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Cooper's Cavalry Manual
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PART II.
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CAVALRY TACTICS.
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The words of command given by the Instructor, (who represents the commander,) are printed in CAPITAL letters.
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PREFACE
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It is not to be expected that the militia or volunteer Cavalry are to be instructed in all the minutia practised by the regular Cavalry. It will be sufficient that every man learns the rudiments of Infantry formations, to act occasionally on foot, and to mount and dismount with ease, to sit a horse naturally, and to have his stirrups sufficiently short to enable his to command his horse and to rise in them to strike, when it may be necessary to use the sword or the lance.
The maneuvers are simple, and can be easily learned. The sword exercise is reduced to a very few motions. It has not been thought necessary to enter into all the cuts usually practised by Cavalry in the attack and defence; it is deemed sufficient that a milita or volunteer trooper should be able to draw and return his sword with agility, to pay the compliments with grace, and, for the attack, to come to the preparatory, of "raise sword," and dash at his adversary with cut, or point, as may be most effectual in the charge against horse or foot.
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Definitions of certain terms of formations and manoeuvre.................. .. .. .. ..7
Mounting........................................................................ ..10
Position on horseback.................................................. . .................. ..10
Dismounting......................................................... .................... 11
Riding lesson................................................. . .................................11
Manual of the sword........................................ ................................ .13
Of the squad..................................................... .. .............................14
Formation of the squad...................................... ........................... 15
Alignments....................................................... ..............................15
Marches to the right..................................................... . ................ 16
Formations to the left........................................................... . ........ 16
Formations to the right or reverse flank............................... .......... .17
Formations to the front....................................................... . .......... 17
To advance and retire in line.................................................. ....... .18
Diminution and increase of front............................................. ......... .18
Formation of the company...................................................... ...... 20
Formation of the squadron...................................................... ......... ..21
Formation of the regiment...................................................... ....... .22
To open and close ranks.................... ................................ 23
Posts of officers and others in column.. ............................. ..23
Of the charge or attack.......................... ............................ .24
Rules for guides and markers.................... ....................... ..25
Movements from line............................................................... . .... .27
No. 1. To change front forward on first squadron.................. ...... 27
2. The change front to the rear on left squadron........... .......... .28
3. To change front on central squadron....................... . ............ 28
4. To break to the right into column............................ . ......... ...29
5. To break to the right to march to the left................. ....... .30
6. To break to the right to the rear, to march to the left. ..... .30
7. To ploy into close column on second squadron............... ...... ..30
8. To advance in echelon of squadrons............................... ...... ..31
9. Passage of lines to the front......................................... .... ..32
10. Passage of lines to the rear....................................... ........ .32
11. To march in line...................................................... ....... 33
Movements from close column................................................ ......... .35
No. 1. To deploy on second squadron.................................. .......... .35
2. To wheel into line on rear squadron......................... ........ ..35
3. To change direction from a halt............................... .......... .36
4. Countermarch................. ................................ ............. .....37
Movements from open column........................................ .............. ..37
No. 1. To from line to the left....................................... .......... ....37
2. To form line to the right by inversion.............. .... ..38
3. To form line to the front..................... ............... ...38
4. To form line to the front on rear company.... ....... .39
5. To form line faced to the rear............................. ........ ....39
6. To form line faced to the rear on rear company.... ....40
7, 8. To form line by two movements....................... ..... .....40, 41
9. To form on right into line........................ .................. ........41
10. To form close column............................. ................ ..42
Skirmishing............................................................. ........... ..........42
PART II.
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CAVALRY.
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Definitions of certain terms of Formation and Manoeuvre.
A Rank- Is any number of men side by side in line.
Cavalry are said to be marching by-
Files- When each front-rank man has his rear-rank man following him, the whole in one single string.
Twos- When each front-rank "two" has its rear-rank "two" following it, being a column two abreast.
Fours- When each front-rank "four" has its rear-rank "four" by its side, being in a column eight abreast.
Sections of Fours- When each front-rank "four" has its rear-rank "four" following it, being in a column four abreast.
A Platoon- Is the fourth part of a squadron. Platoons are right and left in each squadron.
A Company- Is the half of a squadron. Companies are tight and left in each squadron.
A Squadron- Two or more squadrons compose a corps or regiment. Squadrons are numbered 1st, 2d, 3d, &tc, from the right.
Close Order- The ordinary distance at which the rear-rank is formed behind the front-rank- one yard or less.
Open Order- The increased distance taken by the rear-rank on some occasions of parade- six yards or paces.
Front- The distance towards which the line faces when formed- the extent from flank to flank- that is, the breadth.
The extent of front of a squadron is to be calculated at about as many yards as it contains files
Depth- Distance from front to rear.
Distance- Space between one division and another in column.
From one horse to another when marching in file, twos, fours, or sections of fours- one yard.
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From one squadron to another in close column- ten yards.
From one squadron, company, or platoon, to another, in open column. The extent of front of each squadron, company, or platoon, taken from front-rank to front-rank, adding ten paces for the interval between squadrons when in line
The depth of two ranks, taking the length of the fullest sized cavalry horses, at eight feet, and the distance between the ranks at three feet, is to be reckoned at about nineteen feet.
Intervals- Spaces between squadrons and regiments in line- those between squadrons, ten paces; those between regiments, fifteen.
Points of Direction- Objects towards which it is intended to march in line or column. The directing guide must march perfectly straight, by always keeping in line two objects at some distance before him.
Flank- The extremity of the right or left of a military body in line or column.
Directing Flank- That flank of a column towards which the guides cover in marching. When the column is marching with the right in front, the left is the directing flank; with the left in front, the right (except under peculiar circumstances or manoeuvres.) The directing flank is indicated by the commands, guide left, or guide right, as the case may be, and the dressing is towards that flank. Pressure must be yielded when coming from that flank, and resisted when coming from the opposite flank.
Pivot- The man on the flank which forms the central point in wheeling.
Alignment- A straight line, upon which a body of troops is to form.
Every division which is to be aligned upon another, will halt abreast of the rear-rank, parallel to the line off formation, to move forward into the alignment of the division already formed.
Inversion- When the squadrons are not in their proper order; or when the right are to the left, and the left to the right.
Column- A line broken into several parts, each part following exactly behind the other.
Column of Route- A column (of twos or sections of fours) for convenience and ease.
PART II. CAVALRY.
Direct Echellon- A line broken into several parts, moving direct to the front or rear, in this manner-
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Oblique Echellon- A line broken into several parts by wheels from line or column, less than the quarter circle, so as to be oblique to the former front, and parallel with each other- thus:
Paces- There are three paces, the walk, the trot, and the gallop.- The walk at the rate of three and a half to four miles an hour. The trot at eight miles and a half an hour. The gallop at eleven miles an hour. The gallop is not considered applicable to general purposes of manoeuvre, though it may be used occasionally for very simple formations.
The rate of charge should not exceed the speed of the slowest horse,
To preserve uniformity of movement, the trot and gallop should commence gradually, and by the whole body at the same time.
The term pace, by which distance and intervals are measured, is reckoned at one yard.
Commands- Are of two kinds, those of caution and those of execution. They should be given in a firm and clear tone, and repeated by the chiefs of subdivisions. There should be a short pause between the command of caution and of execution. At the command of caution, chiefs of subdivisions will caution their subdivisions as to the particular movement which each has to perform.
The commands march and halt should be instantly repeated by chiefs of subdivisions. When a line breaks from a halt by a wheel, the chief of each subdivision will judge of the instant when the movement ought to finish to order halt, and left, or right-dress.
At the word march, a line or column will move at a walk,
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unless the command indicates a different pace. When a command is not distinctly heard by some part of the line, each officer (when the intention is obvious) will conform as quickly as possible to the movement which he sees executed on his right or left, according to the point from whence he perceives it to be given.
