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ABSTRACT
OF
INFANTRY TACTICS;
SECTION III.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY.
To Rank, Size, and Form the Company.
430. THE men being assembled in one rank, at shouldered arms, and having quickly fallen in, as nearly as may be, according to height, from right to left, the first sergeant will command,
1. Company. 2. Right—FACE. 3. Size—MARCH.
431. At the second word, the whole rank will face to the right; at the third, the men will change places, so that the tallest man be on the right, the second tallest next, and so on successively to the left. The first sergeant will then order,
1. Front. 2. Right—DRESS.
432. The sergeant will then direct the man on the right to call one, the next two, and so on alternately from right to heft. This being effected, he will command,
1. Form ranks. 2. MARCH.
433. At time word MARCH, the even numbers will step obliquely to the right, and rear, so as to cover the odd numbers.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY.
434. The first sergeant will then divide the company into two platoons, and command,
1. Second platoon. 2. Forward—MARCH. 3. HALT.
435. At the word MARCH, the second platoon will step forward one pace. and halt.
436. The sergeant will then order,
1. Platoons. 2. Right and left—FACE. 3. MARCH.
437. At the word FACE, the first rank of each platoon will face to the right, and the rear rank to the left. At the word MARCH, the man on the right of the front rank man of time first platoon stands fast, the others closing upon him; the men of the rear rank will march, successively turn to the right, and form on the left of the front rank. At time word MARCH, the second platoon will follow the directions given to the first, except that the front rank wilt advance, followed by the rear rank, both forming in front of the first platoon, and thus becoming the front rank of the company.
433. The sergeant will then order,
FRONT.
439. At which word the whole will front, and the company Is thus formed in two ranks, the tallest men alternately on the right and left of the ranks to which they belong, and the men of the rear rank respectively taller than their file-leaders.
440. This being accomplished, the first sergeant will divide the company into platoons and sections, and post the non-commissioned officers and pioneer in the manner already prescribed. He will also inform each man on the right and left of each platoon and section, that he is the right or left man of that division.
441. If a company has to form suddenly, the men will fall in in two ranks, and as nearly as possible in the order in which they stood when the company was last under arms. For this purpose, the first sergeant will always, before dismissing the company, caution the men to recollect their ranks, and the individuals who were on their right and left respectively.
442. The instruction of the company having for its object to prepare the soldiers for the battalion, the progressive method and principles about to be prescribed will be strictly observed.
443. The officer who exercises the company is called the instructer. When the captain is instructer, the next in rank will perform his duties, and he posted accordingly.
444. The School of the Company will be divided into six lessons, and each lesson into articles, as follows:
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4. To mark time; to march in quick time; and the back step, &c. |
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON I.
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1. Diminishing and increasing front by files.
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445. The instructer will number the files from right to left, that each man may know his number In his rank. The instructer must be clear and concise in his explanations; he will cause the captain to rectify the errors committed by the soldiers, after pointing them out to him, if not observed; he himself will not rectify them, unless the captain has not well comprehended him, or has imperfectly executed his orders.
446. Steadiness and calmness being the essential requisites in him who commands, and those who execute, the instructer will exemplify these in his own person.
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To Open Ranks.
447. The company being drawn up at ordered arms, to open ranks, the instructer will cause the guide of the left to post himself on the left of the rear rank, and will then command,
1. Attention. 2. COMPANY. 3. Shoulder—ARMS. 4. Rear rank—
open order.
448.At the fourth command, the covering sergeant, and the guide of the left of the company, will take six back steps, of fourteen inches each, and align themselves parallel to the rank of file-closers.
449. The instructer will, at the same time, proceed to the right flank, to ascertain whether they are parallel to the front rank, and, if necessary, will quickly rectify their positions, and then command,
5. MARCH.
450. At this word, the front rank will stand fast.
451. The rear rank will step back in common time, without counting the steps, and will place itself on the alignment marked out for it, conforming to what Is prescribed, No. 390.
452. The covering sergeant will align the rear rank on the guide of the left.
453. The file-closers will step back at the word MARCH, and align themselves at their proper distance from the rear rank.
464. The covering, sergeant having aligned the rear rank, the instructer will command,
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON I.
455. The instructer, seeing the ranks aligned, will examine the position of the body, and of the firelocks, in the front rank, and will direct the captain to examine the rear rank.
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Alignment of Open Ranks.
456. The ranks being opened, the instructer will, the better to inculcate the principles, cause the men of each rank to align themselves one by one.
457. He will order the three men on the right or left of each rank to march three or four paces to the front, and, having aligned them, will command,
By file, right (or left)—DRESS.
455. At this command, the soldiers of each rank will move up successively to the alignment, each, allowing the next man towards the flank of the alignment to precede him two paces.
459. Successive alignments having habituated the soldiers to align themselves correctly, the instructer will cause entire ranks to align to the front and rear, in parallel and oblique directions, always placing three men as a base of alignment for each rank. To effect this, he will command,
Right (or left)—DRESS; or, it may be, Right (or left) backward—DRESS.
460. ln oblique alignments at open order, the rear rank need not endeavor to cover their file-leaders, since the object of this instruction is to exercise the soldiers in aligning themselves correctly in their respective ranks in every direction.
461. In these various alignments, the instructer will superintend the front, and the captain the rear rank, placing themselves for that purpose on the flank of the alignment.
462. In oblique alignments, the soldiers will conform the line of their shoulders to the new direction of their rank, and will place themselves on the alignment, conforming to what is prescribed, Nos. 381, 390, according as the new direction may be to the front or rear of the original position of the rank.
463. After each, alignment, the instructer and the captain will pass along the rank, inspect the position of the body, and that of the firelocks, in order to accustom the soldiers not to be negligent in these respects.
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ARTICLE THIRD.
464. The ranks being open, the instructer will place himself in front of the right flank, so as to see the two ranks, and order the following exercises
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1.
Present
arms.
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11. Fix bayonet. 12. Arms port. 13. Shoulder arms. 14. Charge bayonet. 15. Shoulder arms. 16. Unfix bayonet. 17. Secure arms. 18. Shoulder arms. 19. Load by twelve commands |
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON I.
465. The instructer will strictly observe that the positions of the body feet, limbs and firelocks be always exact; that the motions be smartly executed and close to the body, and that they be not slurred over, as by sleight of hand.
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Remarks on Arms Port, Charge Bayonet, and Trail Arms.
466. When a battalion or line is to charge bayonet, the whole are, in the first instance, to come to Arms—PORT, and advance at a firm, quick step, but in the most perfect order possible, until they reach the enemy. (See No. 545.)
467. It is at that instant that the front rank are necessarily to bring their firelocks down to the charging position, and the whole are to press forward with the utmost energy. The enemy being routed, It will depend on the officer commanding to give the word HALT; when the front rank will resume the position of Arms—PORT, and proceed as may be afterwards directed. But the word HALT is on no account to be given during a charge, or as preparatory to the front rank bringing the firelock down to the charging position. It is, therefore, to be understood, that, in the charge, or quick attack upon the enemy with fixed bayonets, either previous to, or after firing, (which usually commences at a distance of one hundred, or one hundred and fifty yards, as the ground may permit,) the charging position of the front rank is to be assumed only at the instant of attack or defence.
468. In cases such as passing through a thick wood, shouldered arms is impracticable; and a soldier has some times recourse to his firelock as a necessary support, as in climbing the steep sides of an eminence, and crossing ditches; it becomes, therefore, necessary that the instructer should sometimes make the soldiers practise the motions of Arms—PORT, and of Trail—ARMS, whilst marching, to teach them to avail themselves most advantageously of their firelocks, under different circumstances.
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To Close Ranks.
469. Having executed the manual exercise and loadings, the, instructor will cause the ranks to close. To effect this, he will command.
1. Rear rank, close order. 2. MARCH.
470. At the word MARCH, the rear-rank will close in common time, each man covering his file-leader.
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ARTICLE FIFTH.
471. The ranks being closed, the instructer will exercise the company in taking parallel and oblique alignments to the right and left, to the front and rear, always previously placing three files as a base line of alignment. He will give the commands directed in No. 450
472. In aligning at close order, the captain. will superintend the alignment of the front rank, and the covering sergeant that of the rear rank: they will accustom themselves to judge accurately of the alignment by the line of the eyes and shoulders, and by glancing along the front and rear of
the rank.
473. When the captain sees the whole, nearly, of the front rank aligned, he will command, FRONT; rectifying, afterwards the alignment of such as require it, by the means prescribed, No. 388. The rear rank will conform
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON II.
to the alignment of the front rank, and the covering sergeant will see that this is done.
