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Welcome Recruits The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry, Company G welcomes you to our ranks. If you enjoy the smell of battle, the atmosphere of camp life, the thought of living the life of the Civil War soldier as he lived in the 1860’s, your going to have the time of your life. If you enjoy sitting around the campfire discussing the "Ifs" and "might have beens" of the War between the States, then the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry is the organization for you! The 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry, is a group of amateur historians and Civil War buffs who create living history impressions of the Confederate soldier and civilians as they would have lived during the war. We profess no political or social ideas other then those of the United States Constitution. We are a non-profit organization that exist for the enjoyment of the members and education of the public, and to honor our forefathers on both sides of the conflict. All organizations have rules and ours is no exception, especially since we are portraying soldiers. Accordingly, you will be expected while in uniform or period dress to create the atmosphere of the Civil War. Members while in uniform or period dress will obey all orders of the leadership. You will be expected to, stand guard, gather and chop firewood, be assigned to water detail etc. The work details are always split equally between all active personal. Because we strive to be the best, we emphasize drill and 100% authenticity. So don’t wait any longer. Get away from the hussel and bussel of the 21st century and come back to the 1860’s with the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry. Thank you
Military Required Gear Hat – Slouch Hat (brim up) w/ lining, Blue (worn
looking) forage cap or gray kepi.
To acquire any or all of the above items, contact a representative of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry for a list of the vendors that sell the most authentic articles for your impression. We ask that you do not purchase anything without first checking with a unit representative. Only they can tell you if it’s correct for your impression as a member of the 22nd Battalion Virginia Infantry.
Civilian
Please remember that we are here to educate the public. These guidelines must be followed in order to insure an accurate representation of clothing worn during the 1860’s.
HISTORIAN’S REPORT A study of hats worn in the Confederate Army. Last winter I researched hats for the SWB U.C.; this is a small report on what I have found. I looked at approximately 300 different photographs and sketches. With many of the images picturing more than one man, there are probably well over 700 people viewed. There are 20 pages of notes; if anyone is interested in seeing them, just let me know.As you might expect, most Confederates viewed in the 1862 - 65 time frame were wearing slouch hats. We all know about hat brims being curled up rather than drooping down in the face. There is more to this then one may think. Of all the images viewed, down-turned brims have been seen maybe three to five times at best. That would amount to about 99 and one fifth percent of the pictures showing hat brims rolled up. This would include photographs of Confederate prisoners that have been on campaign for months. Clearly, one’s hat brim should be rolled up, a down-turned brim does not come close to representing anything about a common soldier. A statement I once heard about soldiers turning brims down to keep the sum out of their eyes couldn’t hold much truth, if any, due to photographic evidence. A rolled up hat brim was simply the style of the period and should be practiced by all living historians. Edging around the brim, (usually a ribbon), was almost always evident in close up photos and visible in some distance shots. This seems to be a common style of period hatters. In some instances you will see hat brims pinned up on the side or front. Although some infantrymen did this, it was more common with cavalry troopers. The hat crowns tend to vary among three styles, being flat, creased or rounded, the latter being the most common. Creased hats are found very often, usually fashioned from a rounded crown hat. A "Montana Peak" or "gold rush" is another type: these hats were formed by pinching in both sides on a rounded crown hat. It is probably safe to say that you will never find the more contemporary pinch on the side that is associated with a 20th century dress hat. If you own a flat crowned hat don’t be concerned: many have been seen, especially in the form of a "porkpie". No tophats were seen and only one derby was noted and that worn by one of Mosby’s Rangers. Linings were rarely seen in photos, (the hats generally being worn), however, hats viewed at museums and relic shows were lined and suggestive of a period hat. Most hats were lined with silk, polished cotton or other cotton fabrics. Usually a sweatband of leather or sometimes oil cloth finished the interior of the hat. Another of my "favorite" hat features is the guy who not only has a bad hat, but ten tons of brass to go with it as well. In one photo of prisoners, there is one man who does appear to have something on the front of his hat. It is hard to tell what it is, perhaps an infantry insignia. Most Confederates in photos and sketches are not wearing any hat brass. This would include infantry, cavalry and artillery insignias, numerals, letters and Irish harps. Hat cords have been seen on occasion although they were worn with the tassels hanging off the rear side, not in front. These cords are slightly different than the Federal hat cords and are known to have been purchased by the North Carolina Depot. Kepis, while thought to be used only early in the war, are seen quite frequently in sketches and photographs. Kepis, known as caps in the 1 860’s, were probably issued by all Confederate depots, but especially by the Richmond Clothing Bureau and the North Carolina Depot. Sketches of the 2nd Maryland on CuIp’s Hill shows all of the men in caps. This may be indicative of an officer making a purchase for his whole command, or of a regular depot issue. Considering the number of kepis to be seen in late war photographs, it is not inappropriate to wear one to a late war event, but the number in ranks should probably not exceed one in four. Occasionally, you will read of Confederates using captured Federal forage caps, and you may also see pictures of this. The number of other Confederates who use Federal forage caps, however, provides more than enough representation of captured caps. Gray forage caps, while seen in a few early war photographs, do no appear in mid to late war photographs or sketches. In my opinion, they were probably not issued by the Quartermaster’s Department, but were more likely worn by militia as a copy of the U.S. Army’s M1858 forage cap, but in gray, rather than blue, to match their uniforms. Even if they were correct for mid to late war, no one is making one good enough to wear. In conclusion, a slouch hat with a rolled-up brim, ribbons around the crown and brim, a rounded crown, and a appropriate lining is your best choice. Slouch. hats with a flat or low crown were also very common, so by all means get one if you prefer that style. In terms of color, black, gray, shades of brown and tan are all acceptable. Equal numbers of light and dark hats appear in photographs, so the choice is yours, Feel free to get creative with creases or peaks. Your second choice would be the kepi, preferably in gray wool to match your jacket. If you want to wear a cap of some sort, this is it. Of the forage caps, a captured Federal one is the better of the two, but it would be best to avoid them entirely. Though I know this is familiar to you, now you have it on paper to share with new recruits or that guy with the shapeless piece of felt on his head
FIRST DIVISION ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA This Treatise are Written as a guideline for the protection and well being of the reenacting Participants within the 1st. Division A.N.V. Units falling in with the ANV will be held to these guidelines. These are the minimum standards acceptable. Battalion Commanders may exceed these guidelines at their own discretion. Adopted: April 3,1999 Major Dean Owen
Chief of Ordnance (A.N.V.) 1. DEFINITIONS 1.1 The term WEAPON shall be defined as any and all devices
designed to fire 1.2 The term ACCOUTREMENTS shall be defined as any and all issued type 1.3 The term FIELD shall be defined as the area in which drills and
battles 1.4 The term ORDNANCE OFFICER / SGT. Is the person selected by the 1.5 The term CHIEF OF ORDNANCE refers to the senior Ordnance Officer at 1.6 the term SOLDIER refers to an A.N.V./22nd unit member, who
carries a "black 1.7 The term A.N.V. is the abbreviation for ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 2. INSPECTIONS 2.1 Every member of the ANV, military or civilian, who desires to carry a weapon, loaded or unloaded shall participate in weapon inspections. 2.2 Safety inspections will be conducted prior to all battalion formations by company officers. A battalion weapons inspections will be held before moving onto the field. 2.3 Battalion Staff weapons shall be inspected the Ordnance Officer / Sergeant. 2.4 Any weapon found to be questionable for any reason will be failed. It will NOT be carried in any battalion formation or activity until repair are made to the weapon, and it has been re-inspected. A permanent record should be kept by the Battalion Ordnance, listing reason of failure, owners name, unit, and serial number of the weapon. The Chief Ordnance Officer may ask to see this record. 2.5 Each Company Ordnance Sergeant will keep a permanent list of his Company's weapons. This list will include the owner's name, weapon description, and serial number. 2.6 The Chief Ordnance Officer can, at anytime request that a man ,company or battalion, re-inspect their weapons. WEAPONS AND ACCOUTREMENTS 3 RIFLES, MUSKETS, AND CARBINES 3.1 Only proper weapons of the period will be allowed. 3.2 All weapons will be clean and free of obstructions. Weapons will be inspected in the following manner. 3.2a The company (battalion) will be formed up at "open order". Bayonets are fixed and rammers are sprung. 3.2b The Ordnance Sergeant goes to each file, as he does so, the member will "smartly" present his weapon to the Ordnance Sergeant. 3.2c The Ordnance Sergeant will gently raise and drop the rammer, listening for the "PING" that shows the barrel is clear and clean. 3.2d He will then check the bayonet-locking device (ring). If the bayonet is of the type that uses the front sight, and front sight is not present, the bayonet cannot be used. 3.2e The stock will then be checked for cracks. 3.2f The half-cock will be checked by applying pressure to the trigger. The hammer should also be checked for side to side movement. 3.2g The nipple will be checked for deformity and cracking. It must also be checked to see if it is properly seated and not loose. 3.2h The Maximum load for a .577 or 58 caliber weapon is 60 grains of FF/FFF black powder. The Maximum load for a 69 or larger caliber weapon is 80 grains of FF/FFF black powder. 3.3 Weapons will be capped off before moving to the battlefield. 3.4 Breech loading Carbines will be inspected in the same manner as Rifles except: (a) With the action peon a visual check must be made of the interior of the barrel. (b) A ramrod or such device is inserted into the barrel, and barrel probed in its full length and the device seen to emerge at the other opening of the barrel. 3.5 The Maximum load for a carbine is 60 grains of FF/FFF black powder. 4 PISTOLS 4.1 Pistols will only be carried by Officers,NCOs,Cavalty Troopers, Artillerists, and others at battalion commander’s discretion. 4.2 No more than(2) pistol will be carried by one person, unless that person is a Cavalry Trooper. 