STAND TO HORSE.- The position of the man is on the left side of the horse, square to the front; toes on a line with the horse's fore feet; right hand, back upwards, holding the rein of the snaffle over the curb, six inches from the ring of the bitt; left hand hanging down by the thigh.
PREPARE TO MOUNT.- Face to the right, place the left hand where the right was, and run the right up to the middle of the reins or knob, which is held between the finger and thumb; step to the right, opposite the horse's shoulder, and taking both sides of the curb-rein with the left hand, just under the right, put the little finger between them, the back of the hand towards the horse's head; run down the left hand to the neck of the horse, and still holding the bridle, seize with the fore-fingers of the left hand, a lock of the mane, about a foot from the saddle; seize the stirrup-leather with the right hand near the stirrup; step back with the right foot, and place the ball of the left in the stirrup, the left knee close to the horse's shoulder, and the right hand on the cantle of the saddle.
MOUNT.- By a spring from the right foot, rise in the stirrup, bring both heels together, knees against the saddle, and body upright; place the right hand on the pommel and support the body, while the right leg passes clear over the horse, the right knee closes on the saddle, and the body comes gently into it; the left hand quits the mane, and the right the pommel; the snaffle-rein is laid with the right hand, back upwards, into the left, the middle finger dividing them, the superfluous part of the reins hanging down on the offside; both reins are pressed between the thumb and first joint of the fore-finger, the bridle hand raised so as just to feel the horse's mouth; the right foot takes the stirrup without the aid of hand or eye.
The body balanced in the middle of the saddle; head
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upright and square to the front; shoulders well thrown back; chest advanced; upper part of the arms hanging down straight from the shoulder; left elbow bent and slightly closed to the hips; little finger on a level with the elbow; wrist rounded, throwing the knuckles to the front; thigh stretched down from the hip; the flat of the thigh well turned inward to the saddle; knees a bit bent; legs hanging straight down from the knee and near the horse's sides; heels stretched down, the toes raised from the insteps, and as near the horse's sides as the heels.
PREPARE TO DISMOUNT.- The right hand takes the rein above the left; the right foot quits the stirrup; the left hand slides forward on the rein and seizes a lock of the mane about twelve inches from the saddle, feeling the horse's mouth very gently; the right hand drops the reins to the off-side, and is planted on the holster.
DISMOUNT.- Supporting the body with the right hand and left foot, the right leg is brought clear over to the near side; heels close; the right hand on the cantle preserves the balance of the body; the right foot is brought to the ground, and then the left; seize the reins with the right hand under the left, and advance, left foot first, to the position of STAND TO HORSE
Aids are given by the hand and legs; corrections and animations by the spur.
To March.- At the word FORWARD, raise the hand so as to feel gently the horse's mouth, and approach the pegs without closing them: this is called "to gather the horse," and is preparatory to all movements. At the word MARCH, turn the nails downwards, so as to give a little more rein, and close the calves of both legs according to the sensibility of the horse: when the horse obeys, ease the legs by degrees, and replace the hand quietly in its former position.
To Halt.- At the word HALT, feel the reins equally and firmly, drawing the hand towards the body, and closing for an instant both legs, in order to press the horse well up to the bridle: when the horse has obeyed, resume the former position.
To Rein Back.- Raise the hand a little and draw it gently
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to the centre of the body, bending a little forward, till the horse obeys- use the calves of the legs only to keep him straight; ease the reins after every step, and feel them again.
To Turn to the Right.- Open the right rein and close gradually the right leg, making the horse pass over a quarter of a circle of two or three paces, on the line of the shoulders; diminish the effect of the rein and right leg, to terminate the movement. Turning to the Left, is performed on the same principles, by contrary means.
To Turn to the Right (or Left) About, is performed by similar movements continued, making the horse pass over a half circle of about five paces, on the line of the shouders.
To Trot.- Ease the reins and press the calves of both legs, according to the horse's temper; then feel both reins to raise the fore-hand.
To Canter.- A light and firm feeling of the reins, to raise the horse's fore-hand; a pressure of both legs, to bring the haunches under him.
Passaging.- When ground is to be taken to a flank, by passaging the whole move at the words RIGHT (or LEFT) PASS, MARCH- until the word HALT. In passaging to the right, at the words RIGHT PASS, propel the horse's shoulders to the right, by opening the right rein and slightly closing the right leg: at the word MARCH, open the right rein and close the left leg, in order to make the haunches follow; hold the right leg ready to sustain the horse. Passaging to the left is executed by contrary movements.
Obliquing.- At the words RIGHT OBLIQUE, MARCH, each man makes a quarter turn of his horse to the right, so that his right knee comes behind the left knee of the man on his right; the man on the right of the rank marches steadily in the direction indicated to him, the others dress on him. The rear-rank moves in the same manner, and is regulated by the front-rank, which it takes care to conform to; and thus the horses' heads of the rear-rank are directed in rear of the second man from their leader towards the right. In obliquing to the left, the same principles and contrary movements are employed.
Wheeling.- Wheelings are of two kinds, from the halt
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and upon the move: in either case, the dressing is the outer or marching flank.
From the Halt.- The pivot man turns his horse on his fore-feet, keeps his ground, and comes gradually round with the rank. The outward flank man looks to his rank, regulates the pace at which the wheel is made, and conducts the flank so as to avoid crowding on the rank, the men resisting pressure from the outward and yielding to pressure from the inward flank. The rear-rank must rein back at the pivot and partly passage and incline towards the wheeling flank in order to cover.
On the move.- Both flanks are kept in motion: the inner flank describing an arc of a lesser circle: the outer flank describing an arc of the large circle and moving about one half faster than the rate at which the body is marching: the intermediate men conforming to the movements of the flanks. Pressure must be yielded when coming from the side towards the guide, and resisted from the opposite side, whether the guide be on the pivot, or on the marching flank.
In the evolutions, the wheelings are on a fixed pivot. In changes of direction in column the wheels are made on the move, so as not to retard the march, the arcs described by the pivots are five paces, and when marching in column of four, or twos, the pivots wheel without slacking the pace.
The wheelings should be first practised in single rank.
In wheeling from line into column, the dressing after the wheel is to the marching flank.
DRAW- SWORD.- Carry the right hand over the reins; run the hand to the wrist, through the sword-knot; grasp the sword and draw it six inches out of the scabbard.
Draw the sword briskly, carry it to the right shoulder, point upwards; drop the hand on the upper part of the right thigh, the little finger on the outside of the gripe, and the back of the blade in the hollow of the shoulder. This is the position of CARRY- SWORD.
SLOPE- SWORD.- Loosen the grasp of the handle, advancing at the same time the sword-hand, with the wrist turned up, so as to allow the back of the sword to rest on the shoulder in a sloping position.
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CARRY-SWORD.- Draw the hand to its position, so as to allow the sword to resume its perpendicularity.
RAISE- SWORDS.- As front rank. Raise the sword hand perpendicularly and bring it as high as the chin, blade to the left and fingers opposite the face, which is the position preparatory to give point. Raise the wrist to the height of the eyes- the arm half extended- the edge turned towards the right, and the point a little lower than the wrist.
As rear rank.- Raise the sword, the arm half extended; the wrist a little above the head; the edge upwards, the point backwards, and about one foot above the wrist. These are the positions of the sword by the two ranks just before the charge and at the shock when the men are to give point, or cut and use their swords as they see fit, after breaking the line.
CARRY-SWORDS.- Bring the sword to its original position on the thigh.
