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INSTRUCTION
FOR INFANTRY.
PART
THE FIRST.
SECTION
I.
Formation
of a Regiment in Line.
A
REGIMENT often companies will be
formed as a single battalion. Two of the companies shall be
designated as grenadiers or light infantry; they will be
distinguished as the first and second, and form a division on the
right.
The eight
infantry companies will be placed according to the rank of the
officers commanding them, in this order, beginning on the right; the
first in rank, the fifth, the third, the seventh, the second, the
sixth, the fourth, the eighth. But they will be designated by the
names of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh,
and eighth, commencing on the right, and ending on the left of the
battalion.
The
battalion shall be divided into right and left wings.
When the
battalion of five companies exercises separately, the light company
will be on the right, and the other companies will be placed,
according to the rank of the officer commanding, in this order,
beginning on the right; the first in rank, the third, the second,
the fourth.
In
forming the battalion of eight companies, the first and second,
counting from the right, will form the first division; the third and
fourth companies, the second division; the fifth and sixth, the
third division; and the seventh and eighth companies will form the
fourth division.
Each
company will be divided into two equal parts, called platoons; that
on the right shall be called the first, and that on the left the
second platoon.
The
men of each company will be arranged in ranks, according to size;
the tallest on the flanks; the shortest in the centre.
The
distance from rank to rank will be one pace, measured from heel to
heel.
When
regiments are on a peace establishment, and exercised in battalion,
the companies will be formed two deep, in order to occupy nearly the
same extent of ground as if formed three deep, and on a war
establishment. The companies are always to be equalized by
transferring men, if necessary, from one company to another.
Places
of the Officers and Non-commissioned Officers in Line.
The captain will take his post on the right of his company in the first
rank. The first lieutenant in the fourth or file closer's rank, two
paces in the rear of the centre of the second platoon. The second
lieutenant in the same rank, two paces in the rear of the centre of
the first platoon. The ensign in the same rank, behind the left
section of the second platoon.
The first sergeant in the rear of the
captain, and covering him in the third rank. In the evolutions this
sergeant will be called the covering sergeant, and will be the guide
on the right of his company. The second sergeant in the rear of
the left of the second platoon. This sergeant in the evolutions will
be the guide on the left of his company.
In
the eighth company of the battalion, the second sergeant will be
posted on the left of the battalion in the front rank, covered by a
corporal in the rear rank.
The
third sergeant in the rear of the right of the second platoon. The
fourth sergeant in the rear of the left of the first platoon. The
senior corporal will be one of the guard of the colours. The other
corporals will be placed on the right and left of their companies,
in the front and rear ranks.
The
replacing of officers in each company, and also of noncommissioned
officers, will be regulated by rank. In the absence of the captain,
and of the first lieutenant of a company, the commander of the
regiment may order a first lieutenant of another company, to command
that, during the drill, whose captain and first lieutenant are
absent.
Places
of the Commanding Officer, Major, and Adjutant in Line.
The colonel and major will be
mounted, and the adjutant shall be on foot.
The
colonel will be posted twenty paces in the rear of the centre of the
battalion; the major ten paces in the rear of the centre of the
right wing; the adjutant ten paces in the rear of the centre of the
left wing.
Places
of the Musicians in Line.
The drums and fifes of the battalion,
formed in two ranks, with the drums in front, will be placed fifteen
paces in the rear of the fifth company of the battalion. If there be
a band, it shall be formed in one rank, two paces in the rear of the
fifers.
Guard
of the Colours.
The guard of the colours of the
battalion will consist of eight senior corporals, from the eight
battalion companies. It will be posted on the left of the second
platoon of the fourth company, and will constitute a part of that
platoon.
The first rank of this guard will be
composed of the ensign who carries the colours, and of two
corporals, one on his right, the other on his left. The centre and
rear ranks shall be formed each of three corporals. These corporals
and the sergeants shall carry their arms at the advance.
The three corporals who may be
distinguished for regularity and perfect appearance under arms, and
in marching, shall be placed in the centre rank of the colour guard.
The
colonel, and in his absence the commanding officer of the regiment,
shall select in each regiment, the ensign who is to carry the
colours.