4.3 All pistols will be carried in a proper military holster with a flap and capable of being fastened. 4.4 Pistols will be inspected by the Battalion Ordnance Officer, he will keep a daily log that will list the names of the persons who's weapons have been checked. The Pistols will be inspected in the following manner: 4.4a Pistols will be unloaded, cylinder will be removed from frame, and barrel will be removed if possible. These parts will be handed over to the inspector. 4.4b The cylinder will be checked to make sure light can be seen through the nipples while looking through the front of the cylinder. Nipples will be checked for condition. 4.4c The barrel will be checked for obstructions by; (a) Looking down the barrel and seeing light at the other end. (b) By using a piece of wooden dowel, which is placed in the barrel and allowed to go through the entire length of the barrel.( The dowel is a preferred method). 4.4d The pistol is now reassembled, the safety is checked, and the action inspected for proper function. 4.4e When the pistol has past its inspection it will be recorded in the Ordnance Officers Book. 4.5 Spare cylinders must be carried in a proper. period leather case and worn on the belt. Spare loaded cylinders carried by Infantry, are not to be capped until the cylinder is in the pistol. 4.6 The Maximum load for a pistol is 30 grains of FFF black powder. 4.7 When loading pistols, owners will load in pairs, each watching the other for errors. 4.8 No wonder wads will be allowed, The preferred method of loading is as follows. (30 grains of FFF black powder and then a packing such as "cream of wheat" or "corn meal" followed by greasing the end of the cylinder). Other safe methods will be considered. 5 EDGED WEAPONS 5.1 Bayonets must have a working locking mechanism. If the bayonet uses the front sight of the Rifle, The sight must be there or the bayonet will not be fixed. 5.2 The Bayonet's blades must be totally covered, with the tip covered in metal, or if ,of the Confederate type, it must have a wooden plug at the bottom, and leather of the scabbard stitched all the way down. 5.3 Swords must be of proper period type and be in good serviceable condition. 5.4 Carrying large belt or sheath knives into battle is discouraged. If they are carried they must be TIED into their scabbard. It will not be taken out at any time on the field. 6 ACCOUTREMENTS 6.1 Canteens will be of the proper type, constructed of wood, tin, or steel. No Glass bottles, Padded or not, slung or carried in the haversack’s Not acceptable. 6.2 Canteens will be carried on the field, they will be full of water, and will be checked before leaving for the field. 6.3 Cartridge boxes will be of the proper type, and WILL have the tins inside the box for cartridges. The flap must be able to be secured. AT NO TIME WILL CAPS OR CARTRIDGES BE CARRIED IN THE POCKETS. 6.4 Cap boxes must be of the proper type, with a flap that can be secured. 7 CARTRIDGES AND LOADS 7.1 No live rounds with projectiles are allowed at any time in camp or on the field. 7.2 Projectiles used for display in camp or for living history must be kept separate from the cartridges. NEVER store projectiles in cartridge box. 7.3 Cartridges will be made of plan paper. No writing or lettering is allowed. No Penny wrappers or paper with staples,ECT. will be accepted. 7.4 Wadding should not be used unless specifically required for that type of weapon. 7.5 Cartridges will be inspected for proper construction and safety. 7.6 Wonder wads will NOT be used. (See 4.8 for pistol loading information). 7.7 Small arms Maximum loads: 8 REPAIRS AND SERVICE 8.1 Any weapon that fails while on the field must be inspected by the Ordnance Sergeant before it is used again. 8.2 It is recommended that if a soldier buys a new part for a weapon, he should have his Ordnance Sergeant install, or check the installation of the part, before the weapon is used. 9 SAFETY ON THE FIELD 9.2 Any weapon that "HITS" the ground must be cleared by the Ordnance Sergeant before the weapon goes back into line. 9.3 Any soldier that has a misfire will immediately inform a Sergeant who will retire "10 paces to the rear of the line" with the weapon and try to clear it. If the weapon cannot be cleared, it "MUST" not be used for the remainder of the battle. 9.4 Weapons will not be GROUNDED on the field, after they have had their pre-battle inspection. 9.5 Two band rifles will be used at the discretion of the Battalion Commander. 9.6 Cartridges will not be laid on the ground for "instant" use. Dropped Cartridges will be inspected for debris before being used. 9.7 NO ramrods will be drawn on the field by the soldiers. The exception to the rule are the Ordnance Sergeants. They can use the ramrod to prove a weapon is clear after retiring 10 paces to rear of the line. 9.8 Percussion caps will NOT be carried in the teeth to speed up loading. They must be carried in a proper cap box. ( see 6.4 for proper type) 9.9 When loading on the field, proper loading procedures will be followed, The spent percussion cap is NEVER removed before the powder is put in the barrel. 9.10 Bayonets will not be fixed on the field. Except: (A) To stack arms before battle. 9.11 No smoking in the ranks: 9.12 No person will take a hit with a loaded weapon. 9.13 When taking a hit, do not throw yourself backward. 9.14 Weapons will be cleared on the field before returning to camp. Whenever possible the individual Battalions will from and clear as an unit. 9.15 No firing directly at troops that are less than 60 feet away. Elevate the weapons. 9.16 At no time will mounted troops be fired upon at close range, and never shoot close to or directly at an animal. 9.17 There will be no hand to hand combat unless previously arraigned. 9.18 No Tampions Plugs on the battlefield. 10 ARTILLERY 10.1 The Artillery will follow their own safety guidelines as put out by the CHIEF of ARTILLERY: 10.2 At no time will troops fire their weapons within 25 feet of an Artillery Piece or Limber Chest. 10.3 Troops will not move through Artillery positions without permission from the Battery Commander. 10.4 Approach all Artillery positions with caution, Watch for signals warning of a misfire or a loaded piece. 10.5 It is necessary that all Officers and NCOs are aware of what the different Artillery signals mean. And can act on this knowledge. 10.6 No one will touch an Artillery Piece without the permission of the crew. 10.7 NO SMOKING within 25 feet of an Artillery position.
School of the Soldier The Gilham’s Manual
General Rules The object of this school is the individual instructions of the soldier; it should be taught with the greatest possible care and precision, as on it depends the efficiency of the instruction of the company, which is again so necessary to that of the battalion, and from that of the battalion to the evolution of the line, where an entire army is maneuvered with as much precision as a single company.
The instructor should never require a movement to be executed until he has fully explained it, and joined example to precept by performing the movement in person. He should accustom the soldier to take for himself the position required, correcting him when necessary, and should labor to prevent the formation of a habit of carelessness in execution of the movements.
Each movement should be thoroughly understood before passing to another. After they have been properly executed in the order laid down, the instructor should no longer confine himself to that order. The men should be allowed to rest for a few moments, frequently, in the earlier stages of their instruction, and as often at other times as the instructor may think necessary to prevent weariness, which is a prelude to carelessness. When they are at attention, however, he should not allow any looking to the right or left; no changing of position, or laughing, or whispering, etc., so common among volunteers and militia.
Here is the place to make the individual soldier, to give him habits of attention, teach him subordination, etc. If he does not acquire them in this school, it will be too late when he is advanced in the company.
At the command REST, the soldier is no longer required to preserve immobility, or remain in his place. If the instructor wishes merely to relieve the attention of the soldier, he commands, in place – REST; the soldier is then only required to keep one of his feet in place; if he wishes to move that foot, the other is first brought up to its proper position.
The School of the Soldier is divided into three parts, the first comprehending what ought to be taught to recruits without arms; the second, the manual of arms, the loadings and firings; the third, the principles of alignment, the march by the front, the different steps, the march by the flank, the principles of wheeling, and those of change of direction. In this school, the company is broken up into small squads, the number of men in each squad being proportioned to the number of instructors; the squads for the first and second part should be as small as possible, and the men placed in single rank; for instruction in the third part, two or more squads of about equal proficiency should be united. PART FIRST
In this part, the men should be without arms, and about one pace apart.
Position of the Soldier
Heels on the same line, as near each other as the conformation of the men will permit; because, if one were in rear of the other, the shoulder on that side would be thrown back. The feet turned out equally, and forming with each other something less than a right angle; because, if one foot were turned out more than the other, a shoulder would be deranged, and if both feet be too much turned out, it would not be practicable to give the body its proper position. The knees straight, without stiffness; because, if stiffened, constraint and fatigue would be unavoidable. The body erect on the hips, inclining a little forward, because it gives stability to the position. Soldiers are at first disposed to project the belly and throw back the shoulders when they wish to hold themselves erect, from which results many inconveniences in marching; it is, therefore, important that the instructor should be particular to enforce this rule at the beginning. The shoulders square, and falling equally; if the shoulders are advanced beyond the line of the breast, and the back arched (the defect called round-shouldered,) the man cannot align himself, nor use his piece with skill. In correcting this defect, the instructor will take care that the shoulders are not thrown too much to the rear, causing the body to project, and the small of the back to curve. The arms hanging naturally; elbows near the body; palms of the hands turned a little to the front, the little finger behind the seam of the pantaloons. These positions are important to the shoulder-arms, to prevent the man from occupying more space in the ranks than is necessary, and to keep the shoulders in proper position. The head erect, and square to the front, without constraint; the chin slightly drawn in; the eyes fixed straight to the front, in order to prevent derangement of the shoulders, and striking the ground at a distance of about fifteen paces. The instructor having given the squad the position of the soldier without arms, will now teach the turning of the head and eyes. He will command
At the word right, the soldier will turn his head gently, so as to bring the inner corner of the left eye in a line with the buttons of the coat, the eyes fixed on the line of the eyes of the men in the same rank. At the command FRONT the head will resume the direct or habitual position. The instructor will take care that the movement of the head does not derange the squareness of the shoulders, and that the men do not acquire a habit of throwing down the head in dressing. The movement of Eyes – LEFT will be executed by inverse means.