RETURN-SWORDS.- Raise the blade perpendicularly; the flat to the front, edge to the left, the thumb to the height of the chin and six inches from it. Carry the wrist near, and opposite to, the left shoulder, drop the point, turn the head to the left, return the sword, bringing the head again to the front and the hand to its position behind the thigh.
Pistol and carbine exercise are omitted, because it is deemed best to let every man use his pistol or carbine as may be most convenient to him.
Officer's Salute Mounted.
Being at the position of "CARRY-SWORDS," raise the hand by a circular motion as high as, and opposite to, the chin, with the edge of the blade to the left, then stretching the arm out, and at the same time brining the point of the blade in a line with the knee and the foot, the edge still kept to the left.
The salute being made with the sword is recovered bringing it back smartly to CARRY-SWORDS.
Dismounted.
The salute is the same as that prescribed for the infantry.
The first drills should be in single rank of squads not exceeding twelve men. The following examples apply to a
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squad of sixteen men in two ranks, but they are equally applicable to a squad in single rank, by leaving out what regards the rear-rank in the instructions.
The marches and formations should be executed as often by the left as by the right; but in order to avoid repetitions of right and left, they are laid down with reference to the former hand only.
After the men go through the whole correctly at a walk, the marches as formations should be performed generally at a trot.
Short halts should take place at intervals: the men should also be dismounted at least once during the drill.
The squad is formed in two ranks at open order, six yards distance; the men in the position of STAND TO HORSE.
ATTENTION, SQUAD.- TELL OFF BY FOURS.- The men of each rank number themselves one, two, three, four, from right to left.
PREPARE TO MOUNT.- Numbers two and four step forward with the right foot, face their horses, take the snaffle rein with both hands near the ring, rein back their horses gently to the distance of four yards, and all prepare to mount.
MOUNT.- As already explained. Being mounted, numbers two and four move into their intervals gently, and the rear-rank closes to the distance of one yard from the front rank. (FIG. 1.)
In dismounting in two ranks, at the words PREPARE TO DISMOUNT, numbers one and three of the front-rank move forward four paces, and two and four of the rear-rank rein back the same distance.
The whole are then dismounted as already explained.
The three right files of each rank are placed four paces forward and aligned.
BY FILE, RIGHT-DRESS.- The men of each rank advance singly and dress on the men of their respective ranks already established, taking care not to pass beyond them, and feeling the touch of the boot gently to the right.
FRONT.- The men turn their heads to the front. Dress-
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ing back is practised in the same manner. After the men are sufficiently practised to align by files, they are taught to align by the whole rank at once, by the command RIGHT-DRESS.
FOURS, RIGHT.- Each rank wheels by fours to the right. (FIG. 2.)
GUIDE LEFT-MARCH.- The whole move forward, dressing to the left.
By Sections of Fours.
SECTIONS OF FOURS-RIGHT.- The leading four of the front-rank marches straight forward, its rear-rank inclining and covering it; the remainder move off their ground in succession in the same manner: first a front-rank four, and then a rear-rank four, alternately. (FIG. 3.)
By Twos.
TWOS-RIGHT.- The right hand two of the front-rank wheels to the right; the remainder turn their horses heads to the right.
MARCH.- The leading two marches straight forward, followed by its rear-rank two; the remainder move off their ground in succession in the same manner; first a front-rank two and then a rear-rank two, alternately, the whole covering by the left. (FIG. 4.)
Marches by the right By Files, are made according to the same principles as By Twos, substituting in the command FILES for TWOS. The files should be instructed to cover accurately.
If the column is marching by subdivisions of eight, or if the front of subdivisions exceed that number, the column must be halted before it is wheeled into line; in other cases the formations may be made from the move.
From Fours.
COLUMN-HALT-LEFT INTO LINE WHEEL-
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MARCH.- The whole of the fours wheel to the left, and dress to the right.
From Sections of Fours.
LEFT INTO LINE-MARCH.- The leading four wheels to the left, and moves up three horses' lengths, followed by its rear-rank; the remainder continue moving on, and as each four arrives opposite its place, it wheels to the left, and forms up to the rank to which it belongs, dressing to the right. (FIG. 6.)
Formations to the left, From Twos and Files, are made according to the same principles and by the same command as From Sections of Four. (FIG. 7.)
Formation to the Right or Reverse Flank.
These formations are made from the move.
From Fours.
ON RIGHT INTO LINE- MARCH.- The rear-rank fours check their pace till the front-rank fours of the rank next behind come up abreast of them; in the meantime the leading four of the front-rank wheels to the right, and advances three horses lengths beyond the right flank of the column, and halts; its rear-rank wheeling to the right, covering it and moving up to the proper distance; the remainder continue to move on, each four wheeling to the right when opposite its place, and forming up to the rank to which it belongs, dressing to the right. (FIG. 8.)
From Sections of Fours.
ON RIGHT INTO LINE- MARCH.- The leading four of the front-rank wheels to the right, advances three horses lengths, and halts; its rear-rank four arriving behind it, wheels, covers, and moves up to the proper distance; the reminder continue moving on, and as each four arrives opposite its place, it wheels to the right, and forms up to the rank to which it belongs, dressing to the right. (FIG. 9.)
Formations to the right from Twos and Files, are made according to the same principles and by the same command as From Sections of Fours. (FIG. 10.)
These formations are made from a halt, or move.
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From Fours.
FRONT INTO LINE- MARCH.- The leading four of the front-rank advances three horses lengths, and halts, its rear-rank fours moving up by an incline, to its proper distance and covering it; the rest of the rear-rank fours check their pace till the front-rank fours of the rank next behind come up abreast with them, the whole moving up into line by inclining to the left, and dressing, as they come up, by the right. (FIG. 11.)
From Sections of Fours.
FRONT INTO LINE- MARCH.- The leading four of the front-rank advances three horses lengths and halts, its rear rank four moving up to its proper distance and covering it; the remainder move up into line, by inclining to the left, and dressing, as they come up, to the right. (FIG. 12.)
Formations to the front, From Twos and Files, are made according to the same principles and by the same commands as From Sections of Fours. (FIG. 13.)
SQUAD, FORWARD, GUIDE LEFT (or RIGHT) MARCH.- The whole move forward together, dressing towards the guide, who marches straight to the front on the points of direction.
To Retire in Line.
This may be done either from a halt, or on the move: in both cases the wheels about must be on a fixed pivot.
FOURS RIGHT (or LEFT) ABOUT.- Each rank wheels about by fours.
GUIDE RIGHT (or LEFT)- MARCH.- The word MARCH, to be given, the instant the fours have gone about, and the whole move forward together, dressing towards the guide.
To resume the natural order the same commands and means are observed.
Diminution and Increase of Front.
These movements are intended for the passage of defiles, and will be executed by the sub-divisions in successions, at the same given point.
In diminishing from platoons to sections of fours and so
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down to files, it will be necessary first to halt the column, in order to avoid crowding and confusion, which would, otherwise, obviously arise from the want of space necessary to execute the movements.
Diminish. From Squadron to Companies.
BY COMPANIES, MARCH.- The right company continues to move forward; the left company halts until its right is cleared, when its chief gives the words right oblique, march, and as soon as it covers in column, forward guide- left.
From Companies to Platoons.
BY PLATOONS-MARCH.- The first platoon continues to move forward; the second platoon halts until its right is disengaged, when its chief gives the words right oblique, march, and as soon as it covers in column, forward guide- left. The fourth platoon executes the same movement when it arrives at the place where the second platoon broke.
From Platoons to sections of Fours.
BY SECTIONS OF FOURS, MARCH.- The leading right hand four continues to move forward followed by its rear-rank; the leading left hand four halts until its right is disengaged when it obliques to the right, followed by its rear-rank, and covers in column by the left. All the other fours execute the same movement, as they arrive in succession on the same ground.
