishes, he will commaisd :
1. Parade. 2. Rest.
170. At the second command, the men will carry th« right foot six inches in rear of the left heel, the left kne(» slightly bent, the body upright upon the right log, th« piece resting against the hollow of the ri^ht shoulder, tte
3'(J rOSITIOI* OF THE JfOLDIETt.
hands crossed in front, the back of them outwards, the left hand uppermost, the eyes directed to the front.
171. To cause a resumption of the original position, the instructor will command :
I. Attention 2.. Squai>.
172. At the second command, the men will resnme their correct position of order arma.
173. If the squad should be at the position of support arms, when the command in place or parade rest is given, the men wiji be regulated by the directions indicated in No. 169, ITO except they \Till bring up the right hand amartly to the small of the stock and seize it.
174. At the command attention they will resume the cor- rect po8itio>n of auj^pmH arms^
1. To Ei^ht Shotdder Shift 2. Arms. ( From a STiouMer Arm9. )
One tim« and two mottona.
175. {First motion. ) Turn the piece with the left hand, lock to the front, seize it at the same time with the right hand at the small of the stock.
176. {Second motion.) Carry the piece to the right shoulder, the lock plate upwards^ the left liand still holding the butt, the muzzle elevated; |jiace the right hand on th& Jautt, the beak between the two first fingers, the other twO"
fingers under the bait plate, and let fall the left hand by the side.
Shoulder— Krms. One time c$nd two motions .
177. ( First motion. ) Raise the piece and extend t&e right arm, seize it with the left hand above the lock^ ca^-rj
TOSITIOK OF THS SOXDrRB. "31
tlie piece Jip:ainst the left shoulder, turning the barrel to the front, (in turning place the thumb of the right hand on the S plate, fingers extended, cock resting on the fore- finger as indicated in Xa. 141,) the right hand being at the small of the stock, place the left hand under the bult.
178. (Stdftid motion.) L«t the r^ht hand fall by the fide.
Arms — At Will.
One f»o(io».
175. Carry the piece at pleasure on either tSiomlder, wit"k one or both hands, the muzzle elevated.
Sh<nild-er— Av.iS£. •
180. Retake the position of ahoidder arms,
Armn — Port.
181. Throvf the piece diagouaUy across the body, the lock to the front, seize it smartly at the same time with, both hands, the right at the small ef the stock, the left at the tail band, the thumbs pointing towards the muzzle, the barrel sloping upwards and crossing opposite to the point of the loft shoulder, the butt proportionately lowered ; the palm of the right haad abore, tliat of the Mt under the piece, and the nails of both hands next to the body, t© vrhich the elbows will be clased.
Sim iildrcr — A R MS,
On« time and two motions.
182. ( First motion. ) Bring the piece smartly to the left shoulder, place the left hand quickly under the butt, th« fingers of the right hand under the cock and extended a4 in No. UL
■->-i POSITION OF TXTK SOLrHETt.
183. {Serond motion.) Drop the right hand sm.irtiv hy the sido.
7b Ground Arm^.
184. The se(_uad being at ordered arms, if the instructor Irish tbe piece to be placed on the ground, he will command;
Ground — Arms. It
One time and two motions.
185. {First motion.) Turn the piece with the right hand,, the barrel to the left, at the same time seiz'e the cartridge box with left hand, bend the bodv, advance the,left foot, the heel opposite the lower band ; laj the piece on the- ground with the right hand, the toe of the butt on a line with the right toe, the knee slightly bent, the right heej raised.
186. (Second motion.) Rise up, bring the left foot by the side of the right, quit the c?*rtridge box with tbe left hand, and drop the bands by the side.
Maise — Akms.
187. Seize the cartridge box with the left hand, bend the body, advance the left foot opposite tbe lower band, and seize the piece with tfl*e right hand.
188. liaise the piece, bringing the left foot by the side of the right ; turn the piece with the right ham}, the rammer to the front; at the same time quit the cartridge box with the left hand, and drop this hand by the side.
7o Sfock Arms,
189. The squad bring in two ranks at order arms, the mstructov will command i
ras7TT0N OF TiiK &ni,rwj%v. 2.»
Stack — Arms.
100. At this commaiHl, the front rank man of crory even numbered file will jjasp his jjicce before liini, seizing' it with the left hand above the middle band, and place the butt outsidd and near theleftfoot, the barrel turned to the? front, the ifiuzzle opposite the rifjht shoulder. At the same titnc the front rank man of ercry odd numbered file ■nill pass his piece before him, seizing it with the left hand below the middle band, and hand it to the man next on the left) the latter will receive it with the rig^ht hand two inches above the middle band, throw the butt about thirty- two inches to the front, opposite to his right shoulder, in- clining the muzzle towards the right shoulder, and lock the shanks of the two bayonets, the barrel remaining to the rear ahd its shank above that of the first piece. The tear sank man of every even file projects his bayonet for- ward, the barrel to the right, and introduces it (usingboth hands) between the muzzles and under the shanks of the two other bayonets. He will then abandon the piece to his file leader, who will receive it with the right hand un- der the middle band, bring the butt to the front, holding up his own piece and the stack with the left hand, ami place the butt of this third piece bctwccr. the feet of the man next on his right, the barrel to the right. The sCack thus formed, the rear rank man of every odd file will pass his piece into his left hand, the barrel turned to the front, and, sloping the bayonet forward rest it on the stack.
li)l. ^Yhen organized coiypanies stack arms, the ser- geants, (and also the corporals, if in the rank of file closers,) will rest thoir pieces against ttie stacks nearest them respectively, after ranks are broken and resume thevf pieces on i':.v sisMial to ■>•' fi-u-in CKiik'--.
'^i POSITION OP THK SOLDTBH.
" 192. The nien of both ranks haring assumed ihe position of the soldier without arms, the instructor noaj give the command :
2. Break rank*. 2. Maroh.
193. The instructor Tiavlng; reformed tLe ranks wiil command : '
Take — Arms,
194. At this command the rear rank man of every odd file will withdraw his piece from the stack; the front rank Hian of ever J even file will seize his own piece with the left hand, and that of the man on his right with his right; ihe rear rank man of every even file will seize his piece with the right hand at the middle band, advancing for tke purpose the hollow of the right f«ot as far as the right heel of the file leader; these two men will raise *up the stack to loosen tha sfeanks ; the front rank man of every odd file receives his piece from the hand of the man next on the left, and the four men retake the position of the Boldier at order arms.
195. The instructor having brotight the mea to the posi- tion of shoulder arms, will command :
Reverse — Arms-
Otie time and tito motions,
196. {First rAotiGn.) Grasp ike piece with tiae right hand, the finger nail to the front, at the height of the shoulder, turn the piece to the right and front of th® body, and bring it reversed under the left arm, the barrel slop- ing to the rear ; at the same time, slip the left hand to the
•gmall of the stock grasping it with the finger nails up.
P08ITI0X OF TnK SOT-DIBB. 3S
197. {Second motion.) Remove and -carry briskly the right hand to the rear of the body, and with it grasp the piece between the middle and lower bands, the finger nails outwards.
Shoulder — Arms. One time and ttco madotia.
198. (Fir et motion.) Bring the right hand briskly to the front and with it grasp the piece at the swell of the Slock, the finger nails inward; at the same time slip the left hand to the butt and invert the piece with both han(I» bringing it in front of the body, to the shoulder, and slip- ping the right hand, let it fall to the hammer.
199. {Second motion. ) Drop the right hand by the side-
Jieat on — Arms. One tivte (tnd two motions.
200. {First motion.) Grasp the piece at the height o the shoulder with the right hand, the finger nails to tho front, reverse it by turning it to the right in front of tho body, let the muzzle rest on the left foot, the left hand rest- ing on the butt.
201. {Second mofi&n.) Ilemore quickly the rigf^lit hand to the butt and let it rest there, the finger nails outward ; at the same time bow the head and bend the right knee.
[I^eynark.] (This movement is rarely used ezcept in funeral ceremonies, Ac. )
Shoulder — Arms. One time and ttco motions.
202. {First motion.) Drop the right hand, and with it seize the piece at the swell of the stock, with both hands^,
3G rOSliluN OF TllH SOLDIEK.
(the left depressed and the right raised,) turn tlie piece in front of the bod^^, bringing- it against the shoulder, and slipping the right hand let it fall to the hammer.
203. {Second motion.) Drop the righthand bj the side.
Indirection of jlmis.
204. The men being nt orderod arms, and having the bayonet in the scabbard, the instructor will command:
Inspection — AuMS. One time and three motions.
205. {First motion.) Face to the right once and a half e arryicg the right foot perpendicular to the allignmcnt,
about six inches from, and at right angles Mith the left, foot; seize promptly'' the peice with the left hand a little above the middle band, incline the muzzle to the rear with" "out displacing the heel of the butt, the rammer turned towards the body ; carrj'ing at the same time the right hand to the baj'onet as indicated in /?.» hayonet.
206. {Second motion.) Draw the bayonet from the scabbard, carry and fix it on the muzzle; seize next the rammer, draw it-as explained in the fifth time of loading (see Z)raH-— Rammer, Xos. 217, 218, 219.) and let it glide to the bottom of the boi-e.
207. ( Third motion. ) Face promptly to the front, seize ' the peice with the right hand and retake the position of
order Mrm!*.
208. The insti'uctor will then inspect, in sviccession, the piece of enfh man, in passing along the front of the rank. Each as thi' insti'uctor roaches him will laise smartly his piece v.'ith kis right hand^ seize it with the left near the
I'UtilJlON (IK TUB SULL>n-,lt. 0/
lower band, the lock to the front, the loft hand at the height of the chin, the piece opposite to the left eye; the instructor will take it with the right hand at the handle, and after inspectinfj it, -will return it to the recruit, who will receive it back with the right band and replace it ia the position of order arms.
209. When the instructor shall have passed him, each man will take the position prescribed in No. 203, return the rammer as explained in the seventh time of loading;, (sec ii'e/!n-»— Rammer, Nos. 221, 222, 223.)
210. If, instead ol tnitpcctioii of arms, the instructor shall wish bayonets to be fixed, he will command:
iYx— Uayonet.
211. Take the position prescrioed in the first motion of inspection arms. No. 203, fix bayonet and face to the front.
212. If the instructor should wish to ascertain if any of the pieces are loaded, he will command :
6'p?*t » (7 — II A MM EU .
213. Put the rammers in the barrel as above explained, and retake the position of order armif.
The instructor for the purpose stated, can take the rammer by the small end, and spring it in the barrel, or cause each man to make it ring in the barrel.
214. Each man after the instructor passes him will re- turn rammer and resume the position of order arms.
Jiejitark. [The compiler would caution oflicers against striking the buds of the pieces against the ground to make the rammer J^pring, as it is liable to injure tbclock.]
38 POSITION OF THE SOLDIER.
Loading and Firing.
Load in ten times.
1. Load.
Two motions.
215. {First motion.) Drop the piece by a full exten- sion of the left arm, seize it with the right hand above and near the tail band ; at the same time carry the right foot forvrard, the heel against the hollow of the left foot.
216. {Second motion.) Drop the piece with the right band along the left thigh, seize it with the left hand at the middle band, and with the left hand let it descend along to the ground, without shock, the piece touching the left thigh, and the muzzle opposite the centre of the body; carry the right hand quickly to the cartridge box and open it.
2. Handle — Cartridge. One time and one motion.
217. Seize the cartridge with the thumb and next two fingers and place it between the teeih.
3. Tear — Cartridge. One time and one motion.
218. Tear the paper down to the powder, hold the cart- ridge upright between the thumb and next two fingers, near the top ; and in this position place it in front of and near the muzzle, the back of the hand to the front.
4. Charge — CiRTRiDGE. One time and one motion. 210. Fix the eye on the muzzle, turn quickly the back
POSITIOH OF THE SOLDIER. 39
Of the risht hand towards the bodj, in order to discharge the powder into the barrel, rai.e the elbon' to the he.vtt of he wr.st shake the cartrid<.e, force it into the muzzle and eave the hand reversed, the fingers extended, the thumb extended along the barrel.
5. 2>ro«?— Rammer. One time and three motiona, 220 {Fir.t motion. ) Drop smartly the right elbow and seize the rammer between the thumb and fore-fino-er bent the other fingers shut; dra.v it smartly, extending the arm; seize the rammer again at the middle, between the thumb and fore-finger, the hand reversed, the palm to the ront, the nails up, the eyes following the movement of the hand; clear the rammer from the pipes bj again ex- tending the arm.
221. {Second motion.) Turn rapidly the rammer bo- tween the bayonet and the face, closing the fingers, (the rammer of the roar rank man grazing the right shoulder of the man of the same iile in front, respectively,) the rammer parallel to the bayonet, the arm extended, the butt of the rammer opposite to the muzzle, but not yet inserted, the eyes fixed on the muzzle.
222. {Third motion.) Insert the butt of the rammer and force it down as low as the hand.
6. i?a»i— Cartridge. One time and one motion.
223. Extend the arm to its full length to seize the ram- mer between the right thumb extended and the fore-fin- ger bent, the other fingers closed ; with force ram home twice, (the right elbow down and near the piece,) and
40 POSITION OP THE SOLDIER.
seize the ramuier at the little end, between the thumb and fore-finger bent, the other fingers closed, the right elbow touching the body.
7. Return — Rammeu. One time and three motions.
224. {Fir $t motion.) Draw briskly the rammer, re-seize the middle bet tveen the thumb and fore-finger, the hand reversed, the palm to the front, the nails up, the eyes fol- lowing the movement of the hand, clear the rammer from the barrel by extending the arm.
225. [Seeond motion.) Turn rapidly the rammer be- tween the bayonet and face, closing the fingers, (the ram- mer of the rear rank man grasing the right shoulder of the man of the same file in front,) tho rammer parallel to the bayonet, the arm extended, the little end of the ram- mer opposite to the first pipe, but not yet inserted. The eyes fixed on that pipe.
226. ( Third motion.) Insert the little end, and with the thumb, which willTollow the movement, farce it as low as the middle band; raise quickly the right hand a little bent, place the little finger on the butt of the rammer and force it down, at the same instant lower the left hand on the barrel to the extent of the arm, without depressing the shoulder. ' •
8. Cast — About. One time and two motions.
227. ( First motion. ) Raise the pieco with the left hand along the left side, the hand at the hei^rht of the chin, the fore-arm touching the piece, the bai'rel to the front; drop at the same time tho right hand to seize the piece a little
rosmON OF THE SOLDIER. 41
above tlie pmall of tlic stock, the fore-finger touching the lock, the thumb on the S plate, and bring the right heel to the side of the left.
