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Duties
of the Soldier
Deportment.
47.
One of the first things a soldier has to learn on entering the army,
is a proper military deportment towards his superiors in rank: this
is nothing more than the military way of performing the courtesies
required from a well-bred man in civil life, and a punctual
performance of them is as much to his credit as the observance of
the ordinary rules of common politeness.
48.
"Sergeants, with swords drawn, will salute by bringing them to
a present; with muskets, by bringing the left hand across the body,
so as to strike the musket near the right shoulder.
Corporals out of the ranks, and privates not sentries, will carry
their muskets at a shoulder as sergeants, and salute in like
manner." (Reg. 255.)
49.
"When a soldier without arms, or with side arms only, meets an
officer, he is to raise his hand to the right side of the visor of
his cap, palm to the front, elbow raised as high as the shoulder,
looking at the same time in a respectful and soldier-like manner at
the officer, who will return the compliment thus offered."
(Reg. 256.)
50.
"A non-commissioned officer or soldier being seated, and
without particular occupation, will rise on the approach of an
officer, and make the customary salutation.
If standing, he will turn toward the officer for the same purpose.
If the parties remain in the same place or on the same ground, such
compliments need not be repeated." (Reg. 257.)
51.
The foregoing regulations should be strictly observed by enlisted
men; and their faithful performance will add much to the military
reputation of a company or regiment.
52.
The following customs are equally binding, though not provided for
in Regulations:
When soldiers are marching in the ranks, they do not salute, unless
ordered at the time.
If employed at any work, they are not expected to discontinue their
employment to salute.
53.
A soldier or non-commissioned officer, when he addresses an officer,
or is spoken to by one, salutes; on receiving the answer or
communication from the officer, he again salutes before turning to
go away.
54.
When a soldier enters an officer's quarters armed, he simply makes
the required salute, and does not take off his cap; but without
arms, or with side-arms only, he takes off his cap and stands in the
position of a soldier, and delivers his message or communicates what
he came for in as few words as possible and to the point.
55.
A slovenly attitude, frequent changes of position, or much
gesticulation, is exceedingly unmilitary, and looks bad.
Say what you have to say in a prompt, courageous manner, without
diffidence or hesitation; and, if always respectful, no matter what
the subject, it is more likely to be considered than when delivered
in a drawling hesitating, and timid manner.
57.
When a soldier enters an officer's quarters, he remains standing in
the position of a soldier until invited to sit down.
When soldiers are in a room and an officer enters, they should rise
and remain standing until invited to sit down.
58.
Soldiers should bear in mind that the officer has his duties
to perform, and that they are more weighty and important than any
soldier can have, and that his leisure time is limited, and they
should therefore avoid, as much as possible, troubling him with
unimportant matters, or, at least, not be disappointed if they
receive short answers.
59.
In a company of seventy or eighty men, if each one should go only
once a day to his captain with any matter, it is easily seen how
annoying such a thing would soon become.
60.
Soldiers should learn, as far as possible, to manage their own
affairs; and, whilst their company commander is the legitimate
person to apply to for any thing needful or when in difficulty, his
time should not be trespassed upon with regard to matters they
should know themselves.
61.
The company commander, through the first sergeant, is the proper
person to apply to for all indulgences, such as passes, furloughs,
&c., and for clothing, rations, pay, and the adjustment of all
differences and difficulties in the company.
62.
An application to any other source will most generally be answered
by referring the applicant to his company commander, whose duty it
is to attend to the wants of his men.
Only when the company commander neglects his duty in this respect is
a soldier justified in applying to his regimental or post commander.
Instruction.
63.
The first duties which a newly-enlisted soldier is called upon to
perform are to familiarize himself with his camp or garrison duties.
64.
He is provided with clothing, which he is expected to adept to the
best advantage to improve his military appearance, by the best means
in his power.
There is usually a tailor or two in the company or among the
recruits, who is excused from all duty possible, to fit soldiers'
clothing for a moderate compensation.
65.
Under the instruction of a drill-sergeant, he is taught the first
principles in the "School of the Soldier."
After a certain progress in the instruction without arms, his arms
and accoutrements are issued to him; for these he is held
responsible, and, if injured or lost by any fault of his, they are
charged to him on his muster-roll, and their value deducted from his
pay at the first subsequent payment.
66.
Should the arms or accoutrements be lost or destroyed or injured in
any way not the fault of the soldier, the commanding officer may
order a board of survey, who, if the facts authorize it, may relieve
the soldier from the payment.