From sections of Fours to Twos.
BY TWOS, MARCH.- The leading right hand two continues to move forward followed by its rear-rank; the leading left hand two halts until its right is disengaged when it obliques to the right, followed by its rear-rank, and covers in column by the left. All the other twos execute the same movement, as they arrive in succession on the same ground.
From Twos to Files.
BY FILES, MARCH.- The leading right hand file continues to move forward, followed by its left hand file, which obliques to the right for the purpose. All the other files make the same movements as each arrives at the same point.
Increase. From Files to Twos.
FORM TWOS, MARCH.- The leading file continues to
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Dress forward; the remainder move on at a trot, numbers two and four, forming on the left of one and three, as they successively arrive at those last formed, and then dropping into a walk.
From Twos to sections of Fours.
FROM SECTIONS OF FOURS, MARCH.- The leading twos move steadily forward; the remainder move on at a trot, numbers three and four forming on the left of one and two, as they successively arrive at those last formed, and then dropping into a walk.
From sections of Fours to Platoons.
FORM PLATOONS, MARCH.- The leading section moves steadily forward the others move on at a trot, the left sections forming on the left of the right sections of platoons, as they successively arrive at those last formed, and then dropping into a walk.
From Platoons to Companies.
FORM COMPANIES, MARCH.- The first platoon moves steadily forward; the others move on at a trot, the second platoon forming on the left of the first, and the fourth on the left of the third, as they successively arrive at the same point, and then dropping into a walk.
From Companies to Squadrons.
FORM SQUADRON, MARCH.- The right company moves steadily forward; the left company moves at a trot, obliques to the left, forms on the left of the right company and then drops into a walk.
In the foregoing movements, the column is supposed to be marching right in front. If the column should be marching with the left in front, the movements would be executed by inverse means.
Each company forms on its own parade, in single rank, according to size from tight to left, the tallest men and horses on the right.
Then company is next divided into two equal parts, those on the right to compose the front-rank, those on the left, the rear-rank.
IN TWO RANKS FORM COMPANY- The men composing
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the front-rank advance four paces dressing by the right. The men of the rear-rank turn their horses heads to the right.
MARCH.- The men of the rear-rank file off to the right in rear of the front-rank: and as each arrives opposite his file-leader, he turns to the left and covers at the distance of one yard.
The company is then divided into two platoons, the first platoon on the right, and the second on the left; each consisting of eight files.
The non-commissioned officers are next posted as follows the first sergeant, on the right of the company, in the rank of file-closers, (one yard from the rear rank,) the second, third, fourth, and fifth sergeants, in the front-rank on the left and right of each platoon, each covered by a corporal. The company thus formed will present including sergeants and corporals in the ranks, or sixteen files.
The captain is in front of the centre of the company, one yard from the front-rank; the first lieutenant commands the first platoon, and the second lieutenant commands the second platoon, each taking post in front of the centre of his platoon, in a line with the captain.
The saddler and farrier are in the rear of the left of the company, eight yards in rear of the rank of file-closers; and the trumpets twenty yards in rear of the centre.
The company being formed, the men, including the non-commissioned officers in the ranks are told off by fours, beginning on the right of each rank.
It is recommended to the militia to form and exercise on single rank, both as a simpler formation and as more useful and effective on many occasions in which they may be required to act.
Two companies constitute a squadron, and when united for that purpose, the platoons are number from right to left, first, second, third, fourth, fifth.
The officers are posted as follows:
The senior captain commands the squadron and is in front of the centre, one yard from the front-rank. The junior captain three yards on rear of the centre. The first lieutenants in front of the centre of their respective companies on
PART II. CAVALRY.
a line with the senior captain, each commanding his own company: the second lieutenants in rear of the centre of their respective companies in the rank of file-closers.
The first sergeants of companies are, one on the right and one on the left of the squadron, in the rank of file-closers, to be employed as markers. The other non-commissioned officers retain their places in line.
The saddlers and farriers retain their places in their respective companies: the trumpets are twenty yards in rear of the centre of the squadron.
When a single company of militia acts on one rank, it should, unless very weak in number, be told off and formed as a squadron.
Formation of a Regiment. (FIG. 14.)
Three squadrons ordinarily form a regiment: the squadrons are numbered from right to left, first, second, third.
The intervals between the squadrons are ten yards. The colonel is eight yards in advance of the centre of the regiment, and attended by an officer and a trumpeter.
The lieutenant-colonel opposite the centre of the first and second squadrons: the major in advance of the interval between the third and fourth squadrons: both on a line with the colonel. The adjutant on a line with the front-rank: the sergeant-major on the same line two yards from the left of the regiment.
The duties of the field officers, adjutant and sergeant-major, are the same as prescribed in the infantry tactics.
The quartermaster, surgeon, and assistant surgeon, posted from right to left in the order they are mentioned, are in the rear of the centre of the regiment, four yards from the rank of file-closers; the veterinary surgeon six yards on their left. The quartermaster sergeant, in rear of the right of the second squadron, six yards behind the rank of file-closers.
The trumpets twenty yards in rear of the centre of the regiment.
The sergeant on the left of the right company of the centre squadron, carries the standard; and the sergeants on the left of the right platoons of companies, carry each a guidon.
PART II. CAVALRY.
The ranks being closed, the commanding officer gives the words PREPARE TO OPEN RANKS, when the markers of squadrons place themselves on the flanks of their squadrons in the rear-rank. The commanding officer then adds, TO THE REAR OPEN ORDER; at which, the markers rein back five yards and are aligned by the right by the lieutenant-colonel. The commanding officer then gives the word MARCH, when the rear-rank reins back and is aligned by the lieutenant-colonel on the markers, the whole dressing by the right. The file-closers rein back at the word MARCH, and place themselves one yard in rear of the rear-rank. The rear-rank being aligned, the commanding officer gives the word FRONT.
When the ranks are to close, the commanding officer gives the words CLOSE ORDER, MARCH. At the word MARCH, the rear-rank closes to the front, each man covering his file-leader at the prescribed distance, and the markers take their places as file-closers.
Posts of officers and others in column.
Column of Twos or Fours, (Right in Front,)
The colonel, abreast with the centre of the regiment, eight yards from the left flank of the column.
The lieutenant-colonel and major on the same flank, the first abreast with the centre of the two first squadrons, and the last abreast with the centre of the two last squadrons.
The adjutant on the same flank, abreast with the leading files; the sergeant-major in rear of the column, except when the left is in front, when he is on the right flank, abreast with the leading files.
The chiefs of squadrons on the left flank opposite to the centre of their squadrons; the junior captains in the same relative position, on the right flank. The chiefs of the leading companies of squadrons, in front of their companies, the chiefs of the other companies on the left of their leading files.
The file-closers on the right flank of the column, abreast with the files they cover when in line, The trumpets six paces in advance of the officers at the head of the column.
Column of Platoons.
The field officers, adjutant and sergeant-major, as in column of fours.
PART II. CAVALRY.
The chiefs of squadrons on the left flank, abreast with their second platoons. The junior captains on the right flank, abreast with the third platoons. The chiefs of platoons on the left of their platoons. The file-closers on the right of their platoons.
The trumpets, as in column of fours.
Column of Companies.
The field officers, adjutant and sergeant-major, as in column of platoons.
The chiefs of squadrons, junior captains of squadrons, and trumpets, as in column of platoons, all the other officers, and non-commissioned officers as in line.
Close Column. Of Squadrons.
The field officers, adjutant, sergeant-major, and trumpets, as in column of companies. All the other officers and non-commissioned officers, as in line, except chiefs of squadrons, who are on their left flanks.
The distance from one squadron to another, in close column, is ten yards.
