382. THE object of this school is to
make troopers skilful in the management of their horses and arms, in
all directions, and at all gaits. To accomplish this, the instructor
must attend particularly, from the commencement., to placing the men
well on horseback, and to habituating them in the application of
correct principles.
The instruction should always commence
at a walk,
in order to give the troopers the facility of seating themselves well,
and of calming their horses, as they are generally more restive on
first being brought together. The instruction should also terminate at a walk.
At the commencement it is generally
necessary to make the troopers march repeatedly on the same track, at a walk, and at a trot; when,
however, they already have some skill in the management of their
horses, which is almost invariably the case with volunteer cavalry,
this exercise is less necessary, and the instructor may proceed almost
at once to the changes of direction, and other movements.
When the instructor wishes to rest the
men, he commands:
REST.
At this command the trooper is no longer
required to remain immovable.
When the instructor wishes to resume the
drill, he commands:
ATTENTION.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER. 335
When the trooper resumes his immovable
position, and fixes his attention.
In the first part of the instruction but
a very few men should be under the same instructor, or small squares
should be formed as in infantry.
To conduct the horses to the
drill ground.
383. The horses having the bridle reins
near the neck, each trooper takes hold of the reins with the right
hand, six inches from the mouth of the horse, the back of the hand up,
the hand elevated and firm, to prevent the horse from jumping, and
leads his horse to the ground, where under the direction of the
instructor, he places it. in such position that all the horses shall
'be on the same line, or in one rank.
The squad being formed, the instructor
commands:
Count by fours.
At this command, the men count from
right to left, one, two,
three, four, according to the place which each one
occupies.
The troopers should be without arms or
spurs.
Position of the trooper before
mounting.
384. On the left side of the horse,
abreast of the lower jaw; the reins in the right hand six inches from
the mouth of the horse, the back of the hall(~ up. Heels upon the same
line as nearly as the conformation of the man will permit, the feet at
a little less than a right angle, and equally turned out; the knee
straight without being stiff; the body perpendicular upon the haunches
and slightly inclined forward; the left hand hanging by the side, the
palm a little turned out, the little finger along the seam of the
pantaloons; the head erect without being constrained, the chin drawn
in, and eyes to the front.
To mount.
385. The instructor commands:
336
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
PREPARE TO MOUNT.
One time and two
motions.
First motion. (Fig.
87.) Nos. 1 and 3 move forward six paces, stepping off with the left
foot, keeping opposite their intervals. Place the right foot three
inches in rear of the left; make a face and a half with the right on both heels, the
right toe to the front; let go the right-rein; slip the right hand
along the left rein; take two steps, stepping off with the right foot,
and face to the left on the toe of the left foot, the right side
towards the flank of the horse; carry back the right heel three inches
in rear of the left; the right hand seizing the end of the reins is
placed upon the cantle of the saddle.
Second motion.
Place a third of the left foot in the stirrup, supporting it against
the fore-arm of the horse; rest upon the point of the right foot, and
seize a lock of the mane with the left hand over the reins as far
forward as possible, the extremity of the lock passing out of the hand
on the side of the little finger.
MOUNT.
One time and two motions.
First
motion. At the command mount, spring from the right foot,
holding firmly to the mane, at the same time pressing the cantle with
the right hand to prevent the saddle from turning; the body erect.
Second
motion. Pass the right leg stretched over the croup of the
horse, without touching him; sit down lightly in the saddle, placing
the right hand at the same time, without quitting the reins, upon the
right holster, the palm of the hand resting upon it, the fingers on the
outside of it, and take one rein of the bridle (if a snaffle) in each
hand.
If the trooper is using the curb bridle,
he will pass the reins into the left (or bridle hand), the
little finger between the reins, the other fingers well closed, and the
thumb upon the second joint of the first finger; the elbow slightly
detached from the body, the hand four inches above the pommel of the
saddle, the fingers six
SCHOOL OF 'I'HE
TROOPER. 337
inches from, and turned towards the body; the right hand at the side.
The instructor should allow but a short
interval between the first and second motion, because, were the trooper
to remain a long time on the stirrup, the horse would become restive,
and move out of place, then command:
Form –
Rank.
Nos. 1 and 3 raise the wrists (or the
bridle hand), and hold the legs close to the body of the horse to keep
him quiet; Nos. 2 and 4 enter the intervals without jostling and
without precipitation.
After mounting, the instructor causes the stirrups to be crossed upon
the neck, the left stirrup over the right.
Position of the trooper,
mounted.
386. The buttocks bearing equally upon
the saddle, and as far forward as possible; the thighs turned upon
their flat side, or knees turned in, without effort, embracing the
horse equally, and stretched only by their own weight and that of the
legs; a supple bend of the knees; the legs below the knee free, and
falling naturally; the toes falling in like manner; the loins supported
without stiffness; the upper part of the body at ease, free and erect;
the shoulders square; the arms free, the elbows falling naturally; the
head erect, at ease, and not drawn in between the shoulders; when the
snaffle is worn, one rein in each hand, the fingers closed, the thumb
along each rein, the wrists as high as the elbow, at six inches from
each other, the 'lingers turned towards each other, the upper extremity
of the reins leaving the hand on the side of the thumb.
The instructor then commands:
1. Eyes RIGHT (or
LEFT). 2. FRONT.
At the word right, the head is turned
gently to the right, so that the corner of the left eye, next the nose,
may be in a line with the buttons of the jacket.
At the command front, the head is gently
turned to the front.
338
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
The use of the reins.
387. The reins serve to prepare the
horse for the movements he is required to execute, to direct him, and
to stop him. Their action should be progressive, and in accordance with
that of the legs. When the trooper makes use of the reins,
the arms should act with suppleness, and their movements ought to
extend from the waist to the shoulder.
The use of the legs.
388. The legs serve to urge the horse
forward, to support him, and to aid him in turning to the right or
left. Whenever the trooper wishes his horse to move forward, he should
close the legs by degrees behind the girths, causing their effects to
correspond with the sensibility of the horse, taking care neither to
open or elevate the knees, of which the bend should be always pliant.
The trooper relaxes the legs by degrees, as he closed them.
The effect of the reins and legs
combined.
389. In elevating the wrists, or the
bridle-hand, a little, and closing the legs, the trooper “gathers his horse”
in elevating the wrists, or bridle hand, he slackens the pace; in
repeating this movement of the wrists, or bridle-hand, he stops the
horse, or he "reins back."
The trooper ought to elevate the wrists without curving them, at the
same time drawing them slightly towards the body.
In opening the right rein, and closing
the right leg, the trooper turns his horse to the right. To open the
right rein, the right wrist is carried, without turning it, more or
less to the right, according to the sensibility of the horse. When the
curb is worn, move the bridle-hand forward and to the right.
In opening the left rein, and closing
the left leg, the trooper turns his horse to the left. The left rein is
opened upon the same principle as that on which the right is opened.
When the curb is worn, move the bridle-hand forward and to the left.
By lowering the wrists, or bridle-hand,
slightly, the horse is at liberty to move forward; the closing of the
legs puts him in motion.
SCHOOL OF 'I'HE
TROOPER. 339
390. The instructor commands:
1. Squad forward. 2.
MARCH.
At the command squad forward,
elevate the wrists, or bridle hand, slightly, and close the legs, in
order to gather the horse.
At the command march, lower the
wrists, or bridle-hand, slightly, and close the legs more or less,
according to the sensibility of the horse. The horse having obeyed,
replace the wrists, or bridle-hand, and the legs by degrees.