474. The rank being steady, the instructer proceeds to the flank, to verify the alignment of the ranks; and will observe whether the men of the rear rank correctly cover their file-leaders.
475. in oblique alignments, the instructor will cause to be observed what is prescribed, No. 462.
476. The file-closers will always place themselves two paces from the rear rank.
477. To rest, the instructer will order,
1. Order—ARMS. 2. REST.
478. This shall take place at the conclusion of each lesson. (See No. 228.)
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479. The instructer, wishing to pass to the second lesson, will command,
1. Attention. 2. COMPANY. 3. Shoulder—ARMS.
480.He will then exercise the company in the loadings and firings, in the following order:
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ARTICLE FIRST.
481. Loading in quick time shall be executed by the commands and means prescribed, No. 231 and following. The instructor will cause this to be repeatedly practised, before he proceeds to loading in quickest time.
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ARTICLE SECOND.
482. This will be executed as prescribed. No. 288.
483. At the first motion of loading in quick and quickest time, the captain and the covering sergeant will half face to the right with the men, and will front when the man next to them respectively casts about.
484. The instructer will see that, in the loadings, the soldiers conform to the principles prescribed, Nos. 289, 290.
485. Loading in quickest time being used In battle, it is of importance that it be done expertly; and, therefore, the practice of It Is to be particularly dwelt on. When the soldiers are well grounded in the principles, they will be gradually brought to load and fire, at least three or our times in a minute, with regularity and facility.
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ARTICLE THIRD.
486. To effect this, the instructor will command,
1. Fire by Company. 2. Commence Firing.
487. At the first word, the captain will retire quickly behind the centre of his company, two paces in rear of the file-closers.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON II.
488. The covering sergeant will fall back to the alignment of the file.-closers, opposite his interval: this rule will be general for the covering sergeant during the firings.
489. At the second command, the captain will order,
1. Company. 2. READY. 3. AIM. 4. FIRE. 5. LOAD.
490. At the word LOAD, the soldiers will bring down their firelocks to the priming position, load, and shoulder; the captain will, by the same commands, cause the company to fire again, which will be continued until a ruffle cause the firing to cease.
491. The captain will sometimes cause his company to fire obliquely to the right and to the left, taking care to give the caution, Right (or left) oblique, after the word READY, and before the word AIM. He will also, sometimes, make his men Recover—ARMS, after aiming, in order to accustom them to steadiness, and attention to the command.
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ARTICLE FOURTH.
492. To effect this, the instructor will command,
1. Fire by File. 2. Company. 3. READY. 4. Commence—FIRING.
493. At the first command, the captain will retire one pace in rear of the rear rank, opposite his interval.
494. The third and fourth commands will be executed as prescribed, No. 311 and following.
495. The right hand file will commence the firing, the next file will aim at the instant the first, which has just fired, fired, primes, and so on to the left; but this progression will take place only for the first fire, every man afterwards loading and firing, without waiting for others, and conforming to No. 312.
490. The instructer will cause the firing, whether by file or company, to cease by a ruffle, at the commencement of which the firing will cease. Those who have just fired will load and shoulder; if in the position, of ready, they will front, half-cock, and then shoulder at the same time; if aiming, they will recover of their own accord, front, half-cock, and shoulder.
497. The ruffle will always be followed by a tap of the drum: at this signal, the captain, as also the covering sergeant, will quickly resume their places in line, and rectify, if necessary, the alignment of the ranks.
498. In this school, the instructer will cause the firing to cease by the command,
RUFFLE.
499. At the word RUFFLE, the firing will cease: to ensure which, every file-closer will call out, Cease firing.
500. The tap of the drumstick, as a signal for the captain and covering sergeant to resume their places in line, may be indicated by the command Tap from the Instructor, when he sees arms shouldered
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ARTICLE FIFTH.
501. To effect this, the instructer will command,
1. Fire to the rear. 2. Company. 3. About—FACE.
502. Atthe word About. the captain will place himself facing, and close against. the right hand front rank mm of his company; the covering ser-
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON III.
geant and file-closer, will pass quickly through the Interval of the captain. placing themselves facing to the rear, two paces from the front rank, and opposite to their respective places in line.
503. At the word FACE, the captain will occupy his interval in line, but place himself in the rear rank, now become front; and the covering sergeant will place himself in the front rank, now become rear, covering the captain.
504. The company being faced to the rear, the instructer will cause the firings to be executed by the commands prescribed in the preceding article.
505. Firing by file will commence from the left of the company, now become the right.
506. To front the company, the instructer will command,
1. Company. 2. About—FACE.
507. At the word About, time captain, covering sergeant and file-closers will conform to what is prescribed above.
503. At the word FACE, the captain and covering sergeant resume their places in line.
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Remarks on the Firings.
509. The instructer will accustom. the ranks to lower the muzzle a little under the level, in taking aim.
510. The instructer will direct the captain to make a small pause between the words aim and fire, to enable the troops to aim well.
511. The instructer will place himself in front of the right flank, so as to command a view of the ranks, in order to observe such faults as may be committed; he will charge the captain and file-closers to report to him such as are found to load or fire awkwardly; these will be remanded to the School of the Soldier.
512. The instructer will cause the soldiers to observe the utmost steadiness and calmness, during the firings, consistently with the requisite vivacity of execution.
513. In the firings, he will lay it down as a general principle, that the left heel is always to turn on the same spot, in order that the alignment of ranks, and the covering of files may be maintained; and, after the firing, he will ascertain, by inspecting the alignment, whether this principle has been observed.
514. The instructer will add to these remarks all those in Nos. 316, 317
319.
515. When the company fires with cartridges, the instrucler will cause the ranks, in close order, to spring ramrod, to ascertain whether there may not be three charges in the firelock in which case, he will cause them to be drawn.
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ARTICLE FIRST.
510. The company being drawn up correctly aligned, the instrueter will place himself fifteen or twenty paces in front of the captain, face to him. and place himself correctly on the prolongation of the captain and covering sergeant.
517. He will previously assure himself that the shoulders of the captain, and of the covering sergeant, are perfectly in the line of direction of their respective ranks, and that they correctly cover.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON III.
518. The instructer, having aligned himself on the directing file, will command,
1. Company—forward.
519. At this command, a sergeant, previously selected, will advance six paces in front of the captain; the instructer, placed as just described, will correctly align this sergeant on the prolongation of the directing file.
520. The sergeant, placed six paces In front of the captain, being charged with the direction, will take two points on the ground, in the line passing from himself, between the heels of the instructer.
521. This arrangement made, the instructer will command,
2. MARCH.
522. At this command, the company will step off smartly: the sergeant charged with the direction will maintain, with the greatest precision, the length and cadence of the step, march in the direction of the two points he has chosen between himself and the instructer; take, as he advances, and always before he arrives at the nearest point, new points, which must be exactly in the prolongation of the two first, and fifteen or twenty paces from each other: the captain will constantly march in the trace of the directing sergeant, keeping always six paces from him: the soldiers will keep the head direct to the front, touch lightly the elbow towards the file of direction, and conform to the principles prescribed for the march to the front in Nos. 335, &c.
523. The front rank man, next to the captain, will be particularly careful never to be more advanced than he; and, for this purpose, will always keep the line of his shoulder, a little in rear, but, at the same time, in a direction parallel to those of the captain.
524. The rank of file-chasers will march two paces in rear of the rear rank.
523. If the soldiers lose the step, the instructer will command,
STEP.
526. At this command, the soldiers glance to the directing sergeant, take up the step, and turn the head again immediately to the front.
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Remarks on the March in Line.
527. If the company be undergoing a course of elementary instruction, the instructer will post the captain and covering sergeant, sometimes on the right, and sometimes on the left of the company.
528. The directing sergeant having the greatest influence on the march of the company, the instructer shall appoint for this important duty, such only as are perfectly confirmed in the precision of the step, the habit of maintaining the squareness of the shoulders, and of prolonging, without deviation, a given direction.
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ARTICLE SECOND.
To Halt the Company Advancing in Line, and to Align it.
532. To halt the company, the instructer will command,
1. Company. 2. HALT.
533. At the second command, the company will halt; the directing sergeant will remain in front, unless the instructer, not wishing to continue the march, orders him to retire to his place in line.
534. The company being halted, the instructer will make the three files nearest the directing flank advance, and will align the company on them
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON III.
as a base, or he may confine himself to rectifying the alignment. In the last case, the instructer will command, Rectify the alignment; the captain will immediately glance to the rank, and rectify the alignment, conforming to what is prescribed, No. 388.