228. (Second iiio'ion.) Make a half face to the rijht on the left heel, bring the left toe to the front, the right foot behind and at right angles with the left, the hollow of the right foot against the heel of the left. At the same time seize the small of the stock with the right hand, and bring down the piece with both hands to the position of charge hayonet.
9. Phime.
One time and one motion. ♦
229. Sustain the piece with the left hand, (half cock the piece,) brush ofl" the old cap and with the thumb and first two fingers take a cap from the pouch, place it lirmly on the cone, pushing it down with the thumb.
10. Shoidder — AuMS. One time and ttro motions.
230. As from Charge— Bayontt. Nos. 161, 162.
To Load in Four Times.
231. The first time will be executed at the command Load ; the three others at the words tv-o, three and four.
Load in four times— \jOkD.
222. Execute w^hat is prescribed for Load, Handle- Cartridge, Tear — Cartridge and Charge — Cartridge.
TWO.
233. Drato — Ramm'.r and Ram — Cartridge.
42 POSITION OF THE SOLDIER.
THREE.
234. Return — Rammer and Castr— About.
FOUR,.
235. Prime and Shonldar — Arms.
To Load At Will.
236. The instructor wishing the men to execute the load- ing without pause, will command.
Load at Will — Load.
237. At the command load, the men will execute the loading as in four times, but without resting on the times.
Ready.
One time and four motions.
238. {First motion.) Make a half face to the right on the left heel, bring the left toe to the front, place at the same time the right foot behind, and at right angles with the left, the hollow of the right'foot against the left heel ; turn the piece with the left hand, the lock outwards, and seize at the same time the small of the stock wiWi the right hand, the piece perpendicular, and detached from the shoulder; leave the left hand under the butt.
239. {Second^motion.) Bring the piece with the right hand to the middle of the body, place the left hand just above the lock, the thumb extended on the stock at the height of the chin, the S plate almost turned towards the body, the rammer obliquely to the left and front.
240. ( Third motion.) Place the thumb on the hammer, the fore-tinger under and on the guard, the other three fingers joined to the first, the elbow at the height of the wrist.
POSITION OF THK SOLDIKR. 43
241. ( Fourth motion. ) Close the right elbow smartly to the body in cocking, seize the piece at the small of the stock, lot it descend along the body in the left hand to the tail bind, which will remain at the height of the shoulder, and opposite the centre of the body.
Aim. One time and one motion.
242. Drop smartly the muzzle, the left hand remaining at the tail band, support the butt against tkc right should- er, the left elbow a little down, shut the left eye, direct the right along the barrel, drop thr head upon the butt to catch the object, and place the fore-finger on the trigger.
243. The rear rank will, at the same time, carry the right foot about eight inches towards the left heel of the man next on the right.
FiRB. One time and one motion.
244. Apply the fore-fingor with force to the trigger, without further lowering or turning the head, and remain in that position.
245. The instructor wishing the men to load, rom this position, will command :
Load.
One time and one motion.
246. {First motion. ) Bring back the piece quickly with both hands, the rear rank man bringing the right foot be- side the left; depress the butt strongly by extending the right arm, and carry it with the arm thus extended to the left side, the barrel turned to the front, and opposite the
44 POSITION OF THE SOLDIER.
left shoulder, open the left hand to let the piece slide through it to the middle hand, the back of the hand to the front, the left fore-arm touching the stock ; at the same time face to the front, and cari'y the right foot for- ward, the heel against the hollow of the left foot.
247. {Second motion.) Quit the hold of the right hand ; with the left hand remaining at the middle hand, let the piece descend to the ground, without shock, and take the position of the second motion of the first time of loading.
248. The men being in the position of Fire, and the in- structor wishing them to come to the position of Shoulder — Arms, will command :
Shoulder — Aems.
One time and tico motions.
249. (First motion.) Bring back the piece with both hands, face to the front, carry the piece to the left shoulder, the right hand under the cock in the position as prescribed in No. 141, the left hand under the butt.
250. (Second motion.) Let fall smartly the right hand into position.
251. The men being in the position of Aim, if the in- structor wishes, he may command :
Recover — Arms. One time and one motion.
252. At the word recover, Avithdraw the finger from the trigger; at the command Arms, thi-o^v up smartly the muzzle, and re-take the position of tlie fourth motion of ready.
253. The men being in the position of rcacZv// the in- structor will command;
POSITION OF THE SOLPIER. 45
Shonliler — Arms. One time and one motion.
254. At the word ShoMcr, face to the front, hv'ing the piece to the middle of the bodj; the left thumb at the height of the chin, the piece supported by the left hand, holding it fast above the lock ;. next place the righnhunib, on the head of the cock, support tho fore-linger on the trigger, sustain at the same time the cock in its descent till it nearly touches the cone, raise the cock to the half cock notch, (the reachino- of which will be both felt and heard,) and seize the hamrlc of the i>iece, (or small of the stock,.) with the right hand. At the word Armn, carry the pi.ece smartly to tlic shoulder, and re-take the position of shoulder — arms.
The Firing.
255. The firings arc direct or oblique, and \tili be exe- cuted as follows :
The Direct Fire.
IftC. For the direct fire the instructor will command.
1. Fire hrj Spiad. 2. Sqnad. 3. Ready. 4. Aim. 5.
Fire. 6. Load^
257. These several commands will be executed as Iras been prescribed in the Mannal of Arms.
258. At the fourth command they will aim according to the rank in which each man may find himself placed, the rear rank men inclining forward a little tlie upper part of the body, in order that their pieces may reach as much bej-ond tlie front rank as possible.
259. At the sixth command, they will load their pieces and return immediately to the position of ready.
46 POSITION OF THG SOLDIER.
260. The instructor Trill re-commence the firing by the commands;
1. Squad. 2. Aim. 3. Fire. 4. Load.
261. When the instructor wisnes the firing to cease, he will command ;
Cease— Firing.
262. At this command the men will cease firing, hut will load their pieces if unloaded, and afterwards bring them to a shoulder.
The Oblique Fire.
263. The oblique firings will be executed to the right and left, and by the same commands as the direct fire, with this single difference — the command Aim, will always be preceded by the caution, right or left oblique.
Posiiion. of the Ranks, in ihe Oblique Fire to the
Right.
264. At the command ready, the two ranks will execute what has been prescribed for the direct fire.
265. At the cautionary command, right oblique, the two ranks will throw back the right shoulder and look steadily at the object to be hit.
266. At the command Aim, each front rank man will aim to the right without deranging his feet ; each rear rank man will advance the left foot about eight inches to- wards the right heel of the man next on the right of his file leader, and aim to the right, inclining the upper par of the body forward, and bending a little the left knee.
267. At the command load, both ranks will resume the position of load, in the fire direct.
POSITION OP THE SOLS>Icn. 41
Position of the Ranks in the Ohlique Ffre to tke Left
268. At the command left ahliqne, the two ranks wil throw back tbe left shoulder, and look tteadily at the ob- ject to be hit
269. At the command aim, the front rank will take aim to the left without deranging the feet; each man in the rear r&nk will advance the right foot about eight inches towards the right heel of the man next on the right of his file leader, and aim to the left, inclining the upper part of the body forward, and bending a little <be right knee.
270. At the command load, both ranks will come to the position of load as prescribed in the direct lire.
To Fire by File,
271. The fire bj file, will bo executed by the two ranks, the files of wliicb will fire successively, and without wait- ing on each other, except for the first fire.
272. The instructor will command :
1. Fire by file: 2. Squad. 3. Ready. 4. Conwicnce — Firing.
273. At tbe third command, the two ranks will take tbe position prescribed in tbe direct fire.
274. At the fourth command, the file on the right will aim and fire, the men together, the rear rank man, in tak- ing aim, will carry the right foot about eight inches to the right.
275. The second file will aim at the instant the first brings down the pieces to re-load ; and each file successive- ly on to the left.
-IS rosi-TIOX OF TUB SOi,DlEIl.
276. After ?he first fire, every man will load and fire without waiting for the others.
277. The instructor wishing the Are to eease, will coiu- Qiand:
Cease— FiuiNa.
278. At this command the men will cease firing. If they have fired, they will load their pieces and biing them to a shoulder ; if at the position of ready, they wiH half cock and shoulder- arms. It in the position of Ami, they will bi'iHg down their pieces, half cock and shoulder arms-
To Fire hy Rank.
■279. The fire by rank will be executed by each cntii"c rank, alternately.
280, The inst]'uctor will coraman-d :
1. Fire l>Tf rank. 2. Squad. 3. Heady, 4. Ecar raulc 5, Aim- 6. Fire, 7. Load.
281. At the third command, both ranks Avili take the po- sition of ready.
282, At the seventh comm.and, th^^ rear rank will load and come to the position of ready.
283. As soon as the instructor shall see several men in the rear rank in the position of ready, ho will command :
1. Front-rank. 2. Aim. 3. Fire, 4. Load,
284. At these commaads, the men in the front rank v.- ill execute what has been presci'ib6,d lor the rear ra.nk, but will not step off with the right foot.
285, The instructor will thus continue to alternate the fire from rank to raAik, until he shall wish the firing to ceas',^, whfii he will command cease yirm^, which will be e^iccuted as heretofore prescribed.
THE COMPANY.
PART SECOND 2'Ae Formation of the Company.
286. The company being assembled on its ground, will be formed in two ranks, b}' the first serfjeant, who will command : *
Fall In.
287. At which command the rank and file, (corporals jind privates,) will form in two ranks faced to the right, the tallest corporal on the, right, (or head of the com- pany,) the two tallest men next, and so on down to tho jcft or rear of the rank.
•288. This having been accomplii:»hed, the first sergeant will command :
• FHONr.
289. At this command the company will face to the front; the command Right — Dress, will then be given, which will be executed as'has been jirescribed ; the men keeping their etjes right until the command front,
290. The company should fall in at a support arms, and if the roll is called, each man as he answi rs to his name, will first bring his jiiece to a shoulder, and then to an ojv der ar}ni>.
291. This being done the fust sergeant will bring (^9 company to a shoulder, and command ;
ifjj SCHOOL or THE COMPAKJ'.
292. At this command the men count in each rank from light to left, pronouncing in aloud and distinct voice, in the same tone, without hurry, and without turning the head, o«c, two, according to the place which each one «!ccupies.
293. He will then divide the company into two equal j^atoons, and each plat6on into two equal sections, place the corporals in position in the front rank, on the right and left of platoons, and report to the captain the forma-
^ tion of the company.
294. The otficers and sergeants will now take their posts a? follows :
295. The captain in the front rank on the rjght of the company, touching with the left elbow.
296. The Jirst h'eM/enajii two paces in rear of and opposite the centre of the fourth section.
297. The second lieutenant two paces in rear of and op- posite the centre of the first platoon.
298- The third lieutenant two paces in rear of and op- posite the centre of the second platoon.
299. The Jirst sergeant in the rear rank and covering the captain. He is denominated the cohering sergeant, or right guide of the company.
300. The second sergeant two paces in rear of and op- posite the second file from the left of the company. lie is designated as left guide of the company.
301. The third sergeant two paces in rear of and opposite the second file from the right of the second platoon.
302. The/('»r^A sergeant two paces in rear of and op- j.osite the second file from the left of the first platoon.
Z(iZ. .T\\Q fifth sergeant two paces in rear of and oppot^ite tlie second file from Ihc right of the tirrt platoon.
hCiiooL Of rut; i ipwr. 6G
S04. Absent oflicers an(Ksergeant3 will^be re-placed — officers by sergeants, and sergeants by corporals.*
305. The officers and sergeants thus posted in the rear constitute the rank of closers. This rank is two paces ia rear of the r^ar rank. •
306. The pittneer is posted on the line of file closers on the right; and the music in aline with the front rank, four paces on its right, the drum on the right of the tifer or bugler.
To Open Ranhs*
3p7. The company being at ordered aims, the ranks and , tile .closers well aligned, to open ranks, tl^e instructor will » command: ».'
1. Attention. 2. Company. 3. Shonlder-r-X'&yi^. 4. Prt- pare to open ranks. 5. To the rear open order.
308. At the fourth command the kft guide will place himself on the left of the front rank.
309. At the fifth command the covering sergeant and the left guide will step off smartly to the rear, four paces from the front rank, in order to mark the alignment of the rear rank.
310. The instructor having observed that Uiese two guides are on a line parallel to the front rank, will com- mand :
G. March.
311. At this command the front rank will stand fast.
*When the captain acts as instructor, or is in indepen- dent command of the company, the first lieutenant takes his post, and his post in turn is filled by the second lieu- tenant, and so on.
• -»
S7 8CJI00L OF THK COJfFAST.
312. The rear rank will step to the rear without count- ing the step, and will place itself on the alignment marked out for it. "^
313. The covering sergeant will then align the rear rank on the left guide.
314. The file closers will step off at the same time with the rear rank, and place themselves two paces in the rear of it when it is aligned.
315. The instructor seeing the rank aligned, will com- mand:
7. FaoNT.
316. At this command the sergeant on the left of the rear rank, will return to his place as a file closer. ^-
Jllignments in Open Ranks.
317. The ranks being open, the instructor will, in the first exercises, align the ranks, man by man, the better to iuculculate the principles.
318. To effect this he will cause two men on the right or left of each rank to march two or three paces forward, and after having aligned them, command :
By file right (or left) — Dkess.
319. This command will be executed as has been prescri- bed. The instructor will also cause the men to align themselves backward, and he will be careful to observe ^at they dress correctly, and that their arms are in proper position.
Manudl of A^'ms.
olQ. The ranks being open, the instructor will place
^
SCHOOL or XHK COMPACT 6S
himself in a position to see the ranks, and will command the manual of arms in the following order :*
Present Armi. Shoulder Anno,
Order Arms.
dound Arms.
Raise Arms. Shoulder Arms.
Support Arms. Shoulder Arms.
Fix Bayonet. Shoulder Arms.
Charge Bayonet. Shoulder Arms.
Trail Arms. Shoulder Arms.
Unjix Bayonet. Shoulder Arms,
Secure Arms, Shoulder ^rms.
Load in ten times.
321. To close the ranks after the execution of the manual of arms, the instructor will command :
1. Close order. 2. March.
322. At the command march, the rear lank will close up in quick time, each man directing himself on his file leader.
323. The company should be exercised in the manual of arjns, loading at will, Jiring by Jile, Jiving by rank, and directjind oblique Jiring, by company as prescribed in the squad drill, the instructor substituting the word company fcr squad w^hercver it occurs.