After some steps the instructor
commands:
1. Squad. 2. HALT.
At the first command, the trooper
gathers his horse without slackening his pace.
At the command halt, the trooper braces
himself in the saddle; elevate the wrists, or bridle-hand, at the same
time, by degrees, and close the left to prevent the horse from backing.
The horse having obeyed, replace the wrists and the legs by degrees.
To turn to the right, or left.
391. The instructor commands:
1. Squad to the right (or left).
2. MARCH. 3. HALT.
At the command squad to the right,
gather the horse.
At the command march, open the
right rein, or move the bridle hand to the right, and gradually close
the right leg. In order not to turn the horse too short, perform the
movement on the fourth of a circle three paces in length. The movement
being almost completed, diminish the effect of the rein and the right
leg, supporting the horse at the same time with the left rein and leg
to terminate the movement.
At the command halt, elevate the
wrists or bridle-hand slightly, and hold the legs near, in order to
keep the horse straight in the new direction; replace the wrists and
the legs by degrees.
340 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS
AND MILITIA.
To turn about to the right, or
left.
392. The instructor commands:
1. Squad to the right (or left),
about. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT.
This command is executed on the
principles prescribed for the turn
to the right or left, with this difference, that the horse
should pass over a semicircle of six paces, and face to the rear.
To make a quarter turn to the
rIght or left.
393. The instructor commands:
1. Squad right (or left) oblique.
2. MARCH 3. HALT.
At the command right oblique,
gather the horse.
At the command march, open the
right rein a little, or move the bridle-hand slightly to the right, and
close the right leg slightly, in order to make the horse execute a quarter turn to the right;
cause the horse to feel, almost at the same time, the effect of the
right, rein and the left leg, to terminate the movement without
increasing the degree of obliquity.
At the command halt, elevate the
wrist, or bridle-hand, and close the legs slightly, to keep the
direction of the quarter
turn to the right; replace the wrists and legs by degrees.
The instructor commands halt, almost
immediately after the command march; he does not require great
exactness in this movement, the object of which is to give the trooper
the first idea of the oblique march.
To rein back, and to cease
reining back.
294. The instructor commands:
1. Squad-backwards. 2.
MARCH 3. Squad.
4. HALT.
At the command backwards, gather
the horse. At the command march, keep a firm seat, elevate the wrists,
or bridle-hand, and close the legs. As soon as the horse obeys, lower
and elevate the wrists or bridle-hand, in regular succession, which is
called yielding and
checking. If the horse throws the haunches to the
SCHOOL OF 'I'HE
TROOPER. 341
right., close the right leg; if to the left, close left left leg. If
these means are not sufficient to replace the horse in his proper
position, open the rein on the side towards which the horse throws
the haunches, causing him to feel slightly, at the same time,
the effect of the opposite rein.
At the command squad, the trooper
prepares to stop. At the command halt,
lower the wrists, or bridle-hand, and close the legs. The horse having
obeyed, replace the wrists, or bridle-hand, and the legs by degrees.
To dismount.
395. The instructor causes the stirrups
to be let down, and the feet put in them. He then commands:
1. PREPARE TO DISMOUNT.
One time, and two
motions.
First motion. Nos. 1 and 3 move forward six paces, and
keep themselves opposite their intervals. Pass the right rein of the
snaffle (when it is worn) into the left hand, the extremity of the
reins leaving the hands on the side of the thumb.
Second motion. Seize the reins of the snaffle (or of the
curb bridle) above and near the left thumb with the right hand, the
back of the hand up, and place this hand upon the right holster.
Disengage the right foot from the stirrup, and seize with the left hand
a lock of the mane over the reins.
2. DISMOUNT.
One time, and two
motions.
First
motion. At the command dismount, rise upon the left
stirrup; pass the right leg extended Over the croup of the horse,
without touching him, and bring the right thigh near the left., the
body well sustained; at the same time place the right hand on the
cantle of the saddle, slipping it along the reins without letting them
go; descend lightly to the ground, the body erect, the heels on the
same line. Let go the mane with the left hand.
342
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
Second motion. Make a face and two steps to the left,
stepping off with the left foot; slip the right hand along the left
rein, seize both reins with the same hand six inches from the mouth of
the horse, back of the hand up, and take the position of the trooper
dismounted.
To file off.
396. The instructor commands:
1. By the right (or left)
- FILE OFF. 2. MARCH.
At the command march, the trooper
of the right (or left) steps off with the left foot, leading his horse
to the front; he takes four steps, turns to the right, (or left,) and
marches, in the new direction, at the same time holding the hand high
and firm to keep the horse from jumping. Each trooper executes, in
succession, the same movement, when the one who precedes him has moved
four paces to the front.
Exercises in the riding house.
397. In the instruction which follows,
the squad is supposed to be 'exercising in a riding house whose sides
are about ninety, and ends thirty, yards in length, or on a riding
ground which is bounded by lines corresponding to the walls of the
riding house.
Two of the best instructed troopers are
designated to be conductors; they are placed on the right and left of
the squad, and use their stirrups.
To march to the right (or left)
hand.
398. The squad being drawn up in the
riding house, or on the ground, parallel to its length, the instructor
commands:
1. Squad to the right (or left).
2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD.
(Fig. 88.) At the command march, the troopers
conform to what is prescribed in order to execute a turn to the right
from a halt, as directed in No. 391.
At the command forward, the
troopers, in lowering their wrists find closing the legs, march
straight forward, and follow the conductor.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER. 343
At the extremity of the riding house,
the conductor turns to the right, when the troopers march to the right
hand, leaving between them the distance of four feet from head to croup.
The trooper marches to the right hand,
when he has the right side towards the interior of the riding horse. He
marches to the left hand, when it is the left side.
To turn to the right (or left)
in marching.
399. The troopers follow the conductor,
and make a turn to the right (or left), in marching, or arriving at the
angles of the riding house. The instructor directs the trooper to
advance the outer hip and shoulder, without inclining inward, in order
to conform to the movement of the horse.
To halt, and to step off.
400. The troopers marching in column on
one of the long sides, the instructor commands:
1. Squad.
2. HALT.
The troopers stop as prescribed in No.
390.
To recommence the march, the instructor
commands:
1. Squad forward.
2. MARCH.
To pass from the walk to the
trot, and from the trot to a walk.
401. The troopers becoming habituated to
the movement of the horse, the instructor causes them to pass to the
trot. When they are in column on one of the long rides, he commands:
1.Trot. 2. MARCH.
344.
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
At the command trot, gather the
horse, without increasing his gait.
At the command march, lower the
wrists a little, and close the legs more or less, according to the
sensibility of the horse. As soon as the horse obeys, replace the
wrists and the legs by degrees.
The instructor should employ this gait
cautiously at first, and at a moderate trot, that the men may not lose
their position.
To pass from the trot to the walk, the
instructor commands:
1. Walk 2. MARCH.
At the command walk, gather the
horse without affecting his gait.
At the command march, elevate the
wrists, or bridle-hand, by degrees, and hold the legs near, in order to
prevent the horse from stopping. As soon as the horse obeys, replace
the wrists and legs by degrees.
Changes of hand.
402. When the troopers have marched some time to the right (or left)
hand, to make them change hands in the breadth of the riding house, or
ground, without stopping, the instructor commands:
1. Right (or left) -
TURN. 2. FORWARD.