Facings.
Facing to the right and left will be executed in one time, or pause.
At the word FACE, raise the right foot slightly, turn on the left heel, to the right (or left), raising the left toe a little, and then replace the right heel beside the left, and on the same line. The face should always be through a right angle, and should be executed by the feet and legs, the body moving around to the right (or left) without twisting or constraint. The instructor should labor the keep the body steady, and to prevent the formation of the habit of bending the knees, or springing. The full face to the rear is always to the right, and is executed in two times, or pauses. The instructor commands:
First motion. At the word about, the soldier will turn far enough on the left heel to bring the left toe directly to the front, at the same time carrying his right foot to the rear, the hollow opposite to, and full three inches from the left heel, the feet square to each other. The back of the right hand is placed a little above the right hip, and the body is turned to the right sufficiently to give ease to the position. Second motion. At the word face, the soldier raises his toes a little, turns upon both heels, faces to the rear, keeping his legs straight, and draws back the right heel by the side of the left, at the same time dropping his hand by his side.
Balance Step. Before commencing the march the soldier should always be instructed in the balance step, the object of which is to teach him the free movement of his limbs, while he at the same time preserves perfect squareness of the shoulders, with the greatest steadiness of the body; no labor should be spared to attain this object, which lies at the very foundation of good marching. The squad being at attention, the instructor commands:
Left foot – FORWARD.
At this command the soldier will throw his left foot gently forwards, about twenty-four inches, balancing his body well on the right foot without changing the position of the shoulders, and without the body losing its erect position. The toe should be turned out as in the position of the soldier, foot about three inches from the ground and very nearly parallel to it, the toe being very slightly depressed. At the command:
Left foot – REAR.
The left foot is brought gently back, the ball of the left foot close to the right heel, the leg straight, toe raised, and heel depressed. As soon as the soldier becomes steady in the new position, the instructor repeat the command, left foot forward, then left foot rear, for several times, and then commands:
HALT.
at which the left foot, either advanced or to the rear, is brought to the right, as in the position of the soldier. The instructor then causes the soldier to balance on the right foot, by advancing and retiring the right, as has been directed for the left.
The Direct Step.
After the soldier is sufficiently instructed in the balance step to execute it on either foot without losing his balance, the instructor will proceed to instruct him in the mechanism of the direct step. For this purpose he will command:
At this command one, the soldier will throw forward the left foot as in the position of left foot forward, the instructor then command:
TWO.
At this command, the weight of the body is thrown forward, the left foot striking the ground without shock, at a distance of twenty-eight inches from the right; the body assumes the perpendicular motion, and the right foot is brought up to the position of right foot rear. The right foot is then brought forward at the command one, and the step completed at the command two; thus the squad is made to advance step by step. The halt is executed as in the balance step. When the squad is sufficiently instructed in the mechanism of the direct step, the instructor will cause it to take up the march in common time; for this purpose he will command:
At the command forward, the soldier will throw the weight of his body on his right leg, without bending the left knee. At the command march, he will smartly, but without a jerk, carry straight forward the left foot twenty-eight inches from the right, the sole near the ground, the leg extended, the toe a little depressed, and both it and the knee slightly turned out; he will at the same time throw the weight of the body forward, 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 left foot. The soldier will next, in like manner, advance the right foot and plant it as directed for the left, the heel twenty-eight inches from the heel of the left foot, and thus continue the march without crossing the legs, or striking one against the other, without turning the shoulders, and always preserving the face direct to the front. Common time is executed at the rate of ninety steps to the minute. When the instructor wishes to arrest the march he commands:
1. Squad. 2. HALT
The command halt should be given just as one foot has come to the ground, and the other is raised for making the next step; the soldier instinctively completes the pace with the raised foot, and brings the other firmly to its place beside it. By careful attention to this rule a large command may be readily halted at the same instant, as a single individual. The principles of the step in quick time are the same for common time; it is executed, however, at the rate of 110 steps per minute. After the soldier is well established in the length and swiftness of the step at common time, he should be practiced in quick time, as it is the pace best adopted to marches, the maneuvers, etc. The instructor wishing the squad to march in quick time, commands:
1. Squad forward. 2. MARCH.
Principles of the Double Quick Step.
The length of the double-quick step is thirty-three inches, and its swiftness is at a rate of 165 steps per minute. This step is designed especially for light troops, such as light infantry and riflemen, and to them it is indispensable; its utility has, however, been so frequently demonstrated of late years, as to make it proper that it should form a part of the instruction of all infantry troops. The instructor wishing to teach his squad the principles and mechanism of the double quick step, commands:
At the command double quick step, the soldier will raise his hands to the level with his hips, the hands closed, the nails toward the body, the elbows to the rear and well drawn in towards the body. At the command march, he will raise his left knee as high as possible without derangement of the body, keeping his leg from the knee down in a vertical position, the toe depressed; he will then replace his foot in its former position. At the command two, he will execute with the right leg what has just been prescribed for the left, and the alternate movement of the legs at the commands one, two, will be continued until the command:
At the command halt, the soldier will bring the foot which is raised by the side of the other, and at the same time dropping his hands by his side will resume the position of the soldier without arms. When the squad has learned to execute the step properly, the instructor will repeat the words one, two, in more rapid succession, and will finally drop them, leaving the files to execute the step in their own time. The instructor will see that the step is taken in rapid succession, and that none of the files lose the step.
The soldier being sufficiently established in the principles of this step, the instructor will command:
1. Squad, forward. 2. Double quick. 3. MARCH.
At the command forward, the soldier will throw the weight of his body on the right leg, without bending the left knee. At the command double quick, he will place his arms as indicated above. At the command march, he will carry forward the left foot, and plant it, the toe first, at the distance of thirty-three inches from the right, the leg slightly bent, and the knee somewhat raised; he will then execute with the right foot what has just been prescribed for the left. This alternate movement of the legs will take place by throwing the weight of the body on the foot that is planted, and by allowing a natural oscillatory motion to the arms. The feet should not be raised too much, a common fault with beginners, and the body should incline slightly forward. The double-quick step may be executed with different degrees of swiftness. Under urgent circumstances, the cadence of this step may be increased to 180 per minute. At this rate a distance of 4000 yards would be passed over in about twenty-five minutes. The men should also be exercised in running; the principles are the same as the double-quick step, the only difference consisting in a greater degree of swiftness. It is recommended in marching in double quick time, or the run, that the men should breathe as much as possible through the nose, keeping the mouth closed.
PART SECOND.
General Rules.
93. The instructor will not pass the soldier to this second part until they are well established in the position of the body, and in the manner of marching at the different steps. In the manual of arms each command will be executed in one time (or pause), but this time will be divided into motions, the better to make known the mechanism, and to secure uniformity and precision in the movements. The rate (or swiftness) of each motion, in the manual of arms, is fixed at the ninetieth part of a minute; but the instructor will, at first, look more particularly to the execution of the motions, without requiring a nice observance of the cadence, to which he will bring the men progressively, and after they have become a little familiarized with the use of the weapon. The motions relative to the cartridge, to the rammer, and to the fixing and unfixing of the bayonet, cannot be executed at the rate prescribed; or even with uniform swiftness; the instructor will, however, labor to have these motions executed with promptness and regularity. The last syllable of the command will decide the brisk execution of the first motion of each time (or pause). The commands two, three, and four, will decide the brisk execution of the other motions. As soon as the men comprehend well the positions of the several motions of the time, they will be taught to execute the time without resting on its motions; the mechanism of the time must, however, be observed, as well to give perfect use to the weapon, as to prevent carelessness or slighting of the motions. When the men have acquired sufficient proficiency to execute the times without resting, the instructor must be careful to have proper cadence observed; great promptness in the execution of the motions is not incompatible with the observance of a pause between them, so that they may be executed at the prescribed rate – that is, of ninety to the minute. Those instructors who insist most upon strict observance of this rule, are those whose squads execute the manual in the best manner.
Principles of Shouldered Arms.
94. Each soldier being in the position of the soldier, the instructor will cause him to turn up his left hand without bending the wrist, the left fore-arm only acting. The instructor will raise the piece perpendicularly, and place it as follows:
(Fig.27) The piece in the left hand, the arm very slightly bent, the elbow back near the body, the palm of the hand pressing on the outer flat of the butt; the outer edge of the latter on the upper joints of the fingers, the heel of the butt between the middle and fore-fingers, the thumb on the front screw of the butt plate, the remaining fingers 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, shall appear perpendicular, and, also that the movement of the thigh, in marching, may not raise it or cause it to waver; the stock, below the tail-band, resting against the hollow of the shoulder, just within the joint, the right arm hanging naturally as prescribed in the position of the soldier.
Soldiers on first bearing arms are liable to derange their position, and particularly to distort the shoulders, which, causing the musket to lose its point of support, they drop the left hand to prevent the musket from falling from the shoulder, which again causes that shoulder to droop, a curvature of the side, spreading of the elbows, etc. The instructor will be careful to correct all these faults by continually rectifying the position; he will avoid fatiguing the men too much in the beginning, but labor to render this position so natural and easy by degrees, that they may remain in it a long time without fatigue. The instructor will also take great care that the musket be not carried too high or too low; if too high, the left elbow would spread out, the soldier would occupy too much space in the ranks, and the musket would be unsteady; if too low, the files would be too close, the man would not have necessary space to handle his musket with facility, the arm would become too much fatigued, the shoulder would droop, etc. The manual of the musket will be taught in the following order: The instructor commands:
Support – ARMS.
