if iBi i^KSfirail i; : : ' : ■■';,■: ■:■''' ■:■■■:■. George Washington Flowers Memorial Collection DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY ESTABLISHED BV THE FAMILY OF COLONEL FLOWERS .£ 1/ M ' __- ; I "' ._ '/;)'-:■''" 7* Co, £ T t ' □ J- 1 £i^ -- <2 ! f^'Ccmyo-ny I 5 t/: Cent ;.:? £_r - -*? 1 &, ^Company ! Jg^&i 1 1 •• Z r Lieut. Colonel M Mpor Q. QT Master I A, ■//„ taut S.M. Sera* Mapr- 'X. FieUMutU: F. Band "Q.S. ^Master Serf! 23 Color mid aiuerd O Tlliflit 'c/iuele & Zr/? aiude i I I I I I I I I i I I I I ITT : I I I I M I i i i i i i i i i A 6 I I I I I I 1TTT I I i-l I I I I I M I □ Captain □ JiVvt Zi/"/ □ Second Lieut □ Thud r if.u IS Second Sen ' 'Plato, tffflfc El JW# & j%„-,7, &£.« RIFLE AXD LIGHT INFANTRY TACTICS: FOR EXERCISE A N D M A N (EC Y R E S OF PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE WAP. DEPARTMENT, BY BREVET-LIEUT.-COL. TV. J. HARDEE, .C SCHOOLS OF THE SOLDIER AND COMPANY, INSTRUCTION FOR SKIRMISHERS, "BE AHft I «WS8. ^ NEW ORLEANS: H. P. LATHEOP, PRINTER, 74 MAGAZINE 1861. - War Department, Match 29, 18 The system of Tactics for Light Infantry and Riflemen, pre- pared under the direction of the War Department by Breve'. Lieutenant Colonel William J. Hardee, of the Cavalry, having been approved by the President, is adopted for the instruction of he troops when acting as Light Infantry or Riflemen, and, under the Act of May 12, 1820, for the observance of the Militia when so employed. JEFFERSON DAVIS, Secretary of War, THE FLOWERS COLLECTION lie an)i % igjrf $nfanirj) Catties. T TITLE FIRST. Article First. Formation of a Regiment in order of battle, or in line. 1. A Regiment is composed of ten companies, which will ha- fritually »m right to left, in the following order: first, sixth, fourth, ninth, third, eighth, fifth, tenth, seventh, second, ac- cording to the rank o( the captains. 2. With % less number of companies the same principle will be observed, viz: the fust captain will command Ihe right compa- ny, the second captain the left company, the thiid captain the right centre con ry, and so on. 3. The companies thus posted will be designated from right to left, first company, second company, &c. This designation will be observed in the manoeuvres. 4. The fit • ompanies on the right, whatever their denom. ination, will form the first division; the next two companies the second division ; and so on, to the left. 5. Each company will be divided into two equal parts, which will be designated as the first and second platoon, counting from the right ; and each platoon, in like manner, wdl be? subdivided into two sections. 6. In all exercises and manoeuvres, every regiment, or part o' a regiment, composed of two or more companies, will be designa- ted as a battalion. 7. The color, with a guard to be hereinafter designated, will be posted on the left of the right centre battalion company. Thai company, and all on its right, will be denominated the right wing of the battalion ; the remaining companies the left wing. 8. The formation of a regiment is in two ranks ; and each com- pany will be formed into two ranks, in the following manner : the corporals will be posted in the front rank, and on the right and left of platoon.?, according to the height ; the tallest corporal and the tallest man will form the first file, the next two tallest men will form the second file, and so on to the last file, which will be com- posed of t. >st corporal and the shortest man. 9. The odd mhI even files, numbered as one, two, in the com- 4 FORMATION OF TE& BATTAL!n\. pany, from right (u left, will form groups of four men., who will be designated, comrades in battle. *"to. The distance from one. rank to another will be thirteen inches, measured from the breasts of the rear rank men to the backs or knapsacks of the frunt rank men. 11. For manoeuvring, the companies of a battalion will always be equalized, by transferring men from the strongest to the weak- est companies. Posts of Company Officers^ Sergeants and Corporals. 12. The company officers and sergeants are nine, in number, and will be posted in the following manner: 13. The captain on the right of the company touching with the left elbow. 14. The first scrgiant in the rear rank, touching with the left elbow, and covering the captain. In the manoeuvres he will be denominated covering serg ant, or right guide of the company. 15. The remaining officers and sergeants will be posted as file closers, and two paces behind the rear rank. 10. The first lieutenant, opposite the centre of the fourth section. 17. The scemd lieutenant, opposite the centre of the first platoon. 18. The third lieutenant, opposite the centre of the second platoon. 19. The second sergeant, opposite the second file from the left of the company. In the manoeuvres he will be designated left guide of the company. 20. The third sergeant, opposite the second file from the right of the second platoon. 21. The fourth sergeant, opposite the second file from the left of the 11 1 st platoon. 22. The fifth sergeant, opposite the second file from the right of the first platoon. 23. In the left or tenth company of the battalion, the second sergeant will be posted in the front rank, and on the left of the battalion. 24. The corporals will be posted in the front rank, as prescri- bed No. 8. 25. Absent officers and sergeants will be replaced — officers by sergeants, and sergeants by corporals. The colonel may detach a first lieutenant from one company to command another, of which both the captain and first lieutenant are absent ; but this author- ity will give no right to a lieutenant to demand to be so detached. Posts of Field Officers and Regimental Staff. 26. The field officers, colonel, lieutenant colonel and major, are supposed to be mounted, and on active service shall be on horseback. The adjutant, when the battalion is manceu- vering, will be on foot. FORMATION OF THE BATTALION. 27. The colonel will take post thirty paces in rear of the file closers, and opposite the centre of the battalion. Tnis dis- tance will be reduced whenever there is a reduction in the front of the battalion. 23. The lieutenant colonel and the major will be opposite the centres of the right and left wings respectively, and twelve paces in rear of the file closers. 20. The adjutant and sergeant major will be opposite the right and left of the battalion, respectively, and eight paces in the rear of the file closers. £0. The adjutant and sergeant major will aid the lieutenant colonel and major, respectively, in the manoeuvres. 31. The colonel, if absent, will be replaced by the lieutenant colonel, and the latter by the major. If all t ho field i fficers be absent, the' senior captain will command,. the battalion ; but if either he present, he will not call the senior captain to act as held officer, except in case of evident necessity. 32. The quarter-master, surgeon, and other Staff officers, in one rank, on the left of the colonel, and three pates in his rear. S3. Tie rjiiavter-mastcr sergeant, on a line with the front rank of the field music, and two paces on the right. Posts of Field Music, and Bond. 34. The buglers will be drawn up in four ranks, and posted twelve paces io rear of the file closers, the left opposite the centre of the left ccntry company. The senior principal musician will lie two paces in front of the field music, and the other two paces in the rear. 35. The regimental band, if there be one, will be drawn up in two or four ranks, according to its numbers, and post- ed five paces in rear of the held music, having one of the. principal musicians at its head. Color-guarJ. 35. In each battalion the color-guard will be composed of tight corporals, and posted on the left of the right centre company, of which company, for the time beiug, the guard will make a part. 3G. The front rank will be composed of a sergeant, to bo selected by the colonel, who will be called, for the time, color- bearer, with the two ranking corporals, respectively, on his right and left ; the rear rank will be composed of the three corporals next in rank ; and the three remaining corporals will be posted in their rear, and on the line of tile closer.'. The left guide of the color-company, when these three last named corporals are in the rank of file closers, will be imme- diately on their left. FORMATION OF THE BATTALION'. 38. In battalions with loss than five companies present, there will be no color-guard, and no display of colors, except it may be at reviews. 39. The corporals of the color-guard will be selected from those most distinguished for regularity and precision] as well in their positions under arms as* in their marching. The latter advantage, and ajusl carriage «f the person, are tol>»- more particularly sought for in the selection of the color- dearer. General Guides. There will I ■<■ two general guides in each battalion, se- lected, for the time, by the colonel, from among the sergeants (other than first sergeants) the most distinguished for car- riage under arms, and accuracy in marching. 41. These sergeants will be respectively denominated, in the manoeuvres, right general guide, and left g neral guide, and be posted in the line of file closers ; the first in rear of the right, and the second in rear of the left flank of the battalion. INSTRUCTION OF THE BATTALION. 12. Every commanding officer isresponsible for the instruc- tion of his command. He will assemble the officers together for theoretical and practical instruction as often as he may judge necessary, and when unable to attend to this duty in person, it will be discharged by the officer next in rank. 43. Captains will be held responsible for the theoretical and practical instruction of their non-commissioned officers, and the adjutant for the instruction of the non-commissioned staff. To this end, they will require these tactics to be studied and recited lesson by lesson ; and when instruction is given on the ground, each non-commissioned officer, as he explains a movement, should be required to put it into prac- tical operation. 4 I. 'flu- non-commissioned officers should also be practised in giving commands EaSh command, in a lesson, at the theo- retical instruction, should first be givenby the instructor, and then repeated, in succession, by the non-commissioned offi- cers, so that while they become habituated to the commands, uniformity may be established in the manner of giving them. 45. ]n the school of the soldier, the company officers will be the in: 1! uctors of the squads ; but if there be not a suffi- cient number of company officers present, intelligent ser- geants may be substituted ; and two or three squads, undei sergeant instructors, be superintended, at the same time, by an officer. 46. In the school of the company, the lieutenant colonel and the major, under tho colonel, will be the principle instructors, INSTRUCTION OF THE BATTALION. 1 substituting frequently the captain of the company, and some- times one of the lieutenants ; the substitute, as far as practica- ble, being superintented by one of the princincipaK 47. In the the school of the battalion, the brigadier general may constitute himself the principal instructor, frequently sub- stituting the colonel of the battalion, sometimes the lieutenant colonel or major, and twice or thrice, in the same course of in- struction, each of the three senior captains. In this schooJ, also, the substitute will always, if practicable, be superintende 1 by the brigadier general or the colonel, or (in case of a captain being the instructor,) by the lieutenant colonel or major. 48. Individual instruction being the basis of the instruction of companies, on which that of the regiment depends, and the first principles having the greatest influence upon this indi- vidual instruction, classes of recruitsshould.be watched with the greatest care. 49. Instructors will explain, in a few clear and precise words, the movements to be executed ; and not to overburden the memory of the men, they will always use the same terms to explain the same principles. 50. They should often join example to precept, should keep up the attention of the men by an animated tone, and rapidly from one movement to another, as soon as that which they command has been executed in a satisfactory maimer. 51. The sabre bayonet should only be fixed when required to be used, either for attack or defence; the exercises and ma- noeuvres will be executed without the bayonet. 52. In the movements which require the bayonet to be fixed, the chief of the battalion will cause the signal to fix bayonet, to be sounded ; at this signal the men will fix bayonets with- out command, and immediately replace their pieces in the position they were before the signal. Instruction of Officers. 53. The instruction of officers can be perfected only by joining theory to practice The colonel will often practise them in marching and in estimating distances, and he will carefully en- deavor to cause them to take Bteps equal in length and swiftness. They will also be exercised in the. double quick step. 54. The instruction of officers will include all the Titles in this system of chill, and such regulations as prescribe their duties in peace and war. 55. Every officer will make himself perfectly acquainted with the bugle signals^ and should, by practice, be enabled, if neces- sary, to sound them. This knowledge, so necessary in general instruction, becomes of vital importance on actual service in the iekL ■ OF THE Instruction of Sergeants. discipline and efficiency ol a company mate i mi the conduct and cjbaraci , and properly instructed in all the duties ap- Their theoretical instruction should include the School of the Soldier, the School of the Company, and the Drill fur Skir- - • know nil the details cribiug tl.-jir duties in garrison and in ign. 58. The elects from the corporals in his conqpany those whom he judges tit to be admitted to the theoretical instruction of. the sergeants. Instruction of Corporals. 59. Their theoretical instruction should inc.ude the School of the Soldier, and such regulations as prescribe their duties in gar- rison and in campaign. 00. The captain selects from his company a few privates, who may be admitted to the theoretical instruction of the corporals. 61. As the instruction of sergeants and corporals is intended principally to quality them for the instruction of the privates, they should be taught not only to execute, but to explain intelligibly every thing they may be required to teach. COMMANDS. There are three kinds. 62. The command of caution, which is attention. 03. The preparatory command, which indicates the movement which is to be executed. 04. The command of execution, such as march or halt, or, in the manual of anus, the part ot command which causes an exe- cution. 0.1. The tone of the command should be animated, distinct, and of a loudness proportioned to the number ot men under in- struction 0(5. The command attention is pronounced at the top of the voice, dwelling on the last syllable. 07. The command of execution will be pronounced in a tone firm and brief. 68. The commands of caution and the preparatory commands are. herein distinguished by italics, those of execution by capita r.s. 69. Those preparatory commands which, from their length, are difficult to be pronounced at once, must be divided into two or three parts, with an ascending progression in the tune of com- mand, but always in such a manner that the tone of execution may be more, energetic ami elevated; the divisions are indicate.! by a hyphen. The parts of commands which are placed in a parenthesis, are not pronounced. TITLE SECOND SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. General Rules and division of the School of the Sol 1. The object of this school being the in ; Because, if there be stiffness in the latter position, it would Communicate itself to the whole of the .upper part of the body, embarrass its movements, and give pain and rati Eyes direct to the front ; Because, this is the surest means of maintaining the shoulders m line — an essential object, to be insisted un and attained. 11. The instructor having given the recruit the position of thfl soldier without arms, will now teach him the turning of the head and eyes. lie will command : ] . Eyes — Right. 2. Front. 12. At the word right, the recruit will turn the 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 lino of the eyes of the men in, or supposed to" be in, the same rank. 13. At the second command, the head will resume the direct or habitual position. 14. The movement of Eyes — Left will lie executed by inverse means. 15. The instructor will take particular care that the movement of the head does not derange the squareness of the shoulders, which will ha] pen if the movement of the former bo to i sudden. 16. When the instructor shall wish therecruitto pass from the state of attention to that of ease, he will command : Rkst. 17. To cause a resumption of the habitual position, the instruc* tor will command : 1. Attention. 2. Squad. 18. At the first word, the recruit will fix his attention' ; at the second, he will resume the prescribed position and steadiness. Lesson II. Fad 19. Facing to the right and left will be executed in one //'///• Or pause. Tin: instructor will command : 1. Squad. 2. Might (or left)— Face. 2D. At the second command, raise the right foot slightly, turn.. SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 13 on the left heel, raising the toes a little, and then replace the right heel by the side of the left, and on the same line. 21. The full face to the rear (or front)will be executed in two times, or pauses. The instructor will command : 1. Squad. 2. About — Face. 22. (First time.) At the word about, the recruit will turn on the left heel, bring the left toe to the front, carry the right fool to the r ar, tl e hollow opposite to, and full throe inches from, the left heel, the feet square to each other. 23. {Second lime.) At the word face, the recruit will turn on both heels, raise the toes a little, extend the hams, face to the rear, bringing, at the tame time, the right heel bv the side of the left. 24. The instructor will take care that these motions do not derange the positon of the body. Lessox III. Principles of the dir : , 25. The length of the direct step, or pace, in common will be twenty-eight inches, reckoning from heel to heel, and in swiftness, at the rate of ninety in a mini 26. The instructor, seeing the recruit confirmed in this posi- tion will explain to him the 'principle and mechanism of this step — placing himself six or seven paces from, and facing to the re- cruit. He will himself execute slowly the step in the way of il- lustration, and then command : » ■ 1. Squad, foricard. 2. Common time. 3. Ma: 27. At the first command, the recruit will throw the weight of the body on the riixht log without bending the left knee. 29. At the third command, 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 ham extended, the toe a little depressed, and, as also the knee, slightly turned out; he will at the same time, throw the weight of the body lorward, and plant flat the left foot, without shock, precisely at the distance where it rinds itself from the. right, when the weight of the body is brought forward, the whole of which will now rest on the advanced foot. The recruit will next, in like manner, advance the right foot and plant it as above, the heel twenty-eight inches from the heel of the left foot, and thus continue to march without crossing the legs, or striking the one against the other, without turning the shou]Jers, and preserving always the face direct to the front. 29. When the instructor shall wish to arrest the march, he will command ; 1. Squad. 2. Halt. 30. At the second command, which will .be giyen at the in- n :00L OF THE SOLDIER. slant when tidier foot is coming to the ground, the foot in th< will be brought up, and planted by the side of the other without shock- 31. The instructor will indicate, from time to lime, to the re- cruit, the cadence of the step by giving the command one at the instant of raising the loot, and iwo at the instant it ought to be planted, observing Hie cadence of ninety steps in a minute. This method will contribute greatly to impress upon the mind the two motions into which the step is naturally divided. 32. Common time will be employed only in the first and second parts of the. School of the Soldier. As soon as the recruit has acquired steadiness, baa become established in ihe principles of shouldered arms, and in the mechanism, length and swiftness of the step in common time, be will be practised only in quick time, the double (pick time, and the run. 33. The principles of the, step in quick time arc the same as for common lime, but its swiftness is at the rate of one hundred and ten steps per minute. 34. The instructor wishing the squad to march in quick time, will command : 1. Squad, forward.. 2. March. Lesson IV. Principles of the Double Quick Step. 35. The length of the double quick step is thirty- three inches, and its swiftness at the rate of one hundred and sixty-live stops per minute. 36. The instructor wishing to teach the recruits the principles and mechanism of the double quick step, will command : 1. Double Quick Step. 2. Maucit. 37. At die first command the recruit will raise, his hands to a level with his hips, the hands closed, the nails towards the body, the elbows to the rear. 38. At the second command, he will raise to the front his left le" bent, in order to give to the knee the greatest elevation, the part of the leg between the knee and the instep vertical, the toe depressed; he will then replace his foot in its former position; with the right leg he will execute what has just been prescribed for the left, and the alternate movement of the legs will be con- ' linued until the command : 1. Squad. 2. Halt. 39. At the second command, the recruit will bring the foot which is raised by the side of the other, and dropping at the same time his hands by his side, will resume the position of the soldier without arms. 40. The instructor placing himself seven or eight paces from, SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. t. and facing the recruit, will indicate the cadence by the commands, one and two, given alternately at the instant each foot should be brought to the ground, which at first will be in common time, but its rapidity will be gradually augmented. 41. The recruit being sufficiently established in the principles of this step, the intruder will command . 1. Squad, forward. 2. Double quick. 3 March. 42. At tho first command, the recruit will throw the weight o his body on the right leg. 43. At tho second command he will place his arms as indica- ted No. 37 44. At the third command, he will carry forward the left foot, the leg slightly bent, the knee somewhat raised — will plant his left foot, the toe first, thirty- three inches from the right, and with the right foot will then execute 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. 45. The double quick step may be executed with different de- grees of swiftness. Under urgent circumstances the cadence of the step may be increased to one hundred and eighty per minute. At this rate a distance of four thousand yards would be passed over in about twenty-five minutes. 46. The recruits will he exercised also in running. 47. The principles are the same as for the double quick step, the only difference consisting in a greater degree of swiftness. 48. It is recommended in marching at double quick time, or the run, that the men should breathe as much as possible through the nose, keeping the mouth closed. Experience has proved that, by conforming to this principle, a man can pass over a much lon- ger distance, and with less fatigue. PART SECOND. GENERAL RULES. 49. The instructor will not pass the men to this second part until they .-hall be well established in the position of the body, and in i tie manner of marching at the different steps. 50. He will then unite four men, whom he will place in the same rank, elbow to elbow, and instruct them in the position cf shouldered aims, as follows: Lesson I. Principles of Shouldered A7~nis. 51. The recruit being placed as explained in the first lesson of the first part, the instructor will cause, him to bend the right arm slightly, and place the piece in it, in the following manner: 16 The piece in the righi band — the I ar- r 1 nearly verti -a! and resting i i the h tllow of the shoulder — the guard \>> tie front, the arm hang i ly at its full I the body; the thumb and jer em- bracing the guard, the remainin stock just under the cock, which on the litl 53. Recruits are frequently seen with natural delects in the conformation ( shoulders, breast and hips. These the in- structor will labor to correct in the lessons without arm-, and afterwards, by steady endeavors, so that the nee of the pieces, in the same line, may be uniform, and this without constraint to the n their positions. 54. The instructor "will have occasion to remark that recruits, on first bearing 1 arms, are liable to derange their positions by lowering the right shoulder and the right hand, or by sinking the hip and spreading out the elb» ws. 55. lie will be careful to correct all these faults by continually rectifying the position ; he will sometimes lake away thi to replace it the better ; he will avoid fatiguing the recruits too much in the beginning, but labor by degrees to render this posi- tion so natural and easy that they may remain in it a long timo without fatigue. 5i). Finally, the instructor will take great care that the piece, at a shoulder, bo not carried too high nor too low ; if too high, the right elbow would spread out, the soldier would occupy too much space in his rank, and the piece he made to waver ; if too low the files would be too much closed, the soldier would not have the necessary space to handle his piece with facility, the right arm would become too much fatigued, and draw down tho shoulder. 57. The instructor, before passing- to the second lesson, will cause to be repeated the movements of eyes right, left, and front, and the facings. Lesson II. Manual of Arms. 58. The manual of arms will be taught to four men, placed at first, in one rank, elbow to elbow, and afterwards in two rankH. 69. Each command will be executed in one time (or pause,) but this time will be divided into motions, the better to mako known the mechanism. 