(Fig. 89.) At the word turn, the leading
file turns to the right. At the command forward, he moves straight
forward and crosses the riding-house, or ground, in its breadth,
followed by the other troopers.
The leading file being at two paces from
the opposite track, the instructor commands:
1. Left (or right) -
TURN. 2. FORWARD.
At the command turn, the leading
file turns to the left; and at the command forward, he
follows the track. All the troopers turn in succession on the same
ground.
The instructor causes these changes of
hand to be made at a
walk, and at
a trot.
SCHOOL OF 'I'HE
TROOPER. 345
To turn to the right (or left)
by trooper, in marching.
403. The troopers marching in column,
and having arrived about the middle of one of the long sides, the
instructor commands:
1. Squad to the right (or left).
2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD.
(Fig. 90). At the command squad to the
right, gather the horse at the command march, each trooper executes a
turn to the right. in marching. At the command forward, each trooper
moves straight to the front.
346
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
The troopers being at two paces from the
opposite track, the instructor commands:
1. Squad to the right (or left).
2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD.
At the command march, each trooper
executes a turn to the right, following the same principles; and at the
command forward,
all return to the track.
The same movements are repeated to
resume the order in which the troopers were originally.
To turn about to the right (or
left) by troopers, in marching on the same line.
404. The troopers having made a turn to
the right as has just been explained, and having arrived near the
opposite track, the instructor commands:
1. Squad to the right (or left)
about. 2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD.
(Fig. 91.) At the command, squad to the right about,
gather the horse. At the command march,
each trooper executes a turn to the right about in marching, following
the principles laid down in No. 392. At the command forward, each
trooper moves directly to the front.
The instructor gives the command march, at the
moment the troopers are within two paces of the track; the troopers are
then re-formed in column upon the opposite track, by the movement of squad to the right (or left).
To turn about to the right (or
left) by trooper, in marching in column.
405. The troopers marching in column,
and the leading file having arrived near the end of one of the long
sides of the riding house, or ground, the instructor commands:
1. Squad to the right (or left)
about. 2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD.
(Fig. 92.) At the command squad to the
right about, gather the horse. At the command march, each trooper
executes a turn to tlwe
347
SCHOOL OF THE TROOPER.
right about
in marching. At the command forward, each trooper moves forward.
On arriving at the short side opposite,
the leading file turns to the left without command; the squad returns
to the original order, by executing the inverse movement.
406. To rest the squad, the
instructor causes the troopers to turn
to the right (or left), when they are about the middle of
one of the long sides of the riding house, or ground, and·
gives the command halt, when they are out of the track. The instruction
is recommenced by a turn
to the right (or left).
348
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
To terminate the drill, the stirrups are
let down, and the feet placed in them, when the instructor commands the
troopers to dismount,
and file off.
During the rests, the instructor
exercises the troopers in
vaulting on, and from, their horses, without commands.
To leap to the ground.
The trooper, holding the reins as in
dismounting, seizes a lock of the mane firmly with the left hand;
places the right hand upon the pommel, raises himself upon his wrists,
brings the right thigh by the side of the left, remains an instant in
this position, and descends lightly to the ground.
To leap on the horse.
The trooper seizes the mane with the
left hand, places the right hand which holds the reins upon the pommel
of the saddle, springs lively, raising himself upon the two wrists,
remains an instant in this position, and places himself lightly in the
saddle.
The instructor sometimes gives the
command to rest in
marching, in order to calm the horses after a quick pace,
and to relieve the troopers. During the rest in marching,
the troopers relax themselves, but without changing the pace, and
without losing their distance.
Exercises in two ranks.
407. The troopers are placed in two
ranks opened, with a distance of six paces between. the ranks, and the
horses at one foot from each other. In this instruction from twelve to
sixteen troopers may be united. The stirrups are crossed as in the
preceding cases; the men wear spurs.
The instructor commands:
In each rank - count
FOURS.
At the last part of the command, the men
count in each rank, from right to left, pronouncing in a loud and
distinct voice, in the same tone, without hurry, and without turning
the head; one, two,
three, four, according to the place which each one
occupies.
SCHOOL OF 'I'HE
TROOPER. 349
At the command:
PREPARE TO
MOUNT.
Nos. 1 and 3 of each rank move six
paces to the front; stepping off with the left foot, keeping opposite
their intervals, and regulating by the right. The troopers
then execute the first
motion of prepare to mount as directed for a single rank.
After the troopers are mounted, the
instructor commands:
Form -
RANKS.
At the command, ranks Nos. 1 and 3
raise the wrists (or bridle hand), and hold the legs close to the body
of the horse to keep him quiet; Nos. 1 and 4 enter the intervals
without jostling and without precipitation.
The rear rank being formed, closes to
the distance of two
feet from the front.
Of the spurs.
408. The instructor explains to the
troopers the use and the effect of the spur.
If the horse does not obey the legs, it
is necessary to employ the spur. The spur is not an aid, it is a means
of chastising. It is only necessary to use it occasionally, but always
vigorously, and at the moment the horse commits the fault.
In order to use the spurs, it is
necessary to keep steady the body, the waist, and the wrists; to cling
to the horse with the thighs and the calves of the legs; turn the toes
a little out; lower the wrists a little; press the spurs close behind
the girths, without moving the body, and let them remain there until
the horse obeys; then replace the wrists and legs by degrees. In using
the spur, the troopers should not bear too much upon the rein, as this
would counteract the effect of the spur.
409. To conduct the squad to the riding
house, or ground, the instructor commands:
1.By file to the right (or left).
2. MARCH.
350.
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
(Fig. 93.) At the command by file to the right,
gather the horse. At the command march, the trooper on the right of
each rank executes a turn to the right, and moves forward, the trooper
of the rear
rank approaching, in marching, to within one foot of the one of the
front rank. This movement is executed by all the other troopers in
succession.
To march to the right (or left)
hand.
410. In entering the riding house, or
ground, the instructor
SCHOOL OF 'I'HE
TROOPER. 351
marches his squad parallel to the long sides, and when the head of the
column arrives towards the middle, he commands:
1. Right and left-TURN.
2. FORWARD..
(Fig. 94.) The leading file of the front
rank turns to the left, the one of the rear rank turns to the right;
when these files have arrived within two paces of the track, the
instructor commands:
1. Right-TURN. 2.
FORWARD.
The two columns then march to the right
hand, and at the same pace.
The troopers preserve the distance of
four feet from head to croup.
The leading files regulate the pace of
their horses so as to arrive at the same time at the opposite angles of
the riding-house, or ground, the leading file of the rear rank
regulating himself on him of the front.
To pass a corner to the right, a turn to the right
is executed; to pass a corner to the left, a turn to the left is
made in marching; the movement of each one should be independent of the
trooper who has gone before, their hands and legs alone should
determine the horse to go to the right or to the left.
To pass from the walk to the
trot, and from the trot to the walk.
411. The troopers marching in column
upon the long sides, the instructor causes them to commence the trot.
Whenever the change is made from a slow
gait to one more rapid. as from a walk
to the trot,
it is necessary to commence slowly, and increase it gradually to the
degree prescribed.
The troopers marching in column at a trot upon the
long sides, the instructor causes them to pass to the walk.
Whenever the change is made from a
lively gait to one more slow its from the trot to the walk, it is
necessary to commence the last gait as gradually as possible, and to
reduce it by little and little to the degree indicated.