324. At the preparatory command in firing, the captain will promptly place himself opposite the centre of hia company, and four paces in rear of the line o! file closers ;
*The compiler would suggest to officers the practica- bility of causing the front rank to about face, and place themselves at one end, so that they can better see the exe- cution of the movement by the whole company.
69 SCHOOL OF IBB COMPANY.
the covering sergeant will retire to that line, and place himself opposite to his interval. This rule is general for both captain and covering sergeant in all the different firings.
To Fire hy tJie Rear Rank.
325. The instructor will cause the several fires to be executed to the rear, that is, by the rear rank. To effect this he will command :
\. Face by the rear rank. 2. Company. Z. Jlbout — Face.
326. At the first command the captain will step out and place himself near to, and facing the right file of his com- pany; the covering sergeant and file closers, will pass quickly through the captain's interval, and place them- selves faced to the rear, the covering sergeant a pace be- hind the captain, and the file closers two paces fi^om the front rank opposite their places in line, each passing be- hind the covering sergeant.
327. At the third command, which will be given at the instant the last file closer shall have passed through the interval, the company will face about; the captain will place himself in his interva,l in the rear rank, now become' the front, and the covering sergeant will cover him in the front rank, now become the rear.
328. Faced by the rear rank, the diflerent firings will be executed in the manner already prescribed.
329. The fire by file will commence on the left of the company, now become the right ; and in the fire by rank, the firing will commence with the front rank, now become the rear.
SCHOOL IHS COMHAHT. « (-'
330. To resume the proper front, the instructor will command :
1. Face by the front rank. 2. Company. 3. About — Face.
331. At the first command the captain, covering ser- geant and file closers will conform to what is prescribed in Nos. 326, 327.
332. At the third command the companj having faced about, the captain and covering sergeant will resume their places in line.
To Advance in Line of Battle.
333. The company being in line and correctly aligned, to march it b}'- the front the instructor will cause a sergeant to take position six paces in advance of the eaptain. This advanced sergeant, who is charged with the direction, will take two points on the ground in the straight line to the front to direct his course.
334. The instructor will then command :
1. Company — Forward. 2. March.
335. At the command march, the company will step off with life. The directing sergeant will observe with the greatest precision, the length and cadence of the step, marching on the two points he has chosen ; he will take in succession, and a little before arriving at the points near- est him, new points in advance, exactly in the same line with the first two, and at the distance of some fifteen or twenty paces from each othei-. The captain will march steadily in the trace of the directing sergeant, keeping al- ways six paces from him. The men will march with the li.'ad direct to the front, touch lightly the elbow towards the captain, and resist pres.-ure coming- from the opposite
71 Si'HuOL V¥ lUK COMPANY,
side. The file closers will march at the habitual distance of two paces behind the rear rank.
336. If the men lose the step, the instructor will com- mand :
To </ie— Step.
337. At this the men will glance towards the directing sergeant, re-take the step from him, and again direct the eyes to the front.
338. The instructor wishing to halt the company, -will command ;
1. Company. 2. Halt.
339. At the second command the company will halt; the directing sergeant will remain in advance, unless ordered to return to the line of file closers.
340. The captain will then rectify the alignment, by the commands and according to the principles prescribed in No. 9.
To March in Retreat.
341* The company being halted and correctly aligned, to cause it to march in retreat, the instructor will place the directing sergeant sis paces in rear of the line of file closers, and in the same straigkt line with the covering sergeants, and will then command :
1. Com-pany. 2. About — Face.
342. The company and directing sergeant having faced to the rear, the instructor will command :
3. Co/npan?/— Forward.
343. At this command tho. covering sergeant will step into the line of file closers, opposite to his inlerval. and
SCHOOL or THE COMPANY. 72
the captain will place himself in the rear rank now become the front.
344. This disposition being promptly made, the instruc- tor will command :
4, March.
345. At this the directing sergeant, the captain and the men will conform themselves to what has been prescribed in No. 335.
346. The instructor will cause to be executed, marching in retreat, all that has been prescribed for marching in ad- vance; the commands and the means of execution will be the same.
Ohllqi\e March in Line of Buttle.
347. The company being in the direct march, when the instructor shall wish to cause it to march obliquely, he will command :
1. RigJit (or left) oblique. 2. March.
848. At the command march the company will take the oblique step, and execute the movement as prescribed in No. 53.
349. In the oblique march the men not having the touch of elbows, the guide will always be on the side to which the oblique is maae, without any indication to that effect being given, and when the direct march is resumed, the guide will be, equally without indication, on the side where it was previous to the march.
350. When the instructor shall wish the direct march to be resumed, he will command .
1. Forvnrd. 2. March.
73 SCHOOL OF THB COMPANT.
351. At the command march the company will resume the direct step. '^
352. The instructor should now exercise the company in the following commands^ according to the principles pre- scribed in squad drill :
1. Mark Time. 2. Mabch.
1. For tear d. 2. March.
1. Common Time. 2. March.
1. Double Quick, 2. March.
1. Quick Time. 2. March.
1. Change Step. 2. March.
1. Right About. 2. Ma ich.
1. liight About. 2. Halt.
353. When the company is inarching in the double quick, the pieces should be carried at a right shoulder shift arms or a trail arms, and the distance between the ranks should be twenty-six inches.
354. When the pieces are carried on the right shoulder, in quick time, the distance between the ranks should be sixteen inches.
355. Whenever the company is halted, the men will bring their pieces at once to a shoulder at the command halt; and the rear rank will close up to its proper distance of thirteen inches. These rules are general.
To March hy the Flanh.
356. The company being in line of battle, and at a halt, when the instructor shall wish to cause it to march by the right flank, he will command :
1. Company right — Face. 2. Forward — March.
3a7. At th» first command, the company willfacsr to th«
SOBOOL or XJiK (.'0H1«1.N"Y. (4
right, the covering sergeant will place himself at the bead of the front rank, the captain having stepped out for the purpose, so far as to find himself by the side of the ser- geant, and on his left ; the front rank will dot ble as is prescribed in Xo. 77 ; the rear rank will, at the same time, side step to the right one pace, and double i» the same manner so that when the movement is completed, the files will be formed of four rnen aligned, and elbow to elbow. The intervals will be preserved.
358. The file closers will also juove by side step to the right, so tha» when the ranks are formed, thej will be two paces from the rearmost rank.
359. At the command march, the company will move oflf briskly in quick time ; the covering sergeant at the head of the front rank, and the captain on his left, will march straight forward. The men of each file will march abreast of their respective front lank men, heads direct to the front ; the file closers will march opposite their places in line of battle.
360. The instructor will cause the march by the loft flank to be excuted by the same commands, substituting left for right; the ranks will double as has been prescribed in No. 83, the rear rank will side step to the left one pace before ioubling.
361. At the instant the company faces to the left, the left-guide will place himself at the hsad of the front rank; the captain will pass rapidly to the left, and place hiniself by the right side of this guide; the covering sergeant will replace the captain in the front rank, the moment the latter quits it to go to the left.
362. Should the instructor wish to face the company
75 scuoot or thb compast.
to the right or left, without doubling files, be will com- mand :
Compani/, in two ranks, right (or left) — Face.
362. At which command, the company will face to the right or left, without doubling.
To Change Direction hj File.
263. The company being facod by .he flank, and either in march, or at a halt, when the instructor shall wish to cause it to wheel by file, he will command :
1. By file left {or right.) 2. March.
365. At the command march, the first file will wheel ; if to the side of the front rank man, the latter will take care not to turn at once, but to describ e a short arc of a cir- cle, shortening a little the first five or si* steps in order to give time to the fourth man of this file to conform himself to this movement. If the wheel be to the side of the rear rank, the front rank man will wheel in the step of twenty- eight inches, and the fourth man will conform himself to the movement by describing a short arc of a circle, as has been explained.
3^6. Each file will come to wheel on the same ground when that which preceded it wheeled.
367. When the company is marching by the flank and the instructor wishes to halt it and face it to the front, he will command :
1. Company. 2. Halt. 3. Front.
368. The second and third commands will be executed as has been prescribed in No. 81, 82, 83. As soon as the files have undoubled, the rear rank will close to its proper dis' lance.
SBnOOL OF THE COMPANY. ' 7$
369. The captain and covering sergeant, as well as the left guide, if the march be by the left flank, will return to their habitual places in line at Uie instant the company faces to the front.
370. The instructor may then rectifiy the alignment hw the means prescribed.
371. The company being in march by the flank, to form it on the right (or left) by file into line of battle, the in- structor will command :
1. On tJie right, bi/ file into line. 2. March, :^72. At the command march, the rear rank men doubled, will mark time, the captain and covering sergeant will turn to the right, march straight forward, and be halted hy the instructor, when they shall have passed at least six paces beyond the rank of tile closers ; the captain will place himself correctly on the line of battle, and will direct the alignment as the men of the front ranfc successively arrive ; the covering sergeant will place himself behind the captain at the dis'anee of the rear rank; the two men on the right of the front rank doubled, will continue to march, and passing beyond the covering sergeant and the captain, will turn to theright,- after turning, they wili continue to march elbow to elbow, and direct themselves toward the line- of battle, but ^vhen they shall arrive at two paces from this line, the even number will shcrtcn the step so that the odd number may precede him on the line, the odd number placing himself by the side and on the left of the captain ; the even number will afterwards ob- lique to the loft, and place himself on the left of the odd number; the next two men of the front rank doubled.
7^ .SLUOOL Of IHK DOM PAS r,
will i^ass in the same manner behind the two first, turn then to the right, and place themselves according to the means just explained, to the left and by the side of the two men already established on the line of battle ; the re- maining files of this rank will follow in succession, and be formed to the left in the same manner.
373. The i-ear rank doubled will execute the movement in the manner already explained for the front rank, taki-ng care not to commence the movement until four men of the front rank are established on the line ; the rear rank men as they arrive on the line, will cover accurately their file leaders.
374. If the company be marching by the left flank, and the instructor wishes to cause it to form by file on the left into line of battle, he will command r
1. On the left, hy file into line. 2. March.
375. At the second command, the same movements will be made to the left ; in this case the odd numbers wilf shorten the* step, so that the even numbers may precede them on the line. The captain, placed on the left of the front rank, and the left guide, will return to their places in line of battle, by order of the instructor, after the corapany shall be formed and aligned.
376. The instructor should at first cause this movement to be executed separatelj^ by each rank doubled, and after- wards by the two ranks united and doubled. He should also place himself on the line cf battle, and without the point where the right or left is to rest, in order to estab- lish the base of alignment, and afterward will assure him- self that each file conforms itself to what has just been 5)rosLcrihcd.
377. If the company be marchipg by the right flank, and the instructor should wish to undouble the files, whick inight sometimes be found necessary, he will cause arms to OQ shouldered or supported, and command :
1. In I ICO ranks, undouhle files. 2. March.
^78. At the second command, the odd numbers will con- tinue to march straight forward, the even numbers will shorten the step, and obliquing to the left will place them- selves promptly behind the odd numbers; the rear rank will gain a step to the left so as to retake the touch of elbows on tJie side of the front rank.
;;7y. If the company be marching by the loft flank., it u-ill be the evoa numbers who will ci^ntinuc to march for- ward, and the odd numbers who will undouble.
380. If the iustiuctor should wish to double the files, he will command :
], In four ranks, doiihle fUn^ 2. Maiich. ■m. At the command mavdi, the files will double in the iuanner as explained, when the company faces bv the ric^hi or left flank. ' "
382. The instructor should also cause these movement to be executed in double quick time.
Movements in Column. 383 The company being in n^.arch bj the right flank, and the instructor wishing to form into line, mil command, 1. % compaay into line. 2. March. 384. At the command march, the covering-sergeant will continue to march straight forward ,• the men will ad.anc. th. nght shoulder, take the double quick step, and moT.
70 SCHOOL or THE COilfAAT.
into line by the shortest route, taking care to uadowbie the files, and to come on the line one after the other.
385. As the front rank men successively arrive into line with the covering sergeant, thej will take from him the step, and then turn their ejos to the front.
386. The men of the rear rank will conform to the move- ments of their respective file leaders, but without endea- Toring to arrive in line at the same time with the latter.
387. At the instant the movement begins, the instructor will face the company and observe the execution ; and as soon as the company is formed, he Mill command, guideJeft.
388. At the cemmand guide left, the second sergeant will promptly place himself in the front rank, on the left,^ lo serve as guide, and the covering sergeant who is on the opposite flank, will remain there.
389. When the company is in march by the left flank, this movement will be executed according to the same principles and by the same commands. The company being formed, the captain will command, guide right ;. the cover- ing sergeant, who is on right of the front rank, will serve as guide, and the second sergeant placed on the left flank will remain there. *
390. Thus in column by C()mp.any, right or left in front, the covering sergeant and the second sergeant of each company, will always be placed on the right and left, re- spectively, of the front rank, and they will be denominat- ed right guide and left guido, and the one or the other charged with the direction.
391. The company being in march by the flank, and the instructor wishing to form platoons, he will command :
1. By jjlaioon into line, 2. 3Iakcii.
SCnOOi. OF THE CUMPANT. 80
392. This movement will be executed by each platoon according to the above principles. The captain will prompt- ly place himself before the centre of the first platoon, and the first lieutenant before the centre of the second, and command, without waiting for each other — guide left (or right) as soon as the platoons are formed.
393. At the command, guide left {or right), the guide of each platoon will pass rapidlj- to the flank indicated, if not already tb«ro.
394. The right guido of the company will always serve 39 the guide of the right or left of the first platoon, and the left guide of the company will serve, in like manner, as the guide of the second platoon.
395. Thus in a column, by platoon, there will be but one guide to each platoon, and he will always be placed on the jeft flank, if the right is in front, and on the right flank if the left is in front.
396. In these movements, the file closers will follow the platoons to which they are attached.
397. The instructor should exercise the company in pas- sing, without a halt, from the march to the front to the march by the flank, and reciprocally, and in either case he will command.
1. Company by the right (or left) fiotk. 2. March
398. At the command march, the company will face to the right or left, as is prescribed in No. 88, and the cap- tain, file closers and guides will conform themselves to what has been prescribed for each, in the march by the flank, or the front,
^99, If after facing to the right or lefi. ia- niarrhing, th";-
SI SCHOOL tf? THfci COMPASr.
company find itself faced by the rear rank, the captarn "svill place hiinstdf two paces behind the centre of the front lank, now tiio rear, the guides vs ill pass to the rear rank, now leadinfj, and the file closers will march in front of this rank.