It
is of the utmost importance in marching in line, that this ensign
should be thoroughly instructed to observe the precise length and
exact cadence of step, and able to follow a given direction without
deviation.
Instruction
of Regiments.
The
colonel, and in his absence, the commanding officer of each
regiment, will be responsible for the general instruction of the
officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers, of his regiment.
The
officers will be instructed in the drill of the soldier, that of the
company, and that of the battalion; they will be frequently
exercised by a superior officer.
The
instruction of the non-commissioned officers will comprehend the
drill of the soldier, and that of the company. And when they are
sufficiently instructed, the instruction of the recruits will be
committed to them.
The
commanding officer of each company will be responsible for the
genera] instruction of his company.
The most particular attention will be given to the instruction of the
ensigns, to give them the habit of pursuing a given direction
without varying to the right or left; and of maintaining, with the
utmost precision, the length as well as the cadence of the step.
SECTION
II.
THE
SOLDIER'S DRILL.
The
object of the soldier's drill is the instruction of recruits. The
first part will comprehend what is to be taught to the soldier
before arms are put into his hands.
There are
two kinds of words of command; to wit; those of caution, and those
of execution. In this work they will be distinguished by the type.
The first will be distinctly pronounced, dwelling a little on the
last syllable. The second will be pronounced with a firm quick tone.
All words of command shall be animated and loud.
PART
I.
The
first part of the soldier's drill shall be taught as often as
possible to the recruits singly, or to not more than three at once,
unless the number of recruits is so great that the instructor is
compelled to pursue a different course.
The
recruits will be placed in a single rank, without arms, at such
distance as not to touch each other.
LESSON
1.
Position
of the Soldier.
The
heels on the same line, and as close together as the shape of the
man will allow; the toes turned out equally; the knees straight,
without stiffness; the lower part of the back rising erect on the
haunches- the upper part of the body inclined a little forward; the
shoulders' kept back, and of an equal height; the arms hanging
naturally, the elbows close to the body; the palms of the hands a
little turned forward; the little finger behind and touching the
seam of the breeches; the head erect without constraint; the chin
drawn inward; the eyes fixed on the ground fifteen paces forward.
After
having established the position, the instructor will teach the
recruits the motions of turning the head to the right, to the left,
and to the front.
1
Eyes RIGHT. 2 STEADY.
At the
first command, the soldier will turn the head with an easy motion to
the right, so far that the left eye may be in a line with the
waistcoat buttons, his eyes fixed on the line of the eyes of the men
of the same rank. At the second command, he brings his head to the
front; which is the habitual position of the soldier.
The motion
of turning the head to the left, will be executed in the contrary
manner.
The
instructor will take care that the motion of the head does not alter
the squareness of the shoulders, which might happen if the motion
was too quick.
When the
instructor wishes to relieve the soldiers from the position of
attention, and to allow them to stand at ease, he will command,
REST.
At this word, the soldier will bring back his right foot, plant it six
inches behind the left, and bend the left knee; bringing his hands
together before the body. In this position, he may turn his head,
and move himself; taking care to keep his left heel in its place.
When the
instructor desire that the soldier shall give his attention, and
resume his erect position, he will command,
ATTENTION.
At
this word, the soldier will fix his attention, resume the position
described, and stand perfectly still.
LESSON
II.
The
Facings.
The
instructor will command,
To the right, FACE.
At the word
"face," the recruit will turn on his left heel, a quarter
circle to the right, the knees kept straight, raising a little the
point of the left foot, and will at the same time carry back the
right heel to the side of the left, placing them even.
In
facing to the left, the right heel will be brought forward. To face
to the right about, the instructor will command,
Right about - FACE.
At the word
"about," make a half face to the right, draw back the
right foot, so that the hollow is opposite to, and two inches from
the heel of the left, laying hold of the cartridge box with the
right hand.
At
the word "face," the soldier, raising the toes, and
keeping the knees straight, will turn on both heels to the rear,
bringing back the right heel to the side of the left, quitting the
cartridge box.
When the
soldier carries arms at the first part of the word of command to
face to the right about, he shall turn his musket with the left
hand, the lock forwards; and he will resume the proper position of
shouldered arms, at the moment of placing the right heel even with
the left.