352
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
Change of direction in the
breadth of the riding house, or ground.
412. The instructor causes the change of
direction in the breadth of the riding house, or ground, a directed for
the changes of hand, taking care to give the command in sufficient time
to prevent the columns from meeting at the end of the change of
direction.
(Fig. 95.) The change of direction ought
to be executed so as neither to stop nor check the rear of the column j
the troopers, and
particularly the leading files, ought to turn without slackening the
pace, aiding themselves not only with their hands, but also with their
legs.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER.
353
Change of direction in the
length of the riding-house, or ground.
413. (Fig. 96.) This change of direction
is executed on the same principles as that in the breadth of the riding
house, or ground, the instructor observing, in order to commence it, to
command right or left,
at the instant the leading files arrive at the first angle, and to
command turn, when having passed the corner, they are at three paces
from the middle of the short side.
The troopers then cross the riding
house, or ground, in its length in a right line, without touching each
other, passing to the left, and· re-enter upon the track at
the commands:
1. Right (or left)-TURN.
2. FORWARD.
Change of direction diagonally.
414. When the leading files have passed
the second corner, and have arrived upon the long sides, the instructor
causes a diagonal change of direction to be executed at the commands:
1. Right (or left)-TURN.
2. FORWARD.
(Fig.97.) At the command turn, the leading
files make a half turn
to the right. At the command forward, they move
straight forward, cross the riding house, or ground, diagonally, pass
each other to the left, and re-enter upon the track at the commands:
1. Left (or right). 2.
TURN. 3. FORWARD.
All the other troopers execute the same
movement in succession, in turning upon the same ground that the
leading files have turned.
Change of direction obliquely by
the trooper.
415. The squad commences a change of
direction in the length of the riding house, or ground; as soon as all
the troopers have turned, and are in the same direction, the instructor
commands:
1. Column. 2. HALT.
(Fig. 98.) The troopers stop at the same
time, keeping their horses straight, and at their distances.
354
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
The instructor causes the troopers to
make a quarter-turn to
the right (or left) from a halt. This movement being
executed, he as-
sures himself of the exactness of the directions and intervals, and
then commands:
1. Squad forward. 2.
MARCH.
The troopers march at the same gait,
each in the direction he has taken. When they arrive one foot from the
track, the instructor commands:
FORWARD.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER 355
At this command, make a quarter-turn to the left
in advancing, with the hand light and leg near, to follow the track.
The instructor causes these movements to
be repeated without halting; for this purpose, after having- commenced
the change of direction in the length of the riding house, or ground,
as soon as the two ranks are in column, he commands:
1.Squad right (or left) oblique.
2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD.
At the command right oblique,
gather the horse, At the command march, execute a quarter-turn to the right;
having taken this direction, keep the legs equally near, and march
straight forward at the same gait. At the command forward, return
upon the track) or return to the original direction.
To march in a circle.
416. When the leading files have passed
over about one-third of the long sides, the instructor commands:
1. In circle to the right (or left).
2. MARCH.
(Fig. 99.) At the command in circle to the right,
the leading files, and in succession the troopers, gather their horses.
At the command march,
the leading files describe a circle between the two tracks; they are
followed by the other troopers, who march exactly in the same
direotion.
To change hand on the circle.
417. The instructor commands:
1.Right (or left)-TURN.
2. FORWARD.
(Fig. 100.) At the command turn, the leading
files turn to the right. At the command forward, they move
straight forward, directing themselves, in passing the centre, towards
the opposite point of the circumference.
When the leading files are two feet from
this point, the instructor commands:
1.Left (or right) -
TURN. 2. FORWARD
356
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
At the command turn, the leading
files turn to the left, At the command forward, they
re-enter upon the circle at the new hand. All the other troopers follow
the leading files.
When the instructor wishes to resume the
exercise upon the right line, he takes care that the leading files are
at opposite points of the circumference; and when they are on the track
of the long sides, he commands:
FORWARD.
At this command the leading files
straighten their horses and re-enter on the traek, followed by the
other troopers.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER
357
418. (Fig. 101.) To reunite the troopers
in order to conduct them to the quarters, the instructor causes them to
close to the distance of two feet; he then orders a change of direction
in the breadth of the riding house, or ground, at the moment the
leading files are opposite each other.
2 HERE)
When the leading files, in the act of
meeting each other, arrive towards the middle of the space, the
instructor commands:
1. Left and right -
TURN. 2. FORWARD.
358
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
The leader of the front rank turns to
the left, that of the rear rank to the right, the two columns thus
reunite, the troopers of the rear rank approaching to within one pace
of those of the front.
The column having arrived on the ground
where the squad was formed, the instructor commands:
1. Front. 2. HALT.
(Fig. 102.) At the command front, the first
trooper of each rank turns to the left and moves straight forward. At
the command halt,
the trooper of the front rank stops; and when the rear rank trooper
finds himself at two feet from the front rank he stops also.
All the other troopers execute a turn to the left,
in succession, when they are nearly opposite the place they are to
occupy in the rank, and halt abreast of this rank.
419. To terminate the exercise, the
instructor gives the command to dismount in two ranks as follows: at
the command
PREPARE TO DISMOUNT,
Nos. 1 and 3 of the front rank move
forward six paces; Nos. 2 and 4 of the rear rank rein back four paces,
and keep themselves opposite their intervals, dressing by the right.
After the troopers have taken these
positions they go through the first motions of prepare to dismount as
directed for a single rank, followed by the dismount.
After the dismount the instructor
commands:
Form - RANKS.
At the word ranks, Nos. 1 and
3 of each rank elevate the right hand slightly, to keep the horse
quiet; Nos. 2 and 4 return quietly to their intervals.
Exercises with stirrups.
420. The stirrup should support only the
weight of the leg; the foot ought to be inserted one-third of its
length, the heel lower than the toe. The stirrups are of proper length,
if, when the trooper
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER.
359
raises himself on the stirrups, there is a space of six inches between
the fork and the saddle.
To turn to the right (or left),
by the trooper, in marching.
421. The instructor causes this movement
to be executed as is ready prescribed (No. 398), at the commands:
1. Squad to the right.
2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD,
He will observe that, the troopers
marching in two columns, the command march ought to be given at the
moment the leading files arrive opposite the last trooper but one of
the other column.
(Fig.103.) Immediately after the command
forward,
the troopers move straight forward, preserving their gait and
direction, so that each one may find before him the interval and the
place hc is to occupy in the column on the opposite track. In passing
into the intervals, the legs should be kept ncar, to prevent the horse
slackening his gait.
To pass in succession from the
head to the rear of the column.
422. This movement is executed in
succession in the two columns, at a simple warning from the instructor,
by two right (or left) about turns.
The trooper designated to pass to the
rear of the column gathers his horse and executes the movement in
advancing, so as not to retard those who are behind him. He holds the
outer leg near, in order to describe a semicircle of more than six
paces; he marches then parallel to the column, and when he has
re-entered upon the track by a second turn, he closes to the distance
of four feet from
360
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
the last trooper. The trooper who follows, and who becomes the leader,
should gather his horse, and direct him with the outer rein and the
inner leg, to prevent his following the horse which has left the
column.
Being at a halt, to commence the
move at a trot.
423. The troopers being in column upon
the long sides, the instructor commands:
1. Column forward. 2. Trot.
3. MARCH.
At the command trot, gather the
horse. At the command march,
lower the wrists and close the legs by degrees; as soon as the horse
obeys, replace the wrists and legs slowly.