In all movements in column, the officers not herein provided for, march in rear of the regiment.
The charge is regulated by the principles of the direct march, but is more animated and impetuous. The enemy is the point of direction, and his overthrow the object. It commences with a brisk trot, then a gallop, constantly increasing in velocity in proportion to the approach to the enemy, and finally assumes the character of an attack. There are three modes of charging. In a line parallel or oblique to the front of the enemy by echelon, and in column.
When at a suitable distance from the enemy to make a charge, say about 250 yards, the commanding officer commands, REGIMENT, (SQUADRON or COMPANY)-DRAW-SWORDS-TROT-MARCH. The regiment continues at a trot for 150 paces, when the commanding officer gives the word, GALLOP, which is repeated by the field officers and chiefs of squadrons. He then commands MARCH, which in like manner is repeated; and after passing about 100 paces at a gallop, the commanding officer causes the charge to be sounded by all
PART II. CAVALRY.
the trumpets, at which signal the gallop is increased in speed. The men rise in their stirrups, lowering the bridle hand, but keeping the command of their horses, as well as preserving their dressing, and thus dash upon the enemy; the front-rank with the sword pointed forward, and the rear-rank with the sword to the raise. The enemy being routed, the commanding officer orders the trumpeters to sound the rally, when each man pulls up and joins his standard. But as it is important that the enemy should not have time to rally, the flank platoons of each squadron or some others, are sent in pursuit, and to recall them the rally is sounded, when they return to their respective places in their squadrons.
The charge ought always, if possible, to be anticipated, as there is great danger of being overthrown by receiving a charge at a halt.
At the signal to charge, officers in the front of the line, cause the file in rear of them to fall back so as to admit the croup of their horses into the rank. Chiefs of squadrons charge at the head of their respective squadrons. The colonel at the head of such squadrons as he may think his presence most necessary. The lieutenant-colonel and major at the head of other squadrons of their wing. Adjutants, sergeants major, and general guides, keep their places as in line. The trumpets in rear of the centre, with the trumpet-major at their head, unless the colonel shall see fit to have him near his person.
The guides are the non-commissioned officers on the right and left of platoons, told off in the ranks.
Guides should be instructed to march with precision, to cover correctly, and to judge of distances by the eye; as on them depend, in a great measure, the accuracy with which the movements are performed.
It may sometimes happen that the proper guides are not on the directing flank of a column, as in the marches by fours and twos: in such cases, the men on that flank serve as guides for the time being.
The markers to be employed for regimental movements are the first sergeants of companies. There are two for
PART II. CAVALRY.
each squadron, and their duties are to mark the line on which their squadrons are to rest in the different formations.
The markers of the squadron to which the base company belongs, mark the base of the intended line, and are placed by a field officer, or the adjutant, at points where the right and left files of the base company are to rest. Upon the caution being given for a movement, the base is instantly placed.
The right markers of squadrons which are to form on the right of the base, mark the points where the right of their squadrons are to rest; and the left markers of squadrons which are to from on the left of the base, mark the points where the left of their squadrons are to rest. Each move out from his squadron and faces towards the base markers just enough to take his dressing from them, before his squadron arrives on the line.
In marking lines, the markers raise their swords to the height of the cheek, keeping the blade, the edge to the front, perfectly upright. They remain posted until the commanding officer gives the word FRONT, (which should succeed each formation,) when they retire to their places in line.
In aligning their squadrons, the chiefs place themselves on that flank towards which the men are to dress, and give the word front, when their squadrons are aligned.
In forming close column, the base for the covering, consists of the markers of that squadron on which the formation takes place; who are placed by the lieutenant-colonel, immediately upon the caution, facing to the pivot flank of the intended column.
In deployments, and all other movements from close column, the base consists of the markers of that squadron upon which the deployment or movement takes place; who are posted by a field officer, or the adjutant, immediately upon the caution, at points where the flanks of that squadron are to rest.
When a column changes direction in marching, one of the markers of the leading squadron is placed at the point where such change is made. The marker remains posted until the head of the next succeeding subdivision is abreast with him, when his place is supplied by the marker of that squadron, who in like manner, is relieved by the marker of the next squadron; and so in succession.
PART II. CAVALRY.
The markers are rectified in their positions by a field officer, or the adjutant.
Movements.
The following movements are arranged throughout as for three squadrons; but they are applicable to any number. They are detailed as performed from the right, but they may be performed from the left, by substituting in the cautions and commands, LEFT for RIGHT, and RIGHT for LEFT.
To change front forward on first Squadron. (FIG. 15.)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons. |
} |
CHANGE FRONT FORWARD ON RIGHT COMPANY OF FIRST SQUADRON.* |
Chief of base company- Company, right-wheel.
Chief of company next the base- Company, forward.
Chiefs of second and third squadrons- By company, right half- wheel.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the whole move as follows:
The base company wheels to the right and is aligned on the markers, receiving from its chief the words halt, right- dress.
The company next the base advances until its right uncovers the left of the right company; it then receives from its chief the words right- wheel, followed by forward, halt, right- dress.
The other companies wheel half right, and then receiving the words forward, guide- right, from the chiefs of squadrons, advance in echellon towards the new line. Each company on approaching its place, receives from its chief right- wheel, followed by forward, and on arriving on a line with the rear-rank of the preceding company, halt, right- dress.
* The base is given by the markers of the first squadron, placed on the new line in front of the right and left files of the base company, facing to the right.
PART II. CAVALRY.
To change front to the rear on the left Squadron.
(FIG. 16)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons. |
{ |
CHANGE FRONT TO THE REAR ON LEFT COMPANY OF THIRD SQUADRON.* |
Chief of base company- Company, right- wheel.
Chief of company next the base- Company, fours, right-about, followed by company, right-wheel, as soon as fours have gone about.
Chiefs of 1st & 2d squadrons- fours, right-about, followed by- By company, right half- wheel, as soon as the fours have gone about.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the base company wheels to the right, and is aligned on the markers, receiving from its chief, the words halt, left- dress. The company next the base having wheeled to the right, receives from its chief the word forward, passes the line a horses length, leaving sufficient interval between it and the left company, to enable it to wheel about by fours, and receives from its chief, halt, fours, right-about, left- dress. The other companies wheel half right, and receiving from the chiefs of squadrons, the words, forward, guide- right, retire in echellon towards the new line; each company, on approaching its place, receives from its chief right- wheel, followed by forward, and when it has passed the line a horses length, taking care to leave sufficient ground on its right to wheel about, receives from its chief, halt, fours, right-about, left- dress.
To change front on central Squadron. (FIG. 17.)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons. |
{ |
CHANGE FRONT ON RIGHT COMPANY OF SECOND SQUADRON, LEFT-WING FORWARD.+ |
* The base is given by the markers of the third squadron, placed on the new line in front of the left and right files of the base company, facing to the left
+ The base is given by the markers of the second squadron, placed on the new line in front of the right and left files of the base company, facing to the right.
PART II. CAVALRY.
Chief of base company- Company, right- wheel.
Chief of company next the base- Company, forward.
|
Chief of 1st squadron, |
{ |
Fours, right-about, followed by By company, right half- wheel, as soon as fours have gone about. |
Chief of 3d squadron- By company, right half- wheel.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the companies of the second squadron execute what has been prescribed in No. 1, for the companies of the first squadron. The companies of the third squadron conform to what is prescribed in the same No. for the companies of the second and third squadrons; and the companies of the first squadron to what is prescribed in No. 2 for the companies of the first and second squadrons.
To break to the right into column. (FIG. 18.)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
BY COMPANY, RIGHT-WHEEL, WALK (or TROT)- MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the companies wheel to the right, and receive from their chiefs the words, halt, left- dress, followed by front.
