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SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 383

ARTICLE VIII.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP.

    470. The troopers being sufficiently instructed to manage their horses and use their arms, are passed to the school of the troop. The object of this school is to teach them to exercise properly together, and to execute all the movements of the troop, whether in column of platoons, or in line.

    Each movement, after having been correctly executed by the right, is repeated by the left.

    When the movements are all executed at the walk, the instructor causes them to be repeated at the trot, requiring always the same simultaneous action, and the same precision. This gradation is also followed for exercise at the gallop; but the horses should not be kept long at this gait.

    The troop is composed of all the troopers of a single company; for exercising it is formed in two ranks, and divided into two platoons. The troop is one half of the squadron, and when it forms a part of the squadron constituting one of the divisions, the officers and non-commissioned officers are posted as directed for a squadron in line; but where the troop acts singly, as will be supposed in the school of the troop, the officers and non-commissioned officers take posts as directed for a company acting singly. (See No. 17.)

    For the school of the troop, the troopers are under arms; if armed with the carbine it is always slung.

    471. The troop being formed in two ranks, at open order, the

¹ If the platoons are small, or if the instructor wishes to exercise the troop in the school of the squadron, he mny cause it to be formed in a single rank.

384 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

troopers and file-closers at the head of their horses, the chiefs of platoon mounted, facing the platoon, at ten paces from and opposite the centre, the captain commands:

1 ATTENTION. 2. Right-DRESS. 3. FRONT.

He then commands:

In each platoon- and in each rank- Count by fours.

At this command, the troopers count off in both platoons at once, commencing on the right of each rank.

The captain then gives the command mount, which is executed as explained in the school of the trooper, No. 407.

At the command form - RANKS, the chiefs of platoon move forward, face to the front by turning to the right about, and place themselves before the centre of their platoon, the croup of their horses one pace from the head of the horses of the front rank. The fileclosers follow the rear rank.

General principles of alignment.

472 The troopers, in order to align themselves, should regulate their shoulders upon those of the men on the side of the alignment, and fix the eyes upon the line of the eyes, so as to perceive the breast of the second trooper of their rank on the alignment; for this purpose, they should turn the head, remaining square upon their horses, feel lightly the boot of the man on the side of the alignment, and keep the horses straight in the ranks, that all may have a parallel direction.

The troopers of the rear rank, independently of the alignment, should be exactly behind their file-leaders, and in the same direction, taking care to preserve the distance of two feet from head to croup.

Successive alignment of the files in the troop.

473. The two files of the right (or left) are moved forward ten paces, and aligned parallel to the troop by the commands:

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 385

1. Two files from the right (or left) forward. 2. March. 3. HALT. 4. Right (or left) - DRESS. 5. FRONT.

The captain then commands:

1. By file right (or left) - DRESS. 2. FRONT.

    At the command dress, each file moves forward in succession and steadily, the troopers turning the head to the right, and taking the last steps slowly, in order to arrive abreast of the files already formed without passing beyond the alignment, observing then to halt, give the hand, relax the legs, and keep the head to the right until the command front .

    Each file executes the same movement when the preceding one has arrived on the base of alignment, so that only one file may align itself at the same time.

    At the command front, turn the head to the front. The captain gives the command front when the last file is aligned.

    When the troopers execute these alignments, this instruction is repeated in giving the two files of the right an oblique direction. For this purpose, the two files having marched forward four paces, as has been prescribed, execute a half tum to (he right (or left), and march six paces in this new direction.

    The troop being unmasked, the remainder of the movement is executed by the same commands, and on the same principles as in the last ease; each file, as it arrives nearly opposite the place it is to occupy, executes a half turn to the right (or left), so that having left the troop by one straight line, it arrives upon the new alignment by another.

    474. The two files of the right, or left, are made to rein back four paces, and align themselves parallel to the troop, and opposite the place they occupied in it, by the commands:

1. Two files from right (or left) backwards. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT. 4. Right (or left)-DRESS. 5. FRONT.

The captain then commands:

1. By file-right (or left), backward-DRESS. 2. FRONT.

386 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

    At the command dress, each file reins back in succession, keeping perfectly straight, the troopers turning the head to the right, and passing a little to the rear of the files already formed, in order to come up abreast of them by a movement to the front, which renders the alignment more easy.

    The troopers of the front rank rein back slowly, those of the rear rank regulate themselves upon their file-closers, preserving always their proper distance.

    At the command front, turn the head to the front.

    475. The alignment is then executed by twos (or by fours). For this purpose, the two or four files of the right move forward as has been prescribed, and the captain commands:

1. By twos (or by fours)-right (or left)-DRESS. 2. FRONT.

    At the command dress, the files align themselves in succession by twos (or by fours), following the principles prescribed for the alignment by file, being particular to set out and arrive upon the alignment together.

    At the command front, turn the head to the front.

Alignment of the troop.

476. The captain, after having placed the right guide, so that no trooper will be compelled to rein back, commands:

1. Right - DRESS. 2. FRONT.

At the command right dress, all the troopers align themselves steadily but promptly to the right.

The troop being aligned, the captain commands:

FRONT.

The captain causes three different alignments to be executed by the left, following the same principles, but by inverse means.

To open and close the ranks.

477. To open the ranks, the captain commands:

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 387

1. Rear rank open order. 2. MARCH 3. Right - DRESS. 4. FRONT.

At the command march, the front rank remains immoveable, the rear rank reins back six paces, each trooper preserving the direction of his file-leader. The file-closers rein back until they are six paces from the rear rank. The chiefs of platoon move forward six paces, and face the centre of the platoons by turning to the left about.

At the command right dress, the rear rank dresses to the right. At the command front, the head is turned to the front.

To close the ranks the captain commands:

1. Rear rank close order. 2. MARCH 3. Right - DRESS. 4. FRONT.

At the command march, the rear rank closes upon the front to the distance of two feet, each trooper taking care to preserve the direction of his file-leader. The chiefs of platoon resume their places by a turn about to the right, and the file-closers take their proper distances from the rear rank.

At the command right dress, the troop is aligned to the right, At the command front, the head is turned to the front.

To rein back the troop.

478. The troop being at a halt, the captain commands:

1. Troop backwards. 2. Guide right (or left). 3. MARCH.

At the command march, all the troopers rein back at once, regulating their movements by those of the right guide.

When the troop has reined back some steps, the captain commands:

1. Troop. 2. HALT. 3. Right (or left)-DRESS. 4. PRONT.

To break the troop by file.

479. The troop being in line, the captain commands:

1. By file. 2. MARCH

388 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

(Fig. 109). At the command by file, the troopers of the first file (front and rear rank) gather their horses, and the others in succession as soon as the file on the right is in motion. The chief of the first platoon, f'ollowed by the first sergeant, or guide of the right, posts himself in front of the first file.


    At the command march, the chief of the platoon, the guide, and the first file on the right moves straight to the front; they are followed by the next file; each files moves off when the haunches of the horses of the rcar rank man which has broken, arrives at the head of the horses of the front rank; each file marches six paces straight to the front, makes a quarter-turn to the right, and marches in the new direction until it reaches its place in the column, when it makes a quarter-turn to the left.

    The chief of the second platoon breaks with his first file, keeping abreast with, and one pace to his left. The first lieutenant is in the rank of fileclosers, opposite the centre of the column, and the second sergeant or guide of the left, follows the last file.

    To break the platoon by the

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 389

left, the movement is executed following the same principlcs, but by inverse means, at the commands:

1. By the left file. 2. MARCH.

Direct march in column by file.