67.
The soldier's instruction is usually completed at the depot for the
recruits, before the recruit reaches his company; if not, it is
continued when he joins it.
After he is fully instructed in the "School of the
Soldier," he is ready to be placed in the company ranks.
68.
This is the usual course pursued with the soldier in the regular
army, and, as far as possible, it should be followed with volunteers
and militia.
But, as they are usually called into service for special purposes
and on sudden emergencies, the same thoroughness cannot be attained,
and is not expected.
68.
The duties of the thoroughly-instructed soldier partake of
two kinds, depending on whether he is in a garrison or camp of
instruction or other camp, and in the field in front of the enemy in
time of war.
DUTIES
IN CAMP OR GARRISON.
70. It is the duty of the soldier, under
all circumstances, to be always present with his company for duty,
and attend all the standing roll-calls and exercises, unless
specially excused by his commanding officer, or he is sick and
excused by the surgeon, or is absent on duty.
71. The various duties to which a soldier
is subject are matters of regular detail, - each soldier taking his
regular tour of each as it comes,-and consist, in the main, of the
following-.
1st. Guards. 2d. Working-parties, or Fatigue. 3d. Daily duty.
72. The roster for these various details is
kept by the first sergeant, and the longest off are the first to be
detailed. The details are usually published to the company at
retreat roll-call for the next day.
73. At the hour fixed, the detail is
paraded for the duty by the first sergeant on the company
parade-ground, and marched to the parade-ground or rendezvous
for such parties, and received by the sergeant-major or adjutant,
who inspects the guard or party, and, after all the details have
arrived, sees that they are properly equipped as required, and then
turns the detachment over to the officer detailed to take charge of
it, who immediately proceeds to march it to the performance of the
duty required.
74. For guard, the form and ceremony are prescribed in Regulations.
(Reg. 375 to 398.) A soldier cannot leave his guard or party, until
regularly relieved or marched off, without permission from his
superior officer. (Articles of War 44 and 50.)
75. ON GUARD.-When the guard has marched on, it is divided into
three reliefs, and in each relief the soldier is numbered, and he
retains his number and the same relief during his tour, unless
specially changed.
76. When the soldier is placed upon post, lie becomes a sentinel;
his duties then are of two distinct characters,-those which belong
to all sentinels on all posts, and those peculiar to the post on
which he is placed. The former are called general, and the latter
special.
77. When called upon by the commanding officer, the officer of the
day, or some officer or non-commissioned officer of the guard, to
give his orders, he does so, in substance, in the following general
terms, which he should understand sufficiently well to explain in
detail, viz. :-
78. "I am required to take charge of this post -and all public
property in 'view; to salute all officers passing, according to
rank; to give the alarm in case of fire, or the approach of an
enemy, or any disturbance whatsoever; to report all violations of
the Articles of War, Regulations of the Army, or camp or garrison
orders; at night, to challenge all persons approaching my post, and
to allow no one to pass without the countersign until they are
examined by an officer or non-commissioned officer of the
guard."
79. "My special orders are" (here state them as they are
given, as when in charge of commissary or quartermaster's stores)
" to take charge of all these stores,
and to allow no one to interfere with or take them away, except by
direction of the quartermaster or commissary sergeant, or the
quartermaster or commissary himself."
80. He should know what is meant by the above, and be able to
explain it in detail. Thus, to take
charge
of his post means to walk diligently the length of his beat, the
limits of which are generally indicated to him; to take charge of
all public property in view is to prevent, if possible, any damage
being done to houses, fences, tents, trees, &c., by any
unauthorized persons: if he cannot do so without leaving his post,
he calls out for the corporal of the guard, and his number, and
reports the matter to him.
81. To salute all officers, according to rank, who may pass near his
post, means to halt and face outwards, and stand at a
"carry," until the officer has passed, if the officer is
of the rank of captain or below; if above the rank of captain, the
sentinel must "present arms." He must, also, "present
arms" to the officer of the day and commanding officer, whether
above or below the rank of captain.
82. This involves a
knowledge of the uniforms of officers. A safe guide is the fact that
all officers above the rank of captain in the army have a double row
of buttons on their coats, whilst captains and lieutenants have only
a single row.*
* NOTE.-Officers of the
Navy at a short distance cannot be recognized by this means, as they
all have double rows of buttons.