One time and three motions.
95. First Motion. (Fig.28) With the right hand seize the small of the stock briskly, four inches below the lock, raising the piece a little, but not turning it.
Second Motion. Take the left hand from the butt; extend the left fore-arm upward across the body, and under the hammer, the left hand flat on the right breast.
Third Motion. Drop the right arm smartly to its position. The squad being at support arms, the instructor commands:
Carry – ARMS.
One time and three motions.
96. First Motion. Carry quickly the right hand to the small of the stock.
Second Motion. Place the left hand under the butt, as in the position of shoulder arms.
Third Motion. Let fall smartly the right hand to its position, and drop with the left, at the same time, the piece into the position of shoulder arms.
Present – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
97. First Motion. (Fig.29) Turn the piece with the left hand, the lock out, and seize the small of the stock at the same time with the right hand, the piece perpendicular and detached from the shoulder, the left hand remaining under the butt.
Second motion. Complete the turning inwards of the piece, so as to bring it erect before the centre of the body, the rammer to the front, the right hand under and against the guard; seize it smartly at the same time with the left hand just above the lock, the thumb extended along the barrel and on the stock, the left fore-arm resting on the body without constraint, and the hand at the height of the elbow.
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
98. First motion. Turn the piece with the right hand, the barrel to the front, raise and support it against the left shoulder with the right hand, drop the left under the butt, the right hand resting on, without grasping, the small of the stock. Second motion. Drop quickly the right hand into its position.
Order – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
99. First motion. Drop the piece smartly by extending the left arm, seize it at the same time with the right hand, above and near the tail-band; quit the hold of the left hand, and carry the piece opposite to the right shoulder, the rammer to the front, the little finger behind the barrel, the right hand supported against the hip, the butt three inches from the ground, the piece erect, the left hand hanging by the side.
Second motion. Let the piece slip through the right hand to the ground without shock, and take the position about to be described.
Position of Order Arms.
100. (Fig.30) The hand low, the barrel between the thumb and forefinger extended along the stock; the other fingers extended and joined; the muzzle about two inches from the right shoulder; the rammer in front; the toe of the butt against, and in line with, the toe of the right foot, the barrel perpendicular. 101. When the instructor wishes to give repose in this position, he commands:
REST.
At this command the soldiers will not be required to preserve silence or steadiness. They, however, will not quit their rank without special permission.
102. When the instructor wishes the men to pass from this position to that of silence and steadiness, he commands:
At the second word, the men will reserve the position of order arms, and remain firm and silent.
Shoulder –ARMS.
One time and two motions.
103. First motion. Raise smartly the piece with the right hand; carry it against the left shoulder, turning it, so as to bring the barrel to the front; at the same time place the left hand under the butt, and slip the right hand down to the lock.
Second motion. Let the right hand fall briskly to its position.
Charge – BAYONET.
One time and two motions.
104. First motion. Make a half face to the right on the left heel, bring the left toe directly to the front, at the same time place 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, the lock outwards, and seize the small of the stock at the same time with the right hand, the musket perpendicular, and detached from the shoulder, the left hand under the butt.
Second motion. Bring down the piece with the right hand, letting it fall firmly into the left, the latter seizing it a little in advance of the tail band, the barrel up, the left elbow near the body, the right hand against the hip, the point of the bayonet as high as the eye. (Fig.31)
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
105. First motion. Face to the front by turning on the left heel, bring up the right by the side of the left heel; at the same time bring up the piece with the right hand to the left shoulder, and place the left hand under the butt.
Second motion. Let the right hand fall promptly into its position.
Load in ten times.
One time and two motions.
106. First motion. Drop the piece by a smart extension of the left arm, seize it with the right hand above and near the lower band; at the same time carry the right foot forward, the heel against the hollow of the left foot.
Second motion. Drop the piece with the right hand along the left thigh, seize it with the left hand above the right, and with the left hand let it descend 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 (Fig.32)
2. Handle – CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion.
107. Seize a cartridge with the thumb and the next two fingers, and place it between the teeth.
One time and one motion.
108. Tear the paper down to the powder, hold the cartridge upright between the thumb and the next two fingers, near the top; in this position place it in front of and near the muzzle, the back of the hand to the front.
109. Fix the eye on the muzzle, turn quickly the back of right hand towards the body, in order to discharge the powder into the barrel, raise the elbow to the height of the wrist, shake the cartridge, force it into the muzzle, and leave the hand reversed, the fingers closed, but not clenched. (Fig.33)
One time and three motions. 110. First motion. Drop the right elbow smartly, and seize the rammer between the thumb and the fore-finger bent, the other fingers shut; draw it smartly, extending the arm, seize the rammer again at the middle between the thumb and the fore-finger, the hand reversed, the palm to the front, the nails up, the eyes following the movement of the hand, clear the rammer from the pipes by again extending the arm. Second motion. Turn rapidly the rammer between the bayonet and the face, closing the fingers, the rammer of the rear rank grazing the right shoulders of the men of the same file in front, 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. Third motion. Insert the butt of the rammer, and force it down as low as the hand. One time and one motion. 111. Extend the arm to its full length to seize the rammer between the right thumb extended and the fore-finger bent, the other fingers closed; with force ram home twice and seize the rammer at the small end between the thumb and the fore-finger bent, the other fingers closed, the right elbow touching the body.
One time and three motions. 112. First motion. Draw the rammer briskly, re-seize it at the middle between the thumb and the fore-finger, the hand reversed, the palm to the front, the nails up, the eyes following the hand, clear the rammer from the barrel by extending the arm. Second motion. Turn the rammer rapidly between the bayonet and the face, closing the fingers, the rammers of the rear rank grazing the right shoulders of the men in the same file in front, the rammer parallel to the bayonet, the arm extended, the little end of the rammer opposite to the first pipe, but not yet inserted, the eyes fixed on that pipe. Third motion. Insert the small end, and with the thumb, which will follow the movement, force it as low as the middle band; raise the hand quickly, a little bent, place the little finger on the butt of the rammer, and force it down; lower the left hand on the barrel to the extent of the arm without depressing the shoulder.
One time and two motions. 113. First motion. With the left hand bring up the piece vertically against the left shoulder; seize it smartly with the right hand at the small of the stock, and slide the left hand down as low as the chin. Second motion. Make a half face to the right on the left heel, bring the left toe to the front, place the right foot at the same time close behind, and at right angles with the left, the hollow of the right foot against the left heel; carry the piece opposite to the right shoulder; bring down the piece with the right hand into the left, which will seize it at the tail band, the thumb extended on the stock, the butt under the right fore-arm, the small of the stock against the body, and about two inches under the right breast, the muzzle at the height of the eye, the left elbow supported against the side, the right hand grasping the small of the stock. (Fig.34)
9. Prime One time and one motion. 114. Place the thumb of the right hand on the hammer (the fingers remaining under and against the guard), half-cock the piece; brush off the old cap, and with the thumb and the first two fingers of the right hand take a cap from the pouch, place it firmly on the cone by pushing it down with the thumb, and seize the piece by the small of the stock.
One time and two motions.
115. First motion. Face to the front by turning the left heel; at the same time bring the piece briskly with the right hand to the left shoulder, and place the left hand under the butt.
Second motion. Let the right hand fall smartly into its position at shoulder arms.
READY. (From the position of prime.)
One time and one motion.
116. Place the thumb of the right hand on the hammer (the fingers remaining under and against the guard), cock the piece, and seize the small of the stock.
READY. (From the position of shoulder arms)
One time and four motions.
117. First motion. Turn the piece with the left hand, the lock to the front, seize it at the small of the stock with the right hand; at the same time make a half face to the right on the left heel, bringing the left toe to the front, and placing the right foot behind, and at right angles to the left, the hollow of the foot against the left heel.
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 along the stock at the height of the chin, the counter (or S) – plate turned towards the body, the rammer obliquely to the left and front.
Third motion. Place the thumb on the hammer, the fore-finger under and on the guard, the other three fingers joined to the first, the elbow at the height of the hand.
Fourth motion. Close the right elbow smartly to the body in cocking, without bending the wrist, seize the piece by the small of the stock, let it descend along the body in the left hand to the tail band, which will remain at the height of the shoulder. (Fig.35)
AIM.
One time one motion.
118. Raise the butt to the shoulder, the left elbow a little down, shut the left eye, direct the right along the barrel, drop the head upon the butt to catch the object, and place the fore-finger on the trigger. The rear rank will at the same time, carry the right foot about eight inches towards the left heel of the man next on his right. (Fig.36)
FIRE.
One time and one motion.
119. Apply the fore-finger with force to the trigger without further lowering or turning the head, remain in that position.
LOAD. (From the Fire.)
One time and two motions.
120. First motion. Bring back the piece quickly with both hands, depress the butt strongly by extending the right arm, and carry it with the arm thus extended to the left side, the barrel to the front and opposite to the left shoulder, the left hand at the height of the chin, the back of the hand to the front, the left fore-arm touching the stock; at the same time face to the front and carry the right foot forward, the heel against the hollow of the left foot.
Second motion. Let go the handle with the right hand, let the piece descend through the left to the ground, without shock, and take the position of the second motion of load.
Shoulder – ARMS. (From the Fire.)
One time and two motions.
121. First motion. Bring back the piece with both hands, face to the front, and carry the piece against the left shoulder, and place the left hand under the butt.
Second motion. Let the right hand fall smartly to its position. The squad being in the position of aim, the instructor, to habituate the soldiers to wait for the word fire, sometimes commands:
Recover – ARMS.