Should it be intended to move the column forward, the commanding officer gives the words, COLUMN FORWARD, GUIDE-LEFT, WALK (or TROT)-MARCH, and the whole move forward at the pace indicated.
If, while the column is in march, it be intended to change direction by the head, the commanding officer gives the words HEAD OF COLUMN TO THE RIGHT, (or LEFT,) when the chief of the leading company adds company, right (or left) wheel-march. The company having wheeled into the new direction, its chief gives the word forward, and the company resumes the direct march. Each company, on arriving on the ground where the first wheeled, executes the same movement, receiving from its chief the same command.
To break to the right to march to the left. (FIG. 19.)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
BY COMPANY, BREAK TO THE RIGHT TO MARCH TO THE LEFT. |
PART II. CAVALRY.
Chief of right company, 1st Squadron- Company, forward, guide- left.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chief. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the right company of the first squadron advances the paces, wheels to the left by command of its chief, and marches forward. The other companies do the same, in succession; their chiefs giving the command in time to enable them to take their proper distances in column.
To break to the right, to the rear, to march to the left.
(FIG. 20.)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
BY COMPANY, BY THE RIGHT, BREAK TO THE REAR, TO MARCH TO THE LEFT |
Chief of Right Company, 1st Squadron- Company, right about- wheel.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chief. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the right company of the first squadron wheels about, receives the words forward, guide left, from its chief, and again receiving the word forward, continues its march. The other companies are, in succession, wheeled to the right-about by their chiefs, and moving to the rear in like manner, follow in column.
The movements in this and the preceding number, are intended for the passage of defiles in front and rear of the left.
To ploy into close column, on second squadron. (FIG. 21.)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
CLOSE COLUMN ON SECOND SQUADRON, RIGHT IN FRONT.* |
Chief of 1st Squadron- Squadron, fours left.
Chief of 2d Squadron- Squadron, fours right
*The base for the covering of the pivots is given by the markers of the second squadron, placed in front of the left flank of the leading squadron, facing to the rear.
PART II. CAVALRY.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of 1st & 3d squadrons. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the second squadron stands fast, its chief giving the words guide left. The first squadron having wheeled fours left, is conducted by its chief (on the right flank of the leading fours) along the front of the second squadron; when abreast of the fourth file from the left of the second squadron, the chief of the first squadron gives the words halt, fours right, left- dress, and front. The third squadron having wheeled fours right, is conducted by its chief (on the left flank of the leading fours) towards its place in rear of the second squadron; he himself halts where its left will cover on the second squadron, allows his squadron to pass him, and as soon as the left is up with him, gives the words halt, fours left, followed by left- dress, and front.
The above instructions are applicable to the formation of close column on a flank squadron, by naming it in the caution, with either the right or left in front; the chiefs of squadrons giving their commands accordingly
To advance in echellon of squadrons. (FIG. 22.)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
ADVANCE IN ECHEL-LON OF SQUADRONS FROM THE RIGHT. |
Chief of 1st squadron- Squadron forward.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chief. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the caution to advance, the squadron-markers place themselves on the right and left of the front-rank of their squadrons. On the word MARCH, the first squadron advances. The remaining squadrons receive the word march, from their chiefs, in succession, as soon as each has got a distance equal to its front, and interval from the one which precedes it; the right markers of squadrons taking care to preserve that distance and interval. During this march, the guide is to the right.
The retreat in echellon is exactly like the advance, each squadron wheeling to the right-about by fours, just in time not to lose its distance from the one before it. In the caution, the word RETIRE is substituted for ADVANCE.
PART II. CAVALRY.
When squadrons, having advanced in echellon, are required to form line to the front, the squadron, on which the line is to be formed, is named; those squadrons in front, if any, are wheeled about by fours to the right, and the whole move into line upon the named squadron.
When a formation into line is required to the left, the squadrons wheel to that hand, and form line upon a named squadron.
If, while advancing in echellon from the right, it be required to from an oblique line to the left, the squadrons close to company distance, on the named squadron, and then half wheel to the left into line.
Passage of lines to the front. (FIG. 23.)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
ADVANCE BY FOURS FROM THE RIGHT OF SQUADRONS. |
Chiefs of squadrons- fours right- leading fours, left- wheel.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chief. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, each squadron wheeling fours right, and its leading fours again to the left, advances through the intervals of the line in front, each squadron passing on the right of the squadron in its front.
When the line is to be formed again, the commanding officer gives the words, FRONT INTO LINE-MARCH, (repeated by chiefs of squadrons,) when each squadron forms on its leading fours; the chiefs dress their squadrons by the right, and then resume their places.
The intervals of heads of squadrons from each other, are preserved from the first squadron.
Passage of lines to the rear. (FIG. 24.)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
RETIRE BY FOURS FROM THE RIGHT OF SQUADRONS. |
Chiefs of squadrons- fours right- leading fours, right- wheel.
PART II. CAVALRY.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chief. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, each squadron, wheeling fours right and its leading fours again to the right, retires. The intervals of the heads of squadrons from each other are preserved from the first squadron. Each squadron passes through the interval, on the left of the squadron in its rear.
When the columns approach within fifty yards of the place where the commanding officer intends to reform his line, the lieutenant-colonel moves forward and establishes a marker at the point where the right of the first squadron is to rest. The left squadron markers then move out and mark the points where the left of their squadrons are to rest on the line, and each chief conducts his squadron, round his left marker, towards the point where the right of his squadron is to rest, and when there, gives the words halt, fours left, right- dress, followed by front, and resumes his place in line.
To march in Line.
To cause the regiment to advance in line, the commanding officer gives the caution, REGULATE ON-SQUADRON. SQUADRONS FORWARD, (repeated by chiefs of squadrons,) on which all the squadron markers move to the right and left of the front-rank of their respective squadrons. If the first, central, or any intermediate squadron is to be the regulating one, the lieutenant-colonel causes the right marker of that particular squadron to place himself exactly in front of the right guide of his squadron, on a line with the officers, and designates to him the point on which he is to march. If the regulating squadron is on the left of the centre, the left marker pf that particular squadron is placed in like manner, in front of the left guide of his squadron.
These dispositions being made, the commanding officer gives the word MARCH, (repeated by chiefs of squadrons,) and the whole move forward. The officers in front of squadrons maintain themselves on the alignment of the marker of the regulating squadron, without regarding the dressing of their men. Each squadron dresses towards the regulating one, and the intervals are preserved in that direction.
PART II. CAVALRY.
The squadrons should, if anything, be rather behind, than in advance of the regulating squadron.
If an obstacle present itself in front of a platoon, company, or squadron, its chief places it behind the platoon, company, or squadron, to his right or left, according to circumstances, by wheeling by platoons to the right or left; and when the obstacle is passed, bringing it into line by a contrary movement.
If, while marching in line, it be intended to gain ground to the front and to a flank, the commanding officer gives the words, BY COMPANY, RIGHT (or LEFT) HALF WHEEL- MARCH, and when sufficiently wheeled, he adds FORWARD GUIDE RIGHT (or LEFT;) the whole move in the direction indicated, in echellon of companies. To bring them again into line, and to continue the direct march, the commanding officer gives the words, BY COMPANY, LEFT (or RIGHT) HALFWHEEL, MARCH, and when wheeled into line, he adds FORWARD, when the line moves forward, conforming to what has already been prescribed. The commands here given, are repeated by chiefs of squadrons.