400. Wlien the company i.s marching in column by pla- toon, right in front, and the instructor wishes to march it by the flank in the same direction, he will command :
1. Column, hy the right jlank. 2, By file left. 3. March,
401. At the second command, each chief of platoon and its guide, will pass rapidly to the right flank, to conduct it.
402. At the command march, each platoon will face to the right in marching, wheel by file to the left, and then march straight forward ; the leading file of the second pla- toon will unite with the rear file of the first , the chief and guide of the second will pass through the interval to their places as file closers.
403. When the left is in front, the movement wili be executed by inverse means, substituting in the command, lefi fov ricjh', and rif/ht fov left. The captain, (if a hall he will not irumediately commanded), will replace the first lieutenant and conduct the left flank, and the covering sergeant wili return to his place on the right fl ink now be. come the rear.
404. The company being at a halt, in line of battle, the Instructor, wishing to break it into column, by pLitoon to ,the right, will command t
1. l',y lAatoon, right u-heel. 2. MaRch.
403, At th.3 first command, the chiefa of platoon will rapidly pluc'-j ihemselves two paces before tha centre* •(
their respectire platoons, the lieutenant parsing around The left of the company. Ther need not occupy theni- i-elves with dressing one upon the other. The coveriug^ sergeant will replace the captain in the front rank.
406- At the command march, the right front rank man of each platoon will face to the right, the covering ser- geant standing fast ; the chief of each platoon will movo quickly by the shortest line, a little beyond the point at which the marching flank will rest when the wheel shall be completed, face to the late rear, and place himself so that the line wljich he forms with the msn on the right (who had faced) shall be perpendicular to that occupied by the coiupan}' in line of battle; each platoon will wheel ac cording to the principles prescribed for tho wheel on a fixed pivot, and when the man who conducts the marching flank shall approach near to the peri>endicul!ir, its chief will command :
1. Platoon. 2. Halt.
407. At the command halt, which will hv given at the instant the' man who conducts the marching flank shall have arrived at three paces from the perpondicular, the platoon will halt; the covering sergeant will move to the point where the left of the first platoon is to rest, passing b}' the front rank ; the second -«ergeaut will place himser in like manner, in regard to the second platoon. Each will take care to leave between himself and tho man on the right of his platoon, a space equal to its front ; the cap- tain and first lieutenant will look to this, .and each take care to align the sergeant between himself and the man af the platmm who had faced to the right.
83 SCHOOL or THH COilPAXt,
408. The guide of each platoon, being thus established on the perpendicular, each chief will place himself two paces outside of his guide, and facing towards him, will command :
409. The alignment being ended, each chief of platoon will command Fuoxr, and place himself two paces before its centre.
410. The file closers will conform themselves to the movements of their respective platoons, preserving always the distance of two paces from the rear rank.
411. Should the instructor wish to break by platoon to the left, he will execute it according to the same principles and by inverse means, and will give the following com- mands :
1. Bi/ platoon left wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. Platoon. 4. Halt. 5. Right — Dress. 6. FROiJT.
Post of Officers in Column.
412. In column hy company the captain is two paces in front of the centre of his company ; the first sergeant on the right of the front rank, and is the right guide of the company ; the second sergeant on the left of the front rank, and is the left guide of the company.
413. In cohimn by platoon the captain commands the first platoon, the first lieutenant the second platoon ; each two paces in front of the certre of his platoon; the first sergeant is the guide of the first platoon ; the second ser- geant is the guide of the second platoon ; they will be, un- less otherwise ordered, on the left of the front rank of their respective platoons, if the column is right in front, aoi oa th2 ri^^bt, if tb? left is in front.
kMiiiDl. OF THE COMPANT, 64
414. In column by section the captain commands the first section ; the first lieutenant the third; the second lieutenant the second ; the third lieutenant the fourth ; each two paces in front of his section ; the first sergeant is guide of the first section, the second sergeant is guide of the fourth ; the third is guide of the third ; and the fourth is guide of the second ; each on the left front rank of his section, if the column be right in front, and on the right if the left be in front.
415. In column b}' company, platoon or section, the file closers not otherwise provided for, are in their proper places behind the rear rank of their respeotire sub-divi- sions.
To March in Column.
316. The company having broken by platoon, right (or left) in front, the instructor wishing to cause the column to march, will command :
1. Column forward. 2. Guide left (or right.) 3. March.
417. At the command march, promptly repeated by the chiefs of platoon, th*^ whole will step ofi" together.
418. The men will each feel lightly the elbow of his neighbor toward the guide, and conform himself to the principles prescribed in the school of the squad.
419. The man next to the guide, in each platoon, will take care never to pass him, and also to march always about six inches to the right (or left) from him, in order not to push him out of the directiofl.
420. The leading guide will observe, with the greatest precision, the length and cadence of the step, and maintain the direction of his match by means prescribed in No. 335.
>?5 «t'HOUl, OP lUK t'CJilPASy.
421. The following guide will march exactly in the trace of the leading one, preserving between the latter and him- self a distance precisely equal to the front of his platoon, and inarching in the same step with the leading guide.
422. If the following guide lose his distance from the one leading (which can only happen by his own fault,) he will correct himstlf by slightly lengthening oi^shortening a few steps, in order that there may not be sudden quicken- ings or slackenings in the march of his platoon.
423. The guide of each sub-division in column will be responsible for the direction, distance and step.
424. The chief of each sub-division, will be responsible for the order and conformity of his sub-division with the movements of the guide, accordingly the chief will fre- quently turn, in the march, to observe his sub-division.
425. In column the chiefs »f sub-divisions will always repeat, with the greatest promptitude, the commands march and halt; they will give no other command given by the instructor, but may explain, if necer.sary, to their sub- divisions, in an under tone, what they will have to exe- cute, as indicated by the commands of caution.
To Change D'rection.
426. The changes of direction of a column while march- ing, will be executed according to the pi-inciples prescri- bed for wheeling on the march. Whenever, therefore, the direction of the column is to be changed, the instructor will change the guide^ if not already there, to the flank opposite the side to which the change is to be made.
427. The column being in march i-ight in front, if it be the wish of the instructor to change* direction to the right,
* SCHOOL OF IHB COMPAN V. 86
he will give the order to the chief of the first platoon, and immediately go himself or send a marker to tlie point at which the change of direction is to be made ; the instruc- tor or marker will place himself on the direction of the guides, so as to present the breast to that flank of the column.
428. The leading guide will direct hia march on that person, so that, in passing, his left arm may just graze hia breast. "When the leading guide shall have approached near the marker, the chief of the platoon will cemmand:
1. Eight icheel. 2, March.
429. The first command will be given, when the platoon is at the distance of four paces from the marker.
430. At the com in and march, which will be pronounced at the instant the guide shall have arriveH opposite the marker, the platoon will wheel to the right, conforming to what has been prescribed in the school of the squad.
431. The wheel being almost completed, the instructor will command :
3. Forward.
432. And when the wheel is finished, he will command :
4. March.
433. At which the platoon will march straight forward in the new direction.
434. The second platoon will continue to march straight forward till up with the marker, when it will wheel to the riffht, ai'd i-e-take the direct march b}- the same commands and the same means which governed the first platoon.
435. Should the instructor wish to change the direction to the l.eft. Via will command rfuid'! right. At lhi« covi^-
87 SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY.
mand the two guides will move rapidly to the right of their respective platoons, each passing in front of his sub- division ; the men will take the touch of elbows to the right ; the instructor conforming to what has been pres- cribed.
436. The change of direction to the left will then be executed according to the same principles as the change ol direction to the right, but by inverse means.
437. When the change of direction is completed, the in- structor will command, guide left.
438. The change of direction in a column left in front, will be executed according to the same principles.
439. Each chief will observe that his subdivision arrives at the point of change in a square with the line of direc- tion; with this view, he will face to his subdivision when the one wWch precedes has commenced to turn or to wheel, and he will be watchful that it continues to march squarely until it arrives at the point where the change of direction is to cpmmence.
To halt the column and to form to the right or left into line, either at a halt or on the march.
440. The column being in march, right in front, to halt it the instructor will command :
1 Cohimn — 2 Halt.
441. At the second command, promptly repeated by the chiefs of platoons, the column will halt; the guides also will stand fast, although they C'^ay have lost both distance and direction.
442. The instructor wishiHg to lorm ii into line will place himself at platoon distance in frent of the leading
StllOOL OF rUR COMPANT. Sft
guide, face to him and rectify, if necessary, the position of the guide beyond J which being executed he will com- mand :
Left — Dress.
443. At this command, which will not be repeated by the chiefs of platoon, each of them will place himself briskly two paces outside of his guide and direct the alignment of the platoon perpendicularly to the direction of the column.
444. Each chief having aligned his platoon, will com- mand Front, and return quickly to his place in the column.
445. The instructor having seen this disposition made, will command :
1. Left i)ito line, wheel. 2. March.
446. At the command inarch, briskly repeated by the chiefs of p atoon, the front rank man on the left of each platoon will face to tlie left, and place his breast lightly against the arm of the guid - by his side, who stands fast ; the platoons will then wheel to the left on the principles of wheels from a halt.
447. Each chief will turn to his platoon to observe its movements, and wht?n the marching flank of his platoon is three paces from the line, he will command :
1. Platoon. 2. Halt.
448. The chief of the second platoon having halted it, will return to his place as file closer, passing Iround the left of his subdivision.
449. The captain having halted the first platoon, will move rapidly to the j^oint at which the rig^t of the com- pany will revt in lino of battle, und command ;
*J1 «CHt)Cr. <1P lUli COMBANY.
Right. Dress.
450. At this command, the two platoons will dress up on the alignment.
451. The company being aligned, the captain will com- mand :
Front.
452. The instructor seeing the company in line of battle* will command:
Guides. Posts.
453. At this command, the covering sergeant will cover the captain, and the left guide will return to his place as file closer.
453. If the column be left in frorjt, and the instructor wishes to form it to the right into line of battle, it will be d»ne upon the same principals and bv inverse means. —
The instructor will command :
1. Right into line wheel. 2, March.
454. At the command mar^'h, the front rank man on the right of each platoon will face to the right and place his breast lightly against the left arm of the guide by his side, who stands fast; each platoon will wheel to the right, and will be halted by its chief, when the marching flank has approached near the line of battle ; for this purpose he will command :
1. Platoon. 2. Halt.
455. The pl^oon having halted, the chief of the second platoon will return to hia place as file closer, and the cap- tain will move briskly to the point at which the left of the company is to rest? and command ; *
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 90
Ze/V. Dress.
456. At the command, the two platoons will dress up on the alignment; the man on the left of the second platoon, opposite the instructor, will place his breast lightly against the right arm of this oflicer, and the captain will direct the alignment from the left on the man on the opposite flank of the company.
457. The company being aligned the captain will com- mand:
Front.
458. The instructor seeing the company in line of battle» will command :
Guides. Posts.
459. At the command, the captain will move to the right of his company, the coyering sergeant will cover him, ana the left guide will return to his place as file closer.
460. If the column be marching right in front, and the instructor should wish to form it into line without halt- ing the column, he will give the command prescribed in No. 444, and move rapidly to platoon distance in front of the leading guides. _
461. At the command march, briskly repeated by the chiefs of platoon, the left guides will halt short, the in- structor, the chiefs of platoon, and the platoons will con- form to what has been prescribed in No. 445.
462. If the column be in march left in front, the forma- tion will be made, according to the same principles and by inveise means.
463. If the column be marching right in front, to form it into line without halting, and to march the company in line to the front, the command is :
SI SCHOOL or THE COMPAKT.
1, By lilatQonSfleft wTitel. 2. March.
464. At the command march, briskly repeated by the chiefs of platoon, the left guides will halt; the man next to the left guide in each platoon will mark time; the platoons will wheel to the left ; conforming to the princi- ples of the wheel on a fixed pivot.
465. When the right of the platoons shall arrive near the line of battle, the instructor will command :
3. Forward. 4. March. 5. Guide right (or left.)
466. At the fourth command, given the instant the wheel is completed, the company will move promptly together, the captain, the chief of the second platoon, the covBring sergeant and the left guide will take their positions as in line of battle.
467 At the fifth command, to be given immediitely after the fourth, the captain and covering sergeant, if not already there, will move briskly to the side on which the guide is designated.
468. The same principals are applicable to a column left in front.
To break tke company into platoons.
469. The company marching right in front and suppos ed to make part of a column, to cause it to break by pla. toon, the instructor will command :
1. Break into platoons. 2. March.
470. At the first command, the captain will place him- self before the centre of the first platoon and give the caution: 1. First -platoon. 2. Forward; the first lieu- tenant will pass quickly around the left to the centre o*^
SCHOOL OF TSB COyTAYT. 92
hifl plato«n and give the cautioH. 1. iSnond platoon. 2, Mark time.
471. At the command march, promptlr repeated bv the captain and first lieutenant, the first platoon will continue to march straight forward. — the covering sergeant, as joon as the flank is disengaged will 5hift to the left fiank of this platoon; the second platoon will begin to mark time and its chief will immediatel.y add 1. Right ohliqxie. 2. March. The last command will be given so that this platoon may commence tobliquing the instant the rear rank of the first platoon shall have passed.
472. The men will.shorten the step in (/bliqing, so that when the command forioard march is given, the platoon may have its exact distance.
473. The guide of the second plato»n being near the. di- rection of the guide of the first, the chief of the second will command Forward, and add March the instant that the guide of his platoon shall cover the guide of the first.
474. In a column, left in front, the company will break into platoons by inverse means, applying to the first pla- toon all that has been prescribed for the second and reci- procally.
475. In this case, the left' guide of the company will shift to the right flank of the second platoon, and the cov- ering sergeant will remain on the right of the first.
To reform the compcniy.
476. The column, by platoon, being in march, right in front and the instructor wishing to form it into company will command :
1. Form company, 2, Mabch.
93 scnoOL OF the compakt.
477. At the first command, the captain will give ths caution, 1. Firnt platoon; 2. Right oblique; the first lieutenant will give the caution. 1. Second platoon. 2. Foricard.
478. At the command march, promptlj repeated by tha captain and first lieutenant, the first platoon will obligue to the right in order to unmask the second — the covering sergeant will return to the right of the company, and the second will continue to inarch straight forward.
479. When the first platoon shall have nearly unmasked the second, the captain will command : Mark time, and at the instant the unmasking shall be complete, he will add : 2. March. The first platoon will then cease t<> oblique, and will mark time.
480. In the meantime the second platoon will have con- tinued to march straight forward, and when it shall be nearly up with the first, the captain will command, for- toarc?, and at the instant the t^vo platoons unite, he will add, March ; the first platoon will then cease to mark time, the whole company stepping ofl:' together.
481. In a column left in front, the same movements will be executed by inverse means, the chief of the second platoon giving the command, foricard, and the captain adding the command March, when the platoons are united.