One time and one motion.
122. Withdraw the finger from the trigger, throw up the muzzle smartly, and retake the position of the fourth motion of ready. The men being in this position, if the instructor wishes them to come to a shoulder, he commands:
Shoulder – ARMS.
123. At the word shoulder, the squad will face to the front, and bring their pieces to the middle of the body again; the left thumb at the middle of the chin, the little finger just above the lock; next place the right thumb on the head of the hammer, support the fore-finger on the trigger, sustain the hammer carefully in its descent at the same time, to the position of half-cock, then seize the small of the stock with the right hand. At the word arms, carry the piece to the shoulder smartly, and take the position of shoulder arms.
To load in four times (or pauses).
124. The instructor commands:
Execute the first time of loading; handle cartridge, tear cartridge, charge cartridge.
TWO.
125. Draw rammer, enter it as far as the hand, and ram twice.
THREE.
126. Return rammer, cast about, and prime.
FOUR.
127. Execute the tenth time of loading. 128. The soldiers being at shoulder, when the instructor may wish to return bayonets, he commands:
Unfix – BAYONETS.
One time and three motions.
First motion. Drop the piece by a smart extension of the left arm; seize it with the right hand above and near the tail-band. Second motion. Drop the piece with the right hand along the left thigh, the butt on the ground, without shock, and carry the right hand at the same time to the bayonet, with the thumb lower the clasp against the stop, and then seize the bayonet at the socket and shank. Third motion. Wrest off the bayonet, return it to the scabbard, place the little finger on the butt of the rammer, and lower the left hand along the barrel in extending the arm, without depressing the shoulder.
Shoulder – ARMS
One time and three motions.
129.First motion. Raise the piece with the left hand along the left side, the hand at the height of the chin, the fore-arm touching the piece, the barrel to the front; drop at the same time the right hand to seize the piece a little above the handle, the fore-finger touching the cock, and the thumb on the counter-plate. Second motion. Raise the piece with the right hand, drop the left, and place it under the butt, bring back the right heel to the side of the left, and on the same line; support the piece with the right hand against the shoulder, in the position prescribed for shoulder arms, the right hand resting on, without grasping, the piece. Third motion. Let fall smartly the right hand into its position by the side of the thigh.
Fix – BAYONET.
130. First and second motions. As the first and second motions of unfix bayonet, except that at the end of the second motion, the right hand will go to seize the bayonet 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. Third motion. Draw the bayonet from the scabbard, carry and fix it on the muzzle, turning the clasp towards the body with the right thumb; place the little finger on the head of the rammer, lower the left hand along the barrel, in extending the arm.
Shoulder – ARMS.
The same as from unfix bayonet.
Secure – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
131. First motion. Seize quickly the piece with the right hand, the thumb on the counter plate, and the fore-finger against the cock; detach the piece from the shoulder at the same instant, the barrel to the front, seize it at the tail-band with the left hand, the thumb extended on the rammer, the piece erect, opposite to the shoulder, the left elbow on the piece. Second motion. Reverse the piece, pass it under the left arm, the left hand remaining at the tail-band, the thumb on the rammer to prevent it from sliding out, the little finger resting against the hip, and the right hand falling at the same time into its position. (Fig.37)
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
132. First motion. Raise the piece with the left hand, but not too suddenly, lest the rammer should fly out; seize the handle with the right hand to support it against the shoulder, quit the hold of the left hand, and place quickly this hand under the butt. Second motion. Let fall smartly the right hand into its position; drop at the same time the piece into the position of shouldered arms.
Trail – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
133.First motion. As the first motion of order arms. 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, supported at the hip, will sustain the piece so that the men in front of them. (Fig.38)
Shoulder – ARMS.
134.At the command shoulder, raise the piece perpendicularly in the right hand; at the command arms, execute what has been prescribed for the shoulder from the position of order arms.
To the right shoulder, shift – ARMS.
One time and one motion.
135. Turn the piece with the left hand, the lock to the front, seize it at the same time with right hand of the handle, place it on the right shoulder, the left hand not quitting the butt, the lock-plate upwards, the muzzle up; sustain the piece in this position by placing the right hand on the flat of the butt; let fall the left hand by the side. (Fig.39)
Shoulder – ARMS.
136. Raise the piece by extending the right arm, seize it with the left hand above the lock, carry it against the left shoulder, turning the barrel to the front, the right hand being at the handle, place the left hand under the butt, and let the right fall into its position.
Arms – AT WILL.
One time and one motion.
137. Carry the piece at pleasure on either shoulder, or with one or both hands, the muzzle always up.
Shoulder – ARMS.
138. Retake smartly the position of shoulder arms.
Inspection of Arms.
139. The squad being at ordered arms, and having the bayonet in the scabbard, if the instructor wishes to cause an inspection of arms, he will command:
Inspection of – ARMS.
One time and three motions.
First motion. Face to the right once and a half on the left heel, carrying the right foot perpendicularly to the rear of the alignment, about six inches from, and at right angles with, the left foot; seize promptly the piece with the left hand a little above the middle band, incline the muzzle to the rear without displacing the heel of the butt, the rammer towards the body; carry at the same time the right hand to the bayonet and seize it as has been prescribed, No. 130. Second motion. Draw the bayonet from the scabbard, carry and fix it on the muzzle; seize next the rammer, draw it as has been explained in loading it twelve times, and let it glide to the bottom of the bore. Third motion. Face promptly to the front, seize the piece with the right hand, and retake the position of ordered arms. The instructor will then inspect in succession the piece of each man, in passing along the front of the rank. Each, as the instructor reaches him, will raise smartly his piece with his right hand, seize it with the left between the tail-band and the feather-spring, the lock to the front, the left hand at the height of the chin, the piece opposite to the left eye (fig.40); the instructor will take it with the right hand at the handle, and, after inspecting it, will return it to the soldier, who will receive it back with the right hand, and replace it in the position of ordered arms.
When the instructor shall have passed him, each soldier will retake the position prescribed at the command inspection of arms, and return the rammer; after which he will face to the front. If, instead of inspection of arms, it be the wish of the instructor only to cause bayonets to be fixed, he will command:
Fix – BAYONET.
Take the position indicated, No. 139 (first motion), fix bayonets as has been explained, and immediately face to the front. Bayonets fixed, if it be the wish of the instructor, after firing, to ascertain whether the pieces have been discharged, he will command:
Spring – RAMMERS.
Put the rammer in the barrel, as has been explained above, and immediately face to the front. The instructor, for the purpose stated, can take the rammer by the small end, and spring it in the barrel. Each man, after the instructor passes him, will return rammer, and face to the front.
Arms – PORT.
One time and one motion.
141. Throw the piece diagonally across the body, the lock to the front, seize it smartly at the same instant with both hands, the right at the handle, the left at the tail-band, the barrel sloping upwards and crossing opposite to the point of the left shoulder, the butt proportionally lowered. The palm of the right hand will be above, and that of the left under the piece, the nails of both hands next to the body, to which the elbows will be closed. (Fig.41)
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
First motion. Bring the piece smartly to the left shoulder, placing the left hand under the butt.
Second motion. Drop the right hand smartly to the side.
MANUAL OF ARMS FOR THE RIFLE.
Principles of Shouldered Arms.
142. The soldier standing in the position of the soldier, the instructor causes him to bend the right arm slightly, and places the piece in it, in the following manner: (Fig.142) The piece in the right hand-the barrel nearly vertical and resting in the hollow of the shoulder-the guard to the front, the arm hanging nearly at it full length near the body; the thumb and fore-finger embracing the guard, the remaining fingers closed together, and grasping the swell of the stock just under the cock, which rests on the little finger.
Support – ARMS.
One time and three motions.
143. 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 inches below the cock. Second motion. Turn the piece with the right hand, the barrel to the front; carry the piece to the left shoulder, and pass the fore-arm, extended on the breast between the right hand and the cock; support the cock against the left fore-arm, the left hand resting on the right breast. Third motion. Drop the right hand by the side.
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and three motions.
144. First motion. Grasp the piece with the right hand under and against the left fore-arm; seize it with the left hand at the lower band, the thumb extended; detach the piece slightly from the shoulder, the left fore-arm along the stock. Second motion. Carry the piece vertically to the right shoulder with both hands, the rammer to the front, change the position of the right hand so as to embrace the guard with the thumb and fore-finger, slip the left hand to the height of the shoulder, the fingers extended and joined, the right arm nearly straight. Third motion. Drop the left hand quickly by the side.
Present – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
145. First motion. With the right hand bring 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 the lower band, the thumb extended along the barrel and against the stock, the fore-arm horizontal and resting against the body, the hand as high as the elbow. Second motion. Grasp the small of the stock with the right hand below and against the guard.
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
146. First motion. Bring the piece to the right shoulder, at the same time change the position of the right hand so as to embrace the guard with the thumb and fore-finger, slip up the left hand to the height of the shoulder, the fingers extended and joined, the right arm nearly straight.
Second motion. Drop the left hand quickly by the side.
Order – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
147. First motion. Seize the piece briskly with the left hand near the upper band, and detach it slightly from the shoulder with the right hand: loosen the grasp of the right hand, lower the piece with the left, re-seize the piece with the right hand above the lower band, the little finger in rear of the barrel, the butt about four inches from the ground, the right hand supported against the hip, drop the left hand by the side. Second motion. Let the piece slip through the right hand to the ground by opening slightly the fingers, and take the position about to be described.
Position of order arms.
148. The hand low, the barrel between the thumb and fore-finger extended along the stock; the other fingers extended and joined; the muzzle about two inches from the right shoulder; the rammer in front; the toe (or beak) of the butt against, and in a line with, the toe of the right foot, the barrel perpendicular.