To halt the regiment, marching in line, the commanding officer gives the words REGIMENT, HALT. At the word HALT, repeated by chiefs of squadrons, each squadron halts. The markers of the regulating squadron place themselves facing to the right, in front of the right and left files of their squadron, a little in advance of the line of officers, so as not to be masked by them, and are rectified on them by the lieutenant-colonel. The commanding officer then gives the words, ON-SQUADRON-DRESS, when each squadron moves forward on the alignment being completed, the commanding officer gives the word FRONT, and the markers retire.
In the retreat in line, the same rules apply as in the advance, the squadrons wheeling about by fours, and the file-closers acting as leaders, except that they give no commands.
The march in line being a difficult and important movement, should be frequently practiced, in order to render it as familiar and as easy as possible.
PART II. CAVALRY.
Movements from Close Column, No. 1.
To deploy on second squadron. (FIG. 25.)
|
Commanding officer, |
{ |
DEPLOY ON SECOND SQUADRON.* |
Chief of 1st squadron- Fours right.
Chief of 2d squadron- Fours left.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the first squadron leads out to the right, and the third squadron leads out to the left, each conducted by its chief. The chief of the first squadron, when opposite the ground on which the left of his squadron is to rest, halts, and lets his squadron march past him; when the last rank of fours is abreast with him, he gives the words, first squadron, halt- fours left- left- dress, followed by front. In like manner, the chief of the third squadron, when opposite the ground on which the right of his squadron is to rest, halts, lets his squadron march past him, and when the last rank is abreast with him, gives the words, third squadron, fours right, forward, guide right, and when abreast with the rear-rank of the second squadron, halt, right- dress, followed by front. The chief of the base squadron, (the 2d,) the moment his front is unmasked, gives the words, second squadron, forward, guide left, and aligns it by the right on the markers.
The above example is applicable to the deployment of a close column in any named squadron.
Movement No. 2, from Close Column.
To Wheel into line on the rear squadron. (FIG. 26.)
Commanding officer- ON THIRD SQUADRON, LEFT INTO LINE.+
Chief of 3d squadron- Third squadron, left- wheel.
Chiefs of 1st & 2d squadrons- Squadron, forward.
|
Commanding officer, repeat-ed by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
*On the caution, the base is given by the markers of the second squadron, placed at points where the flanks of that squadron are to rest in line; they face to the right.
+On the caution, the base is given by the markers of the third squadron, placed where tie flanks of the squadron are to rest, facing to the right,
PART II. CAVALRY.
On the word MARCH, the first and second squadrons advance; each, as soon as it has got its proper distance from the one its rear, receives from its chief the words left- wheel, followed by forward, and as it arrives on a line with the third squadron, halt, left- dress, front. The third squadron wheels to the left, receives from its chief the word forward, and when it has moved up three horses lengths, halt, left- dress, front.
If the column be required to form line to the right (reverse) flank, the caution is given, BY INVERSION, ON THIRD SQUADRON, RIGHT INTO LINE; the movements and commands are the same, only substituting right for left.
The column may also, in both cases, be opened from the front or centre, as well as from the rear; the squadrons in the rear going about by fours, and fronting when they have got their proper distances, and those in front of the named one advancing. The formation is the same as already named laid down.
Movement No. 3, from Close Column.
To change direction from a halt. (FIG. 27.)
Commanding officer- CHANGE DIRECTION BY THE RIGHT FLANK.*
Chiefs of squadrons- Fours right.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the front squadron, receiving from its chief left wheel, and then forward, moves straight in the new direction; its chief halting himself at the point where its left is to rest, and permitting his squadron to march past him; when the last rank comes abreast with him, he gives the words, halt, fours- left, left- dress, aligns his squadron on the markers, and adds, front. The second and third squadrons are conducted by their chiefs, who halt when arrived at the points where the left of their squadrons are to rest, let their squadrons march past them in the new direction, and when then the last rank is abreast with them, they give the words, halt, fours- left, left- dress, followed by front.
* On the caution, the base is given by the markers of the headmost squadron, placed at points where the flanks of that squadron are to rest, facing to the right.
PART II. CAVALRY.
In changing direction by the left flank, each chief conducts his squadron until its left flank arrives at the point where it is to rest.
Movement No. 4, from Close Column.
Countermarch. (FIG. 28.)
Commanding officer- COLUMN, COUNTERMARCH.
Chiefs of Squadrons- File to the right.
|
Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word COUNTERMARCH, the left markers place themselves one yard beyond the left of their squadrons, facing to the rear, the croups of their horses six yards in rear of the rear-rank. The file-closers place themselves on the left of their squadrons; those of the right companies, abreast with the front-rank; the junior captains on their left; those of the left companies abreast with the rear-rank.
On the words File to the Right, the right hand men of both ranks turn to the right-about, and the front-rank man moves up on the left of his rear-rank man; the remainder turn their horses heads towards the right.
On the word MARCH, the leading file of each squadron wheels to the right, passes near the rear-rank, and when nearly opposite the left marker, each man, on a caution from his chief of squadron, turns to the left, halts, and dresses to the right, the front-rank man placing himself on the left of the marker. The other files move off their ground in succession, front and rear-rank men together, as it comes to their turn, wheel at the same point where the leading file had wheeled, and when arrived opposite to their places in line, each man turns to the left, and forms up to the rank to which he belongs, dressing to the right. The officers and file-closers follow the movement of the men, and take their places successively as they reach them.
Movements from Open Column. No. 1.
To from line to the left. (FIG. 29.)
|
Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons |
{ |
LEFT INTO LINE- WHEEL.* WALK (or TROT)- MARCH. |
*The base is given by the markers of the first squadron, placed at points where the flanks of the right company are to rest, facing each other, and covered by the left markers of the other squadrons, at points where the left of their squadrons are to rest.
PART II. CAVALRY.
On the word MARCH, the companies wheel left into line, receiving from their chiefs the words halt, right- dress, as soon as the wheel is completed. The chiefs of squadrons align their squadrons by the right, and then give the word front.
Movement No. 2, from Open Column.
To form line to the right by inversion.
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Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons. |
{ |
BY INVERSION, RIGHT INTO LINE- WHEEL.* WALK (or TROT)- MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the companies wheel right into line, receiving from their chiefs the words halt, left- dress, as soon as the wheel is completed. The chiefs of squadrons align their squadrons by the left, and then give the word Front.
Movement No. 3, from Open Column.
To from line to the front. (FIG. 30.)
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Commanding officer, repeated by chiefs of squadrons. |
{ |
FRONT INTO LINE.+ |
Chief of base company- Company, forward.
Chief of company next the base- Company, left, half- wheel.
Chiefs of 2d and 3d squadrons- By company, left half- wheel.
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Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the base company advances three horses lengths, and then receives from its chief, halt, right- dress. The other companies make a half wheel to the left, and then, receiving from the chiefs of squadrons the words, forward, guide- right, advance in echellon towards their places in line. Each, as it approaches, receives from its chief, right- wheel, followed by forward, and on arriving on a line with the rear-rank of the preceding
*The base is given by the markers of the third squadron, placed at points where the flanks of the right company of that squadron are to rest, facing each other, and covered by the left markers of the other squadrons, at points where the left of their squadrons are to rest.
+The base is given by the markers of the first squadron, placed at points where the flanks of the base company are to rest, facing to the right.
PART II. CAVALRY.
company, halt, right- dress. Each chief of squadron aligns his squadron by the right, and then gives the word front.
If the column be required to from line to the front by inversion, the caution is given, BY INVERSION, FRONT INTO LINE. The movement is performed according to the same principles, but by inverse means and commands; the leading company is established on the markers; the other companies half- wheel to the right, and advance in echellon towards the line, each forming on the right of the one which precedes it.
Movements No. 4, from Open Column.
To form line to the front on rear company. (FIG. 31.)
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Commanding officer, repeat-ed by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
ON REAR COMPANY, FRONT INTO LINE.* |
Chief of company next the base- Company, left half- wheel.