60. the rate (or swiftness) of each motion, in the mauual of SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. n turns, with the exceptions hereiu indicated, is fixed at the ninetieth pr^i of a niinnte ; but in order not to fatigue the attention, the instructor will, a: itirst, look more particularly to the execution of the motions, without re •quiring a nice observance of the cadence, to which ho will bring the re- cruits progressively, and after they shall have become a little familiariztd with the handling of the piece. ,61. As the motions relative to the cartridge, to the rammer, and to the fixing and unfixing of the bayonet, cannot bs executed at the rate prescribed, not even with a uniform swiftness, th<*y will not bo subjected to that cadence. The instructor will, h jwover, labor to cause these motions to be executed with promptness, and, a-bove all. with regularity. (?2. The last syllable cf the oomtrand will decide the brisk execution of the first motion of each timo (or pause ) The commands two, three and/our, will decidathe brisk execution of the other motions. As soon as the rocruiw shall well comprehend the positions of the several motions of a. time, they will ho tangh'. to execu'e the time without resting on its different mo'ions; tho mech- Hnism of the timo will neverthe'ess bo observed, as well as to give a perfect utt- cf ihe pioco, a3 to avoi! t! isink gof, or tiurring over, either of the motions. 63. The manunl of arms will he t iu<;ht in the following pro- gressiou ; The instuic'or will command : Support — A bus. (One time and three motions. ) 64. (First motion) Bring the piece, with the right band, perpendicularly to the front and between the eye;, the barrel to thereat'; seize the piece with the left hand at the lower band, •raise this hand as hi^h as the chin, and seize the piece at the s;ime time with the right hand four inches below the cock. 05 (ISrvond motion.) Turn the piece with gk. One time and one motion. 90. Empty the powder into the barrel ; disengage the ball from the paper wiih the right hand and the thumb and first two lin- gers of the left; insert it into the bore, the poi -ted end upper- most, and press it down with the right thumb; seize the head of the rammer with the thumb and fore linger of tie light hand, the other /ingcrs cloted, the elbows near the body. T>. Draw — Rammer. One time and three motions. 91. (First motion.) Half di aw the rammer by extending the right arm ; steady it in this position with the left th.imb ; grasp the rammer near the muzzle with th- right hand, the little finger uppermost, the nails to the front, the thumb extended along the rammer. 92. (Seco7id motion.) Clear the rammer from the pipes by again extending the arm ; the rammer in tho prolongation of the pipes. 93. (Third motion) Turn the rammer, the little end of tho rammer passing near the left shoulder : place the head of the ram- mer on the ball, the back of the hand to the front. 6. Ram — Cartkidge. One time and one motion. 94. 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 ct the right hand, the back of the hand to the front ; press the ball home, the elbows near the body. 7. Return — Rammeb. (hie time and three -motions. 95. (First motion.) Draw the rammei halfway out, and steady it in this position with the left thumb; grasp it near the muzzle with the right hand, the little finger uppermost, tho nails to the front, the thumb along '.he rammer ; clear the rammer from the bore by extending the arm, the nails to the front, the rammer in the prolongation of the bote. 96. (Second motion.) Turn the lamn.er, the head of the ram- mer passing near the left shoulder, and insert it in the pipes until the right hand reaches the muzzle, the nails to the front. 97. ('third motion.) Force the rammer home by placing the little finger of tho right hand on the head of the rammer; pass the left hand down the barrel to the extent of tho arm, without depressing the shoulder* SCHOOL O'F THE SOLDIER. 21 8. Prime.* One time and two motions. 99. (Fiist motion.) With the left In 1 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 ri^hl ; pace, at the same time, the right foot behind and at right angles with the left ; the hollow of the right fool against the left heel. Slip the left band down lo the lower band, the thumb along the stork, the lefc elbow against the body, bring the piece to the. right side, the butt below (he right fire-arm — the small of the ^tock against the bo ly and two inches below the light breast, the barrel upwards, the muzzle on a level with the eye. ! ! 0. (Second motion.) Half cock with the thumb of the right hand, the li.igers supported against the guard and the pmall of the >tock — remove the old cap with one ot the lingers of the right hand, and with the thumb and fore Anger of the same hand take a cap from the pouch, place it on the nipple, and press it down •Aith the thumb; seize tho small of the stock with the right hand. 9. Shoulder — Arms. One time and two motions. 100.. (First motion.) Bring the piece to the right shoulder and support it there with the left hand, face to the trout ; bring the right heel to the side o'l and on a line with the left; grasp th». piece with the right hand as indicated in the position of shoulder onus. 101. (Second motion.) Drop the left hand quickly by the fide. Ready. One time cr.d three motions. 102. (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 tho left, the hollow of it opposite tn, and against the left heel ; grasp the uo< < with the left hand at the lower band and detach i 4 , sllgbily from the sh( ulder. *If Maynard's primer ba used, tho command will be, load in eight tines, and the eighth command will be, sJ&ulder arms, and ex&cuUd from return rammer, in one and two motions as follows : {First moticnA Raise the piece with the left hand, and take the f.o- silion of shoulder arms as indicated No. 76. fftamd motion.) Drop the left hand quickly by the side. J-' L OF FHE SOLDIER. 103. (Second motion.) Rring down the pioce'with both hand--, n ■! upwards, the left thumb extended along the stock, the butt below ilio ri uh t fore-arm, the small of the stock ogain-. Raise the piece wiih : hand--, and support the bntt against the. right shoulder ; ih * lefi elbow down the right as high as the shoulder ; incline the head upon the butt, sn that lite riglll eye perceive quickly the notch of the hausse, the front siyht, and the ject aimed at ; the l< ft eye closed, h-J right thumb extfended along the stock, the fore finger on the trig- ger. 30 r ). When recruits are formed in two ranks to execute the filing-, the front rank men will raise a liitle less the r'ght elbow, in order *o facilitate the aim of the rear rank men, 107 The rear rank men, in aiming, will each carry the right foot about eight inches to the ri-ht, and towards the left heel of the man next on the right, inclining :he upper part of the body f< rward. Fibb. (One /w, one motion.} 10-5. Press the fore finger against the trigger, fire, with- out lowering or turning the head, and it-main in this posi- tion. 109. Ins'ructors will be care- ful lo observe when the men tire that they aim at sr me dis- tinct object, and 'hat the, bar- rel be so directed that the lino cf fire and the line of sight beinS the same vertical plane. They will often cause the firing I b e SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. '•xecuu-d on ground oi dift rent incliuationi?, in order to accustom ike men to lire at objects either above or below them. Load. One time and one motion. 110. Bring down the piece with both ban Is, at the same ttn> face to the front and take the p si ion of load ns indicated N< 87. Kach rear rank in in will bring his fight foot by the side el the left. 111. The men being in this position, th*? instructor will c . tho loading to be continued by the commands and means pr scr'b.'d i\o. 87. 'in I following. 112. If, after Bring, the instructor should not wish the recruits to reload, he will command : Shoulder — Arms. Ons time and one motion. 113. Throw up tho piece briskly with the lefi hand and re- 'the position of shoulder cr.ns, at the same time fae* to the from, turning on the left heel, and bring the right heel on a line with the left. 114. To accustom the recruits to wait for the command fire. the instructor, when they arc ia tho position oi' aim, will com- mand: Rccomr — Arms. (hie tin.e and or.e motion. 115. At the first part of the command, withdraw the i from tho trigger; a' the command arms, retake the position of the third motion of re idy. 116. The recruits being in the position of the third mo'i*n of ready, if the instructor should wish to bring them to a shoulder, he will command : Siiotjldtcr — Arms. One time and o>ie viol ion. 117. At the command shoulder place the thumb upon the cock, the fore-finger on the trigger, hnlr-cock, and seize the small ol the stock with the right hand. At the command arms, bring up the piece briskly to the right shoulder, and retake the position of shoulder arms. 119. '1 he recruits being at shoulder arms, when the instr shall wish to fix bayonets, he will command : Fix — Bayonet. One time and thee motions. 119. (First motion.) Grasp the p : ece with the left hand at '.re 'height ol tho shouider, and detach it slightly from the sho : . with the riijht hand. 5) HOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 120. (Second motion.) Quit the piece with tlio right ! :)\vi>r it with the left band, opposite the middle of the body, Rtid dace the butt between the feet without shock; the rammer to thi* -••ar, t he barrel vertical, the muzzle three inch''" from i lie body ; i tize it with the right hand at the upper band, and carry the loft hand reversed to the handle of the sabre bayonet. 121. ( Third motion ) Draw the sabre-bayonet from the scab. [»ard and fix it on the extremity of the barrel ;. seize the piece \»ith the left hand, the arm extended, the right hand at the upper ?>ind. Shoulder — A kms. One time and two motions. L22. (First motion.) Raise the piece with the left band 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 .-tock, the thumb and fore finger embracing the guard, the right arm nearly extended. KS3. (Second motion.) Drop briskly the left hand by the side. Charge — Bayonet. One time and two motion,- 124. (First, mod n.) Raise. the piece slightly with the right hand and make a half tac • to the right on the left heel ; place the hollow of the right foot opposite to, :md three inches from the left heel, the feet squarp : seize the piece at the tame time with the left hand a little above the lower bain!. 125. (Second motion) — Bring down the piece with ! oth hands, the barrel uppermost, the left elbow against the body; s'.>7e the small of the stock, at the same time, with the right band, winch will bo supported against the hip ; the point of the 'i-abre. bayonet as high as the eye. Shoulder — A i; U s . One time and two motions. 12& (First motion.) Throw up the piece briskly with the left hand in facing to the front, place it against the ri^ht shoulder, the rammer to 4ba front ; turn the right hand so as to embrace the guard, slide the left hand to the height of tho shoulder, the rigU I nearly extended. SCHOOL OF THfi SOLDIER. lb 127. {Second motion.) Drop the left baud smartly by the side. Trail — Arms. One time and two motions'. 129. (First motion'.y The same as the first motion of order arms. 129. {Second motion ) Incline the muzzle slightly to the fron', fhe butt to the rear .and about four inches From 'he ground. The light hand support ■ the chin and extended on the rammer; tie piece erect an I c J < t "• the left fore-arm ai>t the hip, the right hand lading ;_) the *ide. Shoulder — Asms. One time and three motions. 139. (First mo'ion.) Uaise ih.3 piece with the left hand, and «eize it with the right hand at the stnail of the stuck. The piece, erect and detached from the shoulder, the butt against the hip, the left fore arm along the pit c . 139. (Setondmo o>) Ihe same as the second motion ot shoulier arms fiom a svp] on. 140. (Third mo'ion.) The same as th« thiid motion of shouldir firms jrom a svr- }ori. Right shoulder shift — An sis. One time and two motions. 141. (First mo'ion.) I)< lacii the piece perpendicularly from the shoulder with th« right hand, and seize it wi.h the left be- tween the lower hand and guide Bight, raise the piece, the It'll hand at the height ofthe shoulder and lour im hes from it . place, al the frame time, the righl hand on the butt, the beak between the fiist two lingers, the other two lingers under the bull plate. 112. ( e o.id n.O'ion ) Quit ihe piece with the lelt hand, laise and place the piece on the right shoulder with the right baud* SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 21 '■the lock pkte upwards ; let fall, at the same time, the leit hand by the i.icio. Shoulder — \iots. One time and tv:o motions. 1 8 (First tnotien.) R»ise the piece perpendicularly by ex- t- rid "g the nsl.t !l, ' m '•» ' ?s full length, the rammer to the front, at th^ same time seiz • the piece with the left hand between the lower band and guide sight. 144. (Second motion.) Quit the butt with the right hand, which will immediately embrace the guard, lower 'he piece t > the por- tion of shoulder arms slide up the left hand t<> the height of the shoulder, the fingers extended and closed. Drop the lelt hand by the sWe. 145. The men being rit support arms, the instructor will some- times cause pieces to l>e brought to the right shoulder. To thin effect) rrb will command : Right shoulder shift — Anns'. Our time ayid two motions. 146. (First motion.) S.'ize the piece wi«h (he right hand, be- low and near the left lore-arm. place the left hind under the butt, the heel of the butt between the fir.-t two fingers. 147 (Second motion.) Turn the piece with the left hand, the lock plate upwards, cany it to t:ie right shoulder, the left hand .still boiling the butt, the muzzle elevated : h->hl the piece in this position and place the right hand upon the butt as is prescribed No. Ill, and let (all the left hand by the side. Support — A KIT*. One time and tioo motions. 143. {First motion.) The same as the first motion of shoulder arms. No 143. 149. (Suond mo''on ) Torn the piece with both hands, the barrel to the tront, carry it opposite the left shoulder, slip (he ri<;ht hand to the small of the stock, nlace the Left fire-arm extended on the breast as is prescribed No. 65, and let fall the right hand by the side. Arms — At Will. Otte time and one motion. ].")0. At this command, curry the piece at peasure en either shoulder, with one or both hands, the m zzle elevated. Shoulder — A i:ms. One time, and one mo'ion. 151. At this command, retake quickly the position of shoulder arm-*. 152. The recruit6 being at ordered arms, when the instructor 9S [OOL OF THE SOLDIER. >hall wish to cause the pieces to be placed on the ground, he will rcmmand : Ground— Arms. One lime and two motions. 153. (First motion ) Turn the piece with the right hand, th^ barrel to the left, at the same time seize the cartridge hoi with the left liaiid, bend the body, advance the left fiw t. the heel oppo- site the lower ba. d ; lay the piece on the ground with the right hand, the toe of the butt on :i line with the right too, the knei r slightly bent, the right heel raised. 154. (Second mo' ion ) Rise up, bring the left foot by the side of the right, quit the. cartridge box with the left hand, and drop the hands by. the side. 9 liaise — A bus. One lime aixd two motions. 155. (First motion.) Seize the cartridge box with the left hand, bend the body, acvance the left foot opposite tho lower band, and sei/> the piece with the right hand. 156. (Second mo' ion.) Raise the piece, bring ing the left loot by the side of the right; turn the pl.ee with the right hand, the rammer to the front; at the same time quit the cartridge box with the left hand, and drop tb.d hand by tho side. Inspection of Arms. 157 The recruits being at ordtrsd arms, and having the sabre bayonet in the scabbard, if the instructor wishes to cause an in- spection o£ arms, ho will command : Inspection — Aiuis. One time and two motions. 158; (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, tho butt between the feet, ihe rammer to the rear, the barrel vertical, the muzzle about three incites Irom the bodv ; 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 forefinger of the right hand bent, the other lingers closed. V. r »9. (Second motion.) Draw the rammer as haa been-ex- SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 29 plained in loading, and let it j.';lide to the bottom of the bore, re- place the piece with the left hand opposite the right shoulder, and retake the position of ordered arms. 160. The instructor will then inspect in succession the piece of each recruit, in passing along the front of tLe rank. Each, as the instructor reaches him, will raise smartly his piece with hifl right hand, seiz^ it with the left between the lower band and juide sight, the lock to the front, the left hand at the height of the chin, the piece opposite to the left eye ; the instructor wilt take it .with the right hand at the handle, and, after inspecting it, will return it to the recruit, who w H re b it back with the right hand, and replace it in th<* position of ordered arms. 161. When the instructor shall have passed him, each recruit will retake the position prescribed at the command inspection arms, return the rammer, and resume the position of ordered arms. 162. If, instead of inspection of arm*, the instructor should merely wish to cause bayonets to be fixed, he will command : Fix — Bayonet. 163. Take the position indicated, No. lo&, fix bayonets as has been explained, and immediately resume the position of ordered arms. 164. If it be tl e wish ( f the instructor, after firing, to ascer- tain whether the pieces have been discharged, ho will coniniautl: Spring — Rammers . 1G5. Put the rammer in the barrel a.s has boon explained above, and immediately retake the position of ordered arms. 166. The instructor, for the purpose stated, can take the ram- mer by the small end, and spring it in the barrel, or cause each recruit to make it ring in the barrel. 167. Each recruit, after the instructor passes him, will return rammer, and resume the position of ordered arms. REMARKS ON THE MANUAL OF ARMS. .168. The manual of arms frequently distorts the persons of re- cruits before they acquire ease ard confidence in ihe several po- sitions. The instructor will therefo e frequency recur to ele- mentary principle.' in the course of the lessons. J69. Recruits are also extr. mely 1 able to curve the sides and back, and to derange the shoulders, especially in loa iing. Con- sequently, the instructor will not cause them to dweh too long, at a time, in one position. 170. When, af.er some days of exerc'«e in the manual of arms, ihe four men shall be well established in their use, the instructor will alwa)8 terminate the le?son by marching the men for some time in one rank, and at one \ ace apat, in common and quick time, in order to confirm them more and more in the mechanism ;jo . OF Tin: SOLD] of the will al-o teach them to mirk, time and to chantr&- jh will bo executed in the Following manner : To m 171. Tbe four men.marching in the direct step, the insti. aid : I. Mark . 2. Marhi. 17 J. At;'. • ■ . which will be given at the in - . foot is ' id. the recruits will ranks a Bcmblance of marching, b lieels I y the - : . I ■ of each other, and observing the cadence of the step, by raising each foot alternately without a< vanciag. 173. The instructor wishing the direct step to be resumed, ■will command : 1. Forward, 2. March. 174. At the seconi command, which will be given as pro- hcribed above, the recruits will retake the step of twenty-eight inches. To change step. 175. The squad being in march, tbe instructor will command: 1. Change step. 2. March. 176. At the second command, which will be given at the in- stant either foot is coming to the ground, bring the foot which is in rear by the side of that, which is in front, and step off again with the foot which was in front. To march backwards. 177. The instructor wishing the squad to march backward? will command : 1. Squad backward. 2. March. 178. At the second comman 1, liie reciuits will step off smartly with the left loot fourteen inches to the rear, reckoning from heel to heel, and so on with the feet in succession till the com- mand halt, which will always be preceded by the caution squad. The men will halt at this command, and bring back the foot in front by the side of the other. 179. This step will always be executed in quick time. 180. The instructor will bo watchful that the recruits march rnraight to the rear, and that the erect position of tho body and iho piece be not deranged. Lesson III. To load in four hm % 181. Tho object of this lesson is to prepare the recruits to load .it will, and to c luse them to distinguish the times which require the greatest regularity and attention, such as charge catridge, ra-m zatrid-ye, and ^mne. It will bo divided as follows : SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 3l 182. The first time will bo executed at the end of the com- mand ; the three others at the commands, two, three, and four%. The instructor will command : 1. Load in four limes. 2. Load. 183. Execute the times to include charge catridge. Two. lU4 t Execute the time to include ram catridge Three. ! 85. Execute the times to include prime Four. i B6. Exacuto the time of shoulder art'is To bid at iri!l.\ 181. The iustrnctor will nextteacu loading at will, which will be execu ed as loading in four times, but continued, and without rearing on either of iho times. He will command : 1. Load at toill. 2. Load. 188. The instructor will habituate the recruits, by degrees, to load with the greatest possible promptitude, each withoi l regula- ting himself by his neighbor, and above all, without waiting foiv him. »Hf>. The cadence prescribed No- 60, is not applicable to load- ing in iour times or al will. Le3so?t IV. Firings. 1°0. The firings are direct or oblique, and will be executed as follows : The direct fire. 101. The instructor will give the following commands : 1. Fire by squad. 2. Squad. 3. Ready. 4. Ainr. 5. Fire. (i. Load. 192. These several commands will be executed as has been prescribed in the Manual of Arms. At the third C'lmma-id, the men will come to the position of ready as heretofore explained. At the iourth they will aim according to the rink in which each may find himself placed, the rear rank men inclining forward a littlei the upper part of the body, in order that their pieces may icach as much beyoid the front rank as possible. 1 93, At the sixth command) they will load their pieces and re- turn immediately to the, position of ready. 394. The instructor will recommence the firing by the con:- wand .- 1. Squad. 2. Aim. 3. Fire, 1. Load, B2 J95. When the instructor wishes thy firing to cease, he wiii command ; C'tase firing. 196. At ibis com rand, the men will cease firing, but will load their pieces it' unloaded, and af or wards bring them to a shoulder. Oblique firings. 197. The ob'iq'.r- I] lie executed to the right r.nd left, and by the same mman i • the direct ore, with this single dif- ference — the command aim will always lie preceded Ly the cau- tion, right or leji oblique. Position of the two ranks in the obliqe fire to the right. l'JS. At the command ready, the two ranks will execute what ha-> been prescribed for the di e< I i-" . 199 At the cautionary (ommand, right oblique, the two ranks will throw oack the right shoulder and lu>..k steadily at the object to be bit. 200. At the command ahn, each front rank man will aiin to the right without deranging the teet : each rear rank man will advance the left foot abo.ut eight inches towards the light heel of ihe man next on the right of his lile leader, and aim to the i inclining the upper part ol the body forward and tending a little ihe left knee. Position of the two ranks in ihe oblique fire to the left. 201. At the cautionary command left oblique, the two ranks will throw back the left shoulder and look steauly at the object to be hit. •202. At the command aim, the front rank will take aim to the left without deranging the feetj each man in the rear rank wilj advance the ri th ■ should er, aim and fire. 226. Bring the piece down, as, soon as it is fired, and support it with the leu hand, the luit resting on the right thigh ; cai.ry the uiet.'e to the rear, rising <>u the kne>>. the barrel downwards, tin- butt resting on the g ound ; in this piMtittun .-upj oit. the. pier.- with the tett band at the upper band, draw cariiidge >vit,h, the right and load ihe piece, ramming Lhe bail, il necessary, with both hand*. 22f the slock ; turn the piece, th- liarre! uppermost and nearly horizontal, the ieit elbow resting on the left thigh ; half-cock, remove the old cap and prime, rise, and re- turn to the ranks. •J28. The second mai will then bo taught what has just been prescribed for the first, and so on through the rem under of the •squad. To fire, and load lying. 229- In this exercise the squad will be in one rank and loade I ; SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 35 the instruction will be given individually and without times or motions. 230. The instructor will command : Fire and load lying. 231. 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 le!l 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 hands, press the butt against the shoulder, and resting on both el- bows, aiyi and j?re. 232. As jpon 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 tlu> butt between the heels, the barrel up, the muz- zle elevateii. In this position, charge cartridge, draw rammer, ram cartridge, and return rammer. 233. When finished loading, the man will turn again upon his left side, remove the old cap and prime, then raise the piece verti- call}', rise, turn about, and resume his position in the ranks. 234. The second man will be taught what has just been pre- scribed for the first, and so on throughout the squad. Lesson VI. — Bayonet Exercise. 235. The bayonet exer- cise in this book will be con- fined to two movements, the guard against injaniry, and the guard against cavalry. The men will be placed in one rank, with two paces- interval, and being at shoul- der arms the instructor will command : 1. Guard against Infantry. 2. Guard. One time and two motions. 236. (First motion.) Make a half face to the right, turning on both heels, the 36 SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIEPx. feet square to each other ; at the same time raise the piece slight- ly, and seize it with the left hand above and near the lower band. 237. (Second motion.) Carry the right foot twenty inches per- pendicularly to the rear, the right heel on the prolongation of the left, the knees slightly bent, the weight of the body resting equal- ly on both legs; lower the piece with both hands, the barrel up- permost, 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. Shoulder' — An One time and one motion. 238. 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 face to the front. 1. Guard against Cavalry. 2. Guard.' One time and two motions. 