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ARTICLE THIRD.
535. The company, marching to the front in line, will oblique by the following commands from the Instructer:
1. Right (or left) oblique. 2. MARCH.
536. At the second command, to be given as prescribed, Nos. 155, 156, the company will oblique; the directing sergeant will give his utmost attention in maintaining the squareness of the shoulders, and to oblique with a uniform movement and step; the captain will conform his march to that of the directing sergeant; the soldiers will keep up the light touch of the elbow towards the directing flank, and carefully observe the principles prescribed, No. 330. The man next the captain must be careful not to be more advanced than he.
537. To resume the march to the front, the instructer will command, -
1. Forward. 2. MARCH.
538. At the word MARCH, which will be pronounced at the moment the foot is coming to the ground, the company will resume the march to the front, the instructer will spring forward, fifteen or twenty paces in front of the captain, face to the rear, place himself correctly on the prolongation of the captain and covering sergeant, and, by signal, place the directing sergeant on that line, should he happen to be either on the right or left of it; the directing sergeant will immediately take two points on the ground. between himself and the instructer, taking afterwards new points, as he advances, as explained, No. 522.
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Remarks on the Oblique March
(Omitted.)
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ARTICLE FOURTH..
To Mark Time, March in Quick Time, Side Step,
Stepping Short, and Back Step.
543. These will severally be practlsed by the commands, and according to the principles, prescribed in the School of the Soldier.
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Remarks on Quick Time.
544. The instructer ought not to exercise the men in marching in quick time, till they are thoroughly confirmed in the length and cadence of the step in common time; and he will then endeavor to render it familiar and easy to them to take one hundred and twenty steps In a minute, to keep the body upright, and to be as calm as in marching in common time. (see No. 357.)
545. In the last fifteen or twenty steps of a charge, and in other circumstances requiring great celerity of movement, troops having a front not exceeding that of a battalion may quicken the march to the rate of one hundred and fifty steps in a minute for a limited time; but as a line marching at this rate for more than one hundred paces would be liable to break, this
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON IV.
measure of acceleration will not be considered a prescribed head of instruction, and consequently the troops are to be exercised in the quick time at one hundred and twenty steps in a minute.
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ARTICLE FIFTH.
540. The company being halted and aligned, the instructer, wishing it to retire, will command,
1. Company. 2. About—FACE.
547. The company having faced about, the instructer will step quickly to the front of the directing file, conforming to the principles prescribed, No. 516.
548. The instructer, being correctly placed on the prolongation of the directing file, will command,
3. Company—forward
549. At this command, the directing sergeant will conform to what is prescribed, Nos. 518, 519, with this difference, that he posts himself six paces in front of the file-closers.
550. The covering sergeant will post himself in the alignment of the file-closers, opposite his interval, and the captain will take his place in the rear rank, now become front.
551. This disposition being made, the instructer will command,
4. MARCH.
552. At this command, the directing sergeant, the captain, and the soldiers, will conform to what is prescribed, Nos. 522, 523.
553. With the exception of the back step, the instructor will cause the company retiring to execute all that has been prescribed for advancing in line. The commands and means of execution will be the same.
554. When the instructer, having halted the company, wishes to align it, he will front it by the commands,
1. Company. 2. About—FACE.
and the captain and covering sergeant, having faced about, will resume their posts.
555. The instructer may then order the three files nearest the directing flank to advance, as a base of alignment, or he may confine himself to the rectification of the alignment, conforming, in either case, to what is prescribed, No. 534.
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ARTICLE FIRST.
556. The company being in line at a halt, the instructer, wishing it to march by the right flank, will command,
1. Company. 2. Right—FACE. 3. Forward—MARCH.
557. (PI. V. Fig. 1.) At the second command, the company will face to the right; the captain will also face, moving one pace out of time rank, so as to be on the left of the covering sergeant, who will also face to the right, moving to the front rank, so as to occupy the place out of which the captain has just moved.
553. At the word MARCH, the company will step off smartly, in common time; the covering sergeant, placed before the man on the right of the front
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON IV.
rank, and the captain, placed at the side of the covering sergeant, will march straight forward. The men of the rear rank will march abreast of their file-leader, and keep the face direct to the front; the file-closers will march opposite their respective places in line.
559. The instructer will see that the rules of marching by a flank are observed, placing himself, during the march, as prescribed, Nos. 370, 371.
560. The instructer will cause the company to march by the left flank, by the commands prescribed for marching by the right, substituting the word left for that of right.
561. At the instant the company faces to the left, the guide of the left will place himself before the man on the left of the front rank; the captain will go, quickly, to the left, placing himself on the right of the guide; the covering sergeant will post himself in the front rank, occupying the place left by the captain.
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ARTICLESECOND.
562. (Pl. V. Fig. 1.) The company being faced to a flank, either marching, or at a halt, the instructer, wishing it to wheel by file, will command,
1. Byfile right (or left.) 2. MARCH.
563. At the word MARCH, the leading file will wheel; if on the front rank man, he will not turn suddenly, but describe a small circle, shortening a little the two or three first steps, in order to give the rear rank man time to conform to his movement. If the wheel be made on the rear rank man, the front rank man will march the step of twenty-eight inches in turning, and the man of the rear rank conforms to his movement by describing a small circle, as has first been explained. Each file will wheel in succession on the same ground.
564. The instructer will strictly observe that the wheel is executed on these principles so that the distance between the files may always be preserved.
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ARTICLE THIRD.
To halt the Company Marching by a Flank, and to
Front it.
565. The instructer will command,
1. Company. 2. HALT. 3. FRONT.
566. The second and third commands will be executed as prescribed, Nos. 377, 378. The captain and covering sergeant resume their posts in line at the instant the company fronts.
567. The instructer may then cause the company to take a new alignment, or direct the captain to rectify the alignment of the company on its ground.
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ARTICLE FOURTH.
To form Line by File on the Right or Left.
568. The instructer will cause the company marching by the right flank to form by file on the right. To effect this, he will command,
1. On right, by file into line. 2. MARCH.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON IV.
569. (Pl. V. Fig. 2.) At the word MARCH, the rear rank will mark time; the covering sergeant and the captain will turn to the right, march straight forward, and be halted by the instructer, when they have passed at least, four paces beyond the rear rank; the captain shifting to the right of the covering sergeant: the man on time right of the front rank will continue marching, pass behind the covering sergeant, turn to the right when beyond him, and move up to his left; the second man of the front rank will, in the same manner, pass in rear of the first, then turn to the right, and move up to his left, and so on, to the last man of this rank ; the rear rank will execute the movement in the same manner as the front; the right hand man of the rear rank will not commence the movement till he sees three or four men of the front rank in line.
570. The men of the rear rank wilt place themselves correctly, covering their file-leaders, as they move up, one by one, into line.
571. The captain will direct the alignment as the men of the front rank arrive on the line.
572. If the company were marching by the left flank, the instructer would form it by file on the left by the commands prescribed, No. 568, substituting left for right, and by Inverse means; the captain, on the left of the front rank, will resume his place in line, after the instructer, seeing the company formed, shall have ordered him so to do.
573. The better to make the soldiers comprehend the mechanism of this movement, the instructer will at first make each rank execute it separately, and afterwards the two ranks together, directing them to form as if each, rank were independent, but always observing what has been prescribed for the rear rank, relative to the moment of commencing the movement.
574. The instructer will follow up the movement, to assure himself that each file conforms to what is prescribed, No. 589.
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ARTICLE FIFTH.
The Company Marching by a Flank, to Form Company,
Platoon. or Sections, on the March.
575. The company supposed marching by the right flank, the instructer will order the captain to execute the intended movement. The captain will command,
1. By company into line. 2. MARCH.
576. At the word MARCH, the covering sergeant will continue to march forward; the soldiers will advance the right shoulder, assume the quick step, and move diagonally to their respective places, observing to arrive on the line one after another.
577. As the soldiers come into line, they will take up the step from the covering sergeant.
578. The men of the rear rank will conform to the movement of their file-leaders, whom they will allow to precede them in coming up into line.
579. At the instant the movement commences, the captain will face to his company, and conduct its execution; when the company is formed to the front, he will command, Guide left, and then post himself two paces before the centre of the company, front, and take up the step of the company.
580. At the weed Guide left, the guide of the left will spring to the left of the front rank man, and the covering sergeant, who is at the opposite flank, will remain there.
581. If the company were marching by the left flank, the movement would be executed by the same commands, and on the same principles:
the company being formed, the captain would order, Guide right.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON IV.