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
149. First motion. Raise the piece vertically with the right hand to the height of the right breast, and opposite the shoulder, the elbow close to the body; seize the piece with the left hand below the right and drop quickly the right hand to grasp the piece at the swell of the stock, the thumb and fore-finger embracing the guard; press the piece against the shoulder with the left hand, the right arm nearly straight. Second motion. Drop the left hand quickly by the side.
Load in nine times.
1. LOAD
One time and one motion
150. Grasp the piece with the left hand as high as the right elbow, and bring it vertically opposite the middle of the body, shift the right hand to the upper band, place the butt between the feet, the barrel to the front; seize it with the left hand near the muzzle, which should be three inches from the body; carry the right hand to the cartridge box (Fig.43)
2. Handle – CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion.
151. Seize the cartridge with the thumb and next two fingers, and place it between the teeth.
3. Tear – CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion.
152. Tear the paper to the powder, hold the cartridge upright between the thumb and first two fingers, near the top; in this position place it in front of and near the muzzle – the back of the hand to the front.
4. Charge – CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion.
153. Empty the 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 rammer with the thumb and fore-finger of the right hand, the other fingers closed, the elbows near the body.
5. Draw - RAMMER
One time and three motions.
154. First motion. Half draw the rammer by extending the right arm; steady it in this position with the left thumb; grasp the rammer near the muzzle with the right hand, the little finger uppermost, the nails to the front, the thumb extended along the rammer.
Second motion. Clear the rammer from the pipes by again extending the arm; the rammer in the prolongation of the pipes.
Third motion. Turn the rammer, the little end of the rammer passing near the left shoulder; place the head of the rammer on the ball, the back of the hand to the front.
6. Ram – CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion
155. Insert the rammer as far as the right, and steady it in this position with the thumb of the left hand; seize the rammer at the small end with the thumb and fore-finger of the right hand, the back of the hand to the front; press the ball home, the elbows near the body.
7. Return – RAMMER.
One time and three motions.
156. First motion. Draw the rammer half-way out, and steady it in this position with the left thumb; grasp it near the muzzle with the right hand, the little finger uppermost, the nails to the front, the thumb along the rammer; clear the rammer from the bore by extending the arm, the nails to the front, the rammer in the prolongation of the bore. Second motion. Turn the rammer, the head of the rammer passing near the left shoulder, and insert it in the pipes until the right hand reaches the muzzle, the nails to the front. Third motion. Force the rammer home by placing 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.
157. First motion. With the left hand raise the piece till the hand is as high as the eye, grasp the small of the stock with the right hand; half face to the right; place, at the same time, the right foot behind and at right angles with the left; the hollow of the right foot behind and at 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, and two inches below the right breast, the barrel upwards, the muzzle on a level with the eye. Second motion. Half cock with the thumb of the right hand, the fingers supported against the guard and the small 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.
One time and two motions.
158. First motion. Bring the piece to the right shoulder, and support it there with the left hand, face to the front; bring the right heel to the side of and on a line with the left; grasp the piece with the right hand as indicated in the position of shoulder arms. Second motion. Drop the left hand quickly by the side.
READY.
One time and three motions.
159. First motion. Raise the piece slightly with the right hand, making a half face to the right on the left heel; carry the right foot to the rear, and place it at right angles to the left, the hollow 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.
Second motion. Bring down the piece with both hands, the barrel upwards, the left thumb extended along the stock, the butt below the right fore-arm, the small of the stock against the body and two inches below the right breast, the muzzle as high as the eye, the left elbow against the side; place at the same time the right thumb on the head of the cock, the other fingers under and against the guard. Third motion. Cock, and seize the piece at the small of the stock without deranging the position of the butt.
AIM.
160. As in the manual for the musket.
FIRE.
161. As in the manual for the musket.
LOAD.
One time and one motion.
162. Bring down the piece with both hands, at the same time face to the front and take the position of load. Each rear rank man will bring his right foot by the side of the left. The men being in this position, the instructor will cause the loading to be continued by the commands and means prescribed No. 151 and following. If, after firing, the instructor should not wish the recruits to reload, he will command:
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and one motion.
163. Throw up the piece briskly with the left hand and resume the position of shoulder arms, at the same time face to the front, turning on the left heel, and bring the right heel on a line with the left.
Recover – ARMS.
164. The same as in the manual for the musket. 165. The soldiers being in the position of the third motion of ready, if the instructor should wish to bring them to a shoulder, he will command:
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and one motion.
At the command, shoulder, place the thumb upon the cock, the fore-finger 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 retake the position of shouldered arms.
The recruits being at shoulder arms, when the instructor shall wish to fix bayonets, he will command:
Fix – BAYONET.
One time and three motions.
166. First motion. Grasp the piece with the left hand at the height of the shoulder, and detach it slightly from the shoulder with the right hand. 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. Third motion. Draw the sabre-bayonet from the scabbard and fix it on the extremity of the barrel; seize the piece with the left hand, the arm extended, and the right hand at the upper band.
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
167. First motion. Raise the piece with the left hand 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 swell of the stock, the thumb and fore-finger embracing the guard, the right arm nearly extended. Second motion. Drop briskly the left hand by the side.
Charge – BAYONET.
One time and two motions.
168. First motion. Raise the piece slightly with the right hand and make a half face to the right on the left heel; place the hollow of the right foot opposite to, and three inches from the left heel, the feet square; seize the piece at the same time with the left hand a little above the lower band. 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 motions.
169. 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 embrace the guard, slide the left hand to the height of the shoulder, the right hand nearly extended. Second motion. Drop the left hand smartly by the side.
Trail – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
170. First motion. The same as the first motion of order arms. 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 bayonets the men in the front rank.
Shoulder – ARMS.
171. At the command shoulder, raise the piece perpendicularly in the right hand, the little finger in the rear of the barrel; at the command arms; execute what has been prescribed for the shoulder from the position of order arms.
Unfix – BAYONETS.
One time and three motions.
172. First and second motions. The same as the first and second motions of fix bayonet, except that, at the end of the second command, 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 barrel, the thumb extended along the blade. 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 touches the right hand, which will seize the back and the edge of the blade between the thumb and the 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 hand, the arm extended.
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
173. First motion. The same as the first motion from fix bayonet, No. 167 Second motion. The same as the second motion from fix bayonet.
Secure – ARMS.
One time and three motions.
174. 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. Second motion. Turn 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 fore-arm against the piece. Third motion. Reverse 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 sliding out, the little finger resting against the hip, the right hand falling at the same time by the side.
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and three motions.
175. 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, the left fore-arm along the piece.
Second motion. The same as the second motion of shoulder arms from a support. Third motion. The same as the third motion of shoulder arms from a support.
Right shoulder shift – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
176. First motion. Detach the piece perpendicularly from the shoulder with the right hand, and seize it with the left between the lower band and the 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 on the butt, the beak between the first two fingers, the other two fingers under the butt plate. Second motion. Quit the piece with the left hand, raise 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 two motions.
177. 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 the guide sight.
Second motion. Quit the butt with the right hand, which will immediately embrace the guard, lower the piece to the position shoulder arms, slide up the left hand to the height of the shoulder, the finger extended and closed. Drop the left hand by the side. The men being at support arms, the instructor will sometimes cause the pieces to be brought to the right shoulder. To this effect, he will command:
Right shoulder shift – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
178. First motion. Seize the piece with the right hand, below and near the left fore-arm; place the left hand under the butt, the heel of the butt between the first two fingers. Second motion. Turn the piece with the left hand, the lock plate upwards, 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, and let fall the left hand by the side.
Support – ARMS.
One time and two motions.
179. First motion. The same as the first motion of shoulder arms. 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 fore-arm extended on the breast, and let fall the right hand by the side.
Arms – AT WILL.
One time and one motion.
180. At this command, carry the piece at pleasure on either shoulder, with one or both hand, the muzzle elevated.
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and one motion.
181. At this command, retake quickly the position of shoulder arms.
Inspection of arms.
182. The soldiers being at ordered 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.
183. First motion. Seize the piece with the left hand below and near the upper band, carry 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 reversed 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 fore-finger of the right hand bent, the other fingers closed. Second motion. Draw the rammer as been explained in loading, and let it glide to the bottom of the bore, replace the piece with the left hand opposite the right shoulder, and retake the position of ordered arms. The instructor will then inspect in succession the piece of each man, in passing along the front of the rank. Each, as the instructor reaches him, will raise smartly his piece with his right hand, seize it with the left 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 inspecting it will return it to the man, who will receive it back with the right hand, and it in the position of ordered arms. If, instead of inspection of arms, the instructor should merely wish to cause bayonets to be fixed, he will command:
Fix – BAYONET.
184. Take the position indicated No. 183, fix bayonets as has been explained, and immediately resume the position of ordered arms. If it be the wish of the instructor, after firing, to ascertain whether the pieces have been discharged, he will command:
Spring – RAMMERS.
This is done as in the manual for the musket.
To load in four times.
185. The first time will be executed at the end of the command; the three others at the commands, two, three, and four. The instructor will command:
1. Load in four times. 2. LOAD.
186. Execute the time to include charge cartridge.
TWO.
187. Execute the time to include ram cartridge.
THREE.
188. Execute the time to include prime.
FOUR.
189. Execute the time of shoulder arms.
To load at will.
190. The instructor will next teach loading at will, which will be executed as loading in four times, but continued, and without resting on either of the times. He will command:
The instructor will habituate the soldiers, by degrees, to load with the greatest possible promptitude, each without regulating himself by his neighbor, and above all without waiting for him.