83. Armed bodies of men
passing near the sentinel's post, commanded by an officer, are
entitled to a -present;" if under a non-commissioned officer,
they are saluted with a "carry." To give the alarm is to
call out "the guard," to fire off his piece, or to cry
"fire."
84. To report all
violations of camp or garrison orders, or Regulations, or of the
Articles of War, is to call the corporal of the guard and report the
facts to him. This includes all the irregularities usually
prohibited among troops, such as discharging fire-arms, committing
nuisance, drunkenness, disorderly conduct, sale of liquor, gambling,
improper or excluded characters, and, in general, every thing that
is known to be prohibited or improper.
85. To challenge is to call
out, "Who comes there?" Soldiers usually commence
challenging after taps, and continue until reveille; although it is
sometimes ordered to commence challenging immediately after retreat.
86. No. I sentinel is
always posted at the house, tent, or bivouac where the guard is
quartered. His beat is always in front of the guard, and his duties
are mostly special. The prisoners are more or less under his charge.
He salutes officers passing, as on other posts; but, in addition, he
calls, " Turn out the guard," for the officer of the day,
commanding officer, and all general officers and all bodies of
troops approaching, and announces at the same time who approaches.
He reports violations as other sentinels, but does not receive the
countersign; but, challenging at night, he commands,
"Halt," and calls, "Corporal of the guard," and
repeats the answer received. If the officer of the day or any one
entitled to the compliment, he commands, " Halt; turn out the
guard, officer of the day!"
87. The other sentinels of
the guard are posted according to numbers, and in the order most
convenient for going from and returning to the guard. They are
generally posted two hours on and four hours off.
88. The following
Regulations are sufficiently clear and distinct without explanation:
"399. Sentinels will
be relieved every two hours, unless the state of the weather, or
other causes, should make it necessary or proper that it be done at
shorter or longer intervals.
"400. Each relief,
before mounting, is inspected by the commander of the guard or of
its post. The corporal reports to him, and presents the old relief
on its return.
"401. The countersign,
or watchword, is given to such persons as are entitled to pass
during the night, and to officers, non-commissioned officers, and
sentinels of the guard. Interior guards receive the countersign only
when ordered by the commander of the troops.
"402. The parole is
imparted to such officers only as have a right to visit the guards,
and to make the grand rounds; and to officers commanding guards.
"403. As soon as the
new guard has been marched off, the officer of the day will repair
to the office of the commanding officer and report for orders.
"404. The officer of
the day must see that the officer of the guard is furnished with the
parole and countersign before retreat.
"405. The officer of
the day visits the guards during the day at such times as he may
deem necessary, and makes his rounds at night at least once after 12
o'clock.
"406. Upon being
relieved, the officer of the day will make such remarks in the
report of the officer of the guard as circumstances require, and
present the same at headquarters.
"407. Commanders of
guards leaving their posts to visit their sentinels, or on other
duty, are to mention their intention, and the probable time of their
absence, to the next in command.
"408. The officers are
to remain constantly at their guards, except while visiting their
sentinels, or necessarily engaged elsewhere on their proper duty.
"409. Neither officers
nor soldiers are to take off their clothing or accoutrements while
they are on guard.
" 410. The officer of
the guard must see that the countersign is duly communicated to the
sentinels a little before twilight.
"411. When a. fire
breaks out, or any alarm is raised in a garrison, all guards are to
be immediately under arms.
"412. Inexperienced
officers are put on guard as supernumeraries' for the purpose of
instruction.
"413. Sentinels will
not take orders or allow themselves to be relieved, except by an
officer or non- commissioned officer of their guard or party, the
officer of the day, or the commanding officer; in which case the
orders will be immediately notified to the commander of the guard by
the officer giving them.
"414. Sentinels will
report every breach of orders or regulations they are instructed to
enforce.
"415. Sentinels must
keep themselves on the alert, observing every thing that takes place
within sight and hearing of their post. They will carry their arms
habitually at support, or on either shoulder, but will never quit
them. In wet weather, if there be no sentry-box, they will secure
arms.
"416. No sentinel
shall quit his post or hold conversation not necessary to the proper
discharge of his duty.
"417. All persons, of
whatever rank in the service, are required to observe respect toward
sentinels.
"418. In case of
disorder, a sentinel must call out the guard; and if a fire take
place, he must cry-'Fire !" adding the number of his post. If
in either case the danger be great, he must discharge his firelock
before calling out.
