M^CCLELLAN'S MANUAL OF BAYONET EXERCISE.

PREFACE

  THE Bayonet Exercise presented in the following pages is chiefly from the French of M. Gomard, an eminent French teacher of the art of fencing.

After an examination of the systems of Selmnitz, Pinette, Miller, etc., the superiority of Gomard’s was very evident. It is, in its arrangement, very analogous to the Infantry Tactics, and of such a nature that it can readily be taught by the non-commissioned officers.

In addition, it is far the simplest system of all. In the others are to be found many different “guards,” very inefficient thrusts, and an almost infinite number of parries, against the lancer, dragoon, hussar, cuiras­sier, infantry soldier, etc., ad infinitum.

Gomard lays it down as a principle, that the most formidable antagonist an infantry soldier can encounter is an infantry soldier; that the bayonet is more formidable than either the lance or the sabre. This assertion may seem surprising, but trial will convince any one of its truth, and of the consequent fact that an infantry soldier who can parry the attacks of a well-drilled infantry soldier has nothing to fear from a cavalry soldier, because simple variations of the parries against infantry are perfectly effective against the sabre and lance, e.g. the parries in high tierce and high quarte.

The work of Gomard was translated by the author of the present work about two years ago, and taught by him to the non­commissioned officers of the company of sappers with which he was then on duty. The non-commissioned officers soon became com­petent to instruct the men, and the system was in successful operation when the author was relieved from duty with the company. 

It proved to be an excellent gymnastic exercise, a useful amusement, and gave the men great additional confidence in them­selves and their weapons. The French system has been somewhat modified, in order to make it conform more closely to our infantry tactics.

It will be proper to remark that any system of fencing with the bayonet can, in service, have its fall and direct application only when the men are isolated, or in very open order; as, for instance, when employed as skirmishers, in assaulting breaches, field-works, or batteries, or when broken by cavalry, etc. etc. When in the habitual forma­tion, as infantry of the line, the small interval allowed each file, and the method of action of masses, will prevent the possibility, or necessity, of the employment of much individual address; but even then, in the shock of a charge, or when awaiting the attack of cavalry, the men will surely be more steady and composed, from the consciousness of the fact that they can make good use of their bayonets, and easily protect their persons against everything but balls.

There is an instance on record of a French grenadier, who, in the battle of Polotsk, defended himself, with his bayonet, against the simultaneous attack of eleven Russian grenadiers, eight of whom he killed. In the battle of Sanguessa, two soldiers of Abbe’s division defended themselves, with their bayonets, against twenty-five Spanish cavalry, and, after having inflicted several severe wounds, rejoined their regiment without a scratch. At that period there was little or no regular instruction in the use of the bayonet.

GEORGE B. McCLELLAN,

Brevet Captain Corps Engineers, U. S. Army.  

WASHINGTON, February 25, 1852.

INTRODUCTI0N. 

THERE are three methods of instructing the soldier in fencing with the bayonet, viz., the lessons with the plastron; the mutual lessons; the figurative lessons.

The lessons with the plastron are those in which the instructor is the adversary of his pupil: this is the best method of instruc­tion, but is not applicable in the army, be­cause it is impossible to provide an instructor for every soldier.

The mutual lessons are those in which the men are told off by pairs, and oppose each other. On account of the expense of the necessary masks, plastrons, etc., this can hardly be relied upon as the sole me­thod of instruction.

The figurative lesson is that in which the scholar has no antagonist, and in which the direction of the thrust and parries must be taken with reference to his own person. On account of the simplicity of the bayonet exercise, and the impossibility of introducing in it that extreme sensibility of touch, and quickness of hand and eye, so necessary with the foil, it will be found that the figurative lesson will fully enable the soldier to provide for his personal defence. If, in addition, he have the advantage of a few lessons with the plastron, and can occasionally fence with well-instructed men, under the direction of an instructor, all reasonable and desirable profi­ciency can soon be acquired.

In the remarks upon the lessons with the plastron (Part II.), will be found a short summary of such general principles as ought to be well understood by the instructor, not only before be gives lessons with the plastron, but before he attempts to teach the figurative lessons.

The instruction in the bayonet exercise should commence as soon as the recruit is proficient in the squad drill. In three months a man may be taught to handle his piece quite well—well enough for ordinary exigencies of service; in a year he will be quite a skilful fencer.

In the instruction in the figurative lessons the men should be in undress, with­out belts; their clothes should fit loosely. When they are well drilled they may be practised occasionally, with their belts and knapsacks on.

For the lessons with the plastron, and the mutual lessons, the following equipments, etc. will be necessary, viz.

A brown linen jacket, fitting loosely, the breast and left side of double buckskin, or pliable leather, buttoning on the right side, the arms reinforced with buckskin from the elbows up: this jacket is not indispensable.

A plastron of stuffed buckskin, covering the left side and breast from the throat to the groin.

A very strong close mask, with wings to protect the ears and side face.

A pair of ordinary fencing gloves, stuffed on the back of the hand.

An old musket, with the bayonet arranged as follows, viz.: cut off the blade two inches from the elbow; drill a hole through the heel of the blade in the direction of its axis; fit a thumb-screw to it—see Plate 24. Re­place the blade by a piece of whalebone of the same length, which shall fit in the hole drilled in the heel of the blade, and be se­cured by the thumb-screw. This whalebone must be sufficiently flexible to prevent the blows from hurting, and yet have enough elasticity to straighten itself after each blow. Notches should be cut near the end, for the purpose of binding on a light button of lea­ther or India rubber. If no old muskets can be had, cover those used with strong leather.

Blunt lances and wooden sabres should also be provided.

To accustom the men to give an accurate aim to their thrusts, balls of wood, lead, or canvas stuffed with straw, may be suspended by cords as targets. Of course, this target practice must be combined with the volts, parries, etc.