482. The guide of the second platoon, on its right, will pass to its left flank the moment the platoon begins to ob- lique^ the guide of the first, on its right, remaining on that flank of the platoon.
Being in column, to break files to the rear^ and
to cause (hem to re-enter into line.
tCnutjU tiK TJIH (;(.iVPA!<V. SI
483. The company being in march, and constituting^ part of a column, rigbt in front, the instructor will com- mand :
1. Tuo files from left (o rear. 2, Maiich.
484. At the command march, the first two files on the left of the- company will mark time, the others will con tinue to march straitforvvard ; the two rear rank men of the files will, as soon as the rear rank of the company shall clear them, move to the right by advancing the outer shoulder; the odd number will place himself behind the third file from that flank, the even number behind the fourth, passing for this purpose behind the odd num- ber^ the two front rank men will, in like manner, move lo the right when the rear rank of the company shall clear them, the odd number tvill place himself behind the first file, the eren number behind the second file, passing for this purpose behind the odd number.
485. At the command march, the files already broken, advancing a little the outer shoulder, will gain the spac^e of t\vo files to the right, shortening «t the same time, the step, in order to make room between themselves and the rear rank of the company for the files last ordered to the rear; the latter will break by the same commands and in the same manner as the first. The men who double should increase the length of the step in order to prevent dis- tances being lost.
486; Should the instructor wish to break files from the right, he will command :
1. Twojiles from right to rear. Maiich.
487. At the command march, the files will now move to the left, advanciiiff the outer shoulder, thcpvi-n number of
95 sCniOOL OF THE COlIfANY.
the rear rank will place himself behind the third file, the odd number of the same rank behind the fourth ; the eren number of the h-ont rank behind the second, the odd num- ber for this purpose passing behind the even numbers.
489. When the front of the company is thus dirainifhed by breaking off successive groups of two files, the rear files must always be broken from the same side.
490. If the instructor wish the files broken ofl' to return into line, he will command :
1. I'lco files into line. Makch.
490. At the command march, the first ten files of those marching by the flank, will return brisklj- into line, as the others will gain the space of two files by advancing the Inner shoulder towards the flank to which they belong.
491. On the same principals any number of files may be broken ofif togher, in which case the command will be ; I. Four or six files from left {or right) to rear. 2. Mauch.
On the same principals any number of files jnay be bro- ken ofi' together, in which case the command will be r 1, Fiyur or six files into line. 2. Mabch,
493. As often as files shall break off to rear, the guide on that flank will gradually clase on the nearest front rank man remaining in line, and he will also open out to make roomfBr files ordered into line.
494. Whenever there is on the right or left of a subdi- vision, a file which does not belong to a group, it will be broken off and bi'ought into line singly.
The Coulumn in Rout^.
495. The r'ompany boino; in march, and supposed to
"• £CHOOI. OF THE POMPA.VT, 'SJ
<'on3titute a part of a eoluinn, if the in3tructor wish io tnarch it in the route step, he will command :
1. Botite step, 2. 'SIkv.cu.
496. At the command march, repeated by the captain, the front rank will continue the step of twentj-eight inch- es, the rear rank wiil take, by gradually shortening the step, the distance of tvrenty-eipht inches from tlic front rank, which distance will be computed from the breast of Ibbe man io the rear rank to tho knapeack of the maa in the front rank.
497. The men without further command, will immediate^ ly carry their arms at will, ^.s has been prescribed in the school of tlie squad. They will no longer be required to inarch in the cadence step, or with the same foot, or re- main silent.
498. The company marching in the route step, its front may be diminished by breaking ipto piatoons or sections, 't)y the same G.^mro^^nds, and by the same means as if the poinpany were marching in the cadence step.
499. When tl;e corapajay br^^^':^' ijito platoons, the chief of each will more to tbe flank of his platoon, and will take the place of tjie guide, who will step back into tfee rear r.ank.
&0G. As so©n tts the platoons sUalJ be bri>]ten, each chie^ flf section will place himself on its directing flank in the front rank, and the Ifle closer will close up to within ono pace of this rank. The moment the platoons are re-form- ed, t )e chiefs of the left sections will rrtjjrn tp tbeir pUceai ps til»; closera.
5.01. The f^<)iiij>;niv r»i.7i''!i:rRr in *};•' ^••M'^'^■|P/^• f<' ?'(|i!s« i ' '
^ SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. ^
it to paag to the cadenced step, the instructor will order the pieces to be brought to the right shoulder, and cona- inand :
1. Quick time. 2. March.
502. At the command march, the men will resume the cadence step, and will close so as to leave a distance of sixtcn inches between the rear rank and the front.
503. The company marching in the route step, the in- structor will cause it t© change direction, which will be executed without formal commands, en a simple caution from the captain ; the rear rank will come up to change direction in the same manner as the front rank.
504. Each rank will conform itself to the piinciples prescribed for the change in close ranks with this differ- ence only ; that in wheeling the pivot man will take steps of fourteen inches, instead of nine, to close the wheeling point.
505. When the company marching in the route step shall halt, the rear rank will close up at the command halt, ftnd the whole will shoulder arms.
Counlermaj'ch,
506. The company being at a halt, and supposed to con- stitute part of a column, right in front, when the instruc- tor shall wish to cause it to countermarch, he will com- mand :
1. Countermarch. 'I. Company, right Face. 3. By file left. 4. March.
507.- At the second command, the company will face to the right, the two guides to the right-about ; the captain, will go to the right of his companr and cause two files to
SCHOOI- OF THK CClM^AWT. 99
break to the rear, and then place hiin?olf by tbe side of the front rank man row to conduct him.
508. At the command march, hoih guides will stand fast; the company will step off smaKly ; the first file conducted by the captain will wheel around the right guide, and di- rect its march along the front rank so as to arrive behind, and two paces from the left guide ; each file will come in succession to wheel ok the same ground around the right guide; the leading file having arrived at a point opposite the left guide, tke captain will command:
1. Company. 2. Halt. 3. Front. 4. Right-Dii.'Ess.
509. The first command will be given at four paces from the point where the leading file is to halt.
510. At the second command, the company will halt. 611. At the third, it will face to the front.
512. At the fourth, the captain will step two paces out- side of ttie left guide, now on the right, and direct the Alignment, s» that the front rank may be enclosed between the guides ; the company being aligned he will command, Front, and place himself before the centre of the company tis if in column ; the guides passing along the front rank, will shift to their proper places, on the right and left of that rank.
513. In a column by platoon, or section, the counter- march will be executed by the same commands, and ac- cording to the same principles; the guide of each
, platoon, or section, will face about, and its chief will place himself by the side of the file on the right to conduct it.
614. In a column left in front, the countermarch will be executed by inverse commands and means but according to the same principles. Thus the movement will be made
20U aCBOOL OV THE COMPAJSTT,
by the tigbt flank of subdivisions, if the right be in front, and by the left flank if tbe left be in front ; in both casesj the subdivisions will wheel by file ts the side of the front rank.
Being m column hy jtlatoon, to form vn the right (or left) into line of battle.
515. The column by platoon, right in front, being in niarch, the instructor wishing to form it on the right into line of battle, will command :
1. On the right into line. 2. Guide right
516. At the second command, the guide of each platoon will shift quickly to its right flank; the column will con- tinue to march straight forward ; the instructor will move briskly to the point at which the right of the com. pany ought to rest in line, and place himselt facing the point of direction to the left which he will choose.
517. The head of the column being nearly opposite the instructor the chief of the first platoon will command: 1. night turn ; and when exactly opposite to that point he will add : 2. March.
618. At this command the first platoon will turn to tbe right occording to the principles prescribed in No. lid, its guide will so direct his march as to bring the front rank man next on his left, opposite to the instructor ; the chief Qf the platoon will march before its centre, and when the guide shall be near the line of battle, he will command : 1. Platoon. 2. Halt,
510. At this command, which will be given at the instant the light uf the platoon ehall arrive at the distance ef
SOtfOUL OF IHK f-'OMPANY. 10 1
;hrce paces from the line of battle, the platoon will halt ; the files not yet in line will come up promptly.
520. The guide will throw himself on the line of battle opposite to one of the three left files of his platoon, and face to the instructor, who will align him on the point of direction to the left.
521. The chief of the platoon having at the same time, gone to the point where the right of the company is to rest, will, as soon as he sees all the files of the platoon in line command :
Bight — Dress.
522. The second platoon will continue to march itraight forward, until its guide shall arrive opposite to the left file of the first; it will then turn to the right at the com- mand of its chief, and march towards the line of battle, its guide directing himself on the left file of the first pla- toon.
523. The guide having arrived at the distance of three paces from the line of battle, this platoon will be halted, as prescribed for the first; at the instant it halts its guide vvill spring on the line of battle, opposite to one of the three left files of his platoon, and will be assured in his position by the instructor.
524. The chief of the second platoon, seeing all his files in line, and its guide established on the dii-ection, will command :
Hight— Dress. 626. Having given this the command, he will return to his place as file-closer, passing around the left; the second platoon will dress up on the alignment of the first, and when eetabliehed, the captain will command ;
102 school of the company.
Front. i26. The movetrient ended, the instructor will command! Guides — Posts.
527. At this comiBand the guides will return to their places in line of battle.
528. A column by platoon, left in front, will form on the left into line of battle according to the same principles, and by inverse means, applying to the second platoon what is prescribed for the first, and reciprocally.
529. The chief of the second platoon having aligned it from the left, will return to his place as file closer.
630. The captain having halted the first platoon three paces behind the Inie of battle, will go to the same point to align this platoon, and then command : Front. At the command, guides-posts, given by the instructor, the captain will shift to his proper flank, and the guides take their places in line of battle.
Formation of a company from, two ranks into
single rank, and reciprocally.
531. The company being in two ranks, and supposed to make a part of a column, right or left in front, when the instructor shall wish to form it into single rank, he will command :
1. In one rank form company. 2. Makch.
532. At the first command the right guide will face to the right.
533. At the command march, the right guide will step off and march in the prolongation of the front rank.
534. The first file will step off at the satme time with the
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANT. 103
guide ; the front rank man will turn to the right at the first step, follow the guide, and be himself followed by the rear rank man of his file, who will turn on the same spot where he turned.
535. The second file, and all other files successirelj, will Btep off as has been prescribed for the first, the frontVank man of each file following immediately the rear rank man of the file next on his right. The captain will superintend he moTement, and when the last man shall have stepped oC, he will halt the company, and face it to the front.
636. The file-closers will take their places in line of bat- tle, two paces in rear of the rank.
637. The company being in single rank, where the in- structor wishes to form it into two ranks, he will command:
1. In two ranks, form compani/. 2. March.
638. At the second command, the company will face to the right ; the right guide and the man on tlio vi<rht will remain faced to the front. "
639. At the command march, the men who hare faced to the right will step off and form files in the following man- ner ; the second man in the rank will place himself behind the first to form the first file; the third will place him selfby the side of the first in the front rank; the fourth behind the t^hird in the rear rank. AH the others ,..7/ in like manner place themselves, alternately, in the front and rear rank, and will thus form files of two men, on the lott of those already formed.
Formation of a compauf^ Jrun two ranks hito four, and reciprocal} ij, at a halt andin march. alO. The company being in two ranks, at a halt, and
104 • SCHOpii Ot r»£ eO»[FA>'Y.
supposed to form part of a'coluinn right in front, when the instructor shall wish to form it into four ranks, he will command :
1. Jn/our ranks, form company. 2. Company, left — Fl.CB. 3. March, {or double-quick — March.)
541. At the second command, the left guide wilLremain faced to the front, the company will face to the left, the rear rank will gain the distance of one pace from the front by a side step to the left and rear, and the men will form into four ranks as prescribed in the school of the squad.
542. At the command march, the first file of four men will reface to the front without undoubling. All the oth- er files of four will step off, and closing successively to about five inches of the preceding file, will halt, and im- mediately face to the front, the men remaining doubled.
543. The file closers will take their new places in line of battle at two paces in rear of the front rank.
544. The captain will superintend the movement.
645. The company being in four ranks, when the in- structor shall wish to form it into two ranks, ha will com- mand :
I. In ttco ranks form company. 2. Company right — Face. 3. March, {or double-quick — March.)
646. At the second command, the left guide will stand fast, the company will face to the right.
547. At the command march, the right guide will step off and march in the prolongation of the front rank. The leading file of four men will step off ac the same time, the other files standing fast; the second file will step off when there shall be between it and the first space soffioient to form two rankp.
««HOOL OF laE COMJ'AKr. lOo
548. The following files will execute successively whatha* been prescribed for the second. As soon as the last file shall have its distance, the instructor will command :
1. Company, 2. Halt. 3. Front,
549. At the cocimand/roMf, the company will face to the front, and the files will undouble.
650. The company being in two ranks and marching to the front, when the instructor shall wish to form it into four ranks, he will command:
1. In/our ranH form company. 2. By the left, double files. 3. March, {or double-quick— yikuca.)
651. At the command march, the left ffuide and the left file of the company will continue to march straight to the front ; the company will make a half face to the left, th« odd numbers placing themselves behind the even numbers. The even numbers of the rear rank will shorten their stepa a little, to permit the odd numbers of the front rank to get between them and the even numbers of that rank.
552. The files thus formed of fours, except the left'file, will continue to march obliquely, lengthening their steps slightly, so as to k^ep constantly abreast of the guides- each file will close successively on the file next on its left, and when at the proper distance from that file, will face to the front by a half face to the right, and take'the touch ol elbows to the left.
553. The company being i„ march to tV front in four ranks, when the instructor shall wish to form it into two ranks, he will command :
1. Ih (wo rank, form company. 2. By the right undonhU
.fif'f. Maeck, (or ffofihl€-p/i.ek—}4A-Rva.)
100 8iH0(H. or THE COMPAJ<T.
554. At the command march, the left •j;uide and the l'»f( file of the company will march straight to the front ; the company will make a half face to the right and march obliquely, lengthening the step a little, in order to keep as near as possible abreast of the guide.
555. As soon as the second file from the left shall have gained to the right the interTal necessary for the left file to form into Wo ranks, the second tile will face to the front by a half face to the left and march straight for- ward; the left file will immediately form into two ranks, and take the touch of elbows to the left.
656. Each file will execute successiyeiy, what has just been prescribed for the file next to the left, and each file will form into two ranks, when the file next on its right has obliqued the required distance and faced to the front.
557. If the company be supposed to make part of a col- umn, left in front, these different morements will be exe- cuted according to the same principles and by inre "se means, substituting the indication left for right.