239. Both motions 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. 240. 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 face to the front. PART THIRD. 24 1. When the recruits are well established in the principles and mechanism of the step, the position of the body, and the man- ual of arms, the instructor will unite eight men, at least, and twelve men, at most, in order to teach them the principles of align- ment, the principles of the touch of elbows in marching to the front, the principles of the march by the flank, wheeling from a halt, wheeling in marching, and the change of directio/i to the side of the guide. He will place the squad in one rank elbow to elbow, and number them from right to left. SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 31 Lesson I. Alignments. 242. The instructor will at first teach the recruits to align themselves man by man, in order the better to make them com* prehend the principles of alignment ; to this end, he will com- mand the two men on the right flank to march two paces to the front, and having aligned them, he will caution the remainder of the squad to move up, as they may be successively called, each by his number, and align themselves successively on the line of the first two men. 243. Each recruit, as designated by his number, will turn the head and eyes to the right as prescribed in the firstvlesson of the first part, and will march in quick time two paces forward, short- ening thq^ast, so as to find himself about six inches behind the new alignment, which he ought never to pass : he will next move up steadily by steps of two or three inches, the hams extended, to the side of the man next to him on.the alignment, so that, with- out deranging the head, the line of the eyes, or that of the should, ers, he may find himself in the exact line of his neighbor, whose elbow he will lightly touch without opening his own. 244. The instructor seeing the rank well aligned, will command: Front. 245. At this, the recruits will turn eyes to the front, and re- main firm. 246. Alignments to the left will be executed on the same prin- ciples. 247. When the recruits shall have thus learned to align them- selves man by man, correctly, and without groping or jostling, the instructor will cause the entire rank to align itself at once by the command : Jlight (or left) — Drkss. 243. At this, the rank, 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 prescribed No. 243. 249. The instructor, placed five or six paces in front, and fa- cing the rank, will carefully observe that the principles are follow- ed, and then pass to the flank that has served as the basis to verify the alignment. 250. The instructor seeing the greater number of the rank aligned, will command — Front. 251. The instructor may afterwards order this or that file for- 38 SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. To march to the front. 256. The rank being correctly aligned, when the instructor shall wish to cause it to march by the front, he will place a well instructed man on the right or the left, according to the side on which he may wish the guide to be, and command — 1. Squad, forward. 2. Guide right, (or left.) 3. March. 257. At the command march, the rank will step off smartly with the left foot ; the guide will take care to march straight to the front, keeping his shoulders always in a square with that line. 258. The instructor will observe, in marching to the front, that the men touch lightly the elbow towards the side of the guide ; ward or back, designating each by its number. The file or files designated, only, will slightly turn the head towards t^ basis, to judge how much they ought to move up or back, steadily place themselves on the line, and then turn eyes to the front, without a particular command to that effect. 252. Alignments to the rear will be executed on the same prin- ciples, the recruits stepping back a little beyond the line, and then dressing up according to the principles prescribed No 243, the in- structor commanding: Right (or left) backward — Dkess. 253. After each alignment, the instructor will examine the po- sition of the men, and cause the rank to come to ordered arms, to prevent too much fatigue, and also the danger of negligence at shouldered arms. Lesson II. 254. The men having learned, in the first and second parts, to march with steadiness in common time, and to take steps equal in length and swiftness, will be exercised in the third part only in quick time, double quick time and the run ; the instructor will cause them to execute successively, at these different gaits, the march to the front, the lacing about in marching, the march by the flank, the wheels at a halt and in marching, and the changes of direction to the side of the guide. 255. The instructor will inform the recruits that at the com- mand match, they will always move off in quick time, unless this command should be preceded by that of double quick. To march to the front. 256. Tho rank being correctly aligned, when the instructor SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 39' shall wish to cause it to march by the front, he will place a well instructed man on the right or the left, according to the side on which he may wish the guide to be, and command : 1. Squad, forward. 2. Guide right, (or left. 3. March. 257. At the command march, the rank will step off smartly with the left foot ; the guide will take care to march straight to the front, keeping his shoulders always in a square with that line. 258. The instructor will observe, in marching to the front, that the men touch lightly the elbow towards the side of the guide ; that they do not open out the left elbow, nor the right arm; that they yield to pressure coming from the side of the guide, and re- sist that coming from the opposite side ; that they recover by in- sensible degrees the slight touch of the elbow, if lost; that they maintain the head direct to the front, no matter on which side the guide may be ; and if found before or behind the alignment, that the man in fault corrects himself by shortening or lengthening the step, by degrees, almost insensible. 259. The instructor will labor to cause recruits to comurehend that the alignment c:m only be preserved, in marching, by the regularity of the step, the touch of the elbow, and the mainte- nance of the shoulders in a square with the line of direction , that if, for example, the step of some be longer than that of others, or if some march faster than others, a separation nf rdhows, and a loss of the alignment, would be inevitable; tha '.(.-ing re- quired that the head should be direct to the front) they do not strictly observe the touch of elbows, it would be impossible for an individual to judge whether he marches abreast with his neighbor, or not, and whether there be not an interval between them. 260. The impulsion oflhe quick step having a tendency to make men too easy and free in their movements, the instructor will be careful to regulate the cadence of this step, and to habit- uate them to preserve always the erectness of the body, and the due length of the pace 261. The men being well established in the principles of the direct march, the instructor will exercise them in marching ob- liquely. The rank being in march, the instructor will command: 1. Right (or left) oblique. '2. March. 262. At the second command, each man will make a half face to the right (or left.) and will then march straight forward in the new direction. As the men no longer touch elbows they will glance along the shoulders of the nearest files, towards the side to which they are obliquing, and will regulate their steps so that the shoulders shall always be behind that of their next neighbor on that side, and that his head shall conceal the heads of the other 40 SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. men in the rank. Besides this, the men should preserve the same length ot pace, and the same degree of obliquity. 263. The instructor wishing to resume the primitive direction, will command — 1. Forward. 2. March. 264. At the second command, each man will make a half face to the left (or right) and all will then march straight to the front, conforming to the principles of the direct march. To march to the front in double quick time. 265. When the several principles, heretofore explained, have become familiar to the recruits, and they shall be well established in the position of the body, the bearing of arms, and the mechan- ism, length, and swiftness of the step, the instructor will pass them from quick to double quick time, and the reverse, gbserving not to make them march obliquely in double quick time, till they are well established in the cadence of the step. 266. The squad being at a march in quick time, the instructor will command — 1. Double quick. 2. March. 267. At the command march, which will be given when eitrar foot is coming to the ground, the squad will step off in double quick time. The men will endeavor to follow the principles laid down in the first part of this book, and to preserve the alignment. 268. When the instructor wishes the squad to resume the step in quick time, he will command — 1. Quick tune. % March. 269. At the command march, which will be given when either foot is coming to the ground, the squad will retake the step in quick time. 270. The squad being in march, the instructor will halt it by the commands and means prescribed Nos. 29 and 30. The com- mand halt, will be given an instant before the foot is ready to be placed on the ground. 271. The squad being in march in double quick time, the in- structor will occasionally cause it to mark time by the commands prescribed No. 171. The men will then mark double quick time, without altering the cadence of the step. He will also cause them to pass from the direct to the oblique step, and reciprocally, conforming to what has been prescribed No. 261, and following. 272. The squad being at a halt, the instructor will cause it to march in double quick time, by preceding the command ma r ch, by double quick. SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 41 273. The instructor will endeavor to regulate well the cadence of this step. To face about in marching. 274. If the squad be marching in quick, or double quick time,, and the instructor should wish to march it in retreat, he will com- mand — 1. Squad right about. 2. March. 275. At the command march, which will be given at the in- stant the left foot is coming to the ground, the recruit will bring this foot to the ground, and turning on it, will face to the rear; he will then place the right foot in the new direction, and step off with the left foot. To march backwards. 276. The squad being at a halt, if the instructor should wish to march it in the back step, he will command : 1. Squad bachoard. 2. Guide left (or right.) '■'>. March. 277. The back step will be executed by the means prescribed No. 178. 278. The instructor, in this step, will be watchful that the men do not lean on each other. 279. As the march to the front in quick time should only be executed at shouldered arms, the instructor, in order not to fatigue the men too much, and also to prevent negligence in gait and po- sition, will halt the squad from time to time, and cause arms to be ordered. 280. 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. 281. If the instructor shall wish the pieces carried at a trail, he will give the command trail arms, before the command double quick. If, on the contrary, this command be not given, 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 shoulder arms. This rule is general. Lesson III. To march by the flank. 282. The rank being at a halt, and correctly aligned, the in- structor will command — I. Squad, right — Face. 2. Forward. 3. March. 2?3. At the last part of the first command, the rank will face to the right ; the even numbered men, after facing to the right, will step quickly to the right side of the odd numbered men, the 42 SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. latter standing fast, so that when the movement is executed, the men will be formed into files of two men abreast. 284. At the third command, the squad will step off smartly with the left foot ; the files keeping aligned, and preserving their intervals. 285. The march by (he 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 me , after facing to the left, will stand fast, and the odd numbered will place themselves on their left. 286. The instructor will plac- a well instructed soldier by the Bide of the recruit who is ;it the head of the. rank, to regulate the step, and to conduct him ; and it will be enjoined on this recruit to march always elbow to elbow with the soldier. 287. The instructor will cause to be observed in the march, by the flank, the following rules : Tliat the step be executed according to the principles prescribed for the direct step; Because these principles, without which, men placed elbow to elbow, in the same rank, cannot preserve unity and harmony of movement, are of a more necessary observance in marching in file. Tliat the head of the man who immediately precedes, covers the heads of all who are in front ; Because it is the most certain rule by which each man may maintain himself in the exact line of the file. 288. The instructor will place himself habitually live or six paces on the flank ot the rank marching in file, to watch over tin- execution of the principles prescribed above. He will also place himself sometimes in its rear, halt, anil sutler it to pass fifteen or twenty paces, the better to sec whether the men cover each ol (in- accurately. 289. When he shall wish to halt the rank, inarching by the flank, and to cause it to face to the front, he will command; 1. Squad. 2. Halt. '•$. Front. 290. At the second command, the rank will halt, and after- wards no man will stir, although he may have lost his distance. This prohibition is necessary, to habituate the men to a constant preservation of their distances. 291. At the third command, 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 at the same time move quickly into their places, so as to form the squad again into one rank. SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 43 , ■ , 292. When the men have become accustomed to marching by the flank, the instructor will cause them to change direction by file ; for this purpose, he will command : 1. By left file (or right.) 2. March. 29*. At the command march, the first file will change direc- tion to the left (or right) in describing a small arc of a circle, and will then march straight forward; the two men of (his 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 wheel on the same spot where that which preceded it wheeled. 294. The instructor will also cause the squad to face by the right or left flank in marching, and for this purpose will command : 1. Squad by (he right (or left) flank. 2. Makch. 395. At the second command, which will be given a little be- fore either foot comes 'to the ground, the recruits 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: the men will double or undouble rapidly. 296. If, in facing by the right or the left flank, the squad should face to the rear, the men will come into one rank, agreeably to the principles indicated No. 291. It is to be remarked that it is the men who are in rear who always move up to form into single rank, and in such manner as never to invert the order of the num- bers in the rank. 297. If, when the squad has been faced to the rear, the instruc- tor should cause it to face by the left flank, it is the even numbers who will double by moving to the left of the odd numbers ; but if by the right flank, it is the odd numbers who will double to the right of the even numbers. 298. This lesson, like the preceding one, will be practised with pieces at a shoulder; but the instructor may, to give relief by change, occasionally order support arms, and he will require of the recruits marching in this position, as much regularity as in the former. To march by the flank in double quick time. 299. The principles of the march by the flank in double quick time, are the same as in quick time. The instructor will give the commands prescribed No. 282, taking care always to give the command double quick before that oi march. 30u. He will pay the greatest attention to the cadence of the step. 301. The instructor will cause the change of direction, and the 44 SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. march by the flank, to be executed in double quick time, by the same commands, and according to the same principles, as in quick time. 302. The instructor will cause the pieces to be carried either on the right shouldc? or at a trail. 303. The instructor will sometimes march the squad by the flank, without doubling the files. 304. The principles of this march are the same as in two ranks, and it will always be executed in quick time. 305. The instructor will give the commands prescribed No. 282, but he will be careful to caution the squad not to double files. 306. The instructor will be watchful that the men do not bend their knees unequally, which would cause them to tread on the heels of the men in front, and also to lose the cadence of the step aiid their distances. 307. The various movements in this lesson will be executed in single rank. In the changes of direction, the leading man will change direction without altering the length or the cadence of the step. The instructor will recall to the attention of the men, that in. facing by the right or left flank in marching, they will no double, qut march in one rank. Lesson IV. WHEELINGS. General Principles of Wheeling. 308. Wheelings are of two kinds: from halts, or on fixed piv- ots, and in march, or on moveable pivots. 309. Wheeling on a fixed pivot takes place in passing a corps from the order in battle to the order in column, or from the latter to # the (ormer. 310. Wheels in marching take place in changes of direction in column, as often as this movement is executed to the side oppo- site to the guide. 311. In wheels from a halt, the pivot man only turns in his place, without advancing or receding. 312. In the wheels in marching, the pivot 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 the subdivisions of a column may change direction without losing their distances, as will be explained in the school of the company. 313. The man on the wheeling flank will take the full step ef twenty- eight inches, or thirty-three inches, according to the gait. SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 45 Wheeling from a halt, or on a fixed pivot. 314. The rank being at a halt, the instructor will place a well instructed man on the wheeling flank to conduct it, and then com- mand : 1. By squad, right wheel. 2 March. 315. At the second command, the rank will step off with the left foot, turning at the same time the head a little to the left, the eyes fixed on the line of the eyes of the men to their left ; the pivot-man will merely mark time in gradually turning his body, in order to conform himself to the movement of the marching flank; the man who conducts this flank will take steps of twenty- eight inches, and from the first step advance a little the left shoul. der, cast his eyes from time to time along the rank and feel con- stantly the elbow of the next man lightly, but never push him. 316. The other men will feel lightly the elbow of the next man towards the pivot, resist pressure coming from the opposite side, and each will conform himself to the marching flank — shortening his step according to his approximation to the pivot. 217. The instructor will make the rank wheel round the circle once or twice before hailing, in order to cause (he principles to be the better understood, and ho will be watchful that the centre does not break. 313. He will cause the wheel to the left to be executed accord- ing to the same principles. 319. When the instructor shall wish to arrest the wheel, he- will command : 1. Squad. 2. Halt. 320. At the second command, the rank will halt, and no man stir. The instructor, going to the flank opposite the pivot, will place the two outer men of that flank in the direction he may wish to give to the rank, 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 com- mand : Left (or right) — Dress. 321. At this, the rank will place itself on the alignment of the two men established as the basis, in conformity with the princi- ples prescribed. 322. The instructor will next command Front, which will be executed as prescribed No. 245. Remarks on the principles of the wheel from a halt. 323. Turn a little the head towards the marching flank, and fix 46 SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. the eyes on the line of the eyes of the men who are on that side ; Because, otherwise, it would be impossible tor each man to regulate the length of his step so as to conform his own movement to that of the marching flank. Touch lightly the elbow of the next man towards Vie pivot; In order that the tiles may not open out in the wheel. Besist pressure that comes from the side of the marching flank; Because, if this principle be neglected, the pivot, which orght to be a fixed point, in wheels from a halt, Blight be pushed out of its place by pressure. Wheeling in marching, or on a moveable pivot. '■V2i. When the recruits have been brought to execute well the wheel from a halt, they will be taught, to wheel in marching. 32$. To this cud, the rank being in march, when the instructor shall wish to cause it to change direction to the. reverse flank, (to die side opposite to the guide or pivot flank,) he will command : 1. Right (or left) wheel. 2 Mabch. 326. The first command will be given when the rank is yet four paces from the wheeling point. 327. At the second command, the wheel will be executed in the same manner as from a halt, except that the touch of the el- bow will remain towards the marching flank (or side of the guide) instead of the side of the actual pivot ; that the pivot man, instead of meiely turning in his place, will conform himself to the move- ment of the marching flank, feel lightly the elbow of the next man, take steps of full nine inches, and thus gain ground forward in describing a small curve 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. 328. The wheel being ended the instructor will command : 1. Forward. 2. March. 339. The first command will be pronounced when four paces are yet required to complete the change of direction. 330. At the command march, which will be given at the in- stant of completing the wheel, the man who conducts the march- SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER. 47 ing flank will direct himself straight forward; the pivot man and all the tank 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. 331. The change < f direction to the side of the guide, in march- ing, will be executed as follows : The instructor will command : 1. Left (or righl) turn. 2. Makch. 332. 1 he fit st command will be given when the rank is yet four paces from the turning point. 333. At ili. command march, to be pronounced at the instant the rank ought to turn, the guide will face to the left (or right) in marching, ami mote forward in the new direction without short- euing or quickening the cadence, and without shortening or lengthening the step. The whole rank will promptly conform itself to the new direction ; to effect which, each man will ad- vance the shoulder opposite to the guide, take the double quick step, to carry himself iu the new direction, turn the head and eyes to the side of the guide, and retake the touch of the elbow- on thai side, in placing himself on the alignment oi the guide, from wli.iui he will take the step, and then resume the direct po- sition of the head, rlach man will thus arrive successively on the alignment. Wiieeling and changing direction to the side of the guide, in double quick time. 334. When i he recruits comprehend and execute well, in quick time, tie wheels at a halt and in marching, and the change of direction to the side ol the guide, the instructor will cause the same movements (d be repeated in double quick time. 335. I iiese various movements will be executed by the same commands and accoiding to the >ame principles as in quick time, except that, the command double quick will precede that of march. In wheeling whi.e man king, the pivot man will take steps of eleven inches, ar left of each rank to march two or three paces forward, and, after having aligned them, command : . By fie right (or left) — Dress. 20. At this, the men of each rank will move up successively on the alignment each man being preceded by his neighbor in 4he same rank, towards the basis, by two paces, and having cor- rectly aligned himself, will cast his eyes to the front. 21. Successive alignments having habituated the soldiers to dress correctly, the instructor will cause the ranks to align them-, selves at once, forward and backward, sometimes in a direction parallel, and sometimes in one oblique, to the original direction, giving, in each case, two or four men to serve as a basis of align- ment to each rank. To effect which, he will command : 1. Right (or left) — Dress. 2. Front. or 1. Right (or left) backward — Dress. 2. Front. 22. In oblique alignments, in opened ranks, the men of the jear rank will not seek to cover their file leaders, as the sole ob- ject of the exercise is to teach them to align themselves correctly in their respective ranks, in the different directions. 23. In the several alignments, the captain will superintend the front rank, and the covering sergeant the rear rank. For this purpose, they will place themselves on the side by which the ranks are dressed. 24. In oblique alignments, the men will conform the line of iheir shoulders to the new direction of their rank, and will place flhemselves on the alignments as has been prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 248 or No. 252, according as the new direc- tion shall be in front or rear of the original one. 25. At the end of each alignment, the captain and the cover- ing sergeant will pass along the front of the ranks to correct the position of persons and arms. SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 55 Article Third. Manual of arms. 26. The ranks being open, the instructor will place himself in a position to see the ranks, and will command the manual of arms in the following order : Present arms. Shoulder arr Order arms. Ground arms. Raise arms. Shoulder arms. Support arms. Shoulder arms. Fix bayonet. Shoulder arms. Charge bayonet. Shoulder arms. Trail arms. Shoidder arms. Unfix bayonet. Shoulder arms. Secure arms. Shoidder arms. Load in nine times. 27. The instructor will take care that the position of thefbody, of the feet, and of the piece, be always exact, and that the' k times be briskly executed and close to the person. Article Fourth. To close ranks. 