582. In a column of companies, the covering sergeant of each will be always placed on the right of the front rank, and the guide of the left will be on the left of the front rank, whether the column has the right or left in front; they will be denominated guide of the right, and guide of the left of the company, and one of them will be charged with the direction, according as the column may be marching with the right or left in front.
583. If the company, marching by a flank, is to form platoons, the captain, by an order to that effect from the instructer, will command,
1. By platoon into line. 2. MARCH.
584. This movement is executed according to the same principles: the captain will post himself before the centre of the first platoon, and the lieutenant before the centre of the second platoon; and they will command, Guide right, or, it may be, Guide left, at the instant their platoon is formed.
585. At the word Guide left, or Guide right, from the chief of each platoon, the guide of each would take post on the proper flank, if not already there, passing by the front rank; and this is a general rule for the shifting of guides.
586. The guide of the right of the company will always be the guide of the right, or of the left, of the first platoon; and the guide of the left of the company will be the guide of the right, or of the left, of the second platoon.
587. The company, marching by a flank, will also be required to form sections: to effect this, the instructor directs the captain to order,
1. By section into line. 2. MARCH.
588. This again will be executed on the same principles; and whether the right or left be in front, the captain will put himself in front of the first section, the second, third, and first lieutenants, respectively, in front of the second, third, and fourth sections; and, each will command, Guide left, (or right,) at the instant his section is formed.
589. In column of sections, the covering sergeant becomes the guide of the first section; the second sergeant, the guide of the fourth section; and the third and fourth sergeants, respectively, the guides of the second and third sections.
590. Accordingly, in a column of platoons or sections, there shall be one guide to each, and he shall always be guide of the left, right in front, and guide of the right, left in front.
591. Whether it be a column of companies, platoons, or sections, the file-closers will follow their respective divisions.
592. To cause a column, marching right in front, to prolong itself in the same direction, by a file movement, the instructer will command,
1. Column by the right flank. 2. By file left. 3. MARCH.
593. (Pl. VII. Fig. 4.) At the first command, chiefs of divisions will caution their divisions, that they are to face to the right; the guide of the leading division will spring to the right of his division.
594. At the command MARCH, each division will face to the right in marching, and wheel by file to the left; the captain, will quickly place himself as in file movements, and the chiefs of the other divisions, shifting by the left, resume their places as file-closers.
595. The leading file of each division will unite in file with the rear of the preceding, and the whole company thus march by the right flank.
596. If the left be in front, the manoeuvre will be executed by inverse means.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON V.
ARTICLE FIRST.
To Break to the Right or Left.
597. To break by platoon to the right, the instructer will command,
I.Platoons—right wheel. 2. MARCH.
598. (P1. VI. Fig. I.) At the first command, the chiefs of platoons will place themselves two paces in front of the centre of their platoons, facing to the rear, the chief of the second platoon passing, for this purpose, round the left flank of the company.
599. At the word MARCH, the man on the right of the front rank of each platoon will face to the right; the chief or each platoon will move quickly by the shortest line beyond the point where the marching flank is to rest, face to the rear, and place himself so, that a line drawn from him to the man on the right of the front rank may be perpendicular to the line of the company, previous to wheeling; the platoons will wheel according to the principles prescribed for wheeling on a halted pivot; and when the man who conducts the marching flank shall have arrived within two paces of the perpendicular, the chief of each platoon will command,
1. Platoon. 2. HALT.
600: At the second command, the platoons will halt; the covering sergeant will move, at the same instant, to the point where the left of the first platoon will rest; the guide of the left of the company will move to the point where the left of the second platoon is to rest; they must take care to leave between themselves, respectively, and the man on the right of their platoons, a sufficient space to contain the platoon; the captain and the chief of the second platoon will each align his platoon between himself and the pivot man who has faced to the right.
601. The guide of each platoon being established on the perpendicular, the chiefs of platoons will command,
3. Left—DRESS.
602. The alignment being effected, each chief of platoon will command, FRONT, and place himself two paces In front of the centre of his platoon.
603. The file-closers will conform to the movement of their respective platoons.
604. Platoons will break to the left on the same principles, but by inverse means.
___________________________________
Remarks on Breaking into Column.
605. The instructer, placed in front of the company, will carefully observe whether the movements be executed according to the principles prescribed above; whether the platoons, after breaking into column, are placed on lines perpendicular to the line previously occupied by the company, and whether the guide, who has moved to time marching flank of his platoon, has left between himself and the man on the right (or left) of the front rank sufficient space to contain the platoon.
606. The platoons having broken, if the guide of the rear one do not exactly cover the guide who precedes him, he must not endeavor to place himself on the direction till the column Is put In march, unless the instructer, wishing immediately to form line, should think proper to rectify the direction ofthe guides, which would be effected as will be explained in the fifth article of this lesson.
607. The instructer will observe, that the man next to the pivot, who, on the second command from the instructer, has faced to the right or left, gains ground a little to the front In wheeling, so as to unmask the pivot.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON V.
ARTICLE SECOND.
608. The company having broken into column of platoons right in front, the instructer, wishing it to advance, will move fifteen or twenty paces to the front, facing to the guides, and place himself correctly on their direction, after having ordered the leading guide to take points on the ground to march on.
609. The instructer thus placed, the guide of the leading platoon will take two points on the ground between himself and the instructor, on the line passing from himself between the heels of the latter, who will then command,
1. Column—forward. 2. Guide left. 3. MARCH.
610. At the word MARCH, briskly repeated by the chiefs of platoons, the whole will step forward smartly together.
611. The soldiers will touch lightly the elbow towards the guide, observing on the march the principles prescribed, No.336 and following.
612. The man of each platoon next the guide shall always keep six inches from him, in order to avoid pushing him out of the direction, and will be also careful never to be more advanced than the guide.
613. The leading guide will observe, with the greatest precision, the length and cadence of’ the step, and maintain the direction of the march by the means prescribed, No. 522.
614. The following guide will march, accurately, in the trace of the leading guide, observing to keep a distance equal to the front of his own platoon from him, maintaining the same step as that of the guide who precedes him.
615. If the guide of the second platoon lose his distance, which can arise only from his own carelessness, he will regain it gradually, either by insensibly lengthening or shortening the step.
616. If the guide of the second platoon, neglecting to follow exactly the trace of the first, should have thrown himself without the line of direction he will remedy this fault by advancing, more or less, the left shoulder, so as to regain the direction, gradually, by the direct step, in order to avoid the inconvenience of the oblique step, which would occasion a loss of distance; if, on the contrary, the guide had thrown himself within the direction, he would remedy that fault by inverse means; in either supposition the chief of platoon will see that the soldiers conform to the movement of the guide.
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Remarks on the March and Direction in Column.
620. The guide of each platoon will he responsible for the distance, step, and direction; the chief of platoon, for the maintenance of order and uniformity in his platoon, to which he will frequently turn.
621. The instructer, placed near the pivot flank, will superintend the execution of all the principles prescribed; and he will sometimes place himself in rear of the guides, aligning correctly on them, and halt during the march of twenty or thirty paces, to ascertain whether the leading guide deviates from the direction, and whether the following guide marches exactly in the trace of the first.
622. Whenever the line breaks into column, the chiefs of platoon will repeat the commands MARCH, and HALT, given by the instructer, at the moment they hear them, and without waiting for each other; they will not repeat any other command, but will caution the men, if the latter have not heard the commands.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY LESSON V.
ARTICLE THIRD.
To change Direction in Column at full Distance.
623. The column marching right in front, the instructer, wishing to change direction, will command, head of column to the left, and immedately afterwards post a marker, or place himself, at the point where the movement is to commence; the person thus placed in the line of direction of the guide of the pivot flank, is to have his right shoulder nearest to the head of the column.
624. The heading guide will direct his march on the instructer or marker, placed at the turning point, so that his left arm shall lightly graze his breast, and when arrived nearly abreast of him, the chief of platoon will command,
1. Left turn. 2. MARCH.
625. The first command will be given when the guide is within two paces of the turning point.
626. At the word MARCH, to be given at the moment the guide arrives at the turning point, the guide as well as the platoon will turn to the left, conforming to what is prescribed, No. 428.
627. The guide of the first platoon, having turned will take points on the ground in the new direction.
628. The second platoon will continue to march forward; its guide will execute what has been prescribed for the leading guide; and, when arrived at the turning point, the second platoon will turn by the same commands and on the same principles as the first.