The instructor will take care
that these motions do not derange the position of the body, which
ought to remain inclined a little forward.
LESSON
III.
Principles
of the Direct March in ordinary Time.
The length of the ordinary step
will be two feet, measuring from heel to heel- and seventy-five such
paces will be taken in a minute. The instructor, seeing the recruit
confirmed in his position, will explain to him the principles and
mechanism of the step, by placing himself facing, and three or four
paces in front of the recruit, and by stepping slowly himself, show
him how to execute the step; thus joining precept and example. And
he will command,
1
Forward. 2 MARCH.
At the first word, the soldier
will bear the weight of the body on the right leg, keeping the left
knee straight.
At the second word, the soldier will step off with the left foot, taking a
pace of two feet, the toe lowered, so that the foot may be flat; the
knee straight; the toe a little turned outwards. He will bear
forward the weight of the body, and plant the foot flat and easily
at the prescribed distance from the right foot; the weight of the
body borne on the foot which comes to the ground. He will then
advance the right foot, passing it near the ground, and bring it
down as directed for the left. He will march on in this manner,
without throwing his legs across each other, keeping his shoulder
square to the front, and his head in the direct position prescribed.
When the
instructor desires to halt, he will command,
1 Platoon.
2 HALT.
At the
second command, which will be given as one or the other foot is
coming to the ground, the recruit will bring up the other foot
without stamping, and place it at the side of the one already fixed.
8
Observations
on the Principles of the Step.
To
bear the weight of the body on the right leg, at the command
"forward" thereby to enable the recruit to take the step
with life, which is very essential in line.
The toe a
little lowered, without constraint; this stretches the ham, and the
foot is ready to be brought to the ground flat.
The point
of the foot turned out only a little; for if it is too much turned
out, it will create an unsteadiness in the body.
The upper
part of the body inclined a little forward; that the weight may bear
on the foot last brought to the ground, that the other may be easily
raised, and the step not shortened.
To march
with the ham stretched; for otherwise a line of men cannot march
without jostling each other. No two men walk exactly alike;
therefore it is necessary to teach recruits to march with a uniform
cadenced step, without which, connection and uniformity cannot be
preserved.
To carry
the foot forward near the ground; for raising the foot higher than
is necessary, loses time, and produces fatigue; and, if there was no
fixed principle, the soldiers would raise the foot and bend the
knee, some more, and some less; the feet would not come to the
ground together; and there would be neither uniformity nor cadence.
To place
the foot flat on the ground, without stamping; in order to avoid
shortening the step, producing unnecessary fatigue, or breaking the
cadence of the step.
The head
elevated, and direct to the front; this position preserves the
shoulders in a direction square to the front, and enable the soldier
to march directly forward.
LESSON
IV.
Principles
of the Oblique Step.
This step
will be performed in the common time of seventy-five to a minute;
the length will be explained.
As soon as
the recruit has accurately acquired the habit of marching by the
direct step, and of taking steps of the same length in the same
time, the instructor will show him the oblique step, in which he
will exercise him as follows.
The soldier
standing firm, the instructor will cause him to step off with the
right foot, obliquely forward and to the right, and to place it
about two feet from the left, turning the point of the toe a little
inwards, to prevent the left shoulder being advanced. The soldier
will rest in this position.
When the
instructor gives the word "two," the soldier shall carry
his left foot by the shortest line, and place it about one foot and
a half from and in front of the right heel; and rest in this
position.
The soldier
shall continue to march in this manner, at the words "one"
and "two," stopping at every step, paying the greatest
attention to keeping the shoulders square to the front, and the head
direct.
The oblique
step to the left is performed in the same manner; the recruit
stepping first with the left foot.
After a few
lessons of this kind, the recruit shall oblique to the right and
left, without dwelling on the step, in this manner.
The recruit
marching to the front by the ordinary step and time, the instructor
will command,
1 To the
right oblique. 2 MARCH.
At the
second command, which shall be given at the instant the left foot is
coming to the ground, the soldier shall commence the oblique step to
the right, observing to conform to the directions given, relating to
the formation and length of the steps, and keeping the shoulders
square to the front; but without stopping at each step, he will take
seventy-five paces in a minute.