28. The manual of arms being ended, the instructor will com- mand : 1. Close order. 2. March. 29. At the command march, the rear rank will close up in quick time, each man directing himself on his file leader. Article Fifth. Alignments, and ?nanual of arms in closed ranks. 30. The ranks being closed, the instructor will cause to be executed parallel and oblique alignments by the right and left, forward and backward, observing to place always two or four files to serve as a basis of alignment. He will give the commands prescribed, No. 21. 31. In alignments in closed ranks, the captain will superintend the front rank, and the covering sergeant the rear rank. They will habituate themselves to judge the alignment by the lines of the eyes and shoulders, in casting a glance of the eye along the front and rear of the ranks. 56 SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 32. The moment the captain perceives the greater number of the front rank aligned, he will command — Front, and rectify, af- terwards, if necessary, the alignment of the other men by the means prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 251. The rear rank will conform to the alignment of the front rank, superinten. ded by the covering sergeant. 33. The ranks being steady, the instructor will place himself on the flank to verify the alignment. He will also see that each rear rank man covers accurately his file leader. 34. In oblique alignments, the instructor will observe what is prescribed, No. 24. 35. In all alignments, the file closers will preserve the distance of two paces from the rear rank. 36. The alignments being ended, the instructor will cause to be executed the manual of arms. 37. The instructor, wishing to rest the men, without deranging the alignment, will first cause arms to be supported, or ordered, and then command : In place — Rest. 38. At this command, the men will no longer be constrained to preserve silence or steadiness of position ; but they will always keep one or other heel on the alignment. 39. If on the contrary, the instructor should wish to rest the men without constraining them to preserve the alignment, he will command : Rest. 40. At which command, the men will not be required to pre- serve immobility, or to remain in their places. 41. The instructor may, also, when he shall judge proper, cause arms to be stacked, which will be executed as prescribed, school of the soldier- LESSON SECOND. 42. The instructor wishing to pass to the second lesson, will cause the company to take arms, if stacks have been formed, and command — 1. Attention. 2. Company. 3. Shoulder — Arms. 43. The instructor will then cause loadings and firings to be executed in the following order : Article First. To load in four times and at will. 44. Loading in four times will be commanded and executed as prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 132, and following. SCHOOL OP THE COMPANY. 57 The instructor will cause this exercise to be often repeated, in succession, before passing to load at will. 45. Loading at will, will be commanded and executed as pre- scribed in the school of the soldier, No. 187. In piiming when loading in four times, and also at will, the captain and covering sergeant will half face to the right with the men, and face to the front when the man next to them, respectively, brings his pioce to the shoulder. 46. The instructor will labor to the utmost to cause the men, in the different loadings, to execute what has been prescribed in the school of the soldier, Nos. 188 and 189. 47. Loading at will, being that of battle, and consequently the one with which it is most important to render the men familiar, it will claim preference in the exercises the moment the men be well established in the principles. To these they will be brought by degrees, so that every man may be able to load with cartridges and to fire at least three rounds in a minute with ease and regu- larity. Article Second. To fire by company. 48. The instructor, wishing to cause the fire by company to be executed, will command: 1. Fire by company. 2. Commence firing. 49. At the first command, the captain will promptly place him- self opposite the centre of his company, and four paces in rear of the line of file closers ; the covering sergeant will retire to that line, and place himself opposite to his interval. This rule is gen. eral, for both the captain and covering sergeant, in all the differ, ent firings. 50. At the second command, the captain will add: 1. Com- pany ; 2. Ready; 3. Aim ; 4. Fire; 5. Load. 51. At the command load, the men will load their pieces, and then take the position of ready, as prescribed in the school of the soldier. 52. The captain will immediately recommence the firing, by the commands ; 1. Company. 2. Aim. 3. Fire. 4. Load. 53. The firing will be thus continued until the signal to cease firing is sounded. 54. The captain will sometimes cause aim to be taken to the right and left, simply observing to pronounce right (or left) oblique, before the command aim. 58 S< IIOOL OF THE COMPANY Article Third. The fir e by file. 55. The instructor wishing to cau^e the fire by file to be exe- cuted, will command : i. Fire by file. 2. Company. 3. Ready. 4. Commence firing. 56. The third and fourth commands will be executed as pre- scribed in the school of the soldier, No. 206 and following. 57. The fire will be commenced by the right file of the com- pany ; the next file will take aim at the instant the first brings down pieces to re-load, and so on to the left ; but this progression will only be observed in the first discharge, after which each man will reload and fire without regnlating himself by others, con- forming himself to what is prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 211, Article Fourth. T o fi r e -b y rank. 58. The instructor wishing the fire by rank to he executed, will command : 1. Fire by rank. 2. Company. 3. Ready. 1. Rear rank Aim. 5. Fire. 6. Load. 59. The fifth and sixth commands will be executed as is pre- scribed in the school of the soldier, No. 216, and following. 60. When the instructor sees one or two pieces in the rear rank at a ready, he will command : 1. Front rank. 2. Aim. 3. Fire. 4. Load. 61. The firing will be continued thus by alternate ranks, until the signal is given to cease firing. 62. The instructor will sometimes cause aim to be taken to the right and left, conforming to what is prescribed No. 54. 63. The instructor will cause the firing to cease, whether by company, by file, or by rank, by sounding the signal to cease firing, and at the instant this sound commences, the men will cease to fire, conforming to what is prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 213. 64. The signal to cease firing will be always followed by a bugle note; at which sound, the captain and covering sergeant will promptly resume their places in line, and will rectify, if ne- cessary, the alignment of the ranks. SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY 59 65. In this school, except when powder is used, the signal to cease firing will be indicated by the command cease firing, which will be pronounced by the instructor when he wishes the sem- blance of firing to cease. 66. The command posts will be likewise substituted, under sim- ilar circumstances, for the bugle note employed as the signal for the return of the captain and covering sergeant to their places in line, which command will be given when the instructor sees the men have brought their pieces to a shoulder. 67. The fire by file being that which is most frequently used against an enemy, it is highly important that it be rendered per- fectly familiar to the troops. The instructor will, therefore, give it almost exclusive preference, and labor to cause the men to aim with care, and always, if possible, at some particular object. As it is of the utmost importance that the men should aim with pre- cision in battle, this principle will be rigidly enforced in the ex- ercises for purposes of instruction. Akticlk Fifth. To fire by the rear rank. 68. The instructor will cause the several fires to be executed to the rear, that is, by the rear rank. To effect this, he will command — 1. Face by the rear rank. 2. Company. 3. About — Face. 69. \t the first command, the captain will step out and place himself near to, and facing the right file of his company; the cov- ering sergeant, and file closers, will pass quickly through the captain's interval, and place himself faced to the rear, the cover- ing sergeant a pace behind the captain, and the file closers two paces from the front rank, opposite to their places in line, each passing behind the covering sergeant. 70. At the third command, which will be given at the instant the last file closer shall have passed through the interval, the com- pany will face about ; the captain will place himself in his inter- val in the rear rank, now become the front, and the covering ser- geant will cover him in the front rank, now become the rear. 71. The company having faced by the rear rank, the instructor will cause it to execute the fire by company, both direct and ob. lique, the fire by file, and the fire by rank, by the commands and means prescribed in the three preceeding articles ; the captain, covering sergeant, and the men will conform themselves, in like manner, to what is therein prescribed. 72. The fire by file, will commence on the left of the company, now become the right. In the fire by rank, the firing will com- mence with the front rank, now become the rear. 60 SCHOOL OP THE COMPANY. 73. To resume the proper front, the instructor will command : 1. Face by the front rank. 2. Company. 3. About — Face. 74. At the first command, the captain, covering sergeant and file closers, will conform to what is prescribed Nos. 69 and 70. 75. At the third command, the company having faced about, the captain and covering sergeant will resume their places in line. 76. In this lesson, the instructor will impress on the men the importance of aiming always at some particular object, and hold- ing the piece as prescribed it. the school of the soldier, No. 109. 77. The instructor will recommend to the captain to make a short pause between the command aim and /ire, to give the men time to aim with accuracy. 78. The instructor will place himself in position to see the two ranks, in order to detect faults ; he will charge the captain and file closers to be equally watchful, and to report to him when the ranks are at rest. He will remand, for individual instruction, the men who may be observed to load badly. 79. The instructor will recommend to the soldiers, in the firings, the highest degree of composure or presence of mind ; he will neglect nothing that may contribute to this end. 80. He will give to the men, as a general principle, to main- tain, in the direct fire, the lelt heel in its place, in order that the alignment of the ranks and files may not be deranged ; and he will verify, by examination, after each exercise in firing, the ob- servance of this principle. 81. The instructor will observe, in addition to these remarks, all those which follow. 82. When the firing is executed with cartridges, it is particu- Jarly recommended that the men observe, in uncocking, whether smoke escapes from the tube, which is a certain indication thar* the piece has been discharged ; but if, on the contrary, no smoke escapes, the soldier, in such case, instead of re-loading, will pick and prime again. If, believing the load to be discharged, the soldier should put a second cartridge in his piece, he ought, at least, to perceive it in ramming, by the height of the load ; and he would be very culpable, should he put in a third. The instruc- tor will always cause arms to be inspected after firing wi h car- tridges, in order to observe if the fault has been committed, of putting three cartridges, wiihout a discharge, in the same piece, in which case the ball screw will be applied. 83. It sometimes happens, when a cap has missed fire, that the tube is found stopped up with a hard, white, and compact powder; in this case, picking will be dispensed with, and a new cap sub- stituted for the old one. SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 61 LESSON THIRD. Article First. To advance in a line of battle. 84. The company being in a line of battle, and correctly aligned, when the instructor shall wish to exercise it in marching by the front, he will assure himself that the shoulders of the captain and covering 6ergeant are perfectly in the direction of their respective ranks, and that the sergeant accurately covers the captain ; the instructor will then place himself twenty -five or thirty paces in front of them, face to the rear, and place himself exactly on the prolongation of the line passing between their heels. 85. The instructor, being aligned on the directing file, will command : 1. Company forward. 86. At this, a sergeant, previously designated, will move six paces in advance of the captain ; the instructor, from the position prescribed, will correctly align this sergeant on the prolongation of the directing file. 87. This advance sergeant, whe is to be charged with the direction, will, the moment his position is assured, take two points on the ground, in the straight line which would pass between his own, and the heels of the instructor. 88. These dispositions being made, the instructor will step aside, and command : 2. March. 89. At this, the company will step off with life. The directing sergeant will observe, with the greatest precision, the length and cadence of the step, marching on the two points he has chosen ; he will take in succession, and always a little before arriving at the point nearest to him, new points in advance, exactly in the same line with the first two, and at the distance of some fifteen or twenty paces from each other. The captain will march stead- ily in the trace of the directing 1 sergeant, keeping always six paces from him; the men will each maintian the head direct to the front, feel lightly the elbow of his neighbor on the side of di- rection, and conform himself to the principles prescribed, school of the soldier, for the march by the front. 90. The man next to the captain, will take special care not to pass him ; to this end, he will keep the line of his shoulders a little in the rear, but in the same direction with those of the cap- tain. 62 S< 300L OF THE company. 91. The file closers will march at the habitual distance of two paces behind the rear rank. 92. If the men lose the step, the instructor will command : To the — Stev. 93. At this command, the men will glance towards the direct- ing sergeant, retake the^ step from him, and again direct their eyes to the front. 94. The instructor will cause the captain and covering sergeant to be posted sometimes on the right, and sometimes on the left of the company. 95. The directing sergeant, in advance, having the greatest in- fluence on the march of the company, he will be selected for the precision of his step, his habit of maintaining his shoulders in a square or a given line of direction, and of prolonging that line without variation. 96. If this sergeant should lail to observe these principles, un. dulations in the front of the company must necessarily follow ; the men will be unable to contract the habit of taking steps equal in length and swiftness, and of maintaining their shoulders in a square with the line of direction — the only means of attaining perfection in the march in line. 97. The insiructor, with a view the better to establish the men in the length and cadence of the step, and in the principles of the march in line, will cause the company to advance three or four hundred paces, at once, without hailing, if the ground will permit. In the first exercises, he will march the company with open ranks, the better to observe the two ranks. 98. The instructor will see, with care, that all the principles of the march in line are strictly observed ; he will generally be on the directing flank, in a position to observe the two ranks, and the faults they may commit ; he will sometimes halt behind the directing file during some thirty successive steps, in order to judge whether the directing sergeant, or the directing file, deviate from the perpendicular. Article Second. 1o halt the company, marching in line of battle, and to align it, 99. The instructor, wishing to halt the company, willcommmand : 1. Company. 2. Halt. 100. At the second command, the company will halt ; the di- recting sergeant will remain in advance, unless ordered to return to the line of file closers. The company being at a halt, the in- structor may advance the first three or four files on the side of di- SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 63 rection, and align the company on that basis, or he may confine himself to causing the alignment to be rectified. In this last case, he will command : Captain, rectify the alignment. The captain will direct the covering sergeant to attend to the rear rank, when each, glancing his eyes along his rank, will promptly rectify it, conforming to what is prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 251. Article Third. Oliqne march in the line of battle. 101. The company being in the direct march, when the in- structor shall wish to cause it to march obliquely he will com. mand : 1. Right (or left) oblique, 2. March. 102. At the coramam' march, the company will take the oblique step. The men will accurately observe the principles prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 202. The rear rank men will observe their distances, and march in rear of the man next on the right (or left) of their habitual file leaders. 103. When the instructor wishes the direct march to be re- sumed, he will command : 1. Forward. 2. March* 104. At the command mach, the company will resume the direct march. The instructor will move briskly twenty paces in front of the captain, and facing the company, will place himself exactly in the prolongation of the captain and covering sergeant ; and then by a sign, will move the directing sergeant on the same line, if he be not already on it : the latter will immediately take two points on the ground between himself and the instructor, and as he advances, will take new points of direction, as is explained No. 89. 105. In the oblique march, the men not having the touch of el- bows, the guide will always be on the side towards which the ob* lique is made, without any indication to that effect being given ; and when the direct march is resumed, the guide will be, equally without indication, on the side where it was previous to the oblique: 106. The instructor will, at first, cause the oblique to be made towards the side of the guide. He will also direct the captain to have an eye on the directing sergeant, in order to keep on the same perpendicular line to the front with him, while following a parallel direction, 107. During the continuance of the march, the instructor will be watchful that the men follow parallel directions, in conforming to the principles prescribed in the school of the soldier, for pre- 64 SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY serving the general alignment ; whenever the men lose the align- ment, he will be careful that they regain it by lengthening or shortening the step, without altering the cadence, or changing the direction. 108. The instructor will place himself in front of the company and face to it, in order to regulate the march of the directing ser- geant, or the man who is on the flank towards which the oblique is made, and to see that the principles of the march are properly observed, and that the files do not crowd. Akticli: Fourth. To mark time, to march in double quick time, and tlie back step. 109. The company being in the direct march and in quick time' the instructor, to cause it to mark time, will command : 1. Mark time. 2. March. 110. To resume the march, ho will command : 1. Forward. 2. Makch. 111. To cause, the march in double quick lime, the instructor will command : 1. Double quick. 2. March. 112. The command march will be pronounced at the instant ' either foot is coming to the ground. 113. To resume quick time, the instructor will command — 1. Quick time. 2. March. 114. The command march will be pronounced at the instant either foot is coming to the ground- 115. The'company being at a halt, the instructor may cause it to march in the back step ; to this effect, he will command : 1. Company backward. 2. March. 116. The back step will be executed according to the princi- ples prescribed in the school of the soldier No. 178, but the use of it being rare, the instructor will not cause more than fifteen or twenty steps to be taken in succession, and to that extent but sel- dom. 1 17. The instructor ought not to exercise the company in march- ing in double quick time till the men are well established in the length and swiftness of the pace in quick lime: he will then en. dearor to render the march of one hundred and seventy.fire steps SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 65 in the minute equally easy and familiar, and also cause them to observe the same erectness of body and composure of mind, as if marching in quick time. 118. When marching in double quick time, if a subdivision (in a column) has to change direction by turning, or has to form into line, the men will quicken the pace to one hundred and eighty steps in a minute. The same swiftness of step will be observed uncer all circumstances where great rapidity of move- ment is lequired. But, as ranks of men cannot march any length of time at so swift a rate, without breaking or confusion, this ac- celeration will not bo considered a prescribed exercise, and ac- cordingly companies or battalions will only be habituallyexercised in the double quick time of one hundred and sixty-five steps in the minute. Article Fifth. To march in retreat. 119. The company being halted and correctly aligned, when the instructor shall wish to cause it to march in retrea?, he will command — 1. Company. 2. About — Pace. 120. The company having faced to the rear, the instructor will place himself in front of the directing file, conforming to what is prescribed, No. 84. 121. The instructor, being correctly established on the prolon- gation of the directing file, will command — 3. Company forward. 122. At this, the directing sergeant will conform himself to what is prescribed, Nos. S6 and 87, with this difference — he will place himself six paces in front of the line of file closers, now leading. 123. The covering sergeant will step into the line of fife closers, opposite to his interval, and the captain will place himself in the rear rank, now become the front. 124. This disposition being promptly made, the instructor will command — 4. March. 125. At this, the directing sergeant, the captain, and the men, will conform themselves to what is prescribed No. 89, and follow- ing. 126. The instructor will cause to be executed, marching in re- treat, all that is prescribed for marching in advance ; the com- mands and the means of execution will be the same. 5 66 SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 127. The instructor having halted the company, will, when he may wish, cause it to face to the front by the commands prescri- bed Xo. 119. The captain, the covering sergeant, and the di- recting sergeant, will resume their habitual places in line, the moment they shall have faced about. The company being in march by the front rank, if the instructor should wish it to march in retreat, he will cau-i 1 the rightabout to be executed while marching, and to this elfect will command — 1. Com^ out. 3. March. 120. Ar the third command, the company will promptly face about, and recommence the march by the rear rank. 130. The directing sergeant will face about with the company, and will move rapidly six paces in front of the file closers, and upon the prolongation of the guide. The instructor will place him in the proper direction by the means prescribed No. 104. The captain, the covering sergeant, and the men, will conform to the principles prescribed for the march in retreat. 131. When lb wishes the company to march by the front rank, lie will give the same command*, and will regulate the direction of the march by the same means. 132. The instructor will cause to be executed in double quick time, all the movements prescribed in the 3d, 4th, 5th, and 6th lessons of this school, with the exception of the march backwards, which will be executed only in quick time. He will give the same command- g to add rhvible quick before the com- mand march. 133. When the pieces arc carried on the right shoulder, in quick time, the distance between the ranks will be sixteen inches. "Whenever, therefore, the instructor brings the company from a shoulder to this position, the rear rank must shorten a little the first steps in order to gain the prescribed distance, and will length- en the steps, on the contrary, in order to close up when the pieces are again brought to a shoulder. In marching in double quick time, the distance between the ranks will be twenty-six inches, and the pieces will be carried habitually on the right shoulder. 134. Whenever a company is halted, the Eien will bring their pieces at once to a shoulder at the command halt. The rear rank will close to its proper distance. These rules are general. LESSON FOURTH. Article First. To march by the Jlank. 135. The company being in line of battle : and at a halt, when Some difficulty having been experienced in executing the move- ments in Lesson IV, (page 67,) Col. Hardee was applied to for information upon the subject. Subjoined is his answer. In reply to your first question, I beg to say, that if the Company be marching to the front and the com- mand " Ity the right (or ( left) Flank" should be given, the men double by fours in the same manner as when the command " Right (or left) Face" is given at a halt. Second point. — If the company be faced to the rear, and the command ''Left (or right) Face " be given, No. 1 of the front rank faces at once and stands fast. No. 1 of the rear rank steps one pace to the rear (his front) and at the same time faces to the left. No. 2 of the front rank faces and steps into the interval between the front rank men; and No. 2 rear rank places himself on the extreme right of the set of fours, thus : jf t= front rank, 2 12 12 Faced to the rear ^ ^= ^r = ^F = rear rank. Left face The face to the right is made in the same manner ex- cept the movement is made on No. 2 front rank. The front refered to is always the real front. H^^In Loading (p. 19) most of the instructors have substituted the old system of placing the piece by the side of the left foot, instead of between the feet. SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 67 the instructor shall wish to cause it to march by the right flank, he will command : « 1. Company,* right — Face. 2. Forward. 