"419. It is the duty
of a sentinel to repeat all calls made from posts more distant from
the main body of the guard than his own, and no sentinel will be
posted so distant as not to be heard by the guard, either directly
or through other sentinels.
"420.
Sentinels will present arms to general and field officers, to the
officer of the day, and to the commanding officer of the post. To
all other officers they will carry arms.
"421.
When a sentinel in his sentry-box sees an officer approaching, he
will stand at attention, and as the officer passes will salute him,
by bringing the left hand briskly to the musket, as high as the
right shoulder.
"422.
The sentinel at any post of the guard, when he sees any body of
troops, or an officer entitled to compliment, approach, must call -
' Turn out the guard!' and announce who approaches.
"423.
Guards do not turn out as a matter of compliment
after sunset; but sentinels will, when officers in uniform
approach, pay them proper attention, by facing to the proper front,
sold standing steady at shouldered
arms. This will be observed until the evening is so far advanced
that the sentinels begin challenging.
"424.
After retreat (or the hour appointed by the commanding officer),
until broad daylight, a sentinel challenges every person who
approaches him, taking, at the same time, the position of arms part.
He will suffer no person to come nearer than within reach of his
bayonet, until the person has given the countersign.
"425.
A sentinel, in challenging, will call out -'Who comes there ?" If answered -
'Friend, with the countersign" and he be instructed to pass
persons with the countersign, he will reply - 'Advance, friend, with
the countersign!' If answered - 'Friends!' he will reply - ,’Halt,
friends! Advance one with the countersign.!’ If answered - `Relief,'
'Patrol,' or 'Grand rounds,' he will reply - 'Halt! Advance,
Sergeant (or Corporal), with the countersign’
and
satisfy himself that the party is what it represents itself to
be. If he have no authority to pass persons with the countersign, if
the wrong countersign be given, or if the persons have not the
countersign, he will cause them to stand, and call -
"Corporal of the guard!'
“426.
In the daytime, when the sentinel before the guard sees the officer
of the day approach, he will call - "Turn out the guard !
officer of the day.' The guard will be paraded, and salute with
presented arms.
“427.
When any person approaches a post of the guard at night, the
sentinel before the post, after challenging, causes him to halt
until examined by a non-commissioned officer of the guard. If it be
the officer of the day, or any other officer entitled to inspect the
guard and to make the rounds the non - commissioned officer will
call - ‘Turn out the guard’ when the guard will be paraded at
shouldered arms, and the officer of the guard, if he thinks
necessary, may demand the countersign and parole.
"428.
The officer of the day, wishing to make the rounds, will take an
escort of a non-commissioned officer and two men. When the rounds
are challenged by a sentinel, the sergeant will answer - 'Grand
rounds!" and the sentinel will reply - "Halt, grand
rounds! Advance, sergeant,
with the countersign." Upon which the sergeant advances and
gives the countersign. The sentinel will then cry - 'Advance,
rounds.' and stand at a shoulder till they hare passed.
"429.
When the sentinel before the guard challenges, and is answered - 'Grand
rounds,' he will reply - 'Halt, grand rounds! Turn out the
guard; grand rounds!' Upon which the guard will be drawn up at
shouldered arms. The officer commanding the guard will then order a
sergeant and two men to advance; when within ten paces, the sergeant
challenges. The sergeant of the grand rounds answers - ‘Grand
rounds!' The sergeant of the guard replies - 'Advance,
sergeant, with the countersign!' The sergeant of the rounds
advances alone, gives the countersign, and returns to his round. The
sergeant of the guard calls to his officer
- 'The countersign is right!' on which the officer of the guard calls
- ‘Advance, rounds!' The officer of the rounds then advances alone,
the guard standing at shouldered arms. The officer of the rounds
passes along the front of the guard to the officer, who keeps his
post on the right, and gives him the parole. He
then examines the guard, orders back his escort, and, taking a
new one, proceeds in the same manner to other guards.
“430.
All material instructions given to a sentinel on post by persons
entitled to make grand rounds, ought to be promptly notified to the
commander of the guard.
“431.
Any general officer, or the commander of a post or garrison, may
visit the guards of his command, and go the grand rounds, and be
received in the same manner as prescribed for the officer of the
day."
89.
Sentinels must be respected under all circumstances, and should not
be held responsible for orders they execute in mood faith; and no
officers have authority to interfere with them, except as provided
in par. 413, Army Regulations.
90.