RIFLE AND LIGHT INFANTRY MANUAL.
PART THIRD.
Manual of Arms for Riflemen or Light Infantry.
Position of Shouldered Arms.
1 The recruit being placed as explained in the first part of squal drill, the instructor will cause him to bend the right arm slightl}', and to place the piece in it in the fol- lowing manner,
2. The piece in the right hand —the barrel nearly rerti- cal and resting in the hollow of the shoulder — the guard to the front, < he arm hanging nearly at its full length, near the bodv ; the thumb and forefinger embracing the guard, the remaining fingers closed together, grasping the swell of the stock just under the cock, which rests on the little finger.
3. In learning the reoruits the manual of arms, the last syllable ot the command will decide the brisk execution of the fi''st motion of each time or pause, and the commands tuo, three and four, will decide the brisk execution of the other motions.
4. The manual of arms will be taught in the following progression. The recruit having the piece at the shoulder, the instructor will command :
108 EIFLB AND LIGHT INTA.N'lur SiA^UVAt.
Suppert —AviMB. One time and three motions.
5. (First motion. ) Bring the piece, with the right hand, perpendicularly to the front and between the eyes, the barrel to the rear; seize the piece with the left hand at the lower band, raise this hand as high as the chin, and seize the piece at the same time with the right hand four inchei below the cock.
6. (Second motion.) Turn the piece with the right hand, the barrel to the front ; carry the piece to the left shoulder, and pass the forearm extended on the breast be- tween the right hand and the cock; support the cock against the left forearm, the left hand resting on the right breast.
7. (Third motion.) Drop the right hand by the side*
Shoulder — Arms.
One time and three motions.
8. ( First motion.) Grasp the piece with the right hand under and against the left forearm ; seize it with the left hand at the lower band, the thumb extended ; detach the piece slightlj» from the shoulder, the left forearm along the stock.
9. (Second motion. ) Carry the piece vertically with both hands, to the right shoulder, the rammer to the front, change the position of the right hand so as to embrace the guard with the thumb and forefinger, slip the left hand t» the height of the shoulder, the fingers extended and joined, the right arm nearly straight.
10. (Third motion.) Drop the left hand quickly by th« «ld«.
Pretent— AtU%. One titnt and tte9 taotioHt.
11. (First naotioa.) With (he rigrht hand, briny the piece erect before the centre of the body, the rammer to the front ; at the same time seize the piece with the left hand half way between the guide sight and lower band, the thumb extended along the barrel and against the stock, the forearm horizontal and resting against the body, the hand as high as the elbow.
12. (Second motion. ) Grasp the small of the stock witk the right hand belon and against tlie guard.
.S'^owWer— Akms. One tune and ttco motion«.
13. (First motion.) Bring the piece to the right shoul- vJer, at the 8»me time change the position of the right hand so as to embrace the guard with the thumb and fore- linger, slip up the left hand to the height of the shoulder, the fingers extended and joined, the right arm nearly straight.
H. (Second motion.) Drop the left hand guickly to tiie side.
Order — Arms. One dmt andtivo .mottont. •
15. (First motion.) Seize the piece briskly with the left hand near the upper band, and detach it slightly from Ihe shoulder with the right hand ; loosen the grasp of the right hand, lower the piece with the loft, re-seize the piece ivith the right hand above the lower band, the little fingec io the repT of the barrel, the butt abautfour inohe? frons
110' RirLF AJfD trSHT rNFANTRT MANUAI,,
«
mhe groirad, the right hand Bvvpported against the hip;. drop the left hand by the side.
16. (Second position^) l>et the piece slip through the- iright hand to the ground by opening slightly the finders, and take
The posiiton of Order Arms^.
17. The hand lowr, the barrel between the thumb and forefinger extended along the stock; the other fingers extended and joined ; the muzzle asbout two inches from: She right shoulder; the rammer in front; the toe (or beak of the butt against and in a line ^th the toe of the right foot, the barrel perpendicular.
Shoulder — Arms.
One time and two- motions,
18. (First motion.) Raise the peace verticariy with the right hand to the height of the right breast, and op- posite the shoalder, the elbow close to the body ; seize th-e- piece with the left hand below the right, and drop qiUicklj the right hand to grasp the pi^ce at the smafU of the stocky the thumb and forefinger embracing the guard ; press the piece against the shoulder with the left hand, the righit arm nearly straight.
19. (Second motion.) I>i*op the left hand qutckly hj the side.
Load in nine timei,
I. JLOAI>.*
20. Grasp the piece with the left hand as high as the
*(NoTE.) Whenever the loadings and firings are to be executed, the instructor will cause the cartridge boxes to 18>e brought to the front.
UIFLK ASU LIGHT INFASTRT MAHCAL. lU
right elbow, and bring it rertically opposite the middle of the body, slip the right hand to the upper band, place the butt between ike feet, barrel to the front ; seize it witX the left hand near the muzzle, which should be three inch- es from the body; carry the right ha«d to the cartrid|:« box.
2. i/flMdie— CARTRIOaB.
0ns time and one mottoa. 2L Seize the cartridge with the thumb and next two f.ngere, and place it between tftie teeth. 3. Tear— Cartridge. One time and one motion.
22. Tear tJie pap»r to the powder, hold ihe cartridge upriglit between tJie th«mb and first two fingers, aear the top ; in this position place it in front of and near the mux* zle— the back of the hand to the front.
4. C'Aor^e— Cartribqb. 0*« time and one motion.
23. Empty tho powder into the barrel ; disengage the ball from the paper with the right hand and the thumb and first two fingers of the left ; insert it into the bore, the pointed end uppermost, and press it down with the right thumb ; seize the head of the rauiiaer with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, fhe other fingers closed, ihe elbow near the body.
5. jDraip— Rammeu. One time and three viotionn. U. (First motion.) Half draw the rammer by extend- in^. the right arm; steady it in this poiition with lefi
t)iu«»b ; grasp the rammer near the muzzle with the riglk hand, the little finger itpperm^wt, tfee nails to the front, the thumb extended along the rammer.
25. (Second motion. ) Clear the rammer from the pipes By again extending the arm : the rammer i-n the prolon- gation of the pipes.
2G. (Third motion.) Turis the rammer, the little end' of the rammer paBsiing near tbe left shoulder ; pfeec the lead of the rammer on the ball, the back of the hand t» the ft-ontv
G. Bam — CARiniDGE,
One time and ove matio^.
27. Insert the rammer as far as the-right, ffnd' steady ft m this position with the thumb of the left hand ; seize the rammer at the small end with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, tlje back- of tli« hsind to thte front j press the ball home, the elbows nea;r tSie body,
7. Return — Rammer,
One time andtnree motions.
28. (First mstion. ) Draw the rammer half way oufe^ and steady it in this position with the left thumb ; grasp it aear the muzzle with the right band, the little ferefl-nger uppermost, the nails to the front, the thumb along ih^e rammer ; clear the rammer from the bore by extending the arm, the nails to the front, the rammer in the proton- gation of the bore.
29. (Second motion.) Turn the rammcT, the head of the rammer passing near the left shoulder, and insert it in the pipes until the right hand voachct? tt^e muzile, the nails to the froftt.
30. (Third motion.) Force tiie rammer home by plac- ing the little finger of the right hand on the head of the rammer ; pass the left hand down the barrel to the extent of the arm, without depressing the shoulder, 8. Fbimb- One time and two motinna.
SI. (First motion.) With the left hand raise the piece until the hand is as high as the ej^e, grasp the small of the Btock with the right hand ; half faeo the right ; place at eamc time, the right foot behind and at right angles with the left, the hollow of the right foot against the left heel. Slip the left hand down to the lower band, the thumb along the stock, the left elbow against the body ; bring the piece to the right side, the butt below the right fore- arm— the smafl of tbo stock against the body and two inches below the right breast, the barrel upward, the muz- zle on a IcTcl with the eye.
32. (Second motion.) Half cock with H)c thumb of tho right hand, tho fingers supported against the guard and pmall of the stock — remove the old cap with one of the fingers of the right hand, and with the thumb and fore- finger of the same hand, take a cap from the pouch, place it on the nipple, and press it down with the thumb; seize the small of the stock with the right hand.
9. Shoulder — Arms.
0;jfl time and two motion •;.
33, (First motion.) Bring the piece to the right shoul- der and support it there with the left hand, face to the front ; bring the right hand to the side of and on a line with the left; grasp the piece with the li^ht hand as indl- eated in the po.^ilion o( nhoi'hfrr nrmt.
114 niFLK AND LIGHT INFANTRY HANtJAL,
34. (Se«ond motion.) Drop the left hand quickly to the side.
Readt. One time and three mottona.
35. (First motion.) Raise the piece slightly with the right hand, raakingf a half face to the right on the left beel ; carry the righ foot to the rear, and place it at right angles to the left, the hollo\y of it opposite to and against the left heel ; grasp the piece with the left hand at the lower band and detach it slightly from the shoulder.
36. (Second motion.) Bring down the piece with both Lands, the barrel upward, the left thumb extended along the stock, the butt along the right forearm, th« small of the stock against the body and two inches below the right breast, the muzzle as high as the eye, the left el- bow against the side; place at the same time, the right thumb on the Jaead of the coek, the other fingers under and against the guard..
37. (Thir4 motion.) Cock and seize the piece at the small of the stock, without deranging the position of the butt.
Aim. One time and one motion.
38. Raise the piece with both hands, and support the butt against the right shoulder ; the left elbow down, the right nearly as high as the shoulder, incline the head upon the butt so that the right eye may perceive quickly the object aimed at ; the left eye closed, the right thumb ex- tended along the .stock, the forefinger on the trigger.
39. The rear rank men, in aiming, will each carry the
UIFLB AND LKjlHr INFANTRY MANIAL. 115
right foot about eight inches to the right, and towards the left beelof the man next on the right, inclining the upper part of the body forward.
FlKE.
40. Press the forefinger against the trigger, fire, without lowering or turning the head, and remain in this position.
LOADk
One time and one motxoif,
41. Bring down the piece with both hand'^, at the same- time face to the front, and take the position of load. Each rear rank man will bring bis right foat by the side of the left.
43. If, after firing, the instructor should not wish the recruits to re-load, he will command :
Sho nlder — Arms.
One time and one motion.
43. Throw up the piece briskly with the left hand^ and resume the position of shoulder arms, at the same time face to the front, trarningon the left heel, and bringing the right heel on a Tine with the left.
44. To accustom the recruits to wait for the camnfiand,. Jlre, the instructor, when they are in the position ofaiiri^ will command :
liecover — Arms. One time ttnd orte motion.
45. At the first part of the command, withdraw the fin*- ger from the trigger; at the command, arms, retake tfe^e position of the third motion of rei%dy.
116 RIFLE A.X9 LI6HX I^'FA^'TRr MAXPAL.
46. Tte recruits being in the position of the third mo- tion ofrtady ; if the instructor should wish to bring them to a shoulder, he will command :
Shoulder — Arms.
One time and one motion.
47. At the com\na.nd shoulder, place the thumb upon the cock, the forefinger on the trigger, half cock, and seize the small of the stock with the right hand. At the command arms, bring up the piece briskly to the right shoulder and re-take the position o^ shoulder arms.
Fix — Bayonet.
Onetime and three motions.
.48. (First motion.) Grasp the piece with the left hand at the height of the shoulder, and detach it Blightly from the shoulder with the right hand.
49. (Second motion.) Quit the piece with the right hand, lower it with the left hand, opposite the middle of the body, and place the butt between the feet without shock, the rammer to the rear, the barrel vertical, the muzzle three inches from the body ; seize it with the right hand at the upper band, and carry the left hand reversed to the handle of the sabre bayonet.
50. (Third motion.) Draw the sabre bayonet from the scabbard and fix it on the barrel ; seize the piece with the left hand, the aim extended, the right hand at the upper band.
Shoulder — Arms. One time and two motiom^
51. (First mcti«n,) Kaise the piece with the left hand,
KIFIJk ANP LIGHT ISFiiNTRT MASUAL. 117
and place it against the right shoulder, the rammer to the front ; seize the piece at the same time with the right hand, at the small of the stock, the thumb and forefiger, embracing the guard, the right arm nearly extended.
52. (Second motion.) Drop the piece briskly, the left hand by the side.
Charge-^BxronsT.
One time and two motioiu,
53. (First motion. ) Raise the piece slightly with the right hand, and make a half face to the right on the left heel ; place the Lollow of the right foot opposite to, and three inches from the left heel, the f«et square ; seize the piece at the same time, with the left hand a little above the lower band.
64. (Second motion. ) Bring down the piece with both hands, the barrel uppermost, the left elbow against the body; seize the small of the stock at the same time, with the right hand, which will be supported against the hip ; the point of the sabre bayonet as high as the eye. Shoulder — Arms, One time and two viotiona.
55. (First motion. ) Throw up the piece briskly with the left hand, in facing to the front, place it against the right shoulder, the rammer to the front; turn the right hand so as to embrace the guard, slide the left hand to the height of the shoulder, the right hand nearly extended.
66. (Second motion. ) Drop the left hand smartly by the aide.
TratV— Arms. Out tiiiie and ti»o motietit.
118 RIKLE AND LIGHT IM^ANTRT MANUAL.
57. (First motion.) The same as the first motion of Order arms.
58. (Second motion.) Incline the muzzle slightly to the front, the butt to the rear and about four inches from the ground. The right hand supported at the hip, will so hold the piece that the rear-rank men may not touch with their bayonet, the men in the front rank.
Shoulder — Ahms.
59. At the command shoulder, raise the piece perpendic- ularly in the right hand, the little finger in rear of the bar- rel. At the command arms, execute the two motions pre- scribed for the shoulder, from the position of order arms.
Unfix — Bayonet.
One time and three motions,
60. (First motion.) The same as first motion of yiaj hayonet.
61. (Second motion.) The same as second motion of_/?J5 bayonet, except, that the thumb of the right hand will be placed on the spring of the sabre bayonet, and the left hand will embrace the handle of the sabre bayonet and the bai rel, the thumb extended along the blade.
62. (Third motion. ) Press the thumb of the right hand on the spring, wrest off the sabre bayonet, turn it to the right, the edge to the front, lower the guard until it touch- es the right hand, which will seize the back and the edge of the blade between the thumb and first two fingers, the other fingers holding the piece; change the position of the hand without quitting the handle, return the sabre bayonet to the scabbard, and seize the piece with the left band, the arm extended.
RIFLE AND LIOHT INFANTRT MANUAL. 119
Shoulder — A BMS. One time and two motiona.
63. (First motion.) The same as the first motion, from fix bayonet.