    480. The troopers should keep their horses straight, anu march at a free and equal gait; they should keep their eyes to the front, and continue in the direction of the column, so as to perceive only the trooper who marches before them, to march at the same gait with him, preserving always the distance of two feet from head to croup, that his own horse may not tread upon the heels of the horse in front. This distance should be recovered gradually when lost.

    The column changes direction to the right or left, as prescribed No. 410.

    To halt the column, the captain commands:

1. Column. 2. HALT.

At the command halt, the troopers stop together in the direction of their file-leaders and at their distances, taking care to prevent the horses from stepping back.

To move off, the captain commands:

1. Column forward. 2. MARCH.

At the command march, the troopers move off together.

The column being at a halt, if the captain wishes to commence the move at a trot, he conforms to what is prescribed No. 423. In this case the chiefs of platoon move off promptly at the trot, that the troopers in their rear may take this gait at once, without marching first at a walk.

Individual oblique march.

481. The column marching by file, the captain commands:

1. Left (or right) oblique. 2. MARCH

At the command march, each trooper executes a quarter turn to

390 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

the left, and moves forward in his new direction, all following parallel lines, and regulating themselves towards the right, in order to keep on the same line, and to preserve their distances on that side.

To return to the primitive direction, the captain commands:

FORWARD.

    At this command, the troopers return to the original direction, by a quarter tum to the right, in advancing, and move forward in the direction of their file-leaders.

    The troop marching in column by file, to form it to the front, to the left, or on right, into line.

    482. The column marching right in front, to form it to the front into line, the captain commands:

1. Front into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Right - DRESS. 4. FRONT.

    (Fig. 110.) At the command march, the first file continues to march straight forward. The others immediately commence obliquing to the left, march in their new direction, and each file makes a quarter tum to the right on coming opposite to the place he is to occupy in the troop. When the first file has marched twenty paces, the chief of the first platoon commands halt. At this command, it halts square to the front, the guide on the right of the front rank man; the other files come up in succession on the left of the first, and dress to the right.

    At the command front, turn the head to the front.

    The captain gives the command right-dress, immediately after halt, and commands front when the last file is aligned.

The column marching left in front, the movement is executed following the same principles, but by inverse means.

    483. The column marching right in front, to form it into line upon its left flank, the captain commands:

1. Left into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Left - DRESS. 4. FRONT.

(Fig. 111.) At the command march, the first file turns to the left, and moves straight forward; the other files continue to march

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 391

Figures 110-111

392 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

on, and at two paces before arriving opposite the place they are to occupy in the troop, they turn in succession to the left.

    When the first file has marched twenty paces, the chief of the first platoon commands halt. At this command it halts - the guide on the right of the front rank man; the other files come up and form in succession on the left of the first, and dress to the right.

    At the command front, turn the head to the front. The captain gives the command right-dress, immediately after halt, and front when the last file is aligned.

    A column marching left in front is formed into line on the right flank by inverse means.

    484. The column marching right in front, to form in line upon the prolongation and in advance of its right flank, the captain commands:

1. On right into line. 2. MARCH 3. Right-DRESS. 4. FRONT.

    (Fig. 112.) At the command march, the first file turns to the right and moves straight forward; the other files continue to march on, and each turns in succession to the right, at one pace beyond the point where the one preceding turned.

    When the first file has marched twenty paces, the chief of the first platoon commands halt. At this command it halts; the guide taking his place on the right of the front rank, the other files come up and form in succession on the left of the first, and dress to the right.

    A column marching left in front, is formed into line on the left by inverse means.

To break the troop by twos or by fours.

485. The troop being in line, the captain commands:

1. By twos (or by fours). 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

(Fig. 113.) At the first command, the chief of the first platoon places himself in front of the two or four files of the right; the right guide places himself on his right. At the command march, the first two or four files of the right move straight to the front; they

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 393

Figures 112-113

394 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

are followed by the other files, who move off when the haunches of the horses of the rear rank are on a line with the heads of the horses of the front rank. These files march straight forward six paces, execute a quarter turn to the right by troopers, and march in this direction until they meet the column, when they take their places in it by making a quarter turn to the left.

    The chief of the second platoon breaks with the first two or four files of his platoon, keeping abreast with tpem and at one pace from the flank of the column on the side of the guide, each rank of two or four preserving between them the distance of two feet.

    The captain assures himself that the officers, the file-closers, and guide, are properly placed.

    The trooper on the left of the first rank of twos (or fours) is guide of the column; he keeps his eyes to the front, moves straight forward, and marches so that the troopers of his rank may be at one pace from the croup of the horse of the chief of the first platoon. The t.rooper on the left of each of the other ranks, who is guide of his rank, preserves the head direct, and keeps at the distance of two feet from his file-leader, and in the same direction; the other troopers of each rank look occasionally towards the guide, in order to align themselves and regulate their march upon him. They feel the boot lightly towards that side, and yield to all pressure coming from it. When the march is by fours, they resist all pressure coming from the side opposite the guide.

    The column marching by twos or by fours, the captain commands:

1. Trot. 2. MARCH

At the command march, the troopers take the trot, taking care not to fret their horses.

When the column has marched a sufficient distance at the trot, the captain commands:

1. Walk. 2. MARCH

486. The column marching in column of twos or fours, right In front, to change direction, the captain commands:

Head of the column to the left (or right).

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 395

At this command, the chief of thc first platoon commands:

1. Left-TURN. 2. FORWARD.

    At the command left, the left trooper, who is pivot, prepares to turn at the same gait, the trooper of the opposite side to lengthen his.

    At the command turn, the first rank of twos or fours turns to the left. The pivot turns without changing his gait, describing an arc of a circle of five paces. The trooper on the opposite side turns in lengthening the gait; the other troopers turn the head towards the marching flank, to regulate their rate of march, feeling lightly the boot on the side of the pivot. At the command forward, the troopers who had increased the gait, resume the precise pace at which they were before moving, and the head of the column marches straight forward in the new direction. Each rank executes the same movement, on arriving upon the ground where the first has turned.

    The column marching by twos or by fours, the captain halts it, as prescribed, school of the trooper.

    To recommence the march, he commands:

1. Column forward. 2. MARCH 3. Guide left.

487. The column marching by twos or by fours, the captain commands:

1. Left (or right) oblique. 2. MARCH.

(Fig. 114.) At the command march, each trooper executes a quarter turn to the left. The trooper on the left of the first rank, who is guide of the column, moves straight forward in the new direction, and parallel to the chief of the first platoon. The trooper on the left of each of the other ranks, who is guide of his rank, moves forward also in the new direction, observing the guide of the column so as to keep on the same line, and in a parallel direction with him.

The other troopers move forward, looking occasionally to the left so as to align themselves upon their guide. Each one places the

396 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.
Figures 114-115

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 397

left knee behind the right knee of the man on the left, and the head of his horse opposite the lower part of the neek of the horse on his left.

To return to the primitive direction, the captain commands:

FORWARD.

At this command, the troopers return to the original direction, by a quarter tum to the right.

The troop marching in column by twos or by fours, to form it to the front, to the left, or on right, into line.

488. The troop marching in column by twos or by fours, right in front, the captain commands:

1. Front into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Right - DRESS. 4. FRONT.

(Fig. 115.) At the command march, the first two (or four) files oontinue to march straight forward: when they have marched thirty paces, the chief of the first platoon commands:

HALT.

    At this command, the first two (or four) files halt square to the front, the guide of the right returns to the right of the troop. All the other files of twos or fours oblique to the left, march in this direction, and come up in succession by a quarter turn to the right on coming opposite their places, and without command of the chiefs of platoon.