Sentinels are often, even in times of peace, placed in trying and
difficult positions. In times of popular excitement, they may be
posted for the protection of persons or property threatened with
violence. Under such circumstances, coolness and firmness are the
first requisites. No danger or circumstances will justify a sentinel
in leaving his post without orders.
91.
If a sentinel, from any cause, wishes to leave his post, he calls
for the corporal of the guard, who will relieve him, if necessary,
by another sentinel, or take charge of his post until he can return
to it. Tae following Articles of War show the importance with which
a sentinel's post is invested.
“ART.
45. Any commissioned officer who shall be found drunk on his guard,
party, or other duty, shall be cashiered. Any non-commissioned
officer or soldier so offending shall suffer such corporeal
punishment as shall be inflicted by the sentence of a court-martial.
“ART.
46. Any sentinel who shall be found sleeping upon his post, or shall
leave it before he shall be regularly relieved, shall suffer death,
or such other punishment as shall be inflicted by the sentence of a
court-martial.
“ART.
50. Any officer or soldier who shall, without urgent necessity, or
without the leave of his superior officer, quit his guard, platoon,
or division, shall be punished according to the nature of his
offence, by the sentence of a court-martial."
92.
There are instances where sentinels would seem almost justified in
leaving their posts, as when their own lives are endangered by
remaining, and there is no possibility of their affording the
protection and guard for which they were posted, as when a camp or
fort is shelled from a distance. Under such circumstances, if not
relieved at once, call for the corporal of the guard.
93. When
sentinels are required to remain at their posts at all hazards, the
soldier has no alternative except to die at his post if necessary.
No nobler death can fall to the lot of a soldier; whilst no greater
ignominy can befall him than to desert his post in time of danger,
when the lives of others are dependent upon the performance of his
duty.
94.
To be surprised, or to fall asleep, in times of danger, is a crime
of the gravest character, and punishable with death. Sometimes, when
popular violence is threatened, the courage and firmness of a single
sentinel may intimidate and keep back a mob, whilst timidity and
doubt might encourage them. True courage will defend the post to the
last. No man can desire nobler
death than to die in the cause of right.
95.
Soldiers should know, however, that they are held responsible for
the execution of their orders as well as their obedience; and they
shall, therefore, fully understand them. Ignorant and inexperienced
officers sometimes give illegal and unjustifiable orders, for which
the officer who gives them, and the soldier who obeys, may both be
held responsible, either by military courts, or civil tribunals if
there are any.
96.
Soldiers should bear in mind that no orders will protect them in the
commission of personal wrong. They stand upon the same footing as
any officer or citizen in civil life; and if a soldier, in the
discharge of his orders, shoots a person, he may be arraigned and
tried, and is at the mercy of a military court or jury, even when it
is apparent that he will or should be acquitted. These are trying
circumstances, and, fortunately, of rare occurrence; but even these
should not deter a soldier from doing what he knows and believes to
be his duty.
97.
Again, a sentinel, in the execution of his duty has frequently the
power to subject persons a great inconvenience and humiliation, who,
from inadvertence or misapprehension, have come under his control.
Whilst he might be sustained in the severity of his course, it is
not contemplated that he shall abuse his authority or misuse his
temporary power.
98.
STABLE GUARD. In cavalry and artillery, this guard is usually placed
over the horses at night, to watch them and prevent any of them from
making their escape or injuring themselves. It consists usually of a
non-commissioned officer, and three men for each company or battery,
and forms a separate detail. (Rev. 562.)
99.
They may be put on with or without arms; and, although the same
precision and attention as on camp guard are not required, they are
equally responsible with other guards with regard to sleeping on
post, or leaving or neglecting their duty in any way.
100.
Neatness and correct soldierly bearing are enjoined on all
sentinels. Precision in the compliments to officers, and in marching
on and off duty, reflects credit upon the soldier, and secures to
him the consideration and attention of his superiors.
101.
Orderlies and color-sentinels are usually selected from the neatest,
cleanest, and most soldierly looking members of the guard. These
duties are of a lighter and more complimentary character, and are
the first steps to promotion.
102.
FATIGUE. This term is applied to all duties not strictly military,
such as laboring in the trenches, making roads, forage, improving
the grounds about a post or camp, &C.,
and is usually performed without arms, except when, in the
vicinity of the enemy, it is necessary to guard against attack.
103.
Fatigue parties are always under the direction of an officer or
non-commissioned officer, who is held responsible for the conduct of
the men.
104.
No soldier can leave his fatigue or working party, without
permission from his superior officer, until he is regularly
relieved.