Marching at a trot, to halt.
424. The troopers marching at a trot,
and in column on the long sides, the instructor commands:
1. Column. 2. HALT.
At the command column, gather the
horse. At the command halt,
elevate the wrists by degrees, until the horse stops; and hold the legs
always near, to keep him straight, and to prevent his stepping back.
The horse having obeyed, gradually replace the wrists and legs.
The instructor should require all the
troopers to set off freely at
the trot, at the command march, and to stop
altogether without jostling, at the command halt.
To pass from the trot to the
trot-out, and from the trot-out to the trot.
425. The troopers marching at the trot, and in
column upon the long sides, the instructor commands:
TROT-OUT.
At this command, lower the wrists a
little, and close the legs gradually; as soon as the horse obeys,
replace the wrists and the legs by degrees.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER 361
This gait should be executed only during
one or two turns towards each hand; in continuing it longer, the horses
lose their steadiness, and the equality of their gaits is destroyed.
426. To pass from the trot-out to the trot,
the instructor commands:
SLOW TROT.
At this command, elevate the wrists by
degrees, and close the legs, to prevent the horse from taking the walk;
as soon as the horse obeys, replace the wrists and legs by degrees.
To pass from the trot to the
gallop.
427. Before commencing this exercise,
and when the rear rank arrives opposite one of the short sides of the
riding house, or ground, it is formed by causing the troopers to front and halt, as directed
No. 391, paying attention to make them move forward six paces from the
track.
The troopers of the front rank continue
to march, take between them the distance of four paces, pass to the trot and
commence the gallop
in succession, at the indication of the instructor, as follows:
On approaching the corner, lengthen the trot,
and gather the horse, feeling the left rein slightly, in order to keep
back the left shoulder, and leave the right perfectly free.
At the moment of passing the corner,
close the legs equally but not suddenly. The horse having taken the gallop, hold a
light hand and the legs near, to keep him at his gait.
After one or two turns, the troopers
pass from the gallop to
the trot, and from the trot to the walk.
The instructor makes them change hand in the breadth of the riding
ground, and recommence the same exercise to the left hand.
The troopers of the front rank are then formed as those of the rear
rank, upon the other short side, and the troopers of the rear rank go
through with the same exercise.
To passage to the right or left.
428. The two columns marching at a walk upon the
long sides, the instructor causes the movement squad to the right (or left)
to be executed, No. 398, and having halted the troopers he commands:
(Fig. 104.) At the command right pass, bear
the shoulders of the horse to the right, in opening the right rein a
little, and closing the right leg. This movement is one of preparation;
it indicates to the trooper that the shoulders of the horse should
always commence the march, and precede the movement of the haunches. At
the com-
the horse to the right, closing the left leg at the same time, that the
haunches may follow, without leaning the body to the left: make use of
the left rein and the right leg, to support the horse and moderate his
movement.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER 363
After some steps upon the side, the
instructor halts the squad.
At the command halt, cause the
effect of the right rein and left leg to cease instantly, employing the
opposite rein and leg; straiten the horse, and replace the wrists and
legs by degrees.
To passage to the left, employ the same
principles and inverse means.
The instructor causes this movement to
be executed in the commencement, by each man separately, and then by
all at the same time.
To passage to the right, or
left, bring in column.
429. (Fig. 105.) The troopers being on
the track, and marching to the
right (or left) hand, the instructor orders a change of
direction in the length of the riding house or ground; and when the two
columns are by the side of each other, he halts them and causes them to
execute passage to the right (or left). When the troopers have nearly
arrived at the track the instructor halts them.
Principles of the Gallop.
430. A horse gallops on the right foot,
when the right fore and hind leg move in advance of the left fore and
hind leg. This gait is generally divided into three distinct times or
treads. The first time is marked by the left hind foot which reaches
the ground first; the second by the left fore and right hind foot which
touch at the same instant, and the third by the right fore-foot.
A horse gallops on the left foot when
the left fore and hind leg move in advance of the right fore and hind
leg. In this case, the right hind foot first reaches the ground, then
the right fore and left hind foot, and lastly the left fore foot.
A horse gallops true when he gallops on
the right foot, in exercising or turning to the right hand, and on the
left foot, in exercising or turning to the left hand.
A horse gallops false when he gallops on
the left foot in exercising or turning to the right hand, and on the
right foot, in cxercising or turning to the left hand.
A horse is "disunited" when he gallops
with the near fore leg
364
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
followed by the off hind leg, or with the off fore leg followed by the
near hind leg.
When the horse gallops on the right
foot, the rider experiences a sensible tnovement in his position from
right to left, and when he gallops on the left foot, the rider
experiences a sensible movement in his position from left to right.
When the horse is disunited, the trooper
experiences irregular movements in his position; the centre of gravity
of the horse is deranged, and his strength impaired.
To gallop on right lines.
431. After the troopers of the rear rank
are formed as directed No. 427, the instructor causes the men of the
front rank to take the distance of four paces from each other; these
troopers marching at
the trot, and to the right
hand upon one of the long sides, the instructor commands:
1. Gallop. 2. MARCH.
At the command gallop, gather the
horse and keep him perfectly straight. At the command march, carry the
bridle-hand slightly forward and to the left, to enable the right
shoulder to move in advance of the left, and close the legs behind the
girths in order to urge the horse forward, causing him to feel the
effect of the left leg lightly. 'I'he horse having obeyed, hold a light
hand and the legs near, to keep him at his gait.
To preserve the movement of the horse
true, it is necessary for the trooper to accommodate himself to all his
motions, particularly in passing corners, when the slightest
derangement in the seat would render the action of the horse irregular.
When a horse gallops false, or is
disunited, the trooper is ordered to take the trot and pass to the rear
of the column, taking care not to interfere with those who follow. When
he arrives at the rear, he resumes
the gallop.
The troopers should make but a turn or
two at the gallop
to each hand, and should always be required to pass to the trot in
order to change hand.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER 365
When the troopers manage their horses
well, the distance between is generally reduced to four feet.
The rear rank is carried through the
same exercise, and then both ranks at once.
To gallop on the circle.
432. When the troopers have been
sufficiently exercised at
the gallop on straight lines, the instructor causes them
to make a few tuns on the circle, following the principles laid down in
No. 416.
This exercise is commenced on very large
circles; the diameter is diminished as the troopers become more
skilful.
WHEELINGS.
433. There are two kinds of wheels; the wheel on a fixed pivot,
and the wheel on a
movable pivot. The wheel is always on a fixed pivot, except
when the command is
right (or left) - turn. The troopers should execute this
movement without disuniting, and without ceasing to observe the
alignment.
In every kind of wheel, the conductor of
the marching flank should measure with his eye the arc of the circle he
is to pass over, so that it may not be necessary for the files to open
or close. He turns his head occasionally towards the pivot; if he
perceives that the troopers arc too much crowded, or too open, he
increases or diminishes the extent of his circle gradually. Each
trooper of the front rank should describe his circle in the ratio of
the distance at which he may be from the pivot. During the wheel, the
troopers should turn the head slightly towards the marching flank, to
regulate the rapidity of their march and to keep themselves aligned;
they should also feel the boot lightly on the side of the pivot, in
order to remain closed to that side. They should yield to pressure
coming from the pivot, and resist that from the opposite direction. The
horses are slightly turned towards the pivot, in order to keep them on
the circular line they have to pass over.