The oblique
step to the left shall be performed in the same manner, the
instructor giving the word "march" at the instant the
right foot is coming to the ground.
To resume
the march to the front direct, the instructor will command,
1 Forward. 2 MARCH.
At the
second command, which will be given at the instant when either foot
is coming to the ground, the soldier shall resume the direct march,
and equal step of two feet.
Observations
relating to the Oblique Step.
The
instructor will notice, and see that the soldier marches with the
ham stretched; that the weight of the body rests on the foot last
brought to the ground; that the foot passes by the shortest line to
the place where it is brought to the ground; that the head is
elevated, and direct to the front; and that the shoulder does not
turn forward.
The recruits will be exercised much in marching with this step, which is
difficult at first, but very useful in movements of the line. It is
also an excellent mode of giving to the soldier an erect position,
and the habit of keeping his shoulders square to the front. For
these purposes, the instructor will cause the recruits to march
fifty or sixty paces obliquely, before the direct step is resumed.
When the
recruit is perfected in marching the oblique step, the instructor
will not be rigorously precise in exacting the observance of the
rule laid down for the length of this step; but will require of the
recruit that he gain as much ground as possible, both sideways, and
to the front, without altering the direction of the shoulders, which
must be square to the front.
General
Observations on the Direct and Oblique Steps.
In order to
ascertain whether the position of the body conforms to the
principles laid down; whether the step is regularly taken; and
whether the weight of the body rests wholly upon one foot; the
instructor will frequently place himself from six to twelve paces in
front, facing the recruit. If then he cannot see the soles of the
shoes when the feet are lifted and thrown forward; if he does not
observe any motion of the shoulders, or undulating movement of the
body; he may rest assured that the principles of marching are well
observed.
When the
principles of the step are to be demonstrated to two or three men at
a time, accurate dressing need not be required; as that might divide
their attention. When they have acquired the habit of taking steps
of equal length in equal time, they have acquired the true method of
preserving the alignment.
The instructor should also observe, where two or three recruits are
drilled together, to place them at one pace distance from each
other, to prevent their acquiring the bad habit of extending the
elbows, or of leaning against the men on either side of them.
PART
II.
Of
Shouldered Arms.
The instructor will not allow the recruits to commence the second part of
the drill of the soldier, until they have become perfect in the
position of the body, and in the performance of the direct and
oblique steps.
The
instructor will then place three men in a rank, elbow to elbow, and
instruct them to hold their arms at the shoulder.
LESSON
1.
Principles
of Shouldered Arms.
The
recruit being placed as directed in the first lesson of the first
part of this drill, the instructor will cause him to raise up the
left hand without bending the wrist, the part of the arm from the
elbow downwards only moving. The instructor shall then raise the
firelock perpendicularly, and place it in the following manner.
The
firelock in the left hand; the arm a little bent; the elbow back and
touching the body, without pressing it; the palm of the hand placed
firm against the exterior side of the butt, its exterior edge on the
junction of the fingers with the palm; the heel resting between the
for and middle fingers; the thumb above, in front; the two last
fingers under the butt, which will be brought more or less back,
according to the form of the soldier; so that the firelock seen from
the front may appear always perpendicular, and that the motion of
the thigh in marching may not derange its position; the rammer
before the point of the shoulder; the right arm hanging naturally,
as described in the first lesson of the first part of this drill.
The
instructor will endeavor to correct the natural defects in the
position of recruits, before he delivers arms into their hands; so
that the general appearance of the men may be uniform, without
painful constraint.
Previous
to proceeding with the second lesson, the instructor will make the
recruits, with shouldered arms, practice the motions of turning the
head to the right and left, and also the facings, to the right, to
the left, and to the right about.
LESSON
II.
The
Manual Exercise.
It should
be taught to three men, placed first in one rank with their elbows
touching, and then placed in a file of three ranks.
On
pronouncing the last syllable of the command, the first motion is to
be performed with life and spirit.
The
instructor will pronounce "two" and "three" for
the regulation of the other motions. The same time is allowed for
performing a motion as for making a common pace.