    The captain, who moves to the right flank after the command march, commands the alignment when the chief of the first platoon commands halt.

    As soon as the chiefs of platoon arrive npon the line, they place themselves at the centre of their platoons and align themselycs. The guide of the left returns to the left of the troop, when the last two (or four) files arrive upon the line. The first lieutenant superintends the alignment of the rear rank, and then takes his post in rear of the centre.

398 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

489 The column marching right in front, to form it in line on its left flank, the captain commands:

1. Left into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Right - DRESS. 4. FRONT.

(Fig. 116.) At the command march, the four leading files tum to the left and move straight forward; when they have marched thirty paces, the chief of the first platoon commands:

HALT.

    At this command, the two (or four) leading files halt, and the guide places himself on the right of the troop. All the other files cuntinue to march on, and at three paces before arriving opposite the place they are to occupy in the troop, turn in succession to the left, without the command of the chiefs of platoon.

    The captains, the first lieutenant, the chiefs of platoon, and the guide of the left, conform exactly to what is prescribed for the front into line.

    490. The column marching right in front, to form line upon the prolongation and in advance of its right flank, the captain commands:

1. On the right into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Right-DRESS. 4. FRONT.

    (Fig. 117.) At the command march, the four leading files turn to the right, and march straight forward; when they have marched thirty paces, the chief of the first platoon commands halt.

    At this command, the four leading files halt, and the right guide takes his place on the right of the troop. All the other files continue to march forward, each turning to the right in succession, and without the commands of the chiefs of platoon, at the distance three paces beyond the point where the preceding rank has turned, forming to the left, and upon the alignment of the first.

    The captain, the first lieutenant, the chiefs of platoon, and the left guide, conform exactly to what is prescribed for the front into line.

    491. The troop is broken by the left, at the commands:

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 397
Figures 116-117

400 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

1. By twos (or by fours) from the left. 2. MARCH 3. Guide right.

The column is exercised at the march in column, the changes of direction, and the individual oblique marches. It is also exercised at the different formations, which are executed, following the same principles, but by inverse means, at the commands: 1. Front (right or on left into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Left-DRESS. 4. FRONT.

492. When the troop has acquired precision and regularity in the formations at the different gaits, the captain exercises it in breaking by fours from a halt at the trot, and at the gallop.

To form the troop to the left in one rank.

493. The troop being formed in two ranks, the captain commands:

1. Left into single rank. 2. MARCH 3. FRONT. 4. HALT. 5. Right - DRESS. 6. FRONT.

    (Fig. 118.) At the command march, the front rank moves forward six paces, dressing by the right; the trooper on the left of the rear rank turns to the left and moves forward; he is followed by all the other troopers of that rank, who execute the same movement in succession.

    At the command front, the troopers of the left of the rear rank turn to the right, and the other troopers in succession, when they have arrived nearly opposite the place they are to occupy in the rank.

    At the command halt, the trooper on the left halts, and so do the others in succession, on arriving abreast of him.

    At the command right-dress, all the troopers of the rear rank dress to the right.

    At the command front, turn the head to the front.

To form the troop to the right in two ranks.

494. The troop being in one rank, the captain designates the trooper who is to be on the left of the front rank, also the one to be the right of the rear rank, and commands:

1. Right into two ranks. 2. MARCH 3. Right-DRESS. 4. FRONT.

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(Upper part of Fig. 118.) At the command march, the front rank moves forward six paces, dressing by the right; the trooper on the right of the rear rank turns to the right as soon as the front

rank has passed, and moves forward obliquely to the right; when he is nearly in rear of the trooper on the right of the front rank, he fronts by turning to the left. All the other troopers execute the same movement in succession, placing themselves exactly behind their file-leaders and at their proper distances.

At the command right-dress, all the troopers align themselves to the right.

At the command front, turn the head to the front.

To form twos and fours at the same gait.

402 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

495. The troop marching in column by file, right in front, to form twos the captain commands:

1. Form twos. 2. MARCH,

(Fig. 119.) At the command march, the first file continues to march on, and halts when it has marched ten paces; the second file

obliques to the left; and comes up abreast of the first; on arriving there, it halts and dresses to the right. All the other files continue to march straight forward, Nos. 2 and 4 executing their movement in the same manner, but in succession, and when Nos. 1 and 3, upon

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 403

which they should form, have nearly arrived at their proper distance, and are about to halt.

496. The troop marching in column by twos, right in front, to form fours the captain commands:

1. Form fours. 2. MARCH.

    At the command march, the first two files continue to march on, and halt when they have gone ten paces: the two following files oblique to the left, and come up abreast of the first two; on arriving there, they halt, and dress to the right. All the other files continue to march straight forward, Nos. 2 and 4 of each rank executing their movement in the same manner, when Nos. 1 and 2, upon which they should form, have nearly arrived at their proper distance, and are about to halt.

    497. When the column is at a trot, the leading file or files pass to the walk, at the command march, the others continue to march at the trot, until they have arrived abreast of those on which they should form: then they pass to the walk.

    When the column is at a gallop, the leading file or files pass to the trot at the command march; the others continue at the gallop, until they have executed their formation, when they pass to the trot.

    When twos or fours are formed at the trot, or at the gallop, the guide is announced as soon as the first files have doubled. In executing the same movements at a walk, as the head of column halts, the guide is not announced.

    In a column marching left in front, these movements are executed by inverse means.

To break by twos and by file at the same gait.

495. The troop marching in column by fours, right in front, to break by twos the captain commands:

1. By twos. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

(Fig. 120.) At the command by twos, all the troopers prepare to halt, except Nos. 1 and 2 of the leading files. At the command march, Nos. 1 and 2 of the leading files continue to march at the

404 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

same gait; all the others halt. Files Nos. 3 and 4 of the leading rank oblique to the right at the moment they are passed by the

croup of the horses of the rear rank of Nos. 1 and 2, and place themselves in column behind them.

    Each rank of four executes tIle same movement in regular succession, files Nos. 1 and 2 breaking as soon as files Nos. 3 and 4 of the rank which precedes them have commenced obliquing, in order to enter the column.

    Files Nos. 1 and 2, which break to the front, regulate their gait so as to preserve their distances; and files Nos. 3 and 4 keep their horses straight, so as not to constrain the movements of files Nos. 1 and 2.

    499. The troop marching in column by twos, right in front, to break by file, the captain commands:

1. By file. 2. MARCH.

    At the command by file, all the troopers prepare to halt except the right file of the leading rank of twos. At the command march, the right file of the leading rank of twos continues to march at the same gait; all the others halt. The left file of this same rank obliques to the right the moment it is passed by the croup of the rear rank horse of No.1, and places himself in column behind the first file. The guide of the right, takes his place in rear of the chief of the first platoon.

    Each rank of twos executes the same movement in succession, files Nos. 1 and 2, breaking as soon as files Nos. 2 and 4, who precede them, have commenced obliquing in order to enter the column.

    Files 1 and 3, which break to the front, regulate their gait so as to have their distances. Files 2 and 4, keep their horses strait, so as not to constrain the movements of files 1 and 3.

When the column is at a trot, the right files of the leading rauk continue at that gait, all the others take the walk at the com-

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 105

mand march, and resume the trot on entering the column. When the column is at the gallop, thc files which are to break take the trot at the command march, and resume the gallop on entering the column.

The column marching left in front, the movemcnt is executed by inverse means at the command: 1. By twos (or by file) frum the left, march. If the column marches by twos, the guide is indicated to the right, immediately after the command march.

To form twos and fours in doubling the gait.