The wheel on a fixed pivot.
434. The object of the wheel on a fixed
pivot is to pass from the order of battle to the order of column, and
from the order of column
366
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
to the order of battle. The trooper who forms the pivot of the wheel
turns upon his own ground, without advancing or reining back, and
without passing to the right or left.
The wheelings are executed at first in
single rank; for this purpose the front rank is marched forward, and
halted when arrived at a distance from the rear rank equal to double
its front. The ranks being aligned, the instructor commands:
1. Squad in circle right (or left)
wheel. 2. MARCH.
(Fig. 106.) At the command march, the troopers
put themselves in motion, turning the head towards the marching flank;
the flank file conducts the flank at a walk, measuring with the eye the
extent of the circle he is to pass over, that neither opening nor
closing may be caused in the rank, and that the troopers may keep
aligned. The pivot man turns upon his own ground, regulating himself
upon the marching flank.
When the squad has executed several
wheels, to halt it, the instructor commands:
At the command halt, the troopers
straighten their horses and halt with steadiness. At the command left (or right) -dress,
they align themselves to the side indicated. At the command front, turn the
head to the front.
The two ranks are then marched forward, preserving between them the
same distance, and made to recommence the wheel. When the instructor
wishes the squad to take the direct march, he commands:
1. FORWARD. 2. Guide left (or right).
At the command forward, the pivot resumes the gait at which it was
previously marching. All the other troopers straighten their horses,
and the two flanks move forward at the same gait, conforming to the
principles of the direct march. At the command guide left (or right),
the troopers regulate their movements towards tho side indicated.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER. 367
If the squad is wheeling to
the right, and the instructor wishes it to change the wheel
to the left without halting, he command:
1. Squad in circle, left wheel.
2. MARCH.
At the command march, the left
flank halts, and becomes the pivot. The right flank, assuming the gait
at which the left flank
was marching, moves forward, and describes a circle proportionate to
the extent of the front. All the other troopers straiten their horses,
and guide them so as to pass new circles in the inverse sense.
368
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
435. The troopers being sufficiently
exercised at the wheels in single rank at the walk and the trot, the ranks
are closed and the wheels executed in double ranks. The instructor
commands:
1. Squad in circle, right (or
left) wheel. 2. MARCH.
(Fig. 107.) At. the command march the troopers
of the front rank execute the rnovement as prescribed above. The
troopers of the rear rank turn the head and carry the hand towards the
marching flank, so that each one may be out of the direction of his
fileleader by two troopers. For this purpose, the moment the wheel
commences, each rear rank man executes a quarter turn to the left,
sustaining the haunches of the horse with the right leg, when the wheel
is to the right or a quarter
turn to the right, when the wheel is to the left, keeping
during the wheel in the direction of his new file-leader, and remaining
at the distance of two feet from the front rank.
At the command squad, the rear
rank men straiten their horses, and return to the diection of their
file-leaders. All the troopers halt at the command. At the command left (or right) dress,
they align themelves towards the side indicated. At the command halt, turn the
head to the front.
When the instructor wishes the squad to
resume the direct march, he commands:
1. FORWARD. 2. Guide left (or right).
At the command forward, the rear
rank men replace themselves behind their file-leaders, and march
straight forward.
The squad wheeling to the right, to
wheel to the opposite side without halting, the instructor commands:
1. Squad in circle, left wheel.
2. MARCH.
At the command in circle left wheel,
the rear rank men return to the direetlon of their file-leaders. At the
command march, the troopers conform to what has already been laid down.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER. 369
The squad being halted, to place it in a
direction perpendicular to the original front, tbe instructor commands:
1. Squad right (or left) wheel.
2. MARCH. 3. HALT. 4. Left
(or right)-DRESS. 5. FRONT.
Which is executed on the same principles
as the wheel on a fixed pivot.
436. The squad being at the halt, to
face it to the rear, the instructor commands :
1. Squad right (or left) about,
wheel. 2. MARCH 3. HALT. 4. Left-DRESS. 5.
FRONT.
1.Which is executed as in circle to the
right or left, the squad passing over a half circle.
437. The squad being at a halt, to place
it towards its right in a direction oblique to the original, the
instructor commands:
1. Squad right (or left) half wheel.
2. MARCH. 3. HALT. 4.
Left (or right) - DRESS. 5. FRONT.
Which is executed on the principles of
the wheel on a fixed point. The squad being on the march, the same
movemcnts are executed at the commands: 1. Squad, right (or left) wheel,
right (or left) about wheel, right half (or left half) wheel.
2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD. l. Guide
right (or left).
At the command march, the wheeling flank
wheels at the gait at which the platoon was marching; the pivot flank
halts. At the command forward, the pivot resumes its original pace, and
the two flanks move forward at the same gait.
To wheel on a movable pivot.
438. The wheel on a movable pivot is
employed in the successive changes of direction in column. The
conductor of the marching fiank should measure his gait, and describe
his arc of circle so as to cause the files neither to open or elose.
The pivot describes an
arc of five paces, in slackening the gait. The centre men
preserve the gait at which the squad was marching. At the
370
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
end of the wheel, the marching flank and the pivot resume the
gait at which they originally marched.
The squad being on the march, to cause
it to change direction, the instructor commands :
1. Left (or Right) -
TURN. 2. FORWARD.
(Fig. 108). At the command left (or right)
the pivot prepares to slacken, and the marching flank to augment the
gait. At the command turn,
the squad turns to the left, or to the right, the pivot slackening its
gait, in describing an arc of five paces; the marching flank augments
its gait, and regulates itself by the pivot during the whole of the
wheel. At the command
forward, all the troopers straighten their horses, the
pivot and marching flank move forward in the gait at which the squad
was originally marching.
SABRE EXERCISE.
439. For instruction in the use of the
sabre the men of the squad are on foot, and in one rank about nine feet
apart.
The
right side of the gripe is the side opposite the guard.
The left side of the gripe is the side next the guard. Tierce
is the position in which the edge of the blade is turned towards the
right, the nails downwards. Quarte
is the position in which the edge of the blade is turned
to the left, the nails upwards.
440. The squad being in position, the
instructor commands:
Draw - SABRE.
Two times and two motions.
First
motion. At the first part of the command, which is draw, turn the head
slightly to the left, without changing the position of the body; unhook
the sabre with the left lland, and bring the hilt to the front; run the
right wrist through the sword-knot; seize the gripe, draw the blade six
inches ont of the scabbard, pressing the scabbard against the thigh
with the left hand, which secures it at the upper ring, and turn the
head to the front.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER. 371
Second
motion. At the last part of the command, which is sabre, draw the
sabre quickly, raising the arm to the full extent; make a slight pause,
carry the blade to the right shoulder, the back of it against the
hollow of the shoulder, the wrist resting against the hip, the little
finger on the outside of the gripe. This position is the same when
mounted, except that the wrist then naturally falls upon the thigh.
Present - SABRE.
One time and one motion.
441. At the last part of the command,
which is sabre,
carry the sabre to the front, the arm half extended, the thumb opposite
to, and six inches from the neck, the blade perpendicular, the edge to
the left, the thumb extended on the right side of the gripe, the little
finger by the side of the others.
Carry - SABRE.
442. At the command sabre, carry the
back of the blade against the hollow of the shoulder, the wrist resting
against the hip, the little finger on the outside of the gripe.
Return - SABRE.
Two times and two motions.