629. In order to change direction on the reverse flank, (opposite the guide,) the instructer, after giving a caution to that effect to the chief of the first platoon, will immediately proceed to the point where the change of direction is to commence, or will detach a marker thither, placing himself on this marker as prescribed for changing direction on the pivot flank.
630. The guide of the leading platoon will direct his march as prescribed, No. 624; and, when arrived within two paces of the wheeling point, the chief of platoon will command,
1. Right wheel. 2. MARCH.
631. (Pl. VI. Fig. 3.) At the word MARCH, given at the instant the guide shall arrive at the wheeling point, the platoon will wheel to the right, conforming to what is prescribed, No. 422.
632. The wheel being effected, the chief of platoon will command,
3. Forward. 4.MARCH.
633. These commands will be given, and executed, as prescribed. Nos. 424, 425.
634. The second platoon will continue to march straight forward, the guide observing to direct himself on the instructer, or marker; this platoon will wheel at the same point, and by the same commands and means, as the first.
635. Changes of direction of a column left in front wilt be executed on the same principles, and by inverse means.
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Remarks on the Changes of Direction in Column at full Distance.
636. It is very important, for the preservation of the distance and direction, that all the platoons effect their change of direction precisely on the same ground: it is for this reason the instructer ought, previously, to place himself, or a marker, at the wheeling point; that the guides are ordered to march on the person so posted, and that the chiefs of platoons ought not to
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY LESSON V.
commence the execution of the movement, the guide shall graze the breast of the person placed at the wheeling polnL
637. The chiefs of platoons ought to see that their platoons arrive square, on the ground where the change of direction is to take place; and, for this purpose, they ought to face to their platoon, when that which precedes is beginning to turn or wheel.
638. If, in the changes of direction on the reverse flank, the pivot of the wheeling platoon did not clear the wheeling point, the following platoon would be impeded, and the distance would be lost. To remedy this defect, the pivot man is directed to take steps of seven inches, in order that the succeeding platoon may not be impeded; the chiefs of platoon will look to the execution of this principle, turning to their men, and cautioning the pivot man to lengthen or shorten his step, as they may deem it necessary. From the nature of this movement, the centre of the platoon ought to curve a little towards time rear.
639.The guides ought never to change the cadence or length of the step, whether the change of direction be made on the pivot, or the reverse flank.
610. The instructer or marker at the wheeling point will always present the right shoulder towards the column, if the right be in front, or the left shoulder, if the left be in front, and will place himself on the prolongation of the guides. The instructer will see that all the principles prescribed above are observed; that each platoon does not commence the wheel till the instant the guide grazes the breast of the marker, and is ready to pass him; and that, in changes of direction on the reverse flank, the marching flank does not describe too large a circle, which would tend to throw it out of the new direction.
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ARTICLE FOURTH.
641. To halt the column, the instructer will command,
1. Column. 2. HALT.
642. At the word HALT, briskly repeated by the chiefs of platoons, they will all halt at the same time; and the guides will not move, even though they have not their distance or their direction, unless the instructer, wishing to form the line, think proper to rectify their direction, which will be effected as will be prescribed in the following article.
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Remarks on halting the Column.
643. If the word HALT were not repeated with the greatest vivacity, and instantly executed, the distances would be lost.
644. If one guide, having lost his distance, endeavored to resume It after the word HALT, he would communicate his own error to the following guide, who, if he had marched correctly, would then find that his distance was rendered inaccurate; and if the latter, in his turn, endeavored to resume his distance, the same movement would extend, successively, to the rear of time column.
645. When the instrueter, having halted the column, does not wish to form it in line, he might dispense within rectifying the direction of the guides, which would be sufficiently exact, as well as the distances, if the
in guide and the one following have observed what Is prescribed, Nos. 613, 614.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY LESSON V.
ARTICLE FIFTH.
To Form Line to the Right or Left from Column at Full
Distance.
646. The lnstructer, having halted the company, supposed right in front, and wishing to wheel it into line, will immediately proceed to the distance of a platoon in front of the leading guide, face to him, and rectify, if requisite, the position of the following guide; which being executed, the instructer will command,
Left—DRESS.
647. At this command, which will not be repeated by the chiefs of platoons, each chief will quickly proceed about two paces outside of his guide, and will direct the alignment of his platoon perpendicularly to the direction of the column.
648. (Pl. VI. Fig. 4.) The chiefs, having aligned their respective platoons, will command, Front, and move in front of the centre of their platoons.
649. This disposition made, the instructer will command,
1. Left into line wheel. 2. MARCH.
650. At the word MARCH, briskly repeated by the chiefs of platoons, the man on the left of each platoon will face to the left, and bear his breast lightly against the right arm of the guide placed by his side, who will not move; the platoons will wheel to the left on the principle of wheeling on a halted pivot, conforming to what is prescribed, No. 607; each chief will turn to his platoon to conduct the wheel, and when the right of his platoon arrives within two paces of he line, he will command,
1. Platoon. 2. HALT.
651. The chief of the second platoon, having halted it, will retire to the rank of file-closers.
652. The captain, having halted the first platoon, will place himself on the line, at the point where the right of the company is to rest, and immediately command,
1. Company. 2. Right—DRESS.
653. At this command, the two platoons will move up to the alignment; the man of the first platoon, who is opposite the instructor, established on the direction of the guides, will lightly bear his breast agalnst his left arm. The captain will align his company on the guide of the left.
654. The company being aligned, the captain will command, FRONT. The Instructer, seeing the company aligned, will command,
Guides—POSTS.
655. At this command, the covering sergeant and guide of the left will retire to their posts.
666. The instructer will verify the alignment, and, if necessary, will cause the captain to rectify it.
657. To wheel to the right into line, the Ieft being in front, would be executes on the same principles, but by inverse means; the captain, after halting the first platoon, proceeding to the left of the company, to align both platoons, and shifting to his proper flank when the instructer gives the word Guides—posts.
_________________________
Remarks on Forming Line to the Right or Left.
658. The instructer may dispense with commanding Right (or left)— DRESS, previous to commanding Left (or right) into line wheel, unless it
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
may have become necessary, by rectifying the position of the guides, that the platoon should incline to the right or left.
659. The instructer, previously to commanding Left (or right) into line wheel; ought to see that the rear platoon has its proper distance. This attention is important, as it habituates the guides never to neglect so very essential a point.
660. As a column of sections may, on actual service, sometimes be required to wheel into line, the instructer will execute the movement, occasionally, as an elementary lesson, and on the principles prescribed above.
661. To effect this, the commands to be given by the instructer are the same as in the case of a column of platoons, and each chief, of section, except the captain, after the command Section—HALT, retires to the rank of file-closers,
662. The captain then aligns all the sections by the commands prescribed, No. 652. At the command Guides—POSTS, the guide of the second section will retire by the right flank, and the guide of the third section by the left.
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___________________________________
ARTICLE FIRST.
Diminishing and Increasing Front by Files.
663. Files will be broken off from the pivot flank only. The company marching, and supposed to constitute a part of a column, right in front, and the instructer wishing to break off files, he will give a caution to that effect to the captain, who will immediately face to his company, and command,
1. One file, from left to the rear. 2. MARCH.
664. (Pl. XI. Fig. 2.) At time command MARCH, the first file on the left will mark time, and the company will continue to march forward; the man of the rear rank of that file will move, so soon as the rear rank of the company shall have passed him, to the right, and will place himself in rear of the second file from the left; the man of the front rank will, likewise, move in rear of the first file, at the instant the rear of the company shall have passed him: each man will move to his place by advancing the left shoulder, taking great care not to lose distance.
665. The instructer, wishing to break off another file, will give caution to that effect to the captain. who will give the same commands as above.
666. At the command MARCH, from the captain, the file already broken off, advancing the left shoulder, will gain the space of one file to the right, shortening the step, in order to make room for the new file in its front; the new file will break off in the same manner as the first, and place itself between the company and the file first broken off.
667. The instructer will thus be enabled to diminish, successively, the front of the company, by as many files as he may judge necessary.
668. The file-closers of the part of the company broken off will arrange themselves opposite the files they cover in line.
669. The instructer, to cause files in the rear to form up. successively, will order the captain to effect this by the following command,
1. One file into line. 2. MARCH.
670. At the word MARCH, the front file of those broken off will move up quickly to the front, and the files in the rear will, by bringing forward the right shoulder, incline the breadth of one file to the left.
671 .The captain, facing his company, will see that the movement is executed according to the prescribed principles.
672. (Pl. Xl. Fig. 2.) The instructer, having thus caused files to break
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
off and form up, successively, one at a time, will cause two or three files to break off together; the named files will face inwards, mark time until disengaged from the company, and then, wheeling in file to time left, cover the two exterior files of the left flank.