500. The troop marching by file right in front, to form twos, the captain commands:

1. Form twos - trot. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

At the command form twos-trot, all the troopers prepare to trot, except the leading file, and take it at the command march. The second file obliques to the left, and comes up abreast of the first, and on arriving there takes the walk; all the other files continue to move at the trot. Files 4 and 2 execute the movement in the same manner, when 3 and 1, upon whom they are to form, have nearly arrived at their distance, and are about to pass to the walk.

501. The troop marching in column of twos, right in front, to form fours, the captain commands:

1. Form fours-trot. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

At the command form fours-trot, all the troopers, except the two leading files, prepare to take the trot, and take it at the command march. The two files following the first two, oblique to the left, and come up abreast of these two, resuming the walk as they do so; all the other files continue to march forward at the trot. Files 1 and 2 of the next file of fours close up upon the leading file, and pass to the walk, when Nos. 2 and 4 of the same file oblique to the left, and come up abreast of them, taking the walk; and so do all the remaining files in succession.

When the column is at the trot, the movement is executed on the same principles. At the command march, all the troopcrs, except

406 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

the files at the head of the column, pass to the gallop, and resume the trot when the formation is executed.

The column marching left in front, the movement is executed by inverse means.

To break by twos and by file in doubling the gait.

502. The troop marching in column by fours, the captain commands:

1. By twos - trot. 2. MARCH. 3. GUIDE LEFT.

    At the command by twos-trot, files 1 and 2 of the leading rank of fours prepare to trot. At the command march, they commence the trot; all the other files continue to march at the walk; files 3 and 4 take the trot in succession and oblique to the right, in order to place themselves in column behind files 1 and 2.

    The movement being terminated the captain orders the walk.

    503. The troop marching in column of twos, right in front, to break by file the captain commands:

1. By file - trot. 2. MARCH.

    At the command by file-trot, the right file of the leading rank of twos prepares to trot. At the command march, it commences the trot, all the other files continue at the walk; files 2 and 4 assume the trot in succession and oblique to the right, in order to place themselves behind files 1 and 3 in the column.

    When the column is at the trot, to break in doubling the gait, the captain commands: 1. By twos (or by file)-gallop. 2. MARCH.

    504. The column marching left in front, the movement is executed by inverse means, at the commands: 1. By twos (or by file) from the left. 2. MARCH. If the column is to march by twos, the guide is indicated to the right, immediately after the command march.

SABRE EXERCISE.

505. The captain causes the sabre exercise to be executed at a halt; for this purpose he opens the ranks, and commands:

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 407

1. By the left (or right) open files. 2. MARCH. 3. Right (or left) - DRESS. 4. FRONT.

    At the command march, the right trooper of each rank moves forward six paces; the one on the left of each rank turns to the left, and moves forward; he is followed by all the other troopcrs of his rank, who execute the same movement as soon as they have the necessary space to put themselves in file at their proper distances. The second trooper from the right of each rank, after having marched three paces, turns and dresses to the right; each of the other troopers look occasionally to the rear, and perform the same movement in succession when at three paces from the one who follows him, and dresses upon those already formed; the troopers of the rear rank place themselves exactly behind their file-leaders.

    After the command march, the captain moves to the right of the front rank, and when the second trooper from the right has turned to the hont, he commands, right-dress. After having rectified the alignment and the distances in the two ranks, he commands, front.

    506. When the captain wishes to re-form the troop, he commands:

1. To the right (or left) - close files. 2. MARCIH

At the command march, the right trooper of each rank moves forward six paces; all the other troopers execute a turn to the right, and move forward.

Each trooper, on arriving within two paces of the place he is to occupy in line, turns to the left, and places himself on the left of the troopers already formed, and dresses to the right. The captain closes the ranks as soon as they are formed.

Direct march of the troop in line.

507. The most important point in the direct march being to keep the horses straight in the ranks, it is indispensable that the trooper should preserve the head direct.

To keep themselves aligned, the troopers should feel lightly the boot of the man on the side of the guide, and march at an equal

408 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

gait. They should yield to all pressure coming from the side of the guide, and resist that coming from the opposite side.

    The guide should always march at a free and steady gait, and change it with steadiness in order to avoid irregularity in the ranks. If the troopers are in front or in rear of the alignment, too near or too far from the man on the side of the guide, they move from or approach him gradually. When the guide feels himself thrown out of his direction, he extends his arm to the front to indicate that there is too much pressure towards him. When the troopers carry the hand towards the opposite side, give a glance to the guide, and straighten their horses as soon as the guide is relieved.

    The guide should be alternately to the right and to the left, that the troopers may acquire the habit of dressing equally well towards either direction.

    508. To march the troop forward, the captain commands:

1. Troop forward. 2. Guide right (or left). 3. MARCH.

    At the command march, all the troopers move straight forward, at the same gait with the men on the side of the guide.

    The troopers march straight forward, feeling the boot lightly on the side towards the guide.

    To halt the troop, the captain commands:

1. Troop. 2. HALT. 3. Right (or left) - DRESS. 4. FRONT.

    At the command halt, the troopers stop.

    At the command right-dress, they align themselves, and at the command front, turn the head to the front.

    After. the troop has been exercised sufficiently in the direct march, at the walk, it will be practised at the trot, and afterwards at the gallop; when marching at a gallop, the troop should habitualy pass to the trot, and the walk, before being halted; but when the troopers are masters of their horses, it may be halted from the gallop.

Countermarch.

509. The troop having arrived at the extremity of the ground, in order to change the direction, the captain commands:

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 409

1. Counter march - by the right flank 2, By file to the right. 3. MARCH.

(Fig. 12l.) At the command countermarch by the right flank, the chiefs of platoon turn to the right, the

chief of the first platoon placing himself in front of his first file; the file-closers turn to the left, and pass to the left of the troop, placing themselves abreast of the rear rank.

    The guide of the right places himself promptly behind the guide of the left, facing to the rear, the croup of his horse at six paces from the rear rank.

    At the command march, the trooper on the right of each rank turns to the right, the rear rank man joining the front rank man; they then wheel together to the right, the latter lengthening his gait a little; they pass very near the croup of the horses of the rear rank, and are followed by the other troopers, who execute the same movement in succession, taking care to pass over the same ground.

    When the first file is two paces from the right guide, who indicates the place where it is to form, the captain commands:

1. FRONT. 2. HALT. 3. Right-DRESS. 4. FRONT.

    The file-closers follow the movement, and resume their places as they arrive at them.

    After having commanded march, the captain moves rapidly to the flank by which the movement is executed, in order to direct the head of the column, and to re-form the troop to the rear upon a line parallel to the one it at first occupied.

    The troop being aligned, the captain commands, front. At this command, the chiefs of platoon face to the front, by a turn to the left.

    The countermarch should generally be executed at the trot. For this purpose, after the second command, the captain indicates the gait.

    This movement is executed by the left flank by inverse means.

410 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

The troop being in line, to form it in column with distance.

510. The captain commands:

1. Platoons right wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT.

(Fig. 122.) At the first command, the left file of each platoon

prepares to step off promptly, and the pivot to turn upon its own ground.



    At the command march, each platoon executes its wheel to the right, following the principles of the wheel on a fixed pivot, the marching flanks taking care to step off and wheel together.

At the command halt, the marching flanks and all the troopers halt at the same instant, those of the rear rank resuming their places behind their file-leaders.

    The captain commands halt, when the platoons have nearly completed the wheels.

    The chiefs of platoon, without leaving their platoons, observe that the movement is correctly executed.