443. First motion. At
the command return,
execute the first motion of return
sabre.
Second motion. At the command sabre, carry the
wrist opposite to, and six inches from, the ieft shoulder; lower the
blade and pass it across and along the left arm, the point to the rear;
turn the head slightly to the left, fixing the eyes on the opening of
the scabbard.; return the blade, free the wrist from the sword-knot,
turn the head to the front, drop the right hand to the side, and hook
up the sabre with the hilt to the rear.
GUARD.
One time and one motion.
444. At the command guard, carry the
right foot two feet from
372
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
the left, the heels on the same line; place the left hand, closed, six
inches from the body, and as high as the elbow, the fingers towards the
body, the little finger nearer than the thumb (position of the bridle-hand);
at the same time, place the right hand in tierce at the height of, and
three inches from the left hand, the thumb extended on the back of the
gripe, the little finger by the side of the others, the point of the
sabre inclined to the left, and two feet higher than the hand.
In tierce-POINT.
One time and three motions.
445. First motion. At
the command point,
raise the hand in tierce as high as the eyes, throw back the right
shoulder, carrying the elbow to the rear, the point of the sabre to the
front, the edge upwards.
Second motion. Thrust to the front, extending the arm to
the full length.
Third
motion. Return to the position of guard.
In quarte-POINT.
One time and three
motions.
446. First motion. At
the command point,
lower the hand in quart near the right hip, the thumb extended on the
right side of the gripe, the point a little higher than the wrist.
Second motion. Thrust to the front, extending the arm the
full length.
Third
motion. Return to the position of guard.
Left-POINT.
One time and three
motions.
447.
First motion. At the command point, turn the
head to the left, draw back the hand in tierce towards the right, at
the height of the neck, the edge upwards, the point directed to the
left.
Second
motion. Thrust to the left, extending the arm to its full
length.
Third motion. Return to the position of guard.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER. 373
Right-POINT.
One time and three
motions.
448. First motion. At
the command point,
turn the head to the right and rear, carry the hand in quarte near the
left breast, the edge upwards, the point directed to the right.
Second motion. Thrust to the right, extending the arm to
its full length.
Third motion. Return to the position ofguard.
Rear - POINT.
One time and three
motions.
449. First motion. At
the command point,
turn the head to the right and rear, bring the hand in quarte opposite
to the right shoulder, the arm half extended, the blade horizontal, the
point to the rear, the edge upwards.
Second motion. Thrust to the rear, extending the arm to
its full length.
Third
motion. Return to the position of guard.
Against infantry, left
- POINT.
One time and three
motions.
450. First motion. At
the command point,
turn the head to the left, raise the hand in tierce near t~e neck, the
point of the sabre directed to the height of the breast of a man on
foot.
Second motion. Thrust down in tierce.
Third
motion. Return to the position of guard.
Against infantry, right
- POINT.
One time and three
motions.
451. First motion. At
the command point,
turn the head to the right, carry the hand in quarte near the right
hip, the point of tho sabre directed at the height of the breast of a
man on foot.
Second
motion. Thrust in quarte.
Third
motion. Return to the position of guard.
374
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
Front-CUT.
One time and three
motions.
452. First motion. At
the command cut,
raise the sabre, the arm half extended, the hand a little above the
head, the edge upwards, the point to the rear, and higher than the
hand.
Second motion. Cut, extending the arm to its full length,
and give a back-handed cut, horizontally to the rear.
Third
motion. Return to the position of guard.
Right in tierce and carte
- CUT.
One time and four
motions
453.
First motion. At the command cut, execute the
first motion of right cut.
Second
motion. Execute the second motion of right cut.
Third
motion. Turn the hand in quarte, and cut horizontally.
Fourth
motion. Return to the position of guard.
Left in quarte and tierce-
CUT.
One time and four
motions.
454. First motion. At
the command cut,
execute the first motion of left cut.
Second motion. Execute the second motion of left
cut.
Third
motion. Turn the hand in tierce, and cut
horizontally.
Fourth motion. Return to the position of guard.
In tierce-PARRY.
One time and two
motions.
455. First motion. At
the command parry,
carry the hand quickly a little to the front and right, the nails
downwards, without moving the elbow; the point inclined to the front,
as high as the eyes, and in the direction of the right shoulder; the
thumb extended on the back of the gripe, and pressing against the
guard.
Second
motion. Return to the position of guard.
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER. 375
In quarte-PARRY.
One time and two
motions.
456. First motion. At
the command parry,
raise the sabre quickly and carry it quickly to the front and left, the
nails upwards, the edge to the left, the point inclined to the front,
as high as the eyes, and in the direction of the left shoulder; the
thumb extended on the back of the gripe, and resting against the guard.
Second
motion. Return to the position of guard.
For the head-
PARRY.
One time and two
motions.
457. First motion. At
the command parry,
raise the sabre quickly above the head, the arm nearly extended, the
edge upwards, the point to the left, and about six inches higher than
the head. The hand is carried more or less to the right, left, or rear,
according to the position of the adversary.
Second
motion. Return to the position of guard.
Against infantry right
- PARRY.
One time and three
motions.
458. First motion.
At the command parry,
turn the head to the right, throwing back the right shoulder, raise the
sabre, the arm extended to the right, and rear, the point upwards, the
hand in tierce, the thumb extended on the back of the gripe, the edge
to the left.
Second motion. Describe a circle quickly on the right,
from rear to front, the arm ex~ended; turn aside the bayonet with the
back of the blade, bringing the hand as high as the head, the point
upwards.
Third motion. Return to the position of guard.
Against infantry left -
PARRY.
One time and three
motions.
459.
First motion. At the command parry, turn the
head to tho left, raise the sabre, the arm extended to the front llnd
right, the
376
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
point upwards, the hand in tierce, the thumb extended on the back of
the gripe, the back of the blade to the front.
Second
motion. Describe a circle quickly on the left, from front
to rear along the horse's neck, the arm extended; turn aside the
bayonet with the back of the blade, bringing the hand, still in tierce
above the left shoulder.
Third motion. Return to the position of guard.
460. When the troopers begin to execute
the above cuts, thrusts, and parries, correctly, the instructor
requires them to make the application of them by combined motions, as
follows:
In
tierce-POINT AND FRONT CUT.
In quarte-POINT AND FRONT CUT. Left
- POINT AND CUT. Right-
POINT AND CUT. Rear-POINT
AND CUT. Against
infantry right-POINT AND CUT. Against
infantry left-POINT AND CUT.
Inspection of
SABRE.
One time and seven
motions.
461.
First motion. At the word sabre, execute the
first time of draw
sabre.
Second
motion. Execute the second time of draw sabre.
Third motion. Present sabre.
Fourth
motion. Turn the wrist inwards to show the other side of
the blade.
Fifth motion. Carry the sabre to the shoulder, as is
prescribed in carry sabre.
Sixth motion. Execute the first time of return sabre.
Seventh motion. Execute the second time of return sabre.
MANUAL FOR A
BREECH-LOADING CARBINE, OR RIFLE, THE TROOPERS MOUNTED.
462. Whenever the troopers are not
exercising with the carbine, or rifle, it is slung by a belt, which
passes from the left shoulder to
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER. 377
the right side, the muzzle down, and in such a position that it may be
seized by the right hand at any moment, and at the same time be
entirely out of the way when the trooper is exercising with the sabre
or pistol.