3. March. 136. At the first command, the company will face to the right, the covering sergeant will place himself at the head of the front rank, the captain having stepped out for the purpose, so far as to , find himself by the side of the sergeant, and on his left: the front rank will double as is prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 283 ; the rear rank will, at the same time, side step to the right one pace, and double in the same manner ; so that when the movement is completed, the files will be formed of four men aligned, and elbow to elbow. The intervals will be preserved. 137. The file closers will also move by side step to the right, so that when the ranks are formed, they will be two paces from the rearmost rank. 138. At the command march, the company will move off brisk- ly in quick time ; the covering sergeant at the head of the front rank, and the captain on his left, will m i^ht forward. The men of each file will march abreast of their respective frontf rank men, heads direct to the front : the file closers will march opposite their places in line of battle. 139. The instructor will cause the principles of the march by the flank to be observed, in placing himselfi pending the march, as prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 288. 140. The instructor will cause the march by the left flank to be executed by the same commands, substituting left for right ; the ranks will double as has been prescribed in the school for the soldier, No. 285 ; the rear rank will side-step to the left one pace before doubling. 141. At the instant the company faces to the left, the left guide will place himself at the head of the front rank; the captain will pass rapidly to the left, and place himself by the right side of this guide ; the covering sergeant will replace the captain in the front rank, the moment the latter quits it to go to the left. Article Second. To change direction by file. 142. The company being faced by the flank, and either in march, or at a halt, when the instructor shall wish to cause it to wheel by file, he will command : 1. By file, left, (or right.) 2. March. 143. At the command march, the first file will wheel ; if to the side of the front rank man, the latter will take care not to turn at 68 SCHOOL OF TlIE COMPANY. once, but to describe a short arc of a circle, shortening a little the first five or six steps in order to give time to the fourth man of this file to conform himself to the movement. If the wheel be to the side of the rear rank, the front rank man will wheel in the step of twenty-eight inches, and the fourth man will conform him- self to the movement by describing a short arc of a circle as has been explained. Kach file will come to wheel on the same ground where that which preceded it wheeled. 144. The instructor will see that the wheel be executed ac- cording to these principles, in order that the distance between the files may always he preserved, and thai there be no check or hindrance at the wheeling point. Article Third. To hull the. company marching by the flank, and to face it to the front. 145, To e fleet the.se objects, the instructor will command — 1. Company. 2". Halt. 3. Front. 14G. The second and third commands will be executed as pre- scribed in the school of the soldier, Nos. 290 and 291. As soon as the files have undoubled, the rear rank will close to its proper distance. The captain and covering sergeant, as well as the left guide, if the march be by the left flank, will return to their habit- ual places in line at the instant the company faces to the front. 147. The instructor! may then align the company, by one of means prescribed, No. 100. Article Fourth. The company being in march by the flank, to form it on the right. * {or left) by /He into line of battle. 148. If the company be marching by the right flank, the in- structor will command : 1. On tlic right, by file into line. 2. March. 149. At the command inarch, the rear rank men doubled will mark time ; the captain and the covering sergeant will turn to the right, march straight forward, and be hailed by the instructor when they shall have passed at least six paces beyond the rank of file closers ; the captain will place himself correctly on the SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 69 line of battle, and will direct the alignment as the men of the front rank successively arrive ; the covering sergeant will place himself behind the captain at the distance of the rear rank : the two men on the right of the front rank doubled, will continue to march, and passing beyond the covering sergeant and the captain, will turn to the right ; after turning, they will continue to march elbow to elbow, and direct themselves towards the line of battle, but when they shall arrive at two paces from this line, the even number will shorten the step so that, the odd number may precede him on the line, the odd number placing himself by the side and on the left of the captain ; the even number will afterwards ob- lique to the left, and place himself on the left of the odd number; the next two men of the front rank doubled, will pass in the same manner behind the two first, turn then to the right, and place themselves, according to the means just explained, to the left, and by the side of, the two men already established on the line; the remaining files of this rank will follow in succession, and be form- ed to the left in the same manner. The rear rank doubled will execute the movement in the manner already explained for the front rank, taking care not to commence the movement until four men of the front rank are established on the line of battle ; the rear rank men, as they arrive on the line, will cover accurately their file leaders. 150. If the company be marching by the left flank, the instruc- tor will cause it to form by file on the left into line of battle, ac- cording to the same principles and by the same minds, sub- si ituting the indication left lor right. In this cas., the odd num- bers will shorten the step, so that the even numliers may precede them on the line. The captain, placed on the left of the front rank, and the left guide, will return to their places in line of bat- tle, by order of the instructor, after the company shall be formed and aligned. 151. To enable the men the better to comprehend the mechan- ism of this movement, the instructor will at first cause it to be ex- ecuted separately by each rank douh'.ed, and afterwards by the two ranks united and doubled. 152. The instructor will place himself on the line of battle, and without the point where the right or left is to rest, in order to establish the base of the alignment, and afterwards, he will fol- low up the movement to assure himself that each file conforms itself to what is prescribed No. 149. Article Fifth. The company being in march by the flank, to form it by company, or by platoon, into line, and to cause it to face to the right and left in inarching. 153. The company being in march by the right flank, the in- 7U S HOOL OF TI1K COMPANY. structor will order the captain to form it into line ; the captain will immediately command : 1. Bij company, into line ; 2. March. 154. At the command march, the covering sergeant will con- tinue to march straight forward; the men will advance the right shoulder, take the double quick step, and move into line, by the shortest route, taking rare to undouble the file.-, and to come on (he line one after the other. 1 55. As the front rank men successively arrive in line with the covering sergeant, they will take from him the step, and then turn their eyes to the front. 156. The men of the rear rank will conform to the movements of their respective file leaders, but without endeavoring to arrive ifl line at the same time with the latter. 157. At the instant the movement begins, the captain will face to his company in order to follow up the execution ; and, as soon as the company is formed, he will command, guide left, place Himself two paces before the centre, face to the front, and take the step of the company. 158. At the command guide left, the second sergeant will promptly place himself in the front rank, on the left, to serve as guide, and the covering sergeant who is on the opposite flank will remain there. 159. When the company marches by the left flank, this move- ment will be executed by the same commands, and according to the same principles; the company being formed, the captain will command guide right, and place himself in front of his company as above ; the covering sergemu who is on the right of the front rank will serve as guide, and the second sergeant placed on the left flank will remain there. 160. Thus, in a column by company, right or left in front, the covering sergeant and the second sergeant of each company will always be placed on the right and left, respectively, of the front rank ; they will be denominated right guide and left guide, and the one or the other charged with the direction. 161. The company being in march by the flank, if it be the wish of the instructor to cause it to form platoons, he will give an order to that effect to the captain, who will command : 1. By jdatoon, into line. 2. March. 162. The movement will be executed by each platoon accord- ing to the above principles. The captain will place himself be- fore the centre of the first platoon, and the first lieutenant before the centre of the second, passing through the opening made in the centre of the company, if the march be by the right flank, and around •the left of his platoon, if the march be 'by the left : in this last SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 71 case, the captain will also pass around the left of the second pla- toon in order to place himself in front of the first. Both the cap- tain'and lieutenant, without waiting for each other, will command guide left (or right) at the instant their respective platoons are formed. 163. At the command guide left (or right,) the guide of each platoon will pass rapidly to the indicated flank of the platoon, if not already there. 164. The right guide of the company will always serve as the guide of the right or left of the first platoon, and the left guide of the company will serve, in like manner, as the guide of the second platoon. 165. Thus in a column, by platoon, there will be but one guide to each platoon ; he will always be placed on its left flank, if the right be in front, and on the right flanh, if the left be in front. 166. Jn these movements, the file closers will follow the pla- toons to which they are attached. 167. The instructor may cause the company, marching by the flank, to form by company, or by platoon, into line, by his own di- rect commands, using those prescribed for the captain. No. 153 or 161. 168. The instructor will exercise the company in passing, with- out a halt, from the march by the front, to the march by the flank, and reciprocally. In either case- he will employ the commands prescribed in the school of the soldier, .No. 294, substituting com- pany for squad. The company will face to the right or left, in marching, and the captain, the guides, and file closers will con- form themselves to what is prescribed for each in the march by the flank, or in the march by the front of a company supposed to be a subdivision of a column. 169. If, after facing to the right or left, in marching, the com- pany find itself faced by the rear lank, the captain will place himself two paces behind the centre of the front rank, now in the rear, the guides will pass to the rear rank, now leading, and the file closers will march in front of this rank. 170. The instructor, in order to avoid fatiguing the men, and to prevent them from being negligent in the position of shoulder arms, will sometimes order support arms in marching by the flank, and arms on the right shoulder, when marching in line. LESSON FIFTH. Article First. To break into column by platoon, either at a halt or in inarch. 171. The company being at a halt, in line of battle, the instruc- tor, wishing to break it into column, by platoon to the right, will command — 72 SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 1. By platoon, right wheel. 2. March. 172. At the first command, the chiefs of platoon will rapidly place themselves two paces before the centres of their respective platoons, the lieutenant passing around the left of the company. They need not occupy themselves with dressing, one upon the other. The covering sergeant will replace the captain in the front rank. 173. At the command ?/mrch, the right front rank man of each platoon will face to the right, the covering sergeant standing fast ; the chief of each platoon will move quickly by the shortest line, a little beyond the point at which the marching flank will rest when the wheel shall be completed, face to the late rear, and place himself so that the line which he forms with the man on the right (who had faced,) shall be perpendicular to that occupied by the company in line of battle ; each platoon will wheel according to the principles prescribed for the wheel on a fixed pivot, and when the man who conducts the marching flank shall approach near to the perpendicular, its chief will command : 1. Platoon. 2. Halt. 174. At the command halt, which will be given at the instant the man who conducts the marching flank shall have arrived at three paces from the perpendicular, the platoon will halt; the covering sergeant will move to the point where the left of the first platoon is to rest, passing by the front rank ; the second ser- geant will place himself, in like manner, in respect to the second platoon. Each will take care to leave between himself and the man on the right of his platoon, a space equal to its front ; the captain and first lieutenant will look to this, and each take care to align the sergeant between himself and the man of the platoon who had faced to the right. 175. The guide of each platoon, being thus established on the perpendicular, each chief will place himself two paces outside ol his guide, and facing towards him, will command : 3. Left— Dress. 176. The alignment being ended, each chief of platoon will command, Front, and place himself two paces before its centre. 177. The file closers will conform themselves to the movement of their respective platoons, preserving always the distance of two paces from the rear rank. 178. The company will break by platoon to the left, according to the same principles. The instructor will command: • 1. By platoon, left wheel. 2. March. SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 73 179. The first command will be executed in the same manner as if breaking by platoon to the right. 180. At the command march, the left front rank man of each platoon will face to the left, and the platoons will wheel to the left, according to the principles prescribed for the wheel on a fixed pivot; the chiefs of platoon will conform to the principles indi- cated Nos. 173 and 174. 181. \t the command hall, given by the chief of each platoon, the covering sergeant on the right of the front rank of the first platoon, and the second sergeant near the left of the second pla- toon, will each move to the points where the right of his platoon is to rest. The chief of each platoon should be careful to align the sergeant between himself and the man of the platoon who had facej to the left, and will then command : Right. — Dress. 182. The platoons being aligned, each chief of platoon will command, Front, and place himself opposite its centre. 183. The instructor wishing to break the company by platoon to the right, and to move the column forward after the wheel is completed, will caution the company to that effect, and command : 1. By platoon, right wheel. 2. March. 184. At the first command, the chiefs of platoon will move rapidly in front of their respective platoons, conforming lo what has been prescribed No. 172, and will remain in this position du- ring the continuance of the wheel. The covering sergeant will replace the chief of the first platoon in the front rank. 185. At the command march, the platoons will wheel to the right, conforming to the principles herein prescribed : the man on the pivot will not face to the right, but will mark time, conform- ing himself to the movement of the marching flank ; and when the man who is on the left of this flank shall arrive near the per- pendicular, the instructor will command : 3. Forward. 4. March. 5. Guide left. 186. At the fourth command, which will be given at the instant the wheel is completed, the platoons will move straight to the front, all the men taking the step of twenty-eight inches. The covering sergeant and the second sergeant will move rapidly to the lett of their respective platoons, the former passing before the front rank. The leading guide will immediately take points on the ground in the direction which may be indicated to him by the instructor. 187. At the fifth command, the men will take the touch of el- bows lightly to the left. 74 SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 188. If the guide of the second platoon should lose, his distance, or the line of direction, he will conform to the principles herein prescribed Nos. 202 and 20:i. 189. If the company he marching in line to the front, the in- structor will cause it to break by platoon to the right by the same commands. At the command inarch, the platoons will wheel in the manner already explained ; the man on the pivot will take care to mark time in his place, without advancing or receding; the instructor, the chiefs of platoon, and the guides, will conform to what has been prescribed Nos. 184 and following. 190. The company may be broken by platoons to the left, ac- cording to the same principles, and by inverse means, the instruc- tor giving the commands prescribed Nos. 183 and 185, substitu- ting left for right, and reciprocally. 191. The movements explained in Xos. 188 and 189 will only be executed after the company has become well established in the principles cf the march in column. Articles Second and Third. Remarks. 192. The instructor, placed in front of the company, will ob- serve whether the movement be executed according to the princi- ples prescribed above ; whether the piatoons, after breaking into column, are perpendicular to the line of battle just occupied ; and whether the guide, who placed himself where the marching flank of his platoon had to rest, has left, between himself and the front rank man on the right (or left.) the space necessary to contain the front of the platoon. 193. After the platoons have broken, if the rearmost guide should not accurately cover the leading one, he will not seek to correct his position till the column be put in march, unless the in- structor, wishing to wheel immediately into line, should think it necessary to rectify the direction of the guides, which would be executed as will be hereinafter explained in Article Fifth of this Lesson. 194. The instructor will observe, that the man on the right (or left) of each platoon, who, at the command inarch, laces to the right (or left) being the true pivot of the wheel, the front rank man next to him ought to gain a little ground to the front in wheel- ing, so as to clear the pivot-man. Article Second. To march in column. 195. The company having broken by platoon, right (or left) in front, the instructor, wishing to cause the column to march, will throw himself twenty five or thirty paces in front, face to the SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 75 guides, place himself correctly, on their direction, and caution the leading guide to take points on the ground. 196. The instructor being thus placed, the guide of the leading platoon will take two points on the ground in the straight line pas- sing between his own and the heels of the instructor. 197. These dispositions being made, the instructor will step aside, and command : v 1. Column, forward. 2. Guide left (or right.) 3. Makch. 198. At the command march, promptly repeated by the chiefs of platoon they, as well as the guides, will lead off, by a decided step, their respective platoons, in order that the whole may move smartly, and at the same moment. 199. The men will each feel lightly the elbow of his neighbor towards the guide, and conform himself, in marching, to the prin- ciples prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 253. The man next to the guide, in each platoon, will take care never to pass him, and also to march always about six inches to the right (or left) from him, in order not to push him out of the direction. 200. The leading guide will observe, with the greatest preci- sion, the length and cadence of the step, and maintain the direc- tion of his march by the means prescribed No. 89. 201. The following guide will march exactly in the trace of the leading one, preserving between the latter and himself a dis- tance precisely equal to the front of his platoon, and marching in the same step with the leading guide. 202. If the following guide lose his distance from the one lead- ing, (which can only htppen by his own fault,) he will correct himself by slightly lengthening or shortening a few steps, in order that there may not be sudden quickenings cr slackenings in the march of his platoon. 203. If the same guide, having neglected to march exactly in the trace of the preceding one, find himself sensibly out of the direction, he will remedy this fault by advancing more or less the shoulder opposite to the true direction, and thus, in a few steps, insensibly regain it, without the inconvenience of theoblique step, which would cause a loss of distance. In all cases, each chief of platoon will cau3e it to conform to' the movements of its guide. Remarks on the march in column. 204. If the chiefs and guides of subdivisions neglect to lead off and to decide the march from the first step, the march will be be- gun in uncertainty, which will cause waverings, a loss of step, and a loss of distance. 205. If the leading guide take unequal steps, the march of his subdivision, and that which follows, will be uncertain ; there will be undulations, quickenings, and slackenings in the march. 76 SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 206. If (he same guide be not habituated to prolong a given direction, without deviation, he will describe a crooked line, and the column must wind to conform itself to such line. 207. If the following guide be not habituated to march in the trace of the preceding one, he will lose his distance at every mo- ment in endeavors to regain the trace, the preservation of which is the most important principle in the march in column. 208. The guide of each subdivision i:i column will be respon- sible for the direction, distance and step: the chief of the subdi- vision, for the order and conformity of his subdivision with the movements of the guide. Accordingly, the chief will frequently turn, in the march, to observe his subdivision. 209. The instructor, placed on the flank of the guides, will watch over the execution of all the principles prescribed; he will, also, sometimes place himself in the rear, align himself on the guides, and halt, pending some thirty paces together, to verify the accuracy of the guides. 210. In column, chiefs of subdivision wili always repeat, with the greatest promptitude, the commands march and hall, no chief waiting for another, but each repeating the command the moment he ^catches it from tjie instructor. They will repeat no other command given by him ; but will explain, if necessary, to their subdivisions, in an under tone of voice, what they will have to execute, as indicated by the commands of caution. Article Third. To change direction. 211. The changes of direction of a column while marching, will be executed according to the principles prescribed for wheel- ing on the march. Whenever, therefore, a column is to change direction, the instructor will change the guide, if not already there, to the flank opposite the side to which the change is to be made. 212. The column being in march right in front, if it be the wish of the instructor to change direction to the right, he will give the order to the chci, of the first platoon, and immediately go himself, or send a marker to the point at which the change of direction is to be made ; the instructor or marker, will place himself on the direction of the guides, so as to present the breast to that flank of the column. 213. The leading guide will direct his march on that person so that, in passing, his left arm may just graze his breast. When the leading guide shall have approached near to thfe marker, the chief of his platoon will command : 1. Right wheel. 2. March. 214. The first command will be given when the platoon is at the distance of four paces frem the marker. SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 77 215. At the command march, which will be pronounced at the instant the guide shall have arrived opposite the marker, the platoon will wheel to the right, conforming to what is prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 227. 216. The wheel being finished, the chief of each platoon will command : 3. Forward. 4. March. 217. These commands will be pronounced and executed as prescribed in the school of the soldier, Nos. 229 and 230. The guide of the first platoon will lake points on the ground in the new direction, in order the belter to regulate the mirch. 218. The second platoon will continue to march straight for- ward till up with the marker, when it will wheel to the right., and retake the direct march by the same commands and the same means which governed the first platoon. 219. The column being in march right in front, if the instruc- tor should wish to change the direction to the left, he will com- mand, guide right. At this command, the two guides will move rapidly to the right of iheir respective platoons, each passing in front ofhis^ subdivision; the men will take the touch of elbows to the right; the instructor will afterwards conform to what is prescribed No. 212. 220. The change ot direction to the left will then be executed acording to the same principles as the change of direction to the right, hut by inverse means. 221. When the change of direction is completed, the in- structor will command, guide left. 222. The changes of^direction in a column, left in front, will be executed according to the same principles 223. In changes of direction in double quick time, the platoons will wheel according to the principles prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 335. 