    During the movement, the guide of the left passes as file-closer behind the second file from the left of the second platoon.

To march in column with distance.

    511. In this order of column, the guides should preserve betwecn them a distance equal to the front of their platoons, and regulate their gait upon that of the preceding guide.

    The chiefs of platoon are responsible for the preservation of the distance, which should be half of the front of the platoon, assuming it to contain twelve files, measured from the croup of the horses of the rear rank of the leading platoon, to the head of the horses of the front rank of the rear platoon.

    The troop being in open column, right in front, the captain commands:

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 411

1. Column forward. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

At the command march, both platoons put themselves in motion at the same time.

Before the column commences the march, the captain gives the guide of the first platoon a point of direction.

Changes of direction.

512. In the open column, the changes of direction are executed by successive wheels on a movable pivot, so that the march of the column may not be retarded. The arc of the circle described by the pivots should be five paces.

The column being in march, to change the direction, the captain commands:

Head of column to the left or half-left (or to the right or half-right).

(Fig. 123.) At this command, the chief

of the first platoon commands: 1. Left-TURN; 2. FORWARD; which is executed on the principle of the wheel upon a movable pivot.


    The chief of the second platoon gives the same commands in time for his platoon to turn upon the same ground.

    In this change of direction while marching, the guide of the right at the command head of column to the left, moves rapidly to the side of the pivot, and places himself so that the head of his horse will mark the centre point of the arc described by the pivot.

    Both platoons commence their wheel at two and a half paces before arriving abreast of the head of the horse of the guide of the right, so as to prevent the column frolll being thrown out. The guide resumes his place when the second platoon has completed its wheel.

Individual oblique march.

513. The troop marching in column, with distance, right in front,

412 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

to cause it to gain ground towards one of the flanks, without changing the front of the columns, the captain commands:

1. Left (or right) oblique. 2. MARCH

(Fig. 124.) At the command march, the troopers all execute, at the same time, a quarter turn to the right, so that the

head of each horse may be opposite the extremity of the neck of the horse on his nght, and that the right knee of each trooper may be in rear of the left knee of the trooper on his right. This first movement being executed, the troopers move forward in the new direction, regulating themselves upon the guide.

The guide of the second platoon pays attention to march on the same line, to preserve his distance, and to keep in a dlrection exactly parallel to that of the guide of the first platoon.

To resume the primitive direction, the captain commands:

FORWARD.

At this command the troopers straiten their horses, and move forward, regulating themselves upon the guide.

In the oblique march, the guide is always on the obliquing side, without being indicated; and after the command forward, the guide returns, without indication, to the side on which it was before the oblique.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 413

To break by fours, by twos, and by file; to form twos, fours and platoons at the same gait.

514. The troop marching in column with distance, right in front, to break by fours at the same gait, the captain commands:

1. By fours. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

    At the command by fours, repeated by the chief of the first platoon, this officer places himself in front of the first four files on the right; the right guide places himself on his right.

    At the command march, which is also repeated by the chief of the platoon, this platoon breaks by fours as prescribed No. 485, and the chief of the second platoon commands halt.

    The chief of the second platoon commands by fours, in sufficient time to command march, the moment the last four files of the first platoon commence the oblique movement. in order to enter the column.

    515. The troop marching in column by fours, right in front, to break by twos, at the same gait, the captain commands:

1. By twos. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

The chiefs of platoon conform to what is prescribed in order to break by fours, and give the commands, halt; and then, 1. By twos. 2. MARCH; so as to cause no confusion in the column.

516. The troop marching in column by twos, right in front, to break by file at the same gait, the captain commands:

1. By file. 2. MARCH.

Which is executed as prescribed for breaking by twos, the guide of the right placing himself behind the chief of the first platoon.

517. The troop, marching in column with distance, at the trot, right in front, to break by fours, at the same gait, the captain commands.

1. By fours. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

At the first command, repeated by the chief of the first platoon,

414 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

this officer and the guide of the right, place themselves as prescribed No. 514, and the chief of the second platoon commands, walk.

    At the command march, repeated by both the chiefs of platoon, the first platoon breaks by fours, as prescribed No. 514, and the second platoon takes the walk.

    The chief of the second platoon commands, by fours-trot, in sufficient time to command march, when the last four files of the first platoon commence the oblique movement in order to enter the column.

    The same principles are applicable to breaking by twos, and by file.

    When the column is at the gallop, these movements are executed on the principles just prescribed, the whole column except the first four files, passing to the trot, and resuming the gallop, as the files break in order to enter the column.

    518. The troop marching in column by file, right in front, to form twos at the same gait, the captain commands:

1. Form twos. 2. MARCH.

At the commands form twos, and march, repeated by the chief of the first platoon, this platoon executes the movement as prescribed No. 500; the guide of the right moves to the right of the chief of the first platoon, who commands, halt, after having marched ten paces. The other platoon continues to march by file, and executes the movement at the command of its chief, who does not command march until the first files of his platoon has arrived at its proper distance.

519. The troop marching in column by twos, right in front, to form fours, at the same gait, the captain commands:

1. Form fours. 2. MARCH.

Which is executed as is prescribed for forming twos.

520. The troop marching in column of fours, right in front, to form platoons at the same gait, the captain commands:

1. Form platoons. 2. MARCH.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 415

    At the first command, the chief of the first platoon commands, form platoon.

    At the command march, repeated by thc chief of the first platoon, the guide of the right places himself on the right of this platoon, which forms as in front into line, No. 488; the chief of the platoon commands halt, after having marched twenty paces.

The other platoon continues to march in column by fours, and forulR at the command: 1. Form platoon MARCH; given by its chief in sufficient time to command halt, when the first four files of the platoon arrives at six paces from the platoon which precedes.

    521. When the column is at the trot, the same principles are conformed to, except that instead of halting, the first two or four files of the first platoon pass to the walk, at the command march given by their chief. The second platoon continues to march at the trot, and execute the movement at the same gait, the first two or four files of the platoon passing also to the walle, at the command march, given by the chief of the platoon when they arrive at their proper distances.

    When the column is at the gallop, to form twos, fours, etc., the same principles are observed, the first two or four files of each platoon passing to the trot at the command march, given by their chief.

    When these formations are executed at the trot, and at the gallop, the guide is announced by the captain as soon as the first files have doubled, or the first platoon is formed; in the last case only, each chief of platoon repeats the command of the guide as soon as his platoon is formed.

To break by fours, by twos, and by file; to form twos, fours and platoons, in doubling the gait.

522. The trooper marching in column with distance, right in front, to break by fours, in doubling the gait, the captain commands:

1.By fours-trot. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

At the first command, repeated by the chief of the first platoon,

416 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

this officer, and the guide of the right, place themselves as prescribed, No. 514.

    At the command march, repeated by thc chief of the first platoon, this platoon breaks by fours, as prescribed, No. 514.

    The other platoon continues to march at the walk; its chief commands, by fours-trot, in sufficient time to command march, the moment the last four files of the first platoon commence the oblique movement in order to enter the column.

    These principles are applicable to breaking by twos and by file. When the column is at the trot, to break at the gallop, the same principles are observed at the commands:

1. By fours-gallop. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

523. The troop marching in column by files, to form twos in doubling the gait, the captain commands:

1. Form twos - trot, 2. MARCH, 3. Guide left,

    At the commands form twos - trot, and march, repeated by the chief of the first platoon, this platoon executes its movement as prescribed, No. 500, and the guide of the right moves to the right of the chief of the first platoon.