Firings.
191. The firings are direct or oblique, and will be executed as follows:
The direct fire.
The instructor will give the following commands:
These several command will be executed as has been prescribed in the Manual of Arms. At the third command, the men will come to the position of ready as heretofore explained. At the fourth, they will aim according to the rank in which each may find himself placed, the rear rank men inclining forward a little the upper part of the body, in order that their pieces may reach as much beyond the front rank as possible. At the sixth command, they will load their pieces, and return immediately to the position of ready. The instructor will recommence the firing by the commands:
When the instructor wishes the firing to cease, he will command:
Cease firing.
At this command, the men will cease firing, but will load their pieces if unloaded, and afterwards bring them to the shoulder.
Oblique Firings.
192. 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.
Position of the two ranks in the Oblique Fire to the right.
At the command ready, the two ranks will execute what has been prescribed for the direct fire. At the cautionary command, right oblique, the two ranks will throw back the right shoulder and look steadily at the object to be hit. At the command aim, each front rank man will aim to the right without deranging the feet; each man in the rear rank will advance the left foot about eight inches toward the right heel of the man next on the right of his file leader and aim to the right, inclining the upper part of the body forward and bending a little the left knee.
Position of the two ranks in the Oblique Fire to the left.
At the cautionary command, left oblique, the two ranks will throw back the left shoulder and look steadily at the object to be hit. At the command aim, the front rank will take aim to the left without deranging the fee; each man in the rear rank 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 the right knee. In both cases, at the command load, the men of each rank will come to the position of lead as prescribed in the direct fire; the rear rank men bringing back the foot which is to the right and front by the side of the other. Each man will continue to load as if isolated.
To fire by File.
193. The fire by file will be executed by the two ranks, the files of which will fire successively, and without regulating on each other, except for the first fire. The instructor will command:
At the third command, the two ranks will take the position prescribed in the direct fire. At the fourth command, the file on the right will aim and fire; the rear rank man in aiming will take the position indicated No.118. The men in this file will load their pieces briskly and fire a second time; reload and fire again, and so on in continuation. The second file will aim, at the instant the first brings down the pieces to reload, and will conform in all respects to that which has just been prescribed for the first file. After the first fire, the front and rear rank men will not be required to fire at the same time. Each man, after loading will return to the position of ready and continue to fire. When the instructor wishes the fire to cease, he will command:
Cease – FIRING.
At this command, the men will cease firing. If they have fired they will load their pieces and bring them to a shoulder; if at the position of ready, they will half-cock and shoulder arms. If in the position of aim, they will bring down their pieces, half-cock, and shoulder arms.
To fire by Rank.
194. The fire by rank will be executed by each entire rank, alternately. The instructor will command:
1. Fire by rank. 2. Squad. 3. READY. 4. Rear rank. 5. AIM 6. FIRE. 7. LOAD.
At the third command, the two ranks will take the position of ready, as prescribed in the direct fire. At the seventh command, the rear rank will execute that which has been prescribed in the direct fire, and afterwards take the position of ready. As soon as the instructor sees several men in the rear rank in the position of ready, he will command:
At these commands, the men in the front rank will execute what has been prescribed for the rear rank, but they will not step off with the right foot. The instructor will recommence the firing by the rear rank, and will thus continue to alternate from rank to rank, until he shall wish the firing to cease, when he will command, cease firing, which will be executed as heretofore prescribed.
To fire and load Kneeling.
195. In this exercise the squad will be supposed loaded and drawn up in one rank. The instruction will be given to each man individually, without times or motions, and in the following manner. The instructor will command:
FIRE AND LOAD KNEELING.
At this command, the man on the right of the squad will move forward three paces and halt; then carry the right foot to the rear and to the right of the left heel, and in position convenient for placing the right knee upon the ground in bending the left leg; place the right knee upon the ground, lower the piece, the left fore-arm supported upon the thigh on the same side, the right hand on the small of the stock, the butt resting on the right thigh, the left hand supporting the piece near the lower band. He will next move the right leg to the left around the knee supported on the ground, until this leg is nearly perpendicular to the direction of the left foot, and thus seat himself comfortably on the right heel. Raise the piece with the right hand and support it with the left, holding near the lower band, the left elbow resting on the left thigh near the knee; seize the hammer with the thumb, the fore-finger under the guard, cock and seize the piece at the small of the stock; bring the piece to the shoulder, aim and fire.
Bring the piece down as soon as it is fired, and support it with the left hand, the butt resting against the right thigh; carry the piece to the rear rising on the knee, the barrel downwards, the butt resting on the ground; in this position support the piece with the left hand at the upper band, draw cartridge with the right and load the piece, ramming the ball, if necessary, with both hand. When loaded bring the piece to the front with the left hand, which holds it at the upper band; seize it at the same time with the right hand at the small of the stock; turn the piece, the barrel uppermost and nearly horizontal, the left elbow resting on the left thigh; half-cock, remove the old cap and prime, rise, and return to the ranks. The second man then be taught what has just been prescribed for the first, and so on through the remainder of the squad.
To fire and load Lying.
196. In this exercise the squad will be in one rank and loaded; the instruction will be given individually and without times or motions. The instructor will command:
FIRE AND LOAD LYING.
At this command, the man on the right of the squad will move forward three paces and halt; he will then bring his piece to an order, drop on both knees and place himself on the ground flat on his belly. In this position he will support the piece nearly horizontal with the left hand, holding it near the lower band, the butt end of the piece and the left elbow resting on the ground, the barrel uppermost; cock the piece with the right hand, and carry this hand to the small of the stock; raise the piece with both hand, press the butt against the shoulder, and resting on both elbows, aim and fire. As soon as he has fired, bring the piece down and turn upon his left side, still resting on his left elbow; bring back the piece until the cock is opposite his breast, the butt end resting on the ground; take out a cartridge with the right hand; seize the small of the stock with this hand, holding the cartridge with the thumb and two first fingers; he will then throw himself on his back, still holding the piece with both hands; carry the piece to the rear, place the butt between the heels, the barrel up, the muzzle elevated. In this position, charge cartridge, draw rammer, ram cartridge, and return rammer. When finished loading, the man will turn again upon his left side, remove the old cap and prime, then raise the piece vertically, rise, turn about, and resume his position in the ranks. The second man will be taught what has just been prescribed for the first, and so on throughout the squad.
Bayonet Exercise.
197. The bayonet exercise in this book will be confined to two movements, the guard against infantry, and the guard against cavalry. The men will be placed in one rank, with two paces interval, and being at shoulder arms, the instructor will command:
First motion. Make a half face to the right, turning on both heels, the feet square to each other; at the same time raise the piece slightly, and seize it with the left hand above and near the lower band. Second motion. Carry the right foot twenty inches perpendicularly to the rear, the right heel on the prolongation of the left, the knees slightly bent, the weight of the body resting equally on both legs; lower the piece with both hands, the barrel uppermost, the left elbow against the body; seize the piece at the same time with the right hand at the small of the stock, the arms falling naturally, the point of the bayonet slightly elevated. (Fig. 44)
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and one motion.
Throw up the piece with the left hand, and place it against the right shoulder, at the same time bring the right heel by the side of the left and fact to the front.
Both motions are the same as for guard against infantry, except that the right hand will be supported against the hip, and the bayonet held at the height of the eye, as in charge bayonet.
Shoulder – ARMS.
One time and one motion.
Spring up the piece with the left hand and place it against the right shoulder, at the same time bring the right heel by the side of the left, and fact to the front. PART THIRD
200. When the men are well established in the principles and mechanism of the step, the position of the body, and the manual of arms, the instructor will unite from eight to twelve in a squad, in order to teach them the principles of alignment, the touch of the elbow in marching to the front, the principles of the march by the flank, wheeling from a halt, wheeling in marching, and the change of direction to the side of the guide. He will place the squad in one rank elbow to elbow, and number the men from right to left.
Alignments.
201. The instructor will at first teach the soldiers to align themselves man by man, in order to make them understand the principles of alignment better; for this purpose, he will command the two men on the right flank to march two paces to the front, and having aligned (or dressed) them, he will cause the remainder of the squad to move up, as may be successively called, each by his number, as three, four, etc., and align (or dress) themselves successively on the line of the first two men. Each man, as designated by his number, will turn his head and eyes to the right, as directed for eyes right in the first part, and march two paces forward in quick time, shortening the last step, so as to find himself about six inches behind the new line, which he ought never to cross; he will then move up steadily by steps of two or three inches, the legs straight, to the side of the next man to him on the line, so that, without throwing head or the shoulders out of place, he may find himself in the exact line with the files on his right, and touching elbows with the nearest one without opening out his arms. The instructor seeing the line properly dressed, commands:
FRONT.
At which the men will turn their eyes to the front, and remain firm. Alignments to the left will be conducted on the same principles. 202. When the men shall have learned to dress correctly man by man, without deranging the head or shoulders, and without jostling, the instructor will cause the entire squad to dress at once by the command:
Squad right (or left) – DRESS.
At this the squad, except the two men placed in advance as a basis of alignment, will move up in quick time, and place themselves on the new line according to the principles just laid down. The instructor will superintend the dressing, and when he sees the greater number of the squad in their proper places, will command:
FRONT.
The instructor may afterwards order this or that file forward or back, designating each man by his number (or name). The file or files designated, will slightly turn the head toward the right (or left), to judge how much they ought to move up or back, place themselves on the line by moving an inch or two at a time, and then turn eyes to the front, without waiting for any command from the instructor. 203. Alignments to the rear will be executed on the same principle, the men stepping back a little beyond the line, and then dressing up according to the principles laid down in No. 201; the command of the instructor are:
Right ( or left ) backward – DRESS.