(54. (Second motion.) The same as the second motion in Jixbar/onet.
Secure — Alms. One time and three motions.
65. (First motion.) The same as the first motion of support arms, except, with the right hand seize the piece at the small of the stock.
6(5. (Second motion.) Turn the piece with both hands, the barrel to the front ; bring it opposite the left shoulder the butt against the hip, the left hand at the lower band, the thumb as high as the chin and extended on the rammer; the piece erect and detached from the shoulder, the left forearm against the piece.
67. (Third motion.) Raise the piece, pass it under the left arm, the left hand remaining at the lower band, the thumb on the rammer to prevent it from falling out, the little finger resting on the hip, the right hand falling at the same time by the side.
Shoulder — Arms.
One lime and three motions.
68. (First motion. ) Raise the piece with the left hand, and seize it with the right hand at the small of the stock, the piece erect and detached from the shoulder, the butt against the hip, left foream along the piece.
69. (Second motion.) The same as the second motioB of shoulder armn from a inpport.
120 hlSin A^O U.UBI infantry MA.NCA-Ii.
70. (Third motion.) The same as the third motion of shttuldtr arms from a support.
Right Shotilder Shift — Arms. One time and two n\ptio7u.
7i. (First motion. ) Detach the piece perpendicularly from the shoulder with the right hand, and raise it with the left between the lower band and guide sight, raise the piece, the left hand at the height of the shoulder and four inches from it; place, at the same time, the right hand ou the butt, the back between the first two fingers, the other two fingers under the butt plate.
72. (Second motion.) Quit the piece with the left hand, raiae and place the piece on the right shoulder with the right hand, the lock plate upwards ; let fall, at the same time, the left hand by the side.
Shoulder — Arms.
One time and ttco motions,
73. (First motion.) Raise the piece perpendicularly by extending the right arm to its full length, the rammer to the front, at the same time, seize the piece with the left hand between the lower band and guide sight.
74. (Second motion.) Quit the butt with the right hand, which will immediately embrace the guard, lower the piece to the position of shoulder arras, slide up the left hand to the height of the shoulder, the fingers extended and closed. Drop the left hand by the side.
75. The men being at support arms, the instructor will sometimes causfe the pieces to be brought to the right shoul- der. To effect this, he will command :
ElfLS i^'D LieHX UfFAlTTKT MAXUAX. 121
Bight Shoulder Shift — Ariis. One time and tico motiont.
76. (First motion.) feize the piece with the right hand, below and near the left forearm, place the left hand under the butt, the heel of the butt between the first two fingers.
77. (Second motion.) Turn the piece with the left hand, the lock plate upward, carry it to the right shoulder, the left hand still holding the butt, the muzzle elevated ; hold the piece in this position and place the right hand upon the butt as is prescribed in No. 71, and let fall the hand by the side.
Support — Arms.
One time and two motions.
78. (Finst motion. ) The same as the first motion of »houlder arms, No. 73.
79. (Second motion. ) Turn the piece with both hands, the barrel to the front, carry it opposite the left shoulder, slip the right hand to the small of the stock, place the left forearm, extended, on the breast and let fall the right hand to the side.
Arms — At Will.
One time and one motion.
80. Carry the piece at pleasure on either ghoulder, with one or both hands, the muzzle elevated.
Shoxdder— Arms. One time and one motion.
81. Retake quickly the position of shoiUder armt.
Ground— Aniiis. Oiif. time aitd twH vwtion-fi.
122 EIl-LB AND LIGHT INFANTUy MANUAL.
82. (First motion.) As prescribed in heavy infantry manual, (squad drill.)
83. ( Second motion. ) As prescribed in heavy infantry manual, (sqaad drill.) ^
Raise — Aries. One time and two motions,
84. (First motion. ) As prescribed in heavy infantry manual, (squad drill. )
85. (Second motion.) As prescribed in Aeavy tn/a»try manual, (squad drill. )
86. The recruits being at order arms, and having the sabre bayonet in the scabbard, if the instructor wishes to cause an inspection of arms, he will command,
Inspection — Arms. One time and two motions.
87. (First motion. ) Seize the piece with the left hand below and near the upper band, carrj it with both hands opposite the middle of the body, the butt between the feet, the rammer to the rear, the barrel vertical, the muzzle about three inches from the body ; carry the left hand re- versed to the sabre-bayonet, draw it from the scabbard and fix it on the barrel ; grasp the piece with the left hand below and near the upper band, seize the rammer with the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, bent, the other fingers closed.
88. (Second motion.) Draw the rammer, as has been explainednn loading, and let it glide to the bottom of the bore, replace the piece with the left hand, opposite the right shoulder, and take the position (»f order arms.
89. The instructor will then inspect in sur-rogiion. the
RTFLE AND LIGHT INFA.NTRT MANUAL. 123
piece of each recruit, in passing along the front of the rank, in conformity with the principles prtscribed in squad drill for the inspection of arms
90. When the instructor shall have passed him, each re- cruit will retake the position prescribed at the command insjyection armn.
91. The men being at order arms, the instructor will command,
Stack — Arms.
92. At this command, the front rank man of every even numbered lile will pass his piece before him, seizing it with the left land near the upper band ; will place the butt a little in advance of the left toe, the barrel turned toward the body, and draw the rammer slightly from its place , the front rank man «f every odd numbered file will also draw the rammer slightly, and pass his piece to the man next on his left, who will seize it with the right hand near the upper band, and place the butt a little in advance of . the right toe of the man next on his right, the barrel turn- ed to the front ; he will then cross the rammer of the two pieces, the rammer of the piece of the odd numbered man be- ing inside; the rear rank man of evry even file will also draw his rammer, lean the piece forward, the lock plate down- ward, advance the right foot about six inches, and insert the rammer between the rammer and the barrel of the piece of his front rank man ; with his left hand he will place the butt of his piece on the ground, thirty-two inches in rear of and perpendicular to the front rank, bring back his right foot by the sids of the left ; the front rank man of every even file, will at the same time lean the stock to the rear, quit it with the right hand and force all the rammers
. l",iI4 a.l?LK AHl} lilUHI t^trANlAT MANUAL.
down. The stack being thus fbrmed, the rear rank man of every odd file will pass his piece into his left hand, the barrel to the front, and inclining it forward, will rest it on the stack.
93. The men of both ranks having taken the position of the soldier without arms, the instructor will command
1. Break ranks — 2. March. To Resume Arms.
94. Both ranks beinc: reformed in rear of their stacks, the instructor will command :
Take — Arms.
96. At this command, the rear rank man of every odd numbered piece, will withdraw his piece from the stack ; the front rank man of every even file, will seize his own piece with the l«ft hand, and that of the man on his right, with his right hand, both above the lower band ; the rear rank man of the even file will seize his piece with the right band below the lower band ; these two men will raise up the stack to loosen the rammers ; the front rank man of every odd file, will facilitate the disengagement of the ram- mers, if necessary, by drawing them out slightly with the left hand, and will receive his piece from the hand of the man next on the left ; the four men will retake the position of the soldier at order arms.
formation of a Regiment in line of Battle or in
line,
96. A Regiment is composed of ten companies, which will habitually be posted from right to left, in the follow- ing 6rder: first, «iith, fourth, ninth, third, eighth, fifth.
Rffi/B AND LIOHT INFAWTRT JMNCAL. 125'
^tenfh, seteath, second, according to the p»nk cf captains.
07. With a less numbar of companies tlio same principle trill be observed, viz : the first captain will command the right company, the second captain the left company, the third captain the right centre company, and so on.
98. The companies thus posted will be designated from right to lcft,^r«< company, eecond company, etc. This designation will be observed in the mancriivrcs.
09. The first two companies on the right, whatever their denomination, will form the Jirst division ; the next two companies the second divistom ; and so on, to the left.
100. Each company will be divided into two equal parts which will be designated as the first and second platoon, countine from the ri}.ht; and each platoon, in like man- ner, will be subdivided into two sections.
101. In all exercises and mancevres, every rcgin-ent, or part of a regiment, composed of two or moro companies, will be designated as a battalion.
102. The color, with a guard to be hereinafter designated, will be posted on the left of the right centre battalion company. That company and all on its right, will be denominated the right wing of the battalion ; the remain- ing companies the left tviiig.
103. The farmation of a regiment is in two ranks ; and each company will be formed into two ranks, in the fol- lowing manner : the corporals will be posted in the front rank, and on the right and left of platoons, according to height ; the tallest corporal and the tallest man will form the first file, the next two tallest men will form the second file, and so on to the last file, which will be eompoeed of the shortest corporal and the shortest man.
126 RIFLE AND LIGHT INFANTRY MANUAL.
104. The odd and even files, numbered as one, two, in the company, from right to left, will form groups of four men, who will fee designated comrades in battle,
105. The distance from one rank to another will be thir- teen inches, measured from the breasts of the rear rank men to the backs or knapsacks of the front rank men.
106. For manoeuvring, the companies of a battalion will always be equalized, by transferring mea from the strong- est to the weakest companies.
Posts of Field Officers and Regiment'/ 1 Staff.
107. The field officers, colonel, lieutenant-colonel and major, are supposed to he mounted, and on active service shall b« on horseback. The adj utant, when the battalion is manoeuvring, will be on foot.
108. The colonel will take post thirty paces in rear of the file closer, and opposite the centre of the battalion. This distance will be reduced whenever there is a reduction im the front of the battalion.
,109. The lieutentant-eo!onel and the major will be oppo- site the centres of the right and left wings respectively, and twelve paces in rear of the file closers.
110. The adjutant and sergeant major will be opposite the right and left of the battalion, respectively, and eight paces in the rear of the file closers,
111. The adjutant and sergeant-major will aid the lieu- tenant-colonel and major, respectively, in the manoeuvres,
112. The colonel, if absent, will be replaced by the lieu- tenant-colonel, and the latter by the ihajor. If all the field officers be absent, the senior captains will command the battalion 3 but if either be present, he will not fl^U the
RIftK AND LKJHT IXKANTR MA.NfAL. 127
senior captain to act as field officer , except in case of evi- dent necessity.
113. The quarter-master, surgeon, and other staff oflScers, in one rank, on the left of the colonel, and three paces in his rear.
114. The quarter-master sergeant on aline with the front rank of the field music, and two paces on the right.
Posts of Field Music and Band.
115. The buglars will be drawn up in four ranks, and
posted twelve paces in rear of the file closers, the left op- posite the centime of the left centre company. The senior principle musician will be two paces in front of the field musie, and the other two paces in the rear.
116. The regimental band, it there be one, will be drawn up in two or four ranks, according to its numbers, and posted fiye paces in rear of the field music, having oqe of the principal musicians at its head.
Color- Guard.
117. In each battalion the color-guard will be composed of eight corporals, and posted on the left of the right centre company, of which company, for the time being, the guard will make a part.
118. The front rank will be composed of ajsergeant, to be selected by the colonel, who will be calied, for the time, color-barer, with the two ranking corporals, respectively, on his right and left; the rear rank will be composed of tlie three corporals next in rank ; and the three remaining corporals will be posted in their rear, and on the line of file closers. The left guide of the color «^f>inpany, when
these three last nanced corporals are iu the rank of fiit- closers, will be immediately on their left.
119. In battalions with less than five companies proaont, there will be no color-guard, and no displaj of colors, e*- cept it may be at reviews.
120. The corporals for the color-guard will be seiected from those most distinguished for regularity and percisioc, as well in their positions under arms as in their marching. The latter advantage, and & just carriage of the person, are to be more particularly sought for in the selection of the color-bearer.
Getierai Guides.
121. There will be two general guides in each battalion, •elected, for the time, by the colonel, from among the ser- geants (other than first sergeants) the most distinguished for carriage under arms and accuracy in marching.
122. These sergeants will be respectively denominated, in the manoeuvres, right general guide and left general guide, and be posted in the line of file closers; the first in sear of the right and the second in rear of the left fl^ulf of the batt»lioa.
SKIRMISH DRILL AND BATONET EXERCISE.
PART FOURTH.
INSTRUCTIOX FOR SKIRMISHERS. General principle.^ and division of the iiisiruction»
1. The movements of skirmishers should be subjected to such rules as will give to the commander the means of moving them in any direction with the greatest prompti- tude.
2. It is not expected that these movements should be exe cuted with the same precision as in closed ranks, nor is it desirable, as such exactness would materially interfere with their prompt execution.
3. When skirmishers are thrown out to clear the way for, and to protect the advance of the main corps, their movements should be so regulated by this corps as to keep it constantly covered.
4. Every body of skirmishers should hare a reserve, the strength and composition of which will vary according to circumstances.
5. If the body thrown out be within sustaining distance
5
S3'0 !»KlltMlftiH DKIH, ANU BAVUNKV KXEROISfi.
of the main corps, a very small reserre will be sufFicienfc for each company, whose duty it shall be to fill vacant pla- ces, furnish the line with cartridges, relieve the fatigued,, and serve as a rallying point for the skirmishers.
6. If the main corps be at a considerable distance, be- sides the compan}' reserves, another reserve will be re- quired, composed of entire companies, which will be em- ployed to sustain and reinforce such parts of the line as may be warmly attacked ; this reserve should be strong enough to relieve at least half the companies deployed as skirmishers.
7. The reserve should be placed behind the centre of the line of skirmishers, the company reserves at one hundred and fifty, and the principal reserve at four hundred paces. This rule however, is not invariable. The reserves, while holding themselves within sustaining distance of the line, should be, as much as possible, in a position to afford each other mutual protection, and must carefully profit by any accidents of the ground to conceal themselves from the view of the enemy, and to shelter themselves from his fire.
8. The movements of skirmishers will be executed in quick, or double quick time. The run will be resorted to only in cases of urgeant necessity.
9. Skirmishers will be permitted to carry their piefcs in the manner most convenient to them.
10. The movements will be habitually indicated by the sounds of the bugle.
11. The officers, and, if necessary, the non-commisaioned officers, will repeat, and cause the commands to be execu- ted, as soon as they are given ; but to avoid mistakes, when the signals arc employed, thvy r\iii wait until the
•SkinMI^H DRILT, ANT) HAYONRT LXKUPI.SK. ISl
last bugle note is sounded befvsrc commencing the move- ment. ^
12, When skirmishers are «9rdercd to more rapidly, the officers and non-commissioned officers will sec that the men econemize their strength, keep cool, and profit bj- all thr" advantages which the ground may offer for cover. It is (>nly by this continual watchfulness on the part of all grades, that a line of skir'mij-hers can attain success.
13. This instruction will bcdivdedinto five article.', ano! subdivided as follows :
Article First.
1- To deploy forward.