224. In order to prepare the men for those formations in line, which can be executed only by turning to the right or the left, the instructor will sometimes cause the column to change direction to the side of the guide. In this case, the chief of the leading pla- toon will command : Left (or right) turn, instead of left ot right wheel. The subdivisions will each turn, in succession, confirm- ing to what is prescribed in the school of the soldier No. 333. The leading guide as soon as he has turned, will take points on the ground, the better to regulate the direction of the march. 225. It is highly important, in order to preserve distances and direction, that all the subdivisions of the column should change di- rection precisely at the point where the leading subdivision changed ; it is for this reason that that point ought to be marked in advance, and that it is prescribed that the guides direct their march on tin marker, also that each chief of subdivision shall 18 SCHOOL OF T11K COMPANY. not cause the change to commence till the guide of his subdivision has grazed the breast of this marker. 226. Each chief will take care tlfat his subdivision arrives at the point of change in a square with the line of direction : with this view, he will face to his subdivision when the one which precedes has commenced to turn or to wheel, and he will be watchful that it continues to march squarely until it arrives at the point where the change of direction is to commence. 227. If, in changes of direction, the pivot of the subdivision v.hich wheels should not clear the wheeling point, the next subdi- vision would be arrested and distances lost ; for the guide who conducts the marching flank having to describe an arc, in length about a half greater than the front of the subdivision, the second subdivision would be already up with the wheeling point, whilst the first which wheels has yet the half of its front to exe- cute, and hence would be obliged to mark time until that half be executed. It is therefore prescribed, that the pivot of each sub division should take steps of nine or eleven inches in length, ac- cording the the swiftness of the gait, in order not to arrest the march of the next subdivision. The chiefs of subdivision will look well to the step ot the pivot, and cause his step to be lengthen- ed or shortened as may be judged necessary. By the nature of this movement, the centre of each subdivision will bend a little to the rear. 221. The guides will never alter the length or cadence of the step, whether the change of direction be to the side of the guide or to the opposite side. 229. The marker, placed at the wheeling point, will always present his breast to the flank of the column. The instructor will take the greatest pains in causing the prescribed principles to be observed ; he will see that each subdivision only commences the change of direction when the guide, grazing the breast of the marker, has nearly passed him, and, that the marching flank does not describe the arc of too large a circle, in order that it may not be thrown beyond the new direction. 230. In change of direction by wheel, the guide of the wheel- ing flank will cast his eyes over the ground at the moment of com- mencing the wheel, and will describe an arc of a circle whose radius is equal to the front of the subdivision. Article Fourth. To halt the column. 231. The column being in march, when the instructor shall wish to halt it, he will command : 1. Column. 2. Halt. HOOL OF THE COMPANY. 19 232. At the second command, promptly repeated by the chiefs of platoon, the column will halt ; the guides also will stand fast, although they ma}- have lost both distance and direction. 233. If the command halt, be not repeated with the great- est vivacity, and executed at the same instant, distances will be lost. , 234'. If a guide, having lost his distance, seek to recover it after that command, he will only throw his fault on the following guide, who, if he have marched well, will no lon- ger be at his proper distance : and if the latter regain what he has thus lost, the movement will be] ited to the rear of the column. Article Fifth. Ueingtin colv/mn by platoon, to form to the r of I " or on tlie march. 235. The instructor having halted the c dumn, right in front, and wishing to form it into line of battle, will place himself at platoon distance in front of ' ling guide, face to him. and rectify, if necessary, the positftm of the guide beyond : which I ■ will cot command, which will not be repeated by the chiefs of platoon, each of them will place himself briskly two paces outside of his guide, and direct the alignment of the platoon perpendicularly to the direction of the column. 237. Each chief having aligned his platoon, will command Front, and return quickly to his place in column. 238. This disposition being mado, the instructor will com- mand : 1. Left into line, wheel. 2. March. 239. At the command march, briskly repeated by the chiefs of platoon, the front rank men on the left of each platoon will face to the left, and place his breast lightly against the arm of the guide by his side, who stands fast ; the platoons will wheel to the left on the principle of wheels from a halt, and in conformity to what is prescribed 125. Each chief will turn to his platoon to observe its movement, and when the marching flank has approached near the line of battle, he will command : 1. Platoon. 2. Halt. 2-10. The command halt will be given when the marching 80 SCHOOL OK THE COMPANY. flank of the platoon is three paces from the line of battle. 241. The chief of the second platoon, having halted it, will return to his place as a file closer, passing around the left of his subdivision. 242. The captain having halted the first platuon, will move rapidly to the point at which the right of the company will rest in line of battle, and command : Right — Due.— 24o. At this command, the two platoons will dress up on the alignment ; the front rank man on the right of the leading platoon, who finds himself opposite the instructor established on the direction of the guides, will place his breast lightly against the left arm of this officer. The captain will direct the alignment from the right on the man on the opposite flank of the Company. 244. The company being aligned, the captain will command: Front. 245. The instructor seeing the company in line of battle, will command : Guides — Posts. 1. Right into live wheel. 2. Mak> :i. 246. At this command, the covering sergeant will cover the captain, and the left guide will return to his place as a file closer. 247. If the column be left in front, and the instructor should wish to form it to the right into line of battle, he will place himself at platoon distance in front of the leading guide, face to him, and rectify, if necessary, the position of the guide beyond ; which being executed, he will command : 248. At the command march, the front rank man on the right of each platoon will face to the right and place his breast lightly against the left arm of the guide by his side, who stands fast; each platoon will wheel to the right, and will be halted by its chief, when the marching Hank has ap- proached near the line of battle ; for this purpose, the chief of each platoon will command : 1. Platoon. 2. Halt. 249. The command halt, will be given when the marching Hank of the platoon is three paces from the line of battle. SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY The chief of the second platoon having halted his platoor:, will resume his place in the rank of file closers. 250. The captain having halted the first platoon, will inovo briskly to the point at which the left of the company will •rest, and command : Left — Dress. 251. At this command, the two platoons will dress up on the alignment ; the man on the left of the second platoor, opposite the instructor, will place his breast lightly against the right arm of his officer, and the captain will direct the alignment from the left on the man on the opposite flank of the Company's 252. The company being aligned, the captain will con: tnand : Pront, * L'53. The instructor will afterwards command : Guides — Posts. 254. At this command, the captain Avill move to tho right c his company; the covering sergeant will cover him, aud the left guide will return to his plate as a tile closer. 255. The instructor may omit the command left or right dress, .previous to commanding left or right into line, wheel, unlesp, after rectifying the pos.tion of ihe guides, it should become necessary to redress the platoons, or one of them, laterally io the right or left. 256. The instructor, before the command left (or right) into Unr, wheel, will assme himself that the rearmost platoon is at its exact wheeling distance from the one in fiont. This attention is important, in order to detect negligence on the part of guides in this essential point. 257. If the column be marching right in front, and the in- structor should wish to form it in 10 line without LaUing the column, ho will give the command prescribed No. 1G9, and move rapidly to platoon distance in front of the leading guid#. 253. At the command march, briskly repeated by the ehiefa the left guides will halt short, the instructor, the chiefs of pla- toon, and the p'atoons, will conform to what is presented No. 160 and following. 259. If the column be in march left in front, this formation will be made according to the same principles, and by inverso means. 260. If the column be marching right in front, and the in- structor should wish to form it into line without halting the column, and to march the company in line to the front, he will command : 1. By platoons left whed 2. March. 6 -•'lruOL OF Till-: COMPANY. 201. At the command march, briskly repeated by the chiefs of platooq, the left guides will hah : the man next to the left guide in each platoon will mark lime : the platoons will whe the left, conforming - to the principles of the wheel on a fixed pivot. When the right of the platoons shall arrive near the line of battle, the instructor will command : 3. Forward. 4. March, o. Guide right (or left.) 262. At the fourth command, given at the instance the wheel is completed, all the men of the company will move off together with the stcpof twenty-eight inches; tho captain, the chief ••:" the second platoon, the covering sergeant, and the left gu'.'o will take their position as in line of battle. 263. At the fifth command, which will be given immediately after the fourth, the captain%nd covering sergeant, if not already there, will move briskly to the side on which the guide is de- signated. The non-commissioned officer charged with the ui- rection will move rapidly in front of the guide, a»d will be as- sured in his line of march by the instructor, as is prescribe I No. 104'. That non commissioned officer will immediately take points on the ground as indicated in the same number. The men will take the touch of elbows to the side of the guide, con- forming themselves to the principle of the march *in line. 264. The same principles are applicable to a column left in front. LESSON SIXTH. Article First. To break the company into platoons, add to reform tht t To break the company into platoons. 265. The company marching in the cadenced step, and sup- posed to make part of a column, light in front, when the in- structor shall wish to cause it to break by platoons, he will give the order to the captain, who will command : 1. Break -into platoons, and immediately place himself beforo the centre of the first platoon. 266. At the command break into platoons, the first lieutenant will pass quickly around the left, to the centre of his platoon, and give the caution : Mark time. 267. The captain will then command : 2. March. 268. The first platoou will continue to march straight for- ward ; the covering sergeant will move rapidly to the left flank of this platoon (passing by the front rank) as soon as the flaak • shall be disengaged. SCHOOL OP THE COMPANY. 2fi9. At the command march, given by the captain, the second platoon will begin to mark time ; its chief will immedi- ately add : 1. Right oblique; 2. March. The last command will be given so th.-it this platoon may commence obliquing the instant the rear rank of the first platoon shall have passed. The men will shorten the step in obliquing, so that when the com- mand forward march is given, the platoon may have its exact distance. 270. The guide of the second platoon being near the direc- tion of the guide of the first, the chief of the second will com- mand Forward, and add March, the instant that the guide of his platoon shall cover the guide of the first. 271. In a column, left in front, the company will break into platoons by inverse meant, applying to the first platoon all that has been prescribed for the second, and reciprocally. 272. In this case, the left guide of the company will shift to the right flank of the second platoon, and the covering sergeant will remain on the right of the first. To re-form the company. 273. The column, by platoon, being in march, right in front, when the instructor" shall wish to cause it to form company, he will give the order to the captain, who will command : Form company. 274. Having given this command, the captain will immedi- ately add : 1. First Platoon ; 2. Right oblique. 275. The chief of the second platoon will caution it to con- tinue to march straight forward. 270. The captain will then command : 3. March. 277. At this command, repeated by the chief of the second, the first platoon will oblique io the right, in order to unmask the second ; the covering sergeant, on the left of the first platoon, will return to the right of the company, passing by the front rank. 278. When the first platoon shall have nearly unma-ked the second, the captain will command : 1. Marl' time, and at the instant the unmasking shall be complete; he will add : 2. March. The first platoon will then cease to oblique, and mark time. 280. In the mean time the second platoon will have continued to march straight forward, and when it shall be nearly up with the first, the captain will command Forward, and at the instant the two platoons shall unite, add March ; the first platoon will then cease to mark time. 280. In a column, left in front the same movement will he execu- ted by inverse means, the chief of the second platoon giving the command Forward, and the captain adding the command March, ifhen the platoons are united. '281. The guide of the second platoon, on fts right, will pass 84 < MOOL OF THE COMPANY. to its left Hank tho moment the platoon begins to oblique ; the guide of the first, on its right, remaining on that flauk of the platoon. The instructor will also sometimes cnu?e the company t'- hreak and re-form, by platoon, by bis own direct commands. Tn this case, ho will give the general commands prescribed for the captain above : 1. Break ir.to -platoons; 2. March; an i I Form company ; 2 March. 283. It, in breaking the company into platoons, tho subdi- vision that breaks olT should mark time too long, it might, in a column of m:iny subdivisions, arrest the march of iho follow- ing one, which would cause a lengthening of the column, and :i loss of distances. 284. In breaking into platoons, it is rece c sary that tho platoons which oblique should not shorten the step too much, in order not to lose distance in column, ai.d not to arrest tho march of tho following subdivision. 275. If a pla'oon obliqurs too far to a flank, it would be obliged to oblique again to the opposite flank, to regain the direc- tion, and by ihe douUe movement arrest probably, the march of the following subdivision, 286. Tho chiefs of those platoons which oblique will fa?* to their platoons, in order to enforce the observance of the fore- going principles. 287. When, in a column of several companies, they break iu succession, it is of the greatest importance tliai each company should continue to march in the same st p, without shortening or slackening, whilst that which precedes breaks, a though the following company should close up on the preceding one. This attention is essential to guard against an elongation of tho column. 288. Faults of but little moment, in a column of a few com- panies, would be serious inconveniences in a general column of many battalions. Ilence tho instructor will give the greatest care in causing all the prescribed principles to be strictly ob- served. To this end, he will hold himself on the directing Dank, the better to observe all the movements. Article Second. Briny in column, lo break files to (he ?ear, and to cause them t* re-enter into line. 289. The company being in march, and supposed to constitute a subdivision of a column, right for left) in front, when the instructor shall wish to cause files to break off he will give tho order to tho captain, who will immediately turn to his company, tJ command : I. Two jilts from Ufl (or right) to rear. 9. March. SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 8, r , i!90. At the command march, the two files on the left (or right) of the company will mark time, the o.hers will continue to march straight forward ; the two rear rank men of these fries will, as so:m as (he rear rank of the company shail clear there, move to the right by advancing the outer shoulder ; the odd number will pldce himself b hind the third file from that flank, the even number behind the fourth, passing for this purpose be- hind the odd number ; the two front rank men will, in like man- ner, move to the right when the rear rank of tho company shall clear them, the oJd number will place himself behind the first tile, the even number behind the .second file, passing for this purpose behind the odd number. If the files are broken from the right, the men will move to the loft, advancing the outer ►houlder, the even number of the rear rank will p'aee himself behind the third file, the odd number of the sam : r^nk behind the fourth ; the even number of the froul rank behind the first tile, the odd number of the same rank behind the secojd, tin* umbers for this purpoej passing the even numbers. The men will be careful not to lose their distances and to keep aligned. 291. If the instructor should wish to break two files from tuw fame side, he will give the order to the captaiu, who will pro- ceed as ab >ve directed. 292. At the omman 1 march, given by the captain, the files already broken, advancing a little tlie outer shoulder, will gaiu the space of t»\o files to the right, if the files are broken from the left, and to the left, if the files are broken fiora the rUn 1 ,. shortening, at the same time, tho step, in order t«> make room between themselves and the rear rank of the company for the files last ordered to the rear ; the latter will break by the sann- commands and in the same manner as the first. The men win- douJe should increase the length of the step in order to prevent distances from bring lost. 29\ Tie instructor may thus dimiuish the front of a com- pany by breaking off successive groups of two files, but the new files must always be broken from the same side. 294. The instructor, wishing to cause the files broken off to return into line, will give the order to the captain, who will immediately command : 1 . Two files utio line. 2. Ma^cu. 29o. At the command march., tho first two files of those marching by the flank will return briskly iuto line, and the others will gain the space of two files by advancing the inner choulder towards tho flank to which they belong 296. The captain will turn to his company to watch the ob- servance of tho principles which have just been prescribed. 297. The instructor having caused groups of two files u 66 SCHOOL OF TI1K COMPANY. break one aftei another, and to return again into line, will after wards cause two or three groups to break together, and for this purpose will command : 1'onr or six files from left (or right) a, the rear; March. The files designated will mark time ; each rank will advance a little the outer shoulder as soon as the rear tank of tie company shall clear it, will oblique at once, and each group will place itself behind the four neighboring files, and in the same manner, as if the movement had been executed group by group, taking care that the distances are preserved. 298. The instructor will nezt order the captain to cause two or three groups to be brought into line at once, who, turning to the company, will command : Four or six files into line — March. 299. At the command march, the files designated will ad- vance the inner shoulder, move up and form on the flank of the company by the shortest lines. 300. As often as files shall break off to the rear, the guide on that Hank will gradually close on the nearest front rani man remaining in line, and ho will also open out to make roi m for files ordered into line. 301. The files which march in the rear arc disposed in the following order : the loft files as if the company was march ing by the right flank, and the right files as if the compan; were marching by the left flank. Consequently, whenevei there is on the right or left, of a subdivision, a file which does not belong to a group, it will be broken singly. 302. It is necessary to the preservation of distances ii column that the men should be habituated in the schools o! detail to execute the movements of this article with pre- cision. 303. If new files broken off do not step well to the left or light in obliquing ; if, when files are ordered i,nto line, they do not move up with promptitude and precision, in eilhei case the following files will be arrested in their, march, and thereby cause the column to be lengthened out. 304. The instructor will place himself on the flank from which the files arc broken, to assure himself of the exact ob- servance of the principles. S0&, Files will only be broken off from the side of direction, in order that the whole company may easily pass from the front to the flank march. Article Third. To march the column id route, and to execute the movements inci- dent thereto. .30G. The swiftness of the route step will be one hundred SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 81 and ten steps in a minute ; this swiftness will be habitually maintained in column in route, when the roads and ground nay permit. 307. The company being 1 at a halt, and supposed to consti- tute a subdivision of a column, when the instructor shall • wish to cause it to march in theroute step, he will command ; ]. Cchmn,fori- vr'd. '-!. Guide, kft (or right.) 3. Route stpp. 4. March. 308. At the command march, repeated by the captain, the 4 wo ranks will step olf together ; the rear rank will take, in marching, by shortening a few stops, a distance of one pace, (twenty-eight inches') from the rank preceding, which listance will be computed from the breasts of the men in the rear rank, to the knapsacks of the men in the front rank. The men, without further command, will immediately carry their arms at will, as indicated in the school of the soldier, No. 140. They will no longer be required to march in the cadenoe pace, or with the same foot, or to remain silent. The files will march at ease ; but care will be taken to pre- vent tho ranks from intermixing, the front rank from getting in advance of the guide, and the rear rank from opening to too great a distance. 309. The company marching in the route step, the instruc- tor will cause it to change direction, which will be executed without formal commands, on a simple caution from the cap- tain ; the rear rank will come up to change direction in the same manner as the front rank. Each rank will conform itself, although in the route step, to the principles which have been prescribed for the change in closed ranks, with this dif- ference only : that the pivot man, instead of taking steps of nine, will take steps of fourteen inches, in order to clear the wheeling point. 310. The company marching in the route step, to cause it to pass to the cadenced step, the instructor will first order pieces to be brought to the right shoulder, and then com- mand : 1. Quick time. 2. March. 311. At the command march, the men will resume the cadenced step, and will close so as to leave a distance ot -ixteen inches between each rank. 312. The company marching in the cadenced pace, the instructor, to cause it to take the route step, will command : 1. Route step. 2. March. 313. At the* command march, the front rank will continue Ahe step of twenty-eight inches, the rear rank will take, by 88 SCHOOL OF THE COMPAN1 gradually shortening the step, the distance of twenty -eight inches from the front rank : the men will carry their anns at will. 314. If the company be marching in the route step, and i he instructor should suppose the necessity of marching by the flank in the same direction, he will command : E. Company ly the right (or left ) Hank. 2 By file It right.) 3. March. 315. At the command march, the company will face to tin right (or left) in marching, the captain will place himself by 'it: side of the guide who conducts the leading flank .; this xnide will wheel immediately to the left or right ; all the files will come in succession to wheel on the same spot as the guide; ; if there be files broken off to the rear, they will, by wheeling, regain their respective places, and follow the movement of the company. 31G. The instructor, having caused the company to be again formed into line, will exercise it in increasing and di- minishing front, by platoon, which will be executed by the same commands, and the same means, as il the company ■were marching in the cadenced step. When the company hreaks into platoons, the chief of each will move to the flank, of his platoon, and will take the place of the guide, who will step back into the rear rank. 311. The company being in column, by platoon, and sup- ooscd to march in the route step, the instructor can cause ihe front to be diminished and increased, by section, if the platoons have a front of twelve hies or more. 318. The movements of diminishing and increasing front, by section, will be executed according to the principles indi- cated for the same movement by platoons. The right sec- tions of platoons will be commanded by the captain and first lieutenant, respectively ; the left sections, by the two next subalterans in rank, or. in their absence, by sergeants. 319. The instructor, wishing to diminish by section, will give the order to the captain, who will command • I. Break info sections. 2: Mv.rc2u. The company being- broken by pTatqon, or by section. tlic instructor will cause it, marching in the route step, t.« march by the flank in the same direction, by tii" commands and the means indicated, Nos. 314 and 31"'. The moment the subdivisions shall face to the right (or left,) the first file of each will wheel to the left (or right,) in marching, to pr ■- kong the direction, and to unite with the rear file of the sub- division immediately preceding. The file elisors will take their habitual places in the march by the flank, before the union of the subdivisions. 