673. The instructer will then order the captain to cause two or three files at the same time to move to the front. To effect this, the captain will command,
1. Two (or three) files into line. 2. MARCH.
674. The named files will move up quickly over the shortest lines leading to their places, as above.
676. When files are broken off, the guide will close to the right, as the front diminishes, so as to be always close to the flank of the company from which a file, or files, have been broken off; and he will incline to the left as files are ordered to move up.
676. On the same principles, the front of platoons and sections may be diminished and, if the left be in front, by inverse means.
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Remarks on Diminishing and Increasing Front by Files.
677. It is of the greatest importance, with respect to the preservation of distances in a column of route, composed of several battalions, to accustom the soldiers, in the elementary lessons, to execute these movements with great precision.
678. If, when new files are broken off, they do not step out well in obliquing; and if, when moving up into line, they do not move quickly, they would, in either case, stop the progress of the following files, which would occasion a loss of distance, and a lengthening of the column.
679. The instructer will place himself on the pivot flank, to assure him-self of the exact observance of the prescribed principles.
680. If an actual necessity require a greater diminution of front than six files, a column of companies may break into platoons. or, if already in platoons, may break into sections, and, if already in sections, it may march by a flank; in either case, on the principles prescribed, No. 592 and following.
681. In the last case, (marching by a flank,) the reverse, or unbroken flank, will naturally lead, and the files broken off, if any, will follow in proper order, in the rear of their respective divisions, the whole having previously been ordered to march by the cadenced step.
____________________________
____________________________
ARTICLE SECOND.
682. The company being halted, and supposed to form part of a column, the instructer, wishing to put it in march by the route step, will command,
1. Column, forward. 2. Guide left (or right.) 3. Route step.
4. MARCH.
683. At time word MARCH, repeated by the captain, the ranks will step off together, the rear rank, in marching, taking the distance of two paces from the front rank, which being effected, the instructer will command,
5. Ease—ARMS.
684. At this command, the men will carry their firelocks as prescribed, No. 237; they will no longer be required to march with the cadenced step, nor to keep silence; the files march at ease, but the ranks must never
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
intermix, and the men of the front rank must never be further advanced to the front than the guide who is on the pivot flank; and the rear rank must keep at the distance of about two paces from the front rank.
685.The column marching with the cadenced step, the instructer, wishing it to march with the route step, will command,
1. Route step. 2. MARCH.
686. At the word MARCH, the front rank will continue to march the step of twenty-eight inches; the rear rank will, in marching, take the distance of about two paces from the front rank; the instructer will then command, Ease arms, which will be executed as just prescribed.
687. The soldiers marching by the route step, the instructer will cause the direction to be changed on the pivot, or on the reverse flank, which will be executed without a command, and simply on a caution from the captain; the rear rank will change direction on the same ground as the front, conforming, though marching by the route step, to the principles prescribed for changing direction with closed ranks and cadenced step, with this difference, that, in changes of direction on the reverse flank, the pivot man will take steps of fourteen inches, in order to clear the wheeling point.
688. The instructer will also direct the men to be exercised in the various file-movements detailed in the preceding article, and according to the principles herein prescribed. He will also sometimes cause the ranks to be closed, and, to effect this, the captain will command,
1. Rear rank, close order. 2. MARCH.
689. At the word MARCH, the front rank will resume the cadenced step; the rear rank, and also the files broken off, will quickly close up, take the cadenced step, and the whole will shoulder arms.
690. When the company, marching by the route stop, halts, the rear rank will close up, at the word Halt, and the men will shoulder arms; were the company marching with closed ranks and arms supported, at the command Halt, arms would be carried. This rule is general, whatever may be the number of companies.
691. In this school, the route step will be the same as in marching with ranks closed, in common time. In route marches, the approximation to the same rate will be as near as the roads will admit.
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_______________________________________
ARTICLE THIRD.
Diminishing and Increasing Front of Columns, by
Platoons and Sections.
Diminishing.
692. (Pl. VII. Fig. I.) The company marching with the cadenced step, in common time, and being supposed to form a part of a column, right in front, the instructer, to break into platoons, will give the order for the purpose to the captain, who will command,
1. Break into platoons.
The captain will take post in front of the centre of the first platoon.
693. The chief of the second platoon, placed in its rear, will, at this command, post himself before its centre, where, when arrived, he will give the caution, Mark time.
1394. The captain will then command.
2. MARCH.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
covering sergeant will place himself on its left flank, when that flank is clear of the right of the second platoon.
696. At the word MARCH, from the captain, the second platoon will mark time, as previously cautioned by its chief, and will likewise oblique to the right, on a second caution, as soon as the rear rank of the first platoon shall have passed its front.
697. The guide on the left of the second platoon, having nearly arrived in the direction of that of the first, the chief of the second will command, Forward, and, at the instant the guide of the second platoon covers the guide of the first, he will add, MARCH.
698. The column of platoons, marching as above, will be reduced to section front on the same principles; the instructer, who gives the commands in this case, substituting sections for platoons, and adding the word MARCH, when the second and first lieutenants have cautioned their sections, to Mark time.
699. At the word MARCH, from the instructer, the guide of the first platoon will place himself on the left of the first section; the guide of the second platoon remains on the left of the fourth section; the third sergeant places himself on the left of the second section, and the fourth sergeant on the left of the third section.
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Increasing.
700. To double the front of the column of sections, marching in common time, the instructer will command,
1. Form pIatoons.
701. At this, the captain and third lieutenant, each, cautions his section to oblique to the right, and the second and first lieutenants, respectively, caution their sections (the second and fourth) to march steadily forward.
These cautions given, the instructer adds,
2. MARCH.
702. At this word, which will be repeated by the captain and third lieutenant, their sections continue to the right, to unmask the other sections; the guide of the first marks time until the second section has marched up to him, when he becomes guide of the first platoon, and the third and fourth sergeants retire to their places as file-closers.
703. When the obliquing sections have nearly uncovered those marching to the front direct, each chief of the former will give the word Mark time. and add, MARCH, at the instant the unmasking is complete, in order to wait for the other section, with which it is to unite.
704. When that section shall be nearly up, the chief of the one marking time will give the word Forward, and, at the instant the two sections are ready to unite, the chief of the platoon will add, MARCH, and take post in front of his platoon. At the same time, the second and third lieutenants retire to their places in the rank of file-closers.
705. The column marching in platoons, right in front, the instructer will direct the captain to form company: the captain effects this by the following commands,
1. Form company. 2. MARCH.
706. This movement will be executed on the same principles prescribed for forming platoons from sections; the chief of the obliquing platoon (in this case the captain) giving the word Forward; and the captain the word MARCH; the covering sergeant passes from the left of the first platoon to the right of the company, and the guide of the left remains in his place.
707. Diminishing and increasing the front of a column, left in front, will be executed on the same principles, but by inverse means.
703. The instructer will also exercise the company un diminishing and increasing front, by platoons and sections, when marching by the route
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
step, which will be effected by the same commands and means, as when marching with the cadenced step, with this difference, that, in the division which obliques, each man will half-face to tine right, or half-face to the left, instead of maintaining the squareness of the shoulders.
709. The instructer, who represents the colonel of a battalion, will himself sometimes give the general commands above, Break into platoons, MARCH, and Form company, MARCH; as these words would be given by the colonel, if all the companies of the battalion were required to execute the movements indicated thereby at once.
710. When each company has to break into platoons, or to form up into company, successively, on the same ground on which the leading company executed the movement, then the commands in question will be given by the captain of the leading company, on an intimation from a field-officer, and by the following captains without intimation.
711. On the same principles, a column of platoons will break, successively, into sections, or a column of sections will form, successively, into platoons, on an intimation given to the chief of the leading platoon; but it the movement, in either case, is to be executed by all the divisions at once, then the commands, break into sections, MARCH, or Form platoons, MARCH, will be given by the instructer or colonel.
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Remarks on Diminishing and Increasing Front, by Platoons and Sections.
712. In both increasing and diminishing, it is necessary that the division should step out well in obliquing, to avoid losing ground, and in order not to impede the march of the division which is following.
716. lf, in diminishing front, the division that is to break off by obliquing, marked time too long, it might impede the following division in its march, and lengthen the column.
714. If, in increasing or diminishing, a division obliqued too long, it would be under the necessity, afterwards, in order to rectify the error, of obliquing in a contrary direction, and by that means the succeeding divisions might be interrupted in its march.