When the
soldier becomes well acquainted with the position of the different
motions, he will be required to perform them without stopping.
Support, ARMS.
1.
Bring the right hand smartly across the body, seizing the
piece at the small.
2. Quit the butt with the left, throwing the lower part of
the arm horizontally across the body, the hand grasping the right
arm at the swell.
Note.
The above will be the position on parade. On a march the
soldier may let his right hand fall by his side.
Carry, ARMS.
1.
Bring down the left hand strong upon the butt, seizing it with the
usual hold. 2. Bring the right hand down by me side.
Slope, ARMS.
1.
Throw forward the butt so that the upper part of the left arm
will be perpendicular, and the lower extend horizontally forward.
Carry, ARMS.
1.
Bring the butt and left hand to their former position, raising the
right hand smartly to the small, stop and steady the piece. Bring
the right hand down by the side.
Trail, ARMS.
1. Sink the firelock with the left hand, and
with the right seize it at the left shoulder
2.
Bring down the piece by the right side, the muzzle pointing
forward, the butt near the ground.
Shoulder, ARMS.
1.
Shift the piece in the right hand, seizing it near the
feather spring; bring it to the shouldered position, and seize the
butt with the left hand.
2.
Bring the right hand down by the side.
Order, ARMS.
1. Sink the firelock with the left hand, and
with the right seize it above the left shoulder.
2.
Quit the firelock with the left hand, and with the right
bring it to the right side, the butt lightly on the ground by the
toe of the right foot, or on it if the ground is wet; the thumb and
fingers of the right hand embracing the piece, and extending
downwards.
Shoulder, ARMS.
1.
Throw up the firelock, catching it again below the tail pipe,
bring it to the left shoulder, and seize it with the left hand at
the butt.
2.
Bring the right hand down by the side.
Secure, FIRELOCK.
1. Bring up the right hand briskly, and place it
against the Piece at the small.
2.
Quit the butt with the left hand, and seize the firelock at the
swell, bringing the arm close down upon the lock, the right
remaining at the small, and the piece upright.
3.
Bring the right hand down by the side, throwing forward the
muzzle, the bayonet point about a foot from the ground, the left arm
covering the lock.
Shoulder, ARMS.
1.
Bring the piece smartly up to the shoulder with the left hand, stop
and steady the piece with the right at the small.
2.
Bring the left hand down strong upon the butt. 3. Bring the right
hand down by the side.
Present,
ARMS.
1.
With the left hand turn the piece, the lock to the front,
seizing it with the right hand at the small. 2. Bring up the piece
with the right hand, quitting the butt with the left, and seizing
the piece above the lock as high as the eyes, holding it
perpendicular.
3.
Draw back the right foot six inches, sink the piece, the butt before
the left knee, the fingers of the right hand extended, the ramrod to
the front.
Shoulder,
ARMS.
1.
Throw the firelock up to the shoulder, bring up the right
foot, and seize the butt with the left hand. 2. Bring the right hand
down by the side.
Charge,
BAYONET.
1.
Make a half face to the right, place the right foot square
and close behind the left heel, turn the firelock with the left
hand, the lock to the front, seize it with the right hand at the
small, take the left hand from the butt.
2.
Bring down the piece into the left hand, which seizes it near the
tail pipe, the bayonet pointing to the front, the point as high as
the eye.
Shoulder, ARMS.
1.
Throw the firelock up to the shoulder, seizing it with the
left hand at the butt. 2. Bring the right hand down by the side.
Advance, ARMS.
1.
2. The same as the two first motions of "present arms."
3.
Throw the piece with the left hand to the right side, the
barrel to the rear, the guard between the thumb and fore finger of
the right hand, the other fingers of that hand under the cock, the
piece perpendicular before the right shoulder.
4.
Bring the left hand down by the side.
Shoulder, ARMS.
1.
Throw up the piece, seize it with the left hand at the swell,
and with the right at the small. 2 Bring up the piece to the second
position of "present arms."
3
and 4. Shoulder, and bring down the right hand.
LESSON III.
On
Loading.
The
instructor will command,
Load by
word. Open, PAN.