326. If the company be marching- by the right flank, and the instructor should wish to un iouble -. which might sometimes be found necessary, he will inform the captain, who, after causing thecadenced step to be resumed, and arms to be shouldered or supported, will command : 1. //: two rants, undouble file. 2. M.\;:cn. 5*27. At the second command, the odd numbers will con- tinue to march straight forward the ev< n numbers will short- en the step, and obliquing to the left will place themselves promptly behind the odd numbers; th rear rank will gain a step to the left so as to re-take the touch of elbows on the side of the front rank 328. If the company be marching by the left flank, it will be the even numbers who will continue to march forward, and the odd numbers who will un double. 329. If the instructor should wish to double the files, he- will give the order to the captain, who will command: 4 I fa famr -ranks, doubk jibs, 2 Mabch. SCa OL ( V THE COMPANY. 830. ,\t the command mtrch, the files v 111 doable in the man- i i r as explained, when the company faces by thcrightor the 1 left flank. The instructor will afterwards cause the route • :•• resumed. The various movements ; i in this lesson may • cuted in double quick time. Tne men v ill be brought, by degrees, to pass ovtjr at this gait a^out eleven hundred yards in sewn minutes. ' When the com| any marching in the route Btep shall halt, the rear rank will close up at the command halt, and the whole will shoulder anus 333. Marching in the route. step, .the men. will be permitted to cany their pieces in the manner they shall find must con- venieut, paying attention only to I* hi the muzzles up, so as to avoid accidents. ARTICLE POUBXH. Countermarch. ' 334. The company being at a halt, and supposed to consti- tute part of a column, right in front, when the instructor Khali wish to cause it to countermarch, he will command : 1. Counter march. 2. Company, right— Face. 3. By file left. 4. March. 335. At the second command, the company will face to the right, the two guides to the right about ; the captain will go to the right of his company and cause two liles to break to the rear, and then place himself by the side of the front rank man, to conduct him. 336, At the command march, both guides will stand fast ; the company will step off smartly ; the iirst file, conducted by the captain, v/ill wheel around the right guide, and direct its march along the front rank so as to arrive behind, and two paces from the left guide ; each file will come in succes- sion to wheel on the same ground around the right guide. ; the leading file having arrived at a point opposite to the left guide, the captain will command : I. Company. 2. Halt. 3. Fiion't. 4. Right — Dress. 331. The first command will be given at/ywr paces from the point where the leading file is to rest. 338. At the second command, the company will halt. 339. At the third, it will face to the front. 340. At the fourth, the company will dress by the right ; the captain will step two paces outside of the left guide, now on the right, and direct the alignment, so that the front rank may be enclosed between the two guides ; the company being LESSON VI AF.T.y V..I \.\'.1..LLXJ rxzrrrnxs 6 r i i i i i i-Lu i l l l l l I I I I l~T r5 □ i ; i i i-j- i I I i j^i i i i i i i I M M 1 I ll - SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. aligned, lie will command Front, and place himself before -the centre of the company as. if in column ; the guides, pass- ing along the front rank, will shift to their proper places, ou the right and left ol that rank. 341. In a column, by platoon, the countermarch will be executed by the same commands, and according to the saim principles : the guide of each platoon will face about, ami its chief wit! place himself by the side of the file on the right, to conduct it, §42. In a column, left in front, the countermarch will 1» executed by inverse commands and means, bill according t<: the same principles. Thus, the movement will be made by the right; flank of subdivisions, if the right be in front, a&d by the left flank, if the left be in front ; in both cases tin subdivisions will wheel by Sle to the side of the front ran 1 . .Article Fifth. Jjcing in column b>; platoon, to form on the right (or left) ini< line cf battle. 343. The column fey platoon, .right in front, being in march ; the instructor, wishing to form it on the right into Hue of battle, will command: 1. On the right into line. 2. Guide right 311. At the second command, the guide of each pla will shift quickly to its right flank, and the men will touch elbows to the right ; the column will continue to march straight forward. 3-45. The instructor having given the second command, will move briskly to the point at which the right of the com- pany ought, to rest in line, and place I Iraself facing the point of direction to the left which he will choose. 340. The line of battle ought to be bo chosen that the guidi of each platoon, after having tinned to the right, may have, at least, ten paces to take before arriving upon that line. 347. The head of the, column being nearly opposite to the instructor, the ►chief of the first platoon will command: 1. Right turn :. and when exactlv opposite to that point, he will add : 2. March. 348., At the command march, the first platoon will turn to the right,, in conformity with the principles prescribed in the school of the soldier, No. 333. Its guide will so direct his march as to bring the front rank man, next on his left, oppo- OF THK COMPANY. site to the instructor ; the chief of the platoon will marc)* before itc when its guide shall be near the line tli l ■_ will comm 1. Platoon. 2. Hal:. 340. At i." command halt, which will be given at the in- Ktant the right of th • platoon shall arrive at the distance of three paces from the line of battle, the platoon will halt ; the files, nol yet in line, will come up promptly. The guide will throw- himself on the line of battle, opposite to one of of the three left, fil»s of his platoon ; he will face to the in- structor, who will align him on the point of direction to the loft. The chief of platoon having, at the same time gone to the point where right of the company is to rest, will, i a > »on as he set e all the files of the platoon in line, command : Right — Dri 3.")0. At this the first platoon will align itself; the front rank man, who fiuds himself opposite to the guide, will rest his breast lightly against the right arm of this guide, and the chief of the | latoon, from the right, will direct the align- ment on this man. 351. The second platoon will continue to inarch straight forward, until iis guide shall arrive opposite to the left file of the first ; it will then turn to the right at the command of its chief, and march towards the line of battle, its guide di- recting himself on the left file of the lirst platoon. 35-J. The guide having arrived at the distance of three paces from the line of battle, this platoon will be halted, as prescribed for the first ; at the instant it halts, i t a guide will spring on the line of battle, opposite to one of the three left tiles of his platoon, and will be assured in his position by the instructor. 353. The chief of the second platoon, seeing all its files in line, and ity. guide established on the direction, will com- mand : Right -Dress. 354". Having given this command, he will return to his- place as a file closer, passing around the left ; the second platoon will dress up on the alignment of the first, «.*k! v* bi-n established, the captain will command : FftOJJT. 355. The movement ended, the instructor will command . Qnidts— rPosTS SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY. 5? 356. At this command, the two guides will return to their places in line of battle. 357. A column, by platoon, left in front, will form on the left into line of battle, according to the same principles, and, by inverse means, applying- to the second platoon what is prescribed for the first, and reciprocally. The chief of the second platoon having' aligned it, from the point of appui, (the left,) will retire to his place as a file closer. The captain having halted the first platoon three paces behind the line of battle, will go the same point to align {his platoon, and then command : Front. At the command, guides— posts, given by the instructor, the captain will shift to his proper flank, and the guides take their places in the line of battle. 358. When the companies of a regiment are be exercised, at the same time, in the school of the company, the colonel will indicate the lesson or lessons they are severally to exe- cute. The whole will commence by a bugle signal, and ter- minate in like manner. Formation of a company from two ranks into single rank, ami reciprocally. 359. The company being formed into two ranks in th • manner indicated No 8, school of the soldier, and supposed to make part of a column, right or left in front, w'.ien the in- structor shall wish to form into single rank, he will com- mand : 1. In one rani', form company. 2. Marck. 300. At the first command, the right guide will face to the right. 361. At the command march, the right guide will step ofl" and march in the prolongation of the front rank. 3G2. The first file will step off at the same time with the guide ; the front rank man will turn to the right at the first step, follow the guide, and be himself followed by the rear rank man of his file, who will come to turn on the same spot where he had turned. The second file, and successively all the other files, will step off as has been prescribed for tbe first, the front rank man of each file following immediately the rear rank man of the file next on his right. The captain will superintend the movement, and when the last man shall have stepped off, he will halt the company, aud face it to the i'ront. 363. The file closers will take their places in line of battle, two paces in rear of the rank. 364. The company being in single rank, when the instruc- tor shall wish to form it into two ranks, ho will command : :u SCHOOL or Tin-: comtaxy. 1 In /'" i ranks, form company, 2. Company right — Face* 3. March. At the second command, tlif company will face to tl.e right : the right guide and the man on the right will remain faced to tl.t: front. 306. At the command marcn, the men who have faced to the right, will step off, and form files in* the following man- ner : the second man in the rank will place himself behind the first to form the first file ; the third will place himself by •he side of the first in the front rank ; the fourth .behind the third in the rear rank. All the others will, in like manner, themselves, alternately; in the front and rear rank, and will thus form iiles of two men, on the left of those already formed. o67. The formations above described will be habitually ex ecuted by the right of companies ; but when the iu'st-ructo shall wish to have them executed by the left, he will face the company about, and post the guides in the rear rank. 368. The formation will then be executed by the same com- mands, and according' to the same principles as by the front rank : the movement commencing- with the left file, now be- come the right, and in each rile by the rear rank man, now become the front ; the left Liiide will conform to what has been prescribed for the right. 369. The formation ended, the instructor will face the com- pany to its proper front. 370. When a battalion in line has to execute cither of the formations above described, the colonel will cause it to break to the: rear by the right or left of companies, and will then give the commands just prescribed for the instructor. Each company will execute the movement as if acting singly. Formation of a company from two ranis into four, and recipro- cally, at a halt, and in march. 371. The company being formed in two ranks, at a halt, and supposed to form a part of a column right in front, when the instructor shall wish to form it into four ranks, he will command : ]. hi four ranks, form company. 2. Company left — Face 3. March (or double quick — March.) 372. At the second command, the left guide will remain faced to the front, the company will face to the left : the rear vauk will gain the distance of one pace from the front school of the compaxt. s: rank by a side step to the left and rear, and the men will form into four ranks as prescribed in the school of the soldier. 373. At the command march, the first file of fonr men will refacc to the iron; without nudoubling. All the other files of four will step off*, and closing successively to about five inches of the preceding file, will halt, and immediately face to the front, the men remaining doubled. 314. The file closers will take their new places in line of battle, at two prices in rear of the fourth rank. 315. The captain will superintend the movement. 376. The company being in four ranks, when the 1 instructor shall wish to form it into two ranks, he will command : 3. In two ranks, form company. 2. Company right — Pace 3. March (or double quid- — March.) 377. At the second command the left guide will stand fast, the company will face t<> Ine right. 378. At the command marvh, the right guide will step off and march in the prolongation of the front rank. T*>e leading file of four men will step off at the same time; the other files standing fast ; the second tile will step off when there shall be between it and the first space sufficient to form into two ranks. The following files will execute successively what has been prescribed for the second. As Boon as the last tile shall have its distance, the instructor will command : 1. Company. 2. Halt. 3. Front. 37t. At the command front, the company will face to the front, and the files will undouble. 380. The company being formed in two ranks, and march- ing to the front, when the instructor shall wish to form it into four ranks, he will command : 1. In four ranks, form company. 2. By the left, double Jiles o. March (or double quick — March.) 381. At the command march, tie left guide and the left file of the company will continue to m%rch straight to the front : the company will make a half face to the left, the odd numbers placing themselves behind the even numbers. The even numbers of the rear rank will shorten their steps a lit- tle to permit the odd numbers of the front rank to get be- tween them and the even numbers of that rank. The files thus formed of ionrs, except the left file, will continue to march obliquely, lengthening- their steps slightly, so as to keep constantly abreast of the guide; each file will close sue- 56 S.'iiOOL OF THE COMIWN i ccssively on the file next . -March (or double, rp/ick — March.) 23. At the first command, the second and third lieutenants will place themselves rapidly two paces behind the centres of the right and left sections of the first platoon ; the fifth sergeant will move one pace in front of the cen- tre of the first platoon, and will place himself between the two sections in the front rank as soon as the movement begins ; the fourth sergeant will place himself on the left of the front rank of "the same platoon, as soon as he can pass. The captain will indicate to this sergeant the poiut on which be wishes him to direct his march. The first lieutenant, placing himself before the centre of the second platoon, will command : Seco?id platoon baekwafd— March. 24. At this command, the second platoon will step three paces to the rear, so as to unmask the flaukof the first platoon. It will then be halted by it*? chief, and the second sergeant will place himself on the left, and the third sergeant on the right flank of this platoon. 25 At the command march, the left group of four men, conducted by the fourth sergeant, will direct itself on the point indicated ; all the other groups of fours throwing forward briskly the left shoulder, will move diagonally to the front in double quick time, so as to gain to the right the space of twenty paces, which shall be the distance between each group and that immediately on its left. When the second group from the left shall arrive on a line with and twenty paces from the first, it will march straight to the front, conform- ing to the gait and direction of the first, keeping constantly on the same alignment and at twenty paces from it. The third group, and all the others will conform to what has just been prescribed for the second ; they will arrive successively on the line. The right guide will arrive with the last group. 26. The left guide having reached the point where the left of the line should rest, the captain will command the skirmishers to halt ; the men composing each group of fours will then immediately deploy at five paces from each other, and to ^e right and left of the front rank man or the ever^ file iu each group, the rew rank men placing themselves on the left of their file leaders. If any groups be not in line at the command halt, they will move up rapidly, conforming to what has just been described. 27. If. during the deployment, the line should be fired upon by the enemy, the captain may cause the groups of fours to deploy, as they gain their proper distances. 28. The line being foimed, the nou-commissioned officers on the right, left and centre of the platoon will place themselves ten paces in rear of the line, 100 [NSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS. • iiu intended that the directing guide should be on the right, or left, the command guide right, or guide left, will be given immediately alter that of forward. 71. The captain, wishing the line of skirmishers to advance, will command : 1. Forward. 2. March [or double quick — Mabch.] 72. This command will be repeated with the greatest rapidity by the chiefs of sections, and in case of need, by the sergeants. This rule i- general, whether the skirmishers march by the front or by the flan'*. 73. At the first command, three sergeants will move briskly on the line, tb*' first on the right, the second on the left, and the third in the centre. 74. At the command March, the line will move to the front, the guide charged with the direction will move on the point indicated to him, the skirmishers will bold themselves aligned on this guide, and preserve their intervals towards him. 75. The chiefs of sections will march immediately behind their sections, so as to direct their movement. 76. The captain will give a general superintendence to the movement. 77. When he shall wish to halt the skirmishers, lie will command : Halt. 7S. At this command, briskly repeated, the line will halt. The chiefs of sections will promptly rectify any irregularity in the alignment and intervals, and after taking every possible ad~atitage which the ground may offer for protecting the men. they, with the three sergeauts in the line, will retire to their proper places in rear. 79. The captain, wishing to nvireh the rkirmishers in retreat. will command : 1. Tn retreat. 2. March [or double quick — Mabch.] 60. At the first command, the three Bergeants will move ou the line as prescribed No. 73. 81. At the command March, the skirmishers will face about individually, and march to the rear, conforming to the principles prescribed No. 74. 82. The officers and sergeants will use every exertion to preserve order. 83. To halt the skirmishers marching in retreat, the captain will command : 104 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS. Halt. mmand, the Bkirmishers will halt, and immediately fa the froiit. - lid Ike thr a 1 im 11 to I No. 78. To ChaKOK DlBliCTIOK. 86. If the commander ol a line <>f skirmisher- Bball wish to cause it to ■•bange direction to the right, lie will command : 1. S .'. M >. ■■■ ii , '•■■•■ h jui Mar< ii.i 87. At tbe command March, the rigbt gnide vrfll mark time in bin place ; tbe left guide will move in a circle t" tbe rigbt, and tbat be may properly regulate bis movements, will occasionally casl hi- eyi to tb right, bo up to observe tbe direction of the line, and the nature of tbe ground to be passed over. The centre gnide will also inarch in a circle to tbe right, and in order to conform bis movements to the general direction, will take cat steps are only ball the lengl b ol t 1 ".' steps ol tbe guide on tbe left. 88. The skirmishers will regulate the length of their steps by tb from the marching Gank, b ing less as they approach tCe pivot, and greater as they are removed from it ; they will qften lock >■> the m in hiog ink, ■ irve the direction and their intervals. 89. When tbe commander Of tbe line shall wish to resumi the direct march, he will command : 1. / !. March. 90. At the command March, tbe line will cease to wheel, «nd the skirmishers will move direct to the front : the centre guide will march on the point which will be indicated to him. 91. If the captain should wish to halt the lino, in pla< ig it to the front, he will command : Halt. 9ii. At this command, the line will bait. 93. A change of direction to the left will be m«de i scardiug to tbe same principles, and by inverse meaus. 94. A line of skirmishers inarching in retreat, will change direction bj i " same means, and by the sanm commands, as a line marching in advance ; for example, it the captain should wislj to refuse his left, now become tbe right, he will command: 1. Left wheel. '-'• Makch. At the command Halt, the rkirmishers will face the enemy. 95. But if, instead of halting tbe line, the captain should wish to continue to march it in retreat, h" will.ulvu he judges the line has wheeled sufficiently. command : 1. Li rclnat. 2. MARCH. To ft Alt C H B Y T B i: F I. A K E . 96. The captain, wishing the skirmishers to march by tbe righl flank, will comman^ : 1. By the right flank. -■ March (or double quick March.) 97. At the first command, tbe three sergeants will place themselves on the line. 98. At the command March, the skirmishers will face to the right, and move off; the right guide will place himself by the side ot the leading man on the right to conduct him. and will inarch on the point indicated : each INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS. 105 skirmisher will take care to follow exactly in the direction of the one imme- diately preceding him. and to preserve bis distance. 99. The skirmishers may be marched by the left flank. according to the same principles, and by the same commands, substituting left for right; the left guide will place himself by the side of the leading man to conduct him. 100. If the skirmishers be marching by the flank, and the captain should wish to halt them, he will command : Halt. 101. At this command, the skirmishers will halt and face to the enemy The officers and sergeants will conform to what has been prescribed No. 78. 102. The reserve should execute all the movements pf the line, and be held always about one buudrcd and fifty paces from it, bo ;\- to be in position to second its operations. 103. When the chief of the reserve shall wish to march it in advance, be will command : 1. Platoon forward. 2. 3. March. If he should wish to march it in retreat, he will command : 1. //' retreat. 2. MARCS. 3. Guide right. At the command Halt, it will reface to the enemy. 104. The men should be made to understand that the signals c r commands, such as forward, mean that the skirmishers shall march on the enemy ; in retreat, that they shall retire, and to the right or left flank, that the men must face to the right or left, whatever may be their position. 105. If the skirmishers be marching by the flank, aud the captain should wish to change direction to the right (or left), he will command : 1. By Hit right (or leftj. 2. MARCS. ARTICLE THIRD. THE FIRINGS. 106. Skirmishers will cither lire at a halt or marching. To Fire at a Halt. 107. To cause this lire ( be executed, the captain will command : [ N G . 108. At this command, briskly rep meu of the front rank will commence tiring ; they will reload rapidly, and hold themselves in readiness to fire again. During this time the men of the rear rank will come to a ready, and as soon as their respective file leaders have loaded, they will also fire aud reload. The men of each file will thus continue the firing, conforming to this principle, that the one or the other shall always have his piece loaded. 109. Light troops should be always calm, so as to aim with accuaacy ; they should, moreover, endeavor to estimate correctly the distance between them- selves and the enemy to be hit, and thus be enabled to deliver their fire with the greater certainty of success. 110. Skirmishers will not remain in the same place whilst reloading, unless protected by accidents iu the ground. To fire marc}* 111. This fire will be executed by the same commands as the tire at a hall. 112. At the command commence firing, it the line bo advancing, the front rank man of every file will halt, fire, aud reload before throwing himself for- ward. The rear rank man of the same file will continue to march, and after passing ten or twelve paces beyond his front rank man. will halt, come to a ready, select his object, and fire when his front rank man lias loaded : the tire will thus continue to be executed by each file ; the skirmishers will keep united, and endeavor, as much as possible, to preserve the general direction of the alignment. u 10G INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS. - LIS. If the line be marching in retreat, at the command commence firing, tun front rank man of every file will halt, lace to the enemy, lire, and then reload whilst moving to the rear ; the rear rauk man of the same file will continue to march, and halt tenor twelve paces beyond his front rank man, lace about, come to a ready, and fire, when his front rank man has passed him in retreat and loaded ; after which he will remove to the rear and reload ; the front rank man in his turn, after marching briskly to the rear, will halt at ten or twelve paces from the rear rank, face to the enemy, load his piece and Are, conforming to what ha? just been prescribed ; the firing will thus be continued. 114. If the company be marching by the right flank, at the command com- menoe firing, the front rank man of every file will face to the enemy, step one pace forward, halt, and fire ; the rear rank man will continue to move for- ward. As soon as the front rank man has Bred, he will place himself briskly behind his rear rank man and reload whilst marching. When he has loaded, the rear rank man will, in his turn, step one pace forward, halt, and lire, and returning to the ranks, will place himself behind his front rank map. ; the lat- ter, in hi3 turn, will act in the same manner, observing the same principles. At the command, cease firing, the men of the rear rank will retuke their origi- nal positions, if not already there. 