The trooper, in conducting his horse to
the ground before mounting, has the carbine passed over the right
shoulder, the muzzle in the air.
After mounting let the carbine fall by
the side.
At the first command to dismount, seize
the carbine with the right hand a little above the band, and pass it
over the right shoulder, the muzzle in the air.
463. The trooper being mounted, with the
carbine hanging by his right side, the instructor commands:
Advance - CARBINE
(or RIFLE).
Two times.
At the command advance, seize the
carbine at the small of the stock with the right hand. At the command carbine (or rifle),
elevate it, and place the butt upon the thigh, the muzzle at the height
of the eye and opposite to the right shoulder, the lock to the front.
To load.
464. The squad being in
the position of advance
carbine (or rifle), the instructor commands: Load in four times.
l. LOAD.
One time and two motions.
First motion. At this command, place the carbine (or
rifle) in the left hand, which seizes it a little below the band, the
thumb along the stock, the muzzle elevated, at the height of, and
opposite to, the left shoulder, with the right hand move back the
catch, and seize the lever with the thumb and first two fingers.
Second motion. Spring open the chamber, and carry the hand
to the cartridge-box and open it.
378
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
2. Charge -
CARTRIDGE.
One time and two motions.
First motion. At the command cartridge, draw a
cartridge, and insert it in the barrel, and seize the lever with the
thumb and flrst two fingers.
Second
motion. Draw back the lever to its place, half cock,
remove the old cap, and carry the hand to the cap box, and open it.
3. PRIME.
One time and one motion.
At the command prime, place a cap
on the nipple, press it down with the thumb, let down the cock, and
seize the piece by the small of the stock with the right hand.
4. Advance - CARBINE.
One time.
As prescribed above.
To fire.
465. The squad being in the position of
advance carbine, the instructor commands:
READY.
One time.
At this command let fall the carbine in
the left hand as in the first motion of load, cock it, and return to
the position of advance
carbine.
AIM.
One time.
At this command, carry the butt to the shoulder with the right hand,
support the piece with the thumb and first finger of the left hand, a
little below the barrel, the others closed in order to hold the reins
without slackening them; place the face against the stock,
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER.
379
shut the left eye, direct the right along the barrel to aim, and place
the forefinger of the right hand on the trigger.
FIRE.
At the command fire, pass the
forefinger against the trigger and fire, without lowering the head or
turning it, and remain in this position.
If, after firing, the instructor wishes to load, he commands:
LOAD.
At the command load, bring down
the carbine to the first motion of load;
load at will, and take the position of advance carbine.
If, after firing, the instructor does
not wish to load, he commands:
Advance - CARBINE.
Which is done as already prescribed.
To drop the carbine, the instructor
commands:
Drop - CARBINE.
One time.
At the command carbine, lower the
muzzle of the carbine, and cast the butt to the rear.
Inspection of arms.
466. The instructor commands:
Inspection -
CARBINE.
One time and two
motions.
First motion. At the command carbine, take the
position of advance
carbine.
Second motion. Drop the carbine.
MANUAL FOR COLT'S
REVOLVERS.
467. The troopers being mounted, the
pistol either in the holster or pistol. case, the instructor commands:
1 With very
little modification this manual will serve for Colt's Carbine and
Rifle.
380
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
Draw - PISTOL.1
Two times and two
motions.
1. First
motion. At the first command, unbuckle the holster or
pistol case, seize the pistol by the handle with the right hand,
holding it between the palm of the hand and the three last fingers, the
fore finger resting on the guard, the thumb on the handle
Second
motion. At the second command, draw out the pistol and
elevate it, the guard to the front; the wrist at the height of, and six
inches from, the right shoulder.
Load in six times.
1. LOAD.
One time and one motion.
Place the pistol in the bridle hand,
holding it by the handle in front of the body, the hammer between the
thumb and fore-finger, and turned to the left, the muzzle pointing
upwards. Carry the right hand to the cartridge-box, and open it.
2. Handle -
CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion.
Seize the cartridge with the thumb and
the first two fingers, and carry it to the mouth.
3. Tear-CARTRIDGE.
One time and one motion.
Bite off the end and carry the cartridge
opposite the ehamber nearest the lever, or, if the cartridge is
furnished from the manufactory with the pistol, seize the end of the
cord, which projects from one end of the cartridge, between the teeth,
tear open the outer case, and take out the cartridge. 1. lf it is a
carbine or rifle, the command will be, advance-carbine (or rifle).
SCHOOL OF THE
TROOPER. 381
4. Charge -
CARTRIDGE.
One time and two
motions.
First
motion. Empty the powder into the chamber, and insert the
ball, pressing it down as far as possible with the thumb and
fore-finger; or, if it be a cartridge furnished from the manufactory,
simply insert it in the chamber, pressing the ball down as before.
Second
motion. Turn the pistol with the left hand, bringing the
hammer towards the body, and cock it with the thumb of tho right hand.
5. Ram - CARTRIDGE.
One time and two
motions.
First
motion. Seize the lever with the catch, with the thumb and
fore-finger of the right hand, ram down the ball, and replace the
lever.
Second motion. Let down the hammer with the right hand,
and carry tue hand to the cartridge-box.
Repeat as above directed until all the
chambers are loaded.
6. PRIME.
One time and two
motions.
First motion. Lower the muzzle towards the right side by
turning the wrist of the bridle-hand, thc muzzle pointing downwards,
the hammer to the front, the left wrist resting against the stomach;
half-cock the pistol with the left thumb; turn the cylinder with the
thumb and forefinger of the right hand until it clicks. Take a cap and
press it on the cone. Turn the cylinder again until it clicks, and so
on until all the cones are capped, the hammer resting on the safety
notch.
Second
motion. Seize the pistol at the handle with the right
hand, and bring it to the position of draw pistol.
468. The instructor wishing to fire,
will command:
READY.
One time and two
motions.
First motion. Place the pistol in the left hand, the
little finger touching the key, the barrel nearly vertical, the muzzle
a little in-
382
MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
clined to the left and front, the guard to the front, the thumb on the
head of the hammer, the forefinger along the guard.
Second motion. Cock the pistol, and bring it to the
position of draw pistol.
AIM.
One time.
Lower the pistol, the arm half extended,
and place the fore-finger lightly on the trigger, the muzzle directed
to the height of a man's waist.
FIRE.
One time.
Press the forefinger steadily on the
trigger, fire, and retake the position of draw pistol.
The mcn being at a ready, and the
instructor wishing to fire all the barrels in quick succession, will
give intimation to that effect, and command:
1. AIM. 2. FIRE.
The men will aim and fire, come to the
first position of ready, cock, aim, fire again, and so continue until
the pistol is discharged; then take the position of draw pistol.
469. The instructor wishing to reload,
commands:
Load at will.
LOAD.
One time.
Load the six chambers as heretofore
directed, and take the position of draw pistol.
Return - PISTOL.
One time.
Lower the muzzle of the pistol, and
return it to the muzzle, or pistol-case.
For
more complete information on 19th Century
Military Drill, visit the
main page.
the right on both heels, the
right toe to the front; let go the right-rein; slip the right hand
along the left rein; take two steps, stepping off with the right foot,
and face to the left on the toe of the left foot, the right side
towards the flank of the horse; carry back the right heel three inches
in rear of the left; the right hand seizing the end of the reins is
placed upon the cantle of the saddle. 
2 HERE)
the
moment the leading files arrive opposite the last trooper but one of
the other column. 