To march to the front.
204. The squad being correctly aligned, and the instructor wishing to march it to the front, he will place a well-instructed man on the right or left, according to the side on which he wishes the guide to be, and command:
At the command march, the squad will step off smartly with the left foot, and will take up quick time, unless otherwise specially ordered. This rule is general. The guide will take care to march straight to the front, keeping his shoulders always square with that line. The men will touch elbows lightly on the side towards the guide, maintaining the shoulders square to the front, no matter on which side the guide may be; they should be careful not to open out the left elbow, or the right arm; that they yield to pressure coming from the side of the guide, and resist that coming from the side opposite; that they recover by insensible degrees the touch of the elbow, if lost; and if any files are before or behind the line, that they correct themselves by shortening or lengthening the step by almost insensible degrees. It is all important that the closest attention should be paid to each one of the above directions, otherwise the men cannot attain proficiency, and when the are advanced to the company drill, it will be impossible to secure promptness or accuracy in the manoeuvres. 205. The men being well established in the principles of the direct march, the instructor will exercise them in marching obliquely. The squad being in march, the instructor commands:
At the command march, 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 will glance along the nearest files, toward the side to which they are obliquing, and will regulate their steps so that so that the right ((or left shoulder shall always be behind the left (or right) shoulder of their next neighbor on the right (or left), and that his head shall conceal the heads of the other men on the right (or left). The men should be careful to preserve the same length of pace, and the same degree of obliquity. The guide must always be on the flank towards which the oblique takes place. The instructor wishing to resume to direct march, will command:
At the command march, each man will make a half face to the left (or right), and all will march straight to the front, conforming to the principles laid down for marching to the front. To march to the front in double quick time.
206. Instruction in the principles of this step is recommended for all infantry troops; it may be omitted for infantry of the line, but in no other case; nothing but the imperative necessity for giving all of the time at the disposal of the instructor to instruction in the principles of the quick step and to the manouvers, should prevent even infantry of the line from being thoroughly instructed in the principles of this step. The squad being at a march in quick time, the instructor commands:
At the command march, which will be given when either foot is coming to the ground, the squad will step off in double quick time. The men should be careful to follow the rules already laid down for the march in the double quick step, and to preserve the alignment. When the instructor wishes the squad to resume the quick step, he will command:
At the command march, which should be given when either foot is coming to the ground, the squad will retake the step in quick time. If the squad is at a halt, and the instructor wishes to march at the double quick step, he commands:
The squad being on the march in double quick, the instructor will occasionally cause it to mark time; the men will then mark double quick time without altering the cadence. He will also cause them to pass from the direct to the oblique march, and the reverse, conforming to what has been prescribed for the oblique march. In marching at double quick time, the men will always carry their pieces on the right shoulder, or at a trail. This rule is general. If the instructor wishes to pieces carried at a trail, he will give the command trail arms, before the command double quick. If on the contrary, this command is not give, the men will shift their pieces to the right shoulder at the command double quick. In either case, at the command halt, the men will bring their pieces to the position of shouldered arms. This rule is general.
To face about in marching.
207. If the squad be marching in quick, or double quick time, and the instructor should wish to march in retreat, he will command:
At the command march, which should be given at the instant the right foot touches the ground, the soldier will complete the next pace with the left foot, then turning to the right about on both heels, will step off with the left foot.
To march by the flank.
208. The squad being at a halt, and correctly aligned, the instructor will command:
At the command face, the squad will face to the right; the even numbered men, after falling to the right, will step quickly to the right side of the odd numbered men, the latter standing fast, so that when the movement is executed, the men will be formed into files of two men abreast, or doubled. At the command march, the squad will step off smartly with the left foot; the files keeping their dress, and preserving their intervals. The march by the left flank will be executed by the same commands, substituting the word left for right, and by inverse means; in this case, the even numbered men, after facing to the left, will stand fast, and the odd numbered will place themselves on their left. When the instructor shall wish to halt the squad, marching by the flank, and to cause it to face to the front, he will command:
At the second command the rank will halt, and afterwards no man will stir, although me may have lost his distance. This prohibition is necessary, to habituate the men to a constant attention to their distances.
At the command front, each man will front by facing to the left, if marching by the right flank, and by a face to the right, if marching by the left flank. The rear rank men will move quickly into their places, so as to form the squad into one rank again. 209. The squad being on the march by the flank, the instructor will cause it to change direction by commanding:
At the command march, the first file will change direction to the left (or right) in describing a small arc of a circle, and will then march 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 is made, will shorten the first three or four steps. Each file will come successively to the wheel on the same spot where that which preceded it wheeled. 210. The instructor will also cause the squad to face by the right or left flank in marching, and for this purpose will command:
At the command march, which will be given a little before either foot comes to the ground, the men will turn the body, plant the foot that is raised in the new direction, and step off with the other foot without altering the cadence of the step. When the squad faces to the front or rear in marching, the men who find themselves in rear step to the right or left so as to form a single rank, each man in his place as in the beginning; this is called the undoubling of files. If when the squad is marching to the front or rear, the instructor causes it to march by the flank, the files will double; when the squad is on the march to the front, and is faced by the right flank, the even numbers will step up to the right of the odd ones, as in the first instance in facing from a halt; when it is marched by the left flank, the odd numbers should double on the left of the even; if the squad is marching to the rear when it is faced by the right flank, the odd will double on the even as in the last case, but if faced by the left flank the even will double to the right of the odd as in the first case.
The instructor will sometimes march by the flank without doubling files; for this purpose he command:
In one rank, right – FACE.
In marching at the double quick; however, the files will always be doubled.
General principles of wheelings.
211. Wheelings are of two kinds; from a halt, or on fixed pivots, and on the march, or on a movable pivot. In wheelings from a halt, the pivot-man only turns in his place, without advancing or receding. 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, which is necessary in order that, in a column composed of sections, platoons, or companies, the distance between the different parts of it shall not be lost as will be more fully explained in the school of the company. The man on the wheeling flank will take a full pace of twenty-eight, or thirty-three inches, according to whether the time is quick or double quick.
Wheeling from a halt, or on a fixed pivot.
212. The squad being at a halt, the instructor will place a well instructed man on the wheeling flank to conduct it, and command:
At the command march, the squad will step off with the left foot, turning the head at the same time a little to the left, the eyes on the line of the eyes of the men to their left; the pivot-man will merely mark time, gradually turning his body, in order to conform himself to the movements of the marching flank; the man who conducts this flank will take steps of twenty-eight inches, and from the first step advance the shoulder a little, cast his eyes from time to time along the rank, and feel constantly, but lightly, the elbow of the next man on his right, but never push him. The other man will feel lightly the elbow of the next man to his right, resist pressure coming from the left, and yield to any coming from the right; each man will conform himself to the march of the men on the left, shortening his step more and more as he is nearer the right, or pivot. The instructor will make the squad wheel round the circle once or twice before halting, in order to cause the principles to be better understood, and he will be watchful that the centre does not break or get too far in advance. He will cause the wheel to the left to be executed on the same principles. When the instructor wishes to arrest the wheel, he command:
At the second command the squad will halt, and no man stir. The instructor going to the left (or right, if the wheel has been to the left) flank, will place two outer men of that flank in the direction he may wish to give to the squad, without however displacing the pivot, who will conform the line of his shoulders to this direction. The instructor will take care to have between these two men and the pivot, only the space necessary to contain the other men. He will then command:
Left ( or right ) – DRESS.
At this the squad will place itself on the alignment of the men fixed as the bases, in conformity with the principles laid down for the alignments. As soon as the men are aligned, the instructor commands:
FRONT.
Wheeling in marching, or on a movable pivot.
213. When the men have been brought to execute the wheel from a halt properly, they will be taught the wheel in marching. For this end, the squad being on the march, when the instructor shall wish to cause it to change direction to the flank opposite the guide, he will command:
The first command will be given when the squad is four paces from the wheeling point. At the command march the wheel will be executed in the same manner as from a halt, except that the touch of the elbow will remain towards the left or marching flank, instead of the side of the actual pivot; that the pivot man, instead of merely turning in his 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 so as to clear the point of the wheel. The middle of the 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 he will have to pass. The wheel being ended, the instructor will command:
The command forward will be given four paces before the wheel is complete. At the command march, which will begin at the instant the wheel is complete, the man who conducts the wheel will march straight forward; the pivot man and all the rest of the squad will retake the step of twenty-eight inches, and bring the head direct to the front.
Turning, or change of direction to the side of the guide.
214. The change of direction to the side of the guide, in marching, will be executed as follows: the instructor will command:
The first command should be given when the squad is four paces from the turning point. At the command march, to be pronounced the instant the rank ought to turn, the guide will face to the left (or right) in marching, and move forward in the new direction without changing the pace. The whole squad will promptly conform to the new direction; to effect which, each man will advance the shoulder opposite the guide, take the double quick step, turn the head and eyes to the side of the guide, place himself on the line with the guide, from whom he will take the step, touch elbows to the side of the guide, and resume the direct position of the head. The men will arrive in their places in regular succession. 215. When the men comprehend, and can execute the various wheels, etc., in quick time, the instructor will cause them to be repeated in double quick time, by the same commands, and according to the same principles as in quick time, except that the command double quick will precede that of march. In wheeling while marching, the pivot man will take steps of eleven inches, and in the changes of direction to the side of the guide, the men on the side opposite the guide muse increase the gait in order to bring themselves into line. The instructor, in order not to fatigue the men, and not to divide
their attention, will cause them to execute the several movements of wheeling etc., first
without arms, and next, after the mechanism be well comprehended, with arms.
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