715. if, in a column of several companies, the diminishing take place successively, it is of the last importance that each division should continue to march at the same rate, without stepping short or altering the time, while the preceding division is diminishing, though it should be obliged to close up entirely to the latter; and this attention is indispensable, to prevent a lengthening of the column.
716. Errors of small magnitude, in a column consisting of a few companies, would be attended with serious inconveniences in a column of several battalions; so that the instructer ought to be extremely vigilant in causing all the prescribed principles to be strictly observed; and, for this purpose, he will place himself on the pivot flank of the column, in order the better to observe all the movements.
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ARTICLE FOURTH.
717. The company halted, and supposed to constitute part of a column, right in front, the instructer, to cause it to countermarch, will command,
1. Company—countermarch. 2. Right—FACE. 3. By file left.
4. MARCH.
718. (Pl. VII. Fig. 3.) At the second command, the company will face to the right; the captain will move to the side of the guide of the right; and the guide of the left will face to the right-about.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
719. At the word MARCH, the guide of the left will not move; the company will step off smartly; the leading file, conducted by the captain. will wheel to the left-about, moving along the front rank, so as to arrive at the distance of two paces in rear of the guide of the left, who has not moved; each file will wheel, successively, on the same ground as the leading file, and in the same manner; and, when the leading file has arrived as far as the guide of the left, the captain will command,
1.Company. 2. HALT. 3. FRONT. I. Right—DRESS.
720. The first command will be given when the leading file is within two paces of the point where the company is to halt;
721. At the second, the company will halt;
722. At the third word, the company will front by facing to the left;
723. At the fourth, the company will move up to the alignment marked by the position of the guide of the left; the man on the right of the front rank will place himself to the left, and by the side, of the guide, the captin will place himself at the distance of two paces outside of the guide, in order to direct the alignment; which being effected, he will cmnmand, FRONT, placing himself in front of the centre of the company: the covering sergeant will then place himself on the right of the Iront rank; and the guide of the left, who was there, will move to the left of the front rank.
721. In a column, left in front, the countermarch would be executed on the same principles, but by inverse means; accordingly, the movement would be made by the right flank of divisions, if the right were in front by the left flank, if the left were in front, passing always by the front rank.
725. Finally, if it were a column of platoons or sections, the counter-march would be executed by the same commands, and in the same manner, as in a column of companies.
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ARTICLE FIFTH.
To Form Line on the Right or Left, from Column at Full Distance.
726. The company being in open column of platoons, right in front, to form on the right, the instructer will command,
1. On right into line. 2. Guides right.
727. At the second command, the guide of each platoon will move quickly to the right flank of his platoon, and the soldiers will touch elbows towards the right; the column will continue to march forward.
728. The instructer, having given the second command, will move quickly to the point where the right of the company is to rest in line, and place himself there, facing to the left of the new line.
729. The new line ought to be such, that each platoon, after having turned to the right, may have at least four paces to march, in order to arrive on the line.
730. The head of the column having arrived nearly opposite the instructer, placed at the point of appui, (support,) the chief of the first platoon will command,
Right turn;
731. And, when it shall be opposite, the instructer will add,
MARCH.
732. At the word MARCH, the first platoon will turn to the right, con-forming to what is prescribed, No. 428, and then move forward; the guide will direct himself so, that the man of the front rank next to him will arrive opposite the instructer; the captain will march two paces in front of
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
the centre of the first platoon, and, when it arrives within two paces of the
line, will command,
1. Platoon. 2. HALT.
733. At the word HALT, the guide will move along the new line till opposite one of the three files on the left of his platoon; he will face to the instructer, who will align him on the point of direction on the left; the captain will move, at the same time, to the point where the right is to rest, and promptly command,
Right—DRESS.
734. At this comnand, the first platoon will align itself.
735. The second platoon will continue to march on until it arrives opposite to the left flank of the first, when, by command of its chief, it will turn to the right and move up towards the line, the guide conducting his march on the left file of the first platoon.
736. The second platoon, being arrived within two paces of the line, will be halted by its chief, by the commands prescribed for the first.
737. At the instant of halting, the guide will spring forward, placing himself on the line, facing the guide of the first platoon; the instructer will direct him to move to the right, or left, till he is on the line; and the guide will take care to be opposite to one of the three files on the left of his platoon.
738. The chief of the second platoon, seeing his guide established on the line, will command,
Right—DRESS.
739. The chief of the second platoon, having given this order, will quickly retire to the rank of file-closers, passing round the left, and the second platoon will align itself on the first.
740. The man of each platoon who is opposite to the guide will gently press his breast against the arm of the guide.
741. The instructer, on seeing the company aligned, will command,
Guides—POSTS.
742. At this command, the covering sergeant will retire to his post, and the guide of the second platoon to the rank of file-closers.
743. A column of platoons, left in front, will form line on the left flank, on the same principles, but by inverse means; the captain, after halting the first platoon, proceeding to the left of the company, to align both platoons, and shifting to his proper flank, when the instructer commands, Guides—POSTS.
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General Remarks on the School of the Company.
744. In practising the four last lessons; the instructor will frequently order the company to support arms, and will accustom the men to march thus, with the same regularity and precision as if arms were shouldered, which will at once prevent fatigue and negligence in the position of shouldered arms.
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Instructions for Firing at a Target.
745. It is of the first importance, that the soldier should be instructed to aim well and fire accurately; and to ensure proficiency in this, the following rules will be rigidly enforced by commanding and inspecting officers.
746. Several targets will be provided for each regiment, when embodied, and one for each company, when detached on command for any considerable time, of the following description: five feet ten inches high, by twenty-two inches in breadth, and painted white; it will be marked by three black stripes drawn horizontally across, one at the top, the second at the middle, and a third equidistant from the first and second; the centre
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
stripe having in Its centre a bull’s-eye, eight inches In diameter, surrounded, at two Inches distance, by a circle one inch broad.
747.The practice will commence at the distance of fifty yards, by which means the soldier, seldom missing his object, will acquire confidence in greater ranges. The soldier will be gradually removed from the target to the distance of eighty, and, finally, to that of one hundred and forty yards, about the point blank distance, or point of second intersection of the ball with the line of sight, by which time the soldier will have gained such a knowledge of his musket, as will enable him to fire, with considerable accuracy, at an object placed at Its extreme range, by observing the rules laid down for aiming at an object brought within the point blank distance.
748. Assuming as the point blank range of a musket, about one hundred and forty yards, in proportion as the soldier approaches the target placed at this distance, he slightly depresses the muzzle below the object aimed at: for example, to strike the bull’s eye, he should point slightly below it; if further removed than the point blank, he proportionally elevates.
749. Every soldier will be instructed singly, first by aiming and firing at will, and then by command; afterwards, two In a single rank, then in a file, as front and rear rank man.
750. Whenever it be convenient to increase the number of targets, to correspond with the number of files, a company may be made to practise together, firing by file and by company.
751. The men must be instructed, in aiming, to hold the butt firm against the right shoulder, to support the firelock steadily with the left hand, and to bring the breach, the sight, and object, to coincide with the visual ray.
752. To give them a facility of aiming in the requisite direction with accuracy, after coming down quickly to an aim, they shall receive the word,
Recover—ARMS.
753. The men must be instructed to pull the trigger forcibly, at the word FIRE, without stirring the head or altering the direction of the firelock.
754. To ensure the observance of these essential rules, after firing, the aiming position must be continued till the word LOAD is given.
755. All the soldiers, including musicians, shall practise target firing.
756. The result of the target practice will be carefully registered in a company book, and signed by the officerwho superintends the practice. The following form will be observed:
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Report of the Target Practice of Capt._____’s Company, (B.) 21 Infantry, on the of 18
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757. Commanding and inspecting officers will thus be enabled to judge accurately of the proficiency of the individuals belonging to a company.
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Manual of the Sergeants.
758. Sergeants, as also all the rank and file, will always repair to the parade with bayonets fixed.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
759. All sergeants, and the color-guard, shall carry their firelocks in the position about to be described.
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Position of Shouldered Arms.
760. The firelock in the right hand, and against the hollow of the shoulder, the barrel perpendicular, and to the rear, the ramrod to the front, the right arm, almost at its full extent, the right hand embracing the cock and guard, the butt flat along the right thigh, and the left hand hanging by the side behind the sword.
Present—ARMS.
761. FIRST MOTION. Carry the firelock with the right hand, perpendicularly, opposite to the left eye, the ramrod to the front, the cock as high as the lowest coat button; grasp, at the same time, the firelock with the left hand, the little finger of that hand against the hammer-spring, the thumb extended along the barrel and stock, the left fore-arm close to the body without constraint, and remain facing steady to the front.