    At the first command, the chief of the second platoon commands, trot, At the command march, repeated by him, the second platoon takes the trot. He commands, form twos, in sufficient time to command march, the moment the first file of the platoon is nearly at its proper distance; the first file then passes to the walk.

    524. The troop marching in column of twos, to form fours, in doubling the gait, the captain commands:

1. Form fours-trot. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

Which is executed as prescribed for forming twos.

525. The troop marching in column by fours, to form platoon, in doubling the gait, the captain commands:

1. Form platoons-trot. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 417

1. Form fours - trot. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left.

Which is executed as prescribed for forming twos.

527. The troop marching in column by fours, to form platoons, in doubling the gait, the captain commands:

1. Form platoons - trot. 2. MARCH 3. Guide left.

    At the first command, the chief of the first platoon commands, form platoon - trot.

    The chief of the second platoon commands trot. At the command march, repeated by these officers, the first platoon forms as prescribed, No. 520, and the guide of the right places himself on the right of this platoon.

    The second platoon takes the trot, and forms at the command form platoon, given by its chief in sufficient time to command march, when the first four files arrive at their proper distance from the first platoon; then these four files take the walk.

    The captain commands guide left when the first platoon is formed, and gives a point of direction.

    The chief of the second platoon commands the guide as soon as his platoon is formed.

    When the column is at the trot, these formations are executed at the gallop, following the same principles, at the commands: 1. Form twos, or form fours, or form platoons - gallop. 2. MARCH

418 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

The troop marching in column with distance, to face it in the opposite direction, and to face it to the front again.

528. The troop marching in open column, right in front, the captain commands:

1. Platoons left-about wheel. 2. MARCH.

(Fig. 125.) At the first command, the trooper on the left of

each platoon, who becomes the pivot, prepares to halt without, however, slackening his pace.

At the command march, the pivots halt, and the marching flanks wheel at the gait in which the column was marching, regulating themselves upon the onter flank of the platoon at the head of the column, so as to complete the first half of the movement at the same instant.

The movement being nearly finished, the captain commands:

1. Forward. 2, Guide Right.

    During this movement, the guide of the left places himself on the left of the second platoon; the guide of the right takes his place as file-closer in rear of the second file from the right of the first platoon, and the other file-closers pass to the side opposite the guide.

    To cause the troop to resume its primitive direction, the captain commands: 1. Platoons right - about wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD. 4. Guide left.

    529 .The column being on the march, to halt it, the captain commands:

1. Column. 2. HALT.

At the first command, both platoons prepare to halt, and at the command halt, halt at the same time.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 419

To form line to the left.

530. The troop being in column with distance, right in front, to form it in line on its left flank, the captain commands:

1. Left into line, wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT. 4. Right-DRESS. 5. FRONT.

    At the first command, the guide of the right moves upon the prolongation of the guides of the column, at the distance of the front of a platoon, facing the side towards which the line will be formed.

    At the command rnarch, the troop wheels into line, the trooper on the left wing of each platoon serving as pivot, and turning upon his own ground.

    The captain commands halt the moment the marching flanks have nearlt completed their movement, and then right dress.

    At this command, both platoons align themselves. The troop being aligned, the captain commands front.

    During the wheel, the guide of the left resumes his place in line.

    531. The formation of the troop into a column with distance, left in front; the march of this column; the changes of direction in a column; left in front; etc. etc., are executed upon the same principles as a column right in front, but by inverse means.

To forrn line to the right by inversion.

532. The troop marching in open column, right in front, to form it in line upon its right flank by inversion, the captain changes the guide; for this purpose, he commands:

Guide Right.

The captain passes by the head of the column to the side of the new guides, rectifies their direction, then halts the column, and commands:

420 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

1. By inversion right into line wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT. 4. Left-DRESS. 5. FRONT.

Which is executed as prescribed for wheeling into line to the left, but by inverse means.

To put the troop in column again, right in front, the captain commands: 1. Platoons left wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT (or FORWARDS. 4. Guide left.

To form on right into line.

533. The troop marching in column with distance, right in front, to form it in line on the prolongation and in advance of its right flank, the captain commands:

1. On right into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide-RIGHT. 4. FRONT.

(Fig. 126.) At the first command the chief of the first platoon commands right, and at the command march, he commands turn:

the platoon turns to the right and moves forward at the command forward; when it has marched thirty paces, its chief commands halt, and then nght - dress.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 421

The second platoon continues to march forward, without approaching the line; as soon as it arrives abreast of tho fourth file from the left of the first platoon, its chief commands: 1. Right-TURN. 2. FORWARD. The platoon then directs itself towards the place it is to occupy in line, and on arriving abreast of the file-closers, its chief commands halt, and then left - dress.

When the troop is aligned, the captain commands, front.

To form on left into line by inversion.

534. The troop marching in column with distance, right in front, to form it in line upon the prolongation and in advance of its left flank, the captain commands:

l. By inversion on left into line. 2, MARCH. 3. Guide left. 4. FRONT.

    At the first command, the chief of the first platoon commands, left.

    At the command march, he commands, turn; the platoon turns to the left, and moves forward at the command forward;when it has marched thirty paces its chief commands halt, and then left -dress.

    The second platoon continues to march forward, without approaching the line; when it arrives abreast of the fourth file from the right of the first platoon, its chief commands: 1. Left - TURN 2. FORWARD; this platoon directs itself towards the place it is to occupy in line, and on arriving abreast of the file-closers, its chief commands halt, and then left-dress.

To form front into line.

535. The troop being in column with distance, right in front, to form it in line upon the head of the column, the captain commands:

1. Front into line. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide Right. 4. FRONT.

(Fig. 127.) At the first command, the chief of the first platoon commands, platoon forward, and the chief of the seyond commands platoon left half wheel.

422 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

At the command march, repeated by these officers, the first platoon moves forward; its chief repeats the indication of the

guide, and when it has marched thirty paces, he commands: 1. HALT. 2. Right - DRESS.

The chief of the second platoon, when the left half wheel is executed, commands: 1. FORWARD. 2. Guide right; and marches straight forward. When the right of his platoon arrives opposite the left of the first platoon, he commands: 1. Right half wheel. 2. FORWARD: and when he arrives abreast of the file-closer: 1. HALT. 2. Right-DRESS.

The troop being aligned, the captain commands, front.

To form line faced to the rear, on the rear of the column.

536. The troop being in column with distance, right in front, to form line faced to the rear, the captain commands:

1. Platoons left about wheel. 2. MARCH 3. Front into line. 4. MARCH. 5. Guide left. 6. FRONT.

(Fig. 128.) At the second command, each platoon executes its wheel to the left about.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 423

At the fourth command, the chief of the second platoon, now in front, when its wheel is nearly completed, commands forward, guide left; and when it has marched thirty paces: 1. HALT. 2. Left-DRESS.

The chief of the second pbtoon, on completing three-fourths of his wheel, commands: 1. FORWARD. 2; Guide left, and directs it towards the place it is to occupy in line, conforming in other respects to what is prescribed front into line, when the column is left in front.

To form line faced to the rear on the head of the column.

    537. The troop being in column with distance, right in front, to form line faced to the rear upon the head of the column, the captain commands:

1. By inversion front into line. 2. MARCH 3. Guide left.

(Fig. 129). At the first command, the chief of the first platoon commands, platoon forward; and the chief of the second, platoon right half wheel.

    At the command march, repeated by these ofllcers, the movement is executed ns prescribed for front into line, but by inverse means.

    The captain without rectifying the alignment, commands:

l. Platoon left-about wheel. 2. MARCH 3. HALT. 4. Right-DRESS. 5. FRONT.

Movements by fours, the troop being in column with distance.