1.
Make a half face to the right, place the right foot square
and close behind the left heel, turn the firelock, the lock to the
front, seize ft with the right hand at the small, take the left hand
from the bun. 2.
Let fall the firelock the swell in the left hand, the butt
under the right arm, the muzzle as high as the eye, the guard a
little outwards, the left elbow resting against the side, the thumb
of the right hand against the steel, the fingers clenched, the elbow
pressing the bun against the body.
3.
Open the pan by forcibly pushing the thumb against the steel, the
left hand resisting, and keeping the piece steady.
Handle, CARTRIDGE.
1.
Bring the hand quick to the box, open it, take out the first
cartridge felt, carry it quickly to the mouth, bite the paper to the
powder, bring the hand down as low as the shoulder, the elbow down.
PREVIE.
1.
Incline the head that the eye may see the pan, fill it with
powder, close the cartridge, bring the three last fingers behind the
steel.
Shut,
PAN.
1.
Resist with the left hand, shut the pan strong with the three
last fingers of the right.
2.
Half face to the left, bring the right foot to the front, the
heel against the hollow of the left, turn the piece to the position
of the second motion of the secure, nearly, the firelock four inches
lower by bearing strong on the butt with the right hand, and
bringing the left hand to the left shoulder.
3. Quitting
the firelock with the right hand, let it slide through the left, the
butt falling lightly on the ground near the left toe, and bring the
right hand up to the muzzle, which is before the middle of the
breast, the piece touching the left thigh.
Charge, CARTRIDGE.
1.
Cast the eye on the muzzle, turn up the right hand and elbow,
put the cartridge into the barrel, shake in the powder and force in
the ball.
2.
Turn the stock inwards, bring down the right elbow, and seize the
butt of the rammer between the thumb and fore finger of the right
hand, the fingers closed.
Draw, RAMMER.
1.
Draw the rammer by extending briskly the arm, the nails upward, quit
and instantly seize it again at the muzzle, the nails downward.
2.
Draw it quite out, turn it between the face and the muzzle,
and enter it into the muzzle as far as the hand.
Ram, CARTRIDGE.
1. Extend
the arm, seize again the rammer, and with two strokes force down the
cartridge, draw the rammer half out, seize it backhanded, draw turn
and enter it as far as the tail pipe, placing the edge of the hand,
the palm downwards, on the butt of the rammer, the forgers extended.
Return, RAMMER.
1.
Force the rammer home, raising the piece with the left hand to the
shouldering position, placing the right hand against the piece at
the small, and bringing the right heel back beside the left.
Shoulder, ARMS.
1. Bring the
left hand strong on the butt. 2. Bring the right hand down by the
side.
LESSON
IV.
On
Firing.
The instructor
will command,
Make, READY.
Position
of the First Rank.
1
With the left hand turn the firelock, the lock to the front,
with the right hand seize it at the small, as in the first motion of
loading, turning the point of the left foot to the front.
2.
Draw the right foot quickly back, kneel on the right knee, placed
one foot to the rear and six inches to the right of the left heel,
being careful not to come down too suddenly; at the same time bring
down the firelock with the right hand, seize it with the left at the
lower pipe, place the butt on the ground lightly, even with the left
heel, and in front of the right thigh, seize the cock between the
thumb and fore finger of the right hand.
3.
Cock the firelock.
Position
of the Second Rank.
1.
The same as the first motion of loading.
2.
With the right hand bring the firelock before the middle of the
body, place the left hand with its little forger touching the
feather spring, the thumb as high as the chin, and pointing upwards
along the stock, the brass counterplate turned towards the body, and
the rammer to the front; place the thumb of the right hand on the
head of the cock, the fingers on the guard.
3.
Bring down briskly the right elbow, cocking the firelock, and seize
it by the small of the stock.
Position
of the Third Rank.
1.
2. 3. The same motions as those described for the second rank.
Take,
AIM.
Bring down
quickly the muzzle of the firelock, sliding the left hand to the
lower pipe; place the butt against the right shoulder, the muzzle
than the eye, the right elbow kept lowered, without pressing the
body; shut the left eye, and look along the barrel with the right,
inclining the head forwards, and placing the fore finger of the
right hand on the trigger.