762. SECOND MOTION. Grasp the firelock with the right hand, under and against tthe guard.
Shoulder—ARMS.
763. FIRST MOTION. Slip the left hand as high as the shoulder, and carry with this hand the firelock, perpendicularly, against the right shoulder; grasp with the right hand the cock and guard, the right arm neary extended.
764. SECOND MOTION. Let the left hand fall behind the sword.
Order—ARMS.
765. FIRST MOTION. Carry, smartly, the left hand to the centre band; detach a little, with the right hand, the firelock from the right shoulder; quit hold, at the same time, with the right hand; sink down the firelock with the left hand; seize it again with the right hand above the lower band, the right thumb on the barrel, in order to grasp it, the four fingers extended on the stock, the firelock perpendicular, the butt at three inchs from the ground, the beak of the butt over the spot where it is to rest; let the left hand fall behind the sword.
766. SECOND MOTION. By opening a little the fingers of the right hand, let the firelock slip through them, and fall to the ground, in such a manner that the beak of the butt may rest at the side of and close to, the toe of the right foot.
Shoulder—ARMS.
767. FIRST MOTION. Raise the firelock perpendicularly, with the right hand, against the breast, opposite to the shoulder, two inches from the body, the right elbow close to the body; seize the firelock with the left hand under the right, nearly at the lower band; let fall the right hand, and grasp the cock and guard, pressing the firelock against the shoulder.
768. SECOND MOTION. Let fall the left arm behind the sword, the right arm nearly extended.
Support—ARMS.
769. FIRST MOTION. Carry the firelock to the front of the body, perpendicularly, opposite to, and between, the eyes, with the right hand, the ramrod to the front; seize the firelock with the left hand at the lower band; raise it as high as the chin, and, at the same time, grasp the firelock with the right hand, four inches under the lock.
770. SECOND MOTION. Turn round the firelock with the right hand, the barrel to the front, conducting it, at the same the, to the left shoulder; pass the left fore-arm diagonally across the body, the cock supported on the left fore-arm, the left hand resting on the right breast.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
771. THIRD MOTION. Let the right hand fall to the right side.
Carry—ARMS.
772. FIRST MOTION. Grasp the firelock with the right hand under, and close to, the left fore-arm.
773. SECOND MOTION. Carry the firelock, perpendicularly, with the right hand, against the right shoulder, the ramrod to the front; seize it with the left land as high as the right shoulder; turn the right hand, at the same time, and grasp the cock and guard, the right arm extending nearly to its full length.
774. THIRD MOTION. Let fall the left arm behind the sword.
775. When the rank and file carry arms, in paying compliments, sergeants, and such of the corporals as shoulder arms as just above, shall with the inside of the left hand extended, touch the ramrod, at a point opposite to the right shoulder, returning the left hand to its side position, after the compliment is paid.
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Manual of the Corporal.
776. When corporals are in the ranks, they use their arms in the same manner as the other rank and file; but should they be In the rank of file-closers, or conduct a body of men, or a relief of sentinels, or belong to the color-guard, they will carry the firelock in the right hand, as described in the Manual of the Sergeants.
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Sword Manual of the Officers.
Mode of Carrying the Sword in the Ranks.
777. The gripe of the sword in the right hand, which ought to be placed as high as, and against, the right haunch, the blade against the shoulder.
778. When the ranks order arms, the officers will drop the blade of the sword by the right side, the point a little advanced, and about two inches from the ground.
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Position of the Sword out of the Ranks.
779. The gripe in the right hand, which shall be placed in front at the right haunch; the blade in the left hand, the point a little above the hand; the thumb extended on the blade, the left elbow bent, the fore-arm a little in front, the left hand opposite to, and four inches lower than, the left shoulder.
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Sword Salute, whether in or out of the Ranks, Halting or Marching.
780. FIRST MOTION. Raise the sword perpendicularly, the point uppermost, the flat of the blade opposite the right eye, the guard as high as the right breast, the elbow against the body. If the sword be in the position described for carrying the sword when out of the ranks, let fall summarily the left hand by the left side.
781. SECOND MOTION. Bring down the blade smartly, by extending the arm in such a manner that the right hand may be placed at the side of the right thigh, and rest, in that position, until the person saluted shall have passed, or been passed, two paces.
782. THIRD MOTION. Raise the sword again smartly, holding it as prescribed at the first motion.
783. FOURTH MOTION. Carry the sword to the right shoulder, if in the ranks, or sink the blade into the left hand, if out of the ranks.
SCHOOL OF THE COMPANY—LESSON VI.
Manual of the Colors.
784. In the ranks, whether halting or marching, the bearer of the colors will carry the bottom of the staff against the right haunch, the right hand holding the staff about the height of the shoulders, and the elbow of the same arm resting against the staff. The salute will be executed as follows:
783. When within six paces of the person to be saluted, let the spear of the staff fall gently forward, to an angle of forty-five degrees, without taking the butt from the haunch, facing steadily to the front; raise up gently the staff to the shoulder, when the person saluted shall have passed, or been passed, two paces.
786. If the colors are to salute standing, they will execute the same motions at the commands, Present—ARMS, Shoulder—ARMS. At the command, Order—ARMSand Shoulder—ARMS, for the battalion, the colors will also be ordered and shouldered.
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Instructions for the Drum-Majors
787. The place of the drummers in line has been determined in the first section.
788. In column of manoeuvre, the drums will march on the reverse flank, abreast of the left centre company.
789. In column of route, as also in passing defiles, they must march, in the interval, at the head of their respective battalions.
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790. Signals of the Drum-Major for the various Beats.
1. The generale. Extend the right arm, seize the staff by the middle, and raise the pommel as high as the chin.
2. The assembly. Extend the right arm, raise the staff nearly a foot from the ground, placing the thumb on the pommel.
3. The long roll Put the staff on the right shoulder, the ferrule to the rear.
4.
The
troop.
Raise
the arm, turn the wrist inwards, so that the
staff may be horizontally across the body as high as the chin.
5. To the field. Raise the staff perpendicularly, the ferrule upwards, the arm extended ins high as the right shoulder.
6.Quick time. Project the ferrule or the staff direct and horiz-ontally to the front, the arm extended.
7.The retreat. Carry the staff round, and hold it diagonally across the back.
8. Church call. Carry the pommel of the staff on the right shoulder.
9. Fatigue. Take the staff by the tassel, and extend the arm as high as the shoulder.
10. To Arms. Carry the staff on the left shoulder, the ferrule to the rear.
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791. Signals for the Evolutions of Drums.
1st. To march by the right flank, take the staff by the middle, and extend the arms to the right.
2d. To march by the left flank, make the same signal, extending the arm to the h=left.
3d. To diminish the front, let the ferrule fall into the heft hand, held as high as the eyes.
4th. To increase front, let the pommel of the staff fall into the left hand, held as high as the eyes.
SCHOOL OF THE BATTALION.
5th. To change direction, turn half round to the drummers, and indicate to them, by a movement of the staff, to which side they are to wheel or turn.
6th. To oblique to the right, extend the right arm as high as the shoulder, holding the staff slanting, and grasping the ferrule, the left hand as high as the haunch.
7th. To oblique to the left, make the contrary signal: the pommel of the staff will always indicate to which side the obliquing is to take place.
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792.To Ground Drums.
1. To put up drumstick,. Grasp the staff under the pommel, and raise it as high as the eyes, extending the arm to the front.
2. To unsling drums. Draw the pommel to the breast.
3. To ground drums. The same signal as for putting up drum-sticks.
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1. To take up drums. 2. To suspend drums 3. To draw out drumsticks. |
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Make the same signals with the staff as for putting up drumsticks, for detaching drums and for grounding drums. |
796. Drummers will be designated as markers, and employed accordingly, in the evolutions.
Mode of Dismissing Company.
Recover—ARMS.
Bring the firelock to the recover, by throwing it briskly out of the left hand, (if from shouldered arms,) the guard to the front; the cock resting against the left breast; the left hand seizing the firelock above the lock, and the right hand the small.
Ease—SPRINGS.
Keep the firelock steady at the recover; throw the pan open with the right thumb; let down, gently, the cock with the fore-finger and thumb of the right hand.
Right—FACE.
As in No. 109.
Lodge—ARMS.
Drop the firelock smartly to the port, (No. 269,) the front rank springing off to the left, the rear rank and file-closers to the right; the whole quitting the parade without noise.
In turning in a guard, the same mode will be observed, with the exception of easing springs.
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