538. The troop being in column with distance, right in front, to

424 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

cause it to gain ground towards its left flank, the captain commands:

1. By fours left wheel. 2. MARCH 3. FORWARD. 4. Guide right.

(Fig. 130.) At the command march, each rank of fours executes its wheel to the left, according to the principles of the wheel on a fixed pivot; Nos. 4 turn upon themselves, sustaining with the left

leg the haunches of their horses, in order not to constrain the movement of the rank immediately behind them; all the troupers regulate themseIves towards the marching flanks.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 425

539. To take a direction parallel to the first, and return to columm with distance, the captain commands:

1. By fours right wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT.

    Which is executed on the same principles, but by invers means. If instead of halting, the captain wishes the column to march forward, he commands: 1. FORWARD. 2. Guide left.

    540. The troop being in column with distance, right in front, it is caused to gain ground towards its right flank by the commands: 1. By fours right wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD. 4. Guide left; and to resume the primitive direction at the commands: 1. By fours left wheel. 2. MARCH 3. HALT (or FORWARD). 4. Guide left.

    541. The troop being in column with distance, right in front, to cause it to march to the rear the captain commands:

1. By fours left about wheel. 2. MARCH 3. FORWARD. 4. Guide right.

    (Fig. 131.) At the command march, the movement is executed in each rank by fours, so as to throw the rear rank before the front rank, and the ranks of fours are inverted throughout the column.

    If, instead of moving forward after the wheel to the left about by fours, the captain wishes to halt the column, he commands, halt.

    To return to the primitive direction, the captain commands:

1. By fours right about wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. HALT.

    Which is executed as just prescribed, but by inverse means.

    If the captain wishes the column to march forward, he commands: 1. FORWARD. 2. Guide left.

    542. In all the movements to the left and to the right by fours, the chiefs of platoon move up abreast of the first rank of their platoons, on the side of the guide.

    The captain, the file-closers, and the guides of the right and left, preserve their places after the wheel to the left or right by fours is completed, facing in the new direction.

    In the wheel to the left or right about by fours, the chiefs of pla-

426 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

toon march behind the centre of their platoons, and the file-closers in front. The guidc of the right is on the left of his platoon, and the guide of the left in front of his.

WHEELINGS.

543. During the wheel, the chiefs of platoon keep at the centre of their platoons, and correctly aligned, keeping their horses upon the arc of a circle, more or less great, in proportion to their distance from the pivot. The files on the flanks of platoons close upon each othcr, all observing the progression of the marching flank, and keeping upon the arcs they should describe.

To wheel on a fixed pivot.

544. The troop is exercised in wheeling on a fixed pivot, first at the walk, then at the trot; also at the gallop.

The troop being halted and correctly aligned, the captain commands:

1.Troop in circle to the right. 2. MARCH.

Which is executed on the principles prescribed, Nos. 434 and 435.

To halt the troop during the wheel, the captain commands:

1. Troop. 2. HALT. 3. Left - DRESS. 4. FRONT.

    At the first command, the troopers of the rear rank straighten their horses, and resume their places behind their file-leaders.

    At the second command, all the troopers halt.

    At the third command, the troop dresses to the lcft. The troop being aligned, the captain commands front.

    If instead of halting, the captain wishes to resume the direct march, he commands:

1. Forward. 2. Guide left.

At the first command, the troopers of the rear rank straighten their horses, and place themselves behind their file-leaders, and the whole troop moves forward at the gait in which it was marching before the wheel.

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 427

545. The troop wheeling to the right, at the walk, or at the trot, the captain commands:

1. Troop to circle left wheel. 2. MARCH.

Which is cxecuted as prescribed Nos. 434 and 435. 546.

The troop being halted the captain commands:

1. Troop.

{

Right (or left wheel).

Right about (or left-about) wheel.

Right-half (or left-half) wheel.

}

2. MARCH

3. Troop. 4. HALT. 5. Left (or right) - DRESS. 6. FRONT.

To exercise the troop while marching at the wheels on a fixed pivot, the captain commands:

1. Troop.

{

Right (or left wheel).

Right about (or left-about) wheel.

Right-half (or left-half) wheel.

}

2. MARCH

3. FORWARD. 4. Guide left (or guide right.)

To wheel on a movable pivot.

547. The troop marching in line, to change direction to the right, the captain commands:

1. Right-Turn. 2. FORWARD.

Which is executed as prescribed, No. 438, the pivot describing an arc of a circle of fifteen paces.

Movements by fours.

548. The troop being in line, to cause it to gain ground towards its right flank, the captain commands:

1. By fours right-wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD. 4. Guide left

    Which is executed as prescribed, No. 540. The chiefs of platoon march on the side of the guide, at one pace from, and abreast of the leading files of their platoon.

    The guide of the right marches in front of the column, at one pace from the leading rank of eight, the guide of the left. behind the last rank of eight of the second platoon.

428 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

To put the troop in line again, the captain commands:

1. By fours, left wheel. 2 . MARCH. 3. HALT. 4. Right-DRESS. 5. FRONT.

Which is executed as prescribed, No. 540, the guides resuming their places in line.

Tlte troop marching in line, to break it by platoons, to the right, and to form it again into line.

540. The troop marching in line, to cause it to gain ground towards its right flank, the captain commands:

1. Platoons right wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD. 4. Guide-Left.

Which is executed as prescribed, No. 510, the pivots halting short, and the left file of each platoon stepping out promptly, so as to arrive together in column.

To put the troop in line again, the captain commands:

1. Platoons left wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD. 4. Guide - Right.

The marching flanks regulate their movements so as to arrive together in line.

The troop marching in line to break it to the front by platoons, and to re-form it.

550. The captain commands:

1. By platoon to the front. 2. MARCIL 3. Guide left.

(Fig. 132.) At the command march, the first platoon continues to march forward; its chief repeats the command guide left. At the first command, the chief of the second platoon commands: platoon right half-wheel, which is commenced at the command march; when it is executed, the chief of the plattoon commands: 1. FORWARD. 2. Guide left; and marches it straight forward. When the left of his platoon arrives in the direction of the first

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 429

platoon, he commands, 1. Left half wheel. 2. MARCH. 3. FORWARD; in order to take his position in column.

The movement is executed in the

same manner at the trot, and at the the gallop.

551. The troop marching in column with distance, right in front, to form it at the same gait. the captain commands:

1. Form troop. 2. MARCH 3. Guide right.

    Which is executed in the same manner as front into line, No. 535, except that as the troop is on the march the chief of the first platoon does not command platoon forward, or march, but repeats the command for the guide.

    The troop marching at the trot, this movement is executed on the same principles, except that the chief of thc first platoon commands: 1. Walk. 2. MARCH; the guide of the right moving up on the line with the chiefs of platoon, and the chief of the second platoon commands; 1. Walk. 2. MARCH; on arriving in line. When the column is at the gallop, the platoons take the trot in succession.

    The troop marching in line it is broken by the left by inverse means, at the commands: 1. By the left - by platoons to the front. 2. MARCH 3. Guide right.

    The same movement may he performed by doubling the gait, at the commands: 1. By platoons to the front- trot. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide left. At the first command, the chief of the first platoon commands, trot; the chief of the second commands, platoon right half wheel -trot.

    At the command march, the movement is executed as before.

    The line may be re-formed at the commands: 1. Form troop trot. 2. MARCH. 3. Guide right. At the first command, the chief of the second platoon commands, platoon left half-wheel- trot.

430 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

The first platoon continues to march at a wall., and its chief repeats the command for the guide. When the second platoon arrives in line, its chief commands; 1. Walk. 2. MARCIl.