The men of
the third rank, and they only, will step nine inches to the right,
in taking aim.
Recover, ARMS.
Come to the
position effected by the command"
make ready, " and remain. The instructor will again order.
Take, AIM. FIRE.
Press the
fore finger strongly on the trigger, without lowering the head,
turning it, or moving the piece.
LOAD.
Draw back
the firelock quickly, and take the position effected by the command "open
pan, " except
that the thumb of the right hand, instead of being placed against
the steel, seizes with the fore finger bent the top of the cock, the
other forgers remaining shut. The men of the front rank, without
bending forward, will spring up, keeping back the right shoulder, in
order to avoid the firelocks of the second rank; and the men of the
rear rank will bring back the right foot, placing the hollow behind
the left heel.
Should the
instructor desire to load, he will command,
Half-cock, FIRELOCK.
If
the instructor does not wish to load, he will command,
Shoulder, ARMS.
1.
Draw back the cock to halfcock; taking care not to cock the piece.
Shut the pan with the three last fingers of the right hand.
2.
Seize the piece at the small, bring it to the shoulder, the
left hand on the butt, bringing up the right foot.
3.
Bring the right hand down by the side.
Every
lesson in the drill of the soldier will conclude with an exercise in
marching.
Mark
time. MARCH.
At the
second command which will be given as either foot comes the ground,
the recruit will keep the step, observing cadence, without
advancing.
Forward. MARCH.
The
soldier will advance with the ordinary step.
PART
III.
LESSON
1.
Of
Marching in Line, different Steps and Time.
The
instructor will place from five to ten men in a rank to teach them
to march to the front to a flank; quick step; step back; changing
direction; wheeling on the march, or on a fixed pivot, and dressing
in
line.
Having
placed them in line, the instructor will command,
Platoon, forward. Guide to the right. MARCH.
At the word
"march," the rank step off with the left feet. The
instructor will have placed a well drilled man two paces before the
soldier on the right flank, to give the step and direction. The
soldier on the right flank will follow his steps, and keep two paces
behind him.
The soldier
will be directed to touch lightly the elbow of the next man on the
side of the guide; to resist pressure on the contrary side, and
yield to that which comes from the side of the guide; to join the
elbow by degrees, if separated; to carry the head upright, the eyes
reeled to the ground, fifteen paces in front; and to correct any
error in his position by degrees.
The
instructor will explain, that the line cannot be preserved but by
the regularity of step, touching the elbows, and keeping the
shoulders square to the front.
The
instructor will exercise them in marching with the guide on the
left, also in the oblique march to right and left.
When the
instructor judges the recruits sufficiently taught to march in
common time, he will teach them to march in quick time and step
back. He will command,
Quick step. MARCH.
At the word
"march," which should be given when either foot comes to
the ground, the rank will take the quick step; the length is the
same as the common step, and one hundred are taken in a minute. The
oblique step is not taken in quick time.
Common
time. MARCH.
At the word
"march," which will be given when either foot comes to the
ground, the rank will take the ordinary step.
Platoon.
HALT.
The foot up
is brought to the ground, and that behind is brought up, without
stamping.
Step back.
MARCH.
The rank
will step back twelve inches at a step, beginning with the left
feet.
Platoon.
HALT.
The foot in
front is brought back even with the other. The instructor will
require that the soldiers move straight back, and preserve the due
position of the body and piece.
LESSON
II.
Marching
by a Flank.
The
soldiers being in a line, elbows touching, the instructor will
command,
Platoon,
by the right flank. To the right, FACE. MARCH.
At the
second command, they face; and at the word "march," step
off with the left feet, common time.
The
instructor will place a well drilled man beside him who is on the
leading flank, touching his elbow, to regulate his step, and for him
to dress on.
At every
step the foremost foot of each soldier will be placed even with the
hindmost foot of the soldier who marches before him.
By file to the right. MARCH.
At the
second command, the leading man will turn to the right, and march
straight on. Each other man when he comes to the same place will
turn to the right, and march straight on in the same direction.
Platoon.
HALT. FRONT.