2. To deploy by the flank,
ij. To extend interval.-.
4. To close ijitervals.
f>. To relieve skirmishers.
Aktici.k Skooki^.
1. To advance in line,
2. To reteat in line.
3. To change direction.
4. To march by the flank.
Article Thihi>.
i. To fire at a halt.
■2; Tn fire marcfoiii^..
132 SKIRMISH DRILL AND BAYONET EXERCISE.
Article Fourth.
1. The rally.
2. To form coIuihh to march in any direction,
3. The assembly.
Article Fifth.
1. To deploy a battallion as skirmishers.
2. To rally the battalion deployed as skirmishers,
14. In the first four articles, it is supposed that the juovemente are executed by a company deployed as skir- mishers, on a front equal to that of the battalion in order of battle. In the fifth article, it is supposed that each com- pany of the battalion, being deployed as skirmishers, oc- cupies a front of one hundred paces. From these two examples, rules may be numerically deduced for all cases^ whatever may be the strength of the skirmishers, and the extent of ground they ought to occupy.
Article First. J)ejjloi/?nents.
15. A company may be deployed as skirmishers in two ways : forward and by the flank.
16. The deployment forward will be adopted when the company is behind the line on which it is to be established as skirmishers: it will be deployed by the flank, when it fipd? itself already on thj^t line.
SKIUMT.«H DRILL iND 8AY0SET EXKKCI8E. 133
17. Whenever a company is to be deployed as skirmish- ers, it will be divided into two platoons, and each platoon will be subdivided ioto two sections ; the comrades in bat- tle, forming groups of four men, will be careful to know and to sustain each other. The captain will assure him- Belf that the files in the centre of each platoon and section are designated.
18. A company may be deployed as skirmishers on its right, left, or centre file, or on any other named file what- soever. In this manner, skirmishers may be thrown for- ward with the greatest possible rapidity on any ground they may be required to occupy.
19. A chain of skirmishers ought generally to preserve thoir alignment, but no advantage which the ground may present should be sacrificed to attain this regularity.
20. Tile interval between skirmishers depends on the extent of ground to be covered ; but in general, it is not proper that the groups of four men should be removed more than forty paces from each other. The habitual distance between men of the same group in open grounds will be five paces ; in no case will they lose sight of each other.
21. The front to be occupied to cover a battalion com- prehends its front and the half of each interval which separates it from the battalion on its right and left. If a line, whose wings are not supported, should be covered by skirmishers, it will be i»ecessary either to protect the flanks with skirmishers, or to extend them in front of the line so far beyond the wings as effectually to oppose any attempt which might bo made by the er emy's skirmishers to di.v- *urb the flank?.
134: SKi-HMlSH ©KILL AJ<D BArOiiET SXEECISfi.
To deploy forward.
22. A company being at a halt or in march, when tho captain shall wish to deploy it forward on the left file of the first platoon, holding the second platoon in reserve, he will command:
1. First platoon — as skirmishers.
2. On the left file — take intervals.
3. March {or double qiiich — JIarch.)
23. At the first command, the second and third lieuten- ants will place themselves rapidly two paces behind the centres of the right and left sections of the first platoon ; the fifth sergeant will move one pace in front of the centre of the first platoon, and will place himself between the two sections in the front rank as soon as the movement begins ; the foul th sergeant will place himself on the left of the front rank of the same platoon, as soon as he can pass. — The captain will indicate to this sergeant the point on which he Vi'ishes him to direct his march. The first lieu- tenant, placing himself before the centre of the second platoon, will command: •
Second platoon hachicard — March.
24. At this command, the second platoon will step three paces to the rear, so as to unniiisk the flank on the first platoon. It will then be halted by its chief, and the se- cond sergeant will place himself on the left, and the third sengeant on the right flank of this platoom
25. At the 0*1 m"<m Iliad rnnrch. the left eronp of four men.
SKIRMISH t>niLL AN'O EATONCT EXERCI.'E. 135
conducted by the fourth fergeant, will direct itself un thu point indicated ; all the other groups rf fours throwing forward briskly the left shoulder, will moyd.'diagonally to the front in double quick time, so as to, gain to the right the space of twenty paces, which shall be the distance be- tween each group and that immediately on its left. "When the second group from the loft shall arrive on a line with and twenty paces from the first, it will march straight to the front, conforming to the gait and direction of the first, keeping constantly on the same alignment and at twenty paces from it. The third group, and all the others, will conform to what has just been prescribed (or the se- cond ; they will arrive successively on the line. The right guide will arrive with the last group.
26. The left guide having reached the point where the left of the line i^hould rest, the captain will command the skirmishers to halt; the men composing each group of fours will then immediately deploy at five paces from each other, and to the right and left of the front rank man of the even file in each group, the rear ^ank men placing themselves on the left of their file leaders. If any groups be not in line at the command halt, they will move up rap- idly, conforming to what has just been prescribed.
27. If, during the deployment, the line should be fired upon by the enemy, the captain may cause the groups of fours to deploy, as they gain their proper distances.
28. The line being formed the non-commissioned officers o& the right, left and centre of the platoon will place themselves ten paces in rear of the line, and opposite the position they respectively occupied. The chiefs of sections will promptly rectify any irrrgularitie?, and then place
136 SMRMISH DRILL AND BATO^iET KXBRCISB.
themselves twenty-five or thirty paces in rear of the centre of their sections, each having with him four men taken from the reserve, and also a bugler, who will repeat, if necessary, the signals sounded by the captain.
29. Skirmishers should be particularly instructed to take advantage of any cover which the ground may offer, and should lie flat on the ground whenever such a movement is necessary to protect them from the fire of the enepiy. Regularity in the alignment should yield to this important advantage.
30. When the movement begins, the first lieutenant,^ will face the second platoon about, and march it promptly, and by the shortest line, to about one hundred and fifty paces in rear of the centre of the line. He will hold it always at this distance, unless ordered to the contrary.
31. The reserve will conform itself to all the movements of the line. This rule is general.
32. Light troops will carry their bayonets habitually in the scabbard, and this rule applies equally to the skirmish- ers and the reserve ; whenever bayonets are required to be fixed, a particular signal will he given. The captain will give a general superintendence to the whole deploy- ment, and then promptly place himself about eighty paces in the i ear of the centre of the line. He will have with him a bugler and four men taken from the reserve.
„ 33. The deployment may be made on the right or the centre of the platoon, by the same commands, substituting the indication right or centrcy for that ofleft file.
34. The deployment on the right or the centre will be made according to the principles prescribed above ; in this latter case, the centre of the platoon will be marked by
5KIRMWH DRILL AND BIYOXKT KIERCIS-B. 137
the right group of fours in the second section ; the fifth sergeant will place himself on the right of this group, and serve as the guide of the platoon during the deployment.
35. In whatever manner the'deployment be made, on the right, left or centre, the men in each group of fours will alvvays deploy at five paces from each other, and upon the front rank man of the even ijumbered file. The deploy- ments will habitually be made at twenty paces interval ; but if a greater interval be required, it will be indicated in the command.
36. If a company be thrown out as skirmishers, so near the main body as to render a reserve unnecessary, the en- tire company will be extended in the same manner, and according to the same principles, as for the deployment of a platoon. In this case, the third lieutenant will command the fourth section, and a non-commissioned oflicer desig- nated for that purpese, the second section ; theJifth ser- geants will act as centre guard ; the file closers will place themselves ten paces in the rear of the line, and opposite their places in line of battle. The first and second lieu- tenant will each have a bugler near him.
To deploy by thefianh.
37. The company being at a halt, when the captain shall wish to deploy it by the flank, holding the first platoon in reserve, he will command :
1. Second platoon — as shirmhhers. 2. By the right /lank — take intervals. 3. Marcu, {or douhle quick — March.)
iJ8. At the first command, the first and third lieutenants
l')S SKIRMISH DraLL AXD BAYOKET EXEROISE.
will place themselves, respectively, two paces behind the centres of the first and second sections of the second pla- toon ; the fifth sergeant will place himself one pace in front of the centre of the second platoon ; the third serge- ant, as soon as he can pass, will place himself on the right of the front rank of the same platoon. The captain will indicate to him the point on which he wishes him to direct his march. The chief of the first platoon will execute what has been prescribed for the chief of the second platoon, IVos. 23 and 24. The fourth sergeant will place himself on the left flank of the reserve, the first sergeant will re- main on the right flank.
39. At the second command, the first and third lieuten- ants will place themselves two paces behind the left group of their respective sections.
40. At the command march, the second platoon will face to the right, and commence the movement; the left group of fours will stand fast, but will deploy as soon as there is room on its right, comforming to what has been prescrib- ed, No. 26 ; the third sergeant will place himself on the left of the right group, to conduct it ; the second group will halt at twenty paces from the one on its left, the third group at twenty paces from the second, and so on to the right. As the groups halt, they will face to the enemy, and deploy as has been explained for the left group.
41. The chiefs of sections w'ill pay particular attention to the successive deployments of the groups, keeping near the group about to halt, so as to rectify any errors which may be committed. When the deployment is completed, they will place themselves thirty paces in rear of the cen- tre ef tkeir sections, as has been heretofore prescribed.
SHBIlMiSn DRILL AND B.VTONET HXERGISE. 13§
The non-commissioned officers will also place themselves as previously indicated.
42. As soon as the movement connnencos, the chief of the first platoon, causing it to face about, will move it as indicated, Xo. 30.
43. The deployment may be made by the left flank ac- cording to the same principles, substituting left flank for right flank.
44. If the captain should wish to deplo}' the company upon the centre of the platoons, he will command :
1. Second platoon — an skirmishers. 2. By the right and left flank — take intervals. 3. March {or double piick — March.)
•
45. At the first command, the ofllcers and non-commis- sioned oflicers will conform to what has been prescribed, No. 38.
46. At the second command, the first lieutenant wil place himself behind the left group of ihc right section of the second platoon, the third lieutenant behind the right group of the left section of the same platoon.
47. At the command march, the right section will face to the right, the left section will face to the lelt, the group on the right of this latter section will stand fast. The two sections will move oft" in opposite directions ; the third sergeant will place himself on the left of the right file to conduct it, the second sergeant on the right of Ihe left file. The two groups nearest that which stands fast, will each halt at twenty paces from this group, and each of the oth- er gfroups will halt »t twenty- paces from the group which
140 BUrRJUSH PRILL AND BATONBT BXBRCISE.
is in rear of it. Each group will deploy as heretofore pre- scribed, No. 40.
48. The first and third lieutenants, will direct the move- ment, holding themselves always abreast of the group which is about to halt.
49. The captain can cause the deployment to be mado on any named group whatsoever ; in this case^ the fifth sergeant will place himself before the group indicated, and the deployment will be made according to the princi- ples heretofore prescribed.
60. The entire company may he also deployed, accord- ing to the same principles.
To extend intervals.
51. This movement, which is employed to extend a line of skirmishers, will be executed according to tke principle* prescribed for deployments,
62. If it be supposed that the line of skirmishers is at a halt, and that the captain wishes to extend it to the left, he will command :
1. Bif the left Jlanh, {so inany 2^(^ce8), extend intsrvaU. 2. March (or double quick — March.)
53. At the command inarch, the group on the right will stand fast, all the other groups will face to the left, and each group will extend its interval to the prescribed dis- tance by thecaeans indicated, No. 40. *
54. The men of the same group will continue to preserve between each other the distance of five paces, unless the satur« ©f the ground should render it necessary tliat they
SEIBMISU DRlJ.L ANU BAYOXfcf F.XtRClSE. I4l
should close nearer, in order to keep in sight of each other. The intervals reler to the spaces between the groups, and re>t to the distances betw'een the men in each group. The intervals will be taken from the right or left man of the neighboring group.
56. If the line of skirmishers be marching to the front, and the captain should wish to extend it to the right, he will command:
1. On the left group {to many paces), extend inM-vals, 2. M-xncii {ov double qtiick — March.)
5*5. The loft group, conducted by the guide, will contin- ue to march to the point of direction ; the other groups throwing forward the left shoulder, and taking the double quick step, will open their intervals to the prescribed dis- tance, by the means indicated, No. 25, conforming also to what is prescribed. No. 54.
57. Intervals may be extended on the centre of the line, according to the same principles.
58. If in extending intervals, it be intended that one company or platoon should occupy' a line which had been previously occupied by two, the men «f the company or platoon which isto retire will fall successively to the rear as they are relieved by the extension of the intervals.
To close intervals^
59. This movement, like that of opening intervals, will be executed according to the principles prescribed for the deployments.
60. If the line of skirmishers be halted, and ths cap-
14.2. SKIttMISII DKILIi ANU BAVONET KXEUCISE,
tain should wish to close intervals to the left, he will coui- manil :
1. Z?v th-^ left Jlank {no many paces) dose inlervalt, 2. March {or doulle quick— '}iI.j\.vi.ch.)
61. At the command march, the left group will stand fast, the other groups will face to the left and close to the prescribed distance, each group facing to ih-e enemy as it attains its proper distance.
62. If the line be marching to the front, the captain wiU command :
1. On the left fp'oup {so many paces) clo^e intercaU^ 2. Marsh (or double qHicfc— March.)
63. The left group, conducted by the guide, will contin- , ue to move on in the direction previously indicated ; the other groups, advancing the right shoulder, will close ta the left, until the intervals are reduced to th<e prescribed distance. ,
64. Intervals may be closed on the riglit, or o-u tht> centre, according to the same principles.
G5. When intervals are to be closed up, in order to reiu- foFce a line of skirmishers, so as to cause two companies to cover the ground which had been previously occupied by one, the new company will deploy so as to finish its movement at twenty paces in rear of the line it is to occu- py, and the men will successively move upon that lino, as they sliall be unmasked by the mon of the old company. The reserves of the two companies will unite behind the centre of the line.
.nKIRMISII UUU.L and liAYONKT K XKIUMSI- . U^f
To relieve a company deployed as skirmishers.
6G. When a company of ?kirmidicrs is to bo relieved, the captain will be advised of the intention, which he will immediately communicate to his first and second lieuten- ants.
67. The new company will execute its deployment for- xvard, so as to finish the movement at about twenty paces in rear of the line.
C8. Arrived at this distance, the men of the new compa- ny, by command of their captain, will advance rapidly a few paces beyond th6 old line at halt ; the new line being established, the old company will assemble on its reserve, taking care not to get into groups of fours until they are beyond the fire of the enemy.
(59. If the skirmishers to bo relieved, are marching in retreat, the company thrown out to relieve them will de- ploy by the fiank, as i)rescribed. No. 38, and following. The old skirmishers will continue to retire with order, and having