105.
Usually, in established camps and garrisons, the guard which marches
off in the morning goes on fatigue the next morning, called
"general police," for the purpose of sweeping and cleaning
the common parade ground, the vicinity of officers' quarters, and
other places not immediately occupied by companies or detachments.
106.
This detail, being consecutive with the guard, requires no other
notification except the order that such will be the practice.
Absentees from sickness and other causes are, therefore, not
replaced, but must be accounted for.
107.
In cases of more than ordinary fatigue or exposure, it is the custom
to make an issue of whiskey to the men on fatigue. To obtain this
issue, the sergeant or corporal of police makes out a return, called
an "extra return," giving the number of men and number of
gills, one gill being allowed to each man.
This return is signed by the officer in charge of the party;
and it is then submitted to the commanding officer of the regiment,
post, or detachment, attaches his order for the issue, and the
whiskey then drawn from the commissary and issued to the men by the
sergeant.
108.
DAILY DUTY. A soldier is on daily duty when is put upon some
continuous duty that excuses him from the ordinary company duty but
does not entitle him to additional pay from the government, such as
company cooks, tailors, clerks, standing orderlies, &c. These
duties may be performed by soldiers selected on account of special
capacity or merit, or detailed in turn, as is most convenient and
conducive to the interest of the service.
109.
The company cooks are one or more men in each company
detailed to do the cooking for the entire company. This is the case
usually in companies where it is not the custom to distribute the
provisions to the men; for in this case the messes furnish their own
cooks, and they are not excused from any duty except what is
absolutely necessary and which their messmates can do for them.
110.
The law authorizes the detailing of one cook to thirty men, or less;
two cooks if there are more than thirty men in the company. It also
allows to each cook two assistant cooks (colored), who are enlisted
for the purpose, and are allowed ten dollars per month. (See par.
269.)
111.
The cooks are under the direction of the first sergeant or
commissary-sergeant, who superintends the issue of provisions and
directs the cooking for each day. Company cooks for the whole
company are generally detailed in turn, and for periods of a week or
ten days.
112.
Company tailors. One or two tailors are usually detailed on
daily duty in each company to fit and repair clothing for the men of
the company. They are generally excused from such duties as
materially interfere with their work, and receive such compensation
from the men as will remunerate them for the materials they require
and the extra work they may perform, This is usually done under the
direction of the commanding officer of the company, under such
regulations as he may establish.
113.
Company clerks. These are experienced penmen selected from
the companies to assist the first sergeants in making out their
returns, reports, muster-rolls, copying orders, &c. One to each
company is generally sufficient to do all the writing' who are
usually excused from such duties as the necessities of the service
will justify.
114. Orderlies are
soldiers selected on account of their intelligence, experience, and
soldierly bearing, to attend on generals, commanding officers,
officers of the day, and staff officers, to carry orders, mess
&:e. They may be taken from the guard or put on permanently
while the duty lasts: in the latter case they are reported on daily
duty and are excused from all other duty that would interfere with
their duty as orderlies.
115.
EXTRA DUTY. Where soldiers are detailed in some continuous duty or
labor for ten days or labor, in the quartermaster, commissary, or
some other department, where they are entitled to additional pay, it
is called "extra duty." They are generally employed in the
quartermaster's department as mechanics, laborers, teamsters,
&c., and are under the orders of, and paid by, the department in
which they are employed.
116.
They are generally excused from all military duty, except Sunday
inspections, reviews, and musters, but may be required to attend
drills when their instruction is not complete. Extra duty pay has
been discontinued by the Act of March 3, 1863, sec. 35, but is still
allowed in some cases, according to a decision of the Third Auditor.
117.
DETACHED SERVICE. When soldiers are sent away from their companies,
under orders to do duty elsewhere, from the post, camp, or garrison,
they are on “detached service," and are so accounted for. The first for
guard are detailed for detached service, and, if employed otherwise
at the time, are relieved, if possible, in time to reach the camp or
post to march with the detachment. This is intended only for short
and frequent detachments. In cases where the detachment is more or
less permanent, it is not the custom to follow these rules, but to
be guided, in making the details, by the nature of the service.
118.
Where there is a possibility that the soldier may be detached for a
long period he should be accompanied by his descriptive roll and
clothing-account, in order that he may draw his pay, and such
clothing is he may need during his absence. This matter is sometimes
overlooked by the officers, and should be remembered by the soldier,
as he is most affected by the neglect.
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