At the
second command, every foot is brought to the ground, and no one
stirs, although he has lost his distance.
At
the third command, they face to the front; to the left, if marching
by the right; to the right, if marching by the left.
When the
men are instructed to march in common time to the flank, they will
be so marched in quick time.
LESSON
III.
The
Principles of Dressing into Line.
The
instructor will first exercise the men in forming the line one at a
time.
He will
command the two first men on the right to march two paces to the
front, He will dress them, and desire each man successively to form
line on the first two. Each soldier commanded will turn his head,
look to the right, march two paces ordinary time, so as to be six
inches behind the line, and dress forward by degrees, keeping the
hams stretched, moving forward gently, without jerking, is shoulders
are exactly in line with those of the man on his right, and so as
just to feel his elbow without moving his own from his body.
The
dressing on the left is done in the same manner.
When the
recruits have learnt to form the line one at a time without
shuffling, the instructor will form the line at once.
To
the right, DRESS.
The whole
will advance in ordinary time, upon the new line marked by the two
men on the right, and dress.
STEADY.
The soldier
looks to the front, and remains motionless. If the line is not
perfect, the instructor having beforehand numbered the men from
right to left, will command,
Number four, move up. or Number three, step back.
and
so correct the line.
By the
right, backward DRESS.
The
soldiers will step back a little in rear of the line marked by the
two men placed on the right, and then move up into it by degrees.
LESSON
IV.
Of
Wheeling, and Changing the Direction.
Wheelings are of two kinds. First,
on a fixed pivot. Second,
on a march.
The first kind are used to form the open column from the line, or the
contrary.
The second kind are used to change the direction of the open column on the
march.
In wheeling on a fixed pivot, the pivot man turns on his heels without
advancing.
In
wheeling on a march, the pivot man takes steps of six inches, to
keep that flank in motion, which is necessary to avoid obstructing
the next platoon.
The man on the marching flank will take steps of the usual length.
1.
On a fixed pivot.
The
instructor will place a man well drilled on the marching flank, to
conduct it.
Platoon. To the right,
wheel. MARCH.
At
the word "march," the soldiers step off with the left
feet, turning their eyes to the left, in a line with the eyes of the
men on their left, conforming to the movement of the marching flank.
Each soldier should feel the elbow of the man next him on the pivot
side, and resist pressure from the marching flank.
The
instructor will sometimes cause them to wheel a complete circle
without stopping; and take care to prevent the centre from breaking
off.
Wheeling to the left, is performed in the like manner.
Platoon.
HALT.
At the word "halt,"
no man will stir, until the next word of command is given.
The
instructor will step to the reverse flank, and place the two outside
men in the direction he would give the line, at such distance from
the pivot as will admit all the files.
To the left, DRESS.
At this command the men will
advance, form the line, and the instructor will command,
STEADY.
The whole will
look to the front, and stand firm.
2.
Wheeling on a march.
As soon as the men
can perform the wheel on a fixed pivot they are to be exercised in
wheeling on a march.
The rank being on
the march, the instructor will command, if he wishes to wheel from
the side of the guide;
To the left,
wheel. MARCH.
The first command
is to be given when the rank is two paces from where the wheel is to
be made. At the word "march," the pivot man will conform
to the movement of the marching flank, will feel the man on his
right, and take steps of six inches. The touch of the elbow will be
on the side of the guide; that is, here, the right.
Forward. MARCH.
At the word
"march," the man who conducts the marching flank will take
a direction straight forward, and all will take the step of two
feet.
Change
of Direction to the Side of the Guide.
The instructor
will command,
To the right,
turn'. MARCH.
At the word march, the guide2 will take the new direction
without altering the length or cadence.
The word
"turn" is appropriated to wheeling by independent files,
or, as it is sometimes called, "shoulders forward."
of the
step. All the rest will conform to the new direction, by advancing
the shoulders opposite the guide, and taking the quick step until
they respectively attain the new direction; when they will take the
step from the guide, and face to the front.
End of the Soldier's Drill.
2
The
guide here is only supposed. The disciplined man, who marches two
paces before the right flank is not in the position of the guide.
The guide of a platoon marches even with and six inches from the
front rank.
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