THE CHARGE.

    552. The troop is exercised at the charge; 1. In line. 2. In colnmn. 3. As foragers.

    The charge in line, executed by the troop when in line; it should be as short as possible, so as arrive in good order, and without fatiguing the horses.

    The charge in column is exercised by the troop when broken into column of platoons with distance.

    To execute the charge as foragers, all the troopers of the troop disperse, and direct themselves each upon the point he wishes to attack, observing not to lose sight of their officers, who charge with them.

    553. The troop being in line, the captain orders the sabres to be drawn, and the platoons to charge in succession.

    For this purpose the captain advances 240 paces to the front, taking a trumpeter with him; and when he wishes the movement to commence, he causes a signal to be given.

    The first platoon then moves forward at the commands; 1. Platoon forward. 2. Guide right (or left). 3. MARCH; by its chief. It passes in succession from the walk to the trot, from the trot to the gallop, and from the gallop to the charge.

    When the platoon has moved somc sixty paces at the charge, the chief of platoon commands; 1. Attention. 2. Platoon. 3. HALT.

4. Right - DRESS. 5. FRONT.

    At the command attention, the troopers carry the sabre to the shoulder. At the command platoon, they take the trot. At the command halt, they stop. At the command right - dress, they align themselves to the right. At the command front, turn the head to the front.

    The second platoon follows when the first has halted.

    554. To execute the charge by the troop, the captain places himself in front of the centre of his troop, and commands;

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 43l

1. Troop forward. 2. Guide right (or left). 3. MARCH.

When the troop has marched twenty paces, he commands; 1. Trot. 2. MARCH.

At sixty paces farther, he commands;

1. Gallop. 2. MARCH.

At eighty paces further, he commands;

CHARGE.

At this command, repeated by the chiefs of platoons, the troopers of both ranks take the position of raise - sabre. They give hand and lengthen the gallop, without losing control of their horses or disuniting.

When the troop has passed over sixty paces to the charge, the captain commands:

1. Attention. 2. Troop. 3. HALT. 4. Right-DRESS. 5. FRONT.

    At the command attention, repeated by the chiefs of platoon, the troopers prepare to slacken the pace, and carry the sabre to the shoulder.

    At the command troop, the chiefs of platoon command platoon, and the troopers pass to the trot.

    At the command halt, repeated by the chiefs of platoon, the troopers halt.

    At the command right-dress, they align themselves to the right. The troop being aligned, the captain commands front.

    When the troop executes the charge correctly, instead of halting when the charge is finished, the captain commands;

1. Attention. 2. Trot. 3. MARCH.

555. At these commands, repeated by the chiefs of platoon, the troop passes to the trot, and he commands;

1. First (or second) platoon- as foragers. 2. MARCH.

At these commands, repeated by the chief of the platooon desig-

432 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

nated, the platoon moves forward at the gallop, and disperses as foragers. A trumpeter follows the chief of the platoon.

The other platoon follows at a trot; when it has passed over 150 pacee, the captain causes the rally to be sounded. At this signal, repeated by the trumpeter of the platoon dispersed as foragers, the latter rally upon the other platoon by wheeling to the left about, and resuming their places in rank by the shortest line, the troopers cntering the ranks by the rear. When three-fourths of the platoon have rallied and are in line, the captain commands :

1. Attention. 2. Gallop. 3. MARCH. 4. CHARGE.

The troop again executes the charge in line; the troopers who have not been able to rally, charge upon the flanks of the troop.

556.The troop marching in column with distance, at the trot, the captain commands:

1. To the charge. 2. MARCH.

    At the first command, the chief of the first platoon commands gallop.

    At the command march, repeated by the ehief of the first platoon, this platoon commences the gallop.

The other platoon follows at a trot, taking the gallop, when the first platoon has gotten 50 paces in front of it.

    When the first platoon has passed over 80 paces at the gallop, its chief commands charge. At this command the platoon executes the charge; and when it has passed over 60 paces, its chief causes it to pass to the trot, by the commands: 1. Attention. 2. Trot. 3. MARCH.

    The other platoon pays attention to the movements of the first, so as to change the gait in time, and to resnme the ordillary distance; the captain halts the column when he thinks proper. These charges are executed, each platoon in turn taking the head of' the column.

    557. The troop marching in column with distance, at the trot, the captain commands:

SCHOOL OF THE TROOP. 433

1. First platoon as foragers. 2. MARCH

At the command march, repeated by the chief of the first pbtoon, this platoon disperses as foragers. The troop continues to march at the trot, and when it has passed over 100 or 150 paces, the captain causes the rally to be sounded.

At this signal, the platoon rallies and re-forms in the rear of the second.

RALLYING.

    558. To give the troopers the habit of rallying promptly, after having been dispersed as foragers, the captain places the troop at the extremity of the drill-ground; and after giving notice to the files on the flanks of platoons, the file-closers and the trumpeters, to remain upon the line with him, he causes the disperse to be sounded. At this signal, the troopers disperse and charge as foragers; when they are at the distance of 100 or 200 paces, the captain causes the rally to be sounded.

    The captain causes the troopers to disperse without confusion and in rallying, see that they direct themselves to the right and left of the troop, in order to unmask the front of the troop, and to reform in passing to the rear.

    When the troopers rally without confusion, this movement is repeated without requiring the flank files, etc., to remain on the line of the troop. At the signal, the troop disperses in every dircction to the front.

    When the troop is dispersed, the captain causes the rally to be sounded.

    At this signal, the officers, the non-commissioned officers, and the troopers, rejoin rapidly; the officers align themselves promptly upon the captain, and the non-commissioned officers promptly mark the flanks of the platoons.

    As soon as the captain has rallied two-thirds of the troop he moves forward, charges again, and halts.

    These movements are first executed at the trot, and then at the gallop.

434 MANUAL FOR VOLUNTEERS AND MILITIA.

Light cavalry should be particularly exercised in charging as foragers and in rallying.

SKIRMISHING

559. The troop being in line, the captain commands:

1.First (or second) platoon as skirmishers. 2. MARCH.

    At the first command, the chief of the first platoon orders the sabres to be returned, and the arnms to be loaded; he then commands: 1. Platoon forward. 2. Guide-right. 3. Trot.

    At the command march, repeated by the chief of the platoon, this platoon moves forward at the trot. After marching 100 paces to the front, the chief of the platoon commands: 1. Six files from right (or left) - as skirmishers. 2. MARCH 3. Guide right (or left).

    At the first command, the senior file- closer places himself in front of the files of the left who are intended to support the skirmishers, and at the command march, cause them to halt and draw sabre.

    At the command march, the six files of the right continue to move forward; after going ten paces they disperse as skirmishers, extending themselves so as to cover the exposed part of a troop in passing beyond each of its flanks. The right trooper obliques to the right, the left trooper to the left. The troopers of the rear rank come up as soon as possible, abreast of the front rank, each one placing himself on the left of the file-leaders, and as soon as they are in line, all take the position of advance - carbine, or raise pistol. They continne to march until the signal to halt.

    The chief of platoon causes the halt to be sounded when the skirmishers are at 100 or 150 paces from the reserve.

    The troopers keep at five paces apart, regulating themselves towards the guide during the time they act as skirmishers.

    The chief of platoon places himself in rear of the skirmishers, in order to superintend their movements.

    When the captain wishes the skirmishers to re-enter the troop, he causes the rally to be sounded. At this signal, the chief of the platoon employed as skirmishers rallies his platoon, and then rejoins the troop at a gallop.

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