Chiefs of 1st & 2d squadrons- By company, left half- wheel.
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Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the whole, except the base company, (which stands fast,) move as follows:
The companies make a half wheel to the left, and receiving from the chiefs of squadrons, the words, halt, fours right- about, followed by forward, guide- right, retire in echellon towards their places in line. Each, on approaching the line (taking care to leave sufficient space on its right to wheel fours about) receives from its chief the words, right- wheel, followed by forward, and when it has passed the line a horses length, halt, fours right- about, left- dress.
Movement No. 5, from Open Column.
To form line faced to the rear. (FIG. 32.)
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Commanding officer, repeat-ed by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
INTO LINE, FACED TO THE REAR.+ |
*The base is given by the markers of the third squadron, placed in front of the right and left files of the left company, facing to the left.
+The base is given by the markers of the first squadron, placed on the new line, at points where the flanks of the right company are to rest, and facing towards the right flank.
PART II. CAVALRY.
Chief of base company- Company, left about- wheel.
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Chiefs of 2d &3d squadrons, and company next the base. |
{ |
Fours right. |
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Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
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On the word MARCH, the base company wheels left about, and receives from its chief the words, halt, right- dress.- The other companies move off together, and are conducted by their chiefs to the points where their left will stand on the new line, being marked by squadron markers; each chief conducts his company round the marker, and when the head of the company arrives near its point of formation, leaving space sufficient to wheel by fours, he gives the words, halt, fours- left, right- dress.
Movement No. 6, from Open Column.
To form line faced to the rear on rear company. (FIG. 33.)
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Commanding officer, repeat-ed by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
ON REAR COMPANY INTO LINE, FACED TO THE REAR.* |
Chief of base company- Company, left about- wheel.
Chiefs of 1st & 2d squadrons- By company, left- wheel.
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Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the base company wheels left about, receives from its chief the words, forward, guide- left, advance in echellon towards their places in line; each, on approaching the line, receives from its chief the words left- wheel, followed by forward, and on arriving on a line with the rear-rank of the preceding company, halt, left- dress.
Movement No. 7, from Open Column.
To form line by two movements. (FIG. 34.)
A column having changed direction to the right, or reverse flank, may form line to its former front, as follows:
*The base is given by the markers of the third squadron, placed on the new line, at points where the flanks of the left company are to rest, and facing towards the left flank.
PART II. CAVALRY.
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Commanding officer, |
{ |
LEFT INTO LINE- WHEEL, REAR SQUADRON, FRONT INTO LINE.* |
Chiefs of 1st & 2d squadrons- Left into line- wheel.
Chief of 3d squadron- Front into line.
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Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the companies of the first and second squadrons wheel into line, as prescribed in movement from No. 1, from open column; and the companies of the third squadron form front into line, as prescribed in movement No. 2, from open column.
Movement No. 8, from Open Column.
To form line by two movements. (FIG. 35.)
A column having changed direction to the left, or pivot flank, may form line to its former rear, as follows:
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Commanding officer, |
{ |
LEFT INTO LINE- WHEEL, REAR SQUADRON, INTO LINE FACED TO THE REAR..* |
Chiefs of 1st & 2d squadrons- Left into line- wheel.
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Chief of 3d squadron, |
{ |
Into line, faced to the rear, followed by fours- right |
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Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
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On the word MARCH, the companies of the first and second squadrons wheel into line, as prescribed in movement from No. 1, from open column; and the companies of the third squadron form line faced to the rear, as prescribed in movement No. 5, from open column.
Movement No. 9, from Open Column.
To form on right into line. (FIG. 36.)
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Commanding officer, repeat-ed by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
ON RIGHT INTO LINE, GUIDE RIGHT.+ |
*The base in these two movements is given by the markers of the first squadron, placed on the new line, at points where the flanks of the right company are to rest, facing each other.
+The base is given by the markers of the first squadron, placed on the new line, at points where the flanks of the right company are to rest, facing to the right.
PART II. CAVALRY
Chief of base company- Company, right- wheel.
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Commanding officer, repeated by chief of base company. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the leading company wheels to the right, receives from its chief the word forward, and when it has achieved a distance equal to its front, halt, right- dress. The other companies pass along the rear of the leading company; each in succession, as soon as it arrives opposite its place in line, receives from its chief the words, right- wheel, followed by forward, and when on a line with the rear-rank of the preceding company, halt, right- dress.
Movement No. 10, from Open Column.
To form close column.
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Commanding officer, repeat-ed by chiefs of squadrons, |
{ |
FORM CLOSE CO-LUMN. |
Chiefs of right companies of squadrons- Company, forward.
Chiefs of left companies of squadrons- Company, left-oblique.
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Commanding officer, repeated by same chiefs. |
{ |
WALK or TROT- |
} |
MARCH. |
On the word MARCH, the leading company advances three horses lengths, and receives from its chief the word halt. The other right companies move straight forward. The left companies oblique to the left, at double the pace, till their right flanks are uncovered; they then receive the word forward, from their chiefs, followed by walk, when in line with their right companies. Each squadron, as soon as formed, receives the words guide- left, from its chief, and when moved up to its proper place in column, halt, left- dress, followed by front.
Skirmishers are usually employed to gain time, to watch the movements of the enemy, to keep him in check, and to prevent him from approaching so close to the main body as to annoy the line of march. On service, regularity in skirmishing and correctness of distance cannot always be maintained, on account of the movements of the enemy and the nature of the ground. It is, nevertheless, essential, that some
PART II. CAVALRY
general rules should be laid down, which may be easily conformed to an applied, according to circumstances.
On ordinary occasions a few mounted men may be sufficient for this duty; yet it is frequently necessary on service to employ whole squadrons as skirmishers. The following example embraces a company, which is deemed sufficient to cover the front and flanks of a regiment composed of three squadrons. One of the flank companies is usually employed for this purpose.
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LEFT COMPANY OF THE THIRD SQUADRON, SKIRMISH TO THE FRONT- MARCH. |
{ |
At the |
Word MARCH, the company named moves forward ten paces, and the men deploy as skirmishers, extending so as to cover the whole front of the squadron, as well as its flanks; for this purpose, the man on the right of the front- rank moves in an oblique direction, towards a point sixty paces in advance, and beyond the right flank of the regiment; the man on the right of the rear- rank follows his file- leader, and then moves to his left on the same alignment; the other files conform themselves to this movement, placing themselves at equal intervals from each other.
In advancing, the skirmishers draw the left pistol, the sword hanging to the wrist. When the regiment is advancing, the forward march is sounded, when the skirmishers move forward, and at the commence firing, they begin the fire. When the halt is sounded, the skirmishers halt, and observe the movement of the regiment, to which they conform. If it turn to the right, or left, they do the same singly, to cover the front; if the regiment retire, the march in retreat is sounded, when the skirmishers retire by a checquered movement, as follows:- All the skirmishers who belong to the front- rank wheel about singly to the left, march fifty paces to the rear, and then resume their front by wheeling about singly to the right. The same movements are made by the rear- rank men, who place themselves fifty paces in rear of the others, and so on as long as the regiment continues in retreat.
When the regiment resumes its front, the halt is sounded, at which the skirmishers halt and form again on the same line. Cease firing is then sounded, and afterwards the rally, when they return by the shortest way to their places in the regiment.
PART II. CAVALRY
Skirmishers always move out and return at a gallop; they never draw their pistols until they are deployed; they never fire until within reach of the enemy, unless by order, and they should always keep their horses in motion, even when loading, to avoid becoming a mark to the enemy. They retire by a wheeling about to the left, and resume their front by wheeling about to the right. When they reform again in company, they return pistol and carry sword.