115. If the company be marching by the left Hank, the lire will be executed according to the same principles, but in this case, it will be the rear rank men who will fire first, 11G. The following *ulcs will be observed in the cases to which they apply. 117. If the line be firing at a halt, or whilst inarching by the Hank, at the command. Forward— Mabch. it will be the men whose pieces are loaded, with- out regard to the particular rauk to which they belong, who will mov,. to the front. ° Those men whose pieces have been discharged', will remain in their places to load them before moving forward, and the liring will be continued agreeably to the principles prescribed No. 112. °118. If the line be firing either at a halt, advancing, or whilst marchi the flank, at the command, In re'.rta! — MARCH, the men whose pieces are load- ed will remain faced to the enemy, arid will fire in this positiou : the men whose pieces are discharged will retreat loading them, and the lire will be continued agreeably to the principles prescribed No. 113. 119. If the line of skirmishers be firing either at a hah. advancing, or in retreat, at the command. By the right {or l$ft) flank — Maboh, the men whose pieces are loaded will step one pace out of the general alignment, face to the enemy, and fire in this position ; the men whose pieces are unloaded will face to the right (or left) and march in the direction indicated. The men who step- ped out of the ranks will place themselves, immediately after liring, upon the "•eneral direction, and in rear of their front or rear rank men, as the case may bo. The fire will be continued according to the principles prescribed No. lit. 120. Skirmishers will be habituated to load their pieces whilst marching ; but they will be enjoined to halt always an instant, when in the aet of charg- ing cartridge, and priming. 121. They should be practised lo lire and load kneeling, lying down, and silting, and much liberty should be allowed in these exercises, in order that they should be executed in the manner found to be most convenient. Skirmi- shers should be cautioned not to forget that, in whatever position they may load, it is important that the piece should be placed upright before ramming, in order that the entire charge of powder may reach the bottom of the bore. 122. In commencing the lire, the men of the same rank should not all fire at once, and the men of the same file should be particular that one or the other of them be always loaded. 123. In retreating, the officer commanding the skirmishers should seize on every advautage which the ground may present, for arresting the enemy as long as possible. 124. At the 6ignal to cease firing, the captain will see that the order is s. tz r [y^a^ji^B^^i^i^B^ H 5* ■•*«£• •>j-S *** ♦ : INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS. 101 promptly obeyed ; but the men who may nut be loaded, will load. If the line be marching, it will continue the movement ; but the man of each file who happens to be in front, will wait until the man in rear shall be abreast with him. L25. I! a li lishers be firing advancing-, at the command, halt, the line will re-form upon the skirmishers who are in front ; who:', tho line is re- treating', upon the skirmishers who are in rear. 12G. Officers should watch with the greatest possible vigilance over a line of skirmishers ; in battle, they should neither carry a ride or fowling piece, hi all the firings, they, as well as the sergeants, should Bee that order i lence are praserved, and that the skirmishers do not wander imprudently: they should especially caution them to be calm and collected : not to fire un- til they distinctly perceived the objects at which they aim. and are sure that those objects are within proper range. Skirmishers should take adva promptly, and with intelligence, of all shelter, and of all accidents of th" ground, to conceal themselves from th;; view of the enemy, and to protect themselves from his lire. It may often happen, that intervals are momentari- ly lost when several men near each other find a common shelter : but when they quit this position they should immediately resume their intervals and their places in line, so that they may rowding, needlessly themselves to the fire of the enemy. ARTICLE FOURTH. Thr Rally.— To Form Column. 127. A company deployed as skirmishers, is rallied in order to oppose the enemy with better success ; the rallies arc made at a run, and with bayonets fixed; when ordered to rally, the skirmishers fix bayonets without command. 128. There are several ways of rallying, which tie- chief of the line will adopt according to circumstances. 129. If the line, marching or at a halt, b disturbed by scatl horsemen, it will not be necessary to fall back on the reserve, but the captain will cause bayonets to be fixed. If the horsemen should, however, advat charge the skirmishers, the captain will command, rally by four*. The line will halt, if marching, and the four men of each group will execul in the following mauuer ; the front rank men ol the even numbered file will take the position of guard against cavalry ; the rear rank man of the odd num- bered file will also take the positiou of guard against cavalry, turning his back to him, his right foot thirteen inches from the right foot of the former and par- allel to it ; the front rank man of the odd file, and the rear rank man of the even file, will also place themselves back to back, taking a like position, and between the two men already established, facing to the right and left : tlo- right feet of the four men will be brought, together, forming a square, and ser- ving for mutual support. The four men in each group will come to b ready, tire as occasion may offer, and load without moving their feet. 130. The captain and chiefs of sections will each cause the tour men who constitute his guard to form square, the men separating so as to enable him and the bugler to place themselves in the centre. The three sergeants will each promptly place himself in the group nearest him in the line of. skirmi- shers. 131. Whenever the captain shall judge these squares too weak, but should wish to hold his position by strengthening his line, he will command : Rally by Soctiom. 132. At this command, the chiefs of sections will move rapidly on the centre group of their respective sections, or on any other interior group whose posi- tion might offer a shelter, or other particular advantage : the skirmishers will 108 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS. collect rapidly at a run oa this group, and without distinction oi' number?. The men composing the group on which the formation is made, will imme- diately form square, as heretofore expl the bar- onets uppermost, in order I on which the rally is to be made. The other skirmish rs as they arrive, will occupy and fill the open angular Bpaces between these fonr men, and successively rally around this first nucleus, and in BUCh a manner as to form rapidly a compact circle. The skirmishers will take as they arrive, the position of charge bayonet, th of the bayonet more elevated, ami will cock their pieces in this position. The movement concluded, the two exterior ranks will lire as occasion may offer, and load without moving their I 133. The captain will move rapidly with his guard, wherever he may judge his preseucc is most necessary. 134. The officers and sergeants will be particular to observe that the rally is made in silence, and with promptitude and order ; that .some pieces in each of their subdivisions be at all times loaded, and that the fire is directed on those points only where it will be the most effective. 13o. If the reserve should be threatened, it will form in a circle around its chief. 13G. JXthe captain, or commander ol a line of skirmishers formed of many platoons, should judge that the rally by sectiou does not offer sufficient resis- tance, he will cause the rally by platoons to be executed, and for this purpose, will command : Rally by platoons. 137. This movement wiil be executed according to the same principles, and by the same means, as the rally by sections. The chiefs of platoon will con- form to what has been prescribed for the chiefs of section. 138. The captain wishing to rally the skirmishers on the reserve, will com- maud : Rally on the reserve. 139. At this command, the captain will move briskly on the reserve; the officer who commands it will take immediate steps to form square ; for this purpose, he will cause the half sections oa the Hanks to be thrown perpendi- cularly to the rear ; he will order the men to come to a ready. 110. The skirmishers of each section, taking the run. will form rapidly into groups, and upon that man of each group who is nearest the centre ot the sec- tion. These groups will direct themselves diagonally towards each other, and in such manner as to form into Sections with tiie greatest rapidity while mo- ving .to the rear ; the officers and sergeants will see that this Formation is made in proper order, and the chiefs will direct their Sections upon the reserve, taking care to unmask it to the right and left. As the skirmishers arrive, they will continue and complete the formation of the Bquare begun by the re- serve, closing in rapidly upon the hater, without regard to their places in line ; they will come to a ready without, command, and fire upon the enemy ; which will also be done by the reserve as soon as it is unmasked by the skir- mishers. 141. If a section should be closely pressed by cavalry while retreating, its chief will command Halt ; at this command, the men will form rapidly into a compact circle around the officer, who will re-form his section, and resume the march, the moment he can do so with safety. 1 12. The formation ot the Bquare in a prompt and efficient manner requires coolness aud activity on the part of both officers and sergeants. 143. The captain will also profit by every moment of respite which the ene- my's cavalry may leave him ; as soon as he can. he will endeavor to place himself beyond the reach of their charges, either by gaining a position where he may defend himself with advantage, or by returning to the corps to which INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS. 109 he belongs. For this purpose, being iu square, he will cause the company to break into column by platoons at halt' distance: to this effect, lie will com- mand : 1. form column. 2. March. 1 14. At the command March, each platoon will dress oa its centre, and the platoon which was facing to the rear will face about without command. The guides will place themselves on the right and left of their respective platoons, those of the second platoon will place themselves at half distance from these of the lirst, counting from the rear rank. These dispositions being made, the captain can move the column in whatever direction he may judge proper. 11"). If he wishes to march it in retreat, be will command: 1. In retreat. 2. Marco (or double guick — March). Uti. At the command March, the column will immediately face by the rear rank, and move oft' in the opposite direction. A the column is in motion, the captain will command : 3. Guide right (or Iff I.) 147. lie will indicate the direction to the leading guide ; the g, tides Will march at their proper distances, and the men will keepaligned. 148. If again threatened by cavalry, the captain will command : 1. Form square. .'.. March. 1-49. At the command March, the column Will halt : the Bret platoon will face about briskly, and the outer half sections of each platoon will be thrown perpendicularly to the rear, so as to form the second and third fronts of the square. The officers and sergeants will promptly rectify any irregularities which may be committed. 150. If he should wish to march the column iu advance, the captain will command : 1. Form column. 2. March. 151. Which Will be executed as prescribed No. 14 1. 152. The column being formed, the captain will command : 1. Forward. 2. March (or double quick — March). '.). Guide Iff! (or right.) 153. At the second command, the column will move forward, and at the third command, ihe men will take the touch of elbows to the side of the guide. 154. If the captain should wish the column to gain grouud to the right or left, he will do so by rapid wheels to the side opposite the guide, and for this purpose, will change the guide whenever it may be necessary. 155. If a company be in column by platoon, at half distance, right in front, the captain can deploy the first platoon as skirmishers by the means already explained ; but if it should be his wish to deploy the second platoon forward OD the centre file, leaving the first platoon in reserve, he will command : 1. Second platoon— as skirmithers. -• On the centre file— take intervals. '■). March (or double quick — March.) 156. At the lirst command, the chief of the first platoon will caution his pla- toon to stand fast : t!u> chiefs of sections oi the second platoon will place themselves before the centre of their sections : the fifth sergeant Will place himself one pace in front of the centre of the second platoon. 157. At the second command, the chief of the right section, second platoon, will command : SetAion, right face ; the chief of the left section: Section, left fice. 158. At the command March, these sections will move oft' briskly in oppo- site directions, and having unmasked the first platoon, the chiefs of sections will respectively command : By the left flanls—TAk'RCtt. and By the right flank-* 110 INSTRUCTIONS FOB SKIRMISHE ICjlBGB ; mid as bood i arrive on the aligment ot the first pin- toon, they will command : A» «fctrmuA t.'jis beyond tfa • alignment •>:' the Brsl platoon : die de- ployment will then be made by the flank according to the principh - prescrib- ed*. L60. When one or more platoon? are deployed as skirmisher.-, and the cap- tain should wish totally tie m on the battalion, he will command : Rally on t. ■ 101. At this command, the skirmish* . . ve, no matter what po- sition the company to which they belong may occupy in order ol battle, will rapidly unmask the Jront ol the battalion, directing themselves in a run to- wards it-- nearest Hank, and then form in its rear. 1G2. As soon as the skirmishers have pai sed beyond the line of file closers, the men will take the quick step, and the chief of each platoou or section will re-form his subdivision, and place it in column behiud the wing on which it is rallied : and at ten paces lroni the rank of file closers. These subdivisions will not be moved except by order ot the commander of the battalion, who may, if he thinks proper, throw them into line ofbattlc :>t the extremities of the line, or in the intervals between the battalions. ]63. If many platoons should be united behind the samj wing of a battalion, or behind auy* shelter whatsoever, th : rm d always in close column, or into column at half distance. 164 When the battalion, covered by a company ot skirmishers, shall be formed into square, the platoons and sections of the covering company will be direct. d by their chiefs to the tear of the square, which will be opened at the angles to receive the skirmishers, who will be then formed into close column by platoons in rear of the first front of the square. 1G5. If circumstances should prevent the angles ot the square from being opened, the skirmishers will throw themselves at the feet of the front rank men, the right knee ou the ground, the butt of the piece resting on the thigh, the bayonet in a threatening position. A part may also .place themselves about the angles, where they can render good service by defending the sectors without fire. 160. If the battalion on which the skirmishers are rallied, be iu column ready to form square, the skirmishers will be formed into close column by platoon, in rear of the centre "I the third division, and at the command. Form sijmtre — MARCH, they will move forward and close on the buglers. 167. When skirmishers have been rallied by pla ctjon behiud the wings of a battalion, and it be wished to deploy them again to the front, they will be marched by the flank towards the intervals on the wings, and bo then deployed so as to cover the front of the battalion 108. When platoons or sections, placed in the interior of squares or columns, are to be deployed, they will be marched out by the flanks, and then thrown forward, as is precribed No. 157 ; as soon as they shall have unmasked the column or square, they will be deployed; the one on the right, the other on the loft file. Uy. 1G9. A company deployed as skirmishers will be assembled wh^n there is no longer danger of its being disturbed; the assembly will be made habitually in quick time. 170. The captain wishing to assemble the skirmishers ou the reserve will command : INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS. Ill Assemble on (he reserve. 171. At this command, the skirmishers will assemble by groups of lours ; the front rank men will place themselves behind their rear rank men; and each group of fours will erect itself on the reserve, where each will take its proper place in the ranks. Wheu the company is re-formed, it will re-join the battalion to which it belongs. 172. It may be also proper to assemble the skirmishers on ilie centre, or on the right or left of the line, either marching, or at a halt. 173. If the captain should wish to assemble them on the centre while marching, he will command : bit on till- centre. 174. At this command, the centre guide will continue to march directly to the front on the point indicated ; the front rank man of the directing file "will follow the guide, and be covered by his rear rank man : the other two comrades of this group, and likewise those on their left, will march diagon- ally, advancing the left shoulder and accelerating the gait so as to re-form the groups while drawing nearer and nearer tie directing file ; the men of the right section will unite in the same manner into groups, and then upon the directing file, throwing forward the right shoulder. As they successively unite on the centre, the men will bring their pieces to the right shoulder. 175. To assemble on the right or left file will be executed according to the same principles. 170. The assembly ol a line marching in retreat will also be executed according to the same principles, the front rank men marching behind their rear rank men. 177. To assemble the line of skirmishers at a halt, and on the line thej occupy, the captain will give the same command ; the skirmishers will face to the right or left, according as they should march by the right or left flank, re-form the groups while marching and thus arrive on the file which served a« the point of formation. As they successively arrive, the skirmishers will support arms. ARTICLE FIFTH. lit DSPLOY A BATTALION AS SKIRMISHERS, VN'K TO RALLY Tins BATTALION. 'I'n dtp/oif (he battalion as skirmish 178. A battalion being in line of battle, if the commander should wish to deploy it on the right of the sixth company, holding the three right companies in reserve, he will signify his intention to the lieutenant colonel and adjutant, and also to the major, who will be directed to take charge of the reserve. lit will point out to the lieutenant colonel the direction he wishes to give, the line, as well as the point where he wishes the right of the sixth company to rest, and to the commander of the, reserve the place he may wish it established. 179. The lieutenant colonel will move- rapidly in front of the right of the sixth company, and the adjutant in front of the left of the same company. The commander of the reserve will dispose of it in the manner to be herein- after indicated. ISO. The colonel will command : 1. First (or second) platoon — firs skirmishers. 2. On the right of the sixth company —tal;e intervals. 3. March (or double quick — March.) 181. At the scond command, the captain? of the fifth and sixth companies will prepare to deploy the first platoons of their respective companies, the sixth on its right, the filth on its left file. IXS INSTRUCTIONS FOB SKIRMISHERS. 182. The captain of the fourth company will face it to the right, the aud captains of the Beventh and eighth i Iheir respective companies to the Left. 183. At the command march, the moveme&t will commence. The platoons of the fifth and etath companies will deploy forward : the right guide of the sixth will march on the point which will be indicated to him by the lieutenant colonel. 181. The company which baa faced to the right, and also the companies which have faced to the left, will march straight forward. The fourth com- pany will take an interval of one hundred paces counting from the left of the fifth, and its chiefs will deploy its first platoon on its left file. The seventh and eighth companies will each take an interval of one hundred paces, counting from the first file of the company, which is immediately on its right; and the chiefs of these companies will afterward deploy their first platoons on the right file. ?.S5. The. guides who conduct the files on which the deployment is made, should be careful to direct themselves towards the outer man ot the neighbor- ing company, already deployed as skirmishers ; or if the company has not finished its deployment, they will judge carefully the distance which may still be required to place all these files in Hue. and will then march on the point thus marked out. The companies, as they arrive on the line, will align themselves ou those already deployed. 186. The lieutenant-colonel and adjutant will follow the deployment, the one on the right, the other on the left ; the movement concluded, they will place themselves near the colonel. 187. The reserves of the companies will be established in ecbellon, in the following manner; the reserve of the sixth company will be placed one hundred and fifty paces in rear of the right of this company ; the reserves of the fourth and fifth companies, united, opposite the centre of their line of skirmishers, and thirty paces in advance of the reserve of the sixth company: the reserves of the seventh and eighth companies, also united, opposite the centre of their line of skirmishers, and thirty paces farther* to the rear than the reserve of the sixth company. 188. The major commanding the companies composing the reserve, on receiving an order from the colonel to that eli'ect. will march these companies thirty paces to the rear, and will then ploy them into column by company, at half "distance : after which, he will conduct the column to the point which shall have been indicated to him. 189. The colonel will have a general superintendence of the movement : and when it is finished, will move to a point in rear of the line whence his view may best embrace the parts, in order to direct their movements. 190. If, instead of deploying forward, it be desired to deploy by the Sank. the sixth and fifth companies will be moved to the front ten or twelve paces, halted, and deployed by the flank, the one on the right, the other ©n the left file, by the means already indicated. Each of the other companies will be marched by the flank ; and as soon as the last file of the company. next towards the direction, shall have taken its interval, it will lie moved upon the line established by the fifth and sixth companies, halted, and deployed. 191. In the preceding example, it has been supposed that the battalion was in order of battle ; but if in column, it would be deployed as skirmishers by the same commands aud according to the same principles. 192. If the deployment is to be made forward, the directing company, as soon as it is unmasked, will be moved ten or twelve paces in front of the head of the column, and will be then deployed on the file indicated. Each of the other companies will take its interval to the right or left, and deploy as soon as it is taken. 193. If the deployment is to be made by the flank, the directing company will be moved in the same manner to the front, as soon as it is unmasked, and .1.07 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SKIRMISHERS. 113 will then be halted and deployed by the flank, on the file indicated. Each of the other companies will be marched by the flank, and when its interval is taken, will be moved on the line, halted, and deployed as soon as the company next towards the direction shall have finished its deployment. 194. It has been prescribed to place the reserves in echellon. in order that they may, in the event of a rally, be able to protect themselves without injuring each other ; and the reserves of two contiguous companies have been united, in order to diminish the number of the echellons. and to increase their capacity for resisting cavalry. 195. The echellons, in the example given, descend from right to left, but they may, on an indication from the colonel to that eflect, be posted on the same principle, so as to descend from left to right. 196. When the color company is to be deployed as skirmishers, the color, without its guard, will be detached, and remain with the battalion reserve. The rally. 197. The colonel may cause all the various movements prescribed for n company, to be executed by the battalion, and by the same commands and the same signals. When lie wishes to rally the battalion, he will cause the raUy on (he battalion to be sounded, and will so dispose his reserve as to protect this movement. 198. The companies deployed as skirmishers will be rallied in squares on (heir respective reserves ; eacb reserve of two contiguous companies will form the first front of the square, throwing to the rear the sections ou the flank ; the skirmishers who arrive first will complete the lateral fronts, and the last the fourth front. The officers and sergeants will superintend the rally. and as fast as the men arrive, they will form them into two ranks, without regard to height, and cause them to face outwards. 199. The rally being effected, the commanders of squares will profit by any interval of time the cavalry may allow for putting them in safety, either by marching upon the battalion reserves, or by seizing an advantageous position : to this end, each of the squares will be formed into column, and march in this oider; aud if threatened anew, it will halt, and again form itself into square. 200. As the companies successively arrive near the battalion reserve each will re-form as promptly as possible, and without regard to designation or number, take place in the column next in rear of the companies already in it. 201. The battalion reserve will also form square, if itself threatened by cavalry. In this case, the companies in marching towards it. will place themselves promptly in the sectors without fire, and thus march on the squares. [end of instructions for skirmishers.)